Best Motion Sensor Lights: A Comprehensive Review

When your dog barks or you hear something outside, the first thing you would want to do is to turn on the lights to see who’s in there. With a motion sensor light, you don’t have to manually switch your lights on and off - it automatically turns on the moment it senses motion.

But, having a light that turns on all the time when nothing is there or doesn’t turn on when someone walks by is as bad as not having anything!

So to help you avoid a dud, we’ve put together a comparison of the best motion sensor lights available today at a reasonable price. Let’s take a quick look at them and then we’ll break down the details later:

This post will cover the following:

• Reasons to Buy Outdoor Motion Sensor Lights
• 5 Ways to Use Indoor Motion Sensor Lights
• How to Choose A Motion Sensor Light
• Our List of Best Motion Sensor Lights
• Our Verdict
• Motion Sensor Lights FAQs
• Wrapping It Up

Outdoor lights are one of the most effective deterrents against intruders. Overall, lighting fixtures with motion sensors help to: 

• Increase your security posture and make your home a less-attractive target
• reduce energy consumption
• save money
• conveniently eliminate the manual switch

Aside from enhancing the security of your home, motion sensor lights are also useful indoors.  Here are a few ways that we’ve found useful to use motion sensing lights inside:

• Add an extra light to a kitchen cabinet or pantry
• Put one in your basement so that it comes on as soon as you open the door
• Add a light to a closet to help you find things when you open the door
• Install a motion sensing light in your garage so that it comes on when you pull in at night and helps you get to the door safely
• Put a motion sensor activated light in your attic so that you don’t have to fumble around for the light switch when you’re hunting for those Christmas decorations!
• Use a motion-activated light to find your way to the bathroom safely in the middle of the night

When you’re picking out a motion sensor light, there are a few critical features to consider whether indoors and outdoors. Some sensors are sensitive to the slightest movements while other sensors use heat and vibration to detect motion in the area.

Motion sensor lights can be powered through an electric outlet, battery, or solar. Depending on your budget and preferences, you need to know where you want to place your lights first. If you want to have lighting available during power outages, or you want to place your lights in areas that do not have access to nearby outlets, then you can consider battery or solar-powered motion sensor lights.

The sensitivity of the sensor is one of the most important features of a motion sensor light. The sensitivity simply implies how far a person from the device will be before the sensor detects motion. 

A sensor that can detect motion at a larger range can be more expensive, however, it doesn’t mean it’s better. If you install a motion sensor light in an area where people are always expected to pass, then your neighbors might get annoyed with your outdoor lights turning on and off constantly. So choosing the sensor range should depend on the area you want to cover. For example, if you’re planning to install an outdoor motion light sensor where people are always passing during the day, you might want to consider a sensor light with a smaller ranger to cover only the areas that matter.

And, keep in mind that the best sensors will let you adjust the sensitivity after installation, so that you can really dial in the best performance for wherever you decide to use it.

Motion sensors are available with different detection zones, or fields of view. Before you buy a motion sensor light, you should plan where you want to install the device. If you’re planning to install it in a corner, then a sensor with a detection zone of 90° would do the job. When your lights are hung on posts or placed on the walls, then the sensors should have a detection zone closer to 180°. If you want your motion sensor lights placed on the ceiling, then you should choose one with a 360° coverage zone.

Motion sensor lights come with different brightness levels also, depending on your purpose. If you simply want to illuminate dark areas inside your house such as the basement or kitchen cabinet, then purchasing a motion sensor light of 100 W equivalent or lower will be perfectly okay. If your purpose is for security, you might want to consider a light at 300 W equivalent or higher to scare off intruders. 

You can also assess the brightness of the light based on lumens, the standard unit for the amount of light emitted on an area. Watts, on the other hand, is the measure of energy used by a bulb. Since energy-efficient lights such as LEDs no longer depend on their brightness on watts, it is better to measure its brightness based on lumens. 

Planning to install an outdoor motion sensor light for your landscape? Then a solar-powered light might be a more convenient option. Although it can be more expensive than regular ones, solar-powered devices can save energy and be fully charged within 4 to 5 hours. Once full, they can light up your area for up to 3 days even without the sun (especially during cloudy days).

As much as possible, we want to install the motion sensor lights on our own instead of burning extra cash to pay a professional to do it. There are many low-cost motion sensor lights today that are DIY and can be easily set up with just a few tools. 

That’s especially true for battery powered and solar powered lights.  So, be sure to choose the motion sensor lights that make the most sense for your skill level!

Make sure to choose a device that comes with easy-to-follow installation instructions before you decide to purchase one.

Price: $28.93 Rating: 4.3/5

Pros:

• Comes in 3 units
• Powered by AA batteries, making installation a cinch
• Ideal for indoor lighting for entryways and cabinets

Cons:

• Motion sensor is not sensitive
• Timer is fixed at 30 seconds and cannot be adjusted
• Some users experience light fluctuations 

The Mr. Beams MB723 comes in 3 units and consists of LED lights. These motion sensor lights are powered using 4 AA batteries and detect motion up to 15 feet. It emits light at 20 lumens for 30 seconds before turning itself off. 

