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Outdoor security lights can deter lurkers and would-be criminals, alert you to unwanted visitors, and simply provide the convenience of a well-lit exterior for nightly trash runs. Since 2021, floodlight gear has advanced: premium floodlight cameras now offer higher-resolution video (2K/3K and even dual-lens or pan/tilt designs) with smarter motion tech like radar-assisted detection, better local storage options, and tighter ecosystem integration (Wirecutter; Tom’s Guide; PCMag). For most homes, plan around roughly 2,000–3,000 lumens for driveways/yard coverage and aim heads downward to avoid glare. Follow responsible-lighting guidance—warmer color temperature where possible (around 2700–3000K), fully shielded with no uplight—per the International Dark-Sky Association/IES principles and DLC LUNA. Note that smart-home interoperability via Matter is maturing, but cameras are not broadly supported as Matter devices yet; most camera features still rely on brand apps/platforms (CSA: Matter).
The 3 Best Security Lights
- SANSI 45W LED Security Light – Best Overall
- LEPOWER 3500LM Motion Sensor Light — Best for Long-Distance Detection
- Ring Floodlight Cam – Best Combined Security Light and Camera
Best Outdoor Security Lights
| Motion Detection Range | Waterproof Rating | Warranty | |
| SANSI | 180 degrees, 50 feet | IP-65 | 5 years |
| LEPOWER | 180 degrees, 72 feet | IP-65 | 1 year |
| Ring | Radar-assisted 3D Motion; Bird’s Eye View | Weather-resistant (no IP rating listed) | 1 year |
*Data accurate as of 2025
SANSI 45W LED Security Light
Features
Offering LED lights that give off an astounding 6,000 lumens, the SANSI 45W LED Security Light is one of the brightest outdoor security lights on the market. At 45W, that’s about 133 lumens per watt (high efficacy for a residential flood), and the two adjustable heads help you aim light where it’s needed while keeping glare out of neighbors’ windows. Use the rear control to trim brightness and set timers for motion events.
Although the SANSI 4W LED Security Light’s motion detector can sense movement up to 50 feet away in a 180-degree range, simply turn the Range knob to the left to decrease the distance monitored by the motion detector. You can also set how long you’d like the light to stay on (from 1 to 10 minutes) after it’s triggered in Auto mode, or use one of its other modes to allow it to stay on from dusk to dawn or for up to six hours. For residential comfort and community impact, favor warmer color temperatures where available and aim light downward per IDA/IES principles and the controllability guidance in DLC LUNA.
The SANSI 45W LED Security Light features six 45-watt bulbs on two adjustable arms that you can configure for use in corners, against walls, or pointing straight down toward the ground. It carries an IP65 weather rating (dust tight and sealed against water jets per IEC 60529), a five-year warranty, a 30-day refund or replacement, and free lifetime tech support. For durability in harsher sites, verify “Wet Location” listing for the junction box (per NEC), look for UV-stable materials, and consider surge protection on outdoor circuits (SPDs are commonly tested to ANSI C136.2 on area luminaires).
Compatibility
This outdoor security light doesn’t use Wi-Fi or Z-Wave technology. It’s incompatible with home automation systems. If you want smart-home interoperability, note that Matter has improved cross-platform control for many device types, but cameras are not broadly supported as Matter devices yet; traditional motion floodlights like this can still be used on simple wall switches and timers (CSA: Matter).
Installation
The SANSI 45W LED Security Light is a hardwired unit designed for DIY installation. It’s mounted to the wall using the included hard plate. For best results: mount to a “Wet Location” rated box (NEC), create a drip loop on the cable, and aim heads so there’s no uplight. If the site is exposed to heavy spray, IP65’s water-jet protection is appropriate; if subject to vandalism, check for an IK impact rating (IK08+ is common guidance per IEC 62262).
LEPOWER 3500LM Motion Sensor Light
Features
The LEPOWER 3500LM Motion Sensor Light is the best seller on Amazon for good reason. It offers the best detection range. The light can be triggered by motion up to 72 feet away with a detection range of 180 degrees. The product features light with up to 3500 LM at low-power of 35W. You can customize your light to last anywhere from 10 seconds to 10 minutes after its triggered. At 3,500 lm from 35W (~100 lm/W), it’s bright for large driveways and side yards, and the three adjustable heads help eliminate shadows while keeping light on your property.
