You're here because it's time to upgrade your exterior with a reliable Outdoor Smart Light Bulb.
These innovative devices not only illuminate your surroundings, but also bring convenience and control to your outdoor spaces. Whether you're creating a cozy ambiance for alfresco dining or enhancing security with motion-activated lighting, smart outdoor bulbs are the perfect solution.
Here are hands-on reviews of the best outdoor smart light bulbs we have tried and liked.
Best Outdoor Smart Light Bulbs
1. RING A19: Best Overall
Upgrade your lighting with the A19 Smart LED bulb, a 60W equivalent that emits 800 lumens of brightness. Compatible with Ring Bridge, Echo (4th Gen), or Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen), it offers smart features like mobile notifications, scheduling, and customization through the Ring app. You can use this light inside or in a protected area outside.
Effortless setup involves screwing it into a fixture, connecting to the Ring Bridge or Echo Device, and adjusting settings on the app. With a 25,000-hour lifespan and an estimated annual energy cost of $1.02, this energy-efficient LED bulb integrates seamlessly with Alexa for voice-controlled convenience. Enhance home security by grouping it with other Ring devices for comprehensive monitoring.
Our Helpful review
I used to have a dusk-to-dawn light bulb on my patio, but it attracted too many bugs and spiders. I switched to the Ring light bulb, which only turns on with motion, avoiding bug issues.
I set it to activate during night camera motion, saving energy and keeping bugs away. It's a perfect fit, providing ideal brightness at 3500K, and cost-effective at 8.5 watts. It seamlessly integrates with the Ring ecosystem, making it a valuable addition to your setup. Very pleased with this light.
2. PHILIPS HUE PAR38: Best value for Homekit [needs bridge]
The Philips Hue Smart 100W PAR38 LED Bulb 2-Pack offers versatile outdoor lighting. These color-changing bulbs illuminate with 16 million colors, from festive holiday hues to soothing white light. Control them conveniently using the Hue app or voice commands with Alexa or Google Assistant. Unlock advanced features with the Hue Bridge, enabling automation and remote control.
Designed for outdoor use, the weatherproof bulbs withstand harsh conditions. Ideal for porches, patios, and gardens, these bulbs add a personalized touch to your outdoor space, combining style and functionality. Upgrade your lighting experience with this reliable and vibrant smart lighting solution.
Our Helpful review
I've been using Hue since day one. Yes, they're pricey, but I've never had to replace one—can't say the same for "works with Hue" bulbs from other brands. I've set them up with geolocation on my phone, so when I arrive home, they come on. It's pretty cool. The colors add a fun touch, especially to neighbors who already consider me the world's biggest dork. I just tell them I prefer the term "Dork Lord."
3. SUNCO PAR38: Best Dimmable Floodlight
Sunco's PAR38 Alexa Compatible Smart LED Bulbs offer versatile lighting solutions. With 13W, RGB tunable white CCT, and dimmable features, these outdoor floodlights are suitable for E26 sockets and can be used in various settings, including kitchens, living spaces, offices, and outdoor landscapes.
Controlled via the Smart Life App or voice-activated with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, the bulbs provide customization options such as scheduling, color changing, grouping up to 150 bulbs, programmable scenes, and even syncing with music for a dynamic lighting experience.
Our Helpful review
The colors may not be as vibrant, but I used them during the Holidays and cold January with great ease and effectiveness for winter cheer. While others were freezing on ladders in -25 temps, I could effortlessly take down our holiday lights with a single click using the Home/Alexa app.
These are indeed a good product and a significant savings compared to the two major brands that charge over a hundred dollars for a single bulb or two. The app syncs easily with Alexa. However, it's crucial to have good wifi coverage for programming and maintaining the grid. I had my cable-based gigabyte internet provider send me two additional cable-powered wifi extender/booster boxes to fill in wifi gaps on different floors, not wifi plugins to boost wifi.
Once wifi distance and coverage are sorted out, it's perfect. My wife wasn't a fan of "red lights" (red is dim anyway) making the house look like an Amsterdam getaway. The green is also bright and of good quality. Additionally, there are countless other colors to choose from.
4. GOVEE: Best value
Govee Smart Light Bulbs offer a captivating lighting experience for outdoors and indoors, with 16 million colors and 54 dynamic scenes. The music sync feature adds an immersive touch, changing colors with sound. Easy control via voice commands or the Govee Home App enhances convenience, while group control allows seamless integration with other Govee products.
With timer and schedule functions, these bulbs effortlessly adapt to your daily routine. Their sleek A19 shape and innovative features make them a game-changer for transforming your living space.