Unfortunately, the timer is fixed at 30 seconds and cannot be modified according to your preferred amount of time. You can easily mount the units anywhere you want using double-sided tape. The manufacturer claims that it can be installed as an outdoor light. But given its specs, it is more suited for indoor lighting such as in kitchen cabinets or entryways.

Price: $15.99 Rating: 3.9/5

Pros: 

• Energy-efficient
• Comes with built-in magnet for easy installation
• Each light outputs 20 lumens
• Comes in two variants

Cons:

• Some users claim that the unit’s packaging is not as good as expected

Another product worth mentioning on our list is the URPOWER Motion Sensor Light. It comes in circular designs and has 3 units per pack. Each unit consists of 6 LEDs that can provide 20 lumens of light. You don’t need extra tools to install the lights since you can easily mount them using adhesive pads, or set them up on any metal surface using its built-in magnet. It works great for indoor lighting applications and can sense motion up to 10 feet. The units can provide up to 10,000 hours of service which means it is durable and lasts longer. 

Price: $59.99 Rating: 4.5/5

Pros:

• Lasts for 50,000 hours without replacement
• Outputs 3,400 lumens of light at 30 W
• Detects motion up to 50 feet and 120-degree angle
• Comes in four different modes for flexibility

Cons:

• The unit is not wireless

If you plan to install motion sensor lights for security purposes, then you should get fixtures with very bright lights and at the same time energy-efficient.

These SANSI outdoor lights fit that description.

The unit can output 3,400 lumens of light at 30 W which means it’s brighter than your average light and has low energy consumption. SANSI can detect motion up to 50 feet, designed as weatherproof for outdoor installation, and provides 50,000 hours or 22 years of service. 

What’s great about SANSI is that it comes in four different modes to meet your needs. These are - test mode, auto mode, dusk to dawn mode, and on time mode. Auto mode turns on the light between 1 to 10 minutes when motion is detected. On time mode allows you to keep the light on when needed. Dusk to dawn mode enables its photocell technology to stay on at night and save energy during the daytime.

Price: $92.00 Rating: 4.5/5

Pros:

• It’s a very bright light
• Can cover up to 60 feet 
• Can detect motion at 360-degree up and down view and 180-degree side-to-side view
• Industrial-grade and sturdy construction

Cons:

• Requires hardwired installation
• Expensive!

The RAB Super Stealth stands out from the rest due to its industrial-grade and sturdy construction that can outdoor temperatures. This means that sensor sensitivity is not affected by weather conditions so you can still get consistent motion detection. The sensor detects motion up to 60 feet with a 360-degree up and down view and 180-degree side-to-side view. The RAB Super Stealth is designed with dual heads so that it can cover large or multiple areas on your home or property.

Price: $25.99 Rating: 4.3/5

Pros:

• Solar-powered with rechargeable batteries
• Provides light up to 14 hours when fully charged
• Weatherproof and durable construction
• Sensor can detect motion up to 26 feet at 120-degree view

Cons:

• Difficult to install on areas without a flat surface
• Limited types of screws can be used for mounting
• Doesn’t have the option to turn on constantly

The LITOM Motion Sensor light works perfectly for outdoor lighting such as the porch, lawn, patio, garage, or backyard. The pack comes in 4 units with 30 bright LEDs to illuminate your outdoor area evenly and keep your home secure at night. 

The sensor can detect motion up to 26 feet and has 3 lighting modes to suit your needs. The LITOM lights are IP65 certified so that it can withstand any weather conditions. You also don’t need to worry about the power source because it is designed with rechargeable batteries and a solar panel. When fully charged, the units can provide light straight for up to 14 hours.

Price: $42.99 Rating: 4.2/5

Pros:

• Solar-powered
• Fixture angle is adjustable 
• LEDs are very bright and provide 180-degree illumination

Cons:

• Fixtures can be tricky to install

The Lande Solar Motion Sensor Security Flood Light comes in two units with LED lamps that are completely solar-powered. The solar panels charge power during the day to turn on the LED lights during the night. The fixtures are designed with adjustable LED lamps so that you can position it at any angle you want, illuminating the area you want to focus on. Since the LEDs are very efficient, you can expect the unit to last for hours even without the sun to charge it. The LEDs are also very bright for security lighting.

Price: $37.99 Rating: 4/5

Pros:

• Provides an option for manual or auto mode
• 50,000 hours of lighting security
• 180-degree rotation
• Enclosure has IP65 weatherproof rating

Cons:

• Some customers complained about receiving defective motion sensors on some packages

If you want a motion sensor light that lasts longer, then you might want to consider LEONLITE. The two-headed fixture can provide lighting up to 50,000 hours. The enclosure is made of aluminum and can be moved up or down or rotated up to 180 degrees, making it convenient to light any selected areas. Since it’s best installed outdoors, it has an IP65 rating to ensure that the device can survive in harsh environments. You can set the LEONLITE in auto mode so that it only turns on when motion is detected and shuts off at a preset time.

