Are you looking for a way to add safety or convenience into your life? Motion detector lights are an inexpensive way to upgrade your home’s appearance, safety, and accessibility all in one go. If you are ready to make an easy change, keep reading!
Below we have put together a comprehensive guide to motion detector lights. We will cover everything from why you may need one, how they work, and even discuss our top seven favorite lights on the market. Don’t worry, these lights are easy to install and won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Find the perfect light for your budget and lifestyle below!
Product FAQ
Are you unsure as to what motion sensor lights are? Are you wondering whether or not you need this type of product? Don’t worry; you are not alone. With so many products littering the market it can be hard to know what you need and what to choose. Below we have put together answers to some of the most commonly asked questions that pop up when discussing motion sensors.
1. What Is a Motion Detector Light?
A motion detector light is a light that is used to detect movement in a defined space. Most motion detector lights will turn on when it senses motion. It is not uncommon for motion detectors to also feature sirens or sounds when motion is detected. For the high-end detectors, you may get a notification on your phone or even have the ability to talk and broadcast your voice out to any perpetrators.
Motion detector lights are most commonly used outdoors in locations such as backyards, driveways, and garages. That being said, there are many motion detectors used indoors in locations such as laundry rooms and closets. Motion detector lights are a great choice for both convenience and protection of your home, belongings, and loved ones.
2. How Do Motion Detectors Work?
Motion detectors can work in a number of ways. Some motion detector lights work based on temperature. If they are temperature sensing, they often have the ability to sense the temperature outside and adjust based on the fluctuating temperatures of the day and seasons. Many other motion detectors work based on movement alone.
3. Where Can You Buy Motion Detector Lights?
Motion detectors can be purchased at a number of physical and online retail locations. We recommend looking at online stores such as Amazon.com or Overstock.com for the largest selection of lights. For physical retail outlets, we recommend looking at Walmart, Target, or Best Buy to purchase these lights.
4. Why Do You Need a Motion Detector?
Many people use motion detectors for many different reasons. If you are a parent with teenagers, a motion detector light is a great way to prevent sneaking out in the middle of the night. For those who are concerned about safety, motion lights are a great way to deter potential criminals.
On the lighter side, motion lights are the perfect option for convenience. If you frequently have your hands full when walking into the laundry room, add a motion sensor in there. The possibilities are almost endless!
The following products were reviewed based on the following parameters Features, Pros & Cons, Price, Where to Buy, and Warranty. We not only wanted to ensure that we were reviewing some of the most popular products but products that actually worked. You’ll see a strict pros and cons section for each product that was based on customer reviews. Our reviews will feature the most unbiased opinions possible to ensure you can pick the right product for your price point and needs.
Our list of the top seven best motion detecting lights was extensively reviewed across a wide range of platforms. After scouring the internet for the best of the best we put together the list below. Keep reading to find the perfect light for you.
Overall Price Range of Motion Detector Lights (and Other Similar Products)
When you are shopping for lights that have motion sensing technology you will find that there are a wide range of price points across the board. We have seen everything from around $10 all the way up to integrated, smartphone capable, lights over $200. It is important to note that the more expensive the light the more capable and reliable it is bound to be.
If you are looking to purchase a motion detecting light or sensor we recommend looking at the online retailer Amazon.com. If you are looking for physical retail locations we suggest stores such as Walmart, Best Buy, and Target. Just make sure that you read any customer reviews on the product before purchasing.
What We Reviewed
- LEONLITE Dual-Head LED Outdoor Security Light
- RAB Lighting STL360HBW
- Mr. Beams Weatherproof Battery Powered LED Spotlight
- MAXSA Innovations 40218
- Heath/Zenith Mission-Style Motion-Sensing Decorative Security Light
- First Alert PIR720RN
- Sengled Smartsense Outdoor LED Motion Sensor Floodlight Bulb
LEONLITE Dual-Head LED Outdoor Security Light
Features
LEONLITE’s Dual-Head LED Outdoor Security Light feature three different operation modes and dusk to dawn sensitivity. With 20 watts of brightness, you can expect to lower your energy usage by as much as 84% during its lifespan. These motion detector lights are durable, waterproof, and ensures a 50,000-hour lifespan.
PROS
- Equivalent to 120W halogen lights
- Reduces energy usage
- Durable materials
- Long-lasting quality
CONS
- Not very detailed instructions
- Sensor range does not reach 70 feet
- False detections use a lot of energy
Where to Buy
Warranty
LEONLITE’s Dual-Head LED Outdoor Security Light has a five-year warranty. This warranty guarantees the product and protects your interests. LEONLITE is known for its friendly and helpful customer service.
RAB Lighting STL360HBW
Features
Sengled Smartsense Outdoor LED Motion Sensor Floodlight Bulb is one of the more affordable options on our list. For just around $13 you get a light that detects up to 30-feet and lasts up to 25,000 hours. If you are looking for an easy to install lightbulb with motion sensing technology, this is the product for you!
