Having big, powerful lights outside your home is great for security and makes your larger spaces usable at night. (See Flaws but not dealbreakers below for more information on that.) But they are mainly just for accent lighting and have the same drawbacks as Ring Pathlights, including the inability to stay on at full power continuously. The Ring Solar Pathlight provides light anywhere you need itand, thanks to an integrated solar panel, it doesnt need to be connected to power. 
Ring claims that Ring Smart Lights work hundreds of feet away from this tiny hub. I first started testing smart-home devices back when the only smart-home devices were X10. The motion settings are adjustable, as is the brightness level of the light. Make your outdoor space epic with Philips Hue. There are outdoor-rated smart bulbs, sconces, path lights, and spotlights, and we found the best options for every outdoor scenario. Like the earlier, D-cell-battery model, this version is meant to light up for short periods of timeless than 15 minutesso it may not be the best choice for anyone who needs constant lighting. It doesnt require running wires underground and into your house or replacing batteries every six months. Why its great: The Ring Solar Pathlight quickly, cleanly, and cheaply provides an elegant bright-white guide (3,500K) for you and your guests through areas that would otherwise be dicey in the dark. Smart outdoor bulbs also offer peace of mind, ensuring that you never stumble in the dark or have to hunt around to fit your key in the keyhole (though you could just get a smart lock). A special "3D" motion detection feature helps you monitor visitors from a bird's eye view of your property, and two-way audio gives you the chance to say "hi" if you want. The Arlo Pro 3 is another floodlight with an integrated camera system but is set apart with an 80dB siren system. That color model can pump out 2,250 lumens at 4,000K, which should be plenty to cover your yard. The usual connections to Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant are intact for hands-free activation. We thought about the practical, real-world use for each light we reviewed, and then we judged each one based on where we thought it would work best. 
Ring, an Amazon-owned company, is well known for Wi-Ficonnected doorbells and cameras (see our guides to the best doorbell camera and the best home security system). The 1,200-lumen Ring Solar Floodlight doubles the output of the Ring Floodlight Battery. 
We independently review everything we recommend. Neighbors is the focus of a lot of controversy. If you hate it when outdoor lights remain on all day, you have concerns about home security, or you just want to enhance the look of your yard or garden, smart lighting can be a great all-in-one choice. If you plan to often use colors with your floodlight, wed recommend instead putting an indoor bulb in a watertight fixture or getting the LIFX Nightvision BR30 (note, however, that its almost three times the cost of the Cree bulb). We used both an iPhone and an Android phone, with the latter having a slightly different layout in the app but performing the same functions. For instance, you cant just say, Siri, turn off the light and have it react; instead you first need to set it up in the Automation section of the Cree app, with Siri Shortcuts enabled. However, if you happen to have other Hue devices (such as our smart bulb upgrade pick), each device acts as a Zigbee wireless repeater and so extends the network. The floodlight-style Cree Lighting Connected Max PAR38 is the least expensive outdoor bulb we reviewed, yet its also one of the brightest. We used the Ring app to turn lights on and off individually and as a group. It enhances home security, and it can even light up a party. (Check out our guide to Wi-Fi routers, our guide to Wi-Fi extenders, and our guide to mesh networking kits for suggestions.). Unlike other hubs on our list, the Ring Bridge uses a proprietary wireless signal to make the connection. Some models also include a Vacation Mode, so the light goes on and off at random times (making it look like youre home even when youre halfway around the world). It's otherwise designed to be totally wire-free for easy installation. (Need to go farther? Also, it requires a hub, such as the Ring Bridge, the Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen), or the Echo (4th Gen). Rachel Cericola is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter who has been covering smart-home technology since the days of X10. After viewing product detail pages, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in. Ring lights currently work only with Alexa (Amazon is Rings parent company) and Samsung SmartThings. Outdoor smart bulbs are rated to tolerate wetness, so if you dont have a totally weather-tight fixture, an outdoor smart bulb works best. We set schedules, created scenes so lights would go on at certain dimming levels, and triggered other devices using lights when we could. If youre planning to put one of these bulbs in an area where you dont get a good Wi-Fi signal, you wont have a good experience (as is true of any Wi-Fi device). Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing to save people time, energy and money when making buying decisions. A steady stream of new software features, a wide range of form factors, and consistent performance puts them among the best options available. Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, SmartThings, Ring. Our measurements revealed its as bright as similar bulbs that cost twice as much. Ry Crist and Brian Bennett, Want smarter outdoor lighting at home? The IP44 water protection should keep it safe from rainfall and other weather. Smart outdoor lighting takes it to another level by adding automation, remote control, and other convenience features. Wirecutter long-term tests all of its picks, including keeping track of hardware and software incidents. The base model of the Welcome Outdoor Floodlight comes in a warm 2700K white, but there's a Discovery model that has all of the snazzy colors you've come to expect from smart lights. After doing research and even testing some of them, we continue to dismiss the category based on factors such as design, price, and the installation process. It requires the Hue Bridge or a Zigbee hub, like the Amazon Echo. Although the Connected Max PAR38 does support Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, it doesnt fully integrate with Apple HomeKit. We looked at all of the smart outdoor lighting options that are currently available by searching online reviews, retailers, and manufacturer websites. Further details are available on