The 15 Best Outdoor Motion Sensor Lights

Stopping a trespasser in their tracks couldn’t be easier or faster than with the right motion sensor light. Depending on the brand you choose they have a wide range and the brightness of the spotlight is somewhat blinding to an intruder. Not only this but motion sensing lights are a much more affordable option for leaving a light on outside of your house.

Many people choose to install multiple motion activated lights in a bid to prevent break ins and yes they actually do help.

There are so many different models on the market so in the following post I’ll do my best to highlight the pros and cons of the best outdoor motion sensor lights.

Best Outdoor Motion Sensing Lights Available Online

How Do Motion Sensors Work?

Using built in technologies such as passive infrared, vibration sensing and ultra sonic waves to name a few motion is detected which triggers the light to turn on. A sensor light may use one or multiple technologies to detect motion.

Basically, when triggered the flood light will light up the surrounding area and anything that is in the path.

1. Mr Beams MB360 Wireless LED Spotlight with Motion Sensor and Photocell

In terms of value for money, Mr Beams is a hugely popular and highly rated LED sensor spotlight. Battery powered makes installing and setting up this sensor a walk in the park.

The spotlight itself is very bright at 140 lumens and although battery operated is reasonably low power consumption. With the ability to detect motion up to 30 feet away in the dark, this sensor will also automatically turn off within 30 seconds after the motion stops.

Durable, the sensor is weatherproof with a watertight seal for any rainy conditions. Although battery operated, as they are LED bulbs, you can expect the batteries to last roughly 1 year before they need replacing. This is based on average use of 8-10 daily activations.

The LED spotlight provides 140 lumens of light for bright light around your home and yard. Expect about 1 year of light on each set of batteries with average use of 8-10 activations a day. The adjustable head allows you to focus the light wherever you need it to increase safety.

Using smart Photocell technology the sensor will not activate during daylight hours- further saving the battery life.

Pros

• Affordable
• Easy to install
• LED bulbs for bright spotlights
• Photocell technology for only night time activation
• Batteries last up to 1 year

Cons

• Some issues with weatherproof seals leaking

Available in white or dark brown the Mr Beams lights can be bought as a single item, 2 pack, 3 pack or 4 pack. These make for a very affordable way to secure the outside perimeter of your home.

2. RAB Lighting STL360H Super Stealth 360 Sensor

RAB Super Stealth is one of the most sturdy, durable and industrial strength flood lights to purchase. With a 60 foot detection area, the sensor can detect motion 180 degrees out and 360 degrees down.

In addition to this wide range, there are also secondary sensors in the model behind and below the lights.

With immunity to radio frequency interference as well as 6000 volt surge protection, this spotlight can withstand just about anything.

This light system comes pre-wired and pre-assembled on a CU4 universal EZ plate. Protected with a manual override and auto reset which can also be wired in parallel to it.

The shielded bell flood lights can handle up to 150 watt maximum strength but please note you need to purchase the lamps separately.

Using photoelectric control this means the sensor deactivates during daylight hours which decreases energy consumption.

Advanced detection technologies have been incorporated into the design which works to minimize false triggers. There is also an inbuilt evening timer that can be used to keep the lights on anywhere from 1-8 hours after dusk.

Although the name implies they are stealth lights, they are actually quite bulky and not easily hidden. So if you are looking for something discreet this may not be the right choice for you.

Pros

• Very bright floodlight
• Excellent sensor coverage
• Dual bulb light

Cons

• Expensive

3. Dual-Head Motion-Activated LED Outdoor Security Light

If you are looking to cover an extensive area then dual headed lights are the best choice. With a 180 degree lighting and sensing angle, these lights cover a huge space and can detect motion up to 70 feet away.

Using auto dusk to dawn technology as well as a manual control you can set the light to only be active in the dark hours. This is great for reducing power consumption over the course of its use.

With a 50,000 hour lifespan, this product is durable and reliable with low maintenance. The LED lights are IP65 waterproof rotational capabilities allow for wide coverage and high security. Weatherproof and corrosion resistant this is a solid outdoor camera that is designed to last.

The light emitted from these spotlights is crisp and very bright at 1600 lumens which is more or less a 120 watt bulb.

