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Smart Home · head to head

SmartThings vs Wyze

SmartThings logo

SmartThings

Smart Home

Samsung's intelligent IoT platform for smart homes

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Wyze logo

Wyze

Smart Home

Affordable smart home products for everyone

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only SmartThings has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: SmartThings cloud-dependent with no offline operation; requires internet and Samsung servers for all device control; Wyze without a paid Cam Plus plan, cloud clips are capped at 12 seconds
  • They diverge on capability: SmartThings covers Multi-Brand Support, Wyze covers Affordable Prices.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which SmartThings and Wyze actually diverge.

Attributes where SmartThings and Wyze differ
AttributeSmartThingsWyze
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelUnknownsubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsiOS, Android, Web, SmartThings HubIOS, Android, Web
Founded19382017

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Smart Home).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in SmartThings

  • Multi-Brand Support
  • Device Control
  • Automations
  • Cloud Backup
  • 500+ device types
  • Voice Control
  • Routines
  • IFTTT integration

Only in Wyze

  • Affordable Prices
  • Wide Product Range
  • Cloud Storage Options
  • Local Storage
  • Alexa
  • Google Home
  • IFTTT
  • SmartThings

Both cover

  • IOS support
  • Android support
  • Web support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

SmartThings

  • Smart home controlnot Wyze
  • Automation routinesnot Wyze
  • Device integrationnot Wyze
  • Remote monitoringnot Wyze

Wyze

  • Low cost home security cameras with cloud event recordingnot SmartThings
  • Motion and person detection alerts on a phonenot SmartThings
  • Viewing and reviewing camera footage without a local recordernot SmartThings

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

SmartThings

  • Cloud-dependent with no offline operation; requires internet and Samsung servers for all device control
  • Cloud communication adds latency compared to local hubs; device response delays up to one second
  • Confusing app transition between SmartThings Classic and SmartThings Connect with certain automations only working in one app
  • API changes requiring paid subscriptions starting October 2026 break third-party integrations like Home Assistant

Wyze

  • Without a paid Cam Plus plan, cloud clips are capped at 12 seconds
  • Cam Plus Lite records a clip only once every 5 minutes, so events inside the cooldown are never captured
  • Cam Plus Lite cloud storage is a rolling 14 days for motion events only
  • Cam Plus Lite is a Name Your Price tier whose suggested contribution scales with the number of cameras on the account

Pricing, plan by plan

SmartThings

Free
  • Basic (SmartThings app)Free
    • Device control and automation
    • Support for Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, Matter

Wyze

On request
  • Cam Plus$1.99/month
    • Person detection
    • 14-day cloud storage
    • No cooldown
  • Cam Unlimited$9.99/month
    • Unlimited cameras
    • All Cam Plus features

Which should you pick?

Choose SmartThings if

  • You need multi-brand support.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android, Web, SmartThings Hub.
  • You also want device control.
SmartThings review

Choose Wyze if

  • You need affordable prices.
  • You work on IOS, Android, Web.
  • You also want wide product range.
Wyze review

Questions people ask

Is SmartThings or Wyze better?
Neither clearly leads. SmartThings starts at Free and Wyze at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, SmartThings or Wyze?
SmartThings has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for SmartThings and On request for Wyze.
Does SmartThings or Wyze run on more platforms?
SmartThings runs on iOS, Android, Web, SmartThings Hub. Wyze runs on IOS, Android, Web.
Can I use SmartThings for free?
Yes. SmartThings has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Wyze starts at On request.
What is SmartThings best used for?
SmartThings is most often used for smart home control, automation routines, device integration, remote monitoring. Of those, smart home control and automation routines are not what Wyze is typically brought in for.
What can SmartThings do that Wyze cannot?
SmartThings covers Multi-Brand Support, Device Control, Automations, Cloud Backup. Wyze covers Affordable Prices, Wide Product Range, Cloud Storage Options, Local Storage. Both handle IOS support, Android support, Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

SmartThings: Does SmartThings work offline?

No, SmartThings requires internet and Samsung servers to function. It cannot operate offline; all device control depends on cloud connectivity.

Source
Wyze: Is there a shipping cost?

Free shipping is available on orders of $59 or more.

Source
SmartThings: Which communication protocols does SmartThings support?

SmartThings natively handles Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, and Matter protocols simultaneously through mesh networking.

Source
Wyze: What is the return policy?

Wyze offers a 30-day return policy on purchases.

Source
SmartThings: What is the cost of SmartThings API access for developers?

Starting October 2026, non-commercial developers using SmartThings API for third-party integrations like Home Assistant must pay $4.99/month. Free access continues through Q3 2026.

Source
Wyze: Do I need a paid subscription to use Wyze cameras?

No, there are free features with zero limits on livestreams and a free user-friendly app, with no hidden fees. Cam Plus security plans are available as optional add-ons.

Source
SmartThings: Does SmartThings support voice assistants?

Yes, SmartThings is compatible with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control.

Source
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