the Hue website. Using one of those third-party hubs means you lose some of the Hue systems one-touch special effects and other functionality, but you can still control the device, change bulb colors, and schedule lights. Why trust us? Putting a bulb on a schedule is simple, and you can set them to go on and off at a specific time of day and/or specific days of the week, as well as have them trigger based on local sunrise and sunset times. Discover more about the small businesses partnering with Amazon and Amazons commitment to empowering them. Smart outdoor lighting allows you to turn lights on and off from almost anywhere using a smartphone app, as well as to set them to operate automatically based on schedules, motion sensors, or triggers that you program in the app. Should we find any privacy or security issues with any of our selected models, well report them here and, if necessary, update or alter our recommendations. Also, being limited to just five Calla Bollard lights for each power supply may require some people to buy multiple base stations (and have outlets to support them). At 80 lumens, its full brightness is a fraction of what a typical bulb produces, but thats still enough to light the way and create a nice ambiance. Besides lighting your way, multicolor path lights can match the scenery or add a splash of color whenever you want it. Path lights are terrific for guiding people safely along a walkway, preventing you or your visitors from trampling flower beds, and ensuring that you dont slip and fall into the pool. This outdoor path light is the best-looking model we reviewed. It also requires a power supply (included in the base kit) that can accommodate up to five fixtures. Smart lighting brightens up your home and makes life more convenient. Add in a motion sensor, and you can put a spotlight on the pizza-delivery person on your doorstep or stray cats that wander through your yard. Why its great: Though the Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Calla Bollard is the most expensive of our picks, its also the best-looking outdoor smart lighting fixture we tested. If you want continuous lighting of a pathway at full brightness, consider other devices that arent battery-powered. Your lights will come onautomaticallywhen you need them. Youre seeing this ad based on the products relevance to your search query. Here are the results. 
(Philips says the cables can also tolerate being buried underground, and it recommends a minimum depth of 4 inches.). Time is fleeting. It was easy to use. Most allow you to adjust the brightness, and some let you change the light color. If you want to make the jump from dull lighting to smart lighting, here are some easy ways to get started. Climate Pledge Friendly uses sustainability certifications to highlight products that support our commitment to help preserve the natural world. And you can directly control it using an app, or set it to turn on and off automatically through a built-in motion sensor. All customers get FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon. But its also an easy and effective way to enhance home security. Crees app for iOS and Android devices is easy to use, with the ability to adjust white tones, color options, and dimming levels with the drag of a finger. Ring Smart Lights, however, require the use of a Ring Bridge, a tiny box that connects to your home Wi-Fi router and links all Ring Smart Lights together and with the Ring app. However, the Cree Lighting Connected Max PAR38 is also the brightest Wi-Fi outdoor bulb we testedand the least expensive. Smart path lights illuminate automatically, only when needed. Despite having similar specs to other bulbs we tested, the Geeni Lux Smart Floodlight measured very low with our light meter. Its bright enough to illuminate landscaping or to light the way for family and friends enjoying a late-night dip in the pool or a backyard barbecue. If youre looking for a bulb that can dim down to very low levels of light (which we dont think is important in an outdoor floodlight anyway), consider the Philips Hue PAR38 or the Ring PAR38. (LIFX also sells a standard BR30 bulb.). You can find several styles of smart outdoor lights, including bulbs, sconces, spotlights, and floodlights, among others. In fact, most bulbs that measured as brightly in our testing cost twice as much and dont connect to Wi-Fi, so require installing a separate hub. Shop products from small business brands sold in Amazons store. Still, whites were very bright, making this a good pick for lighting up your yard or driveway. We will soon test the third-generation Sengled Smart Hub, which adds Apple HomeKit support for the Sengled Smart LED PAR38 Bulb, as well as add new effects and scheduling options. There are a few smart outdoor sconces available. We also considered the following elements: With the exception of hardwired devices, we tested everything for a minimum of four weeks, but in most cases for several months, in our home office and out in the yard up to 50 feet from our router. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Wired, Mens Health, USA Today, and others. In testing I was able to control the original Ring Pathlight Id set up across the street in a neighbors yard, 185 feet away from the Ring Bridge inside my house. All of the major smart assistants are supported, so you can toggle the lights at a moment's notice. This product is certified by Amazon to work with Alexa. Theres a Light to Sleep/Wake feature, which will slowly light up or fade off with the day, and a Follow the Sun setting, which can adjust the light and its level to mimic sunlight from dawn to dusk. Its also the most decorative and colorful of any of the lights we reviewed. We also turned each light on and off while out of the house so that we could test remote capabilities. Also, the life expectancy was 13.7 years, which seems great but is half that of the other bulbs we tested. This Cree bulb also has special features that some of those pricier bulbs dont have, including tunable white tones, a Vacation Mode (to turn the bulb on and off automatically when youre away), Scene control (which lets you trigger preset actions of one or more devices with a single command), and local Bluetooth control (for when your network is down). The Hue app is easy to use, and the Calla Bollard can be tweaked among millions of colors to enhance the ambiance of your garden, pool, or barbecue area. It has a solar rechargeable battery, so there are no wires or batteries to deal with. The Philips Hue Calla Bollard relies on Zigbee wireless, so it requires the use of a hub such as the Philips Hue Hubthough we successfully paired it with an