/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24821543/Wyze_Battery_Cam_Pro_12.jpg "Introducing the Upgraded Wyze Battery Cam Pro: Enhanced Features Include 2K Video, Built-in Spotlight, and Continual 24/7 Recording")
The long-rumored Wyze Battery Cam Pro ($93.99 plus $5 shipping) is finally here as of August 1st. This is Wyze’s first camera that can record continuously on battery power. However, there are a few things to note about this impressive capability. Firstly, it requires a microSD card. Additionally, the battery won’t last more than a day if you constantly use it for surveillance, so it’s recommended to wire it up for true 24/7 coverage. Nonetheless, if the power goes out, you’ll still get a full day of recording, which is a feature that no other battery-powered camera currently offers. A Wyze spokesperson mentioned that continuous recording will be available for both battery and wired setups, but it’s important to keep in mind that the battery won’t last longer than a day, so they recommend using wired power for most scenarios. The weatherproof wired adapter will not be available at launch but will be released soon.
The Wyze Battery Cam Pro is the successor to the Wyze Cam Outdoor V2 ($74) and has undergone a complete redesign. It introduces 2K HDR video and radar-powered motion detection for more accurate motion detection compared to a PIR sensor alone. It also includes alerts for people, pets, vehicles, and packages (with a subscription), a built-in 150-lumen spotlight, and an 80-decibel siren. Unlike the V2, this new camera doesn’t require a hub, but there will be a delay of one to two seconds for live streaming compared to the hub version. Other features include color night vision, a 134-degree field of view, 15fps, dual-band Wi-Fi, two-way talk, an IP65 rating, and a new Bluetooth setup that eliminates the need for scanning a QR code. It is also compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT.
Wyze’s new camera uses rechargeable, replaceable batteries, and you can purchase extras for $22.95 each. This is the first Wyze camera to have a removable battery, a feature commonly found on competitors like Ring and Arlo. Removable batteries make it easier to keep battery-powered cameras running, as you can have spare batteries charging and ready to swap out without having to take down the camera. According to Wyze, when not recording continuously, the Battery Cam Pro can last for six months with one 6,200mAh battery. However, this estimate seems ambitious, as battery life will depend on usage. In comparison, my experience with battery-powered Ring cameras that use 6,040mAh batteries has shown that I’m lucky to have them last six weeks in a busy area. Arlo cameras with their 3,660mAh batteries usually last half that time. Along with the new cameras, Wyze is releasing a Battery Charging Dock that can charge two extra batteries (the dock costs $17.99, while the batteries are $22.99 each). The camera is also compatible with the Wyze Solar Panel.
The Battery Cam Pro includes a mount for wall installation, and there is a separate universal mount available for ceiling installations at a cost of $10. The continuous recording feature will not be available upon launch, but it is expected to be added soon. It requires a microSD card (up to 256GB, sold separately) to save all recorded video locally, and it’s also an option for Wyze’s wired cameras. In the meantime, you can record motion-activated videos to the cloud using Wyze’s Cam Plus service for $2.99 per month. It’s worth noting that a subscription is highly recommended for this camera, as it doesn’t support Wyze’s free tier Cam Plus Lite. Without a subscription, you will only receive snapshots of motion events. The $94 price tag may be disappointing for those accustomed to Wyze’s low-cost offerings. However, the Battery Cam Pro now includes additional features such as radar motion detection and 2K video quality. Early reports suggest that this device may feel a bit cheap, but further testing will be conducted to provide more insight. The Wyze Battery Cam Pro is available for purchase starting today, August 1st, for $93.99 on Wyze’s website. With your purchase, Wyze is offering $20 Wyze Cash, which can be used towards accessories such as an extra mount (the camera comes with one that only works for wall installation, not under an eave or on a ceiling).