Wyze, the U.S. tech company based in Seattle, is renowned for its budget-friendly smart home devices. It has long tantalized consumers with its range of bulbs, cameras, and sensors that rival their more expensive counterparts. Sleek and affordable, these gadgets have found a place in the hearts of many tech enthusiasts. Regrettably, Wyze has remained steadfast in its reluctance to open itself up to third-party integrations, such as Home Assistant, leaving its customers pining for greater connectivity.

Wyze's elusive official API

Despite the fervent demand for an official and well-documented API, Wyze has yet to deliver, keeping developers and Home Assistant enthusiasts at arm's length. Even as the company tantalized users with the promise of including RTSP (Real-Time Streaming Protocol) in the firmware of its Wyze Cam 3, the feature remains conspicuously absent.

Resourceful users had found solace in an unofficial Home Assistant integration, which relied on an unofficial Wyze API. This workaround enabled control and access to information from Wyze's array of bulbs, switches, cameras, motion sensors, and locks. Alas, this beacon of hope has been extinguished, as Wyze has decided to clamp down on the unauthorized use of its services.

Wyze's rate-limiting decision spells doom for the unofficial integration, signalling the likely end of its functionality. Consequently, the smart home enthusiasts who found a way to bridge the gap between Wyze's devices and third-party integration now find themselves back at square one.

Wyze's motives: keeping users within the fold

While one can only speculate about Wyze's decision to halt the unofficial Home Assistant integration, there are two plausible explanations that ultimately point to the same objective: keeping users within the Wyze ecosystem and encouraging them to use the Wyze app.

Costs and control: the Wyze app advantage

Firstly, the unofficial API relied on an undocumented Wyze service, which meant that every use incurred a cost for the company. The custom component for Home Assistant essentially reverse-engineered the Wyze app and depended on access to Wyze's online services. Naturally, Wyze would prefer users to stick with their app, as it allows them to monitor usage, promote other devices, and maintain a direct link to their online shop.

Additionally, the app plays a crucial role in delivering firmware updates. Users relying solely on the unofficial Home Assistant integration might miss important updates, potentially jeopardizing the security of their smart home systems.

Selling services: the business angle

Another perspective to consider is Wyze's interest in selling their services. With offerings like the Wyze Home Monitoring service at US$5/month and Cam Plus subscription at US$1.99/month, Wyze seeks to monetize its array of devices. Integrating Wyze cams with a custom NVR or building a home monitoring system with Home Assistant eliminates the need to subscribe to these services, conflicting with their business strategy.

Exploring alternatives to Wyze

As Wyze continues to evolve into a vendor whose devices rely heavily on their services, users seeking greater control over their gadgets should consider options that offer local access and independence from cloud services. Notable alternatives are security cameras by Reolink, TP-Link Tapo, and SONOFF.

Reolink: user-friendly with advanced capabilities

Reolink cameras have gained popularity within the Home Assistant community due to their user-friendly interface and advanced features. By using the Reolink app, users can enjoy an experience similar to that of Wyze. Importantly, many Reolink cameras support both RTSP and ONVIF, such as the RLC-810A, E1 Zoom, and RLC-820A.

TP-Link Tapo: catering to diverse security needs

TP-Link's Tapo collection of security cameras ensures there's a suitable option for everyone's surveillance requirements. The Pan/Tilt Home Security (Tapo C210) Wi-Fi Camera provides a comprehensive 360° view of your living space with crisp 2K resolution, while the Tapo C110 presents an affordable alternative with a fixed position. For those seeking an outdoor solution, the Tapo C310 comes as a weather-resistant model, making it ideal for exterior placement.

SONOFF GK-200MP2-B: versatility in a cost-effective package

The SONOFF GK-200MP2-B is a relatively new contender in the smart home market. Its appeal lies in its support for the RTSP protocol and the option to use either Wi-Fi or Ethernet. As with other SONOFF products, the camera is an affordable alternative.

By integrating the SonoffLAN custom component for Home Assistant, users can control the PTZ function (pan, tilt, and zoom) directly from the Home Assistant dashboard.

While the SONOFF camera offers a lower resolution (1080p), only up to 15 m night vision, and a single RTSP stream compared to the more expensive Reolink options, it remains a viable choice for those seeking a cost-effective solution.