7 Best Outdoor Flood Lights to Light Up Your Property
Updated: Feb. 06, 2024
The best outdoor flood lights are a smart way to secure your home, add curb appeal and brighten up your life.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.
Lighting the interior of your home is a daily necessity, but it’s equally important to light up the outside—especially if you worry about intruders or live in an area that tends to get dark quickly. The best outdoor flood lights provide intense light over wide lenses with a single bulb, making them super efficient at lighting up larger areas. Home security lights are the best way to brighten your home’s exterior, and many also come with motion sensors that help ward off unwanted guests and keep you sleeping soundly at night.
What to Look for When Buying Outdoor Flood Lights
First, figure out what you’re using it for and the area you need illuminated. Some flood lights have high-tech capabilities that enhance security and convenience. These smart outdoor lights feature cameras, motion sensors and automatic features that activate the light at scheduled times.
“Note that there is a difference between a flood lamp and a spot,” says Kirk MacDowell, home security expert at Batten Safe and Founder and CEO of MacGuard Security Advisors. “In a home, make sure you have flood lamps for outdoor lighting, specifically built into the unit if possible. However, you can also use spots to light specific areas on your property. They can be mixed and matched.”
Since outdoor flood lights brave the elements year-round, choose an option that’s waterproof and durable. Look for a minimum IP rating of 65, or options that specify resistance to snow and sleet should your area experience extreme cold temps. For hotter climates, look into how the floodlight dissipates heat to get an understanding of its durability. Choose one with a cooling system to prevent corrosion and overheating.
In terms of light type, there are several options. Halogen lights are easier to replace but don’t last as long as LED lights. “A thing to note and pay attention to when purchasing LED flood lights is the Kelvin level, or temperature of the bulbs,” says MacDowell. “For outdoor lights, you want a minimum of 5,000K for the LED bulbs so they are bright.” Solar-powered lights are the brightest and most environmentally friendly but can be more expensive.
The Best Outdoor Flood Lights
- Best Solar-Powered Outdoor Flood Light: Exgreen LED Solar Power Security Spot Light
- Best Overall Outdoor Flood Light: Leonlite LED Security Light
- Best Value Outdoor Flood Light: Lithonia Adjustable Twin Flood Lights
- Best Waterproof Outdoor Flood Light: Sansi LED Security Lights
- Best LED Outdoor Flood Light: Amico LED Motion Sensor Security Lights
- Most Attractive Flood Light Design: Nicor Double Cylinder Adjustable Flood Light
- Best Motion-Activated Outdoor Flood Light: Heath Zenith Motion Sensor Track Light Head
Best Solar-Powered Outdoor Flood Light
Exgreen LED Solar Power Security Spot Light
This solar-powered security light is both environmentally, and an extremely efficient outdoor flood light. The lamp operates on solar-charged batteries, which means it doesn’t require an outlet. The energy-efficient solar power spot light features three adjustable heads to provide a wide range of illumination. A built-in motion sensor detects movement up to 16 feet within a 120-degree angle.
Also, brighten up the night with the best outdoor smart lights. They add real curb appeal and make for a useful home security device.
Pros
- Solar-powered design saves money on electric bills
- Easy to install
- Smart motion sensor
Cons
- Not entirely weatherproof
- Requires sunlight to charge
Also mind checking out these best outdoor security lights to know exactly what’s going on around your home?
Best Overall Outdoor Flood Light
Leonlite LED Security Light
When it comes to the best outdoor flood lights, this Leonlite fixture wins on all durability counts, especially since it comes with a five-year warranty. The landscape light features a water-resistant design and LEDs rated to last 50,000 hours. It has dual heads that angle and rotate to ensure light extends to the areas you want it to reach. A motion sensor allows customization for when and how long the lights stay on. Oh, and while you’re at it, we also recommend the Possini Euro outdoor wall light for a mid-century modern touch.
Pros
- Durable, high-quality construction
- Dual, adjustable heads
- Equipped with a motion sensor
Cons
- Can be difficult to install
Best Value Outdoor Flood Light
Lithonia Adjustable Twin Flood Lights
On a budget? Don’t despair! There are some amazing outdoor flood lights on the market that aren’t too expensive, but still provide exceptional value to any homeowner. The Lithonia flood lights use focused illumination from two bulbs to target smaller areas, and they’re incredibly simple to set up and mount. They easily resist rust and weather damage, and include a dawn-to-dusk sensor that allows you to sit back and relax while the lights do their thing.
