The best outdoor motion sensor lights can be beneficial for your home by boosting your level of comfort and sense of security. Since they are only activated when nearby movement is detected, these lights make for a great energy-saving outdoor option. They can run on batteries, solar power, or electricity.
Aside from their function, these outdoor lights mostly have a modern, minimalistic, and universally compatible look. Whether you want to purchase outdoor sensor lights for your garden, stairways, porch, or driveway, here are nine of the best options on the market.
Our Top 3 Motion Sensor Lights Recommendations
Best Outdoor Motion Sensor Lights for 2022
Sansi 18W LED Motion Security Lights
Pros
- Easy to install
- Brightness of 1,800 lumens
- Dusk to dawn option
Cons
- The plastic case may scratch
If you are looking for a reliable photocell system that detects motion, Sansi is a good option to start with. This system provides a coverage of 861 square feet when mounted to a wall at 8 feet, and a brightness of 1,800 lumens with the help of its 4 LED bulbs.
Sansi offers an ideal blend of functionality and affordability. This dusk to dawn light system boasts a significant lifespan of 50,000 hours and can easily be configured to remain on for 1, 5, or 10 minutes after motions trigger them. If you want the lights to remain on at night, you can use the manual mode to leave them on for six to eight hours.
The device is capable of sensing motion at a range of 180 degrees and from a height of 50 feet when it’s mounted on the wall at 8 feet high. These motion sensor lights have a width of 5.39 inches and a length of 8.23 inches. Their power source is a 110V AC.
You can purchase these outdoor lights for $38.99 each from the Sansi website or from ecommerce sites. They come with a 5-year warranty and are waterproof and dustproof.
TBI Solar-Powered Outdoor Security Solar Lights
Pros
- Easy installation
- Patented ceramic heat dissipation technology
- Brightness of 2,200 lumens
Cons
- May last lesser than expected
These solar-powered motion sensor security lights offer an excellent brightness of 2,200 lumens, which provides enough light for poorly lit areas, such as industrial sites, commercial spaces, or large private properties. With three heads that are widely adjustable to an angle of 360 degrees, it is enough to cover an area of up to 800 square feet.
The system is provided with a rechargeable alkaline battery. Some of the advantages of the TBI motion sensor light is that the device has an IP65 waterproof rating and it has a patented ceramic heat dissipation technology. Thanks to this feature and its hollowed-out design, the LED lights will never become too hot.
You choose how you want to install this flexible unit — whether you want to mount it vertically or horizontally based on your setting. The sensors are able to detect motion at 180 degrees and 50 feet out. What makes this the best solar motion sensor light is its dusk-to-dawn photocell setting, which ensures that the lights turn on at night and off in the morning. Another great feature is its generous 45,000-hour lifespan.
You can get these outdoor lights for $34.99 a piece from ecommerce websites. If you buy two from Amazon, you can purchase it for $29.98 each.
LEPOWER 28W LED Motion Security Lights
Pros
- Customizable sensing range and lighting time
- Energy-saving
- Resistant aluminum design
Cons
- Not a dusk-to-dawn LED light
- Limited warranty
The LEPOWER sensor lights are quite efficient in detecting any type of motion from people, animals, or vehicles. Easy to install and accompanied by a comprehensive instructions manual, this system is perfect for homeowners. It can be mounted on any wall, and it has to be hardwired to a junction box. The device is powered by an electric cord. Also, you can adjust the light at different angles, thanks to its two flexible LED headlights.
The sensors have an operating range of up to 72 feet and can detect motion at an 180-degree angle. With its optical filter lens, this motion sensor outdoor light can produce up to 3,000 lumens at just 28W, allowing you to save up to 80% on your electric bill.
Compared to traditional 140W halogen bulbs, this is a great choice if you want to save money on your electricity bills. Once the sensor is triggered by motion, lighting time can be set to last between 10 seconds and 10 minutes. However, it does not have the dusk-to-dawn option like the first two items on this list.