Amazon Echo Plus, which has Zigbee built in. As part of our vetting process for smart outdoor lighting, we looked at all of the security and data-privacy practices behind our picks. Get an Amazon Echo for your dorm while theyre ridiculously cheap! We also eliminated outdoor lighting fixtures with integrated cameras, since we cover those in our outdoor security cameras guide. The robust mobile app provides live notifications when motion is detected and for a small monthly fee, Ring can save your footage in the cloud. Were planning to test the Feit Electric PAR38 Smart Light Bulb, a Wi-Fi model with tunable white and colored lighting. And you can control it centrally with an app or let the built-in motion sensors automatically turn it on and off. Flaws but not dealbreakers: Rings model conserves battery power by not allowing you to schedule the lights to be on full brightness for long periods of timeyou can manually turn them on and leave them at full power for up to 15 minutes only. Smart bulbs instantly turn any light fixture that uses traditional bulbs into a smart light you can control remotely and put on a schedule. Philips Hue remains one of the biggest players in the smart lighting space with good reason. It works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, as well as everything under the Hue umbrella, making it perfect for those looking to sync a larger smart-home setup. Over the past 15 years, Ive had my hands on everything from remotes and security cameras to AV receivers and smart light switches. Although the Connected Max PAR38 doesnt have a built-in motion sensor like our previous pick, the Sengled Smart LED PAR38 Bulb, it does work with several third-party sensors, if you integrate them with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Aootek New Solar Lights 120 LEDs with Lights Reflector,270 Wide Angle, IP65 Waterproof, Easy-to-Install Security Lights for Front Door, Yard, Garage, Deck (4 Pack), Govee Outdoor Ground Lights, 36ft Multicolor RGBIC Pathway Lights with Warm White, 15 Pack IP67 Waterproof Garden Lawn Lights, App Control Walkway Lights with 43 Scene Modes, 70lm per Patio Light, Kasa Smart Light Bulb KL110, LED Wi-Fi smart bulb works with Alexa and Google Home, A19 Dimmable, 2.4Ghz, No Hub Required, 800LM Soft White (2700K), 9W (60W Equivalent). This bulb can also change colors, though we found the color options greatly reduced the brightness. Add in some connectivity, and you can have those lights flipping on just when you need them, and pull off a few other cool tricks. Outdoor String Lights, BRTLX 150FT LED G40 Patio LightsShatterproof String Hanging Lights with 75+2(Spare)Waterproof Backyard Bulbs Commercial for Balcony Party Wedding Market, Lumary 56FT Smart Outdoor String Lights, RGBAiWW Patio Lights IP65 Waterproof, 15+1(Spare)Dimmable Replaceable LED Bulbs, APP/Voice Control, DIY Scene Modes for Backyard, Balcony, UME Smart WiFi LED Security Light Motion Sensor Outdoor, Work with Alexa/Google/SmartThings, 2700-6500K,2500LM,Waterproof,Dusk to Dawn Flood Light with APP Control Perfect for Yard,Exterior(Brown), SUNTHIN 27FT Smart String Lights, WiFi Smart Patio Lights Work with Alexa & Google Assistant, 13 G40 LED Round Bulbs, Shatterproof Hanging Light String for Garden, Backyard, Porch, Deck, Cafe, Party, Philips Hue White Outdoor PAR38 13W Smart Bulbs (Philips Hue Hub required), 2 White PAR38 LED Smart Bulbs, Works with Alexa, Apple HomeKit and Google Assistant, Dusk to Dawn Light Sensor Bulbs, A19 12W(100 Watt Equivalent) LED Auto On Off Light Bulbs, 1200 Lumens, E26 Base, Daylight White 5000K Smart Sensor Lights Outdoor Indoor for Porch Garage Yard, 4-Pack, FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon, Dusk to Dawn Light Bulb Sensor Smart LED Outdoor Lighting Bulbs Lamp 7W E26/E27 Automatic On/Off, Indoor/Outdoor Yard Porch Patio Garden (Warm White, 3 Pack), Cree Lighting Connected Max Smart Led Bulb Par38 Outdoor Flood Tunable White + Color Changing, 2.4 Ghz, Works With Alexa And Google Home, No Hub Required, Bluetooth + Wifi, 1Pk, Ring Smart Lighting Spotlight, Battery-Powered, Outdoor Motion-Sensor Security Light, White (Bridge required), Govee Outdoor Lights RGBIC Flood Lights, LED Landscape Lighting with 28 Scene Modes and 4 Music Modes, Smart Color Changing IP66 Waterproof with App Control, Patio Lights for Garden Yards, 4 Pack, HVS Smart Outdoor String Lights LED 36Ft Color Changing RGBW Patio String Lights Infinite Connectable APP Control 2.4GHz WiFi Waterproof 18 Acrylic Work with Alexa Google for Party Outside Cafe, Cree Lighting Connected Max Smart Led Bulb Par38 Outdoor Flood Tunable White + Color Changing, 2.4 Ghz, Compatible With Alexa And Google Home, No Hub Required, Bluetooth + Wifi, 4Pk, XMCOSY+ Outdoor String Lights, RGB Patio Lights 98 Ft, Smart LED String Lights, WiFi & App Control RGBW Color Changing String Lights with 30 LED Bulbs, Works with Alexa, IP65 Waterproof, Novostella 25W Smart LED Flood Lights, RGB, Second-Generation WiFi Outdoor Dimmable Color Changing Stage Light, IP66 Waterproof, Multicolor Wall Washer Light, Work with Alexa, 4 Pack, Novostella 2 Pack 20W Smart LED Flood Lights, RGBCW, 2700K-6500K, 2000LM, WiFi Outdoor Dimmable Color Changing Stage Light, IP66 Waterproof, Multicolor Wall Washer Light, Work with Alexa, Ring Smart Lighting Floodlight, Battery-Powered, Outdoor Motion-Sensor Security Light, White (Starter Kit), Ring Solar Floodlight, Outdoor Motion-Sensor Security Light, White (Starter Kit), Govee Smart Outdoor String Lights, 48ft App Control Lights with 6 Scene Modes, IP65 Waterproof Shatterproof Patio Lights with 15 Dimmable Warm White LED Bulbs for Balcony, Backyard, Party, LED Flood Light Outdoor, 300W Equivalent 3000LM Smart RGB Landscape Lighting with APP Control, DIY Scenes - Timing - Warm White 2700K - Color Changing Uplight, IP66 Waterproof US Plug MELPO(4 Pack), RGB & Warm White 48ft Smart String Lights Outdoor with Rope Fairy, Waterproof Shatterproof Bluetooth APP Remote Control Color Changing Dimmable Patio Lights for Balcony, Backyard, Party, Holiday RGBw, XMCOSY+ Low Voltage Landscape Lights, 400LM Smart Pathway Lights with APP Control, Adjustable Dual-Head Warm White & RGB, Works with Alexa, 12V 8W Outdoor Path Lights for Garden Lawn Walkway(4 Pack), HBN 48ft Outdoor String Lights-Smart Outside String Lights-15 LED Bulbs Dimmable & Shatterproof, 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi & Bluetooth App Control, Works with Alexa/Google Assistant, IP65 Waterproof & Extendable, XMCOSY+ Patio Lights, Smart Outdoor String Lights 50Ft, G40 Globe Patio Lights with 25 Dimmable LED Bulbs, APP Control, Work with Alexa, Connectable Waterproof LED Outdoor Lights for Patio