Included with the purchase is a 5 year warranty which is roughly 50,000 hours of use. In addition, the light means the DLC qualifications making it eligible for energy saving rebates, depending on your state.

Pros

• Bright flood light
• Eligible for energy saving rebates
• 5 year warranty
• Weatherproof IP65 rating
• Auto control of light
• Available in dual or triple head lights

Cons

• Requires hardwire installation which may mean you need to hire a professional

Available in bronze or white, the dual headed lights are great motion sensor spotlights that are designed to last and backed by an extensive warranty.

4. 1byone Wireless Home Security Driveway Alarm

The 1byone wireless driveway alarm presents a great security measure for those with long driveways. With the option to add on motion sensors they are discreet and can easily go unnoticed. The unit offers three chime options to alert you of intruders and the speaker is roughly the size of a baby monitor.

With the ability to add up to six sensors the alarm can cover many different areas in one go. With a communication range of up to 328 feet (distance from the sensor to the alarm receiver) and an infrared sensor of 16-26 feet. This is great for installing a few different sensors to track the intruder coming up the driveway.

The alert choices are low, medium and high and there are also flashing lights to pair into the mix. Combinations can be Sound/LED, Flash/Sound and LED Flash.

Using state of the art passive infrared technology these sensors will pick up on any intruder to your property.

This model does not have a spotlight feature nor external sounds so the intruder most likely won’t be startled or deterred.

Pros

• Multiple sensors
• Long range
• Sound and light alerts

Cons

• No spotlight

The 1byone wireless driveway alarm uses motion detection to alert you of an intruder in the way of an alarm and or flashing LED lights. This system does not have an outdoor speaker or floodlight to startle or stop intruders but is a good monitoring device for extra security around the home.

5. Mr. Beams MB572 Wireless Battery-Powered Motion Sensing LED Path Lights

Mr Beams Battery Powered Path Lights are another good item for home security although more so for the use of safe passage to your door.  These look good along the garden pathway but won’t have the same deterrent effect as the other spotlight sensors.

Motion sensor activated they will automatically turn on from up to 12 feet away. The light from these is a neutral downward light at around 35 lumens from LED lights, making them ideal for steps and walkways.

Battery operated, these will last 1 year or 50 hours and even more when alkaline batteries are used. Durable and weather resistant, these lights have tight seals and UV resistant material making them well suited to all weather conditions.

As they are battery operated installing these is as easy as they come. They also have an automatic shut off feature, after 20 second or 60 seconds (two options) within any motion within their range. This further extends battery life.

Pros

• Easy to install
• Motion activated
• Automatic shut off feature at either 20 or 60 seconds

Cons

• Not exactly a burglar deterrent

Sold as a 2 pack or 6 pack, the Mr Beams Battery Powered Path Lights are a great addition to your home walkway. In addition to the automatic light sensor, there is an optional GlowMode which emits a constant soft light until motion triggers full brightness.

6. High Power 1000Lumen Solar Motion LED Flood Light –10 watts of High Power Light

The Solar High Power Flood Light emits a super bright 1,000 lumen light which really does light up the area adequately. Using 10 watts of floodlight power your whole driveway or backyard will be illuminated.

With four different modes which can easily be adjusted through the use of a chain. The light can be adjusted to sense distances up to 16 feet away. Once on, the floodlight will remain bright for 30 seconds.

Run purely by a solar panel installing this is relatively quick and easy to do. Included with the purchase is a 12 foot cable which gives you the ability to adjust the positioning of the solar panel and floodlight as needed.

There are three intelligent modes – bright, dim and recharge. Bright means the motion activates lights when motion is detected. Dim means 10% lighting for saving power when there is no motion and recharge means it automatically turns off in daylight to recharge.

This product comes with CE and ROHS certifications, it is a high quality aluminum product that has a hard plastic construction and IP65 outdoor waterproof rating.

Pros

• Reliable, durable and long lasting
• Three intelligent modes
• IP65 weatherproof rating
• CE and ROHS certified

Cons

• Price

The Solar High Power Flood Light is a top rated, high quality flood light that although expensive is really just a one off cost. The solar panel is reliable and can be placed up to 12 foot away from the floodlight via the cable that’s included with the purchase.

