The 10 Best Outdoor Lights, Tested in Our Own Yards

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsOthers We TriedWhat to KnowBehind the ScenesWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?

In This ArticleView All

In This Article

View All

Our Top Picks

Reviews

Others We Tried

What to Know

Behind the Scenes

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

Photo:People / Dave DeCarlo

People / Dave DeCarlo

If you tend to avoid going outside at night because your yard is justtoodark, an outdoor light can help banish those scary shadows. With the right lighting, your yard will be much more welcoming when the sun goes down, whether you’rehosting an alfresco soiree, a backyard movie night with anoutdoor projector, or justtaking your dog outbefore bed.There are many different types of outdoor lighting, from extra-bright floodlights to decorative string lights, and we tested 16 popular options to help you choose the best one for your landscaping. We evaluated each product on its brightness, features, durability, and more.Our Top PicksBest Overall:Leonlite LED Motion Sensor Floodlight at Amazon$40Jump to ReviewBest Budget:SALEBeams Motion Sensing LED Spotlight at Amazon$20$15Jump to ReviewBest Floodlight:SALESANSI Motion Sensor Outdoor Floodlight at Amazon$70$57Jump to ReviewBest Camera:Ring HD Motion-Activated Floodlight Camera at Amazon$180Jump to ReviewBest Solar:SALELerekam Solar Landscape Spotlights at Amazon$40$30Jump to ReviewBest Smart:GE CYNC Smart Outdoor Flood Light Bulb at Amazon$45Jump to ReviewBest Sconce:Better Homes & Gardens Solar Dusk to Dawn Decorative Light at Walmart$50Jump to ReviewBest Lantern:Euri Lighting Flickering Flame Lantern at Amazon$87Jump to ReviewBest Strip Lights:Govee WiFi Outdoor LED Strip Lights at Amazon$115Jump to ReviewBest Pathway Lights:SALEPhillips Hue Calla Base Kit at Amazon$130$104Jump to Review

If you tend to avoid going outside at night because your yard is justtoodark, an outdoor light can help banish those scary shadows. With the right lighting, your yard will be much more welcoming when the sun goes down, whether you’rehosting an alfresco soiree, a backyard movie night with anoutdoor projector, or justtaking your dog outbefore bed.

There are many different types of outdoor lighting, from extra-bright floodlights to decorative string lights, and we tested 16 popular options to help you choose the best one for your landscaping. We evaluated each product on its brightness, features, durability, and more.

Our Top PicksBest Overall:Leonlite LED Motion Sensor Floodlight at Amazon$40Jump to ReviewBest Budget:SALEBeams Motion Sensing LED Spotlight at Amazon$20$15Jump to ReviewBest Floodlight:SALESANSI Motion Sensor Outdoor Floodlight at Amazon$70$57Jump to ReviewBest Camera:Ring HD Motion-Activated Floodlight Camera at Amazon$180Jump to ReviewBest Solar:SALELerekam Solar Landscape Spotlights at Amazon$40$30Jump to ReviewBest Smart:GE CYNC Smart Outdoor Flood Light Bulb at Amazon$45Jump to ReviewBest Sconce:Better Homes & Gardens Solar Dusk to Dawn Decorative Light at Walmart$50Jump to ReviewBest Lantern:Euri Lighting Flickering Flame Lantern at Amazon$87Jump to ReviewBest Strip Lights:Govee WiFi Outdoor LED Strip Lights at Amazon$115Jump to ReviewBest Pathway Lights:SALEPhillips Hue Calla Base Kit at Amazon$130$104Jump to Review

