10 Best Outdoor Smart Lights 2026 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 Permanent Outdoor Lights Pro is a flexible and colorful lighting option for outdoor use, perfect if you want to brighten your patio or garden with smart, decorative lights. With 60 LEDs spread over 100 feet, each light offers moderate brightness at 50 lumens, enough for accent lighting rather than powerful illumination. You can choose from 75 preset scene modes and 16 million colors, including warm and cool whites ranging from 2700K to 6500K, giving you great versatility to match different moods or occasions.

Connectivity is strong here, with support for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and compatibility with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Matter, allowing easy voice or app control. This makes it simple to adjust colors and brightness or set schedules remotely. The lights are designed to withstand outdoor conditions, being IP67 waterproof with a weather-resistant control box rated IP65, and they can operate in a wide temperature range, making them suitable year-round even in harsh climates.

Installation is relatively straightforward with included clips and strong adhesive, allowing mounting on walls or eaves with waterproof joints every 16.4 feet. The lights are cuttable and spliceable, which adds customization flexibility, though extending beyond 150 feet requires an extra driver module. On the energy side, LED technology ensures these lights are energy efficient and long-lasting, with an estimated lifespan of 50,000 hours. While the brightness suits ambiance and decoration, these lights won’t replace more powerful outdoor security or task lighting. Also, the installation although easy might require some planning to fit your specific space, especially to maintain waterproof connections. If you want attractive, smart-controlled outdoor lights that provide colorful and adjustable illumination with solid weather resistance, the Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Pro is a practical and user-friendly choice.

The Ring Smart Lighting Floodlight is a solid choice if you want a bright outdoor security light with smart features. It offers a strong 2000 lumens brightness, which is great for illuminating driveways or entryways when motion is detected. Ring products typically provide clear white light suitable for security purposes. This light connects through the Ring Bridge, allowing you to control it via the Ring app and link it to other Ring devices like cameras and doorbells for a connected home security system.

It also works with Alexa-enabled devices, so you can use voice commands for added convenience. The floodlight needs to be hardwired into your existing outdoor electrical setup, which provides reliable power but may require professional installation if you're not comfortable with wiring. It is designed for outdoor use and should withstand typical weather conditions. Being motion-activated helps save power by lighting up only when needed.

The main consideration is that the required Ring Bridge adds to the initial setup cost and complexity. If you already have a Ring system or plan to build one, this floodlight fits well. However, if you’re looking for a standalone smart outdoor light without extra hubs, this might not be the simplest option.