Wyze has come out with an interesting new product that tries to merge two common household needs: outdoor security and smart lighting. The Wyze Bulb Cam is exactly what it sounds like—a combination security camera and light bulb that screws into any standard light fixture. It’s motion-activated, has AI-powered notifications, and offers some solid features for those looking for a low-effort way to monitor driveways, patios, or other outdoor spaces. Whether it’s a better option than separate devices depends on your setup and expectations.
All-in-One Functionality Without Cords or Chargers
The main pitch of the Bulb Cam is its ability to do two jobs at once. Instead of installing a camera with its own mount and dealing with power cables or battery swaps, you just screw this into a light socket. It then provides both surveillance and lighting from the same point. Wyze is targeting areas where you might not have easy access to outlets, like detached garages or backyard sheds.
The camera part offers a 160-degree field of view and can be manually extended and rotated to find the right angle. It records in 2K HD and includes wide dynamic range (WDR), along with color night vision. In terms of lighting, the integrated 800-lumen LED bulb is dimmable and can be grouped with up to five additional Wyze Accessory Bulbs for broader coverage. All of it can be controlled through the Wyze app.
Video, Audio, and Local Storage Capabilities
Beyond the basics, Wyze includes two-way audio, so users can talk through the camera using their phone—a helpful feature if you’re trying to scare off a raccoon or ask a delivery driver to leave a package at the door. The Bulb Cam also supports 24/7 local recording to a microSD card (up to 256GB, sold separately), which may be appealing to those who want to avoid cloud storage fees.
One notable point is that while AI-powered notifications are available, they’re gated behind the “Cam Unlimited Pro” subscription, which costs $19.99/month or $199.99/year. Without it, the notifications may be more basic. For some users, the subscription model might be a tradeoff, especially considering the device’s affordable upfront cost.
Setup and Smart Home Compatibility
As with many Wyze devices, the Bulb Cam is designed for quick setup. It uses Bluetooth for pairing and doesn’t require QR code scanning. It also integrates with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, and Wyze Rule automations. This makes it reasonably flexible if you’re already building a smart home ecosystem.
Of course, this convenience comes with a limitation—its placement depends entirely on where you have compatible light sockets. If your ideal camera location doesn’t have one, then this device might not make sense unless you’re willing to install a fixture just for it.
A Functional but Niche Option
The Wyze Bulb Cam is a practical option for people who need lightweight, plug-and-play outdoor security in places where traditional cameras are inconvenient to install. It’s not designed for high-end surveillance, but for basic coverage with added lighting, it covers a lot of ground. At $49.98, it’s budget-friendly, but its full feature set is best unlocked with a subscription. As with many Wyze products, it walks the line between convenience and limitation, depending on how you plan to use it.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Camera Resolution | 2K HD |
| Field of View | 160°, adjustable (manual extension, rotation, tilt) |
| Night Vision | Color night vision with Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) |
| Light Output | 800 Lumens, dimmable |
| Motion Detection | Yes, with AI-powered notifications (via subscription) |
| Two-Way Audio | Yes |
| Local Storage | microSD card support (up to 256GB, card sold separately) |
| Smart Integration | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, Wyze Rule |
| Grouped Lighting | Supports grouping with up to 5 Wyze Accessory Bulbs |
| Setup Method | Bluetooth pairing, no QR code required |
| Power Source | Standard light fixture (E26 socket) |
| Subscription Features | Cam Unlimited Pro ($19.99/month or $199.99/year) for AI notifications |
| App Control | Wyze app for camera and lighting control |
| Audio Enhancements | Enhanced two-way communication |
| Installation Type | Screw-in bulb installation (indoor/outdoor rated fixture required) |