PROS
- 360 degree sensor detection
- Maximum radio frequency immunity
- Adjustable sensitivity control
CONS
- More expensive than other motion detector lights
- Cannot be installed on a circuit with a garage door opener
- Difficult to adjust the lights
Where to Buy
- Senses 180 degrees out and 360 degrees down, for total detection
- 8 amps, 1000 watts incandescent @ 120 volts
- Circuits fully shielded for maximum radio frequency immunity
Warranty
This product comes with a five-year warranty starting at the point of purchase. RAB’s product will remain free of defects during this time. This company is known for their great customer service.
Mr. Beams Weatherproof Battery Powered LED Spotlight
Features
Mr. Beams Weatherproof Battery Powered LED Spotlight features an extremely bright LED light and automatic motion sensing technology. What makes this product so great is the weatherproof materials for ultimate durability. If you are looking for over 300 feet of coverage, these are the motion detector lights for you!
PROS
- 350 square feet of coverage
- Bright LED lights for minimal power consumption
- Easy, wireless, installation
CONS
- Water can penetrate the lights with heavy rainfall
- Not very durable materials
- Batteries are not included
Where to Buy
Warranty
Mr. Beams Weatherproof Battery Powered LED Spotlight has a 30-day money back guarantee. Additionally, you can expect a one-year limited warranty that protects against any product defects. Their headquarters are located in Solon, Ohio
MAXSA Innovations 40218
Features
The Innovations 40218 light by MAXSA features a dual head, motion-activated spotlight in the color off-white. For around $50 you will get a motion detector light with up to 40-feet of detection range. The best part about the Innovations 40218 is that the heads are adjustable so you can direct them where you need them most!
PROS
- Detects motion up to 40-feet away
- Super bright LED lights
- Ideal for entryways, walkways, decks, backyards, and more
CONS
- More expensive than most motion detector lights
- 90 Day limited warranty
- The lights are not as bright as the product claims them to be
Where to Buy
Warranty
This product is covered by a 90-day limited warranty. This covers any faulty material starting at the point of purchase. Once the unit is tampered with, the warranty will become null and void.
Simplisafe Glassbreak Sensor
Features
Sengled Smartsense Outdoor LED Motion Sensor Floodlight Bulb is one of the more affordable options on our list. You get a light that detects up to 30-feet and lasts up to 25,000 hours. If you are looking for an easy to install lightbulb with motion sensing technology, this is the product for you!
PROS
- More affordable than other motion detector lights
- Smartsense technology for ultimate detection
- Wet rated for outdoor placement
CONS
- Bulb only; does not come with attachments
- No setting to turn off during the day
- The motion sensor is overly sensitive
Where to buy
Warranty
The Sengled Smartsense Outdoor LED Motion Sensor Floodlight Bulb has a warranty of one year. This warranty begins after the point of purchase. The warranty does not cover accidents or any acts of God.
Heath/Zenith Mission-Style Motion-Sensing Decorative Security Light
Features
Are you looking for decorative motion detector lights that don’t look like flood lights? The Heath/Zenith Mission-Style Motion-Sensing Decorative Security Light is a stylish option for the front of your home. The motion detection triggers up to 30-feet away and features a two-year warranty.
PROS
- Triggers up to 30-feet away
- A stylish option for motion detector lights
- Weather resistant finish
CONS
- More expensive than most security lights
- The lightbulb is not included
- Only a two-year warranty
Where to Buy
No products found.
Warranty
The Heath/Zenith Mission-Style Motion-Sensing Decorative Security Light features a two-year warranty.
First Alert PIR720RN
Features
The First Alert PIR720RN is a motion sensing light that is meant to be used inside a socket. Ideally, this product would be used inside a home and in a location such as a laundry room or closet. The First Alert PIR720RN senses movement in all directions.
PROS
- More affordable than most motion detector lights
- Senses movement in all directions
- Ideal for use inside the home
CONS
- Frequently unavailable for purchase
- Not ideal for outdoor use
- Takes a long time for lights to turn off after movement is detected
Where to Buy
Warranty
The First Alert PIR720RN is backed by a three-year limited warranty.
https://youtu.be/z_7yLADvv9g
After taking a look at all seven of the motion detector lights above it is clear who the true winner is. We believe the RAB Lighting STL360HBW is the best motion detector light on our list. The reason this product won out amongst the competition was due to the overwhelming quality. The RAB Lighting features the high-tech sensitivity needed to automatically adjust to alternating temperatures and change the detection range based on this information.
What we love about the RAB Lighting STL360HBW is the adjustable sensitivity control. If you have a smaller yard and don’t want to detect the neighbor’s dog every time he is let out, you can shorten your detection range. Another thing we love about this product is the shielded circuits so you don’t have to worry about radio frequency interference. Between the quality materials, high-end features, and the ability to customize it to fit your needs, the RAB Lighting STL360HBW is truly one of the best!
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William is a tech buff and former corporate security officer turned cybercrime analyst. Computers have few secrets left for him, but home security and alarm systems… Well, those have plenty of secrets for their users, which William is now uncovering and explaining. His articles on home security helped many people take the matter seriously, invest in highly performing systems, and avoid becoming victims of burglaries.
Last update on 2025-12-30 at 07:38 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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