Our helpful review
I've had one of Govee's older bluetooth bulbs for a few years now, and it's never let me down, so when I saw this pack go on sale I decided to grab them for one of my overhead lights: Best decision. First up, if you're just looking for some really bright, warm or cool white bulbs, these will do the job for you. When I first turned them on, it was almost blinding! Definitely brighter than the regular bulbs I was using before.
But the REAL reason I bought these was for the RBG. Like all of Govee's stuff, these have endless color options and some really awesome color presets if you want a pretty light show to set the mood or have a party. I love the app, it's super easy to use. I haven't bothered with wifi connectivity and I don't have an alexa to try it out with, but it works great with just regular bluetooth.
I'd say they're worth the full price, but if you can get them on sale, DO IT. It's so convenient to have all the lights in my room right at my fingertips!
5. WYZE: Best Smart White Bulb
Wyze Bulb White, a smart lighting solution, enhances your home ambiance with its tunable color temperature. Its warm white (2700k) setting is perfect for evening relaxation, while daylight white (6500k) wakes you up with a coffee. The Sun Match feature adjusts color temperature throughout the day.
With 800 lumens, this 9.5-watt LED bulb (60W equivalent) provides customizable brightness via voice control or the Wyze App. Boasting a 90+ CRI, it delivers high-quality, vibrant lighting. Easy setup, compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant, and automation features make it a versatile and convenient choice.
Our Helpful review
I use these outdoor bulbs, and they're super bright. You can adjust the color temperature to your liking—I prefer a warm, yellow glow. They work seamlessly, with app control for easy on/off, especially handy if you're already using the Wyze app for cameras.
One thing I really needed was scheduling, and these bulbs deliver. With rules, you can set specific times for them to be on. They match the brightness of a 60W bulb. The life expectancy seems decent based on usage, but only time will tell. I'm definitely planning to buy more!
6. HAOFY: Best with Day/Night sensor (Auto On/Off)
Haofy's 12W Smart Sensor LED Light Bulb offers effortless illumination control with its built-in Dusk to Dawn sensor. This energy-efficient bulb automatically switches on in the evening and off at dawn, providing convenient lighting without manual intervention.
Installation is a breeze, fitting into standard E26/E27 outlets without the need for extra wiring or motion devices. Perfect for various settings, from porches and gardens to garages and cafes, these sensor bulbs ensure safety and stability. With a 180-day warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee, Haofy prioritizes customer satisfaction for worry-free usage.
Our Helpful review
I replaced a 26-year-old fluorescent bulb with this one, and I'm impressed that it turns on automatically in the evening and turns off in the morning. It's very bright and perfectly illuminates my front driveway area—a fantastic security light.
7. GOVEE: Best string
Govee's Smart Outdoor String Lights offer an impressive 96ft of RGBIC Warm White brilliance, comprising two 48ft ropes of LED bulbs. Boasting 16 million colors and 47 dynamic scene modes, these lights transform your garden into a vibrant display. The Govee Home app facilitates creative DIY customization, allowing users to upload photos for color recognition.
With smart app control or voice commands through Alexa and Google Assistant, managing these IP65 waterproof lights is seamless. The RGBIC lighting effect and music sync mode further elevate outdoor decor, creating a visually stunning and immersive experience for any occasion.
Our Helpful review
I recently received the lights. After unpacking and plugging them in, all lights functioned perfectly. The color-changing feature through the app worked seamlessly, offering a variety of colors. I appreciate the option to sync them with music. The bulbs are made of white plastic, which I believe will withstand weather conditions better than traditional bulbs.
They appear well-made, and I anticipate they'll last a long time. When the weather warms up, I plan to place them on my back deck, as they are bright and look impressive during my indoor test.
8. GE LED+: Best without wifi
Upgrade your outdoor lighting with GE LED+ Dusk to Dawn LED Light Bulbs. These 8.5W bulbs feature sunlight sensors, automatically illuminating your path in the dark. A perfect replacement for 60W bulbs, they use only 8W, reducing energy costs. The built-in sensor eliminates the need for scheduling or smart devices.
Enjoy safety and efficiency as the bulbs turn on when it's dark, creating the illusion of an occupied home. A must-have to make your home secure and energy-efficient with hassle-free, automatic outdoor lighting.
Our Helpful review
This bulb suits my needs well. I appreciate that it doesn't need Wi-Fi, as there are too many smart products available. I use it for the front garage lights. It's ideal for vacations, automatically turning on and off. Now, we simply leave the light switch on all day and don't worry about manual adjustments. Overall, the brightness is excellent, leaning towards a warm yellow hue.
