Best Outdoor Security Lights

Best light plus camera
Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight
Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight
Price:
$180.99
  • pro
    Wire-free design
  • pro
    Two-way talk
  • con
    Pricey
Best Lighting System
Ring security lights
Price:
$99.99–$249.99
  • pro
    Works all together through one app
  • pro
    Integrates with other smart home stuff
  • con
    Exact brightness and features vary by power type
Best Motion Sensor
Sengled Smart LED
Price:
$140.99
  • pro
    Uses existing light fixture
  • pro
    Has lots of smart home integrations
  • con
    Can't adjust angle
Best for Wide Spaces
Heath Zenith HZ-5872
Price:
$39.99
  • pro
    Illuminates broad areas
  • pro
    Has three bright LED lamps
  • con
    Lacks smart home features
Mindy Woodall
Aug 22, 2023
Icon Time To Read10 min read

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Outdoor security lights make it easy to keep an eye on your property after sundown. Most outdoor security lights have motion sensors to turn the light on when they detect movement. But some combine bright lights with cameras (very Hollywood red carpet of them) or just stay on all night long for constant visibility.

We've spent hours researching the best options available on the market, so that the next time you hear an unsettling sound outside, you'll know with just a glance if it's something you should worry about or not.

Keep reading to learn about the best outdoor security lights for your property.

Best outdoor security lights of 2023 comparison
Model
Price
Weather rating
Brightness
Learn more

Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera

$180.99

IP65

2000–3000 lumens

Ring security lights

$99.99–$249.99

Varies

Varies

Sengled Smart LED Lightbulb

$140.99 (for a 9-pack)

IP44

1200 lumens

Heath Zenith HZ-5872

$39.99

Unlisted

2500 lumens

Mr. Beams MB300

$13.49

IPX5

80 lumens

Hyperikon LED Security Area Light

$35.96

IP65

1800–2700 lumens

Light It! Soft Glow

$15.85

Unlisted

15 lumens

MAXSA LED Wall Sconce

$39.95

IP44

85 lumens

Amazon.com List Prices (as of 8/22/2023)

What are lumens?

A "lumen" is a measure of light. Basically, the higher the number of lumens a light puts out, the brighter the light. A standard incandescent 60-watt bulb you might put in a light fixture gives off about 620 lumens.

What to look for in an outdoor security light

Outdoor security lights need to be powerful enough to illuminate your outdoor space while also being resilient enough to stand up to potentially harsh weather conditions. The best outdoor security lights also need to be versatile to be set up on your property where required.

Features to look for in top-rated outdoor security lights:

  • Enough lumens to properly light your property
  • A weather rating to survive your local climate
  • Whether the product is battery-powered or wired
  • Potential integration with smart home apps

Outdoor security lights, and all lights for that matter, are measured in lumens. A single lumen equals the amount of light put out by a single candle. This means that a security light with the power of 1500 lumens is the equivalent of approximately 1500 lit candles. Enough lumens are critical in illuminating your property correctly.

An outdoor security light will need to be resilient enough to survive outdoor weather conditions, depending on where you live. From freezing temperatures to scorching summers, it’s essential to ensure that the outdoor security light you select is strong enough to survive the elements.

Another essential question is asking where you intend on mounting the outdoor security light. Some options are battery-powered, allowing them to be installed almost anywhere. However, some options will require a wired connection. Consider this factor when shopping for your outdoor security light.

Lastly, some outdoor security lights enable you to control them from a smartphone app or smart assistant. If this is a feature that you would desire, check for it when making your selection.

Want to read more?

Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight: Most versatile

The Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight allows two-way audio and doesn’t have any wires.
Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera
Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight
The Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight is by far the most versatile outdoor light we’ve seen. It’s wire-free, so you can put it anywhere, and it even allows two-way audio communication.
pro Wire-free design
pro Two-way audio capabilities
con Pricey
Price:
$180.99

What we like

The Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight takes your traditional boring outdoor security light (think plain white light and complicated wiring process) and throws it on its head. Arlo’s smart security light is easy to install and even has some cool integrations.

Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight price and features
Model
Price
Operating temperature
Power type
Learn more

Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight

$180.99

-14ºF to 113ºF (-10ºC to 45ºC)

Rechargeable battery or AC powered

Amazon.com List Prices (as of 8/22/2023)

The Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, and Stringify. If you want outdoor lights you can place anywhere around your home, then the Arlo Pro 3 is your new best friend.

We also love that the Arlo is wire-free, which makes installation a cinch. But if you want a brighter light and no battery to recharge, then you can opt for an AC-powered version.

The Arlo light works with Arlo cameras (naturally), and did we mention you can change the light’s brightness? The Arlo app lets you set the brightness between 5–100%.