7. Sunforce 82156 60-LED Solar Motion Light

The Sunforce LED Solar Motion Light features an amorphous solar panel, 15 foot cable, 60 LED solar light and a lithium-ion rechargeable battery. With a lumen output of 850, this is a bright light.

The sensor has a 30 foot detection distance as well as 180 degrees range offering good coverage of your outdoor area.

Installing this is relatively easy, all the mounting hardware required is included. Weather resistant this spotlight can be mounted almost anywhere. The solar panel will recharge in daylight conditions and does not require direct sunlight.

Easy to adjust to your personal preferences you can choose how dark it needs to be before the light activates as well as how long it remains activated for once tripped.

Pros

• 850 lumens makes for a bright light
• Solar powered
• Easy to install

Cons

• Short battery life

The Sunforce LED Solar Motion Light is another solar powered spotlight that has great customer reviews and is reliable. Significantly cheaper than other solar panel spotlights this doesn’t quite match the same quality as the previously reviewed product. It does, however, present excellent value for this price.

8. Milex LED Spotlight 360 Degree Wireless Weatherproof Motion Detector Lamps

The Milex LED Spotlight is a motion activated, automatic on/off that has an adjustable head that can easily rotate to where the light is needed.

Using LED floodlight technology these lights are ultra bright, glare free and have a very wide coverage area. Weatherproof and sealed this spotlight can be installed just about anywhere. No wiring is needed either, making the process much fast with just 2 screws.

Battery operated and no wires mean installing it is easy as is changing or moving around to a different location around the home.

Once activated the light stays on for about 30 seconds unless motion is still detected, then it will remain on and illuminated. Bright when activated this does light up a large surface area.

Pros

• Affordable
• Easy to install
• Bright light

Cons

• Battery operated

The Milex LED Spotlight is a good entry level motion activated sensor light that is very affordable.

9. Heath/Zenith HZ-4133-OR Shaker Cove Mission-Style 150-Degree Motion-Sensing Decorative Security Light

Increasing the security around your home doesn’t need to de-tract from the stylish look of it. With the Heath Zenith Decorative Security Light you can install motion sensor outdoor lights that are inconspicuous, stylish and functional.

Although this light does require hardwiring it does offer a solid 30 foot detection range. The light bulb is 60 watt which is bright but not floodlight strength.

With a 150 degree motion sensor, this covers a wide range of surface area around your home. This brand is trusted and well known, not only in the USA but worldwide.

The design can be configured as a carriage light, lantern or a coach light which provides even more options for use.

Photocell technology means the light will only activate during night time hours which saves your energy.

Pros

• Stylish and inconspicous
• Long range of motion detection
• Available in different colors and light configurations

Cons

• Hardwired which makes the installation a little more difficult

Energy star certified, the Heath Zenith Decorative Security Light is available in rubbed bronze or silver and comes with a two year limited warranty.

10. First Alert PIR725 Motion Sensing Motion Activated Light Socket

The First Alert Motion Sensing Light Socket is a simple and effective device than can be fitted to existing light sockets.

Affordable, this can be useful in both day and night conditions. It works with incandescent bulbs up to 100 watts as well as compact fluorescent bulbs up to 50 watts.

Designed only for indoor use, this could work with an undercover outdoor area although not advised. Due to the design, the motion sensor can detect moving 360 degrees and up to 12 feet away.

Many people choose to use this inside their homes such as in the kitchen, bathrooms and linen room due to the handsfree, automatic approach.

Pros

Cons

• Limited to indoor use

The First Alert Motion Sensing Light Socket is a great entry level, affordable motion sensor light that is for indoor use. With 360 degree coverage, this is a great addition to the home.

11. Heath Zenith HZ-5411-WH Motion Sensor Security Light

This motion sensor light is designed to withstand outdoor conditions without compromising on functionality. It is made of heavy-duty material that lasts long and resists weather damage.

The light has a 150-degree angle that ensures it never misses any motion around it. It is designed to work with two 120W max par 38 flood bulbs that you can get from your local store. 

The sensor detects up to 70 feet to ensure security. The best thing is that it comes with adjustable detection sensitivity that you can set to suit your needs. With the right bulb, this light can alert you when it senses any motion around it. 

With the selectable light timer function, you can set the light to suit your needs. You can choose the test, one minute, 5-minute or 20-minute interval. It comes with a wall mount that you can quickly fix on your wall to set the light where you need it to work.