Pros
- Affordable
- Weather-resistant
- Adjustable head lights
Cons
- Dawn-to-dusk feature sometimes malfunctions
Best Waterproof Outdoor Flood Light
Sansi LED Security Lights
Not only are the Sansi LED security lights waterproof, they also use advanced ceramic technology to ensure optimal heat dissipation—meaning these lights last longer and perform better than many competitors. The lights feature an adjustable motion sensor, which detects movement up to 50 feet away.
There’s also an automatic on/off function that kicks in when the sun sets, so you don’t have to remember to turn it on. However, if you prefer to go manual, you can also adjust them to your preference.
Pros
- Waterproof and heat-resistant
- Multiple timer and mode settings
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Some users have trouble with the mounting equipment
Best LED Outdoor Flood Light
Amico LED Motion Sensor Security Lights
LED flood lights are a smart addition to any home, and this three-headed Amico light guarantees long-lasting illumination. The sturdy aluminum and rust-resistant fixture has a 50,000-hour long lifespan.
LEDs also help you save on energy costs by reducing your electric bill by up to 60 percent. Installation is easy and only takes a few minutes. Use the included tools and accessories to mount the light to a junction box or an exterior wall.
Pros
- Three adjustable heads powered by LEDs
- Motion sensors
- Cost-efficient
- Waterproof
Cons
- Very bright lights might disturb neighbors
Most Attractive Flood Light Design
Nicor Double Cylinder Adjustable Flood Light
For a sleek and stylish option, this Nicor style is the best outdoor flood light pick for the design-conscious home owner. The light fixture is available in multiple versatile finishes, including black, bronze and white.
The aluminum cylinders are compact and adjustable, so you can direct the light according to personal preference. The dimmable feature also lets you control the brightness to light your home exactly how you like it.
Pros
- Compact and sleek design with adjustable heads
- Variety of neutral finishes
Cons
- Does not come with light bulbs
Best Motion-Activated Outdoor Flood Light
Heath Zenith Motion Sensor Track Light Head
Ideal for large areas, this Heath Zenith flood light offers 150-degree motion detection with a range of 70 feet. A timer lets you select how long the light stays on: one, five or 10 minutes.
The adjustable lamp heads allow you to move the light around when necessary (a smart way to burglar-proof your home). The flood light uses two bulbs (which last around 3,000 hours), and is safe to operate in temperatures ranging from -13 degrees to 120 degrees.
Pros
- 150-degree motion detection sensor with a range of 70 feet
- Durable construction
- Weather-resistant
- Affordable
Cons
- Bulbs not included
- Installation can be complicated
How We Chose the Best Outdoor Flood Lights
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
FAQ
How many lumens do I need for an outdoor light?
Brightness is measured by lumens, not bulb wattage. The higher the lumens, the brighter your outdoor flood lights will be. In general, look for products with lumens in the 700 to 1,300 range.
How do you install outdoor flood lights?
To install outdoor lighting or replace an existing fixture, start by turning off the power (unless you’re working with solar lights). Then, you’ll likely need a screwdriver to remove the existing fixture. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for wiring and installing your new flood light, and be sure to seal the junction box (if using one) when you’re finished.
What wattage is needed for outdoor flood lights?
For most homes, you’ll need a bulb with a wattage level between 40 and 80. Lower wattage bulbs (around 40 watts) works for smaller areas like pathways and garden beds. while 80 watts is ideal for larger spaces like driveways and patios.
Can you use indoor flood lights outdoors?
Generally, you should avoid using lightbulbs meant for indoor use outdoors. That’s because most indoor bulbs are not meant to withstand exposure to water.
Can you use outdoor flood lights indoors?
Using a flood light designed for outdoor use inside is fine. However, since outdoor flood lights tend to have more lumens, you may find the added light is too bright inside a home.
How much does it cost to install outdoor flood lighting?
Depending on the type of flood light you choose and how much wiring and parts are needed, you can expect to pay—on average—$160 per flood light, according to HomeAdvisor. Hiring an electrician to complete the job will cost more. If you’re handy, you can attempt a DIY outdoor lighting setup, too.
Originally Published: December 31, 1969