What we don’t like

The Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight is a bit pricey, and it’s definitely not the brightest light on our list. That’s not to say it’s dim, but there are some other stunners here that can outshine it. That’s mainly because wired lights have more brightening power than battery-powered lights like the Arlo.

Ring security lights: Best lighting system

Ring has a bunch of outdoor security light models that work together.
Ring solar floodlight
Ring security lights
You can use any one of Ring’s smart outdoor security lights on its own and have a solid device to light up your property. But we think Ring’s smart lights work even better together.
pro Works all together through one app
pro Integrates with other smart home stuff
con Exact brightness and features vary by power type
Price:
$99.99–$249.99

What we like

Ring offers several different types of smart outdoor security lights that work together and can be controlled through the Ring app. Ring also offers different power types, so you can choose the one that works for you. Pick wired if you don’t mind running wires, or pick battery-powered if you don’t mind charging batteries, etc.

Ring security lights prices and features
Model
Price
Operating temperature
Power type
Learn more

Ring Spotlight Cam Plus

$169.99

-4°F to 122°F (-20°C to 50°C)

Wired, solar

Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus

$199.99

-4°F to 122°F (-20°C to 50°C)

Wired

Ring Stick Up Cam

$99.99–199.99

-4ºF to 104ºF

Solar, battery, wired*

Amazon.com List Prices (as of 08/22/2023)

*Uses existing fixture as power supply

You can make the Ring security lights “talk” to each other, so if one detects motion, every light in your yard lights up. That prowler won’t even know what hit ‘em. Ring lights also work with Ring cameras. You can set your Ring outdoor cameras to record if a light senses someone’s around.

What we don’t like

You have to double-check which features go with which light when you buy it. Because Ring offers almost every one of its smart lights with multiple power types (like solar, wired, or battery-powered), you can get different brightnesses with different models.

Make sure you’re getting the power type for the brightness level you want.

Sengled Smart LED Lightbulb: Best outdoor security lightbulb

The Sengled Smart LED Lightbulb uses an existing light fixture and works with your smart stuff.
Sengled Smart LED Lightbulb
Sengled Smart LED Lightbulb
The Sengled Smart LED Lightbulb has “smart” in its name for a reason. This bulb has more integrations than most other picks on our list, which makes it easy to integrate the Sengled bulb in with the rest of your smart home.
pro Retrofits existing light fixture
pro Has lots of smart home integrations
con Can’t adjust angle
Price:
$140.99

What we like

Like a lot of smart outdoor security lights, the Sengled requires a hub to work with your Wi-Fi and give you mobile control. But rather than require you to get the Sengled hub, the Sengled Smart LED Lightbulb gives you some options.

Sengled Smart LED Lightbulb price and details
Model
Price
Operating temperature
Power type
Learn more

Sengled Smart LED Lightbulb

$140.99 (for a 9-pack)

-4ºF to 104ºF (-20ºC to 40ºC)

Wired*

Amazon.com List Prices (as of 08/22/2023)

*Uses existing fixture as power supply.

This lightbulb works with Samsung SmartThings hubs and the Amazon Echo Show as well as the standard Sengled Smart Hub. The bulb also works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT.

If you have other smart devices, like smart door locks or a home security system, then the Sengled lets you make everything work together.

What we don’t like

If you live somewhere hot, the Sengled might not be the best choice for you in the summer. The Sengled’s temperature range should be fine for most places in the US, but Southwesterners should watch out for those days that get hotter than the Sengled’s top temp of 104ºF.

Heath Zenith HZ-5872: Best for wide spaces

The Heath Zenith HZ-5872 has three bright lamps for maximum coverage.
Heath Zenith HZ-5872
The Heath Zenith HZ-5872 outdoor security light has three lamps, which gives you a lot of ground to cover with just one light. If you have a wide yard or some steep corners you want the light to get around, the Heath Zenith HZ-5872 can show the way.
pro Illuminates broad areas
pro Has three bright LED lamps
con No smart home integrations
Price:
$39.99

What we like

To go along with its multitude of lamps, the Heath Zenith has really bright lights. It goes up to 2500 lumens. It also has a wide range of motion detection with 240º of motion activation.

Heath Zenith HZ-5872 price and details
Model
Price
Motion detection field
Power type
Learn more

Heath Zenith HZ-5872

$39.99

240º

Wired

Amazon.com List Prices (as of 08/22/23)

With that broad of a field of motion detection, no one’s going to be sneaking up on this thing. It won’t be easy to walk anywhere near the Heath Zenith without triggering the light, which is comforting if you have a big yard with lots of places to hide.

The Heath Zenith HZ-5872 also has what it calls the “Creep Zone.” That basically means that it can detect when someone’s standing right under its motion detector or trying to sneak along the wall. There’s no escaping.