How to Choose the Right Outdoor Smart Light Bulb
Navigating the vast array of outdoor smart light bulbs can seem daunting. However, by considering a few key factors, you can find the perfect bulbs to suit your needs and preferences.
1. Lumens
Lumen measurement indicates the brightness of the bulb. For general outdoor lighting, opt for bulbs with a lumen output of at least 800 lumens. For more focused lighting, such as pathway lights, choose bulbs with a lumen output of around 400 lumens.
2. Color Temperature
Color temperature refers to the warmth or coolness of the light emitted by the bulb. Warmer lights, with a temperature of around 2700 Kelvin, create a cozy and inviting ambiance. Cooler lights, with a temperature of around 5000 Kelvin, offer better visibility in daylight conditions.
3. Features
Consider the features that align with your lifestyle. Motion sensors can automatically illuminate your outdoor spaces when motion is detected, enhancing safety and security. Voice control compatibility allows you to operate your lights hands-free using voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant.
4. Weather Resistance
Choose outdoor smart bulbs that are specifically designed for outdoor use. Ensure they have an Ingress Protection (IP) rating of at least IP44, which indicates protection against water splashes from any direction. For more rugged applications, consider bulbs with an IP65 or IP67 rating, which offer protection against dust and stronger water jets.
5. Compatibility
Ensure the bulbs are compatible with your existing smart home ecosystem, such as Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, or Google Assistant. This will allow you to seamlessly integrate your outdoor lighting with other smart devices.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Smart Outdoor Lights
Can I use a smart light bulb outside?
Yes, there are a number of smart light bulbs that can be used outdoors. However, it is important to choose a bulb that is specifically designed for outdoor use. Outdoor smart bulbs are typically rated for IP44 or higher, which means they are protected against water splashes and dust.
Which smart bulbs can be used outdoors?
A number of smart bulb manufacturers offer outdoor-rated bulbs. Some of the most popular brands include Philips Hue, Sengled, and Wyze. When choosing an outdoor smart bulb, look for one that is rated for IP44 or higher, has a durable housing, and is compatible with your existing smart home ecosystem.
What type of bulb is best for outdoor lighting?
The best type of bulb for outdoor lighting will depend on your specific needs. For general outdoor lighting, a white LED bulb with a brightness of 800 lumens or more is a good option. For more focused lighting, such as pathway lights, a lower-wattage LED bulb may be sufficient.
What are the best outdoor flood light bulbs?
For outdoor flood lighting, you will need a bulb with a high lumen output. A bulb that is rated for IP65 or higher will also be a good option, as this will provide protection against dust and water jets.
Why can't smart bulbs be used outside?
Most smart bulbs are not designed to be used outdoors because they are not weatherproof. The electronics in the bulb can be damaged by moisture, heat, and cold.
Can you use Kasa smart bulbs outdoors?
Yes, Kasa offers a number of outdoor-rated smart bulbs. These bulbs are rated for IP65 or higher, which means they are protected against dust and water jets.
Can WiZ bulbs be used outdoors?
WiZ offers a number of outdoor-rated smart bulbs. These bulbs are rated for IP44 or higher, which means they are protected against water splashes and dust.
Can WiZ light bulbs be used outside?
Yes, WiZ light bulbs can be used outdoors. The bulbs are rated for IP44 or higher, which means they are protected against water splashes and dust.
Do smart bulbs use electricity when off?
No, smart bulbs do not use electricity when off. The electronics in the bulb are only powered on when the bulb is turned on.
Do you need special LED lights for outside?
Yes, you should use LED lights for outdoor lighting. LED lights are more energy-efficient and durable than traditional incandescent or halogen bulbs. They are also less likely to emit heat, which can be a problem in hot climates.
Do Philips smart bulbs work outside?
Yes, Philips Hue offers a number of outdoor-rated smart bulbs. These bulbs are rated for IP65 or higher, which means they are protected against dust and water jets.
How can I light my backyard without electricity?
There are a number of ways to light your backyard without electricity. You can use solar-powered lights, battery-powered lights, or lights that run on propane or natural gas.
How do smart outdoor lights work?
Smart outdoor lights work the same way as indoor smart lights. They use a wireless connection to communicate with your smartphone or other smart home device. You can use your device to control the lights, such as turning them on and off, changing the color, or setting a timer.
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- Best Outdoor Smart Light Bulbs (Reviews)
