Exterior security lights protect your house from possible intruders and help you feel safer at night, but do you know which type of LED lighting fixtures is best around your home?
The best home security lighting is a mixture of LED floodlight, path lighting and accent lighting for doorways and garden ornaments. Fence lighting is another lighting solution to add security around your home.
These residential security lighting fixtures should also include motion sensors, timers, dimmers, and be solar-powered. Here is a simple guide to choosing the best outdoor LED security lighting and where to place them around the house.
These fixtures are good house security lights for two reasons; they have the ability to illuminate a large area and they have the element of surprise when combined with a motion-detector system. We would strongly recommend installing a floodlight with a motion sensor. This not only saves on the electricity bills but also avoids light pollution for you and your neighbors.
You could also invest in some solar gutter lights to light the corners of your home or should you not want the harsh security lights then why not light your trees and garden with a more subtle lighting system and one that will enhance the ambiance of your home and still shine a light on any unwelcome visitors.
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10 Best Outdoor Security Lights
A Floodlight needs a lot of energy to produce enough light for a large space so leaving them on continuously is not friendly to your wallet.
As the brightness emitted from them can be annoying not just to your but your neighbors as well so choose a floodlight with an appropriate cutoff degree to avoid glare and complaints.
Another way to save on monthly bills is to opt for solar-powered options. If the light position gets plenty of sunlight each day then a photocell LED flood light eliminates your running costs.
Place this form of residential security lights, strategically around the house at the most likely entry points and large open spaces. Smart places to install these are above the garage door, blind spots like an alleyway and large lawn areas or porches.
1. Amico Dusk to Dawn LED Light
You never have to worry about forgetting the outside lamps with this Amico design. This is one of the outdoor security lighting ideas design that has a light sensor, so automatically turns ON when the sun sets and turns OFF when the day breaks.
The LED bulbs give out a bright white light at 2200 lumens. Thanks to the adjustable heads you are able to see clearly into your front yard in the middle of the night.
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This unit must be hardwired so the installation process may take some time. However, it has an estimated life of 50,000 hours so you won’t have to replace them for decades.
The materials and construction are sturdy, too. It has die-cast aluminum housing that is resistant to corrosion plus a waterproof rating of IP65.
Why We Liked Them
- Durable design
- 2 adjustable heads
- Long lifespan
- Automatic dusk to dawn function
2. Amico 3 Head LED Light with Motion Sensor
Cover every inch of your front yard with these clever lights for house security. It has 3 heads angled in different directions and each of those heads swivels 180 degrees vertically.
It is also fitted with a motion sensor that can detect movement for a distance up to 49 feet away. The timer can be set for 1 minute, 5 minutes or 10 minutes.
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The test function can be used to adjust the settings accordingly to get the best secure home lighting for you. These security light bulbs are very bright at 3500 lumens so you want to make sure that you are not shining straight at your neighbors.
Not only is this another sturdy waterproof of the sensored lights built by Amico, but it is also energy-efficient. It is up to 88% more energy-efficient than standard halogen lights.
Why We Liked Them
- Motion sensor up to 49 feet
- Adjustable timer
- Adjustable heads
- Bright yet energy efficient
3. Lepower Dusk to Dawn 3 Head Light
Another of the home light ideas is one of the fixtures that features 3 head security lights LED design from Lepower. This simple but effective outdoor light is plenty bright enough and is adjustable to the exact angles that you need for your front yard area.
The illumination is very bright, 3500 lumen, but the lamps don’t take much electricity. With an energy use of only 35 watts, it delivers the same brightness as a 175-watt halogen light.
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Lepower chose an aluminum casing that is not only sturdy but also ensures the LED bulbs last longer. It has a clever heat dissipation design which prolongs the lifespan to up to 50,000 hours.
This is the perfect choice for a porch, garage, or as a floodlight in a dark spot near the house. It is affordable and durable, exactly what you want for a home security light for the safety of your property.
Why We Liked It
- Bright
- Energy efficient
- Long life
- Good heat dissipation
4. Amico 3 Head Flood Light
The 3 most important aspects of an outside security light for home lighting are that they are very bright, have a sensitive motion sensor and cover a wide-angle and area, this 3 head Amico floodlight ticks all the boxes.
The motion light sensor detects any movement within a 49 feet radius. The 3 heads are adjustable by 180 degrees and deliver a super bright 3500 lumen.
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As always, this Amico product is designed for durability in all kinds of weather. It has an estimated life of 50,000 hours and is IP65 waterproof so no heavy rain or snow can reduce that either.
The LED chips don’t flicker nor glare so it is perfectly comfortable on the eyes despite the brightness. Amico offers a full 5-year warranty which attests to their product quality.
Why We Liked Them
- Bright but comfortable light
- Durable design
- Motion sensor
- 3 adjustable heads
5. Onforu 2 Head Outside Lights with Photocells
If you are looking for more interesting security lights for home design then these fixtures have round lamp heads and are by Onforu, sure to catch your eye. With a retro headlight look these floodlights add an interesting feature to your exterior walls.
