The Best Security Lights: Automatic Security You Can Depend On
Lighting up your outdoor area is an affordable way to provide a deterrent to crime, and help make your outdoor spaces safer and more enjoyable. Everything from systems that tie directly into home security and smart home units, to motion detection and solar powered lights can help you both see what you are driving or walking into as- as well as illuminate areas when something shows up that doesn’t belong.
Take a look at our security light buyers guide below, and pursue our top lighting picks to help you determine which is best for your area.
| Rank | Product | Highlights |
| #1 |
 Onforu 50W LED Security Light |
|
| #2 |
 URPOWER Solar Lights |
|
| #3 |
 LEPOWER 3000LM LED Security Light |
|
| #4 |
 Aootek Led Solar Outdoor Motion Sensor Lights |
|
| #5 |
 DrawGreen DG08-A Solar Outdoor Motion Sensor |
|
Table Of Contents
- The Premise Behind Security Lighting
- Lighting Options
- Types of Motion Sensor Lighting
- What to Look for When Choosing a Security Light
- Mounting Options
- Top 5 Security Lights Reviews
- 1. Onforu 50W LED Security Light Outdoor Flood Light Fixture
- 2. URPOWER Solar Lights
- 3. LEPOWER 3000LM LED Switch Controlled LED Security Light
- 4. Aootek Led Solar Outdoor Motion Sensor Lights
- 5. DrawGreen DG08-A Solar Outdoor Motion Sensor
- Conclusion
The Premise Behind Security Lighting
Well lit areas are beneficial for a variety of reasons. Being able to see where you are parking on a dark evening or placing your feet while walking up to your door at night- as well as having a clear view from a security camera are excellent reasons to add them to your high traffic areas. Plus, crime is less likely to occur in an area that is well lit- allowing you peace of mind through the night. Even animals are deterred by lighting- especially motion sensor designs that will often chase them off.
Lighting Options
There are a few basic types of bulbs you can choose from when it comes to security lighting: halogen, incandescent and LED are amongst the most popular. However, incandescent and halogen bulbs are what was used for years and years in home and outdoor lighting- and have been more or less phased out due to the introduction of LED lighting. LED options have created a brighter, more affordable, longer lasting, and safer alternative. Because of this it is harder to find outdoor lighting that uses anything but, and truly, LED is the best you can buy.
You also have the option of choosing between lighting that is hardwired into your home electrical system, or has an alternative power source- such as a battery or solar panel. Advances in technology have made all of these viable, dependable options that you can count on for a long-lasting solution.
Types of Motion Sensor Lighting
Motion sensors are an integral part of security lighting, and work as a trigger to turn on when motion is sensed within a specific range on the light itself. This is a great way to avoid wasting electricity (when hardwired into your home), or draining battery and stored solar power.
Even though manufacturers do not have to explain the technology behind the type of motion sensor they use, it will be one of the following we’ve listed below. More expensive systems will utilize technology that won’t pick up false readings or be too sensitive to things such as plant movement or wind.
• Microwave
Microwave technology utilizes electromagnetic pulses that are sent out by the sensor to reflect off moving objects.
• Passive Infrared
This is a type of sensor that uses technology to detect body heat and trigger lights to come on when indicated. This is often used in conjunction with motion technology.
• Area Reflective
These types of sensors use an infrared ray that is emitted and then measured upon its reflective return. If something moves with this range, it changes the distance of the reflective ray which will trigger the light to turn on.
• Ultrasonic
These acoustic sensors emit a high frequency sound wave that reflects off the surrounding area. If they bounce off moving objects, this trips the sensor to turn the lights on .
• Dual Technology
Dual technology is just a fancy way to say two of the above mentioned technologies are combined to work together and create a more dependable movement trigger since both types would need to have picked up movement in order to turn on. This helps reduce false alarms. .
What to Look for When Choosing a Security Light
There are a few important features just about all motion security lights have in common, and it is important to take a good look at what each offers to ensure you are getting the type of light you need for the space you have.
— Type of Light
As mentioned, there are various types of bulbs that are used, and by far the most popular and dependable is an LED. If you choose a different type, be sure to pick up a few spare bulbs for quick and easy replacement.
— Power Options
Whether you choose to hardwire your power supply, or use an alternative source, keep in mind location of the lighting you want, as well as the effort it may take to run electricity to your lights. In some cases you may need to hire an electrician.
— Range of Detection
With ranges from 20 to 100 feet, you need to consider the area you want illuminated and take into account the angle of detection as well.
— Illumination Period
How long your light stays on after movement has ended is important to consider as well. Too long, and you waste power, too short, and you may not have the area triggered quick enough when needed.
— Lumens
Lumens refer to light intensity and brightness. Depending on the area you need to brighten up, you want to take into account the amount of space you have.
Extra Features to Consider
Although not standard, you might want to consider auto-reset features that will reset a light after a power surge to avoid defaulting to an off position. Also, adjustable illumination coverage, adjustable sensitivity and distance, as well as how long your light stays on are all extra features you may find.
Mounting Options
Where you place your security light is crucial to how well it works for you. Take into account some of the following details:
- Direct-wired lights are usually mounted at doors or above doors to take advantage of home wiring.
- Decorative sensors don’t always have a large range of illumination.
- Under-eave mounts are discreet and provide an unexpected security factor.
- Battery powered lighting can be mounted just about anywhere. Just keep in mind you need to be able to reach it to change batteries.
- Solar lights also can more or less be mounted anywhere, but keep in mind the charging panels will need full, to almost full sun exposure to charge enough to last for use through the night.
Top 5 Security Lights Reviews
The following reviews are our favorite picks and offer a dependable lighting solution for your outdoor spaces. Use them to help provide better lighting in low light areas each evening, or as a means to add a degree of security and safety to your spaces.
1. Onforu 50W LED Security Light Outdoor Flood Light Fixture
SPECS:
- Number of lights: 1 (3 heads)
- Size of light: 11 x 8 x 7.5 inches
- Power Source: electrical
Label: Bright LED, 3 Head Floodlight
This 100 watt floodlight style security lighting has three heads that you can adjust to where you need them, and use bright, long lasting, LED bulbs for energy efficiency. Easy to install, they mount to a junction box with simple instructions that are included with the lights.
Perfect for outdoor weather, it is waterproof and weatherproof- making it perfect for mounting anywhere you need your area brighter. It also has a motion sensor that can pick up motion up to 39 feet, and provides you the means to adjust the brightness of the light, as well as how long the time it stays on.
Who This is For
Perfect for lighting up large areas, the three adjustable heads are perfect to get light exactly where you need it.
2. URPOWER Solar Lights
SPECS:
- Number of lights: 4
- Size of light: small, medium, large; 5 x 4 x 2 inches to 5 x 5 x 9 inches
- Power Source: solar
Label: Compact Solar Lighting Solutions
These compact solar lights come on a pack of 4 and offer a strong LED illumination at 120 degree angles to help light up all your small spaces. Motion activated within 10 feet, they stay on for 30 seconds before turning off, and require 6 to 8 hours for a full charge to take advantage of their use through the night when needed.
They last about 50,000 hours of use, which is standard for LED lighting, as long as the built in solar panels are kept in good shape. Weatherproof, they can be placed anywhere you need illumination- making them perfect for deck rails, steps, and near doorways.
Who This is For
Solar lighting allows for illumination away from power sources and offers excellent dependability for darkened areas. They also come in 3 sizes: small, medium, and large.
3. LEPOWER 3000LM LED Switch Controlled LED Security Light
SPECS:
- Number of lights: 1 (2 heads)
- Size of light: 10 x 6 x 5.7 inches
- Power Source: electrical
Label: Switch Controlled LED Security Light
Easy to wire into existing wall mount recesses, these 2 head security lights have an on/off switch to provide you the means to have full control over when or how your lights turn on. Flood light style, you can adjust the lighting to where you need it to illuminate a large area. The Samsung LED bulbs have an average of 50,000 hours of life and are incredibly bright with up to an 80% less energy usage.
Waterproof and weatherproof, they are dependable in all sorts of weather, heat, and cold for dependability. Perfect for workshops, garages, backyard lighting, entryways, barns, dark alleys and corners- these are excellent and dependable.
Who This is For
If you have an area that you worry would be constantly tripped with a motion sensor, this is an excellent alternative!
4. Aootek Led Solar Outdoor Motion Sensor Lights
SPECS:
- Number of lights: 2 or 4
- Size of light: 4 x 4 x 8 inches
- Power Source: Solar
Label: 3 Mode Solar Sensor Lighting
Sold in packs of 2 or 4, these solar lights use LED bulbs to provide 50,000 hours or more of illumination. Sensor activated, they can pick up movement up to 26 feel away, but have 3 modes to choose from: sensor on/off, all night on, or smart brightness )stays on but brightens with movement). The wide angle designs also allow for a 120 degree coverage.
The solar panels are wide and effective, and easily take in the energy needed to use any of the 3 modes when placed in full sun. Plus, they are very affordable. The weatherproof and waterproof design keeps them working all year round.
Who This is For
When you need wide coverage, but a low profile light, these are a perfect option for placement anywhere you want it. Plus, the modes make them incredibly useful.
5. DrawGreen DG08-A Solar Outdoor Motion Sensor
SPECS:
- Number of lights: 1
- Size of light: 7 x 5 x 3.5 inches
- Power Source: Solar
Label: Flexible Solar Motion Sensor Lighting
With the ability to take advantage of 360 degree angle movements and 160 degree for lighting coverage, the large solar attachment charges in 5 to 6 hours of direct sunlight for all night use. The strong illumination is useful for up to 60 feet, and the motion detection picks up between 10 and 26 feet.
Easy to mount anywhere you need it, you get up to 50,000 hours of use due to the dependable LED lighting. Weather and waterproof, it works well in severe temperatures, and can even hold a charge for 3 days in the case it becomes cloudy.
Who This is For
This is a very bright, wide, and flexible solution for when you need to light up a large area.
Conclusion
Security lighting is never a bad idea, and you can easily install solutions without having to break the bank. Both electric and solar options are highlighted above to provide you simple solutions that are dependable and long lasting. Choose the kind that works best for your location and offers the lighting needs for your outdoor spaces.