Additionally, you can customize both the sensing range from 0 to 72 feet. You can install this motion-activated light in any outdoor space as it has IP65 waterproof guarantee and it is able to withstand heavy rain or snow. The maximum lifespan of this sensor system is over 50,000 hours.
For the low price of $32.99, you can get one of these outdoor lights from ecommerce websites.
Sengled Snap 60-Watt Equivalent LED Floodlight Lighting
Pros
- Easy installation
- Energy-saving
- Comes with an HD security camera
Cons
- Limited warranty
- Can’t adjust duration and sensor diffraction
This unit is a great outdoor motion sensor light bulb for durability. This 14W device measures 4.8 x 4.8 x 5.32 inches and lights up as well as a 60W standard incandescent light bulb. It allows you to transform any standard outdoor light fixture into a motion-activated system. The LED light bulbs have a lifespan of 25,000 hours. The brightness may only be 850 lumens, but this system can help you save money by consuming less energy.
The Sengled Snap sensor can detect any movement from a range of 30 feet. Once the device is triggered, the light will be on for 90 seconds. If you’re looking for a practical solution that requires no technical skills, this motion sensor light bulb is a good option as it is installed just like any other regular bulbs. You simply need an E26 socket.
They’re perfect to place in any area, indoor or outdoor, as they are weatherproof. Overall, these energy-efficient bulbs are a great choice for someone who doesn’t want to spend a lot and is simply looking for an upgrade for existing fixtures.
This device may be quite pricey, but at $129.99, you get more than just a motion sensor floodlight. It’s also a security camera that you can control and customize using the free Snap app. It also comes with a 1-year warranty.
Classic Solar-Powered Motion Sensor Security Lights
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy installation
- Three light modes
- Wide motion detection range
Cons
- May not be as effective during winter
- Can only detect motion from a limited distance
These lights rely solely on solar power, which it harvests and stores in a battery to use at night. It features a modern and reliable energy management chip. The 24 LED lights are high-powered and provide a wide range of illumination of up to 270 degrees.
The sensors detect motion from up to 26 feet away. From what we’ve observed, these outdoor motion sensor lights can cover an area of up to 200 square feet. If four lights are used simultaneously, it can cover up to 800 square feet.
These lights are perfect for outdoor use because they’re really easy to install anywhere (garage, walls, dryway, pathway, etc.). You simply need to mount it using a screw. We’ve also found that it is weatherproof. However, it may not be the best motion sensor flood lights during the winter as it runs solely on solar power.
You can have three light modes to choose from: medium light mode (ordinary light without the use of sensors), dim light with sensor mode (constant dim light and turns on bright light with movement), and sensor mode (light will turn on for 30 seconds upon sensing movement).
Overall, this unit is an affordable, easy, and durable choice for homeowners. The lifespan of this $26.99 device is 36 months, and it is FCC certified.
Leonlite LED Motion Sensor Flood Lights
Pros
- Waterproof
- Three light modes
- Longer lifespan and warranty
- Flexible adjustment on lighting angle and motion sensor
Cons
- Complicated instructions manual
This Leonlite 20W motion sensor flood light measures 7.49 x 7.49 x 5.91 inches and weighs a little less than two pounds. This practical and aesthetically-pleasing two-headed fixture is capable of detecting motion from up to 70 feet away. These can be some of the best outdoor motion sensor flood lights for you if you are looking for a flexible system.
The device allows you to adjust the light in any direction you want to with its 360 degrees rotatable light heads. With its bright light output of 1,800 lumens, it’s ideal for commercial spaces as well as residential areas. This system may be a little harder to install than other items on this list. However, what makes this the best motion sensor flood light is that it is highly efficient and provides three work modes. You can choose from ‘on,’ ‘auto,’ or ‘dusk-to-dawn’ mode based on your needs and preferences.