Price: $30.95 Rating: 4/5

Pros:

• Adjustable light heads
• Has 5-year limited warranty
• Sturdy and weatherproof construction
• Detects motion up to 40 feet

Cons:

• Hardwired installation

Hyperikon LED Outdoor Flood Light is designed with two adjustable light heads and detects motion within the 150-degree field of view. This light fixture is intended for outdoor installation due to its sturdy and weatherproof construction that can withstand -22 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit temperature. Its light settings include dusk-to-dawn option where the unit emits light for 15 to 30 seconds when the sensor detects motion. And, you’ll be impressed how bright the LEDs are - at 1,800 lumens, it makes a perfect outdoor light security for your home.

Price: $14.99 Rating: 3.9/5

Pros:

• Sturdy construction
• Sensor can reach up to 70 feet
• Detects motion at 150-degree view
• Energy-efficient, battery and solar-powered

Cons:

• Some users complain about the sensors losing their reliability after a short period

The Heath Zenith Heavy Duty Motion Sensor is the ideal light for outdoor installation because of its long-range and detection features. Its sensor can be activated at 70 feet and motion can be detected in a 150-degree field of view. The device is built with sturdy metal and white plastic that can withstand any weather conditions. The two flood bulbs are powered with battery and solar, making it easy to install at remote locations without running power to it. 

You can set the lights to turn on for 1, 5 or 10 minutes, or even let it stay on longer by overriding the timer if you have outdoor activities in the evening.

With so many motion sensor lights to choose from, here’s a list of our favorites based on the following category:

We’ve chosen the RAB Super Stealth Outdoor Light due to its industrial-grade and sturdy construction. It’s the perfect fixture not just to provide light on your lawn or garden but for security purposes as well. It has a very bright light and covers a large or multiple areas with adjustable light heads, making it more flexible to meet your needs.

For us, the URPOWER Motion Sensor Light is the winner when it comes to indoor lighting. The 3 units are battery-operated and can be easily installed anywhere you want using adhesive pads or its built-in magnets. It is also energy efficient so that the batteries can last longer.

The Lande Solar Motion Sensor Security Flood Light is the superior for this category. It is completely solar-powered yet outputs very bright light to provide security to your home at night. The units are energy-efficient so that it can last longer outdoors.

Every motion sensor light comes with a manual. Make sure you check this out first before buying so that you will have an idea how it works and plan ahead for the best place to install it. 

And since the lights work when there is motion detected, the units are not completely error-free. Sometimes, the sensor can give false detection due to a number of factors such as strong wind, extreme temperatures, lightning, power, and many others.

To maximize the effectiveness of the motion sensor light, you can follow these tips:

• Install the motion sensor light on the area where you expect people to to pass by, such as on the garage door, in front of your gate, or main entrance to your home.
• Even if the outdoor motion sensor lights are designed to be weatherproof, it is best that you still add an extra protection to make it last longer. You may want to install the units under a roof eave or add some caulking to for extra coverage.
• Analyze how the product can be mounted before purchasing to prevent mounting snags. Some lights work best when mounted on a flat surface, or may not be easily mounted with an existing junction box.
• Avoid installing the outdoor motion sensor lights in an area where it can be exposed to extreme heat or direct sunlight since this can affect the sensitivity of the sensor.  A cool, shaded location will help your lights last longer.
• Install outdoor motion sensor lights in areas where intruders might easily get access to your home. Intruders hate bright lights if they are trying to break-in during night, especially when they turn on as they walk by and attract attention. 

Planning to install a motion sensor for your existing light? We’ve actually written a post on how to add a motion sensor to existing outdoor lights - you better check it out!

It’s important to adjust the sensitivity of your motion sensor light to avoid false alarms and annoying your neighbors every time the lights turn on and off.

1. Make sure that the motion sensor light is pointing to the area you want to focus on. For example, if you want to turn it on every time someone passes in front of your garage, you might want to tilt the motion sensor downward. You don’t want to turn it on every time a car passes by on the road.
2. Check on the product’s manual so that you can locate the switch where you can set the settings. Some motion light sensors have options you can set for how long to leave the light on when the sensor is triggered. 
3. Try and test a few settings until you achieve the right sensitivity of the sensor and coverage of the area. Set the timers at the lowest setting when making adjustments so that you will not have to wait long during testing of the unit.

I hope our review of the best motion sensor lights for indoors and outdoors application and tips for installation have been helpful. 

Do you have any comments and suggestions? Leave them in the comments section below! Don’t forget to share this post with your family and friends.