Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations.
If you select links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Security lights, decorative lanterns, and more.
Photo:Real Simple
When it came to spotlights, we prioritized brightness and adjustabilityespecially those with customizable angle options.
One of our top picks even comes with a built-in camera.
Its the most expensive option on our list, and the illumination range could be better.
PHOTO: Pottery Barn
After six months of use, including intense heat and light rain, this light has exceeded our expectations.
There are two modes to choose from: smart mode and forced mode.
In forced mode, you’re free to adjust the power and brightness manually.
PHOTO: Real Simple
Its the perfect centerpiece for nighttime dinners on the deck, but it doesnt reach much beyond that.
Lumens: 300 |Dimensions: 6 x 6 x 11 in.
If you stake them in the ground, they wont be able to illuminate higher areas.
When it comes to effectiveness and durability, the Lerekam Solar Spotlights take the cake.
They come with three brightness settingslow, medium, and highwhich you could cycle through by pressing a button.
Even after six months of use and an extra-snowy Iowa winter, theyre still going strong.
Theres no sign of damage, and theyre just as bright as they were on day one.
They dont have motion sensors, but the dusk-to-dawn technology turns the lights on when they detect darkness.
Although the lights dont necessarily blend in with their environment, we found them relatively small and unobtrusive.
That said, we were a bit disappointed by their limited angle rotation.
Lumens: 1,000 |Dimensions: 3 x 6 x 4 in.
Despite its small size, it produces a bright, clear beam.
These lights dont look very extravagant, but their minimalist design gives them a sleek, upscale appearance.
They were also fairly easy to install, requiring only apower drilland the included hardware.
Still, theyll provide adequate security when placed on the front or side of the house or garage.
Lumens: 220 |Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 9 in.
The brightness isnt manually adjustable, and the security light stays on for a few minutes when activated.
Plus, the installation was a breeze.
Lumens: 1,200 |Dimensions: 15 x 8 x 9 in.
It doesnt have a motion sensor or adjustable brightness.
With three LED lights on both sides and a 320-degree angle, they effectively illuminate our entire 50-by-80-foot backyard.
After six months of use through heavy rains and wind, theyre still in pristine condition.
This makes them an ideal choice for lighting dark outdoor areas throughout the night.
Lumens: 6,000 |Dimensions: 4 x 11 x 6 in.
The app and adjustable features may be excessive for those seeking a simple security light.
It comes with two LED floodlights and a security camera with high-definition video quality and color night vision.
Despite six months of inclement weather conditions and rain, it still consistently delivers high-quality footage.
The camera allows two-way verbal communication and has three motion-sensitivity configs: home, away, and disarm.
The lights are just the right brightnessenough for visibility without being blinding.
The Ring app lets you view the footage from anywhere, even receiving notifications of movement within specific areas.
you might also control it via voice using Amazon Alexa.
However, for a gear that serves both lighting and security purposes, we think its worth the splurge.
Lumens: Not specified |Dimensions: 12 x 7 x 10 in.
Once we decided where to put the lights, we timed how long the installation process took.
For smart lights with accompanying apps, we also considered how long it took to set up.
After sunset, we turned on the lights and measured how far the light was cast from the unit.
PHOTO: Amazon
Next, we assessed how well the lights held up under inclement weather conditions.
For motion-sensor lighting, we measured the farthest distance at which someone could trigger the motion sensor.
Finally, we evaluated the size of the detection range.
PHOTO: Real Simple
For battery-powered lights, we considered the battery lifespan the time required to charge fully.
Low-voltage lighting operates at around 12 volts, while high-voltage lighting can reach up to 120 volts.
High-voltage lighting includes fixtures like wall sconces, pendant lights, floodlights, or fence post lights.
As the name suggests, they give off the most light and are best installed by an electrician.
Different voltages are ideal for different needs.
For something more decorative and ambient, low-voltage fixtures should be sufficient.
Power Source
Most outdoor lights are either battery powered or solar powered.
Sincesolar lightscan work in sunny locations without an electrical outlet, they allow for extra placement versatility.
They harness sunlight for power, making them more energy-efficient than battery-powered ones.
Its also worth noting that solar lights often come with a clunky exterior.
Sensor throw in
Landscape lighting is often programmable to activate at certain times or under certain conditions.
Two of the most common types youll see are dusk-to-dawn lighting and motion-activated lighting.
Dusk-to-dawn lighting is triggered by sundown and is primarily used to keep lights on overnight.
This lets you pick between highly sensitive detectionwhich notifies you of any movement whatsoeveror a more selective setting.
For high-intensity spotlights, youll want something bright enough to illuminate a potential intrudertypically 1,200 lumens or more.
At 6,000 lumens, theSansi Motion Sensor Outdoor Lightwas the brightest we tested.
Despite having just 160 lumens, we found theMaxsa Motion-Activated Dual Head Solar Security Lightsurprisingly bright as well.
Plus, its impressive motion detection made it a solid security option.
PHOTO: Amazon
PHOTO: Real Simple
PHOTO: Amazon
PHOTO: Real Simple
PHOTO: Amazon
PHOTO: Real Simple
PHOTO: Amazon
PHOTO: Real Simple
Real Simple
Real Simple
