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Keep Your Property Safe With the Best Security Lights

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By Old House Journal Review Team
Last updated: 18 Jul 2023

When it comes to the safety of your home, you can’t take any chances. Apart from regular security measures, many people choose to install security lights. These lights can do everything from keeping dark places lit to alerting security when intruders sneak in. Typically made for houses, buildings and warehouses, you can rest assured that these lights make sure any criminal activity near your property is doubtful.

Apart from being used purely for security reasons, these lights come in handy when keeping nocturnal animals away. You can easily scare away coyotes or wild boars that sneak into your backyard to dig through trash or harass your pets. Although we can’t guarantee they’ll get rid of stubborn opossums and raccoons, you’ll at least be able to see the fuzzy friends. The top-rated security lights of 2023 keep your properties safe and well-lit all through the night. 

Best Overall
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JACKYLED Security Light
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Most Durable
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SANSI Security Light
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Top Colorful
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LEPOWER Security Light
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Top Solar Powered
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HMCITY Security Light
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Top Adjustable
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LEONLITE Security Light
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Top Remote Controlled
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WWimy Security Light
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Buying Guide: Security Lights

Types of Security Lights

Depending on the type of threat your property faces and the level of protection you are looking for, there are different kinds of security lights that you can invest in. 

Motion-powered security lights

As the name suggests, these lights are perfect for places where the main threat is a break-in or physical activity. The sensors on the lights help them detect movement, causing any dark place to light up instantly. You usually see these kinds of lights in corporate buildings, inside warehouses and in hospitals. Since the lights only turn on when there is movement, it saves up energy during the time there is no activity as the lights stay closed. Motion sensor lights are also great for garages, porches, and backyards where there is a coyote or raccoon problem. 

Solar security lights

Solar security lights charge under the sun’s rays during the day and turn on at night. Since they have been charging in the morning, these lights do not take up too much electricity throughout the night. It is common for these lights to last anywhere between 8 to 12 hours, depending on the battery life. You can easily use these lights in a residential setting as they have relatively low brightness and aren’t meant for high-level threats. A good way to check whether or not these lights would be a good match with your property is to see how much brightness they offer and if it’s enough to illuminate the area.

LED (light-emitting diode) floodlights

There are many cases where a person might need floodlights to increase the security of an area. These bright lights help keep almost every corner of a building or structure well-lit. They’re so bright that they can catch you off guard when suddenly turned on. Places with security in the form of armed personnel and guards often use these lights. It’s also fairly common to leave such lights on in places where snakes and other threats are common and difficult to spot at night.

Timed security lights

Another type of security light that helps save up on money is timed security lights. They often have light sensors or timers built in them to ensure they turn on as the sun starts to set and turn off when it starts to rise. This prevents energy from being wasted and relieves a person from having to switch them on and off manually. It also comes in handy during stormy weather when the sun is blocked off, and people may need additional light for better visibility. 

Tips on Positioning Security Lights

To maximize the security of any property, you need strategically placed lights to detect any threats. Here are a few tips on where to install security lights so they work their best:

  • Install motion sensing or timed lights along the windows and entrances, as these are the most common places where people will break in from. 
  • If you are installing lights indoors, having motion-sensing lights is the best option as they reduce electricity costs but are very efficient. Try having cameras in areas that light up due to motion to record the perpetrator in full clarity. 
  • When installing motion security lights for home threats like coyotes and raccoons, make sure to have the lights at a lower level that can easily detect the movement of the animals.
  • Consider putting security lights on the gates and balconies for houses and apartment buildings to light up any potential areas where people may stand and stare into your living space. 

What To Look For in Security Lights

It is essential for security lights to come with specific features to be effective and long-lasting. Here are some things to look for:

Weather resistance 

Since the light will be mounted outside, it is important that it can withstand different weather conditions. Look for a light that is at least IP65 waterproof. This will ensure that it stays in good condition during a storm. The materials should also be resistant to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation if you live in a hot climate.

Brightness

The security light should be bright enough to deter intruders and light up your property. Look for a light with a high lumen output, such as 1,500 lumens or more. This is effective in starling both humans and animals. An adjustable light gives you more control over where the light is shining. This can help cast a wide beam or focus the light on a specific area. Also, the brighter the light and the more room it covers, the better your chances of capturing the culprit on security footage.

Other features 

Sensor activation: Many security lights come with a sensor that activates the light when it detects movement. This is helpful if you want the light to turn on automatically when someone approaches your home.

Timer: Some security lights come with a timer so that you can set them to turn on and off at certain times. Such a feature is useful if you only want the light to be on during specific hours.

Adjustable settings: Some lights allow you to adjust the sensor’s sensitivity and the light’s brightness. This can be helpful if you want to customize the light to your specific needs.

Choosing a security light with the right features is essential for an effective and long-lasting product. Make sure to consider what features are most important to you before making a purchase.

Comparing the Top Security Lights of 2023 in Detail

1

JACKYLED Security Light

– Best Overall
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Illuminate your outdoor spaces with the powerful JACKYLED Security Light. Designed to harness solar energy, this outdoor lighting solution offers exceptional brightness, convenience, and enhanced security for your property. Equipped with a wider polycrystalline solar panel, it maximizes sunlight absorption during the daytime. This means that even on cloudy days, the light can charge faster and provide extended illumination throughout the night. 

With a fully charged high-quality battery, these solar lights can operate for an impressive 10-15 hours, ensuring your surroundings stay well-lit from dusk till dawn. The brightness of this security light is truly remarkable. Boasting 113 LEDs covered with convex optical lenses, it provides a brighter and more concentrated light distribution compared to standard outdoor lights. The unique lens design of this best overall security light enhances the illumination and creates a more vibrant ambiance, making your outdoor spaces come alive with light.