Best Overall:Leonlite LED Motion Sensor Floodlight at Amazon$40Jump to ReviewBest Budget:SALEBeams Motion Sensing LED Spotlight at Amazon$20$15Jump to ReviewBest Floodlight:SALESANSI Motion Sensor Outdoor Floodlight at Amazon$70$57Jump to ReviewBest Camera:Ring HD Motion-Activated Floodlight Camera at Amazon$180Jump to ReviewBest Solar:SALELerekam Solar Landscape Spotlights at Amazon$40$30Jump to ReviewBest Smart:GE CYNC Smart Outdoor Flood Light Bulb at Amazon$45Jump to ReviewBest Sconce:Better Homes & Gardens Solar Dusk to Dawn Decorative Light at Walmart$50Jump to ReviewBest Lantern:Euri Lighting Flickering Flame Lantern at Amazon$87Jump to ReviewBest Strip Lights:Govee WiFi Outdoor LED Strip Lights at Amazon$115Jump to ReviewBest Pathway Lights:SALEPhillips Hue Calla Base Kit at Amazon$130$104Jump to Review

Best Overall:Leonlite LED Motion Sensor Floodlight at Amazon$40Jump to Review

Best Overall:Leonlite LED Motion Sensor Floodlight at Amazon$40

Best Overall:

Best Budget:SALEBeams Motion Sensing LED Spotlight at Amazon$20$15Jump to Review

Best Budget:SALEBeams Motion Sensing LED Spotlight at Amazon$20$15

Best Budget:

SALE

Best Floodlight:SALESANSI Motion Sensor Outdoor Floodlight at Amazon$70$57Jump to Review

Best Floodlight:SALESANSI Motion Sensor Outdoor Floodlight at Amazon$70$57

Best Floodlight:

Best Camera:Ring HD Motion-Activated Floodlight Camera at Amazon$180Jump to Review

Best Camera:Ring HD Motion-Activated Floodlight Camera at Amazon$180

Best Camera:

Best Solar:SALELerekam Solar Landscape Spotlights at Amazon$40$30Jump to Review

Best Solar:SALELerekam Solar Landscape Spotlights at Amazon$40$30

Best Solar:

Best Smart:GE CYNC Smart Outdoor Flood Light Bulb at Amazon$45Jump to Review

Best Smart:GE CYNC Smart Outdoor Flood Light Bulb at Amazon$45

Best Smart:

Best Sconce:Better Homes & Gardens Solar Dusk to Dawn Decorative Light at Walmart$50Jump to Review

Best Sconce:Better Homes & Gardens Solar Dusk to Dawn Decorative Light at Walmart$50

Best Sconce:

Best Lantern:Euri Lighting Flickering Flame Lantern at Amazon$87Jump to Review

Best Lantern:Euri Lighting Flickering Flame Lantern at Amazon$87

Best Lantern:

Best Strip Lights:Govee WiFi Outdoor LED Strip Lights at Amazon$115Jump to Review

Best Strip Lights:Govee WiFi Outdoor LED Strip Lights at Amazon$115

Best Strip Lights:

Best Pathway Lights:SALEPhillips Hue Calla Base Kit at Amazon$130$104Jump to Review

Best Pathway Lights:SALEPhillips Hue Calla Base Kit at Amazon$130$104

Best Pathway Lights:

Best OverallLeonlite LED Motion Sensor FloodlightPHOTO: Amazon$40 at Amazon$40 at Walmart$70 at Wayfair

Best OverallLeonlite LED Motion Sensor Floodlight

Best Overall

Leonlite LED Motion Sensor Floodlight

PHOTO: Amazon

$40 at Amazon$40 at Walmart$70 at Wayfair

Star QualitiesBright but not overwhelmingMotion sensor detects cars, people, and large animalsLights have wide range of rotationRed FlagsNot fully waterproof

Star QualitiesBright but not overwhelmingMotion sensor detects cars, people, and large animalsLights have wide range of rotation

Bright but not overwhelming

Motion sensor detects cars, people, and large animals

Lights have wide range of rotation

Red FlagsNot fully waterproof

Not fully waterproof

Our top all-around pick for an outdoor light is the Leonlite COB LED Security Light. It’s a floodlight with two adjustable heads, and we love that they rotate 360 degrees, allowing you to angle the light anywhere within your yard. We were able to install the light easily within about 15 minutes without any calibration needed, and there are three settings to choose from: motion detection, dusk to dawn, or manual.

