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The 7 Best Outdoor Floodlights of 2024

Bring light to the darkness with these outdoor floodlights

In This Article

In This Article

Lithonia Lighting 2-Lamp Outdoor Flood Light

The Spruce / Lecia Landis

Outdoor floodlights provide functional lighting around your home at night, reducing the likelihood of slip-and-fall accidents and increasing security.

Always-on and dusk-to-dawn floodlights deliver constant illumination around the perimeter of your building for security purposes. Motion-activated floodlights can deter unwanted guests by springing to life when they enter your property, and smart floodlights enable remote control, set schedules, and integration with security cameras. 

"Floodlights offer better security protection for your home's exterior than traditional bulb lighting by providing intense brightness over a wide-angle field of view," says Deane Biermeier, a Certified Lead Carpenter and member of The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board. By selecting the right floodlight, you can illuminate a path that leads to your home, your driveway, or your entire yard.

With Biermeier’s advice in mind, we researched dozens of floodlights from manufacturers like Leonlite, GE, Sylvania, Ring, and many others.

We evaluated each floodlight for brightness, beam angle, color temperature, weather resistance, and energy efficiency. We also looked for advanced features like motion sensors and smart controls to find the best floodlights for every situation.

What We Like
  • Two types of lighting colors available

  • Adjustability and easy controls

  • Straightforward installation

  • Water-resistant 

What We Don't Like
  • Motion detector can be inaccurate

  • Flimsy foam gasket

  • Directions can be difficult to read

The Leonlite LED Motion Sensor Floodlight has dual heads that can be angled and rotated to ensure the light extends to the areas you want it to reach. It's our Best Overall since its flexible settings and sensitive motion sensors give you impressive control over your outdoor lighting. We recently tested this pick, and feel confident in the performance. We liked the customization power, which also gives control over energy use and the 180-degree adjustability of the light angle. In the home setting where we tried it, it was angled toward a step at the side of the house. We thought that it worked beautifully, turning on before the step was reached, reducing the risk of falling. However, we noted that the foam gasket doesn't feel as sturdy as other parts.

Along with setting the position of the dual motion sensor lights, you can program what triggers them to turn on, and how long they stay on. You can also set the lights to turn on at night and off once daylight hits. The motion sensor offers 180-degree coverage and can detect movement as far as 69 feet away. If you find the motion sensor hypersensitive or inaccurate, simply adjust the range and sensitivity settings. Overall, the Leonlite is durable, thanks to its water-resistant design and long-lasting LEDs rated to last 50,000 hours. This model also comes backed by a five-year warranty.

Dimensions: ‎7.49 x 7.49 x 5.9 inches | Brightness: 1800 lumens | Power Source: ‎Hardwired | Wattage: 20 watts

A lit LEONLITE LED Outdoor Motion Sensor Flood Light displayed on a grey wooden wall

 The Spruce / Stacey L. Nash

What We Like
  • Easily adjust light angle or position

  • Simple design and installation

  • Available with or without a dusk-to-dawn sensor

What We Don't Like
  • Dusk-to-dawn sensor can be inaccurate

  • Dusk-to-dawn sensor isn't adjustable

If you're looking for an affordable floodlight solution, consider the 2-Lamp Floodlight from Lithonia Lighting. With focused illumination from two bulbs, it's ideal for patios, walkways, and porches. You can adjust the heads up and down or side to side to light up different areas.

This fixture is easy to mount to a junction box, eave, or exterior wall. Once it's hardwired and connected to a light switch, you can turn it on and off as needed. Also, the aluminum canopy and socket holders resist rust and weather damage. The light is available with a dusk-to-dawn sensor, but sometimes the sensor can be inaccurate and will turn on or off too early or late. 

Dimensions: 5 x 3 x 2 inches | Brightness: Not listed | Power Source: ‎Hardwired | Wattage: 150 watts

What We Like
  • Adjustable features

  • Bulb-less, LED-reliant design

  • Can moonlight as accent lighting

What We Don't Like
  • Light adjustments in accent mode only

  • Motion sensor can be too sensitive 

The Enbrighten Motion-Activated Floodlight doubles as a security light and a nighttime accent for your home. It delivers super-bright illumination when it's set to security mode and detects motion. You can choose your detection range and how long you want it to stay on after sensing movement. You can also select different light temperatures in accent mode to complement your outdoor decor or provide ambiance for a special occasion. However, the light temperature isn't adjustable in security mode, and sometimes the motion sensor can be overly sensitive.

This weather-resistant outdoor light fixture comes in white or bronze with the option of two or three heads. Thanks to its built-in LEDs, you'll never have to worry about replacing a bulb. You can set it to always remain on, turn on when motion is detected, or illuminate from dusk till dawn. It's easy to mount to any wall or eave and comes with all the hardware you need.

Dimensions:‎ 10.87 x 7.45 x 8.47 inches | Brightness: ‎3100 lumens | Power Source: Hardwired | Wattage: ‎43 watts

Amico 3500LM LED Security Light
PHOTO:

 Amazon

What We Like
  • Impressive brightness

  • Three adjustable heads

  • Rust-resistant

What We Don't Like
  • Switch controls only

  • Lack of sensors

With three adjustable, extra-bright LED light heads set in a die-cast aluminum base, the Amico 3500LM LED Security Light is a great, bright floodlight option. This duo projects up to 3500 lumens, lasts for 50,000 hours, and uses very little energy, which saves you money on your electric bill.

