Our recommendations include lanterns, string lights, and solar lights.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/bhg-outdoor-lighting-test-leonite-cob-led-security-mike-navarro-09_crop-34bc303e8a0445f090fbdad6c8278575.jpeg "Leonlite LED Outdoor Motion Sensor Flood Light after installation")
Better Homes & Gardens / Mike Navarro
One of the quickest, simplest, and most affordable ways to improve both the look and the functionality of your porch, deck, or backyard is to strategically install outdoor lighting.
Not only can adding outdoor lighting help create curb appeal at night, it also provides essential safety and security functions. Options like functional floodlights to attractive lanterns and string lights are available to suit every style and budget.
You may opt for solar powered lights, which typically turn on and off by themselves at sunset and sunrise, or motion-sensor lights, which can be set to activate when they detect movement. If aesthetics are your focus, there are plenty of lanterns, sconces, and string lights available.
What We Tested
To find the best outdoor lighting, we tested over 60 options at homes, evaluating them based on wattage, lumens, power source, and other features. For more on how we tested outdoor lighting, see our testing process below.
Best Overall: Leonlite LED Outdoor Motion Sensor Floodlight
Why You Should Get It
The light has three modes including an auto, manual, and dusk-to-dawn.
Keep in Mind
The extra-sensitive motion sensor means it turns on often.
With three modes and lights that rotate 360 degrees, the Leonlite COB LED Security Light is the best outdoor light we tested. With an extended 30-foot reach from the garage where we installed it, the light created a prime place to spot critters passing through at night.
The light is yellow, which felt more natural in an outdoor setting than a white one would have. The body consists of two lamps with a 180 degree detection angle and a motion sensor that can detect movement up to 70 feet away.
We noticed that the motion sensor was easily triggered—to the point that the light turned on when there was construction activity on the sidewalk. If the light shines into any windows, it could be disruptive to have it turn on and off regularly.
There are three modes: on-time mode, which works manually; auto mode, which uses the sensor to turn the light on and off; and a programmable dusk-to-dawn mode that turns the light on and off at the time of your choosing.
We found the dusk-to-dawn feature especially helpful, as it deters small animals like skunks, deer, and possums from getting too close to the house. Other than drilling a hole and screwing the light in place, installation was simple and required no calibration (adjustment of the settings).
This light features an IP65 rating and a 50,000-hour lifespan, making it a rugged option that will last a long time. We can attest to some of that durability—when there was a heavy rainstorm during testing, the light remained bright and did not get damaged.
Product Details: Wattage: 20 watts | Lumens: 1800 Lumens | Power Source: Corded electric | Features: Motion sensor, adjustable lighting direction, dusk-to-dawn mode
Best Budget: Beams MB360XT 200 Lumen Battery Powered Motion Sensing LED Spotlight
Why You Should Get It
This light is extremely easy to install and use thanks to the battery power and basic wall mount.
Keep in Mind
It is not easy to adjust light beam direction.
While the Beams MB360XT security light wasn’t the brightest light we tested, it was able to illuminate the yard without being overpowering. The 200-lumen light is a wall-mounted model that was designed especially for wide coverage.
It met our needs perfectly, lighting the way when we took our dogs out to use the bathroom and serving as a good substitute for a headlamp we usually used when cooking on the BBQ grill at night.
The light has cool white tones and comes with built-in motion sensors. When triggered, the lights stay on for around 24 to 25 seconds and will turn off by themselves if no further motion is detected. We were able to trigger the sensor from about 30 to 35 feet away in tests.
Because the light is battery-powered, set-up was quick and easy. However, we found the process of changing the light’s direction to be tedious and involved us unscrewing the light from the base to turn it around.
Also, there’s a chance that the screws may not be compatible with your wall type, so be prepared to buy extra screws just in case. The light is available in a one- or two-pack.
Product Details: Wattage: n/a | Lumens: 200 lumens | Power Source: Battery | Features: Motion sensor
Best Sconce: Better Homes & Gardens Solar Dusk to Dawn Decorative Outdoor LED Light
Why You Should Get It
Dusk-to-dawn mode gradually brightens the light as the sun goes down.
Keep in Mind
The light only extends 10 feet.
For those who want better-than-basic lighting, we recommend a decorative sconce like the Better Homes & Gardens Solar Wall Mount LED Light. Install the porch light for a stylish yet practical way to brighten up any area.
For our tests, we installed it on a fence to light up the driveway so we could see better when pulling the car in and out at night. The LED bulb has 200 lumens and a useful dusk-to-dawn feature that makes the light gradually brighter as the sun goes down.
If motion is detected, the light switches on at full power mode. To conserve battery it will return to low power if no further movement occurs. The light has a limited 10-foot reach, so it’s not the best outdoor lighting for large areas.
