Motion sensor lights are a relatively novel invention that help you save money on your electricity bill by illuminating pathways when it senses someone walking nearby or coming home after sunset.
I live in an area where it goes from being light to dark in less than 15 minutes, so I feel that using outdoor motion sensor lights is a no brainer.
Motion sensor lights are also really nice because they are hands free. When you come home at night, you don’t have to walk through the dark house and turn on lights manually. The light senses when you get home and the lights are activated.
There are two main kinds of motion sensor lights to choose from: indoor and outdoor ones. Indoor motion sensor lights have been around for quite some time and are extremely popular. They are also very easy to use.
However, outdoor motion sensor lights have become common over the last few years. They are very energy efficient; they add a nice decorative touch to any yard, porch or patio; and are quite easy to install.
Benefits of using motion sensors lights include:
- Using less electricity
- Avoiding tripping on anything that’s in your path
- Being seen by drivers
- Saves you time from having to switch on a light manually
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| LEPOWER 35W LED Security Lights Motion Sensor Light Outdoor | Best Overall |  |
| Mr. Beams MB330 Wireless LED Spotlight | Budget Pick |  |
| Oberlin Rustic Outdoor Wall Light Black Exterior Fixture Motion Security Dusk to Dawn | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. LEPOWER 35W LED Security Lights Motion Sensor Light Outdoor
Pros:
- Good bang for the buck
- Easy to install
- Multifunctional
- Solid performance
- Ideal for outdoor use
Cons:
- Works only when there’s sufficient light (10 lux)
- Tends to stay on when there are no moving objects
- Low/high switch is not easy to use
Tip: Can make DIY motion sensor with this sensor and a good LED Bulb!
One of the most important things that you need to keep in mind when it comes to keeping your outdoor environment safe is installing motion sensor lights. In addition to providing extra security to your home, these lights are also useful in keeping out pests and critters that might be attracted to your front door.
The LEPOWER 35W motion sensor light has a lot of features that make it a great quality mid-range fixture. It comes with a 5500k mid-wave 50,000 hours LED light. It’s designed to be an energy-efficient light that saves you money in the long term by preventing you from having to use extra light bulbs.
2. Brightech – LightPRO LED Yard Light
Pros:
- Excellent motion sensor capture rate
- Range is very wide
- Wide spread of light
- Flexible fixtures to accommodate landscape options
- Solid construction
- Bright, no glare lighting
- Easy installation
- Consistent, high quality light
- Battery backup
- ON/OFF timer
Cons:
- CPU too slow to handle heavy/fast app loads
- Default timer a bit slow
- 1 minute off delay is a bit slow (on other programmable switches, you can start up to 30 minutes ahead of the time you punch in to provide more time for natural sunlight to bleed in to the area)
3. Heath HZ-4150-BK Zenith Motion-Activated Four-Sided Coach Light
Pros:
- Sensitive motion sensor
- 200-foot night vision range
- Easy installation
- Waterproof design
- Durable construction
Cons:
- Not the brightest light
- Motion sensor may not be that sensitive
Motion Activated Outdoor Garden Light, Weather Resistant for Mo.
This motion sensor light is designed to illuminate your entire backyard, and it comes with three separate beams that will light up your pathway, pool, or garden. The four-sided design is designed in such a way that it provides consistent light quality across all four sides without any noticeable dark spots.
The Zenith Motion light can detect movements from up to 200 feet away, and it has a weather-resistant construction that allows it to withstand rain and snow without any issue. This light also has a strong motion sensor and is pretty sensitive so it can even pick up movement at night. Plus, you don’t need any wiring or installation professional to install it.
4. Aootek 182 Led Solar outdoor motion sensor lights upgraded Solar Panel to 15.3 in2 and 3 modes(Security/ Permanent On all night/ Smart brightness control )with IP65 Waterproof
Pros:
- Easy installation
- Great value
- Waterproof
The Aootek 182 solar motion sensor lights are an excellent value choice for anyone looking for standard specs and features. Aootek is a great brand, with more products to come.
These lights have a very basic design and are simply a spotlight with an included motion detector. No complicated installation is necessary though. The lights automatically come with the batteries required to power them. Despite their simplicity, they do the job really well. Place them wherever you need some extra nighttime lighting, and they will either turn on by motion detection or always be on all night.
