Best motion sensor light

These motion sensor lights will only turn on when activity is detected and shut off when there's no action.

Best motion sensor light
(Image credit: patarapong saraboon via Shutterstock)

Motion sensor lights add a sense of security to any property. Since they turn on only when movement is detected and shut down after a preset time, their intermittent design can bring down a rising electricity bill. To meet diverse needs, the lights are powered by batteries, solar panels, or electricity. Let's have a look at some of the best options.

Best overall

Hmcity outdoor solar lights

(Image credit: Amazon)

Hmcity outdoor solar lights

Powered by the sun with no wiring needed

These lights serve as functional outdoor fixtures for those with energy-conscious lifestyles.

Pros:

  • Three different modes
  • Low-cost lighting solution
  • Wide 270-degree projection angle
  • Wireless convenience

Cons:

  • Confusing instructions

If you live in a place with plenty of sunlight, take advantage of that with these outdoor solar-powered lights. Thanks to a wireless design, they can be mounted anywhere around the garden, lawn, or driveway, as long as the solar panel is in direct sun. The motion sensor detects movement from up to 26.4 feet away but within a 120-degree range. You also get three different lighting modes, customizable to your preference. 

Super bright

LEPOWER 35W LED security lights

(Image credit: LEPOWER)

LEPOWER 35W LED security lights

Best flood lights

Depending on the settings, the lights can stay on for 10 seconds to 10 minutes after detecting motion. 

Pros:

  • 180-degree sensing angle
  • Adjustable detection distance
  • Easy installation
  • Lifespan is about 50,000 hours

Cons:

  • Requires an electric outlet

The unique three-head design creates a bright and expansive beam to make sure your surroundings are well lit, like around the garage or porch. The motion sensor can detect movement up to 72 feet away and within a 180-degree angle. But you can adjust the detection distance and head position for optimum lighting and response. With an aluminum body, the lights have good heat dissipation, and they can stand up to harsh elements. 

Versatile

Aukora motion sensor light bulbs 4-pack

(Image credit: Amazon)

Aukora motion sensor light bulbs 4-pack

Ideal for both indoor and outdoor spaces

These bulbs fit into any existing standard E26/E27 sockets. 

Pros:

  • Inbuilt dusk to dawn sensor
  • Energy-saving
  • Super bright

Cons:

  • Short detection distance

With Aukora motion sensor light bulbs, you can enjoy hands-free illumination by simply walking into a room. They are designed to help save energy by illuminating when motion is detected and turning off after 30 to 45 seconds of no motion. With a detection range of 8 to 10 feet, the bulbs are great for the front door, hallway, basement, shed, and staircase, among other places. Each one illuminates up to 1000 lumens, which is bright enough and equivalent to a 100-watt incandescent bulb.

Under-cabinet lights

Otinlai 10 LED motion sensor lights

(Image credit: Amazon)

Otinlai 10 LED motion sensor lights

Portable and rechargeable

These LED battery-powered lights ensure you never have to worry about cords or outlets.

Pros:

  • Portable
  • Rechargeable battery
  • Versatile uses

Cons:

  • Not dimmable

These lights are perfect for sticking on the wall under cabinets, shelves, drawers, or any flat surface that needs some extra brightness without worrying about cords and outlets. They will surely make your life more convenient by automatically turning on when motion is detected and off after about 20 seconds if there is no movement. You can use them as a portable light or stick onto any surface using double-sided tape.

Battery-powered

TOOWELL motion sensor ceiling lights

(Image credit: Amazon)

TOOWELL motion sensor ceiling light

Best for indoor spaces

Now you can add a contemporary touch to your home with this stylish motion-activated ceiling light.

Pros:

  • Easy installation
  • 20-foot detection range
  • Photocell and infrared motion sensor options

Cons:

  • Batteries not included
  • Rechargeable battery would have been better

A stylish lighting solution, this battery-powered ceiling light features a 300-lumen output, bright enough to illuminate a hallway, staircase, or closet. And, the clean, modern design complements a variety of décors. You'll have the option to use the infrared motion sensor, which triggers the light to come on regardless of ambient lighting, or use the photocell sensor that only triggers the light if the ambient light is low.

The bottom line

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Whether your goal is to save money on electricity or just get better security, these best motion sensor lights will provide all-around usefulness and satisfaction. For wireless and super bright outdoor illumination, the Hmcity outdoor solar lights are a dependable choice. They come in a two-pack, each offering three different lighting modes to suit your needs.

Nearly effortless to use, TOOWELL's motion sensor ceiling light is suitable for most indoor spaces. It's aesthetically designed, easy to install, and features a decent 300-lumen output. Besides, it offers both photocell and infrared motion sensor options.

Why trust us?

At GardeningEtc, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.

Grace Monene is an avid writer with a keen eye for home and office improvement. She has a knack for finding the best little things that will improve the quality of indoor and outdoor living. When she's not writing, you will typically find her reading or testing out the latest technology.