The LEPOWER light comes with three different security light heads that you can adjust at different angles to suit your needs . With an IP65 enclosure (water-jet resistant per IEC 60529), it’s suited to wind-driven rain. For code compliance, mount to a “Wet Location” rated box (NEC), aim for no uplight per IDA/IES, and consider a simple dusk curfew using the fixture’s controls (DLC LUNA encourages controls that limit all-night operation).
Compatibility
This outdoor security light isn’t compatible with any mobile apps or smart home automation systems. If you want automation without a camera, consider ecosystem lights (e.g., Ring Smart Lighting Floodlight Wired) that can trigger cameras via a bridge (Ring Smart Lighting), or choose camera floodlights from brands aligned with your platform (Google Nest Floodlight, Ring Pro, Eufy E340).
Installation
This is a hardwired unit that comes with simple wiring instructions. Although you can install it on your own, if you don’t feel safe doing so, call a licensed electrician. To extend lifespan in exposed locations, use corrosion-resistant hardware, maintain gasket compression, and consider surge protection on outdoor circuits (see ANSI C136.2 guidance for outdoor lighting SPDs). Non-camera motion floods like this typically run $25–$80 depending on brand/features (Wirecutter).
Ring Floodlight Cam
Features
If you’re interested in an outdoor security light with a camera included, then you might want to consider the Ring Floodlight Motion-Activated Camera. The floodlight comes with two-way audio, so you can hear and speak to anyone outside your door. In addition to the motion-activated floodlight, the product also comes with a security siren. The Wired Pro model adds radar-assisted 3D Motion with Bird’s Eye View to map motion paths and reduce false alerts, dual-band Wi‑Fi, and 1080p HDR video—excellent motion tech even if its resolution trails newer 2K/3K rivals like Eufy’s dual-camera, pan/tilt Floodlight Cam E340 (Tom’s Guide).
Because of the camera feature, the Ring Floodlight Cam monitors your home in 1080HD video with infrared night vision and Live View. It includes privacy features such as audio privacy and customizable privacy zones. Most recording/sharing features require a Ring Protect subscription; that’s common across ecosystems (Nest Aware for Google, Arlo Secure for Arlo), while some competitors emphasize local storage instead (Wirecutter).
Compatibility
Because it’s a Ring product, the Floodlight Cam can connect to your Alexa device. You’ll receive notifications when motion is detected, allowing you to respond. You can see, hear, and speak to visitors from your phone, tablet, or PC. Matter is expanding across device types, but cameras are not broadly supported in Matter; Ring cameras integrate through the Ring app and Alexa today (CSA; Amazon Matter).
Homeowners can separately purchase a self-monitored Ring Protect Plan to record video, review what you missed, and share videos and photos. This subscription is compatible with any other Ring products you own. Pricing for premium wired floodlight cams typically ranges roughly $180–$300+ depending on brand/features (Ring; Nest Floodlight; Eufy E340).
Installation
The Ring Floodlight Cam requires hardwired installation to weatherproof electrical boxes. The product is designed for easy DIY installation, though the company partners with OnTech Smart Services to provide professional installation. Ring lists the device as weather-resistant for outdoor use (no IP code published on the product page); mount to a Wet Location box (NEC), aim lights downward to reduce glare (IDA/DLC guidance), and consider circuit surge protection for storm-prone areas (DLC LUNA; ANSI C136.2).
Runners Up
LeonLite 30W 3-Head Motion Activated LED Outdoor Security Light
The LeonLite is a popular outdoor security camera well-known for its long-distance detection. When you set up your camera, you adjust the brightness, motion activation sensitivity, and auto timer. The motion sensor can detect movement up to 70 feet away. The camera has three modes: Auto (motion activated), Dusk to Dawn (only on at night), or On-Time (allows the LeonLite Outdoor Security Light to stay on until you manually switch it off again. For durability, prefer IP65 or better (per IEC 60529) and install on a Wet Location box; follow IDA/DLC LUNA to minimize glare.