Porch, Ustellar 2 Pack 50W Smart Outdoor LED Security Light Tunable White 2700K-6500K Motion Sensor Exterior WiFi Flood Light Fixture Alexa Warm Wired Floodlight Google Outside Spotlight House Yard Garage, Solar Pathway Lights Outdoor 6 Pack Bright Smart RGB Solar Walk Way Lights App Control Auto On/Off Color Changing and Warm White Waterproof Solar Powered Landscape Path Lights for Garden Driveway Yard, Philips Hue White & Color Ambiance Appear Outdoor Wall Light Fixture (Hue Hub Required, Works with Alexa, Apple Homekit & Google Assistant), Black, Geeni LUX Smart Floodlight, White Outdoor 2700K-6500K Dimmable LED Bulb, E26, PAR38, 11W, 1000 Lumens No Hub Works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Requires 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, Rechargeable Smart Led Night Lights, WiFi + BLE ( Wireless) ,Works with Alexa, Google Home,RGB & White Dimmable, Portable Bedside Table Lamp for Bedroom,Home, Outdoor,Camping(2.4GHz Wifi Support Only), Motion Sensor Lights Outdoor, AmeriTop 35W Ultra Bright 3500LM 264LED Flood Light with Remote Control, 3 Color Temperatures 3000K/4500K/6000K, Wide Angle, IP65 Waterproof ETL Certified Security Light, Govee Smart Outdoor String Lights, 48ft RGBIC Patio Lights with 15 Dimmable Warm White LED Bulbs, IP65 Waterproof WiFi APP Control Lights Work with Alexa, 40 Scene Modes for Balcony, Backyard, Party, Kasa Smart Light Switch HS200, Single Pole, Needs Neutral Wire, 2.4GHz Wi-Fi Light Switch Works with Alexa and Google Home, UL Certified, No Hub Required , White, Solar lights outdoor 182 Leds 2500Lm Solar motion sensor lights Solar Panel 15.3 in2 and 3 modes(Security/ Permanent On all night/ Smart brightness control )with IP65 Waterproof with Wide Angle(2pack), Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen, 2021 release) | HD smart display and stereo sound with Alexa | Glacier White. 2022 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company. Although the add-on Calla Bollard is cheaper without the power supply, its still far more expensive than our other picks. We also successfully created schedules and scenes so that the Calla Bollard would instantly turn on to a specific brightness and a specific shade of pink, blue, purple, or bright white. We clear up the good, the bad, and the questionable practices surrounding Rings in-app feature. With Tesla bleeding money, Elon Musk initiates hardcore spending review, The best Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra screen protectors for 2022, Anna Gutto on why she had to direct Paradise Highway, I couldnt manage my work and social life without this one app, James Webb Space Telescope may have spotted its first supernova, Its been 25 years since the first NASA rover landed on Mars, The sun is even more active than expected right now, See NASAs VIPER rover navigate a lunar obstacle course, Rich ecosystem of other apps and accessories, Loud two-way talk with noise cancellation, Only 8GB of internal storage (no cloud option). Or you can trigger other Ring devices, too. The housing disappears in the darkness, leaving just the illuminated portion highlighted. Subscribe now for unlimited access. We added a Ring bulb to Other outdoor smart lights we like and Geeni and Peace by Hampton bulbs to the Competition. Outdoor lighting isnt a splurgeit can save you from tripping on a dark pathway (again) or fumbling to find the right key. We dismissed Peace by Hampton BR30 Flood Light Bulbs because they measured extremely low with a light meterand even the specs list them at 760 lumens, or 440 less than the Cree. The Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Calla Bollard is the best-looking smart outdoor light we testedits the perfect addition to any party. Here are your options, CNET, March 18, 2019, Rachel Cericola, The Best Smart LED Light Bulbs, Wirecutter, February 16, 2021, Jonathan Knoder, Whether You Want More Security or Help Setting the Mood, These Are the Smart Outdoor Lights To Get, Spy, January 17, 2021. As with the Hue, we can recommend the Ring PAR38 Smart LED Bulb only if you have an existing Ring lighting system. We also reached out to all the companies that produced our top picks and had them answer an extensive questionnaire to confirm information we thought should be of primary concern for any potential buyer. Smart devices can make any backyard easier to maintain, more functional, and simply more fun. This affects only models made between 2018 and 2020. Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri Shortcuts. The lights themselves are ample for just about any large area around the home. She hopes her neighbors read this bio because it would explain why she always has four video doorbells running simultaneouslyoutside her home. Each Calla Bollard measures 10 inches high, but the 600-lumen LED on top takes up less than 3 inches of that. Whether youre looking to illuminate a backyard or balcony, or a picnic table or tent, we have recommendations for 8 delightful and weather-safe options. It offers scheduling, snooze options, and the ability to link with other Ring lights and devices. But we cant recommend it for outdoor security lighting, and we think there are better options for decorative lighting. We found both models to be bright but overly sensitive to motion and less attractive than any other fixture on our list. The Ring Solar Pathlight adds easy, elegant lighting to areas that may be tricky to navigate in the dark, such as walkways or patios. It does require a hub, such as the Hue Bridge or the Amazon Echo Plus. It has a slick design, with a color-changing, dimmable LED at the top that can match outdoor decor or your mood. If you already use Hue bulbs indoors, you dont need an additional hub for the Calla. Compared with other smart lighting systems we tested, the Hue system supports more smart-home platforms and devices, including Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, and Samsung SmartThings. This product can be controlled with your voice through Alexa-enabled devices such as Amazon Echo and Amazon Tap. Users can bypass the Ring Bridge by linking lights to the Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) or the Amazon Echo (4th Gen); note that we have not yet tested this and dont know if there are any tradeoffs. If your signal is weak, we recommend upgrading your router or adding an extender or repeater, or installing a mesh network. We fully charged it during setup, and after a full year of use (in a location where it receives lots of sunlight), the battery meter still shows 100%. The floodlight is designed to be mounted on an exterior wall, but since this solar-powered light is wire-free, you can even put it on a tree, as long as it gets plenty of sun. Upgrade your lifestyleDigital Trends helps readers keep tabs on the fast-paced world of tech with all the latest news, fun product reviews, insightful editorials, and one-of-a-kind sneak peeks.