What we don’t like

This thing is not a dainty light you can stick in a corner. The Heath Zenith HZ-5872 is made to light up a big space, so don’t get drawn in by the raw power and end up with a light that’s too big for your needs.

Mr. Beams MB300: Best budget buy

The Mr. Beams MB300 won’t break the bank and can go just about anywhere.
Mr. Beams MB330
Mr. Beams MB300
If you want a simple, easily installed spotlight for your house, then the Mr. Beams MB300 is a good choice. It only costs about $15, so you don’t have to wait to win the lottery before you can finally get some security lights in your yard.
pro Affordable lighting
pro Easy, wire-free installation
con Not the brightest light
Price:
$13.49

What we like

The Mr. Beams MB300 mini spotlight keeps things simple. It’s battery-powered, so you don’t have to thread any wires to install the thing. Plus, that means you can put it just about anywhere you need some extra light—no power source required.

Mr. Beams MB300 price and details
Model
Price
Auto-off
Power type
Learn more

Mr. Beams MB300

$13.49

30 seconds after motion detection

Battery

Amazon.com List Prices (as of 08/23/2023)

The batteries should last about a year. And when you do need to replace them, the Mr. Beams MB300 uses regular ol’ C-cell batteries you can pick up at any store.

What we don’t like

At this price point, and with a battery-powered light, it’s probably not surprising that the Mr. Beams MB300 is not super bright. It gives off only 80 lumens, which is fine for illuminating a doorway but not so great for lighting up a whole yard.

Hyperikon LED Security Area Light Triple Head: Best for backyards

The Hyperikon LED Security Area Triple Head will light up most of your backyard with a single device.
Hyperikon LED Security Area Light
Hyperion LED Security Area Light Triple Head
If you want to put one light on the back of your house and have a pretty good view of your whole backyard, then the Hyperikon LED Security Area Light will serve you well. Specifically, the triple head model. Three heads are better than one, right?
pro Illuminates a lot of space
pro Excellent weatherproofing
con No smart features
Price:
$35.96

What we like

The Hyperikon’s triple head lighting gives you three different lighting directions at once. Just one device, and you can see all (or at least most) of your backyard.

Hyperikon LED Security Area Light price and details
Model
Price
Operating temperature
Power type
Learn more

Hyperikon LED Security Area Light

$35.96

-22ºF to 120ºF (-30ºC to 49ºC)

Wired

Amazon.com List Prices (as of 08/22/2023)

The Hyperikon LED also has a pretty good operating temperature range for the heat-dwellers among us. Plus, it has the highest IP weather resistance rating of any light on our list. (It’s rated IP67.) This thing is built to take on the great outdoors. As long as the great outdoors is . . . the weather outside your house.

What we don’t like

This light doesn’t have any smart features, so controlling it through an app or setting schedules isn’t an option. The Hyperikon does have light detection, so it knows to activate at night and turn off when the sun comes up. But that’s about as smart as this light gets.

Light It! Soft Glow: Best for trip hazards

The Light It! Soft Glow is here to stop you from injuring yourself wandering around your backyard after dark.
Light It! Soft Glow
Light It! Soft Glow
If you’re tired of tripping around your deck in the dark or if you always miss that last porch step coming up your stairs, the Light It! Soft Glow can help. This light is easy to set up and gives off a gentle glow to help you find your way.
pro Easy installation
pro Affordable pricing
con Not bright enough for other tasks
Price:
$15.85

What we like

The Light It! Soft Glow uses basic AAA batteries and can be installed just about anywhere. Stick it on your porch with some double-sided adhesive, and you’re good to go.

It’s also pretty cheap, which is great if you want to put a few of them around your place.

Light It! Soft Glow price and details
Model
Price
Motion detection distance
Power type
Learn more

Light It! Soft Glow

$15.85

12 ft.

Battery

Amazon.com List Prices (as of 08/22/2023)

Despite its simplicity, this light still comes with motion detection. The light doesn’t stay on all the time; it will just helpfully illuminate the way when you walk past it to try to get your dog to come inside at 11 p.m. (for the fourteenth time).

What we don’t like

This light says it has a soft glow, and that’s correct. It gives off only 15 lumens, which is enough to keep you from tripping but not enough to light up your yard. If you want something more robust for your back porch, a step light from Ring or Mr. Beams might be a better choice.