Our only concern about this floodlight is that the packaging says it’s not fully waterproof, so you may want to mount it in a covered location to protect it from direct rain.

Experts Say

Type:Floodlight |Power Source:Hardwired |Brightness:1,800 lumens |Smart:No |Motion Activated:Yes |Detection Range:59-69 feet |Detection Angle:180 degrees

PHOTO: People / Mike NavarroPHOTO: People / Mike NavarroPHOTO: People / Mike Navarro

Best BudgetBeams Motion Sensing LED SpotlightPHOTO: Amazon$20$15 at Amazon$32 at Walmart$20 at Home Depot

Best BudgetBeams Motion Sensing LED Spotlight

Best Budget

Beams Motion Sensing LED Spotlight

$20$15 at Amazon$32 at Walmart$20 at Home Depot

Star QualitiesPicks up movement 30 feet awayIlluminates without blindingRed FlagsIncluded mounting hardware may not be suitable for all surfaces

Star QualitiesPicks up movement 30 feet awayIlluminates without blinding

Picks up movement 30 feet away

Illuminates without blinding

Red FlagsIncluded mounting hardware may not be suitable for all surfaces

Included mounting hardware may not be suitable for all surfaces

If you’re looking for a simple, low-cost spotlight for your yard, we love this inexpensive model from Beams. The battery-operated design is compact and basic, and when you’re installing it, you can angle it in any direction.

Without any obstacles in the way, it was able to detect motion 30 feet away or more, and it lit up an area around 30 feet, providing plenty of visibility without being blinding. It only has one operation setting, and the light automatically turns off after around 20 seconds if no further motion is detected.

The only thing we didn’t like was the installation process — the hardware included isn’t well-suited for all locations, and we had to swap in larger screws for a secure fit.

Type:Spotlight |Power Source:Battery |Brightness:200 lumens |Smart:No |Motion Activated:Yes |Detection Range:30 feet |Detection Angle:120 degrees

PHOTO: People / John SomerallPHOTO: People / John SomerallPHOTO: People / John SomerallPHOTO: People / John Somerall

Pro Tip!

Best FloodlightSANSI Motion Sensor Outdoor FloodlightPHOTO: Home Depot$70$57 at AmazonView on Sansiled.com$56 at Home Depot

Best FloodlightSANSI Motion Sensor Outdoor Floodlight

Best Floodlight

SANSI Motion Sensor Outdoor Floodlight

PHOTO: Home Depot

$70$57 at AmazonView on Sansiled.com$56 at Home Depot

Star QualitiesCan light 80 feet or moreTwo arms can be adjusted to angle the light in any directionRed FlagsNo motion detection setting

Star QualitiesCan light 80 feet or moreTwo arms can be adjusted to angle the light in any direction

Can light 80 feet or more

Two arms can be adjusted to angle the light in any direction

Red FlagsNo motion detection setting

No motion detection setting

The downside of this light is that it just offers one brightness setting, and its sole operation mode is dusk-to-dawn. This means the light will stay on all night unless you manually switch it off. Still, it’s well-priced and highly effective if you’re looking for a light to brighten up a large outdoor space.

Type:Floodlight |Power Source:Hardwired |Brightness:6,000 lumens |Smart:No |Motion Activated:No |Detection Range:N/A |Detection Angle:N/A

PHOTO: People / Patrick McGowanPHOTO: People / Patrick McGowanPHOTO: People / Patrick McGowan

The More You Know

Best CameraRing HD Motion-Activated Floodlight CameraPHOTO: Amazon$180 at Amazon$180 at TargetView on Verizon

Best CameraRing HD Motion-Activated Floodlight Camera

Best Camera

Ring HD Motion-Activated Floodlight Camera

$180 at Amazon$180 at TargetView on Verizon

Star QualitiesSmartphone app is intuitive and connects easilyCan adjust settings to reduce false alarmsIlluminates over 45 feetRed FlagsNeeds ample space to be mounted

