Image: MomJunction Design Team
The best outdoor motion sensor lights can not only prevent burglary but also provide security to your home during the night times. They are known to turn on when they sense a movement automatically. These time-tested lights can alert you when they detect a presence in the dark, and they vary in design, type, and technology. Check out the reviews of some motion sensor lights to help you select the one for your needs.
Top Picks
Types Of Outdoor Lights
Motion sensor lights are of different types, depending on their technologies.
- Microwave sensor light passes out electromagnetic pulses that reflect on the moving objects.
- Passive infrared sensor, known commonly as PIR, works by switching on the lights to detect body heat.
- Ultrasonic uses high-frequency sound waves when bounced off a moving object and turns on the lights. However, the ultrasonic sensors are prone to false triggers.
- Area reflective sensors use LED lights to check the distance measurement of the reflection. If there is a change in the reflection distance, it triggers the sensor and turns on the light.
- Dual technology uses two sensors to turn on the lights.
15 Best Outdoor Motion Sensor Lights
1. Best Durable:Litom Solar Sensor Light
Image: Urpower Equipped with high power LEDs and an energy management chip, the solar-powered sensor light provides a range of illumination up to 50% angle and area. One light can reach up to 200sqft and is suitable for backyards, front porch, garage, driveway, pathway, and front door. It stores ample energy during the day and lights for up to 20 seconds when motion is detected at night. In the case of a prolonged motion, it lights up continuously.
The sensor can detect motion up to 8m at a 120° angle. The 270° illumination range provides three times more coverage compared to regular solar lights. The tried- and -tested solar-powered waterproof light is made of premium PP and ABS material and has a 30000+ hours lifespan.
Pros
- Pros
- Durable
- Easy to install
- Adjustable light modes
- Wide-angle detection
- Energy saving
- Lights up fast
Cons
- Relatively small in size
"The durability of these lights has kept them in pristine condition despite being in use for months. Installing them, however, required some extra help. Still, their illumination is very bright, and they have performed well consistently."
Quick fact2. Best Heat-Proof:Aootek LED Solar Sensor Light
Image: Aootek 
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 33,000 positive customer reviews on Amazon attest to the product’s quality.
The LED Light has three modes: security, permanent, and smart brightness control. In the security mode, the smart light bulb turns on and off automatically; in the permanent mode, the lights turn on and stay on throughout the night; in the smart lighting option, the lights stay on but brighten when any motion is detected. This sensor can detect motion up to 26ft at a 120° angle. The high-quality solar panel and the 182 premium LEDs give you an optimal experience. Check out a tester’s experience here to explore a detailed review of this product.
Pros
- Durable
- Water and heat-proof
- Easy to install
- Adjustable light modes
- Wide range detection
Cons
- Defective in cold weather
"Though not the most durable, these lights have met my expectations with ample brightness and decent coverage. Also, they detect movement impressively well. Installation was mostly straightforward."
3. Best Frost-Resistant:Urpower Solar Motion Sensor Outdoor Lights
Image: Urpower Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 21,647 reviews on Amazon indicate that this product has a loyal following.
With a long working time, Urpower focuses on energy saving and environmental protection. They take six to eight hours to fully charge and have a lifespan of up to five years with a burning capacity for 50,000 hours. The sensor lights can detect motion up to 10ft. The shade material is made of plastic, and the floodlight direction is downward at a 120° angle.
Pros
- IP65 waterproof
- Heat- and frost-resistant
- Produces warm white light
- Large solar panel
- Lightweight
- Gives brighter light
- Easy to install
Cons
- Life expectancy could be short
"I'm impressed by these lights' quick-response motion-sensing ability. It gives me peace of mind, especially when I'm alone with my kids. Also, they have held up against various weather conditions."
TriviaLitom Solar Sensor Light Best Durable | Aootek LED Solar Sensor Light Best Heat-Proof | Urpower Solar Motion Sensor Outdoor Lights Best Frost-Resistant | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene | - | Plastic |
| Color | Cool White | Black | Cool White |
| Batteries | 4 Lithium Ion batteries required | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required | - |
| Dimensions | 4.96 x 4.92 x 6.22 inches | 3.8 x 3.9 x 8 inches | 4.7 x 5.7 x 8.8 inches |
| Weight | 1.72 Pounds | 1.34 Pounds | - |
| Shade Color | White | - | - |
| Weight | - | - | 1.4 pounds |
| Number of Items | - | - | 4 |
| Shade Material | - | - | Glass |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 21,641 | 33,000 | 21,647 |
| Price | $33.99 | $59.95 | $32.99 |
4. Best Motion-Detecting:HmCity Outdoor Solar Lights
Image: Hmcity Brighten your doorstep on your way in and out with the HmCity lights powered by solar energy. The outdoor solar wall lights come with 120 LEDs with light reflectors that cover 200 square feet of area at a 270° angle. With three different lighting modes and a PIR motion sensor, it lights up automatically for 30 seconds upon detecting motion within the 26 ft range at night. Preserve energy while keeping the doorstep area well-lit with this outdoor security floodlight.
