The 10 Best Outdoor Flood Lights

Editor's Notes

September 11, 2020:

These outdoor flood lights can hep keep you from tripping in the dark when you arrive home at night, and they can help deter unwanted visitors. Today’s update doesn’t include any new additions, other than newer or more readily available versions of the tried-and true models. We moved the Sengled Smartsense and the Philips Hue PAR38 into more prominent positions. The Smartsense offers the convenience of motion detection, and will stay on for 90 seconds after it detects movement nearby. They’re also suitable as indoor flood lights, so you can control the lighting in an entry way, laundry room, or hallway, without having to bother with finding a switch in the dark. Like the Smartsense, the Hue Par 38 come in a pack of 2 and work in recessed cans. These can be controlled via your smartphone or a voice assistant like Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant, when you purchase the bridge component that’s sold separately from the manufacturer.

For a popular floodlight that doubles as a security camera, check out the Ring Floodlight Camera, which both lights up your property and records any goings-on. It’s equipped with motion sensors, night vision, and a 110-decibel alarm. You can use your smart phone to talk into it and hear people’s responses. It’s available in black or white, so you’ll likely find one to match your decor. Our list includes a few sturdy ball-and-socket joint designs, including the Good Earth Security, with a powerful output of more than 2,100 lumens from its two swiveling heads – yet this efficient choice only uses 22 watts. The Nuvo SF77 is produced by a company that’s been in the business since the 1960s, and it can be purchased in single- and double-head versions. For this one, however, you’ll have to purchase the bulbs separately.

No matter which model you decide to go with, remember that for any electrical installation that does involve live wires, you should hire a licensed electrician, for safety’s sake. In addition, it’s important to comply with your local municipality’s electrical codes regarding wiring and grounding requirements.

March 29, 2019:

You want the exterior of your home to be bright and safe but also attractive, so we've looked for options that can meet these criteria, leading us to the Good Earth Security and Onforu 2 Pack as top options. These are hardwired rather than plug-and-play, but they aren't terribly costly, provide ample illumination, and have a relatively plain appearance. For those who'd like something that will integrate into a smart home, we chose the Philips Hue PAR38. You'll need a hub, but once you have it, these lights seem to do just about everything but make you a cup of coffee. We also decided to add the Ring Floodlight Camera, although arguments continue over whether this Ring is ready for primetime. Unfortunately, if you expect to open the box, hang up the light, and never think about it again, it's probably not the option for you. If, on the other hand, you're willing to put up with a few installation and setup hassles, and you want the smart features, it may be worth the extra work. Plus, it's an obvious camera/light combo, which may cause burglars or porch pirates to think twice about approaching your home. Finally, we opted for one solar option, the Litom Solar, which are simple to operate but not terribly large. If you want truly bright illumination, expect to need several of them.