If you set the device to ‘on’ mode, it will work as a conventional security lighting system. For the auto mode, the light turns on when the sensor detects any motion. For this setting, you can configure how long you want it to remain on.
The Leonlite LED motion sensor light is $39.99 apiece, but it comes with a 5-year warranty and an IP65 waterproof rating.
Hyperikon LED Outdoor Security Flood Light with Motion Sensor
Pros
- Longer lifespan and warranty
- Durable and waterproof
- Three light modes
Cons
- Hard to understand the controls
The Hyperikon LED security flood light has a sleek and modern design. Ergonomic and good-looking, it is perfect for any residential or commercial area. This 20W model is one of the best choices if you are looking for an energy-saving solution that can successfully replace traditional bulbs. The device is also provided with a cord for easy installation.
If you’re looking for the best outdoor motion sensor lights, these Hyperikon outdoor lights offer a wide coverage with sensors that can detect motion from a 150-degree range, over a distance of up to 50 feet.
From our observation, this is a sturdy and reliable outdoor sensor motion system for the price of $72.16. The IP65 waterproof rating ensures you can install it in any area, indoors or outdoors, as it can withstand heavy rain or snow. This product has a warranty of five years and a lifespan of 45,000 hours.
Mr. Beams MB3000 Outdoor Motion Sensor Light
Pros
- Weatherproof
- Easy wireless installation
- Adjustable heads for a customizable coverage
Cons
- Lesser brightness compared to other products
Mr. Beams’ outdoor light was designed for ease of use and durability. This product features a sturdy and reliable design that will stand the test of time. These outdoor sensors can successfully withstand harsh weather conditions, such as snow, heavy rain, or strong wind.
One of the highlights of this model is its ergonomic design, which features a dual-head spotlight that provides 500 lumens. It may not be as bright as other products on this list, but it can still cover an area of up to 800 feet. Aside from these great features, this product is also a wireless motion sensor light, so installation shouldn’t take more than five minutes.
You can also easily adjust the heads for optimum coverage. The heads can pivot and have a side to side motion range of 135 degrees and an up and down motion range of 180 degrees, which makes this device highly flexible. With modern LED technology, its sensor can detect motion within a distance of up to 30 feet.
With its integrated automation feature, the lights automatically turn off after 20 seconds, making this $39.99 device a cost-effective solution to your lighting needs.
Home Zone ES00730V Security Motion Detector Light
Pros
- Flexible adjustment on lighting angle and motion sensor
- Contains dusk-to-dawn option
- Longer lifespan and warranty
- Ultra bright LED
- Weatherproof
Cons
- Hardwire installation
- The casing requires silicone
This product from Home Zone is highly durable and weatherproof, thanks to its sturdy design and quality materials. The system features an aluminum die casting with rubber sealing for leak prevention.
The sensor offers a 180-degree motion detection range from up to 33 feet in distance. The LED lights have an output of 2,000 lumens of bright white light, making it the best outdoor motion sensing security light. With its use of LED technology, these lights require low wattage and are estimated to last 20 years with normal use. Both of these features allow you to save money on energy bills and replacements.
If you’re thinking of buying an outdoor security light for your property, you might stop your quest once you find these highly efficient LED sensors. To install these $39.99 units, you simply have to hardwire and mount them anywhere you see fit. You can then adjust the settings (sensor position, power on timer, lighting coverage) based on your needs.
What to Look for in a Motion Sensor Outdoor Wall Light
Area
Before you purchase these lights, you have to think about where you want to place them. Different types of sensor lights are suitable for different spaces. A row of stake lights is an appropriate choice for a walkway or if you only want to illuminate certain areas in your yard. Additionally, dual-headed sensor lights are the best for garages, while a ceiling-mounted unit is the most appropriate option for your porch.
Energy Source
Another decision to make before buying the best motion sensor light bulb for outdoor use is how you want the system to be powered. You have two options: hardwired or battery-powered. If you prefer a hardwired product, keep in mind that they are usually harder to install. However, you never have to think about replacing batteries.