Pros

• High-quality metal/plastic construction
• Easy to install
• Super sensitive motion sensor
• Allows adjusting the sensitivity

Cons

• The mounting bracket comes with a single-centered screw that causes swiveling of the light

This motion sensor light is the best to install above your front door or any other area that you need to enhance security. 

12. AmeriTop Motion Sensor Lights Outdoor

This motion sensor light comes in a three-heads design that ensures even distribution of light around the area. The heads are flexible, allowing you to set the angle for precise light direction. They are ultra-bright and save on energy hence suitable for high-traffic areas.

The light is made of high-quality die-cast aluminum impact-resistant PC lens to ensure it withstands different weather elements. It is IP65 waterproof rating, so you do not have to worry about water damage. The lights are designed to withstand extreme temperatures allowing you to use them anywhere in the outdoors.

With the innovative wide-angle and three-heads design, this light covers a large area. The adjustable heads can move upwards, downwards or horizontally giving you a wide range of light directions. The motion is detected with 180 degrees swiveling angle sensing motion up to 49 feet.

Pros

• Highly-sensitive motion sensor
• Convenient adjustable heads 
• Super bright and wide coverage
• High-quality construction

Cons

• The lights tend to flash on and off several times

If you are looking for a bright motion sensor light, this is an ideal choice. 

13. 30W LED Security Light Motion Sensor Outdoor

Adding a motion sensor light at your front door can enhance your security system. This light is one of the best and produces bright light with motion detection. The light is super bright and produces 2550 lumens. It features a built-in photocell and adjustable motion sensor that automatically turns on when motion is detected at night. 

With this light, you do not have to contact a professional for installation. It comes with all the accessories needed to mount it for hassle-free fixing. You only need to follow a few wiring steps and connect to the light for complete installation. 

The light supports three working modes. With the test mode, you can check if the sensor is sensitive enough. On this mode, the light turns on automatically with motion detection and stays on for 5 seconds. With the motion mode, the light detects object motion at night and floods lights automatically. The manual mode keeps the light on for 8 hours.  

Pros

• High-quality construction
• Super easy to install
• Multiple modes to choose
• Functional motion sensor

Cons

• The motions sensor detects a short distance to use for large yards

If you do not mind short motion detection, this motion sensing light can work well for you. It is easy to install and works effectively to enhance the security of your home. 

14. Solar Lights Outdoor Motion Sensor

If you are looking for a high-quality solar motion sensor light, this is one of the best. You can set it up along the driveway, at your front door or anywhere in your garden as long as it is exposed to sunlight.  

The solar flood light comes with optics-grade PMMA lens that makes it much brighter. This light covers up to 60 feet, giving you extensive coverage for enhanced security. On sunny days, the light takes about 6 hours to charge. When the weather is gloomy, this light can last up to 3 days on low-light settings.

It is made of high-quality aluminum alloy that is solid and more durable for use in the outdoors. The metal bracket that comes with the light can be removed easily for easy use anywhere around your home. The light has an IP66 waterproof rating, so you do not have to worry about water damage.

Pros

• Durable construction
• Highly-sensitive sensor
• Easy to install 
• Long-lasting solar charge

Cons

• The light fogs up a little on the inside 

This is one of the best motion sensors to use in the outdoors. It is an energy-saving option that you can install anywhere around your home to enhance security.

15. Big Solar Panel Motion Sensor Lights Outdoor

This motion sensor is designed to enhance your security system by detecting motion anywhere around it. It covers a distance of 4 to 8 meters and detects motion in a 120-degree angle. It lights up automatically when motion is detected and stays on in bright light for 30 seconds. 

The light comes with an upgraded solar panel that has a large absorbing area. It charges quickly within four hours to provide light all night. The light is made for outdoor use; thanks to the waterproof quality. It is made of high-quality ABS that is waterproof, dustproof, heatproof, and frost-proof.

The motion sensor light is super easy to install with the mounting accessories it comes with. With the extra super-adhesive tape, you can mount it securely on to a wall and not worry about swiveling or falling off.