The looks are not the only reason to buy this option though. They are up to the task as with 3000 lumens and the adjustable heads for better angles.
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Both individual heads have 360-degree flexibility and the LED chips shine a 45-degree beam. This way you can keep your own front yard fully covered without disturbing the neighbors with a bright light at night, remembering the home automation protocol.
This unit has a dusk to dawn function which means it turns on and off automatically, without you having to lift a finger. It is IP65 waterproof so any cold or wet weather conditions are no issue for this product.
Why We Liked Them
- Dual flexible heads
- Dusk to dawn function
- Durable
- Unique design
6. Home Zone Motion Sensor Light
Flexibility is one of the most defining features of this home zone LED security light. Its dual-head design can be adjusted in many different ways.
Each head swivels 180 degrees and can be adjusted individually. The placement of the extra sensitive motion sensor with a 70 feet range can also be adjusted.
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There are 3 different light settings possible. You have the choice between the auto dusk to dawn function, the always-on setting and only turning on when the motion detectors are activated.
If you choose the latter you get the additional choice between 1 minute, 5 minutes, and 10 minutes on the timer. Each individual head has 2600 lumens which brings the total to an impressive 5200 lumens.
Why We Liked Them
- Very bright
- Fully adjustable angles for heads and motion sensor
- Long-range motion sensor
- Adjustable timer
7. Sansi LED with Motion Sensor
This Sansi design has all the functions that you may want from a security light for the home. Most importantly, it has a strong motion sensor with a 50 feet range and adjustable angle.
There are 2 heads, both of which can be adjusted independently. Both heads swivel 180 degrees vertically and have a total of 3600 lumens.
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You also have more control over the settings with this product. There are 4 setting options including auto ON-OFF – dusk to dawn function, a motion-activated setting, manual mode and of course a test setting.
The package arrives complete with all the parts you need for a hardwiring installation. This Sansi product is covered by their 5-year long warranty but the estimated life lasts for much longer, up to 50,000 hours.
Why We Liked Them
- Individually adjustable heads
- Adjustable motion sensor position
- Long warranty & life
- Includes installation tools
8. Home Zone Weatherproof Light
Get the benefit of an ultra-wide detection range thanks to the 180 degrees motion sensor on this Home Zone design. The motion sensor has a maximum range of 30 feet which is perfect for a porch or driveway.
This is a dual-head design and both heads are separately adjustable. Thanks to this flexible design this is a great choice for when you want to hide the fitting under an eave.
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There is a choice in timer settings. When the motion sensor detects movement they can stay on for either 30 seconds, 1 minute or 2 minutes.
LED bulbs are much more durable than standard bulbs and this product has a life that is 5 times longer than other light bulbs. It also shines at a bright 2000 lumen with a daylight glow.
Why We Liked Them
- Wide angle motion sensor
- Adjustable timer
- Adjustable dual head design
9. Sansi LED Security Light
Be more inconspicuous and blend with the decor a little more by choosing this simple black design by Sansi. Just because they are more subtle does not mean that they are less effective, though.
This product has a rating of 1800 lumen. When installed at an 8 feet height, a single unit has a coverage of 861 square feet so you don’t even need to install very many units.
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This is one of the products that is also a very energy-efficient choice as they run on a power source wattage of just 18w. This gives you significant savings on your monthly electricity bill, especially when you set it to the motion sensor home security mode.
This is a very durable design thanks to the patented Ceramic Heat Dissipation Technology (CHDT) that prolongs the life of the LED chips and wiring. It is also perfectly suitable for both cold and hot weather.
Why We Liked Them
- Great coverage
- Subtle design
- Energy efficient
- Suitable for many climates
10. Cinoton Dual-Head with Double Sensor
This Cinoton outside light has recently gotten an upgrade. It now has 2 motion sensors instead of just one which gives it much wider detection and the sensor is not activated during the daytime.
Together the 2 angles offer a wide 180-degree angle. It detects any movement within a range of 59 feet which is perfect for front yards and driveways.
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Both the motion sensor and the 2 heads are adjustable but the heads offer the most flexibility. Both heads rotate and swivel 360 degrees so you can have the illumination face any direction that you want.
Made with die-cast aluminum, the casing is durable and has good heat dissipation. This product lasts an impressive 50,000 hours, much longer than a standard light.
Why We Liked Them
- Durable material
- Long lifespan
- Dual heads with 360 angle coverage
- Double motion sensor with 180 cover
Home Security Lighting Tips
Where and how to position flood lights on house exteriors is as important as finding the right ones for your property. Now that we have reviewed the best security lights on the market, let’s have a look at the best ways to protect your home with these security lighting tips.