Star QualitiesSmartphone app is intuitive and connects easilyCan adjust settings to reduce false alarmsIlluminates over 45 feet

Smartphone app is intuitive and connects easily

Can adjust settings to reduce false alarms

Illuminates over 45 feet

Red FlagsNeeds ample space to be mounted

Needs ample space to be mounted

The Ring Floodlight Cam Plus is a smart security camera and floodlight in one, and it’s worth the investment if you want a powerful light with the ability to monitor the outside of your home. Because we tested the wired model, the installation process was a bit time-consuming, as it needed to be hardwired into the home’s electrical system. However, once it was set up, the Ring app made it quick and easy to sync the camera to our smartphone, and we loved the wide range of settings available within the app. You can put it on a set schedule, adjust the brightness of the light, set up specific motion detection zones, and much more, and the app is very intuitive to navigate.

Experts Say“Floodlights are great for providing directional lighting and can be extremely bright. Motion-activated lights can also be used for security and may help deter vandalism or theft.” —Mike Costello, contractor and home improvement expert

“Floodlights are great for providing directional lighting and can be extremely bright. Motion-activated lights can also be used for security and may help deter vandalism or theft.” —Mike Costello, contractor and home improvement expert

Type:Floodlight |Power Source:Hardwired |Brightness:2,000 lumens |Smart:Yes |Motion Activated:Yes |Detection Range:30 feet |Detection Angle:140 degrees

PHOTO: People / Jennifer MayPHOTO: People / Jennifer MayPHOTO: People / Jennifer MayPHOTO: People / Jennifer May

Best SolarLerekam Solar Landscape SpotlightsPHOTO: Amazon$40$30 at AmazonView on Sears.com

Best SolarLerekam Solar Landscape Spotlights

Best Solar

Lerekam Solar Landscape Spotlights

$40$30 at AmazonView on Sears.com

Star QualitiesSmall spotlights blend in with environmentHighest setting illuminates up to 25 feetQuick and easy to install on stakesRed FlagsLimited installation options

Star QualitiesSmall spotlights blend in with environmentHighest setting illuminates up to 25 feetQuick and easy to install on stakes

Small spotlights blend in with environment

Highest setting illuminates up to 25 feet

Quick and easy to install on stakes

Red FlagsLimited installation options

Limited installation options

It was a breeze to install the lights. We simply mounted them to their brackets and stuck the stakes into the ground in the desired location. However, we did have to readjust them to ensure the solar panels would receive adequate sunlight during the day.

There are three brightness levels to choose from, and on the highest setting, the spotlights could easily illuminate objects up to 25 feet away. Plus, because they’re fairly compact, they blended into the yard well and weren’t an eyesore during the day.

Experts Say"Solar lights are an excellent choice for landscape accent lighting. These lights are extremely easy to install and make for a great DIY weekend project.”—Mike Costello

“Solar lights are an excellent choice for landscape accent lighting. These lights are extremely easy to install and make for a great DIY weekend project.”—Mike Costello

Type:Spotlight |Power Source:Solar |Brightness:Not listed |Smart:No |Motion Activated:No |Detection Range:N/A |Detection Angle:N/A

PHOTO: People / Dave DeCarloPHOTO: People / Dave DeCarloPHOTO: People / Dave DeCarloPHOTO: People / Dave DeCarlo

Best SmartGE CYNC Smart Outdoor Flood Light BulbPHOTO: Amazon$45$42 at Amazon$25 at Target$25 at Walmart

Best SmartGE CYNC Smart Outdoor Flood Light Bulb

Best Smart

GE CYNC Smart Outdoor Flood Light Bulb

$45$42 at Amazon$25 at Target$25 at Walmart

Star QualitiesCan turn down the brightnessEasy to set up routines, schedules, and settings through appNo connectivity issues during testingRed FlagsNot motion-activated

Star QualitiesCan turn down the brightnessEasy to set up routines, schedules, and settings through appNo connectivity issues during testing

Can turn down the brightness

Easy to set up routines, schedules, and settings through app

No connectivity issues during testing

Red FlagsNot motion-activated

Not motion-activated

The light had no problem lighting up a small 10-foot area during testing, and it could likely be used in much larger spaces thanks to its 1,300-lumen maximum. We didn’t experience any connectivity issues over the course of testing, and overall, it’s a great value if you want a smart light for the exterior of your home.

