Motion sensor lights are a great energy and cost-efficient way to improve safety and security in and around your home. As well as detecting any movement from intruders, they also provide that much-needed illumination for when you come home at night. As their powerful sensors provide the detection and lighting you need, you do not need to leave your electric lights running all day, which can result in expensive power bills.
Our Pick for the Best Motion Sensor Light
RAB Lighting STL360H Super Stealth Motion Sensor Lighting Duo
With 1000 watts of power and a large detection range, these highly sensitive motion activated floodlights will provide you with the lighting and security you need, and the durable metal housing has an attractive bronze finish that will add a special decorative touch.
Motion Sensor Lights: Versatile Sources of Illumination
By provide illumination for front doors, entranceways, driveways, stairways, or the stoop outside your apartment and by deterring would-be intruders, these motion-sensing security lights are versatile and powerful security devices. They can also be used inside your home as friendly lights in the hallway so that your kids can find their way safely to the bathroom in the middle of the night.
How To Choose the Best Motion Sensor Lights For Your Home
Detection zones
The ability of the motion sensor to detect movement depends on its detection zone or the degree of coverage that the sensor can provide. Some sensors are designed to detect movement in a 90-degree angle, while others can sense movement in a 180, or even 360-degree angle. Sensors that provide coverage for 90-degree angles are ideal for detecting movement in smaller areas of your property like over your front door, inside the porch, or in a walkway. Motion sensors like the RAB lighting sensor light duo give you an extra wide detection zone in a wide arch of 180-degrees out and 360-degrees down, thereby giving you a complete security lighting solution.
Range
The range refers to the distance that the sensor can detect movement before switching the light on. You do not want a light that only switches itself on when a person has already walked right up to your property. Some sensor lights have a large range of 60 feet, but a light with this kind of range can trigger a false alarm as it can switch the light on when someone is just walking by. Other sensors give you a smaller range of 15 or 20 feet, while some sensors that can be used inside your home, give you a small range of 3 meters. So before you choose your motion sensor light, have a think about where you want to install the light, the size of your property, what kind of detection zone or range you need, so that you can place the light in just the right place to get its full benefits.
Brightness
Motion sensor lights can be designed with a high level of brightness and can illuminate an entire yard, but other less powerful lights might only light up a small area like inside a porch or stairwell. Their level of brightness depends on whether they use a LED bulb or an incandescent bulb. The most common type of bulb is the superior LED (Light Emitting Diodes) bulb and its ability to cast light is measured by lumens, which indicates the level of brightness the bulb provides. Although most motion sensor lights these days are powered by a LED bulb, there are some sensor lights that still use an incandescent bulb.
Some motion sensor lights have LED bulbs that can produce from 15 to 20 lumens, which can cast a soft glow for 10 feet. Powerful LED bulbs with 450 lumens give you a substantial amount of light up to 30 feet. If you need lighting for a small area around your home like a porch, a 60-watt incandescent bulb will give you the lighting you need.
Remember: The higher the lumens, the stronger (and harsher) the light will be. Some sensor lights provide a lower level of brightness and give off ambient light, which is ideal for subtle illumination in an entranceway or up a staircase inside your home. Stronger and harsher lighting is more suitable for high traffic areas like driveways, walkways around your home, your backyard, and is especially useful for higher level security purposes.
Sensor lights like the HalloMall Wireless Security Light are designed with 3 intelligent lighting modes that allow you to control the level of brightness, from a strong light to a dimming mode.
Automatic Shut-off
Another aspect that you need to consider is how long the light will stay on before the sensor switches if off. Some sensor lights have an automatic shut-off system that turns the light off after no movement has been detected after 30 seconds. Others sensor lights will only stay on for 15 seconds after you have walked out of the sensor's range, and there are other motion sensor lights that have three automatic modes that give you the choice or 1, 5, or 10 minutes of illumination after the motion sensor has triggered the light.