The lights will last about 6 hours on a full charge. While these aren’t the most durable lights in the industry, they’re still pretty sturdy. You just have to be more careful with these lights since they’re lightweight. These seem to be good for securing your house or backyard.
5. URPOWER Solar Lights Wireless Waterproof Motion Sensor Outdoor Light
Pros:
- Easy to assemble
- Easy to install
- Versatile and portable
- Waterproof and weatherproof
- Includes a 120 degree sensing range
- Free replacement guarantee
Outdoor motion sensors can be quite tricky, but if you’re looking for a good deal with impressive features, this 4-pack set by URPOWER is an excellent option.
These motion sensing lights are wireless and can be easily installed as they are battery powered. You can mount them on the walls, fences, or fences around your home. For added portability, the URPOWER lights come with hanging ropes as well. In addition, you can also use these lights for spaces inside your home as well. This 4-pack is equivalent to 16 traditional 60-watt light bulbs. The lights generate 8,800 lumens of light on max settings.
The setup is easy as the lights only require you to unscrew the battery panel lid, and screw in the battery pack again. The front face of each light should be facing downwards to pick up motion.
6. Hyperikon LED Security Light
Pros:
- Easy to install
- Great floodlight and motion sensor
- Weatherproof
- 60-degree or 120-degree LED floodlights
- Two-year warranty
- Requires less maintenance
- Light sensor that activates light in low lighting conditions
- 20W LED floodlights
- Lifetime guarantees
Cons:
- While very bright, the lights are not as bright as the picture suggests.
- Cannot be mounted beyond a short distance from the power source because the sensor may not reach.
- On some occasions, it has been tricky to set up, requiring an electrician.
- Difficult to mount/place in some circumstances.
The Hyperikon LED light is an excellent bet if you need something to light your yard. It comes with an 8-foot cord, a mounting bracket, a power adapter, and a wireless remote control.
Furthermore, the company also offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, and a three-year warranty on sensitive parts.
The light comes with white, warm white, amber, 36W LED floodlights that are ideal for a variety of lighting needs including reducing surveillance risks and improving safety and security. The motion sensor can be set at 60-degree floodlight mode or 120-degree floodlight mode.
7. HZ-5411-WH Heavy Duty Motion Sensor Security Light
Pros:
- Good for outdoor use
- Bright light, perfect when walking a dog
- Easy installation, doesn’t take up much space
- Functions well for both small and large areas
- Light consistency – no brightness difference between dark and light areas
- Easy to use and program settings
- Multiple light modes available
Cons:
- May not work in areas with heavy rain.
- Limited colour options
- Shut off promptly to conserve batteries
The First Alert HZ-5411-WH Security Hexagon LED Spotlight with PIR Sensor is a great option to consider when looking for the best outdoor motion sensor lights. This particular model is one of the most highly rated outdoor light security lights available online.
In terms of design and functionality, this light is perfect for outside use to illuminate areas of your house, a porch, garage, driveway, front door, or backyard. It connects easily to your outdoor electrical outlet and can illuminate a distance of 30 feet, reaching backyards, driveways, and more.
The light’s sharp range is more than adequate, considering you don’t need to illuminate the entire yard at all times. Its sensitive motion sensor works well even in the dark to detect movement from up to 50 feet away.
8. Mr. Beams MB330 Wireless LED Spotlight
Pros:
- Easy DIY installation
- Weather-resistant design
- Motion and daylight sensors
- Light turns on automatically
- Works well with LED bulbs
- Works with batteries and AC plug
- Easy to disable motion sensor
- Easy to swap out batteries
- Perfect for small driveways
- Motion sensor is plenty sensitive
Cons:
- Motion sensor can be sensitive
- Light is too bright during daylight
- Light isn’t very powerful
- Light won’t work with colored paints
- Some customers reported light doesn’t work after some time
We’re impressed to be able to select this motion-sensor LED spotlight from Mr. Beams as our best pick. This light has already been tried and tested by dozens of customers who left positive reviews about this light.
This light from Mr. Beams is perfect for outdoor use. It fits well when mounted on a garage or carport, and goes well with almost any outdoor design. The light helps illuminate areas that are hard to reach.
