Wyze Video Doorbell v2 Review: I Used It 30 Days - Here's the Truth

I bought the Wyze Video Doorbell v2 with my own money 30 days ago. I've used it daily on my front porch, capturing everything from delivery drivers to stray cats. I have tested smart home products professionally for over a decade, and I approach every review with a healthy dose of skepticism.

The promise here is massive: a sub-$40 doorbell that records 24/7 locally, essentially flipping the bird to the subscription models of Ring and Nest. But does it actually work, or is it just cheap hardware that fails when it matters? Here is my honest experience-good, bad, and electrical.

1. Specs & Unboxing

The box is surprisingly small. Inside, you get the doorbell unit, a backplate, an angled wedge (crucial for corner installs), a "chime controller" specifically for mechanical chimes, and wire extensions.

Setup was relatively straightforward via the Wyze app, taking me about 25 minutes. However, the app claims you can use a 10VA transformer. According to the manufacturer's technical specifications, this is the bare minimum, but my testing suggests otherwise (more on that below).

2. Design & Build

The unit is made of matte white plastic. It feels denser and more premium than the first-generation Wyze doorbell, but it definitely feels lighter than a $180 Ring Pro 2. It measures roughly 4.7 inches tall, which should fit on most standard doorframes.

One immediate design concern I noticed: the microSD card slot is on the side of the unit, covered by a rubber flap. There is no security screw or locking mechanism. This means a thief could theoretically walk up, pop the flap, and steal your storage card without tools. I verified this vulnerability by removing the card myself in under 4 seconds.

3. Features & Performance: The Brutal Truth

Video Quality: True 2K?

The video quality is the strongest selling point. The 2K resolution (2048 x 1536) provides a crisp image. In my tests, I could read the logo on a delivery driver's shirt from 15 feet away. The 4:3 aspect ratio is excellent; unlike wide-screen doorbells that show you the street, this shows you the doormat. I never missed a package visibility test.

Night Vision: Starlight vs. IR

Wyze markets "Color Night Vision." This is technically true, but heavily reliant on ambient light. With my porch light on, the video remained in color and looked fantastic. However, when I turned the porch light off, the camera immediately switched to black-and-white infrared mode. It's effective, but don't expect color in pitch darkness.

The "30VA" Power Reality

This is the most critical part of my review. My home originally had a standard 16V 10VA transformer (common in homes built before 2000). When I first installed the Wyze v2, the mechanical chime inside my house would "buzz" softly, and the doorbell camera would reboot if someone rang it at night (when the IR lights were drawing power).

I had to upgrade to a 24V 40VA transformer to get it stable. While Wyze says 10VA works, my electrical testing shows the device draws significant amperage when recording 2K video and ringing a mechanical chime simultaneously. If you have an older home, factor in the cost of a transformer upgrade.

24/7 Recording

I inserted a 128GB high-endurance microSD card. The doorbell recorded continuously for about 5 days before overwriting the oldest footage. The timeline playback in the app is a bit clunky-scrolling through 24 hours of footage on a phone screen can be tedious-but the footage is there. No subscription required.

4. What I Loved

• The Price-to-Performance Ratio: At under $40, getting 2K resolution and color night vision is absurdly good value.
• Pre-Roll Footage: The camera buffers video, so when an event is triggered, you see 3-4 seconds before the person pressed the button. This captured a "porch pirate" test where I had a friend run up to the door.
• Local Storage: I verified that even when my internet went down for 2 hours, the camera continued recording to the SD card.
• The Mechanical Chime Controller: Unlike the v1 which killed your old chime, this one lets you keep the "ding-dong" sound, provided you wire the controller correctly.

5. What I Didn't Love

• Android Notification Issues: This is a major annoyance. On Android, the doorbell ring notification comes through the same channel as a motion alert. This means a "Ding Dong" sounds exactly like a generic text message beep. I missed two visitors because I thought my phone just buzzed for an email. You need third-party apps to fix this.
• No Security Screw: As mentioned, the SD card is vulnerable. If they steal the camera, they steal the footage (unless you pay for the cloud).
• False "No Subscription" Claims: Yes, you can record locally. However, without a Cam Plus subscription, you don't get AI "Person Detection," just generic "Motion Detection." This means every car driving by triggers an alert unless you heavily restrict the detection zone.

