Top 5 Security Lights of 2021 (Pricing & Features)
There are many aspects to bear in mind when choosing a security light. For example, the area where it is going to be placed, if it adjusts to the budget, or if it consumes too much power. Here we break it down to make it all clear.
Provider | Total Score | Price | BBB Rating | DIY instal | Warranty | Range | Angle | IP64/65 | Solar panel | Multipack | Brightness adjustment | Photosensor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
URPOWER | 9.8 | $25.99 | A | Yes | 5 years | 10 ft. | 120 | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
LITOM | 9.8 | $39.99 | A | Yes | 3 years | 26 ft. | 120 | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
Heath Zenith Light | 9.6 | $29.05 | A | Yes | 2 years | 30 ft. | 150 | No | No | No | Yes | No |
LEONLITE | 9.6 | $35.99 | A | Yes | 5 years | S/A | S/A | No | No | No | No | Yes |
First Alert | 9.6 | $17.63 | A | Yes | 3 years | 12 ft. | 360 | No | No | No | No | No |
Sunforce | 9.5 | $35.29 | A | Yes | No | 30 ft. | 180 | No | Yes | No | No | No |
EATON | 9.4 | $54.76 | A | Yes | 2 years | S/A | S/A | No | No | No | No | No |
Heath Zenith HZ-5833 | 9.4 | $111.47 | A | Yes | 5 years | 70 ft. | 240 | No | No | No | No | No |
Hyperikon | 9.4 | $30.95 | A | Yes | 5 years | 50 ft. | 150 | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
Luscreal | 9.4 | $29.99 | A | Yes | 1 year | S/A | 125 | No | No | No | No | No |
Mr. Beams | 9.3 | $16.54 | A | Yes | No | 20 ft. | S/A | No | No | Yes | No | No |
MicroSolar | 9.3 | $39.99 | A | Yes | No | S/A | 120 | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
Amico | 9.3 | $27.99 | A | Yes | No | S/A | 180 | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
MAXSA | 9.3 | $67.58 | A | Yes | No | 40 ft. | 180 | No | No | Yes | No | No |
RAB Bullet | 9.1 | $99 | A | Yes | No | S/A | 360 | No | No | No | No | No |
Exploring the Different Types of Outdoor Lights
There are many types of lights on the market. All of them cater to a different type of client and try to solve a different sort of need. These are the main four types of security light available.
Motion Sensor Outdoor Lights
This type of product has a detector to track all types of movement within a certain area. They usually have a range, which is measured in feet. And a determined angle that defines the coverage. Once they sense activity, they turn on the light.
Floodlights
These are characterized by how strongly they shine. They are usually used in very dark areas. To work as expected, they need a very high number of lumens, usually around 2000. In general, they include a tracker.
Landscape Lights
The purpose of this kind of item is not only keeping the place safe but also make it look nice. They are usually used in gardens. Usually, they are designed to be beautiful, even if this means having lower lumens and watts than similar products.
Spotlights
While the others try to illuminate all the parts of an area, this one only directs its beam at a specific spot. They are usually used to show where something is, like a door, or a sign.
Outdoor Security Lights Differentiation
There are many types of outdoor security lights to keep a home safe in 2021. They have evolved over time. And this shows in the different types of tech available. Here is a brief description of what is available in the market right now.
LED vs. Incandescent Light bulbs
Since the creation of the bulbs, they did not change much over time. Especially for houses. This was so until the beginning of the 2000s. Then, LED lights came out and revolutionized the market with all their benefits.
Led: Top-Notch Tech
The major perk of this tech is the durability of the bulb. How much they last exactly will depend on the brand. But in general, the difference ends up making a lot more than the cost of replacing incandescent bulbs all the time. They are the ones used by the best outdoor security lights.
Pros:
- Long lifespan
- Saves money
- No need to replace them often
- Power-efficient
- Adjustable hue
Cons:
- High upfront cost
- Harder to find
Incandescent Light Bulbs: Too Expensive in the Long Run
They are everywhere, and their cost is extremely low. Yet, their lifespan is very short. These bulbs last 20 times less than the other type. This means that in the long run, they end up being much pricier. And they waste more power too.
