A light bulb security camera provides an alternative to standard home security cams, allowing you to replace a light bulb with a panning camera. While these models lack the refinement and features of the top-brand security companies, they’re affordable and you don’t have to worry about installation.
Our Picks
This Symynelec light bulb camera rises to the top of our recommendations for a couple of important reasons. First, while it has important standbys like motion detection and two-way audio, it also bumps up the resolution to a 2.5K equivalent, higher than most other bulb cams can reach so you get more detail.
Pros
- 2.5K resolution
- Human detection and tracking
- Google compatibility
- Long range night vision
Cons
- Lacks some features and dependability compared to bigger brands
Galayou brings full 360-degree pan/tilt for the most complete coverage you can ask for -- just make sure that the bulb is in a central spot and you can see everything you want. The 2K resolution is ideal for scanning a large area, too, and we’re recommending the two-pack here for maximum coverage. Keep in mind this bulb only works with Alexa and its own app, but the app supports live views for up to four cams at once.
Pros
- Full 360-degree panning
- Affordable two-pack
Cons
- Only Alexa compatibility
- Only directional spotlight
With an IP67 water resistant design, “starlight” night vision for color video even when the light is off and a lot 110dB siren, this bulb cam is well-suited for outdoor locations. The 360-degree panning is backed up by motion detection and tracking with customizable sensitivity that helps you control how easily it’s triggered.
Pros
- Features well-suited for outdoor monitoring
Cons
- Effective video resolution is not as high as some picks
If you want a single light bulb camera at an affordable price, this $25 bulb is a great place to start. It still offers important features like 355-degree panning, two-way audio, motion detection and Alexa support, but it’s easy on your wallet. If you don’t want to use the app, it also supports email alerts and ONVIF NVR systems.
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- Design is a bit awkward
OUTDOOR SECURITY CAMERA DEALS OF THE WEEK
- $180 (save $270)
- $29 (save $8)
- $190 (save $90)
- $94 (save $177)
Our experts have chosen the Symynelec light bulb camera as the top model, surpassing the competition with its slightly higher resolution and hard-to-find Google compatibility. Take a look at our full list and learn more about light bulb security cameras as you make your decision.
Pros
- 2.5K resolution
- Human detection and tracking
- Google compatibility
- Long range night vision
Cons
- Lacks some features and dependability compared to bigger brands
This Symynelec light bulb camera rises to the top of our recommendations for a couple of important reasons. First, while it has important standbys like motion detection and two-way audio, it also bumps up the resolution to a 2.5K equivalent, higher than most other bulb cams can reach so you get more detail.
Second, this is one of the only cameras we’ve found that works with both Alexa and Google Assistant, so it’s a better choice for smart home fans. Finally, it come with color night vision and human motion detection. Note that the 350-degree panning isn’t quite a full circle, but it’s close enough for a full view.
Pros
- Full 360-degree panning
- Affordable two-pack
Cons
- Only Alexa compatibility
- Only directional spotlight
Galayou brings full 360-degree pan/tilt for the most complete coverage you can ask for -- just make sure that the bulb is in a central spot and you can see everything you want. The 2K resolution is ideal for scanning a large area, too, and we’re recommending the two-pack here for maximum coverage. Keep in mind this bulb only works with Alexa and its own app, but the app supports live views for up to four cams at once.
Also, note those LED spotlights only work in the direction they’re pointing, so you won’t have 360-degree light coverage all the time. It's one of the compromises you'll have to make for a security camera like this.
Pros
- Features well-suited for outdoor monitoring
Cons
- Effective video resolution is not as high as some picks
With an IP67 water resistant design, “starlight” night vision for color video even when the light is off and a lot 110dB siren, this bulb cam is well-suited for outdoor locations. The 360-degree panning is backed up by motion detection and tracking with customizable sensitivity that helps you control how easily it’s triggered.
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- Design is a bit awkward
If you want a single light bulb camera at an affordable price, this $25 bulb is a great place to start. It still offers important features like 355-degree panning, two-way audio, motion detection and Alexa support, but it’s easy on your wallet. If you don’t want to use the app, it also supports email alerts and ONVIF NVR systems.
