Having tested lots of security cameras through the years, I’ve consistently found that the best and most reliable cameras are fully wired for both power and data feeds. However, setting up a wired camera system takes a lot of effort and can be quite expensive.
So if you’re looking for a cheaper way to get some eyes on your property, could light bulb security cameras be the answer? In this article, I discuss the various devices in the market today and what ones are worth considering.
Are Light Bulb Security Cameras Gimmicky?
Having carried out extensive research on these devices, I’ve come to the conclusion that they are pretty gimmicky. There isn’t a single highly reputable brand that manufactures or sells these devices so you’re left with a plethora of Chinese pseudo-brands with indecipherable names like “Spbpqy”, “Parasom”, “Bluelk” and “Rymgob”!
Below, I’ve listed the best four devices I found and my main recommendation is the LaView 2K Light Bulb Camera.
However, if you are anyway serious about your home security, I’d highly recommend looking at either battery-powered Wi-Fi cameras or mains-powered Wi-Fi cameras, using a lamp socket adapter. I recommend checking out Lorex, Reolink, and Eufy as they offer some pretty good cameras at competitive prices.
What is a Light Bulb Security Camera?
A light bulb security camera is a small camera device that is powered by a standard light socket. It provides discrete surveillance and it can be controlled remotely via a smartphone app or computer.
In this post, I’ll be sharing my top recommendations for light bulb security cameras, highlighting each product’s features, compatibility, video quality and resolution, night vision capabilities, ease of installation and setup, and security features.
Top Light Bulb Security Cameras 2023
- Resolution: 4MP
- Night Vision: Yes
- Bulb Base: E27
- Motion Detection & Tracking: Yes
- Two-Way Audio: Yes
- Alarm Siren: Loud alarm when motion is detected
- Multi-user Sharing: 20 Users
- Alexa & Google Assistant: Yes
LaView’s 4MP HD resolution camera provides sharp images at 2304 x 1296 pixels, which is better than the typical 1080p. Setting it up is easy, and its HDR feature provides clear visuals in high-contrast scenarios, both inside and outside.
Its Starlight Night Vision allows viewing from up to 30 feet away in dim or dark environments. The camera also has a spotlight and a functional 350-lumen light bulb, giving extra light when necessary.
It is also compatible with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant. The AI Human Detection feature reduces false alarms by 95% and provides accurate motion and sound detection. However, there is a question as to its water-resistance level for outdoor installations.
- Easy installation and setup
- 4MP resolution and 12x digital zoom
- Starlight color night vision
- 30 feet visibility in low-light conditions
- Two-way audio and alarm siren
- Motion detection with adjustable sensitivity
- Supports multi-user sharing
- Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant
- Limited to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi networks
- Some users reported waterproofing concerns for potential outdoor use
- Requires high installation point for optimal motion detection
- Potential for false alarms in certain settings
- Resolution: 4MP
- Night Vision: Yes
- Bulb Base: E27 and E26
- Motion Detection & Tracking: Yes
- Two-Way Audio: Yes
- Alarm Siren: Yes
- Storage: SD Card and cloud storage (30 days free trial)
- Encryption: Yes
- Alexa & Google Assistant: Yes
Camera installation is easy for the Eversecu as it fits standard E26/E27 light sockets, and no wires or drilling is needed. Its versatility allows for deployment indoors or outdoors, making it great for discreet surveillance.
What I liked most about this camera is the sharp 2K 4MP video quality with 355° panning, 110° tilting, and 4x digital zoom. Its powerful night vision covers 31ft in black and white and 65.6ft in color, ensuring effective monitoring even in low light.
It also uses auto-tracking to follow movements and sends instant alerts for motion-triggered events. The built-in microphone and speaker also allow for two-way communication.
For storage, you may choose between an SD card (not included) or a 30-day cloud trial. It’s worth noting that device testers reported problems with its Wi-Fi connectivity.