Experts Say“Smart lighting is a great option for people who want customizable, remote-controlled, or app-controlled lighting. Ensure it is compatible with the current smart system if integrating with a smart home system.” —Joel Worthington, president ofMr. Electric, aNeighborlycompany

“Smart lighting is a great option for people who want customizable, remote-controlled, or app-controlled lighting. Ensure it is compatible with the current smart system if integrating with a smart home system.” —Joel Worthington, president ofMr. Electric, aNeighborlycompany

Type:Bulb |Power Source:Screw-in |Brightness:1,300 lumens |Smart:Yes |Motion Activated:No |Detection Range:N/A |Detection Angle:N/A

PHOTO: People / Jodi EspinosaPHOTO: People / Jodi EspinosaPHOTO: People / Jodi EspinosaPHOTO: People / Jodi Espinosa

Best SconceBetter Homes & Gardens Solar Dusk to Dawn Decorative LightPHOTO: Walmart$50 at WalmartStar QualitiesQuick and easy to installDetects motion within 25 feet of fixtureRed FlagsSolar-powered light isn’t the brightestThe Better Homes & Gardens Wall-Mounted LED Light is a stylish sconce that you can mount to the outside of your home. It has a built-in solar panel on the top of the fixture, and we were able to install the light in less than 10 minutes, as there’s no wiring required.The sconce has just one operation setting, where it maintains a low brightness at night and becomes brighter when motion is detected. It proved to be very reliable at detecting movement within a 25-foot range.The light isn’t the brightest, due to its low lumens and solar-powered design, but it can comfortably illuminate an area of around 10 feet. Plus, the design is much more aesthetically pleasing than other utilitarian lights, helping to improve the curb appeal of your home or the ambiance of your backyard when you’re sitting around yourpatio heateroutside.Experts Say“Sconces and other decorative lights can add style to an exterior while providing lighting for safety and performing tasks.”—Mike CostelloType:Sconce |Power Source:Solar |Brightness:200 lumens |Smart:No |Motion Activated:Yes |Detection Range:25 feet |Detection Angle:120 degreesPHOTO: People / Joseph ManalangPHOTO: People / Joseph ManalangPHOTO: People / Joseph Manalang

Best SconceBetter Homes & Gardens Solar Dusk to Dawn Decorative LightPHOTO: Walmart$50 at Walmart

Best SconceBetter Homes & Gardens Solar Dusk to Dawn Decorative Light

Best Sconce

Better Homes & Gardens Solar Dusk to Dawn Decorative Light

PHOTO: Walmart

$50 at Walmart

Star QualitiesQuick and easy to installDetects motion within 25 feet of fixtureRed FlagsSolar-powered light isn’t the brightest

Star QualitiesQuick and easy to installDetects motion within 25 feet of fixture

Quick and easy to install

Detects motion within 25 feet of fixture

Red FlagsSolar-powered light isn’t the brightest

Solar-powered light isn’t the brightest

The Better Homes & Gardens Wall-Mounted LED Light is a stylish sconce that you can mount to the outside of your home. It has a built-in solar panel on the top of the fixture, and we were able to install the light in less than 10 minutes, as there’s no wiring required.

The sconce has just one operation setting, where it maintains a low brightness at night and becomes brighter when motion is detected. It proved to be very reliable at detecting movement within a 25-foot range.

The light isn’t the brightest, due to its low lumens and solar-powered design, but it can comfortably illuminate an area of around 10 feet. Plus, the design is much more aesthetically pleasing than other utilitarian lights, helping to improve the curb appeal of your home or the ambiance of your backyard when you’re sitting around yourpatio heateroutside.