Ring claims that Ring Smart Lights work hundreds of feet away from this tiny hub. I first started testing smart-home devices back when the only smart-home devices were X10. The motion settings are adjustable, as is the brightness level of the light. Make your outdoor space epic with Philips Hue. There are outdoor-rated smart bulbs, sconces, path lights, and spotlights, and we found the best options for every outdoor scenario. Like the earlier, D-cell-battery model, this version is meant to light up for short periods of timeless than 15 minutesso it may not be the best choice for anyone who needs constant lighting. It doesnt require running wires underground and into your house or replacing batteries every six months. Why its great: The Ring Solar Pathlight quickly, cleanly, and cheaply provides an elegant bright-white guide (3,500K) for you and your guests through areas that would otherwise be dicey in the dark. Smart outdoor bulbs also offer peace of mind, ensuring that you never stumble in the dark or have to hunt around to fit your key in the keyhole (though you could just get a smart lock). A special "3D" motion detection feature helps you monitor visitors from a bird's eye view of your property, and two-way audio gives you the chance to say "hi" if you want. The Arlo Pro 3 is another floodlight with an integrated camera system but is set apart with an 80dB siren system. That color model can pump out 2,250 lumens at 4,000K, which should be plenty to cover your yard. The usual connections to Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant are intact for hands-free activation. We thought about the practical, real-world use for each light we reviewed, and then we judged each one based on where we thought it would work best. Ring, an Amazon-owned company, is well known for Wi-Ficonnected doorbells and cameras (see our guides to the best doorbell camera and the best home security system). The 1,200-lumen Ring Solar Floodlight doubles the output of the Ring Floodlight Battery. We independently review everything we recommend. Neighbors is the focus of a lot of controversy. If you hate it when outdoor lights remain on all day, you have concerns about home security, or you just want to enhance the look of your yard or garden, smart lighting can be a great all-in-one choice. If you plan to often use colors with your floodlight, wed recommend instead putting an indoor bulb in a watertight fixture or getting the LIFX Nightvision BR30 (note, however, that its almost three times the cost of the Cree bulb). We used both an iPhone and an Android phone, with the latter having a slightly different layout in the app but performing the same functions. For instance, you cant just say, Siri, turn off the light and have it react; instead you first need to set it up in the Automation section of the Cree app, with Siri Shortcuts enabled. However, if you happen to have other Hue devices (such as our smart bulb upgrade pick), each device acts as a Zigbee wireless repeater and so extends the network. The floodlight-style Cree Lighting Connected Max PAR38 is the least expensive outdoor bulb we reviewed, yet its also one of the brightest. We used the Ring app to turn lights on and off individually and as a group. It enhances home security, and it can even light up a party. (Check out our guide to Wi-Fi routers, our guide to Wi-Fi extenders, and our guide to mesh networking kits for suggestions.). Unlike other hubs on our list, the Ring Bridge uses a proprietary wireless signal to make the connection. Some models also include a Vacation Mode, so the light goes on and off at random times (making it look like youre home even when youre halfway around the world). It's otherwise designed to be totally wire-free for easy installation. (Need to go farther? Also, it requires a hub, such as the Ring Bridge, the Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen), or the Echo (4th Gen). Rachel Cericola is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter who has been covering smart-home technology since the days of X10. After viewing product detail pages, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in. Ring lights currently work only with Alexa (Amazon is Rings parent company) and Samsung SmartThings. Outdoor smart bulbs are rated to tolerate wetness, so if you dont have a totally weather-tight fixture, an outdoor smart bulb works best. We set schedules, created scenes so lights would go on at certain dimming levels, and triggered other devices using lights when we could. If youre planning to put one of these bulbs in an area where you dont get a good Wi-Fi signal, you wont have a good experience (as is true of any Wi-Fi device). Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing to save people time, energy and money when making buying decisions. A steady stream of new software features, a wide range of form factors, and consistent performance puts them among the best options available. Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, SmartThings, Ring. Our measurements revealed its as bright as similar bulbs that cost twice as much. Ry Crist and Brian Bennett, Want smarter outdoor lighting at home? The IP44 water protection should keep it safe from rainfall and other weather. Smart outdoor lighting takes it to another level by adding automation, remote control, and other convenience features. Wirecutter long-term tests all of its picks, including keeping track of hardware and software incidents. The base model of the Welcome Outdoor Floodlight comes in a warm 2700K white, but there's a Discovery model that has all of the snazzy colors you've come to expect from smart lights. After doing research and even testing some of them, we continue to dismiss the category based on factors such as design, price, and the installation process. It requires the Hue Bridge or a Zigbee hub, like the Amazon Echo. Although the Connected Max PAR38 does support Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, it doesnt fully integrate with Apple HomeKit. We looked at all of the smart outdoor lighting options that are currently available by searching online reviews, retailers, and manufacturer websites. Further details are available on the Hue website. Using one of those third-party hubs means you lose some of the Hue systems one-touch special effects and other functionality, but you can still control the device, change bulb colors, and schedule lights. Why trust us? Putting