Pros

• High-quality construction
• Easy to install
• Sensitive motion sensor
• Energy-saving design

Cons

• The battery does not last too long

This motion sensor is ideal if you are looking for one to install at your front door. It detects motion quickly and produces bright light instantly.

Types of Motion Sensors

As mentioned there are many different technologies to detect motion and movement which then activates the spotlight. Let’s take a look at the most popular methods.

Passive Infrared (PIR)

This technology detects body heat as infrared energy, this is the most widely used motion detection method. With a combination of a few, the heat and movement of any surrounding areas from your home can work together to create a grid like area.

This provides excellent coverage for intruders. The other thing to consider is that these sensors can and will activate in the presence of an animal such as a dog.

Microwave Energy (MW)

By emitting microwave pulses these will measure the reflection properties of a moving object. This then is interpreted by the sensor and activates the sensor for the light. This technology allows for even more coverage than infrared sensors but can be sensitive to electrical interference

Dual Technology Motion Sensors

While sensor technology is great there are many that are overly sensitive, such as a plant or shrub blowing in the wind. In order to reduce false alarms, there are some high tech motion sensors that combine a few different technologies such as a PIR and MW sensor.

So how is this more accurate? Well with both of these technologies, both of the sensors need to be triggered before the spotlight activates. Two ‘eyes’ are always better than one. Although, this does not mean false alarms are stopped entirely.

Area Reflective Type

Through LED and infrared lights, reflective rays measure distances from objects within a given area. If the sensor detects something new or different, ie. a person, within this zone it will activate the flood light.

Ultrasonic

Similar to microwaves, ultrasonic waves are emitted in pulses which can then measure reflection from a moving object. If it is foreign or new then the sensor activates.

Vibration

Vibration sensors detect vibration within the area. Using a small mass on the top of a level if this is tripped the light will activate.

Motion Sensor Light Placement

To prevent criminal activity around your home then using a motion sensor light is a must have security measure for your home. Very cost effective, these stand alone lights are and an effective instrument to prevent burglars. However, knowing where to place them around your home is important to further enhance the effectiveness and security.

With that in mind, these are what I consider the four most important places for motion sensors:

1. Walkways Around The Property

Motion sensors around the walkways of your home will deter any potential burglars but can also be very beneficial for family members and guests. Walkways that lead to entrances are very important, increase your home security and protect your family and guests from slips and trips.

2. All Home Entrances

As well as main walkways to your home, installing motion sensors in all main entrances is also recommended, even the ones you think unnecessary. Criminals look for easy points of entrance whether that’s via a backdoor or windows.

3. Open Areas and Swimming Pools

Although criminals may not want to steal things from your garden or pool toys, they will try to find an escape route once they are caught out by a spotlight around the home. Lighting up the garden or pool area is a great way to ensure criminals don’t just hide out in a dark space while waiting for the light to go out.

4. Inside the Garage

Now, you may be thinking why on Earth is that a good location for a motion sensor. Well, considering most of us store pretty valuable items in there it can be a wise choice. How many times have you left the garage door up without realising? Or, if you have side access to the garage, this is a common entry point for thieves- the spotlight will no doubt catch them off guard and most likely startle them.  The other thing, and arguably what I prefer is that anytime I walk into my garage, there’s no fumbling for light switches – I can find what it is I need at any time.

Sensor Ranges

Different motion detection sensors will offer different ranges but as a rule of thumb, the majority can reach 50 to 80 feet. With that in mind, you can determine where is the best place to position the sensor light.

Choke points are areas that you have no choice but to walk through. These are relatively easy to locate around the home and an intruder has no chance of evading it.

Finally, motion sensors work the best when a person or thieve walk parallel to it as opposed to directly toward it. Something to consider when choosing to position your sensor light.

Motion Sensor Errors

Like every piece of technology, outdoor motion sensors are not 100% error proof. False alarms do occur and for many different reasons. this could be a result of electrical issues, power surges, low battery, animals, insects and the list goes on.

The best way to minimize any false alarms is to follow the installation instructions precisely. In the event of something going wrong, most will come with a warranty or offer advice on what to do.

Bottom Line

Having the best outdoor motion sensor light will enhance your home security immensely. They are an affordable and effective method to deter thieves from entering your home. With many different models on the market, choosing the best one can be confusing. I hope through this post you are now equipped with the knowledge to make an informed decision.