Best Overall
Leonlite LED Motion Sensor Floodlight
AMAZON
- The light has three modes including an auto, manual, and dusk-to-dawn.
The light has three modes including an auto, manual, and dusk-to-dawn.
- The extra-sensitive motion sensor means it turns on often.
The extra-sensitive motion sensor means it turns on often.
With three modes and lights that rotate 360 degrees, the Leonlite COB LED Security Light is the best outdoor light we tested. With an extended 30-foot reach from the garage where we installed it, the light created a prime place to spot critters passing through at night.
The light is yellow, which felt more natural in an outdoor setting than a white one would have. The body consists of two lamps with a 180 degree detection angle and a motion sensor that can detect movement up to 70 feet away.
We noticed that the motion sensor was easily triggered—to the point that the light turned on when there was construction activity on the sidewalk. If the light shines into any windows, it could be disruptive to have it turn on and off regularly.
There are three modes: on-time mode, which works manually; auto mode, which uses the sensor to turn the light on and off; and a programmable dusk-to-dawn mode that turns the light on and off at the time of your choosing.
We found the dusk-to-dawn feature especially helpful, as it deters small animals like skunks, deer, and possums from getting too close to the house. Other than drilling a hole and screwing the light in place, installation was simple and required no calibration (adjustment of the settings).
This light features an IP65 rating and a 50,000-hour lifespan, making it a rugged option that will last a long time. We can attest to some of that durability—when there was a heavy rainstorm during testing, the light remained bright and did not get damaged.
Product Details: Wattage: 20 watts | Lumens: 1800 Lumens | Power Source: Corded electric | Features: Motion sensor, adjustable lighting direction, dusk-to-dawn mode
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / MIKE NAVARRO
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / MIKE NAVARRO
Best Budget
Beams Motion Sensing LED Spotlight
AMAZON
- This light is extremely easy to install and use thanks to the battery power and basic wall mount.
This light is extremely easy to install and use thanks to the battery power and basic wall mount.
- It is not easy to adjust light beam direction.
It is not easy to adjust light beam direction.
While the Beams MB360XT security light wasn’t the brightest light we tested, it was able to illuminate the yard without being overpowering. The 200-lumen light is a wall-mounted model that was designed especially for wide coverage.
It met our needs perfectly, lighting the way when we took our dogs out to use the bathroom and serving as a good substitute for a headlamp we usually used when cooking on the BBQ grill at night.
The light has cool white tones and comes with built-in motion sensors. When triggered, the lights stay on for around 24 to 25 seconds and will turn off by themselves if no further motion is detected. We were able to trigger the sensor from about 30 to 35 feet away in tests.
Because the light is battery-powered, set-up was quick and easy. However, we found the process of changing the light’s direction to be tedious and involved us unscrewing the light from the base to turn it around.
Also, there’s a chance that the screws may not be compatible with your wall type, so be prepared to buy extra screws just in case. The light is available in a one- or two-pack.
Product Details: Wattage: n/a | Lumens: 200 lumens | Power Source: Battery | Features: Motion sensor
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / JOHN SOMERALL
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / JOHN SOMERALL
Best Sconce
Better Homes and Gardens Solar Dusk to Dawn Decorative Light
WALMART
- Dusk-to-dawn mode gradually brightens the light as the sun goes down.
Dusk-to-dawn mode gradually brightens the light as the sun goes down.
- The light only extends 10 feet.
The light only extends 10 feet.
For those who want better-than-basic lighting, we recommend a decorative sconce like the Better Homes and Gardens Solar Wall Mount LED Light. Install the porch light for a stylish yet practical way to brighten up any area.
For our tests, we installed it on a fence to light up the driveway so we could see better when pulling the car in and out at night. The LED bulb has 200 lumens and a useful dusk-to-dawn feature that makes the light gradually brighter as the sun goes down.
If motion is detected, the light switches on at full power mode. To conserve battery it will return to low power if no further movement occurs. The light has a limited 10-foot reach, so it’s not the best outdoor lighting for large areas.
That said, the motion sensor can be activated as far away as 25 feet. The light runs on a solar battery and is wire-free, which makes it easy to install but also easier for someone to steal or for a high wind to blow it off, as it simply hangs from the bracket.
Product Details: Wattage: 2 watts| Lumens: 200 lumens |Power Source: Solar battery| Features: Motion sensor, solar power, dusk-to-dawn mode
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / JOSEPH MANALANG
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / JOSEPH MANALANG
Best Lantern
Euri Lighting Flickering Flame Lantern
AMAZON
- Flickering flames and an attractive water glass finish make this light an elegant option for a front or back porch.
Flickering flames and an attractive water glass finish make this light an elegant option for a front or back porch.
- The motion detector has limited reach.
The motion detector has limited reach.
Hands down, the flickering flame effect combined with dusk-to-dawn technology were our favorite features of the porch light from Euri Lighting. The soft, flickering yellow flames are created by an enclosed bulb that contains over 300 diodes to create the effect.
The water glass finish adds an elegant touch, making it a great lighting option for a porch or deck. There is also a motion sensor that activates a bright white security light when movement is detected. However, you cannot adjust the light’s brightness or beams.
We found that the motion detector wasn’t very sensitive and only activated if someone walked up to it. While we wouldn’t use it as a security light for an entire property (it’s not bright enough), it is a fantastic choice for a gorgeous light fixture to illuminate a porch or small backyard.
