The 7 Best Outdoor Motion Sensor Lights of 2021

Best Overall: LEONLITE LED Security Lights Motion Sensor Flood Light Outdoor

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When choosing the right security lights for your home, there are many factors to consider before making a purchase. You'll want to think about the design, brightness, light range, and reactiveness. If you're looking to invest in a lasting product, one of the best security lights available today is the LEONLITE 20-W LED Dusk to Dawn Outdoor Security Flood Light with Motion Sensor. It's durable, bright, and can detect motion up to 70 feet away.

This two-headed fixture lets you angle the lights in whatever direction you choose, and the ultra-bright LED bulbs will ensure you can always see what’s going on in the backyard. The light comes with three operation modes: manual, auto, and dusk to dawn. If you want this to act as a conventional security light, you'll want to utilize auto mode. When it’s on auto mode, the lights will turn on when the sensor detects motion and you can set how long it stays lit before shutting itself off. Because this has an IP65 waterproof rating it can withstand harsh weather conditions, but it comes with a five-year warranty in case you have any issues.

Best Budget: LITOM Original Solar Lights

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If you need to install a number of motion sensor lights outside your home, you may be looking for a low-cost option—and this pick will help you with your goals. It may not be the most aesthetically pleasing light, but it’s highly functional and won’t put a dent in your wallet.

These lights run off of solar power with a battery backup, so you don’t have to wire them into your home. They’re outfitted with 24 LED lights that have an illumination range of 270 degrees, which is 50 percent wider than most competitors. The fixture has a motion sensor that can detect movement up to 26 feet away, and the lights are heat-proof and waterproof, so you can mount them on your garage or another uncovered area. Another benefit is the high-efficiency solar panel which helps them charge up faster than normal solar lights. Although solar power is great, it still potentially may not be as reliable as other options.

Best LED: Sengled Snap Integrated 60-Watt HD Camera Outdoor LED Floodlight Lighting

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If you already have an outdoor light fixture, you can make it motion-activated with the Sengled LED Light Bulbs. These innovative bulbs have built-in motion sensors that let you easily transform standard fixtures into motion-activated lights.

These LED light bulbs are energy efficient and long-lasting, saving you money on both electricity and replacement bulbs. They have a built-in motion sensor that detects movement up to 30 feet away, and they’ll automatically turn on for 90 seconds. They’re easy to install—just treat them like regular light bulbs—and you can safely place them outdoors as they’re wet-rated. According to reviewers, these LED motion-sensing bulbs are durable and efficient, and they’re a great option for anyone who wants to upgrade an existing light fixture.

Best Design: Hampton Bay Bayside Mission 150° Motion-Sensing Outdoor Wall Lantern Sconce

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Many motion-sensor lights are quite utilitarian, with a plain design and limited color offerings. If you’re looking for outdoor lights to put on your porch or to act as landscape lighting, however, you can opt for something more visually appealing. In this case, we recommend the Heath-Zenith Mission-Style Security Light, which comes with a beautiful exterior that will match just about any decor.

These light fixtures have an oil-rubbed bronze finish and seeded glass that makes them a classic addition to the exterior of your home. They detect motion up to 30 feet away at 150 degrees, and you can use them with 60-watt incandescent bulbs (which you have to buy separately). Once the light is on, you can choose whether it shuts off after one, five, or 10 minutes. It also has a manual override that allows it to function as a standard light fixture, as well.

Best Flood Lights: Defiant 270° White Motion Activated Outdoor Integrated LED Triple Head Flood Light

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Floodlights are typically brighter and cast a wider path of light than standard outdoor lights, and if you want to illuminate your whole yard, the Defiant Motion-Activated Outdoor Triple-Head Flood Light is an unbeatable product. This light has three lamp heads and casts light in a 270-degree detection zone, so you can see everything that’s happening in your yard.

This flood light has several unique features, including an adjustable color temperature, which allows you to choose whether you want a cool or warm light. The light is powered by bright LEDs that will last for years and save energy, and the motion detector can sense motion up to 70 feet away, making it ideal for those with larger yards. Plus, it’s marketed as easy to install by DIYers, with just three steps.

Best Wireless: Mr. Beams Outdoor UltraBright 400 Lumen Battery Powered Motion Activated Integrated LED Spotlight

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Electrical wiring can be quite confusing, so you may prefer to buy a wireless light that’s easier to install. In this case, one of the best products you can buy is the Mr Beams Outdoor LED Ultra Bright Spot Light, a motion-activated fixture that runs on four D-batteries.

This motion-activated LED spotlight can detect movement up to 40 feet away, automatically turning on its bulbs, which illuminate areas up to 400 square feet. The light turns off after 20 seconds to conserve battery power, and based on an average use of eight to ten activations per day, your batteries should last for about a year. This spotlight installs in a matter of minutes with the included mounting hardware, and the weatherproof design allows you to place it anywhere around your yard, garage, porch, or deck.