10 Best Outdoor Smart Lights 2025 in the United States

The Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus (2021 release) is a robust option for outdoor smart lighting and security. Its 1080p HD camera with motion-activated LED floodlights ensures high visibility and security with its 2000-lumen brightness and built-in Color Night Vision. The camera offers a 140° horizontal and 80° vertical field of view, which helps cover a significant area. Customizable motion zones and a 105dB siren add extra layers of security, making it ideal for comprehensive surveillance.

In terms of connectivity, it requires a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection and a minimum upload speed of 2 Mbps, which should be manageable for most homes. It also integrates well with the Ring app, allowing you to receive notifications and access live video feeds remotely. Pairing with Alexa provides added convenience for voice-activated control and monitoring.

The installation process is relatively straightforward, typically taking 15-25 minutes if you have an existing weatherproof electrical box. However, it’s worth noting that it requires hardwiring, which may be a limitation for users not comfortable with electrical work. Weather resistance is solid, with the device operating in temperatures ranging from -4°F to 122°F, making it suitable for various climates. However, the product's energy efficiency isn't explicitly highlighted, which could be a consideration for those looking to minimize power consumption.

A potential drawback is the requirement of a Ring Home subscription to save recorded videos and access advanced features, which adds to the overall cost. Additionally, it only supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, not the faster 5GHz band. The Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus offers strong security features and smart lighting capabilities, making it a good choice for those wanting a reliable and integrated outdoor security system, despite some limitations with installation and additional subscription costs.

The Govee Smart Light Bulbs offer a versatile lighting experience with 16 million colors and 54 preset scene modes, allowing you to personalize your outdoor spaces effectively. With a brightness of 800 lumens and a color temperature of 6500 Kelvin, these bulbs provide sufficient illumination for most outdoor settings. The bulbs are compatible with both WiFi and Bluetooth, enabling remote control via the Govee Home App, Alexa, and Google Assistant. Additional features like Music Sync, which changes the bulb's colors in response to sound, and timer functions enhance the user experience.

Installation is straightforward with the standard A19 shape and E26 base fitting most fixtures. However, there are some limitations. The bulbs are not weather-resistant, making them unsuitable for direct exposure to the elements without proper housing. Connectivity is limited to 2.4GHz WiFi, which might be a drawback for users with 5G networks.

Despite these issues, the energy-efficient 9-watt LED bulbs offer a long lifespan of up to 50,000 hours, making them a cost-effective option for those looking to add smart features to their lighting setup. These smart light bulbs are best suited for users who want to enhance their indoor or sheltered outdoor areas with customizable, smart lighting solutions.

The Govee Smart Outdoor String Lights 2 offer a versatile and vibrant lighting solution for outdoor spaces such as patios, backyards, and balconies. Each LED bulb can emit up to 100 lumens of warm white light at a color temperature of 2700K, making it suitable for daily and accent lighting.

With 47 scene modes and 16 million colors, it allows for creative customization to suit various occasions like Christmas, Halloween, and parties. The lights are controlled via the Govee Home App, Alexa, or Google Assistant, providing convenient and flexible operation. Additionally, the music sync mode adds an element of entertainment by adjusting the lights to the rhythm of your music.

Installation might require some effort, particularly due to the combined length of up to 144ft, but the inclusion of cable clips and zip ties helps facilitate the process. The lights are designed to endure harsh weather conditions with an IP65 waterproof rating and a shatterproof design, ensuring durability. However, being corded electric, it may limit placement flexibility. While energy efficiency isn't explicitly highlighted, the LED technology tends to be more efficient compared to traditional lighting options. These lights are best suited for users looking to enhance their outdoor decor with dynamic lighting effects and smart control features.