7 Best Outdoor Smart Lights (Reviewed 2022)
BEST For Porch
Best Indoor/Outdoor
Best For Front Door
Best with Smart Hub
Last update on 2022-11-10 / Affiliate links / Ratings / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
11.01.2022
Written By: John Fox | Security expert / Locksmith 30 Years Experience
Over the years what we are used to in terms of lighting has evolved drastically. We have gone from standard incandescent light bulbs all the way to smart bulbs which can give us thousands of new features and opportunities. Whether you are an early adopter or a laggard just starting to try one of these bulbs the writing on the wall is clear, smart bulbs are the future.
As a homeowner and security installer I have installed thousands of these bulbs and over time got a sense of the best brands and types of smart lights around. Below we go through and cover what my top picks for this year are and give more detail as to the features and specifications of each smart bulb to help you make a buying decision.
Best Overall
Last update on 2022-11-10 / Affiliate links / Ratings / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Sunco Lighting Outdoor LED Flood Light
The Sunco Lighting Outdoor LED Flood Light is one of the best-rated LED bulbs. It is the product of Sunco, a USA-based company that offers affordable and quality products. It is waterproof with a 5″ to 6″ can for storage, and the lighting is dimmable, which allows adjusting the brightness according to different moods and decor. Its waterproof construction enables it to stand exceptionally reliable for outdoor security. Its application is suitable for both indoor and outdoor settings. It has an amazing spotlight feature that can call attention to decor and architectural structure exceptionally. It is certified by energy star and has a longer lifetime than other basic bulbs of about 25000 hours with reduced cost. It also comes with a 5 year of warranty.
Features:
- Color: Daylight
- Shape: Bulb
- Light Source Type: LED
- Wattage: 12
- Brand: Sunco
- Warranty: 5 years
What We Liked:
- Dimmable
- Waterproof
- Directional spotlights
- It holds 5″ and 6″ of recessed cans
- 13watt is equivalent to 100 watt
What We Didn’t Like:
- It is not sold in California
Best Indoor/Outdoor
Last update on 2022-11-10 / Affiliate links / Ratings / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Philips LED Dusk to Dawn Outdoor A19 Light Bulb
The Philips LED Dusk to Dawn Lights bulb maintains a look like a classic bulb. However, it consumes 75 percent less energy than the other 60 watt bulbs. The best thing about it is that it is mercury-free and certified by energy star. The Philips Dusk to dawn LED bulb has a lifetime of about 22,000 hours and comes with a warranty of about 10 years. They are long-lasting bulbs. These bulbs are suitable for both indoor and outdoor settings; their soft white light makes the lighting appear more comfortable to the eye and warmer. It also includes an automatic light sensor which allows it to work according to sunrise and sunset. It can easily be fixed based on E20 medium screws. It does not work along with Philips Hue products.
You may want to check here how long do Philips Hue bulbs last before you decide to buy one.
Features:
- Color: Soft White
- Shape: Bulb
- Light Source Type: LED
- Wattage: 8
- Brand: Philips
- Warranty: 10 years
What We Liked:
- Soft white light
- Consumption of less energy
- Mercury-free
- Energy star certification
- 10 years of warranty
- Long-lasting and durable
- The automatic sensor of light
- Works for both indoor and outdoor settings
- Cost-effective
What We Didn’t Like:
- Does not work with Philips hue products
- No camera, microphone, or speaker included
Best for Front Door
Last update on 2022-11-10 / Affiliate links / Ratings / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. Maximus Video Security Camera & Outdoor Light
The Maximus Video Security Camera and Outdoor Light allow you to interact with people coming to your door in your absence essentially replacing your peephole. It has HD live features that allow you to record videos, an alarm, and an intercom ability with smart motion detection notification for your phone (both Android and iOS). It can be easily controlled by your phone, no matter where you are. It comes with easy installation, and there is no need to change or replace batteries, and it provides you with complete protection 24 hours a day. It has a 720p wide camera, a two-way intercom, and a 100dB siren for alarm with smart light control. It also offers the ability to look at a backup to at least 2 hours for free and 30 days on the premium plan purchase. It also detects smart events and automatically starts recording 10 seconds before the actual event. This feature allows you to avoid any break-ins even before they happen.