You can mount the fixture onto a junction box or install it on any other exterior wall within a few minutes. The lights can be turned off and on when wired to a switch and adjusted to various angles. However, switch controls are the only option, and this product doesn’t incorporate a motion or dusk-to-dawn sensor. On the plus side, this floodlight is also waterproof and guaranteed by the manufacturer for five years.

Dimensions:‎ Not listed  | Brightness: 3500 lumens | Power Source: Hardwired | Wattage: 30 watts 

What We Like
  • Alexa-compatible 

  • Great picture quality and night vision

  • Phone alerts and siren feature

  • Listen and speak through the device

What We Don't Like
  • Subscription required for surveillance footage

  • Not compatible with other smart assistants

  • Some connectivity problems

To take your home security up a notch, you might consider a fixture with a built-in camera, like the Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus. It syncs with your Alexa-connected smart hub, letting you know when it detects motion. You can see, hear, and talk to people outside your home through your smartphone or tablet.

The 1080-pixel high-definition (HD) security camera has infrared night vision and a live-view option. If you get the Ring Protect Plan, you can also record videos and watch footage from as far back as 60 days. However, this plan does require you to pay a subscription fee, adding to the expense of this already pricier floodlight. As for the light, the ultra-bright bulbs provide powerful illumination, and the siren feature offers added security.

Dimensions: 11 x 8.25 x 7 inches | Brightness: 2000 lumens | Power Source: Hardwired | Wattage: Not listed

What We Like
  • Available in a variety of finishes

  • Compact, sleek, and adjustable heads

  • Dimmable feature

What We Don't Like
  • Aluminum cylinders feel thin

  • Light bulbs must be purchased separately

Many floodlights offer little style, but the NICOR Lighting Double Cylinder Bullet Floodlight packs all the functionality of a high-performing floodlight into a clean-cut and minimalist design. If you have a carefully curated patio, porch, or yard aesthetic, you won’t have to worry about this floodlight disrupting the flow of your decor. It’s available in multiple versatile finishes, including black, bronze, and white. 

Since the aluminum cylinders are compact, the bulbs you choose will be deep-set, helping the floodlight maintain a low profile wherever you install it. The cylindrical heads are adjustable, so you can direct the light according to personal preference. You can also adjust the brightness thanks to the floodlight’s dimmable feature. Unfortunately, you’ll have to purchase the lightbulbs separately, and you will notice that the encasing feels a tad thinner and more lightweight compared to other options. 

Dimensions:‎ 19.75 x 5.25 x 4.5 inches | Brightness: Not listed | Power Source: Hardwired | Wattage: 150 watts

What We Like
  • Incredibly bright

  • Long-lasting design

  • Energy-efficient

What We Don't Like
  • Light can be too bright

The best outdoor floodlight bulb is the Sylvania Night Chaser. This 25-watt LED bulb provides an astonishingly bright 2650 lumens of light. In addition to impressive brightness, it uses up to 90 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs and lasts for over 20 years. This bulb is a great option whether you want to illuminate your deck, patio, or yard for security purposes or evening entertaining. 

If you live in a closer-knit community with limited yard space, this light bulb may be too bright and overflow into your neighbor's yard. However, these lights are dimmable, so if you attach them to a fixture with a dimmable feature, you can adjust the brightness.

Dimensions: ‎4.72 x 5.07 inches | Brightness: 2650 lumens | Power Source: Hardwired | Wattage: 25 watts

Final Verdict

Our Best Overall pick for outdoor floodlights is the Leonlite LED Motion Sensor Floodlight. This fixture shines above the rest thanks to its bright LED bulbs, highly sensitive security mode, and dusk-to-dawn features. However, if you're looking for a more affordable option, our Best Budget pick, the Lithonia Lighting 2-Lamp Outdoor White Floodlight, is a great alternative. It's weather-resistant and adjustable, and you can hardwire it to a light switch.

What to Look For in Outdoor Floodlights

Power Source

Before purchasing an outdoor floodlight, consider how you want it to activate. Some floodlights turn on with a manual switch, while others have motion sensors that shine automatically when someone walks by. Additionally, some outdoor floodlights have a "Dusk to Dawn" feature that turns on when it gets dark and turns off again in the morning.

Brightness

Next, think about how bright you want your outdoor floodlight to be. How bright your floodlight is should ultimately depend on where you put it. An outdoor floodlight with low lumens might be acceptable for your patio, but you might want a more powerful floodlight in your driveway and in front of your house, especially if those areas are larger.

"The average residential exterior floodlight brightness is around 1000 lumens but can go up to 4000 or more lumens to light up a large expanse," says Deane Biermeier, a Certified Lead Carpenter and member of The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board. "1000 lumens is ideal for most exterior lighting situations in which a patio, walkway, or driveway needs to be illuminated enough to safely navigate. There are some environmental arguments against using lamps brighter than about 1500 lumens including light pollution and plant damage."

Type of Light Bulb

Finally, determine what type of light bulb you want to use in your floodlight. Some models use halogen lightbulbs, while others use LED bulbs. Many people prefer LED bulbs because they last far longer than halogen ones, which can save energy and money.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This roundup was researched and written by Theresa Holland, a freelance content creator and a homeowner with personal and professional experience researching and testing home improvement products. In addition to The Spruce, you can read more of her writing on MyDomaine and Byrdie.

Our Experts:

  • Ashley Abramson, a contributing lifestyle writer for The Spruce, provided additional reporting.
  • Sarah Toscano, a writer specializing in smart home and home tech for The Spruce, also provided additional reporting.
  • Deane Biermeier, Certified Lead Carpenter and member of The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board
  • Dena Ogden, commerce writer for The Spruce, helped with additional research and updates.
  • Jeremy Laukkonen, updates writer for The Spruce