Is a security camera that screws into a light socket actually worth it — and how does the new Wyze Bulb Cam work?

Wyze’s Bulb Cam Pan Color, available starting October 22, 2026 for $99.98 at Wyze.com, is a 2.5K security camera and full-color smart light in one device that screws into a standard E26 socket — continuous power with no wiring, drilling or charging, 360-degree pan, AI tracking and an optional microSD card for subscription-free local recording.

A package vanishes off your porch in the five minutes the porch light was off and your battery camera was inside charging. Short answer: Yes, for a lot of homes. Wyze’s new Bulb Cam Pan Color, available starting October 22, 2026 for $99.98 at Wyze.com, is a 2.5K security camera and full-color smart light in one that screws into a standard E26 light socket, so it gets continuous power with no wiring, no drilling and no charging.

Why it matters: A battery camera always dies at the worst moment, and a wired camera often means hiring an electrician. A socket gives a camera permanent power exactly where a light already points — at your porch, garage or yard. This one pans 360 degrees and tilts 180 degrees, following people, pets and vehicles on its own with AI tracking that does not need a subscription.1.

Check your socket. Make sure you have a standard E26 socket where you want coverage, ideally one you leave switched on.2. Screw it in like a bulb.

Wyze says install takes about a minute. Use the included switch cover so nobody flips the wall switch and cuts power by accident.3. Pair it in the Wyze app.

It connects over Bluetooth; set custom waypoints for the spots you check most.4. Set the light your way. Up to 1,100 lumens, 16 million colors and whites from 1800K to 6500K, with separate Ambient and Motion schedules — a soft glow all night, a bright blast when motion is detected.5.

Add a microSD card for local recording. Cards up to 512GB (sold separately) give you 24/7 continuous recording with no subscription fees; cloud event clips and AI notifications require Cam Plus.It streams 2.5K video with color night vision over dual-band Wi-Fi 6 and works with Amazon Alexa, Google Home and IFTTT. The telescopic lens drops below deep sconce lips and lampshades, and for privacy it rotates into the housing and audio recording stops.Pro tip: Do not judge it by the first night — set your waypoints and motion-light brightness on day one, or it will faithfully track every passing car instead of your door.Ad’s take: This is the first security camera I would hand to my own family without a toolbox.

If you can change a light bulb, you can watch your porch — and nobody has to remember to charge anything.