Experts Say“Sconces and other decorative lights can add style to an exterior while providing lighting for safety and performing tasks.”—Mike Costello

“Sconces and other decorative lights can add style to an exterior while providing lighting for safety and performing tasks.”—Mike Costello

Type:Sconce |Power Source:Solar |Brightness:200 lumens |Smart:No |Motion Activated:Yes |Detection Range:25 feet |Detection Angle:120 degrees

PHOTO: People / Joseph ManalangPHOTO: People / Joseph ManalangPHOTO: People / Joseph Manalang

Best LanternEuri Lighting Flickering Flame LanternPHOTO: Amazon$87 at Amazon$94$90 at Walmart$85 at Home Depot

Best LanternEuri Lighting Flickering Flame Lantern

Best Lantern

Euri Lighting Flickering Flame Lantern

$87 at Amazon$94$90 at Walmart$85 at Home Depot

Star QualitiesReplicates look of flickering candleIlluminates 30-foot areaHeld up well in harsh weatherRed FlagsCan’t adjust brightness or length of time the security light stays on

Star QualitiesReplicates look of flickering candleIlluminates 30-foot areaHeld up well in harsh weather

Replicates look of flickering candle

Illuminates 30-foot area

Held up well in harsh weather

Red FlagsCan’t adjust brightness or length of time the security light stays on

Can’t adjust brightness or length of time the security light stays on

Type:Lantern |Power Source:Hardwired |Brightness:1,200 lumens |Smart:No |Motion Activated:Yes |Detection Range:Not listed |Detection Angle:Not listed

PHOTO: People / Cathy FallonePHOTO: People / Cathy FallonePHOTO: People / Cathy FallonePHOTO: People / Cathy FallonePHOTO: People / Cathy Fallone

Best Strip LightsGovee WiFi Outdoor LED Strip LightsPHOTO: Amazon$115 at Amazon$80 at Target$80$56 at Best BuyStar QualitiesWide range of settingsIntuitive appRed FlagsLights are mostly decorativeFor more decorative outdoor lighting, Govee LED strip lights are unmatched in terms of versatility. The light strands come in either 33- or 65-foot lengths, and while they were a bit time-consuming to install, the process is very straightforward, and the lights are lightweight enough to hang anywhere around your yard.We were able to pair the lights easily with a smartphone, and the Govee app offers a truly impressive amount of customization. You can put the lights on an automatic schedule, sync them up to music, create custom light patterns, and much more.While these lights are colorful and versatile, they’re best used as part of your decor — not to light up large areas. They didn’t give off enough light to illuminate any significant portion of our yard, so they’re not a good choice if you’re looking for security lights.Experts Say“Strip lighting can be used on the underside of deck handrails to light deck stairs or to add lighting around the perimeter of a deck.” —Mike CostelloType:Strip lights |Power Source:Plug-in |Brightness:Not listed |Smart:Yes |Motion Activated:No |Detection Range:N/A |Detection Angle:N/APHOTO: People / Alicia DolieslagerPHOTO: People / Alicia DolieslagerPHOTO: People / Alicia DolieslagerPHOTO: People / Alicia DolieslagerPHOTO: People / Alicia DolieslagerPHOTO: People / Alicia Dolieslager

Best Strip LightsGovee WiFi Outdoor LED Strip LightsPHOTO: Amazon$115 at Amazon$80 at Target$80$56 at Best Buy

Best Strip LightsGovee WiFi Outdoor LED Strip Lights

Best Strip Lights

Govee WiFi Outdoor LED Strip Lights

$115 at Amazon$80 at Target$80$56 at Best Buy

Star QualitiesWide range of settingsIntuitive appRed FlagsLights are mostly decorative

Star QualitiesWide range of settingsIntuitive app

Wide range of settings

Intuitive app

Red FlagsLights are mostly decorative

Lights are mostly decorative

For more decorative outdoor lighting, Govee LED strip lights are unmatched in terms of versatility. The light strands come in either 33- or 65-foot lengths, and while they were a bit time-consuming to install, the process is very straightforward, and the lights are lightweight enough to hang anywhere around your yard.