Pros
- IP65 waterproof
- Heat- and frost-resistant
- Advanced monocrystalline silicon solar cells for a high conversion rate
- FCC-, CE-, and ROHS-certified security mode
Cons
- Higher foot traffic may affect the battery life
- May not charge well on overcast days
"I have these lights all around the house, and they have certainly enhanced the security without being obtrusive. Installation was straightforward, too, and the east-facing panel seems to charge quite effectively, even in not-so-sunny weather."
5. Best Energy-Saving:Lepower LED Motion Sensor Security Light
Image: Lepower Why We Think It's Worth Buying
About 18,516 reviewers on Amazon have given their seal of approval to the product.
Made of aluminum, Lepower is AC-powered and needs to be plugged in a power source to work. It can be mounted indoors and outdoors. The timing of the floodlights can be adjusted from 10 seconds to 10 minutes, as per your convenience. The sensor ranges up to 72ft at a 180° wide-angle and is adjustable. Its full metal design ensures optimal heat dissipation and has a longer life span of up to 50,000+ hours. It has a 12-month warranty for the security light. Need more information? Watch this video to make an informed decision about the product.
Pros
- Durable aluminum design
- Adjustable heads
- Adjustable timing
- Longer lighting time up to ten minutes
- FCC- and ETL-certified
- Weather-proof
- Energy-saving
- Not affected by infrared rays
Cons
- Not solar powered
- No auto shut off/on mechanism
"These motion-sensor lights have been a real asset to my home's safety. They are bright and incredibly responsive during the night."
6. Best Weather-Proof:Mr. Beams Motion Activated Security Spotlight
Mr. Beam offers an ultra-bright LED that consumes minimal power. The 400-lumen spotlight turns on and off automatically when motion is sensed. This motion-activated floodlight includes the required mounting hardware, making it easy to install. The LED provides a 400sqft coverage range and is operated using four D-cell batteries. The battery lasts for up to one year with a maximum of eight to ten activations per day. The sensor has a detection range of up to 25ft, and the floodlights last for up to 20 seconds.
Pros
- Covers wide area for lighting
- Auto shut on/off mechanism
- Weather-proof
- Wireless light
- Easy to install
- Offers bright light
Cons
- Batteries not included
- No warranty
- No adjustable heads
"Although compact, this spotlight offers exceptional brightness as soon as it is switched on. Its battery life is also impressive, and the installation process was straightforward. I've noticed its motion detection gets a little finicky during bad weather, but such occasions have been rare."
7. Best Solar-Powered:Ameri Top Solar Powered Three Head LED Cordless Lights
Ameri Top offers a three-head design sensor with 128 LED beads that deliver up to 800-lumens. The heads can move upward, downward, and horizontally. This solar-powered light has two modes; in the sensor mode, the motion-activated floodlights stay on and brighten for 30 seconds when any motion is detected, and in the second mode, it automatically turns off during the day and only turns on when it senses movement at night. It has a 270° wide light angle and a 16-20ft sensing distance. The sensor light works on a 18650 – 2200 mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery for optimal brightness.
Pros
- Easy-to-install solar lighting system
- Adjustable heads
- Wide sensing distance
- Durable
- Weather-proof
- Lightweight
- Battery included
Cons
- May not last long
"These lights perform well, offering enough brightness for regular outdoor needs. The remote could do with some improvement, but barring that, they are worth considering for their wide-angle design and waterproof capabilities."
8. Best Lightweight:iThird 3 Modes Adjustable Solar Motion Sensor Lights
The smart solar light by iThird is made of rustproof stainless steel and ABS material. The panel is equipped with 21 LED bulbs for a super bright daylight white light that illuminates at a 120° angle. The floodlight has three modes—sensor and dim light mode, sensor mode, and always-on mode. It takes up to four to five hours to charge and can sense motion up to 16ft. Its maximum luminosity is 330-lumen and is equipped with a 3.7V 2200mAh lithium battery that is replaceable.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Weather-proof
- Easy installation
- Includes a 60W smart light bulb
- Suitable for outdoors
Cons
- May not last longer
"While the non-standard shape made installation tricky, its build feels top-notch, and the brightness levels are just right. Besides, its solar-powered mechanism has also helped me reduce my electricity consumption."
