Wired security cameras are both a pain to install and highly visible. If you are looking for a hidden security camera, then a light bulb security camera is worth a look.
We dive into the types of cameras available, how footage is streamed/stored, the characteristics of the bulb, along with camera resolution and quality.
Before we begin it is worth noting that having tested lots of different security camera types over the years, I would consider light bulb security cameras a little gimmicky! They have improved a little over the years however they are still very much entry-level devices – I wouldn't personally spend too much cash on them.
If you are any way serious about home security but want to avoid fixed wired cameras, then I'd recommend looking at battery-powered Wi-Fi cameras. Check out these ones from Lorex, Reolink, and Eufy to get an idea of what they can do.
Indoor light bulb security cameras are great for keeping an eye on kids and pets when at work. They can also be useful during a burglary, as they are quite inconspicuous and well-hidden.
External light bulb security cameras are great as you don’t need to run extra power lines. Instead, you’re a simple plug-and-play away from streaming footage from your porch. They are also hidden in plain sight as intruders only see the light from the bulb, and assume it's a porch light.
There are lots of light bulb cameras from different brands that are practically identical looking. These are all effectively OEM'd from the same manufacturer. When creating our list, we tried to represent the different styles of light bulb cameras to provide some diversity.
The Symynelec Wireless Security Camera Bulb can be easily connected with a 2.4G Wi-Fi router. This camera is popular for convenience and high portability. As soon as any motion is detected, it will send push notifications to your phone or other connected devices.
- Easy setup with any 2.4G router
- Accessible from both iOS and Android mobile
- Comes with a simple E27 power socket
To ensure video footage is stored, the Symynelec Wireless Security Camera Bulb comes with an 8GB–128GB SD card. Thanks to its increased storage feature, you can check up on expired footage files whenever you feel like.
This camera comes with 5 levels of motion sensitivity. The motion detection feature runs under the micro SD card. You can even use the app to set up alarms. Some of its additional features include two-way communication, night vision, Full HD video, and 360-degree camera view, among others.
The Besdersec Full HD Light Bulb Security Camera features a 1.44mm fisheye lens that enables it to have zero blind spots and a 360-degree panoramic view. To ensure the highest level of security, it also comes with two intelligent AI modes and a smart motion alarm.
- Comes with a reliable night vision motion detection feature
- Features a 360-degree panoramic view with zero blind spots
- Can cover up to 400 square foot of property
The AI mode enables the alarm to learn about its surroundings on its own. Using this technology, it can sense anyone passing by. Place it on your porch, at the entrance, on the front porch or the ceiling fan to get maximum use of its abilities.
The Besdersec Full HD Light Bulb Security Camera comes with compatibility for E26 / E27 light sockets. This makes it easy to set up. You do not need any drilling or hard wiring, as well as no power setups. It comes with the iCSee app too, so you can connect your camera with its app in minutes.
The Tupeya Fisheye Light Bulb Security Camera is an IR light bulb camera with a 360-degree viewing angle. It needs cords for the power supply and can record 1080p high-resolution videos at 25 FPS during the day. At night, it can record clear videos within a 32-feet viewing range.
- 1080p Full HD day & night vision
- Micro SD card storage & playback
- Compatible with both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi routers
As far as storage is concerned, the Tupeya Fisheye Light Bulb Security Camera comes with memory slots for external SD cards. You can even use 128GB memory cards with it. The camera will automatically store videos to the SD card once it hits its real-time storage capacity.
The Amaryllo 360° Light Bulb Security Camera has an advanced feature that sets it apart from other hidden cameras out in the market: it comes with an advanced pan & tilt auto-tracking feature. Thanks to this, you can save a huge amount of money when using it, as you will only need to set up one camera to cover a large property.
- Two-way audio compatibility
- Unlimited cloud storage
- Quick and accurate facial recognition
As far as data security is concerned, the Amaryllo 360° Light Bulb Security Camera comes with 256-bit military-grade encryption. This advanced technology ensures that no one can hack into it and get access to live footage of your home.
The Zeus CCTV WiFi Floodlight Bulb Camera comes with Wi-Fi wireless connectivity.
- This 1080p Full HD security camera comes with a 900 Lumens Floodlight.
- It is very easy to set up, with no need for hardwiring and drilling.
- To catch the perfect angle, it comes with 360-degree adjustable rotation.
The Zeus CCTV WiFi Floodlight Bulb Camera can connect to your home Wi-Fi remotely. Once the connection is secure, you can monitor its live footage by using the mobile app. You can also stream live HD 1080p videos with no serious lags. The footage will have crisp details, so you can identify the slightest movement.
Along with the mobile app, you can also access the videos from your PC or tablet. Thanks to the full-color night vision feature, you can rely on this hidden security camera to record security footage 24/7. To store all the recorded footage, it comes with a 16GB storage. It also offers cloud storage, and users do not have to pay additional money to use it.
When you do not need the floodlights, you can easily turn them off and use the built-in light switch. This hidden camera comes with three different modes—Day Mode, Night Color Mode, and Night IR Mode. After you install it, twist it in place, connect it with the app, and you are all set to go.
- Wireless connection to your home Wi-Fi
- Remote access using app
- Ability to stream live video in 1080p Full HD resolution
- Crisp image with sharp details
- Full-color night vision
- Does not support motion triggers
Tech Specs
| 24/7 call/email support |
| Sends push mobile alerts after detecting motion |
| Uses patented security camera technology |
| No wires needed |
| Covers 360-degrees in front of your property |
Light Bulb Security Cameras Features to Consider
Footage Storage & Streaming
There are two ways in which a hidden security camera stores and plays video footage. It can either use an SD card or store it on the cloud.
Try to get a security camera that offers both. Know that there are a few brands that charge their customer a higher price for cloud membership fees. These fees only cover your use of cloud storage.
When deciding on the model you will buy, make sure you understand the membership pricing breakdown and what added benefits you will be given.
Bulb Holder Size
If you buy a hidden security camera that is not compatible with the light bulb holder at your home, you will have no use for it. Throwing or giving it away are surely not an option, so make sure what you’re picking works for your home.
The bulb holder size will range from 10mm–40mm. Pick the one you need. Make sure to also check if the bulb holder has a screw or a pin base.
Resolution & Quality
The bottom line when buying a hidden security camera is not to get a camera that records low-quality footage. If the captured video resolution is poor, you will not be able to make any sense out of it.
Just to be on the safe side, get a security camera with at least 1080p video resolution. Many models have higher resolution, but you don't need them for your home. The 1080p ones are perfect for small households.
Lumens & Kelvins
Lumens and Kelvins are two important measurements for the brightness of a light bulb. Kelvin refers to the color temperature of the light. In other words, it refers to the color of the light produced by the bulb.
On the other hand, lumen refers to how bright the light is. The higher the lumen count on a bulb, the brighter it is. Currently, most light bulbs in the market have a brightness of 3,000–5,000 lumens.
The Verdict
In this article, we looked at the benefits of a hidden light bulb security camera. Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!
The Zeus CCTV WiFi Floodlight Bulb Camera comes with Wi-Fi wireless connectivity.
- This 1080p Full HD security camera comes with a 900 Lumens Floodlight.
- It is very easy to set up, with no need for hardwiring and drilling.
- To catch the perfect angle, it comes with 360-degree adjustable rotation.