To find the best options available, we researched and evaluated dozens of products based on brightness, motion detection, and weatherproofing. Our best overall pick is the LEONLITE LED Motion Sensor Flood Light, which features a wide coverage area, is waterproof, and uses long-lasting LED bulbs. Here are the best outdoor floodlights. The LEONLITE LED Motion Sensor Floodlight has dual heads that can be angled and rotated to ensure the light extends to the areas you want it to reach. It’s our top pick since its flexible settings and sensitive motion sensors give you impressive control over your outdoor lighting. Along with setting the position of the dual motion sensor lights, you can also program what triggers them to turn on and how long they stay on. For instance, you can set the lights to turn on only when the sensors detect motion and turn off anywhere between five seconds or five minutes after. You can also set the lights to turn on at night and off once daylight hits. The motion sensor offers 180-degree coverage and can detect movement as far as 69 feet away. If you find the motion sensor hypersensitive or inaccurate, you can adjust the range and sensitivity settings. Our tester appreciated the customization power, which also gives control over energy use, and the 180-degree adjustability of the light angle, which she angled toward a step at the side of her house. “It worked beautifully and turned on before we reached the step, which reduced our falling risk.” However, our tester noted that the foam gasket doesn’t feel as sturdy as other parts. Overall, the LEONLITE is durable, thanks to its water-resistant design and long-lasting LEDs rated to last 50,000 hours. This model also comes backed by a five-year warranty. Price at time of publish: $47 This fixture is easy to mount to a junction box, eave, or exterior wall. Once it’s hardwired and connected to a light switch, you can turn it on and off as needed. Also, the aluminum canopy and socket holders resist rust and weather damage. The light is available with a dusk-to-dawn sensor, but sometimes the sensor can be inaccurate and turn on or off too early or late. Price at time of publish: $16 This weather-resistant outdoor light fixture comes in white or bronze with the option of two or three heads. Thanks to its built-in LEDs, you’ll never have to worry about replacing a bulb. You can set it to always remain on, turn on only when it detects motion, or illuminate from dusk till dawn. It’s easy to mount to any wall or eave and comes with all the hardware you need. Price at time of publish: $109 The 1080-pixel high-definition (HD) camera has infrared night vision and a live-view option. If you get the Ring Protect Plan, you can also record videos and watch footage from as far back as 60 days. However, this plan does require you to pay a subscription fee, adding to the expense of this already pricier floodlight. As for the light, the ultra-bright bulbs provide powerful illumination, and the siren feature offers added security. Price at time of publish: $200 You can mount the fixture onto a junction box or install it on any other exterior wall within a few minutes. The lights can be turned off and on when wired to a switch and adjusted to various angles. However, switch controls are the only option, and this product doesn’t incorporate a motion or dusk-to-dawn sensor. On the plus side, this floodlight is also waterproof and guaranteed by the manufacturer for five years. Price at time of publish: $36 Since the aluminum cylinders are compact, the bulbs you choose will be deep-set, helping the floodlight maintain a low profile wherever you install it. The cylindrical heads are adjustable, so you can direct the light according to personal preference. You can also adjust the brightness thanks to the floodlight’s dimmable feature. Unfortunately, you’ll have to purchase the lightbulbs separately, and you will notice that the encasing feels a tad thinner and more lightweight compared to other options. Price at time of publish: $49 Some users note that the light can sometimes be too bright and overflow into their neighbor’s yard. However, these lights are dimmable, so if you attach them to a fixture with a dimmable feature, you can adjust the brightness. Price at time of publish: $15 Each lamp on this model features 360-degree adjustability, and the built-in motion sensor picks up on movement up to 33 feet away and within a 120-degree range. Once these solar-power floodlights detect motion, they will stay on for 30 seconds. To conserve energy, this model also functions as a dusk-to-dawn lighting solution, meaning that it will automatically turn off during the daytime while it replenishes the battery via the solar panel. Price at time of publish: $40
Brightness
Next, think about how bright you want your outdoor floodlight to be. How bright your floodlight is should ultimately depend on where you put it. An outdoor floodlight with low lumens might be OK for your patio, but you might want a more powerful floodlight in your driveway and in front of your house, especially if those areas are larger. “The average residential exterior flood light brightness is around 1000 lumens but can go up to 4000 or more lumens to light up a large expanse,” says Biermeier. “1000 lumens is ideal for most exterior lighting situations in which a patio, walkway, or driveway needs to be illuminated enough to safely navigate. There are some environmental arguments against using lamps brighter than about 1500 lumens including light pollution and plant damage.”
Type of Light
Finally, determine what type of light bulb you want to use in your floodlight. Some models use halogen lightbulbs, while others use LED bulbs. Many people prefer LED bulbs because they last far longer than halogen ones, which can save energy and money.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This roundup was researched and written by Theresa Holland, a freelance content creator and a homeowner with personal and professional experience researching and testing home improvement products. In addition to The Spruce, you can read more of her writing on MyDomaine and Byrdie. Additional reporting was done by Ashley Abramson, a lifestyle writer whose work has also appeared in the New York Times, MyDomaine, Allure, Washington Post, Apartment Therapy, and more. “Installing flood lights into existing exterior lamp wiring locations is similar to installing standard exterior lighting,” says Biermeier. “However, adding floodlight locations where there is no existing wiring is best left to an electrician.” Some floodlights turn on manually with a switch, while others have motion sensors that turn the lights on when they detect movement or automatically power on and off with the sunlight. Sarah Toscano also provided additional reporting and consulted with, Deane Biermeier, a Certified Lead Carpenter and member of The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board, to gain further insights about floodlights.