a bulb on a schedule is simple, and you can set them to go on and off at a specific time of day and/or specific days of the week, as well as have them trigger based on local sunrise and sunset times. Discover more about the small businesses partnering with Amazon and Amazons commitment to empowering them. Smart outdoor lighting allows you to turn lights on and off from almost anywhere using a smartphone app, as well as to set them to operate automatically based on schedules, motion sensors, or triggers that you program in the app. Should we find any privacy or security issues with any of our selected models, well report them here and, if necessary, update or alter our recommendations. Also, being limited to just five Calla Bollard lights for each power supply may require some people to buy multiple base stations (and have outlets to support them). At 80 lumens, its full brightness is a fraction of what a typical bulb produces, but thats still enough to light the way and create a nice ambiance. Besides lighting your way, multicolor path lights can match the scenery or add a splash of color whenever you want it. Path lights are terrific for guiding people safely along a walkway, preventing you or your visitors from trampling flower beds, and ensuring that you dont slip and fall into the pool. This outdoor path light is the best-looking model we reviewed. It also requires a power supply (included in the base kit) that can accommodate up to five fixtures. Smart lighting brightens up your home and makes life more convenient. Add in a motion sensor, and you can put a spotlight on the pizza-delivery person on your doorstep or stray cats that wander through your yard. Why its great: Though the Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Calla Bollard is the most expensive of our picks, its also the best-looking outdoor smart lighting fixture we tested. If you want continuous lighting of a pathway at full brightness, consider other devices that arent battery-powered. Your lights will come onautomaticallywhen you need them. Youre seeing this ad based on the products relevance to your search query. Here are the results. (Philips says the cables can also tolerate being buried underground, and it recommends a minimum depth of 4 inches.). Time is fleeting. It was easy to use. Most allow you to adjust the brightness, and some let you change the light color. If you want to make the jump from dull lighting to smart lighting, here are some easy ways to get started. Climate Pledge Friendly uses sustainability certifications to highlight products that support our commitment to help preserve the natural world. And you can directly control it using an app, or set it to turn on and off automatically through a built-in motion sensor. All customers get FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon. But its also an easy and effective way to enhance home security. Crees app for iOS and Android devices is easy to use, with the ability to adjust white tones, color options, and dimming levels with the drag of a finger. Ring Smart Lights, however, require the use of a Ring Bridge, a tiny box that connects to your home Wi-Fi router and links all Ring Smart Lights together and with the Ring app. However, the Cree Lighting Connected Max PAR38 is also the brightest Wi-Fi outdoor bulb we testedand the least expensive. Smart path lights illuminate automatically, only when needed. Despite having similar specs to other bulbs we tested, the Geeni Lux Smart Floodlight measured very low with our light meter. Its bright enough to illuminate landscaping or to light the way for family and friends enjoying a late-night dip in the pool or a backyard barbecue. If youre looking for a bulb that can dim down to very low levels of light (which we dont think is important in an outdoor floodlight anyway), consider the Philips Hue PAR38 or the Ring PAR38. (LIFX also sells a standard BR30 bulb.). You can find several styles of smart outdoor lights, including bulbs, sconces, spotlights, and floodlights, among others. In fact, most bulbs that measured as brightly in our testing cost twice as much and dont connect to Wi-Fi, so require installing a separate hub. Shop products from small business brands sold in Amazons store. Still, whites were very bright, making this a good pick for lighting up your yard or driveway. We will soon test the third-generation Sengled Smart Hub, which adds Apple HomeKit support for the Sengled Smart LED PAR38 Bulb, as well as add new effects and scheduling options. There are a few smart outdoor sconces available. We also considered the following elements: With the exception of hardwired devices, we tested everything for a minimum of four weeks, but in most cases for several months, in our home office and out in the yard up to 50 feet from our router. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Wired, Mens Health, USA Today, and others. In testing I was able to control the original Ring Pathlight Id set up across the street in a neighbors yard, 185 feet away from the Ring Bridge inside my house. All of the major smart assistants are supported, so you can toggle the lights at a moment's notice. This product is certified by Amazon to work with Alexa. Theres a Light to Sleep/Wake feature, which will slowly light up or fade off with the day, and a Follow the Sun setting, which can adjust the light and its level to mimic sunlight from dawn to dusk. Its also the most decorative and colorful of any of the lights we reviewed. We also turned each light on and off while out of the house so that we could test remote capabilities. Also, the life expectancy was 13.7 years, which seems great but is half that of the other bulbs we tested. This Cree bulb also has special features that some of those pricier bulbs dont have, including tunable white tones, a Vacation Mode (to turn the bulb on and off automatically when youre away), Scene control (which lets you trigger preset actions of one or more devices with a single command), and local Bluetooth control (for when your network is down). The Hue app is easy to use, and the Calla Bollard can be tweaked among millions of colors to enhance the ambiance of your garden, pool, or barbecue area. It has a solar rechargeable battery, so there are no wires or batteries to deal with. The Philips Hue Calla Bollard relies on Zigbee wireless, so it requires the use of a hub such as the Philips Hue Hubthough we successfully paired it with an Amazon Echo Plus, which has Zigbee built in. As part of our vetting process for smart outdoor lighting, we looked at all of the security and data-privacy practices behind our picks. Get an Amazon Echo for your dorm while theyre ridiculously