Best Outdoor Security Light 2021 – Buyer’s Guide

Thanks to a dual head spotlight, this is a great light for anyone who needs to cover big spaces.

Each pivots 180 degrees up and down, and 135 degrees left and right, so you really can fine-tune the positioning to suit the area.

It can detect movement up to 30 feet away (around 9 metres) which makes it one of the best security lights for doing the job, and it will shut down 20 seconds after motion stops to prolong battery life.

Installation takes a matter of minutes, as there are no wires to bother with. You just need to screw the bracket to the wall, fence post, tree or shed, then slide the camera on and it is good to go. Battery life is also great, and should give you 1 year of light with an average use of 8-10 activations a day.

The IP rating is also one of the highest of those we reviewed, so it is totally dust tight and protected against extreme water, such as rain. 500 lumens of light is bright enough to make an impact and deter any one or any animal who shouldn’t be in your garden.

We do need to mention that they are best for people who will be installing them at height though, as the light is easily removable from the bracket.

Available in a pack of one, two or four, these little lights are the answer if you need to dot a fair few of them around the garden.

The first thing that struck us about the lights is that they are very small and compact. The sensor is situated just under the light, which saves space on the fitting as so many usually have a separate block for this. So, they are some of the best for anyone who is either stuck for space or just wants something non-obtrusive.

They are also available in brown or white, so you can blend them into the background and area too. Because they use a sensor, the batteries should last for a really generous amount of time. 8-10 activations a day could last for around a year altogether, and you’ll be able to tell when the battery is going as it will start to go dim – so you won’t be left in the lurch all of a sudden.

Because there are no wires, it also means installation is simple and can be done easily, so it can be up and running in less than five minutes.

Security lights don’t have to be big ugly blocks which make your garden look awfully unsightly, especially if you just want something which gives a warm glow if anyone comes to the door after dark.

The light can be directed where required, from upwards, downwards or to either side, as the head is completely adjustable with a 350° tilt and 180° rotation. So, you can target the light right to where it needs to be.

It is a fabulous answer if you want a light which isn’t overly intrusive, looks the part and actually gives out a surprisingly good amount of light for its style and size. The price means you won’t be able to deck out your back garden with them, but one or two by the doors is a good idea.

Philips are very strong contender for the best outdoor lighting around, thanks to the high quality build and bulbs. This offering from them also ticking all the boxes in terms of style.

It is the perfect answer if you want a powerful light which can act as a proper security alarm light, yet looks brilliantly stylish.

The light it throws out is warm and inviting, which means that it is also perfect if you want to use it at the front door to welcome anyone who has been invited as well as deter any unwanted guests.

Installation is a little fiddly as the screws and bolts are a bit small so they don’t stick out, but once it is done, it sticks firmly to the wall well. It is on the slightly pricier side as you’re also paying for the decorative aspect, but this is worth it if you want the look.

Another which is great for anyone who wants style and substance rather than having to choose one of the two, this is a high-shine light which is a visual spectacle.

Coated in stainless steel, it is a look which is going to suit any garden. Because of this material, it is also quite simple to keep clean with just a wipe with a damp cloth.

The light is cast in a very limited angle, mostly pointing downwards, so it is one for those who want to illuminate a smaller area as opposed to shine a light across a huge open space.

It was one of the easiest to fit out of all those reviewed. Instructions are brief and not the most helpful but it is all pretty self-explanatory.

Highly water and intrusion-proof, and featuring a large solar panel to capture plenty of light, this light from MPow is a fantastic option if you’re on a budget, have a large area to cover, want something easy to fit or all of the above.

As it has 30 LED’s, the light output is great for a solar powered light. In fact, it rivals a lot of the battery models we tested which definitely came as a shock. You can choose between sensor mode, sim light sensor mode and medium light stay on mode too, so it is adaptable for your needs. Just flick a switch to select the one you need.

The 90° adjustable tilt means you can place it high up and have it targeting a small area, or low and beaming out to cover an area up to 30m sq./323ft, and can detect movement 8m/26ft away.

There is a power switch, so you can prevent it from turning on for a period, say you’re going away on holiday or the nights are getting lighter so you don’t need it.

Good quality and giving out loads of light, this is an affordable and sturdy light if solar power is the way you want to go.

The PIR aspect is really handy, as it limits the usage of the light just to the essential times so saves stored energy. It is a compact shape so doesn’t need much surface space to fit to, and the actual light can be directed to a particular area thanks to the tilting mechanism.

It is just under £15, so if you’re going to have to buy a few or want to try something affordable to see if it really does make a difference, then it is a great starter security light.