Features:
- Color: Coach Black
- Shape: Bulb
- Material: Aluminum and Glass
- Light Source Type: LED
- Shade Material: Glass
- Warranty: 1 year
What We Liked:
- Strong surveillance
- Wide capture
- Two-way intercom
- Recorded videos
- Smart event motion detection
What We Didn’t Like:
- The type of glass which is easily breakable
Best For Porch
Last update on 2022-11-10 / Affiliate links / Ratings / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. Philips Hue Inara White Outdoor Lantern
The Philips Hue Inara offers an automatic light system. In order to gain control of it even when away, it is required to be connected with the Hue Hub, which is purchased separately. For voice control, it works with Alexa, but the HubHub is also required for full function and has to be purchased separately. When connected with Hue Hub, it provides all the features such as automatic lighting and full phone control. Apple home kit and Google assistance are used and operate along with Alexa. It is made of a weatherproof material of good quality with a lifetime of about 25,000 hours and 2 years of warranty. The recommended distance from the Hub to the closest hue light is within 30 ft., and the distance from one hue light to the other can be up to 60 ft. Check this learning guide article if and when this hue light becomes unreachable. The only limitation which comes with the Philips Hue Inara is that the signals of the device can be hindered in the presence of metal and certain materials.
Features:
- Color: Black
- Light Color: White
- Shape: Bulb
- Material: Aluminum
- Light Source Type: LED
- Warranty: 2 years
- Wattage: 9.5
- Brand: Philips Hue
What We Liked:
- Distance range from one hue light to the other
- Warranty of 2 years
- Weatherproof material
What We Didn’t Like:
- Requirement of separate hue hub
- Signal blockage due to metal and certain other material
- Expensive
Best with Smart Hub
Last update on 2022-11-10 / Affiliate links / Ratings / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. Sengled Smart Light Bulb Starter Kit
The Sengled Element Classic Smart LED Light Bulb with Hub works well with 2.4G and 5G Wi-Fi. Due to its high connection reliability, it can even add up to 64 smart bulbs to the smart hub system. It does not strain your Wi-Fi connection nor slow it down like the other bulbs present in the market. It provides voice control through Alexa and Google Home, which means you can control your light system by your voice commands and even adjust the lighting to your liking and requirements. It also offers Wake Up and Sleep Mode, which could be easily set up using your Sengled Home App from your phone (both Android and iOS). You can even schedule the LED bulb lighting timing. It will start getting brighter with the scheduled time you set. It can also be set according to sunset; it will dim or brighten accordingly. This feature of automatic dim and brightening of the light creates an impression of someone being home. (1)
The Sengled Element Classic Smart LED Light Bulb also includes a remote through which you can control all your home’s lighting systems from wherever you want. It allows you to control and operate all of your 19 LED bulbs simultaneously by making a group of them with the help of Alexa, Google Home, or IFTTT. The Sengled Element Classic Smart LED Light Bulb supports up to 64 other Single products and accessories to be purchased separately. It also offers professional local call customer support service for about 24 months.