cheap! We also eliminated outdoor lighting fixtures with integrated cameras, since we cover those in our outdoor security cameras guide. The robust mobile app provides live notifications when motion is detected and for a small monthly fee, Ring can save your footage in the cloud. Were planning to test the Feit Electric PAR38 Smart Light Bulb, a Wi-Fi model with tunable white and colored lighting. And you can control it centrally with an app or let the built-in motion sensors automatically turn it on and off. Flaws but not dealbreakers: Rings model conserves battery power by not allowing you to schedule the lights to be on full brightness for long periods of timeyou can manually turn them on and leave them at full power for up to 15 minutes only. Smart bulbs instantly turn any light fixture that uses traditional bulbs into a smart light you can control remotely and put on a schedule. Philips Hue remains one of the biggest players in the smart lighting space with good reason. It works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, as well as everything under the Hue umbrella, making it perfect for those looking to sync a larger smart-home setup. Over the past 15 years, Ive had my hands on everything from remotes and security cameras to AV receivers and smart light switches. Although the Connected Max PAR38 doesnt have a built-in motion sensor like our previous pick, the Sengled Smart LED PAR38 Bulb, it does work with several third-party sensors, if you integrate them with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Aootek New Solar Lights 120 LEDs with Lights Reflector,270 Wide Angle, IP65 Waterproof, Easy-to-Install Security Lights for Front Door, Yard, Garage, Deck (4 Pack), Govee Outdoor Ground Lights, 36ft Multicolor RGBIC Pathway Lights with Warm White, 15 Pack IP67 Waterproof Garden Lawn Lights, App Control Walkway Lights with 43 Scene Modes, 70lm per Patio Light, Kasa Smart Light Bulb KL110, LED Wi-Fi smart bulb works with Alexa and Google Home, A19 Dimmable, 2.4Ghz, No Hub Required, 800LM Soft White (2700K), 9W (60W Equivalent). This bulb can also change colors, though we found the color options greatly reduced the brightness. Add in some connectivity, and you can have those lights flipping on just when you need them, and pull off a few other cool tricks. Outdoor String Lights, BRTLX 150FT LED G40 Patio LightsShatterproof String Hanging Lights with 75+2(Spare)Waterproof Backyard Bulbs Commercial for Balcony Party Wedding Market, Lumary 56FT Smart Outdoor String Lights, RGBAiWW Patio Lights IP65 Waterproof, 15+1(Spare)Dimmable Replaceable LED Bulbs, APP/Voice Control, DIY Scene Modes for Backyard, Balcony, UME Smart WiFi LED Security Light Motion Sensor Outdoor, Work with Alexa/Google/SmartThings, 2700-6500K,2500LM,Waterproof,Dusk to Dawn Flood Light with APP Control Perfect for Yard,Exterior(Brown), SUNTHIN 27FT Smart String Lights, WiFi Smart Patio Lights Work with Alexa & Google Assistant, 13 G40 LED Round Bulbs, Shatterproof Hanging Light String for Garden, Backyard, Porch, Deck, Cafe, Party, Philips Hue White Outdoor PAR38 13W Smart Bulbs (Philips Hue Hub required), 2 White PAR38 LED Smart Bulbs, Works with Alexa, Apple HomeKit and Google Assistant, Dusk to Dawn Light Sensor Bulbs, A19 12W(100 Watt Equivalent) LED Auto On Off Light Bulbs, 1200 Lumens, E26 Base, Daylight White 5000K Smart Sensor Lights Outdoor Indoor for Porch Garage Yard, 4-Pack, FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon, Dusk to Dawn Light Bulb Sensor Smart LED Outdoor Lighting Bulbs Lamp 7W E26/E27 Automatic On/Off, Indoor/Outdoor Yard Porch Patio Garden (Warm White, 3 Pack), Cree Lighting Connected Max Smart Led Bulb Par38 Outdoor Flood Tunable White + Color Changing, 2.4 Ghz, Works With Alexa And Google Home, No Hub Required, Bluetooth + Wifi, 1Pk, Ring Smart Lighting Spotlight, Battery-Powered, Outdoor Motion-Sensor Security Light, White (Bridge required), Govee Outdoor Lights RGBIC Flood Lights, LED Landscape Lighting with 28 Scene Modes and 4 Music Modes, Smart Color Changing IP66 Waterproof with App Control, Patio Lights for Garden Yards, 4 Pack, HVS Smart Outdoor String Lights LED 36Ft Color Changing RGBW Patio String Lights Infinite Connectable APP Control 2.4GHz WiFi Waterproof 18 Acrylic Work with Alexa Google for Party Outside Cafe, Cree Lighting Connected Max Smart Led Bulb Par38 Outdoor Flood Tunable White + Color Changing, 2.4 Ghz, Compatible With Alexa And Google Home, No Hub Required, Bluetooth + Wifi, 4Pk, XMCOSY+ Outdoor String Lights, RGB Patio Lights 98 Ft, Smart LED String Lights, WiFi & App Control RGBW Color Changing String Lights with 30 LED Bulbs, Works with Alexa, IP65 Waterproof, Novostella 25W Smart LED Flood Lights, RGB, Second-Generation WiFi Outdoor Dimmable Color Changing Stage Light, IP66 Waterproof, Multicolor Wall Washer Light, Work with Alexa, 4 Pack, Novostella 2 Pack 20W Smart LED Flood Lights, RGBCW, 2700K-6500K, 2000LM, WiFi Outdoor Dimmable Color Changing Stage Light, IP66 Waterproof, Multicolor Wall Washer Light, Work with Alexa, Ring Smart Lighting Floodlight, Battery-Powered, Outdoor Motion-Sensor Security Light, White (Starter Kit), Ring Solar Floodlight, Outdoor Motion-Sensor Security Light, White (Starter Kit), Govee Smart Outdoor String Lights, 48ft App Control Lights with 6 Scene Modes, IP65 Waterproof Shatterproof Patio Lights with 15 Dimmable Warm White LED Bulbs for Balcony, Backyard, Party, LED Flood Light Outdoor, 300W Equivalent 3000LM Smart RGB Landscape Lighting with APP Control, DIY Scenes - Timing - Warm White 2700K - Color Changing Uplight, IP66 Waterproof US Plug MELPO(4 Pack), RGB & Warm White 48ft Smart String Lights Outdoor with Rope Fairy, Waterproof Shatterproof Bluetooth APP Remote Control Color Changing Dimmable Patio Lights for Balcony, Backyard, Party, Holiday RGBw, XMCOSY+ Low Voltage Landscape Lights, 400LM Smart Pathway Lights with APP Control, Adjustable Dual-Head Warm White & RGB, Works with Alexa, 12V 8W Outdoor Path Lights for Garden Lawn Walkway(4 Pack), HBN 48ft Outdoor String Lights-Smart Outside String Lights-15 LED Bulbs Dimmable & Shatterproof, 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi & Bluetooth App Control, Works with Alexa/Google Assistant, IP65 Waterproof & Extendable, XMCOSY+ Patio Lights, Smart Outdoor String Lights 50Ft, G40 Globe Patio Lights with 25 Dimmable LED Bulbs, APP Control, Work with Alexa, Connectable Waterproof LED Outdoor Lights for Patio Porch, Ustellar 2 Pack 50W Smart Outdoor LED Security Light Tunable White 2700K-6500K Motion Sensor Exterior WiFi Flood Light Fixture Alexa Warm Wired Floodlight Google Outside Spotlight House Yard Garage, Solar Pathway Lights Outdoor 6 Pack