Hyperikon LED 200W Motion Sensor Light
If you’re looking for a security light that offers extreme brightness, then Hyperikon might be right for you. It’s an incredibly powerful outdoor LED floodlight with motion detection. This light is extremely adjustable. You can adjust the motion detection, sensitivity, time, positioning, and more. The camera is also fully weatherproof, so you don’t have to worry about keeping it outside. This light is intended for easy DIY installation. With bright floods, ensure the site can accommodate the output without glare—shield and aim per IDA/IES and consider surge protection on circuits (ANSI C136.2).
Aootek LED Solar Light
Aootek’s motion-sensor security floodlight comes with a high-efficient solar panel, helping homeowners save energy. Additionally, the motion detector comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. This light comes with ultra-bright lights and wide-angle illumination. The angle can detect motion up to 26 feet away, with a detection angle of 120 degrees. Because of its waterproof rating, these lights can withstand extreme weather conditions and you won’t have to worry about leaving them outside. For any solar security light, ask for panel wattage, battery capacity (Wh), and stated autonomy; design for at least 2–3 nights of reduced-output runtime and look for independent quality marks for off‑grid products (e.g., VeraSol standards). Favor warmer spectra (≤3000K) and motion‑triggered high output to reduce light pollution (DLC LUNA; IDA/IES).
How We Chose the Best Outdoor Security Lights
To choose the best outdoor security lights, we looked for motion detection capabilities, bright lights, a high weatherproof rating, long warranties, and hardwired installation for maintenance-free performance. In 2025, we also prioritize: (1) smarter detection—radar-assisted motion (e.g., Ring’s 3D Motion/Bird’s Eye) and on‑device AI that reduce false alerts (Ring; Wirecutter), (2) higher-resolution video where you want a camera (2K/3K sensors, and even dual cameras with 360° pan/tilt like Eufy Floodlight Cam E340), (3) storage options—local recording to reduce ongoing fees vs. cloud plans (Ring Protect, Nest Aware, Arlo Secure), (4) ecosystem fit—stick with your platform for smoother automations (Google/Nest; Ring/Alexa), and (5) durable construction and protection—Wet Location listing (NEC), appropriate IP enclosure ratings (IP65–IP66; IEC 60529), impact resistance (IK where published; IEC 62262), UV-stable materials (UL 746C outdoor suitability), and surge protection on outdoor circuits (UL 746C; ANSI C136.2). For brightness, 2,000–3,000 lumens with adjustable heads is a practical target for driveways/yards (Wirecutter), and we align recommendations with DLC LUNA/IDA/IES to minimize glare and light trespass. Typical street pricing: premium wired floodlight cams ~$180–$300+, wire‑free like Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight ~$180–$250 (solar add‑on extra), budget options like Wyze Floodlight v2 ~$80–$120 (Tom’s Guide; PCMag).
FAQ
Do motion sensor lights deter crime?
Bright motion sensor lights may startle a criminal or keep them off your property altogether, but it’s wise to pair outdoor security lights with a security system for maximum protection. Strongest evidence comes from public-space lighting: a randomized trial in NYC public housing found temporary high-intensity lighting cut nighttime outdoor index crimes by about 36% in treated areas (RCT), and meta-analyses suggest improved street lighting reduces crime by roughly 20% on average (College of Policing; CEBCP Matrix). For homes, lights work best alongside target-hardening, alarms, and cameras.
How many lumens do I need for a floodlight?
A floodlight with 1,100 lumens is plenty bright for small areas, but for driveways and yards many experts target about 2,000–3,000 lumens with adjustable heads to put light where you need it (Wirecutter). Use warmer color temperatures and shielding to avoid glare and light trespass (IDA/IES).
What is a good wattage for outdoor lights?
Focus on lumens, not watts, because LED efficacy varies by product. As a rule, compare brightness using the lumen rating, then use dimming and aiming to fine‑tune output. Choose dusk‑to‑dawn and motion controls to deliver light only when needed (aligned with DLC LUNA and IDA/IES best practices).
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