Battery Life
Motion sensor lights can be powered by everyday AA alkaline batteries or long-lasting, strong lithium-ion batteries. Some lights use rechargeable batteries and these types of batteries are the more economical choice as you do not have to keep buying batteries. To get the best battery life, recharge the batteries fully before you use them. If you are going to use the light every day and the light requires alkaline batteries, remember to replace the batteries regularly.
Some sensor lights have multiple settings like the OxyLED T-03 Luxury Stick Anywhere Motion Sensor Light, which has three settings: on, off and automatic. To conserve battery life, (and this will depend on where you install the light) switch the light off during the day and then switch it to the automatic setting once the sun goes down.
Installation
Installation varies from light to light. Some more heavy-duty security lights require complex installation, and if you are not DIY-savvy, you may need a professional electrician to install the lights. Other more simplistic sensor lights are very easy to mount on the wall and all you have to do is use double-sided tape, or screws, to mount the light in just a few minutes.
6 Best Motion Sensor Lights Reviews
Outdoor Motion Sensor Lights
1. RAB Lighting STL360H Super Stealth 1000W Motion Sensor Duo Lights
With 1000 watts of power, the RAB Super Stealth Motion Sensor Lighting Duo is one of the most powerful and highly sensitive motion-activated floodlights available on the market and this lighting duo will provide the security and illumination anywhere around your property. The security lights are made from durable industrial-grade metal with an attractive bronze finish and the shielded bell floodlights can withstand cold and wet conditions.
If you are looking for a complete security solution, the RAB dual lights offer a 60-foot detection area, and the reliable dual bulb sensor can sense movement 180 degrees out and 360 degrees down, giving you an extra wide detection range. The sensors have a 6000-volt surge protection and their signal will not be disrupted by any radio frequency interference, and the light’s photoelectric control automatically deactivates the lights during the daylight.
The RAB Super Stealth motion lights produce a powerful bright light, so they might not be the best fit for a small property, especially if you want a discrete light. The lighting duo does require installation and has to be hooked up to your electrical system, but the lights can be easily installed as they are already pre-wired and pre-assembled on a CU4 universal EZ plate.
Although the RAB motion sensors lights are ideal for most properties, RAB does not recommend installing these lights higher than 15 ft off the ground, so if you have a two-story property, you can only use them on the ground floor.
What we like:
- Very good value for money
- Solid construction
- Commercial quality
- Powerful lights
- Weatherproof
- Reliable and highly sensitive dual sensors
- 180 and 360-degree detection range
What we don't like:
- Not ideal for small properties or areas
- Not recommended for installation high than 15 ft off the ground
2. Hallomall 450Lumens Max Solar Wireless Solar Light
The high intelligent HalloMall solar powered motion sensor light provides an ultra-bright light for up to 30 feet and the sensor detects movement from 16 to 20 feet. If you are looking for a motion sensor light for your entranceway or for any dark passageways around your home, the Hallomall solar light is a great choice.
The Diamond Lampshade design provides a more solid and uniform soft white light, and the strong 450 Lumen/36 LED bulb gives you 50000 hours over its lifespan, and the extra wide, fast-charging 2.5w/5 volt solar panel has a 15-year lifespan.
Hallomall has designed a durable motion security light with a solid UV protected ABS plastic construction that has a waterproof rating of IP65, and its slimline design makes this sensor light an attractive security and illumination addition to your home.
The security lights have 3 intelligent lighting modes: Mode 1: Light Control-Half Brightness. The light will switch on automatically in a dark environment even if there is no motion. Mode 2: Light Control-Dim Light, the light will turn on with a dim light in the dark environment without any motion. Mode 3: Motion Sensor + Dim Light. Once the motion is triggered, the light produces a strong level of brightness; and keeps the lights dim at night when there is no motion. Mode 4: Motion Sensor-Only Brightness. Once motion is triggered, the light will shine with a bright light; and will automatically shut-off when people leave the detection area.