As a recap, here are our top three best selling outdoor security lights;
- Over 3500 Lumens
- Tri Directional
- 880+ Reviews
- 5 Year Warranty
- IP65 Weatherproof
- Amazons Choice
- 3000 Lumen Brightness
- 50,000 Hours Lifespan
- 70ft. Sensor Range
- 5200 Lumen Brightness
- Adjustable Sensitivity
- Frosted Light Lens
Why and Where to Use Path Lights
A path light, just like its name suggests, it illuminates your walk to and from the house. A popular type of path light is the solar lamp post (a more expensive option) or the smaller solar path light.
Combine a path light with a motion-detector or dimmer for better security. This adds to the uncertainty of being able to reach the house undetected.
Like with a floodlight, using a solar-powered path light is an energy-efficient way to cut down electricity costs. LED path lights already are quite energy-efficient so they don’t require a large photocell panel.
Another benefit of using a solar-powered path light is that you don’t need to deal with any wiring, a welcome feature when you have a large backyard. All you need to do is secure the path light and wait for the sun to do its thing.
Brightness is not the main concern for path lights. Instead, find a path light with a full cut off so that only where you are walking is illuminated enough for you not to fall.
Place path lights along the most frequented walkways around your house. This is probably from the street to your front door and along the paths in your backyard.
Why and Where to Use Accent Lighting for Security
When considering home security lighting ideas it is important to remember accent lights that are used to illuminate specific spots around the garden and house. Common spots for this are by doors, under large trees or bushes, and on porches or terraces. If done tastefully, it can cover both your safety needs when returning home late, as well as add a touch of modern outdoor illumination to your garden.
Accent lights near the house should provide enough light to see what is happening outside without the light spreading inside. For security reasons, you want minimal visibility into your house so that passersby cannot see any of your valuables.
Though you don’t want the light to spread inside the house, you do want visibility from the street. In case there is a stranger on your lawn or porch, you want your neighbors to be able to see them.
Another thing to remember is whether they let you perform tasks safely. For example, the light by your door should make you feel comfortable looking for your keys at night.
Mount fixtures on the wall next to doors so you can see who is standing there from a nearby window. Place a spotlight on the ground by shrubs and trees so they cannot be used as places to hide.
It is easy to forget so it is better for your own security to install a timer for all accent lights. Let them turn on at dusk and automatically switch off at dawn.
Why You Should Use LED Security Lighting
The best-LED security lighting for identifying unwanted visitors has two qualities; a high color rendering value (CRi) and a strong spectral power distribution or SPD.
Color rendering is how accurate colors appear under the light source. A light source with a CRi of 80 or above shows colors most accurately.
SPD has to do with the wavelengths of the light source and how this reflects on colors. Certain light sources enhance specific colors while other colors appear flatter.
The reason why we recommend LEDs is because of their high CRi (Color Rendering Index) value and good SPD(Spectral Power Distribution). Aside from fluorescent lights, LEDs are the only sort of light bulb that doesn’t fade any color but still intensifies all colors.
Whether you use security cameras or not, getting a clear and accurate view of what is happening around your house is important for identifying any possible intruders.
Frequently Asked Questions about Security Lighting
To help you even further in your quest for securing and protecting your home using the best LED security lights, we have also answered some of the most frequently asked questions below.
What is the best outdoor security lighting?
The best sort of outdoor security lighting fixtures is bright LED solar powered flood lighting that covers a large area, such as your driveway or pool patio.
Also, ensure that the lights have motion sensors to avoid having the glare of the lights keeping you or your neighbors awake all night. This type of light is not only highly efficient for the safety of your home but it is also an eco-friendly super energy-efficient form as well.
What are the best outdoor motion detector light?
The best outdoor motion detector lights are those that have the features of a wide-angle and long-range for detecting movement along with a bright enough light for the area you want to be covered by the light.
These fixtures will ensure that you and your visitors’ safety when approaching the property in the dark is looked after and, and it will deter and unwanted visitors from getting too close to your property.
Do security lights deter burglars?
Security lights do deter burglars but more so if there are other buildings and people about, as obviously they do not wish to be seen. However, they are known to still just knock on the door and if there is no answer wait for the light to go out and then continue to break-in.
Prevention is better than cure and if you are at home you will be alerted that someone is on your property, also security lights camera views if you have CCTV on your home and this is a true deterrent to the would-be invader.
How do I keep my outside security light on?
To keep your outside light on constantly you would have to bypass the sensor, which we would not recommend both because you might damage the unit or if it is hard wired damage yourself.
If it has an auto ON-OFF dawn to dusk setting no problem as you can just carefully cover the sensor to ensure it stays on, just remember to uncover it when you have finished using the light.
How to install security lights?
Before purchasing your security lights, walk around your house at night to check where the blind spots are and decide which kind you need in each spot. Then, also walk around at different times during the day to decide whether you can use solar-powered lights in specific spots.
Consider how the type of light affects the surrounding area. Will it affect the lights from the street or neighbors and how much of your interior is visible with the placements?
Where possible, cover your security light cover with caging that prevents vandalism. Remove items like tools from your yard that can be used to break lights. Make a quick sketch of your house and exterior space. Plan where you need which kind of light before making your purchase online.
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