9. Sunforce 80 LED Solar Motion Light
Pros:
- Waterproof
- Easy installation and setup
- Affordable price point
- Highly energy efficient
- Weatherproof
- 10 hours of run-time
- Very bright lights with a wide 360-degree range
- Automatic shut-off timer
- Runs for up to 4 months on a full charge before needing to be recharged
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Not a weather-resistant finish
- Plastic materials seem flimsy
- Some reported issues with sensor range
- Directions were vague and hard to follow
80-Lumens.
This solar-powered motion sensor outdoor light from Sunforce is a great value for the price, capable of running for up to 10 hours of use (or up to 4 months in the dark before needing recharging). It features an 80 LED light of relatively low power to ensure that it doesn’t draw too much energy from your panels, and it has a nicely bright output that’ll work best for lighting up your property after dark.
10. Oberlin Rustic Outdoor Wall Light Black Exterior Fixture Motion Security Dusk to Dawn
Pros:
- Three modes: normal, flash, and dim
- Affordable price
- Made from weather-proof materials
- Decorative and functional
Cons:
- Cannot be used on a timer
- Uses very large batteries
Are you planning to hang an outdoor light? Check out this motion enabled outdoor wall light from John Timberland. This outdoor wall light is weather-proof and 100% rust free, making it ideal to be used outdoors. The light has a large size and is made up of high grade iron, brass, and toughened glass, which makes it perfect for outdoor use.
The wall light has three modes, which include normal, flash, and dim. The interior of this outdoor light is covered with LEDs, which automatically turn to energy saving light when it's dark. These LED lights automatically go on only when motion is detected. The motion sensor is not adjustable, and it can take about 15 minutes for the light to turn off.
The outdoor light also has a manual on/off switch, which can be used when movement is not detected. This switch can help the battery last for a longer duration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best motion sensor outdoor lights?
The cost of outdoor security lights varies on the amount of lighting they give. While some can still give adequate light, others can be quite expensive. In these pieces, you will be able to catch the features of the 10 most outstanding motion sensor outdoor lights. Some are designed to give warning while others have a built-in variety of security features that can give you a comfort of mind.
The light’s motion sensor detects the motion and turns the light on. However, what if you do not want the light to come on? Maybe you are up very late working in your garage. Maybe you want to sneak into the house from your late night stroll. It would be the most irritating thing if you switch on the light switch in your hallway and you realize it was the motion sensor that turned on the light.
Most outdoor security lights today give you the option to have the light stay on as long as there is motion detected.
What are the best outdoor security lights?
These are the best outdoor security lights: motion-activated flood lights. Even the most inexpensive, basic motion lights will do the trick. The flood lights are mounted on walls or fences and are set up within a 60-degree angle. They are triggered by motion. They turn on automatically when something comes near.
These lights are most effective when you need high-intensity lights around a property.
Most are guaranteed to last for five years without failure. Almost all are attached to the wall or fence with screws. The cheaper motion lights are surface mounted. They don’t require tools.
Motion lights are great for illuminating hidden areas of a property. This is important for deterring intruders.
How do I get my outdoor motion lights to stay on?
This is one of the more common questions that we get. A lot of times we will get complaints that the lights will only automatically go on for a period of 30 seconds. However, there is usually a setting that allows you to change the length of the time that the sensor will trigger the light to stay on.
The easiest way to find this setting is by looking for a button in a specific location. Most of the time, it’ll look like a sun like the one shown below.
The majority of outdoor motion lights have the setting on a separate button. However, some of the more expensive lights have it built into the default setting so the button won’t have anything to do with it. Make sure to check the manual as well to find out if you need to switch any buttons to a different mode in order to get this to work.
Can you add a motion sensor to an outdoor light?
Yes. If you already have an exterior light, there are motion sensor add-ons available at your local hardware store. These aren't the highest quality, nor do they last very long, but they do the trick. Or you could just buy and install a new motion activated light.
Conclusion
Choosing your outdoor motion sensor light has never been easier. We’ve taken much time and effort to compile a list that not only details the very best motion sensor lights available today, but also details several top models that have been field tested and approved by like-minded outdoor lovers. Each one that has made it to our list of top motion sensor lights has been selected based on strength, stability and overall quality.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| LEPOWER 35W LED Security Lights Motion Sensor Light Outdoor | Best Overall | |
| Mr. Beams MB330 Wireless LED Spotlight | Budget Pick | |
| Oberlin Rustic Outdoor Wall Light Black Exterior Fixture Motion Security Dusk to Dawn | Upgrade Pick | |