The Hallomall light comes in two pieces, the solar motion sensor lighting panel, and the metal extension arm and bracket, and you can either attach the panel directly to the wall or use the extension arm and use it as a lamp-post to shed light and detect movement in a dark walkway.
The light is powered by a strong 3.7v/2600mah rechargeable lithium battery that can be charged in 6 hours and last up to 12 hours, and the battery is included with the light. Hallomall offers the light as 2-pack and the light is covered by a 1-year warranty.
What we like:
- Affordable price
- Very bright light
- Good detection range
- High-quality design
- 3 intelligent motion sensor modes
- Choice of two kinds of installation
What we don't like:
- Not ideal for large areas
- Lights do not stay on for long
3. LIGHT IT! by Fulcrum 20034-101 12-LED Wireless Motion Sensor Silver Porch Light
The LIGHT IT! Wireless Motion Sensor Porch Light from Fulcrum has a powerful white light that will illuminate any small areas around your home and provide you with a good range of motion detection for up to 25 ft. You can easily install this light with just two screws and a mounting plate above your front door, on your porch, above your garage, or wherever you need an instant source of security lighting.
From dusk to dawn, the porch light features a motion-activated sensor that automatically turns the unit on when it detects movement and it conserves energy during the day as it only stays on for about 60 seconds.
Fulcrum has designed the sensor light with a lot of handy features like a hands-free on and off mode as well as an adjustable head that you can rotate to aim the light where it is needed the most. The light uses upgraded floodlight technology that combines twelve energy-efficient and long-lasting 257 lumens LED bulbs, which have a special lens that produces a bright, glare-free light with exceptionally wide coverage.
The light has a solid weatherproof metal housing that is sealed against moisture, and you have a choice of 4 stylish colors: bronze, silver, white and charcoal. As well as providing you with good security lighting, the sleek design of the porch light will make an attractive addition to any exterior areas around your home. The porch lamp uses 4D batteries (which are sold separately).
What we like:
- Ideal for small areas
- Good detection range up to 25 feet
- Bright (glare-free) white light
- Solid weatherproof metal construction
- Adjustable light
- Sleek design
- Simple to install
What we don't like:
- Not ideal for large areas
4. Heath/Zenith HZ-4133-OR Shaker Cove Mission-Style 150-Degree Motion-Sensing Decorative Security Light
This very elegant looking security light from Heath/Zenith will add a beautiful decorative touch to your front porch, stoop, or patio, while giving you that much-needed illumination, convenience and security.
The motion-activated sensor is highly sensitive and its 150-degree motion detection technology allows it to pick up movement up to 30 feet and a 60-watt incandescent bulb emits a nice bright light.
You can rely on the lantern-style light to provide the illumination in those dark places around your home, as Heath/ Zenith uses superior pulse-count motion detection technology, which prevents false triggering by reading heat and movement in pulses, as opposed to single occurrences, so the sensor will only pick up substantial motion from people and animals.
The light is available in two colors: oil-rubbed bronze or silver, and you can configure it as a carriage light, lantern, or coach light. There are three automatic modes: 1, 5, or 10 minutes of illumination after the motion sensor has triggered the light. If you need constant light, the motion-activated light has a manual override mode that allows it to function as a switch-controlled light for dusk-to-dawn lighting, but the override control must be wired through a wall switch. The intelligent photocell keeps the lighting off during daylight hours, which conserves the life of the bulb.
The security light is constructed from durable weather-resistant metal construction and the seeded glass allows the light to shine through in an even, attractive glow.
What we like:
- Activates from 30 feet away
- Beautiful design
- Durable seeded glass with an oil rubbed bronze effect
- Weather-resistant
- Only needs one 60 watt incandescent bulb
- Three lighting modes
- Can be used as a carriage light, lantern, or coach light
- Easy to install
What we don't like:
- Not ideal for motion detection in large areas
- Motion sensor difficult to adjust
Indoor or Outdoor Motion Sensor Lights
5. Mr. Beams MB723 Battery-Powered LED Stick-Anywhere 3-Pack Nightlight
If you are looking for a convenient motion sensing nightlight that can be used indoors and outdoors, the Stick-Anywhere Nightlight from Mr. Beams is a great choice.