MAXSA LED Wall Sconce: Best subtle light

The MAXSA LED Wall Sconce is a less obvious alternative to the traditional security floodlight.
MAXSA LED Wall Sconce
MAXSA LED Wall Sconce
If you want something that blends in a little better but is still super easy to set up, the MAXSA LED Wall Sconce will look more at home on your house.
pro Wall sconce style blends in
pro Easy, wire-free installation
con Not the brightest light
Price:
$39.95

What we like

The MAXSA LED Wall Sconce is battery powered, so you don’t have to thread any wires to set it up. It’s great for porches and doorways where you don’t want an ugly, buggy floodlight staring you in the face every time you walk through the door.

MAXSA LED Wall Sconce price and details
Model
Price
Light duration post-motion detection
Power type
Learn more

MAXSA LED Wall Sconce

$39.95

10–60 seconds

Battery

Amazon.com List Prices (as of 08/22/2023)

This light comes in three different colors, so you can match the exterior of your house (or at least try to). And it puts out 85 lumens, which is bright enough to see by but not so bright that you’ll be blinded just walking in your front door.

What we don’t like

The MAXSA LED Wall Sconce might be convenient, but it’s not the most durable outdoor security light. It has plastic housing that’s more likely to break than solid metal casings.

Luckily, the light’s not too expensive. But you can definitely find something more durable for your money if you don’t mind a less pleasant look.

Recap: Best outdoor security lights

Outdoor security lights are key for scaring off intruders and helping you monitor your property. You can get the latest smart models with built-in cameras or go with a simple, motion sensor light. The choice is yours.

Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera: Best security light plus camera—The Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera is the best of the best as far as both floodlights and cameras go. So much so that it might have more features than you need (or want to pay for).

Ring security lights: Best lighting system—If you want to get a bunch of different security lights to position around your yard, then Ring offers different lighting models that all work together in sequence. Control all of them in one place through the Ring app.

Sengled Smart LED Lightbulb: Best motion sensor lightbulb—The Sengled Smart LED Lightbulb works with different smart hubs and devices to let you customize your light settings and functions. Great for Samsung SmartThings or Alexa Show users.

Heath Zenith HZ-5872: Best for wide spaces—The Heath Zenith HZ-5872’s three-wide lamps can light up big, wide spaces pretty easily. It’s bright and has wide motion activation, so no one’s going to sneak past it without triggering the light.

Mr. Beams MB300: Best budget buy—The Mr. Beams MB300 gives you a simple, easy-to-install security light for less than $20. Not a bad deal.

Hyperikon LED Security Area Light: Best for backyards—The Hyperikon LED Security Light with Triple Heads is great for backyards where you want to see a lot of space without buying three separate lights.

Light It! Soft Glow: Best for trip hazards—The Light It! Soft Glow gives off a muted, motion-activated light so you can see your way in the dark. It’s not meant for scaring off intruders so much as it is helping you not trip over your backyard firepit.

MAXSA LED Wall Sconce: Best subtle light—If you want outdoor security lights that don’t scream, “I am an outdoor security light!” then the MAXSA LED Wall Sconce gives you a much more stealthy lighting option. And it’s still easy to set up without wiring anything.

What’s your favorite outdoor security light? Do you use several throughout your yard or rely on one major floodlight?

Methodology

The Reviews.org team needed to dive into hours upon hours of systematic research to find the best outdoor security lights for your home. The lights we selected were based on criteria of essential features needed best to protect your home, office, or other property.

  • Price: Selecting a wide range of products at different price points isn’t enough. We had to ensure that each product chosen for our guide delivered a substantial value, giving you the most for your money.
  • Weather Rating: Outdoor lights must contend with potentially harsh weather, including freezing temperatures and blistering hot days. Each option on our list offers a level of protection from the elements.
  • Brightness: What good is a light that doesn’t illuminate everything? We took a close look at each light’s brightness, measured in lumens so that you can keep an eye on everything.
  • Smart home integration: In the 21st century, some lights offer smart home integration, allowing you to control power level and more from your smartphone—we have highlighted these options.

FAQ

​Upon completing our research, the security light with the brightest setting we selected was the Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera. This robust outdoor security light can illuminate up to 3000 lumens. For reference, a standard 60-watt bulb produces around 620 lumens of light.

When selecting an outdoor security light, if you are seeking out something to illuminate more than just a walkway, we would suggest looking for products with at least 1000 lumens. Other outdoor lights can still be beneficial, but they might not light as much area as a more powerful option.

Leaving outdoor security lights on all night can be an excellent deterrent to burglars. However, if you wish to leave your security lights on all night, ensure that you pick an option that is power efficient, otherwise the power bill can quickly accumulate.

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon.com. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Reviews.org utilizes paid Amazon links.

Mindy Woodall
Written by
Mindy Woodall
Mindy has been writing about technology for seven years. She covers all things smart home for Reviews.org, and keeps track of the latest robot gadgets. Mindy attended the University of Utah and her work has been featured on the likes of Parents.com, Digital Care, Hostfully, and more.

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