We were able to pair the lights easily with a smartphone, and the Govee app offers a truly impressive amount of customization. You can put the lights on an automatic schedule, sync them up to music, create custom light patterns, and much more.

While these lights are colorful and versatile, they’re best used as part of your decor — not to light up large areas. They didn’t give off enough light to illuminate any significant portion of our yard, so they’re not a good choice if you’re looking for security lights.

Experts Say“Strip lighting can be used on the underside of deck handrails to light deck stairs or to add lighting around the perimeter of a deck.” —Mike Costello

“Strip lighting can be used on the underside of deck handrails to light deck stairs or to add lighting around the perimeter of a deck.” —Mike Costello

Type:Strip lights |Power Source:Plug-in |Brightness:Not listed |Smart:Yes |Motion Activated:No |Detection Range:N/A |Detection Angle:N/A

PHOTO: People / Alicia DolieslagerPHOTO: People / Alicia DolieslagerPHOTO: People / Alicia DolieslagerPHOTO: People / Alicia DolieslagerPHOTO: People / Alicia DolieslagerPHOTO: People / Alicia Dolieslager

Best Pathway LightsPhillips Hue Calla Base KitPHOTO: Amazon$130$104 at Amazon$130 at TargetView on Philips-hue.comStar QualitiesEach unit can light a 10-foot areaLess than 10 minutes to install and pair with the appRed FlagsPrice per light seemed highYou can light up the pathway to your house with the Philips Hue Calla Lights, which are quick and easy to install. All you have to do is stake them into the ground and plug them in — a process that took us less than 10 minutes from start to finish.They’re equally easy to pair with the Philips Hue app, and we loved that we could set them to a schedule, change the color of the lights, adjust the brightness, and more. When they were set to white light, each unit cast a roughly 10-foot circle of illumination, which surpassed our expectations. Their range is a bit smaller in colored settings, only lighting up around 5 feet. Either way, they’re much more powerful than other pathway lights we’ve tested, but the cost per light is higher as a result.Experts Say“Pathway lights work best when spaced evenly and positioned low to avoid glare.” —Joel WorthingtonType:Path lights |Power Source:Corded |Brightness:590 lumens |Smart:Yes |Motion Activated:No |Detection Range:N/A |Detection Angle:N/APHOTO: People / Kyle McKinnonPHOTO: People / Kyle McKinnonPHOTO: People / Kyle McKinnonPHOTO: People / Kyle McKinnonPHOTO: People / Kyle McKinnonPHOTO: People / Kyle McKinnon

Best Pathway LightsPhillips Hue Calla Base KitPHOTO: Amazon$130$104 at Amazon$130 at TargetView on Philips-hue.com

Best Pathway LightsPhillips Hue Calla Base Kit

Best Pathway Lights

Phillips Hue Calla Base Kit

$130$104 at Amazon$130 at TargetView on Philips-hue.com

Star QualitiesEach unit can light a 10-foot areaLess than 10 minutes to install and pair with the appRed FlagsPrice per light seemed high

Star QualitiesEach unit can light a 10-foot areaLess than 10 minutes to install and pair with the app

Each unit can light a 10-foot area

Less than 10 minutes to install and pair with the app

Red FlagsPrice per light seemed high

Price per light seemed high

You can light up the pathway to your house with the Philips Hue Calla Lights, which are quick and easy to install. All you have to do is stake them into the ground and plug them in — a process that took us less than 10 minutes from start to finish.

They’re equally easy to pair with the Philips Hue app, and we loved that we could set them to a schedule, change the color of the lights, adjust the brightness, and more. When they were set to white light, each unit cast a roughly 10-foot circle of illumination, which surpassed our expectations. Their range is a bit smaller in colored settings, only lighting up around 5 feet. Either way, they’re much more powerful than other pathway lights we’ve tested, but the cost per light is higher as a result.