Features:
- Color: Soft White
- Shape: Bulb
- Light Source Type: LED
- Wattage: 9
- Warranty: 3 years
- Material: Plastic
What We Liked:
- High connection reliability
- Strain free network connection
- Voice Control
- Wake up and Sleep Mode
- Remote Control
- Scheduling
- Automatic dim and brightening
- Group operation of 64 bulbs altogether
- 64 other Single accessories and product support
- Professional local call center customer support service (2)
What We Didn’t Like:
- Expensive
Best Brightest Bulb
Last update on 2022-11-10 / Affiliate links / Ratings / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
6. SkyGenius LED Corn Bulb
The SkyGenius LED Corn Light Bulb is the best available LED bulb to brighten a dark place. It brightens up your home with its cool white-colored light and has no color distortion. It is durable as its lifetime is 5 times more than any other bulb. If you do not want to pay loads for electric bills, it is the best option for you as it only consumes 1/9 of the electricity of its competitors. It brightens up the place way more than any other bulb as it has LEDs all around it, making it possible to throw light in all directions, especially at the bottom, which brightens up even more. It is made up of plastic that reduces the risk of damage. It fits in a standard base of E26 but a larger size, so if you have a size limitation, please pre-check the size to avoid any inconvenience. (3)
Features:
- Color: Cool White
- Shape: Bulb
- Light Source Type: LED
- Wattage: 25
- Brand: SkyGenius
- Material: Plastic
What We Liked:
- 360 shinning: LEDs all around the bulb
- Cool white color
- Durability
- Energy saving
- Super bright
What We Didn’t Like:
- Larger size limits fixture into different sizes
Best Budget
Last update on 2022-11-10 / Affiliate links / Ratings / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
7. TP-Link Smart LED Light Bulb
The Smart Light with Wi-Fi by TP is supported and controlled with multiple devices such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Microsoft Cortana for a hands-free experience. It includes device control which makes it possible to control and adjust lighting from anywhere by using its Kasa app on your smartphone. It works well and is compatible with both Android and iOS. It also offers dimmable brightness, adjusted according to mood, liking, and requirement. KASA SCENES AND SCHEDULES help schedule the light automation feature, which automatically turns the light off and on. It also requires a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network connection.
Features:
- Color: Dimmable White
- Shape: Bulb
- Light Source Type: LED
- Wattage: 50
- Brand: TP-Link
- Material: Plastic
What We Liked:
- Device control from anywhere
- Voice Control
- Dimmable dim brightness
- Compatible with both Android and iOS
- Budget-friendly
What We Didn’t Like:
- The scheduling feature can only be operated through KASA SCENES AND SCHEDULES
Things to Check Before Getting One
What are smart outdoor lights?
Smart outdoor lights can be controlled through remote or smartphone apps from almost anywhere. These lights are not just made to light up your house but also come with advanced smart features and functions like a camera, speaker, and microphone to make life easier.
How to select smart outdoor lights that work best for you?
Several features are available, from remote-controlled lights, motion detector lights, dusk to dawn sensor lights, and many more. Outdoor lighting also enhances the look of your house and can be used for many purposes, such as getting notified of someone’s visit in your absence and sending a message to the visitor. Smart outdoor lights work well with electric connections and do amazingly well with solar energy. Selecting a smart outdoor light is really a guide on its own dependant on which type you want to use. Below we go through our favorites in each category.
Wrapping Up
The Above mentioned smart outdoor lights are the best of the pack. It is necessary to keep all features and functions in mind while selecting the best outdoor smart light according to your requirements. In our opinion, the Sunco Lighting Outdoor LED Flood Lights is the best as it offers amazing features at an affordable price, making it suitable for most people. However, not everyone is looking for the same features, so it entirely depends upon what you are looking for. Sunco Lighting Outdoor LED Flood Lights are not sold in California, so the second-best outdoor smart light option, in our opinion, is the Philips LED Dusk to Dawn Lights bulb.
References
(1) market – https://www.britannica.com/topic/market
(2) call center – https://blog.hubspot.com/service/working-call-center
(3) electric bills – https://www.cnet.com/pictures/24-tips-to-help-you-save-on-your-electric-bill/
John Fox
Allow me to introduce myself. My name is John Fox and I’ve been working as a security consultant for over 20 years now. During my time in the industry, I’ve learned about what it takes to ensure your home and family are always safe. With Safe Now, I’ve tried to take those two decades of experience and share it with others. My goal now is to help others figure out how to make the right choices for their businesses and families. On my website, you’ll find tips and guides on how to prevent crimes, as well as product recommendations. What’s more, my readers can learn more about what to do in case of an emergency and how to protect themselves at all times. So, if you want to know everything there is about security systems and home safety, I invite you to join me and my team and help us build a community together.