Pros:
- Cheap upfront cost
- Easy to find
- Warmer hue
- Compatible with all sockets
- Cheaper to produce
Cons:
- Much more expensive in the long run
- Do not last much
Watts vs. Lumens: Similar but Not the Same
These two concepts are related, but they are not the same. Watts makes reference to the amount of energy required necessary to produce the beam. Lumens, on the other hand, means the brightness that the bulb produces. The best security lights have fewer watts and more lumens.
Range: A Key Aspect to Consider
In this field, the range of devices is highly important. The larger it is, the more it protects. Yet, this will also depend on the area that needs to be protected. The best outdoor security lights have long ranges in terms of illumination and trackers.
In this case, it refers to how far into the darkness the bulb illuminates. This is closely related to the number of lumens it can produce.
Lumens: Measure the Brightness
The recommended number for outdoor security lighting will depend on how large the area is. Big ones, like backyards, will need a number close to 1,000 to illuminate the whole space.
When talking about detectors, this refers to how big is the area in which it can sense movement. This is usually measured in feet within a certain angle.
Pros and Cons of Motion Sensor Outdoor Lights

Installing lighting outside is great to increase the safety of an area. Yet, it is not a solution for everyone. Read on to see what are its strong and weak points.
Pros:
- Discourage potential thieves
- Help to save money
- Save in electricity bills
- Make the area safer
- Turn a dark place into a pretty one
- Choose eco-conscious products
Cons:
- Not enough by themselves
- Sometimes they stop working after a few months
Frequently Asked Questions
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What Is the Best Outdoor LED Light?
The Heath Zenith Light is one of the top outdoor security lights in the market. It’s ideal for customers who favor brightness. Its multiple LEDs throw light in all directions. It has a long lifespan, lasting 5 times more than a regular product. And it uses about 1/9 the power than an inferior bulb.
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How Many Lumens Do I Need for Outdoor Security Lighting?
The best security lights have between 500-3000. It depends on where they are. For paths and stairs, 500 is a good number. Flood and movement sensor lights might need 700 lumens. Underwater lights 500-700 lumens. Regular landscape lights 1000-3000 lumens. These are suggestions. In the end, it depends on how bright or dark each customer likes their yard to be.
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What Is the Brightest Security Light?
The LEONLITE Floodlight is the brightest security light in the market. Its brightness startles and wards off even the most daring burglary. It’s also eco-friendly. It only uses 160 watts. At the same time, it produces up to 3300 lumens of startling light. What is more, this product lasts about 50.000 hours. In other words, it lasts for 25 years
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What Is a Good Wattage for Outdoor Lights?
A good choice for outdoor landscapes is 80 watts or less. 40 watts is excellent for brightening pathways and flower beds. 40-80 watts is a great option for lighting places such as driveways and small patios. Of course, it all depends on personal taste. But 80 watts and lower is a great option. It’s eco-friendly, too.
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How High up Should You Put a Movement Tracker?
The most appropriate height for this kind of device is 6 to 8 feet above the ground. Some users prefer to install detectors on the ceiling instead of the wall. They often do it above a door or hall. Every time somebody goes in or out of the room, the detector activates. This leads to false alarms. The top choice is to install a detector at 6-8 ft above the ground, but far from doors or windows.
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Where Is the Best Place to Put a Movement Detector?
First, it is crucial to keep detectors far from heat sources. Temperature changes can cause this kind of device to activate. The same might happen if sunlight hits the detector. This means users should avoid mounting them next to the windows. It’s important to prevent false alarms. For this reason, the most effective location for a detector is in the corner of the wall.
Is It Possible to Find a Good System?
The number of outdoor security lights in 2021 is huge. There are all types of them, including different ranges, power systems types of bulbs. This means that now more than ever, it is possible the one that best suits the needs of each home.