Product Details: Wattage: 12.5 watts | Lumens: 1200 lumens |Power Source: Hardwire| Features: Motion sensor, flickering light effect, dusk-to-dawn mode
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / CATHY FALLONE
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / CATHY FALLONE
Most Versatile
Lerekam Solar Landscape Spotlights
AMAZON
- This extra durable light is frost- and heat-resistant, waterproof, and able to withstand harsh temperatures.
This extra durable light is frost- and heat-resistant, waterproof, and able to withstand harsh temperatures.
- It does not have a motion sensor.
It does not have a motion sensor.
If you’re living in a cold climate, a freeze-resistant outdoor light like the Lerekam Solar Light is a great option. It’s the best outdoor light in terms of versatility because it runs on both solar and regular battery power—you can use it even on cloudy days by charging it via USB.
For the solar battery, remember to charge it two days before using it. The light is rated IPF65 waterproof, is heat- and frost-resistant, and can withstand extreme temperatures ranging from -20 to 50 degrees Celsius.
You have the option of staking it into the ground to light up pathways or mounting it to the garage or exterior wall of the house. It comes with all the accessories needed for installation including ground stakes and screws.
The 360-degree angle effectively illuminated all the areas we were trying to light up during testing. You can choose your preferred light colors—cool white, warm white, and multi-color—and brightness modes—high, medium, and low.
We found it easy to install, as there was no hardwiring involved. The only downside is that it does not have a motion sensor, so you can only manually control the light. The lights are available in 2-pack 4-pack and 6-pack options.
Product Details: Wattage: 65 watts | Lumens: 1000 watts |Power Source: Solar Battery, Battery| Features: Solar power, multiple light colors, dusk-to-dawn mode
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DAVE DECARLO
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DAVE DECARLO
Best Coverage
SANSI Motion Sensor Outdoor Floodlight
HOME DEPOT
- It features a wide-angle beam of 320 degrees, giving you extensive coverage for your property.
It features a wide-angle beam of 320 degrees, giving you extensive coverage for your property.
- Installation is more complicated because it needs to be hardwired.
Installation is more complicated because it needs to be hardwired.
An intense 6000-lumen bulb and a wide-angle beam (320 degrees) make the Sansi floodlight the best outdoor lighting option for large yards, garages, staircases, and more. It features three adjustable lamps on each side of its base which you can adjust to face in a certain direction.
An IP65 waterproof rating means it’s able to withstand the elements and will work in rain or snow without issue. Keep in mind that the floodlight does not have a motion sensor, and instead is equipped with a daylight sensor that switches the light off as soon as the sun rises.
Although the light is only 45 watts, it consumes less energy and has a brighter output compared to a 150-watt halogen floodlight that we used previously.
When it came to installation, the instructions were easy to follow, but it had to be hardwired on a junction box for it to work. (You should hire an electrician if DIY is not your strong suit.) You also can’t adjust the brightness levels.
Product Details: Wattage: 45 watts | Lumens: 6000 lumens|Power Source: Hardwired | Features: Adjustable lamp heads, daylight sensor
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / PATRICK MCGOWAN
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / PATRICK MCGOWAN
Best Solar
AloftSun Solar Motion Sensor Lights
AMAZON
- You can wall-mount or ground-mount this light.
You can wall-mount or ground-mount this light.
- The light is not stylish.
The light is not stylish.
During our tests, we observed that the AloftSun Motion Sensor Solar Landscape Spotlights offered extreme visibility and could easily illuminate our yard and pathways even when set to low dimming modes.
It features a high IP68 rating, which provides full protection against dirt and water. When it rained, the light hardly sustained any damage and continued to work with no changes in brightness.
The AloftSun has a rechargeable solar battery and motion sensor with a 120 degree angle to detect movement up to 33 feet away. While it’s clearly designed for function rather than style, the lights are simple to install and come at a decent price for the quality and features.
It took a while for us to figure out how all the modes and features worked, but once we got the hang of it, we were able to get full use out of the various settings. Because they can be placed in the ground, the lights are somewhat portable. They come in packs of two, four, or six.
Product Details: Wattage: 1.5 watts | Lumens: 800 lumens|Power Source: Solar Battery| Features: Solar powered
- The AloftSun Solar Motion Sensor Outdoor Lights remained undamaged after our golf ball durability test. BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
Best String
Brightech Ambiance Pro Solar String Lights
AMAZON
- A solar panel charges the battery in direct or indirect sunlight, so you won’t need to worry about the lights dying on cloudy days.
A solar panel charges the battery in direct or indirect sunlight, so you won’t need to worry about the lights dying on cloudy days.
- The lights can only be controlled manually.
The lights can only be controlled manually.
The Brightech Ambience Pro Solar Powered Outdoor String Lights creates a warm ambiance for outdoor entertaining on a patio, gazebo, or beside a pool. They come in 27- or 48-foot lengths, both with 15 LED Edison bulbs.
The bulbs are long-lasting for up to 20,000 hours. The lights feature eight light modes and can last up to 10 hours on one charge. A solar panel charges the light in direct or indirect sunlight. Note that the lights are not automatic and there is a button on the body to control light settings.
While the bulbs are shatter-resistant and can withstand wind and rain, if a bad storm is brewing, it’s probably best to take them down as they’re not secure. Keep in mind that these lights are more for atmosphere and are not as bright as floodlights or other solar lights.
Product Details: Wattage: 1 watt | Lumens: n/a |Power Source: Solar-Powered| Features: Solar power
- The 12 LED bulbs on the Brightech Ambience Pro Solar String Lights are spaced 20 inches apart, and each strand is 27 feet long. BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON