The 7 Best Outdoor Flood Lights for Home Security in 2024

By Nikhita Mahtani

Updated on Oct. 15, 2024

The best outdoor flood lights are a smart way to secure your home, add curb appeal and brighten up your life.

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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.

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.

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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.

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Also mind checking out these best outdoor security lights to know exactly what’s going on around your home?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.