Pros
  • Faster charging and longer working hours with the wider solar panel
  • Exceptional brightness and concentrated light distribution
  • Three adjustable modes for customized lighting preferences
Cons
  • Can be tough to install
2

SANSI Security Light

– Most Durable
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These Sansi Security Lights are the brightest of the bright. With 3,600 lumens and power consumption of just 36 watts, they’re sure to light up even the darkest corners of your home. And thanks to their 90% brightness retention after two years of use, you can be sure they’ll last for quite some time. Their weatherproof exterior bracket and five-year warranty make them a solid choice for anyone looking for a top-quality security light. So if you’re in the market for a new light, be sure to give Sansi a try. You won’t be disappointed. 

Pros
  • Comes with installation hardware
  • First-class heat dissipation
  • Wide angle coverage
  • Has four control modes
Cons
  • Stays on for 15 minutes with the sensor
3

LEPOWER Security Light

– Top Colorful
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Looking for a reliable and energy-saving security light? Look no further than the LEPOWER Security Lights. This light is perfect for your home, office or garage, as it is powered by LED lamp beads and produces up to 3,500 lumens of brightness. With its optical designed filter lens, the light provides better illumination than traditional halogen bulbs. Additionally, the security light bulb is adjustable to customize the light to your needs. And with its metal design, the security light is durable and built to last. Plus, it’s IP65 waterproof to withstand rain, snow and other weather conditions.

Pros
  • Has three color options
  • Long lifespan of 50,000 hours
  • Brightens a larger area
  • Has a 3,500 lumen brightness
Cons
  • Motion-sensor stays in test mode
4

HMCITY Security Light

– Top Solar Powered
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When it comes to variety, the HMCITY Security Lights are a world apart. These lights have three modes of functioning. The security mode is made for motion detection, whereas the permanent mode keeps the lights on all night long. There is a power-saving mode made to keep the lighting on during the night, but it only turns brighter when motion is detected. Apart from lighting up a large area and detecting motion from far away, these lights are also perfect for regular use.  Its waterproof exterior and durable materials make sure these lights stay intact, and your home stays protected for longer.

Pros
  • Solar powered battery 
  • 270-degree lighting angle
  • Detects motion from up to 26 feet
  • Eight hours of battery life
Cons
  • Tends to run out if triggered often
5

LEONLITE Security Light

– Top Adjustable
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To have a dual-headed security light is like having double the protection for your home. The LEONLITE security light is perfect for anyone looking to cover more ground and light up corners. Its dusk till dawn feature helps you save up on energy by not leaving the lights on when it is bright outside. It also has an adjustable timer for selective lighting, making it easy for you to control when the light comes on and off. The light and sensor cover a wide range and are perfect for security cameras to get clear footage of entrances and blind spots. Overall, it’s one of the most versatile options out there.

Pros
  • Long-distance motion detection 
  • Has 50,000-hour working time
  • Saves up to 86.7% of electricity 
  • Has dusk till dawn mode
Cons
  • Installation is difficult
6

WWimy Security Light

– Top Remote Controlled
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Let’s face it. We’ve all wanted security lights that could be adjusted with a wireless remote to make our job easier. The WWimy Security Lights are the only ones on our list that come with their own remote control for easy use. These solar-powered lights charge throughout the day and stay on for the entirety of the night. Its dual panel design ensures that the light covers more ground and the beams are bright. The added motion sensor is perfect for spotting any movement-related threats on the premises. Since it’s weather resistant, you don’t have to worry much about its lifespan and can put your faith in its quality.

Pros
  • Bright beams cover more ground
  • Can be installed anywhere
  • Have remote control access
  • Easy to use and install
Cons
  • Are not dimmable 

People Also Asked

Q: What are some features you should consider for installing indoor security lights?

A: Some features essential to installing indoor security lights must focus on their dimmability, the amount of power they consume, motion detection and eye comfort that they provide. When you go out to buy floodlights, make sure that they are budget-friendly, since more wattage consumption does not mean that the floodlights will provide extra brightness. You can opt for halogen bulbs that take up less energy but provide optimal brightness. 

Q: Can LED lights be used for security purposes?

A: Yes, LED lights can be used for security purposes when installing floodlights. These lights last a long time and also utilize less energy. In addition to these factors, LEDs can operate in extremely low temperatures as well, so they can readily detect any suspicious activity occurring indoors and outdoors when it is snowing outside and there is low visibility. 

Q: What are some of the strategic locations indoors and outdoors to install security lights?

A: Security lighting rapidly decreases the chances of any burglar activity aimed at your house. One must install lights at strategic locations in your home to alert you of any danger. It is suggested that you install security lights at the entrances, porches, sheds and garages, around your pools and across your gardens. This will ensure that your outdoor area will be well lit and that the chances of spotting a burglar or robber will increase. 

Q: Are motion sensor security lights better at protecting your home?

A: Motion sensors react to movements in their surroundings. This means that lights will light up automatically because they detect movement. This can be very helpful when you live in an unsafe area and are more prone to burglaries and any form of external threats. These types of lights provide an extra blanket of security to your households.

Lighting Outdoors
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By Old House Journal Review Team
The Old House Journal Review Team’s product reviews and in-depth guides are here to help you restore, repair, update, and decorate your home. The content is created by The Old House Journal Review Team. The Old House Journal editorial staff is not involved. Old House Journal is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. All questions regarding articles or product testing can be sent to aimperiapt@gmail.com
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