- Good picture quality
- Large SD card compatibility (128GB)
- Easy setup and installation
- Wide view range
- Impressive night vision (up to 75 feet)
- Motion detection and auto-tracking
- Two-way audio and sound alarm
- Sharing with multiple users
- Optional cloud storage
- Some users reported frequent disconnection from Wi-Fi networks
- Only works with 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi
- Some device owners complained about inaccurate motion detection alerts (detects non-humans)
- Pixelated when zoomed in
- Some users reported slow reacting and jerky motion tracking
- Not recommended for large light fixtures
- Resolution: 3 MP
- Night Vision: Yes
- Bulb Base: E26 and E27
- Motion Detection & Tracking: Yes
- Two-Way Audio: Yes
- Alarm Siren: Yes
- Storage: SD Card and cloud storage
- Alexa & Google Assistant: Yes
- Waterproof: No
This PTZ Bulb Camera is a cheaper alternative if you are looking for an outdoor camera with pan, tilt, and zoom capabilities. It also comes up with an 8GB–128GB SD card to ensure that video footage is stored. Alternatively, you can also avail of their monthly subscription to cloud storage.
What I like most about this is its wide field of view. This camera rotates 355° horizontally and 120° vertically to achieve a 360-degree view, allowing the viewer to see all angles of the room where the camera is located.
It is also easy to install just by scanning a QR code, and can also be remotely controlled through its application.
When moving people and unusual noises are detected, it sends real-time notifications to phones, alarms the siren, lights up, and saves the video.
- Fast installation and setup
- 360° motion detection tracking
- Real-time alerts and two-way talk
- 2K Full HD image quality
- Color night vision up to 33 ft
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
- Supports cloud and local storage (SD card)
- Customizable security zones and sensitivity
- Only supports 2.4GHz connectivity
- Some users reported glitches and setup difficulties
- Some users reported occasional lagging and connectivity issues
- Not waterproof, limited to indoor use or protected outdoor areas
- May not fit some fixtures, requiring additional extenders
- Documentation may be sparse, potentially confusing setup
- Resolution: 1080P HD
- Night Vision: Yes
- Bulb Base: E27
- Motion Detection & Tracking: Yes
- Two-Way Audio: Yes
- Alarm Siren: No
- Storage: SD Card
- Alexa & Google Assistant: No
- Waterproof: No
This panoramic light bulb camera is affordable and comes with simple installation instructions to get up and running.
What I like most about it is its 360-degree fisheye view that provides wide coverage and eliminates blind spots covering the entire room.
However, it is worth noting that some users reported durability and connectivity issues with the camera.
- Great for pet monitoring
- Easy to configure
- Affordable
- 1080P HD camera
- Night vision functionality
- Motion detection
- Simple installation
- Some users reported durability issues
- Users reported connectivity issues
- Does not have an alarm siren
- Lacks smart assistant integration capabilities
Key Considerations when Buying a Light Bulb Security Camera
Below I discuss the 5 key things to keep in mind when looking at light bulb cameras.
1. Compatibility with your Current Smart Home Ecosystem
When choosing a light bulb security camera, you’ll need to make sure the camera you select works well with your existing devices and smart assistants, such as Alexa or Google Assistant.
LaView, Eversecu, and Symynelec Light Bulb Cameras offer full compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant, providing flexibility in voice-activated commands. However, the older model 360 Panoramic Light Bulb Camera does not support smart assistants.
2. Video Quality and Resolution
Having clear and crisp footage in various lighting conditions is important in choosing a light bulb security camera.
The LaView has 4MP HD resolution and starlight color night vision, which can produce clear recordings day and night. Similarly, the Eversecu and Symynelec both feature a 3.0 MP resolution.
On the other hand, the Panoramic Camera has a 1080P HD resolution with a 360-degree fisheye lens and a lightbulb that can illuminate dark images.
3. Night Vision Functionality
This feature is essential for capturing clear footage in low-light conditions, allowing you to monitor your property around the clock.