Light bulb security cameras compared
| Best light bulb security cameras | Symynelec Light Bulb Security Camera | Galayou 360 Light Bulb Security Camera | LaView Bulb Security Camera | Eversecu Light Bulb Security Camera |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $50 | $50 | $40 | $20 |
| Resolution | 2.5K | 2K | 2K | 2K |
| Field of view | 350-degree pan/tilt | 360-degree pan/tilt | 360-degree pan/tilt | 355-degree pan/tilt |
| Motion detection | Detection and tracking | Detection and tracking | Detection and tracking | Detection and tracking |
| Night vision | Color night vision | Color night vision | Color night vision | Color night vision |
| Audio | Two-way audio | Two-way audio | Two-way audio | Two-way audio |
| Voice assistant | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | Amazon Alexa | Amazon Alexa | Amazon Alexa |
| Review score | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
What advantages does a light bulb camera have over a security camera?
Light bulb security cameras are incredibly easy to install. You simply find the right socket in your home and screw them in (they come with mounts as well). They also tend to be a bit more affordable than standard security cameras, although you can still find many cheap cams that are comparable. Otherwise, you have to give up higher-end features and the app quality of trusted brands, so there is a tradeoff.
Some may say that light bulb cameras are better-hidden than traditional security cams. That may be true until the cam’s motion detection and tracking turns on, and then it’s quite noticeable, especially if anyone is watching for security cameras.
Factors when choosing a light bulb security camera
LaView's bulb, like other bulb cameras, is designed to fit into standard sockets.
Bulb fit
Light bulb cams use a standard E26 base, so compatibility shouldn’t be a problem. But room and positioning can be. You’ll want the right socket in the right spot, and the cam needs enough room along with a clear field of view. It can’t be blocked by overhangs or walls. Security bulb cameras also tend to stick out a lot more than light bulbs, around seven inches or so, so you’ll need clearance beneath as well. Before you buy, take a close look at your light sockets.
Also, keep in mind the light bulb cam will have a spotlight, not a full 360-degree light radius like a typical light bulb. You’ll be giving up a significant amount of light in the area, so don’t put it anywhere that badly needs illumination.
Resolution
Resolution is important for a camera like this, which will typically sit up high and take in a wide angle. Our picks all have 2K or more capture resolution to help with this, which works out to around a 1080p or higher effective video resolution. Higher is, of course, better.
Motion detection
A good light bulb security camera should have motion detection and tracking to keep an eye on nearby movement. We have found some have human detection to help cut down on false detection alerts, but these light bulb cameras don’t come with the advanced object detection features of other security cameras.
Video storage
Video storage is a complicated topic for light bulb security cams. Most models come with local storage supported by a microSD card, which you’ll have to buy separately. We suggest sticking with this non-subscription local option. While light bulb cameras do usually offer cloud storage, they just don’t the track records and trust that come with bigger brands like Nest, Arlo or Ring (which are themselves not immune to trouble) so we advise staying clear.
Light features
Light bulb cameras typically come equipped with small spotlights that can shine in the direction the camera is facing and are often triggered by motion detection as well. They can't compare with spotlight cameras or floodlights and are usually limited to a few hundred lumens, but you should still look for a higher lumen count and the ability to adjust brightness if possible.
Night vision
A quality light bulb camera should have night vision options that go beyond just turning the light on.
FAQs
Are light bulb security cameras safe to use?
They’re generally safe to use, although their off-market apps do give us pause. That’s why we recommend sticking to local storage instead of using cloud storage, and if you need to create an account, make sure your password is robust.
Will light bulb security cameras work with my smart home?
If you use Alexa, you’ll find all of our picks are compatible. Our top pick is the only model we recommend that also works with Google. We haven’t seen any bulbs that work with Siri or that work with common security system hubs.
Do any light bulb security cameras have cloud storage?
Many do offer cloud storage, but we don’t recommend it. At the best of times, cloud storage can be a privacy concern and could make access to your video footage easier for unfriendly folk. And light bulb camera companies are opaque when it comes to how they offer cloud storage and how that data is managed. Stick with local storage.