Experts Say“Pathway lights work best when spaced evenly and positioned low to avoid glare.” —Joel Worthington

“Pathway lights work best when spaced evenly and positioned low to avoid glare.” —Joel Worthington

Type:Path lights |Power Source:Corded |Brightness:590 lumens |Smart:Yes |Motion Activated:No |Detection Range:N/A |Detection Angle:N/A

PHOTO: People / Kyle McKinnonPHOTO: People / Kyle McKinnonPHOTO: People / Kyle McKinnonPHOTO: People / Kyle McKinnonPHOTO: People / Kyle McKinnonPHOTO: People / Kyle McKinnon

Other Outdoor Lights We Tried

People / Henry Yung

What to Know About Outdoor Lights

Style

Outdoor lights come in a wide range of styles, including spotlights, floodlights, wall-mounted sconces, path lights, and more. Spotlights and floodlights, like our top-ratedLeonlite COB LED Security Light, tend to be the most popular for security purposes, as they’re generally very bright, but they often have a plain, utilitarian design. If you want something more decorative, you might want to consider lanterns like theEuri Lighting Flickering Flame Porch Lightor even LED strips like theGovee Wi-Fi LED Strip Lights.

Power Source

There are four main power sources for outdoor light fixtures.Hardwired lightsare designed to be connected directly to your home’s electrical system, which provides them with constant power and generally allows them to be controlled via a light switch. This is the most complex installation process and may require an electrician if you don’t already have a fixture available.

Motion Detection

If you’re looking for an outdoor light to provide an added layer of security in your yard, a fixture with a motion detector is often beneficial. These lights automatically turn on (or get brighter, in the case of theBetter Homes & Gardens Solar Wall-Mount LED Light) when they detect motion, which is often effective for scaring away animals or even people who might come into your yard.

When comparing different motion-sensing outdoor lights, you’ll want to consider the range and angle of the motion detector. Some units can only sense movement within a 10-foot range, while others are able to detect motion much farther away, making them well-suited for large outdoor spaces.

Smart Features

Smart outdoor lights have become more popular in recent years, as they provide more flexibility than other fixtures. Products like theRing Floodlight Cam Wired PlusandGE CYNC Smart Outdoor Floodlight Bulbscan be controlled directly from your smartphone, and you’re able to easily adjust their brightness or put them on a set schedule. The downside, however, is that smart light fixtures are more expensive and must be located near a Wi-Fi router for reliable operation.

Price Range

Many of our top-rated outdoor lights are quite affordable, retailing for less than $50 apiece. This includes our top pick, theLeonlite LED Motion Sensor Floodlight, as well as options like theSansi Motion Sensor Floodlight. However, if you’re looking for an outdoor light with smart features or a product with a more aesthetic appearance, you may end up spending a bit more. For instance, theRing HD Motion-Activated Floodlight Cameraretails for over $100, as do thePhillips Hue Calla Pathway Lights.

People / Alicia Dolieslager

To find the best outdoor lights available today, we tested a total of 16 products, including a mixture of both standard and Wi-Fi-connected models. These light fixtures were tested over several weeks at the homes of the PEOPLE Tested team, and we evaluated them on the following factors:

People / Jennifer Zyman

Camryn Rabideauis a writer and product reviewer specializing in home, kitchen, and pet products. In her more than seven years of experience as a product tester, she’s reviewed hundreds of products firsthand, and her work has appeared in publications such as PEOPLE, The Spruce, and Better Homes & Gardens. While putting together this list of the best outdoor lights, she reviewed the firsthand testing notes from the PEOPLE Tested team, who evaluated the performance of each product for several weeks. She also spoke with experts across landscaping, home improvement, and security industries for additional information on the importance of outdoor lighting.

Our Expert Panel

We created thePEOPLE Tested seal of approvalto help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

source: people.com