9. Best Adjustable:Amico Motion Activated LED Security Light
The cord-powered Amico Motion light bulb is energy-saving and bright. This home security light has three controls – motion detection, dusk-to-dawn, and always-on modes. The sensor has a detection range of up to 72ft with 180° wide sensing adjustable angle. The full metal design ensures optimal heat dissipation and has a longer life span of up to 50,000+ hours. Moreover, the motion-activated floodlight has been tested for its water-resistant abilities. It has three lighting modes, ranging from one to ten minutes, that can be adjusted accordingly.
Pros
- ELT-certified
- Adjustable heads
- Distance control settings of low, medium, and high
- Easy installation
- Lightweight
- Brighter light
Cons
- Motion detector might not work well
"It's pretty reassuring to have these lights all around the house. The responsive motion sensor adds a sense of security during the night. All it needs is a bit of patience to get the installation done."
10. Best Automatic Sensor:Lemontec Motion Sensor Solar Light
Image: Solar Lights Lemontec is a wireless solar motion light equipped with 62 big LEDs that can produce 2000-lumen. Its PIR motion sensor activates at a distance of 10 – 26ft when motion is detected. The solar wall light lasts for up to ten seconds and turns off automatically. It has a unique auto-on feature at night, auto-off at sunrise, dim light when no motion and bright light activated when sensing motion. The automatic white light is equipped with a lithium-ion battery that gives 12 hours of illumination and requires seven hours of charge. There are three modes – dim light sensor, strong light, and strong light sensor modes.
Pros
- Five-year warranty
- Easy installation
- Durable
- Weather-resistant
- Automatic day/night sensor
Cons
- Irreplaceable solar panel
"I like how these solar-powered lights brighten the outdoors, offering decent coverage. They have been quite durable, too, holding up against harsh weather. I just wish the motion sensor's reach were more powerful."
11. Best Rechargeable Battery:Ollivage Solar Motion Sensor Light
Equipped with two modes, Ollivage has a PIR sensor that stays in dim mode and brightens when motion is detected. The 360° rotatable dual spotlight is equipped with 30 powerful LEDs of 50,000 hours lifespan and can be adjusted to your convenience. The rechargeable outdoor security floodlight works on a 18650 – 2200 mAh lithium-ion battery for optimal brightness and has a lifespan of 500 circles.
Pros
- 360° rotating solar panel
- Wide solar panel
- Durable
- Lightweight light bulb
- Easy installation
- Automatic day/night sensor
- Versatile design
Cons
- Ineffective motion sensor
"The highlight of this light is its ability to illuminate two spots simultaneously. Its setup is also easy, and the efficient motion sensor offers peace of mind. However, I’d suggest sealing its edges to prevent water damage."
12. Best Cordless:Otdair Solar Motion Sensor Lights
The easy-to-install Otdair Solar light works on a 18650 – 2200 mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery. The 360° rotatable spotlight is equipped with 70 powerful LEDs and can be adjusted to your convenience. Once fully charged, it can last up to 30 hours. The sensor can detect motion up to 33fe at a 120° range. The motion sensor lights auto on at night, auto off at sunrise, and can work for over 5,000 hours.
Pros
- Durable made with ABS material
- IP65 waterproof
- Heat-proof
- High and bright light beam
- Offers bright light
- Easy to install
- Wide-angle detection
- Adjustable heads
- Cordless
- Includes batteries and installation hardware
Cons
- Not weather-proof
"The illumination offered by these lights is bright enough to cover both the front yard and surrounding pathways. Installing them was manageable but could have been easier if the included hardware was sturdy. Still, features like motion detection have made it worthwhile."
13. Best ELT-Certified:Sansi LED Security Light
Sansi Sensor Light has an energy-efficient and patented ceramic heat dissipation technology and premium led chips. Having a life span of 50,000 hours, the outdoor security floodlight can produce 3,600 lumens lighting. It has four working modes – test mode, auto mode, on-time mode, and dusk-to-dawn mode. The motion sensor can detect up to 50ft at a 180° range. The package includes two lamp heads, a motion sensor, a bar-shaped mounting plate, three screws, a waterproof gasket, three-wire connectors, a mounting bolt, and a rubber screw plug.
Pros
- Durable
- Weather-proof
- Effective brightness
- Easy to install
- ELT-certified
- Five-year warranty
- Automatic day/night sensor
Cons
- Motion sensor might be ineffective
"Thanks to the adjustable range, these lights illuminate our entire backyard. Their motion-detecting ability is decent, too, and the included necessary parts came quite handy for a fuss-free installation process."
