Homeowners want to feel safe while they are outside. Whether you come home late, entertain outdoors, or want to light up the pathway, you need smart lights. Outdoor varieties are often the best because they’re designed to be more rugged and weatherproof. The best smart lights are those that work in any condition. We’ve tried to make it easier to choose the right lighting options and categorize them in a way that’s easy to understand. That way, you can have a smart home with smart lighting outdoors, too.
Of course, we don’t just jump right in and start talking about the products listed below in the bulleted list. We want you to understand more about these lights and why they’re desirable. You may also have questions about what they do and how they work. When you finish reading, you’re going to know everything you need to make the best choice.
- Philips Hue Lily White Smart Light – Multiple Lights Included
- Sylvania Outdoor Accent Smart Light – Garden Light Kit
- Ring Outdoor Smart Spotlight Cam – Great for Security
- Ring Pathlight – Battery-powered and Motion Sensor Activated
- Ring Wired Floodlight
- Philips Hue Outdoor Smart Bulb – Works with Any Current Lighting System
- Lifx Smart Bulb – No Hub Needed
- Sylvania Lightify LED Smart Bulb – Works as a “Dumb Bulb”
- Sengled Smart Bulb – Sensors Included
- GE Enbrighten Outdoor Smart Switch – Built-in Range Extender
- Kasa Smart Outdoor Plug – Provides Two Outlets
- iDevices Outdoor Smart Switch – Monitor Energy Usage
- Insteon 2634-222 Outdoor Smart Plug – Compatible with Alexa & Google
What’s Smart Outdoor Lighting?
Smart lights have changed the way people light up their houses, and now this isn’t limited to the switches, bulbs, and fixtures within the home. Many people now install outdoor smart light options to accentuate various architectural aspects, light up the pathways, bring attention to particular plans, or for home security. The sky is now the limit as to how smart lighting can be used for outdoor applications.
We’re going to talk more about the benefits in a minute. First, you need to know how smart lights outdoors differ from traditional lights that are installed outside or smart lights you have inside your home.
Smart lights don’t require a physical switch to turn them on or off. You control such functions remotely using Alexa, Google Assistant, or other voice integration devices. However, you must integrate the outdoor lighting. WiFi allows you to do this easily so that you can utilize voice commands or an app to change the colors or turn them on.
Many smart lights have such features, but they are more rugged to withstand the elements, such as rain or snow. Everyone knows that, inside the house, these features aren’t needed in a smart light. Outdoor options must be water-resistant and weatherproof to reap the benefits.
What Advantages Are There for Using Outdoor Smart Lighting?
Choosing smart outdoor lights for your home is excellent if you want home automation. There are plenty of benefits associated with smart outdoor lighting. Of course, you can control the lights from the couch, bed, or when you’re away from home. You don’t have to go outside or get up. Most people use their smartphones to activate the lights, but you can also integrate everything with Alexa and Google Assistant. That way, you can utilize voice commands to control the functions.
We think smart lights are the best because you can set them up to work on different schedules, turn on at a particular time, and much more.
If you want security lights, smart outdoor lighting is the best choice. They often feature light or motion sensors, allowing them to turn on when there is a presence in that area. You can also find smart lights that have a security camera for audio and video monitoring. Plus, it’s possible to link the smart lights to a smart security system, taking home security to a whole new level.
Most people find that outdoor lights make life easier. However, they can also save energy and money because they only turn on when entering or leaving that area. Adding smart lighting to your smart home makes it easier to enjoy automation throughout the house.
Things to Consider for Smart Outdoor Lighting
Now that you know the benefits associated with smart home lighting for the outdoors, you probably want to switch. Though it’s great for various purposes, you need to select the best smart lights for the outdoors. With so many lighting options on the market, we came up with a list of factors to ponder and features to consider. That way, you know what you need and can make the right decision.
Installation Purpose
Are you purchasing the outdoor light for decoration? This includes highlighting various fixtures and aspects outside, like a garden or sculpture. Sometimes, you may want to protect your home and have more security within. In some cases, you may desire both options. Many homeowners choose to install outdoor lights for safety (path lighting), security (a floodlight with built-in motion sensors), or decorative purposes (spotlights). You can find a device to meet all of your needs so that you’ll get precisely what you require.
Integration with Your Smart Devices
The best reason to consider outdoor smart lights is that you can control them remotely. This means you don’t need to get up to turn them on/off. To make this aspect even easier, new light systems come with various integrations so that you can utilize them with another smart device. For example, voice control is possible when you use Alexa and Google Assistant or the Apple’s HomeKit. If you’ve already got these things in the house, you’ll get to hook them up to the smart home lights for the outside, too.
Integration with Your Security System
Security is essential for homeowners. If you’ve already got a security system in place, you can choose smart lighting that integrates well with what you’ve already got. However, homeowners without any security options might want to install one that incorporates their outdoor lights in the best way possible. Everything works together so that you feel safer and more secure.
Weather Concerns
Remember, the smart bulb light you choose must be suitable to be outside. Some could be too delicate to deal with the harsh weather conditions. Your lights might be in the snow, wind, rain, and other inclement weather. While you can reduce the risk of this problem by installing them away from the wind and downpours, this isn’t always possible.