For instance, the LaView offers starlight color night vision, to capture footage even in low-light conditions. While the Eversecu has a spotlight night vision feature that enhances the video feed's clarity during nighttime.
Similarly, the Symynelec utilizes infrared LEDs & sensors to extend the range of night vision. Additionally, the Panoramic Camera’s built-in lightbulb doubles its purpose for clearer images at night.
4. Ease of Installation and Setup
In terms of setting up, the LaView offers quick installation and Wi-Fi connectivity, while the Symynelec Camera and the 360 Panoramic Camera allow users to efficiently set up their cameras via a QR code.
Meanwhile, the Eversecu camera can fit E26 & E27 light socket holders, providing a bit more flexibility than its competitors.
Even those new to smart home technology can quickly and easily get up and running without being overwhelmed by a complicated setup process.
5. Security Features
The LaView comes with human detection filters that help eliminate false alarms and also offers 30-day free cloud storage for video recordings.
The Symynelec camera offers human body filtering, custom security zones, and adjustable sensitivity to reduce unnecessary false alerts
The Eversecu camera features a Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) capability and a highly sensitive motion sensor. If people invade your home, this security camera will track the motion and record every move, together with a voice alert if needed.
Installation Steps
In this section, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to successfully install a light bulb security camera:
- Turn off the power supply to the light fixture.
- Remove any existing light bulbs from the fixture.
- Screw in the light bulb security camera as you would with a regular light bulb.
- Turn the power back on for the light fixture.
- Connect the camera to your 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network and/or use a QR code to set it up, depending on the camera model.
- Download the appropriate app for your camera and follow the setup instructions.
How to get the most from a Light Bulb Security Camera
To get the most out of your camera, it's important to optimize its settings and placement.
- Ensure that the camera is placed in a spot that provides an unobstructed view of the place that you wish to monitor.
- Do not place the camera in areas that are exposed to direct sunlight or other sources of glare.
- Position the camera at a height that provides a clear view of the area without being too high or too low.
- Adjust the camera's motion detection settings to reduce false alarms and ensure that it captures all necessary footage.
- Adjust the camera's sensitivity to light to ensure that it captures clear footage in both day and night conditions.
- Enable audio recording to capture audio along with video footage. (If those features exist in the camera model)
- Adjust settings such as video quality, motion detection sensitivity, and alert notifications.
- Perform regular firmware and software updates for your camera.
- Maintain the camera by cleaning the lens and ensuring a proper and secure connection to the fixture and Wi-Fi.
Frequently Asked Questions
How easy is it to install a light bulb security camera?
Installing a light bulb security camera is as easy as screwing in a light bulb. You simply screw the camera into a light socket, download the app, connect your Wi-Fi and configure your settings.
Do I need a subscription to use a light bulb security camera?
While some cameras do require a subscription for cloud storage or additional features, many light bulb security cameras usually provide access to free mobile app access and local storage options via a micro SD card.
How I Tested
To determine the top light bulb security cameras for 2023, I conducted extensive research by exploring various online platforms such as Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. I read through the product specifications and reviews, taking notes on each model's performance, and features. I ended up ruling out the vast majority of products available, due to really poor reviews.
I also watched numerous Youtube videos (particularly from LifeHackster and Hook Up) where these are put through their paces.
The Verdict
My main recommended light bulb security camera is the LaView. It has decent features like clear resolution, security, easy installation, audible alarms, and compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant.
As a second option, the Eversecu Light Bulb Camera is also a good choice. It's easy to set up and comes with free 30-day AWS Cloud storage. It has smart image enhancement, zone detection, the possibility of outdoor use, and an encrypted system to store footage and clips. anywhere.
In conclusion, light bulb security cameras are a good start for surveillance inside your home as they add an extra layer of protection at a low cost, and are easy to install. However, if you are serious about home security but would like to steer clear of hard-wired surveillance cameras, then I'd recommend looking at battery-powered Wi-Fi cameras.