The 3-pack contains three battery-powered, wireless motion sensor lights, which activate and shine neutral light from the 20 lumens LED bulb when they detect movement and the light automatically shuts off after no movement has been detected after 30 seconds. The built-in photocell ensures that the LED bulb is only activated in complete darkness, which extends the life of the batteries.
As well as providing illumination in your home, for hallways, stairways, bedrooms, and inside shelving, the Mr. Beams sensor lights can be used to light small outdoor areas, and the dusk to dawn motion sensor detects movement up to 15 feet and it has a light coverage of 10 feet. The light is made from a durable weatherproof ABS plastic with a white finish.
With a no-fuss approach to installation, the Motion-Sensor LED light is battery powered by 4 AA batteries (not included) so you do not need to worry about wiring or paying for professional installation. All you need is the included double-sided tape or screws, to mount the light in just a few minutes.
The sensor light also comes in a 1-pack or a 4 or 6-pack. Mr. Beams also supplies a range of intelligent motion sensor lights that are specifically designed for outdoor use like the MB363 Wireless LED Spotlight 3-pack.
What we like:
- Ideal for indoor and outdoor use
- Simple, robust design
- Portable: can be easily removed
- Good range: up to 20 feet
- Very good detection response
- Intelligent power saving feature
- Nice soft light
- Easy to install
What we don't like:
- More suited for indoor areas and small outdoor areas like stairs
- Not ideal for outdoor heavy-duty motion detection
6. OxyLED T-03 Luxury Stick Anywhere Motion Sensor Light
Stylish and functional, the OxyLED Luxury Stick Anywhere Wall Sconce Nightlight provides a soft ambient light, while also acting as a security light for those dark recesses around your home. You can even substitute it for an elegant energy saving light switch.
The OxyLED nightlight features a compact design and utilizes infrared technology to sense any human activity within 3 meters, and each sensor light contains 14 interiors LED lights and 2 exteriors LED lights that have a combined capacity of 50,000 hours or more over their lifetime, which also maximizes their overall brightness level. The light uses automatic sensing technology that makes sure that the light switches off 15 seconds after you walk out of its sensing range. The light has three settings, on, off and automatic.
You will not want to hide these little beauties away but display them proudly over your front door, in the entranceway, in a stairwell, or along a staircase, as their sleek design will add a beautiful decorative touch to your décor.
The sensor wall light is made from durable brushed stainless steel and ABS plastic, which is weather resistant for low temperatures, so you can place a few around your garden for extra ambient light when you are entertaining.
One of the highlights of the OxyLED wall light is that it is very easy to install: just peel off the 3M sticker, press it onto the back of the light and place it wherever you like. It is that easy!
The light is powered by 4 AA batteries (which are not included). OxyLED offers a 12 months warranty, a 30-day money back guarantee as well as a lifetime support guarantee. The lights are available in a two and three-pack.
To get the best motion sensor performance out of the lights, the manufacturer recommends that you place each OxyLED light at least 4 meters apart. If the lights are placed too close to one another, the light of one security light may cause the other light to malfunction and it may not be activated.
What we like:
- Very good value for money
- Ideal for indoor and outdoor use
- Can detect motion up to 3 meters
- Stylish design
- Durable
- Reliable sensor
- Each light contains interior and exterior LED lights
- Beautiful bright white light
- Simple installation
What we don't like:
- Not ideal for large areas
- Uses battery life quickly
Our Pick for the Best Motion Sensor Light
RAB Lighting STL360H Super Stealth Motion Sensor Lighting Duo
With 1000 watts of power and a large detection range, these highly sensitive motion activated floodlights will provide you with the lighting and security you need, and the durable metal housing has an attractive bronze finish that will add a special decorative touch.