That said, the motion sensor can be activated as far away as 25 feet. The light runs on a solar battery and is wire-free, which makes it easy to install but also easier for someone to steal or for a high wind to blow it off, as it simply hangs from the bracket.
Product Details: Wattage: 2 watts| Lumens: 200 lumens |Power Source: Solar battery| Features: Motion sensor, solar power, dusk-to-dawn mode
Best Lantern: Euri Lighting EFL-130W-MD Flickering Flame Lantern
Why You Should Get It
Flickering flames and an attractive water glass finish make this light an elegant option for a front or back porch.
Keep in Mind
The motion detector has limited reach.
Hands down, the flickering flame effect combined with dusk-to-dawn technology were our favorite features of the porch light from Euri Lighting. The soft, flickering yellow flames are created by an enclosed bulb that contains over 300 diodes to create the effect.
The water glass finish adds an elegant touch, making it a great lighting option for a porch or deck. There is also a motion sensor that activates a bright white security light when movement is detected. However, you cannot adjust the light’s brightness or beams.
We found that the motion detector wasn’t very sensitive and only activated if someone walked up to it. While we wouldn’t use it as a security light for an entire property (it’s not bright enough), it is a fantastic choice for a gorgeous light fixture to illuminate a porch or small backyard.
Product Details: Wattage: 12.5 watts | Lumens: 1200 lumens |Power Source: Hardwire| Features: Motion sensor, flickering light effect, dusk-to-dawn mode
Most Versatile: Lerekam Solar Landscape Spotlights
Why You Should Get It
This extra durable light is frost- and heat-resistant, waterproof, and able to withstand harsh temperatures.
Keep in Mind
It does not have a motion sensor.
If you’re living in a cold climate, a freeze-resistant outdoor light like the Lerekam Solar Light is a great option. It’s the best outdoor light in terms of versatility because it runs on both solar and regular battery power—you can use it even on cloudy days by charging it via USB.
For the solar battery, remember to charge it two days before using it. The light is rated IPF65 waterproof, is heat- and frost-resistant, and can withstand extreme temperatures ranging from -20 to 50 degrees Celsius.
You have the option of staking it into the ground to light up pathways or mounting it to the garage or exterior wall of the house. It comes with all the accessories needed for installation including ground stakes and screws.
The 360-degree angle effectively illuminated all the areas we were trying to light up during testing. You can choose your preferred light colors—cool white, warm white, and multi-color—and brightness modes—high, medium, and low.
We found it easy to install, as there was no hardwiring involved. The only downside is that it does not have a motion sensor, so you can only manually control the light. The lights are available in 2-pack 4-pack and 6-pack options.
Product Details: Wattage: 65 watts | Lumens: 1000 watts |Power Source: Solar Battery, Battery| Features: Solar power, multiple light colors, dusk-to-dawn mode
Best Coverage: SANSI 45W Motion Sensor Outdoor Floodlight
Why You Should Get It
It features a wide-angle beam of 320 degrees, giving you extensive coverage for your property.
Keep in Mind
Installation is more complicated because it needs to be hardwired.
An intense 6000-lumen bulb and a wide-angle beam (320 degrees) make the Sansi floodlight the best outdoor lighting option for large yards, garages, staircases, and more. It features three adjustable lamps on each side of its base which you can adjust to face in a certain direction.
An IP65 waterproof rating means it’s able to withstand the elements and will work in rain or snow without issue. Keep in mind that the floodlight does not have a motion sensor, and instead is equipped with a daylight sensor that switches the light off as soon as the sun rises.
Although the light is only 45 watts, it consumes less energy and has a brighter output compared to a 150-watt halogen floodlight that we used previously.
When it came to installation, the instructions were easy to follow, but it had to be hardwired on a junction box for it to work. (You should hire an electrician if DIY is not your strong suit.) You also can’t adjust the brightness levels.
Product Details: Wattage: 45 watts | Lumens: 6000 lumens|Power Source: Hardwired | Features: Adjustable lamp heads, daylight sensor
Best Solar: AloftSun Solar Motion Sensor Outdoor Lights
Why You Should Get It
You can wall-mount or ground-mount this light.
Keep in Mind
The light is not stylish.
During our tests, we observed that the AloftSun Motion Sensor Solar Landscape Spotlights offered extreme visibility and could easily illuminate our yard and pathways even when set to low dimming modes.
It features a high IP68 rating, which provides full protection against dirt and water. When it rained, the light hardly sustained any damage and continued to work with no changes in brightness.
The AloftSun has a rechargeable solar battery and motion sensor with a 120 degree angle to detect movement up to 33 feet away. While it’s clearly designed for function rather than style, the lights are simple to install and come at a decent price for the quality and features.
It took a while for us to figure out how all the modes and features worked, but once we got the hang of it, we were able to get full use out of the various settings. Because they can be placed in the ground, the lights are somewhat portable. They come in packs of two, four, or six.