Bright Smart RGB Solar Walk Way Lights App Control Auto On/Off Color Changing and Warm White Waterproof Solar Powered Landscape Path Lights for Garden Driveway Yard, Philips Hue White & Color Ambiance Appear Outdoor Wall Light Fixture (Hue Hub Required, Works with Alexa, Apple Homekit & Google Assistant), Black, Geeni LUX Smart Floodlight, White Outdoor 2700K-6500K Dimmable LED Bulb, E26, PAR38, 11W, 1000 Lumens No Hub Works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Requires 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, Rechargeable Smart Led Night Lights, WiFi + BLE ( Wireless) ,Works with Alexa, Google Home,RGB & White Dimmable, Portable Bedside Table Lamp for Bedroom,Home, Outdoor,Camping(2.4GHz Wifi Support Only), Motion Sensor Lights Outdoor, AmeriTop 35W Ultra Bright 3500LM 264LED Flood Light with Remote Control, 3 Color Temperatures 3000K/4500K/6000K, Wide Angle, IP65 Waterproof ETL Certified Security Light, Govee Smart Outdoor String Lights, 48ft RGBIC Patio Lights with 15 Dimmable Warm White LED Bulbs, IP65 Waterproof WiFi APP Control Lights Work with Alexa, 40 Scene Modes for Balcony, Backyard, Party, Kasa Smart Light Switch HS200, Single Pole, Needs Neutral Wire, 2.4GHz Wi-Fi Light Switch Works with Alexa and Google Home, UL Certified, No Hub Required , White, Solar lights outdoor 182 Leds 2500Lm Solar motion sensor lights Solar Panel 15.3 in2 and 3 modes(Security/ Permanent On all night/ Smart brightness control )with IP65 Waterproof with Wide Angle(2pack), Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen, 2021 release) | HD smart display and stereo sound with Alexa | Glacier White. 2022 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company. Although the add-on Calla Bollard is cheaper without the power supply, its still far more expensive than our other picks. We also successfully created schedules and scenes so that the Calla Bollard would instantly turn on to a specific brightness and a specific shade of pink, blue, purple, or bright white. We clear up the good, the bad, and the questionable practices surrounding Rings in-app feature. With Tesla bleeding money, Elon Musk initiates hardcore spending review, The best Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra screen protectors for 2022, Anna Gutto on why she had to direct Paradise Highway, I couldnt manage my work and social life without this one app, James Webb Space Telescope may have spotted its first supernova, Its been 25 years since the first NASA rover landed on Mars, The sun is even more active than expected right now, See NASAs VIPER rover navigate a lunar obstacle course, Rich ecosystem of other apps and accessories, Loud two-way talk with noise cancellation, Only 8GB of internal storage (no cloud option). Or you can trigger other Ring devices, too. The housing disappears in the darkness, leaving just the illuminated portion highlighted. Subscribe now for unlimited access. We added a Ring bulb to Other outdoor smart lights we like and Geeni and Peace by Hampton bulbs to the Competition. Outdoor lighting isnt a splurgeit can save you from tripping on a dark pathway (again) or fumbling to find the right key. We dismissed Peace by Hampton BR30 Flood Light Bulbs because they measured extremely low with a light meterand even the specs list them at 760 lumens, or 440 less than the Cree. The Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Calla Bollard is the best-looking smart outdoor light we testedits the perfect addition to any party. Here are your options, CNET, March 18, 2019, Rachel Cericola, The Best Smart LED Light Bulbs, Wirecutter, February 16, 2021, Jonathan Knoder, Whether You Want More Security or Help Setting the Mood, These Are the Smart Outdoor Lights To Get, Spy, January 17, 2021. As with the Hue, we can recommend the Ring PAR38 Smart LED Bulb only if you have an existing Ring lighting system. We also reached out to all the companies that produced our top picks and had them answer an extensive questionnaire to confirm information we thought should be of primary concern for any potential buyer. Smart devices can make any backyard easier to maintain, more functional, and simply more fun. This affects only models made between 2018 and 2020. Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri Shortcuts. The lights themselves are ample for just about any large area around the home. She hopes her neighbors read this bio because it would explain why she always has four video doorbells running simultaneouslyoutside her home. Each Calla Bollard measures 10 inches high, but the 600-lumen LED on top takes up less than 3 inches of that. Whether youre looking to illuminate a backyard or balcony, or a picnic table or tent, we have recommendations for 8 delightful and weather-safe options. It offers scheduling, snooze options, and the ability to link with other Ring lights and devices. But we cant recommend it for outdoor security lighting, and we think there are better options for decorative lighting. We found both models to be bright but overly sensitive to motion and less attractive than any other fixture on our list. The Ring Solar Pathlight adds easy, elegant lighting to areas that may be tricky to navigate in the dark, such as walkways or patios. It does require a hub, such as the Hue Bridge or the Amazon Echo Plus. It has a slick design, with a color-changing, dimmable LED at the top that can match outdoor decor or your mood. If you already use Hue bulbs indoors, you dont need an additional hub for the Calla. Compared with other smart lighting systems we tested, the Hue system supports more smart-home platforms and devices, including Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, and Samsung SmartThings. This product can be controlled with your voice through Alexa-enabled devices such as Amazon Echo and Amazon Tap. Users can bypass the Ring Bridge by linking lights to the Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) or the Amazon Echo (4th Gen); note that we have not yet tested this and dont know if there are any tradeoffs. If your signal is weak, we recommend upgrading your router or adding an extender or repeater, or installing a mesh network. We fully charged it during setup, and after a full year of use (in a location where it receives lots of sunlight), the battery meter still shows 100%. The floodlight is designed to be mounted on an exterior wall, but since this solar-powered light is wire-free, you can even put it on a tree, as long as it gets plenty of sun. Upgrade your lifestyleDigital Trends helps readers keep tabs on the fast-paced world of tech with all the latest news, fun product reviews, insightful editorials, and one-of-a-kind sneak peeks.