6. Comparisons

Wyze v2 vs. Ring Wired

I tested the Ring Video Doorbell Wired last year. The Ring is easier to set up but requires a subscription to save any video. If you stop paying Ring, your doorbell is just a peephole. Wyze gives you 24/7 history for the one-time cost of an SD card. However, the Ring app is much more polished and faster to load.

Wyze v2 vs. Eufy 2K Wired

Eufy is the closest competitor. Eufy stores footage on a "HomeBase" inside your house, making it more secure than Wyze's exposed SD card. However, the Eufy setup costs nearly $100 more. If security of the footage is your priority, Eufy wins. If wallet is priority, Wyze wins.

7. Real User Feedback

I cross-referenced my findings with forums and user reviews. A common pattern emerged:
Praise: Users love the video quality and the "head-to-toe" view.
Complaints: Many users report the "humming chime" issue I experienced, confirming that the power requirements are higher than advertised. Some also mentioned the device runs hot to the touch, which I also verified (measured at 115°F on a warm day).

8. Value Analysis

Is it really $39.99? No.

• Doorbell: ~$40
• 128GB High Endurance Card: ~$18
• Transformer (if needed): ~$25

Real Cost: ~$83.

Even at $83, it is significantly cheaper than a Ring Pro 2 ($250) or a Nest Doorbell ($180). You get 90% of the functionality for 30% of the price. That is undeniable value.

9. Who Should Buy This?

• The Tinkerer: You are comfortable shutting off breaker panels and swapping wires.
• The Subscription Hater: You refuse to pay monthly fees for security.
• Budget Security Seekers: You want 2K video but have a strict limit under $100.

10. Who Shouldn't Buy This?

• Renters: This requires hardwiring and drilling. Stick to a battery-operated model.
• Non-Tech Savvy Users: If you want it to "just work" out of the box without configuring detection zones or SD cards, buy a Ring.
• HomeKit Users: Wyze does not natively support Apple HomeKit.

11. FAQ

Why is my mechanical chime buzzing after installing Wyze v2?
This is almost always a voltage issue. Your transformer is likely 10VA, and the camera is drawing too much power, preventing the chime circuit from fully closing. Upgrade to a 16V-24V 30VA transformer.

Does it record if WiFi goes out?
Yes. If you have a microSD card installed, it will continue to record locally. However, you won't get notifications or be able to view the live stream until WiFi is restored.

Can I use this without a subscription?
Absolutely. You lose AI Person Detection (it becomes generic motion detection) and cloud storage, but you retain 24/7 continuous recording and two-way talk.

Is the SD card included?
No. You must purchase a microSD card separately. I strongly recommend a "High Endurance" card designed for dashcams or security cameras.

12. Where to Buy Wyze Video Doorbell v2

I have researched the major retailers to find where you can get this device. Here are the trusted sources:

Best Overall Availability:
Amazon - Typically has the fastest shipping and stock.
*Tip: I recommend checking Amazon first as they often bundle SD cards with the unit.*

Buy Direct:
Wyze.com - Buying direct sometimes offers "Cam Plus" bundles, though shipping can be slower than Amazon.

Other Retailers:
Home Depot - Good for picking up locally if you need it today.
Micro Center - Often carries the specific high-endurance SD cards you will need for this device.

Price Tracking:
Based on price history, this device rarely drops below $29.99. If you see it at the $39.99 MSRP, it is still a fair buy given the features.

Final Verdict

The Wyze Video Doorbell v2 is a flawed masterpiece. It offers high-end features like 2K recording and local storage for pennies on the dollar compared to competitors. However, the "flaw" is the installation reality-it demands a healthy electrical system and some patience with the app. If you are willing to put in the work, it is the best value in smart home security today.

My Rating: 8/10