Do Wyze Cameras Require A Subscription – Full Guide!
Wyze cameras don’t require a subscription for core use. Basic features work free, but subscribing to Cam Plus unlocks advanced AI detection, unlimited cloud recording, and faster alerts for added security.
Wyze cameras have become a go-to choice for affordable, reliable home security. But if you’re considering one, you might ask: Do Wyze cameras require a subscription to work?
The short answer is no, a subscription is not required for basic functionality. But the full answer depends on your specific needs.
This article dives deep into Wyze cameras’ features—with and without a subscription—so you can make the smartest choice for your home security setup.
Overview: What Are Wyze Cameras?
Wyze Labs, based in Seattle, is known for creating budget-friendly smart cameras with competitive features. Their product line includes:
- Wyze Cam v3
- Wyze Cam Pan v2
- Wyze Cam OG and OG Telephoto
- Wyze Video Doorbell
- Wyze Cam Floodlight
- Wyze Cam Outdoor v2
These cameras support 1080p HD video, night vision, two-way audio, motion detection, and integration with Alexa/Google Assistant. They’re designed to be user-friendly and cost-effective, but some premium features require a Wyze Cam Plus subscription.
Do Wyze Cameras Work Without a Subscription?
Yes, Wyze cameras can function without a subscription. You can still:
- Live stream the video feed in real-time
- Use two-way audio
- Enable motion and sound detection
- View event videos saved to microSD card
- Get notifications when motion is detected
- Store footage locally with a microSD card
However, the free plan has limitations. For example, cloud video storage and AI-powered features are limited or unavailable.
What Is Wyze Cam Plus?
Wyze Cam Plus is a premium subscription plan that unlocks advanced features:
✅ Key Features of Cam Plus:
- Unlimited cloud recordings (no cool-down period)
- AI detections: Person, pet, vehicle, package detection
- Faster notifications
- Access to smarter alerts and filters
- Enhanced event review features
You can purchase Cam Plus per camera or as a Cam Plus Unlimited plan for all devices.
Wyze Cam Plus Subscription Pricing
| Plan Type | Monthly Price (Per Camera) | Yearly Price (Per Camera) |
| Cam Plus (Single Cam) | $2.99/month | $19.99/year |
| Cam Plus Unlimited | $9.99/month | $99.00/year |
Prices as of 2025 – check Wyze website for latest offers.
What You Get Without a Subscription (Free Plan)
Even without Cam Plus, Wyze offers basic features:
| Feature | Available Without Subscription |
| Live video streaming | ✅ Yes |
| Motion/sound detection alerts | ✅ Yes |
| Two-way audio | ✅ Yes |
| microSD local storage | ✅ Yes |
| Cloud event recording | ✅ 12-second clips (with cooldown) |
| AI detection (person, pet, etc.) | ❌ No |
| Unlimited video cloud storage | ❌ No |
| No cooldown between events | ❌ No |
Does Wyze Have Free Cloud Storage?
Wyze previously offered free 12-second cloud recordings every 5 minutes (cool-down period) for all users. However, this “free tier” was phased out for newer cameras unless users opt into Cam Plus Lite, a pay-what-you-want donation-based plan.
Cam Plus Lite (Optional Free Plan):
- 12-second motion recordings
- 5-minute cooldown
- Only available for Wyze Cam v2, Pan v1, and v3
- Requires opting in via Wyze account
Can You Use Wyze Without Internet or WiFi?
Yes, but with limitations.
- Live streaming and cloud services require Wi-Fi and internet.
- Local recording with microSD card works without internet. You can review footage directly by inserting the card into a computer.
- Notifications and real-time access won’t function offline.
How to Use Wyze Without a Subscription?
You can still enjoy useful features with local storage:
- Insert a microSD card (32GB to 256GB supported)
- Set camera to record continuously or on motion
- View footage from the app or by removing the card
This setup provides 24/7 video history without monthly fees.
Which Features Require a Subscription?
Here’s a quick look at what you only get with Cam Plus:
| Feature | Subscription Required? |
| AI Smart Detection | ✅ Yes |
| No cooldown for motion alerts | ✅ Yes |
| Unlimited video recording | ✅ Yes |
| Rich Notifications | ✅ Yes |
| Web view access | ✅ Yes |
Is Cam Plus Worth It?
Consider Cam Plus if:
- You want AI alerts for pets, people, or packages
- You need unlimited video events
- You don’t want to rely solely on an SD card
- You want faster, smarter notifications
Skip It if:
- You’re okay with local storage
- You don’t need AI detection
- You’re on a strict budget
- Your camera is placed indoors or in low-traffic areas
Cam Plus vs Cam Protect
Wyze also offers Cam Protect, a separate plan for 24/7 professional monitoring (mostly for Wyze Home Security Systems).
| Plan | Purpose |
| Cam Plus | For smart cloud video features |
| Cam Protect | For home security system monitoring |
Note: Wyze cameras do not offer continuous cloud recording, only event-based cloud storage.
Bundled Plans and Discounts
If you own multiple Wyze cameras, consider the Cam Plus Unlimited Plan to cover all devices at once and save on per-camera cost.
Alternatives to Wyze Subscriptions
Looking for non-subscription options? Consider:
- Eufy Security Cameras: No subscription required; local storage on HomeBase
- Blink (by Amazon): Optional subscription, supports local storage
- Reolink: Offers PoE and Wi-Fi cameras with built-in SD recording
Privacy and Cloud Storage Concerns
Wyze uses AES 128-bit encryption and TLS to secure your data. Cloud recordings are stored on Amazon Web Services (AWS) servers. Users concerned about privacy may prefer local-only setups with SD cards.
Final Pros & Cons Breakdown
✅ Pros (No Subscription):
- Free basic functionality
- Local storage with SD card
- No hidden fees
- Good value for budget users
❌ Cons (No Subscription):
- Limited cloud access
- No AI detection
- Cool-down period between clips
- Less efficient for high-security zones
FAQs:
1. Can Wyze cameras record without a subscription?
Yes, you can use a microSD card to record continuously or on motion. This works without Wi-Fi or any subscription, offering offline backup and playback through the app or PC.
2. What’s the difference between Cam Plus and Cam Plus Lite?
Cam Plus offers unlimited recordings and AI features. Cam Plus Lite is a donation-based tier with 12-second motion clips and a cooldown, only available for older cameras like v2 and v3.
3. How much cloud storage is included in Cam Plus?
Cam Plus gives you unlimited cloud event storage. Videos are saved for 14 days, but are not continuous 24/7 recordings—only motion-activated events are uploaded.
4. Can Wyze cameras detect people or pets without Cam Plus?
No. Person, pet, and vehicle detection are AI features only available under the Cam Plus subscription. Without it, motion alerts are more basic and may include false alarms.
5. Is it worth using Wyze without a subscription?
Yes. For casual or low-risk monitoring, Wyze cameras are highly functional with SD cards. However, advanced security users may benefit from the features in Cam Plus or similar plans.
Conclusion:
Wyze cameras offer tremendous value with or without a subscription. For basic home monitoring, local recording, and real-time viewing, a subscription isn’t necessary. But if you want smart detection, unlimited cloud storage, and faster notifications, Cam Plus is worth considering. Whether you’re on a budget or looking for professional features, Wyze provides flexibility to match your needs. Always evaluate your security goals and setup to choose the right plan—or none at all.