14. Best Dual-Head:Leonlite Outdoor Motion Sensor Light
Equipped with a dual-head security light, Leonlite Outdoor light heads are flexible and can be adjusted according to your convenience. The motion-activated flood lights save up to 86.7 % of energy and are simple to install. Featuring auto, on-time, and dusk-to-dawn light modes, this security light can be personalized. The sensor can detect up to 70ft at a 180° wide range. The design ensures optimal heat dissipation, and the light has a lifespan of up to 50,000+ hours.
Pros
- Durable
- Five-year warranty
- Easy to install
- Wide-angle coverage
- Position fixing knob
- ELT-certified
- 360° rotating heads
- Energy-efficient
Cons
- Motion sensors cover a wider area, so they may pick up unnecessary moments
"Switching my old halogen bulbs with these LED ones has been wise. They have not only reduced my energy bills but also given me the option to customize the brightness levels. Overall, they have been excellent for lighting my porch."
15. Best Powder Finish:Heath Zenith Motion Activated Halogen Security Light
Image: Heath Zenith Having two adjustable lamp heads, Heath Zenith comes with 150° motion detection. It uses two 120w max par 38 flood bulbs. The security white light is energy-saving, and the bulb life lasts up to 3,000 hours. It detects motion up to 70ft and has a selectable light timer for 1, 5, or 20 minutes and also a test mode. Its powder finish built makes it resistant to weather.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Wide-angle detection
- Highly sensitive motion sensors
- Two-year warranty
- Weather-proof
- Adjustable heads
Cons
- Does not include the bulbs
- May not be durable
"I got these lights at a friend's recommendation, and they have won me over with their seamless performance. Its motion sensitivity is also on-point, and the option to keep it on throughout the night is much appreciated."
How To Choose The Right Outdoor Motion Sensor Light?
Here are a few things to consider while choosing an outdoor motion sensor light.
- Range of detection: It is the distance a motion sensor can pick up movement. Common sensors can detect about 20 – 100ft distance. Choose the outdoor sensor light that suits your detection field.
- Type of light: Most outdoor motion sensors use LEDs, as they give clear illumination, use less energy, do not heat up, and produce brilliant light with nice light distribution. Other types of lights are fluorescent, halogen, and incandescent bulbs.
- Power source: Bright outdoor lights need to be wired into your house’s electrical board and require constant electricity. Opting for a solar- or battery-powered sensor is easy to install and energy-saving.
- Illuminating time: Illumination time is the time lights will stay on before automatically turning off. Most lights have a preset period of 20 seconds. Consider adjustable sensors to adjust them to a shorter or longer time, according to your convenience.
- Location: The location you want to mount your motion sensor lights determines the type you need to buy. For instance, if you want to fix the garage, opt for a dual-head sensor. In case you’re putting it on the porch, a ceiling or wall-mounted sensor is ideal.
- Design: The outdoor sensor design should fit the decor and aesthetics of the house. There is a wide range of patterns and models to choose from.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.Do motion sensor lights work in daylight?
Motion sensor lights work by detecting the motion of an object. They use different technologies and have multiple options to let you set the lights according to your preference. Some motion sensors can be programmed only to turn on at night, while others can be programmed to turn on when detecting a motion during the day.
2.Does temperature affect motion sensors?
Yes, PIR motion sensors detect motion by detecting infrared heat signals. These sensors work irrespective of the temperatures, but are more sensitive to colder temperatures than hotter temperatures.
3.What can Interfere with motion sensors?
Dust or debris in the motion sensor lights can affect motion detection by causing an obstruction. It is essential to clean the device with a dry cloth once or twice a month to keep it clean and functioning.
4.Can motion sensor lights be set to stay on?
Yes, some motion sensor lights can be set in manual mode, where you can set the sensor to stay on. You can check the instruction manual to know how your sensor can be set to stay on.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Boasting the dual ability to write and edit seamlessly, Wedetso Chirhah writes about technology, electronics, automobiles, household products, etc. His writing process combines research, drafting, and revising to ensure each article is written keeping the highest standards in mind. This article about the best outdoor motion sensor lights is no different as he reviews each consumer-tested product in detail, giving you the knowledge you need to make an informed decision. These products are chosen after considering user reviews for an unbiased opinion.
The Bottom Line
Beautiful and functional lighting not only adds to your home’s overall aesthetics but also improves your safety. Installing the best outdoor motion detector lights outside your door can help you increase your home’s visibility while deterring trespassers and alerting you to any suspicious activity at night. The options listed here strike the right balance between powerful illumination and energy efficiency. When choosing one, consider the range of detection, type of light, overall design, ease of operation, and any other features you might be looking for. Our recommendations include the waterproof Lepower LED Motion Sensor Light and the ultra-bright yet compact Mr. Beams Motion Activated Security Spotlight. You could also opt for the Ameri Top Solar-Powered LED Cordless Lights for wide-angle illumination.
Recommended Articles