Product Details: Wattage: 1.5 watts | Lumens: 800 lumens|Power Source: Solar Battery| Features: Solar powered
Best String: Brightech Ambiance Pro Solar Non-Hanging String Lights
Why You Should Get It
A solar panel charges the battery in direct or indirect sunlight, so you won’t need to worry about the lights dying on cloudy days.
Keep in Mind
The lights can only be controlled manually.
The Brightech Ambience Pro Solar Powered Outdoor String Lights creates a warm ambiance for outdoor entertaining on a patio, gazebo, or beside a pool. They come in 27- or 48-foot lengths, both with 15 LED Edison bulbs.
The bulbs are long-lasting for up to 20,000 hours. The lights feature eight light modes and can last up to 10 hours on one charge. A solar panel charges the light in direct or indirect sunlight. Note that the lights are not automatic and there is a button on the body to control light settings.
While the bulbs are shatter-resistant and can withstand wind and rain, if a bad storm is brewing, it’s probably best to take them down as they’re not secure. Keep in mind that these lights are more for atmosphere and are not as bright as floodlights or other solar lights.
Product Details: Wattage: 1 watt | Lumens: n/a |Power Source: Solar-Powered| Features: Solar power
The Bottom Line
Our top recommendation for basic functionality is the LEONLITE COB LED Security Light. For a cheaper option, the Beams MB360XT 200 Lumen Wireless Battery Operated Powered Motion Sensing LED Spotlight is battery operated and easy to install.
Our Testing Process
First, we determined where to place the light (ideally in an area not exposed to much moisture) and followed the mounting instructions. Some of the lights were hardwired and therefore needed an electrician. We timed each installation and recorded observations about the process.
Next, we tested the light’s motion sensor to determine its detection range, measuring the furthest distance at which the light can be triggered.
For battery-powered lights, we evaluated the battery life. We assessed other aspects such as ease of use, light color, brightness, and how well the light held up in inclement weather.
Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
Brightech’s Ambience Pro Solar String Lights are made of plastic but resemble glass.
Other Outdoor Lighting We Tested
HMCITY Solar Lights Outdoor
We found these lights surprisingly bright for solar lights. However, we didn’t love that we had to unscrew the lights to change modes. And although it offers wide coverage, you are not able to adjust the direction of the light.
Sengled Motion Sensor Flood Light Bulbs
This floodlight, while sufficient for outdoor tasks, isn’t quite bright enough for security purposes. And, although it does contain motion sensors, it has a limited detection range of only about 8 feet. We did appreciate how easy it was to set up—all you have to do is screw in the bulb.
What to Know About Outdoor Lighting Before Shopping
Wattage
For soft accents and ambient lighting on an outdoor patio or pathway, Joel Worthington, president of Mr. Electric, suggests LED lights in the 12 to 15-watt range. If you’re looking for a security light to brighten up your property, beef up the wattage. “For security lighting, we recommend 20 to 50 watts,” he says.
Lumens
For landscape and accent lighting, Worthington says 50 to 300 lumens should be sufficient, while security lighting should be at least 1300 lumens. “The good thing with LED technology is that even with the higher lumens, LED lights have lower wattages, allowing for energy savings,” Worthington says.
Better Homes & Gardens / Cathy Fallone
Power Source
Most outdoor lights are either hardwired or battery powered with either standard batteries or rechargeable solar batteries. Battery-operated lights are the easiest to install as they require no extra wiring for them to work.
Features
One of the most common features you’ll see with outdoor lighting is a motion sensor that automatically turns the lights on when they are triggered by movement. Many of the best outdoor lighting options feature adjustable brightness, different colors, and dusk-to-dawn mode.
“Another benefit of outdoor lighting is that it allows the homeowner to extend their property’s usable space in the evening hours,” says Worthington.
Your Questions, Answered
Are LED lights good for outdoor use?
LED light bulbs are energy-efficient and extremely bright—great for outdoor lighting. They are also durable, and many of them can withstand weather conditions such as rain, wind, and snow. LED bulbs can last for years, sometimes up to as much 50,000 hours.
What is the best IP rating for outdoor lighting?
Outdoor lights have an IP rating (ingress protection rating) that indicates the level of protection against water, snow, dirt, and other elements. Typically, lights with higher IP ratings offer greater protection. Look for outdoor lights with a minimum IP 44 rating.
Better Homes & Gardens / Dave DeCarlo
Who We Are
Nor’Adila Hepburn is a freelance writer who specializes in writing in-depth buying guides for Better Homes & Gardens. She specializes in the home and lifestyle categories. To find the best outdoor lighting she used insights from our Testing Lab and evaluated picks based on wattage, lumens, power source, and other features. She also consulted Joel Worthington, president, of Mr. Electric.
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