As far as the second option goes, a battery-powered unit gives you flexibility. You can place it wherever you want. If you are a busy homeowner, a battery-operated motion light might be best for you since it’s easier to install. Another flexible and easy-to-install option is solar-powered units. However, the downside is that it may not be as effective during winter when there’s not a lot of sunlight.
Design
If interior design and decoration are your thing, you will definitely want to consider how your motion sensor looks and blends in with your carefully curated home. There are plenty of colors and designs available on the market, so you’ll never run out of options. Products range from utilitarian products to those that mimic standard outdoor lights.
Energy Efficiency
Another factor to consider is energy efficiency, so you can save money on your electric bill or require less battery replacements. The best outdoor motion sensor light can be an eco-friendly and energy-saving unit that provides sufficient brightness. When you do your research, you have to pay attention to the product’s lumens/watt. Generally speaking, the higher the lumens/watt, the more efficient the product is. If the sensors’ label says “130 lm/W”, it means that 130 units of brightness are produced for each watt consumed.
A more energy-efficient unit is likely to cost more, but don’t forget that, in the long term, it will help you save on your electricity bill.
Durability
When looking for the best motion sensor light, durability is something you should look for. On that note, consider one with at least an IP65 protection rating. You can also get a unit that’s made of high-quality aluminium or a hard ABS plastic, with a solid construction.
Getting a weatherproof unit that can withstand harsh weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, or strong winds is also important. Water resistance is also one of the most important factors to consider when buying sensor lights for outdoor use. You’d want your outdoor lights to work in any type of weather.
Lifespan
Finally, the last but not the least important factor to consider when looking for a motion sensor porch light is the lifespan. Ideally, your product of choice should provide somewhere around 50,000 to 70,000 hours of illumination. Depending on the model and price, there can be quite a difference in how long these lights can last.
The lifespan of LED flood lights can vary, but it’s important to remember that even so, compared to halogen or metal-halide lights, they have the longest lifespan.
People Also Ask
The best choice in outdoor lighting will always depend on your particular needs. For example, if you have to install outdoor lights on a vast commercial area that is usually poorly lit, a product that offers significant brightness, such as the LEPOWER 28W LED motion security lights, can be the best choice for you.
If you’re a busy homeowner who prefers easy-to-install units that don’t require professional help, then the LITOM solar-powered lights or the Mr. Beams MB3000 light is a great choice for you.
When choosing what outdoor lights to use, you need to consider some essential factors. Your budget, the area where you want to place your lights, and the energy source and efficiency are some of the first things to consider. However, you should also factor in the weather in your area and how long you expect the unit to last. Lastly, the product’s design can also be a decision-making element.
There are many reputable names to watch out for when buying motion sensor outdoor lights for your home. In this review, we’ve included companies that we think are at the top of the market — Leonlite, Sansi, LEPOWER, TBI, and Hyperikon, to name a few. They offer reliable motion sensor outdoor lights that can withstand harsh weather conditions and are easy to install.
It is hard to pick one company over the rest, but if we compare, here are some of the best brands depending on what you’re looking for:
– LEPOWER – the best for brightness
– LITOM – the best option for affordability
– Leonlite – the best choice for durability
Motion sensor outdoor lights provide more than just lighting. They also provide security and convenience. These are the main reasons why you should be looking for motion-activated lighting for outdoor use.
These lights can deter nighttime burglars in two ways: they can get startled when the lights turn on, and they won’t have the cover of darkness they need to enter your home. You can even get an outdoor motion sensor light with an alarm for added protection.
On the other hand, with these standard outdoor motion lights, if anyone or anything triggers the sensor and turns on the lights, you (or even a neighbour) can immediately check if it’s someone suspicious or just a friendly visitor. For your peace of mind and the safety of your home and loved ones, it’s a good idea to get some of the best outdoor motion sensor lights.