The smart lighting bulb you choose should be weatherproof or weather-resistant. They typically have an IP rating that shows they’re suitable to use in outdoor conditions. Ingress Protection ratings are the most common way to measure how protected the light is going to be in wet situations.
Different Smart Outdoor Lighting Options
You can find many different outdoor smart lights to install. It’s nice to have so many options, but this also means you have to know what they are and do before making your purchase. Here are some of the most popular options:
- Path Lights – If you desire lights that light up the walkway to your home, these are perfect. They’re smaller and might utilize solar energy, depending on the brand. They can often be changed to meet your outdoor light needs, such as white and color options so that you can mix up the ambiance.
- Existing Fixtures – Homeowners who already have outdoor lighting set up can add a smart light bulb to the current fixture. That way, you can hook it up to the home network without having to replace the entire system.
- Lanterns – Lanterns work well to update the aesthetics of your home. You don’t have to choose the standard options now. You can have smart outdoor lighting that allows you to control them inside the house.
- Floodlights – Many times, people want outside security without having to use a third-party. A floodlight is more powerful and stronger, so you can see greater distances.
Color Temperature for Your Outdoor Lights
It’s important to consider the color temperature of your outdoor lighting products. Most smart lights offer a range from 2500 to 4000K. However, you can find warmer options in the 2500 to 2700K range to highlight various elements around the house, and cooler ones from 3000 to 4000K work well when there are many things around.
Plan the Lighting
Before buying smart outdoor lights, it’s best to have an idea in mind. For example, if you’re focused on security, path lights aren’t going to give you the things you need. You’ll get better placement and options when you choose lights that meet your specific needs.
Best Starter Kit and Outdoor Lighting Systems
Our first category of products within the smart outdoor lighting realm focuses on starter kits and lighting systems. With that, you get many items in a bundle to save money and make the whole automation process much easier. Of course, the products you get depends on the kit or system you choose. For example, some of them provide you with a dimmer switch, a few bulbs, and possibly a hub or bridge so that you can connect this device to your other ones. The kits we mention below were picked because they offer excellent performance in regards to smart home automation. We also discuss the pros and cons of each item so that you get the right information.
Philips Hue Lily White/Color Outdoor Spotlight Starter Kit
The Philips Hue is one of the most popular products on the market. In fact, it carries a variety of outdoor smart lights, and we think it could be the best smart product available. There are multiple Philips Hue lights out there, but we like that this kit has many items. It’s a market leader brand because it’s innovative. Products offered in the Philips Hue line include outdoor lanterns, outdoor security lights, smart spotlights, pathway lights, and downlights.
We’ve chosen the Philips Hue White because you get three outdoor spotlights, the stakes to put them in the ground if you desire, and the base, which can be attached to fence or decking panels. It includes the voltage transformer, which can house five spotlights. Of course, it is designed to work with Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit. The only negative here is that you need to buy the Philips Hue hub to make it work.
They are designed to produce light up to 60 feet away, which means you can illuminate up to 180 feet with one kit. There are also 16 million colors from which to choose. If you already use the Philips Hue bridge, you don’t have to worry about buying it.
You’re going to find that the Philips Hue product is designed for dusk-to-dawn usage and comes complete with the smart bulbs necessary. It does work with Alexa and offers voice control (Philips Hue bridge hub required, as well as Alexa device – both sold separately).
Pros
- Easy and quick to set up
- High-quality build, which is expected from the Philips Hue range
- Set up various scenes for the holidays with this device
Cons
- Hue bridge hub required
- Transformer plug isn’t very long; may require an extension cord
Verdict
If you have already invested in the Philips Hue ecosystem and are now interested specifically in smart outdoor lighting, this is a no-brainer. However, if you don’t already have a Philips Hue bridge, you should consider your options carefully.
Sylvania Outdoor Accent Kit
Can you truly have a smart home if you don’t own the best smart garden lights? As far as smart outdoor lights go, you should always have a string of them around the house. The biggest problem here is that you forget to shut them off when you go outside, so you require more electricity. With the Sylvania brand of outdoor smart lights, you don’t have to worry. Plus, you can come home to a brightly lit space for safety.
The garden light kit comes with nine lights on a string. You can change the colors and dim them as needed. However, the ZigBee hub is required to control and integrate them with your Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit devices.
Within the string, you get a full 14 feet of coverage and can choose from 16 million different colors. Of course, you get nine smart light bulbs with the kit, making for an enchanted lighting scene. There’s also a controller available, and they are designed for outdoor use.
Of course, the kit contains the power supply, the nine light bulbs, and a control module.
Pros
- Affordable option for people who desire garden lights and want smart home integration
- Wet-rating to reduce the risk of water damage
- Purchase several garden light kits to cover more of your backyard
- Can be hung or used on the ground
Cons
- Hub required (ZigBee)
- Not as durable as you may want them to be, especially for outdoor lighting
- Hard to get yellow from the lights
Verdict
The Sylvania Outdoor Accent Smart Lights are suitable for those who want to illuminate an outdoor space with decorative options. They’re budget-friendly, as well.
Ring Spotlight Cam
The Ring brand offers a variety of smart home products. Their outdoor lighting choices include floodlights, spotlights, pathway lights, and more. Some of them provide a motion sensor and Wi-Fi to get you the very best. Right now, we’re talking about the spotlight camera. This kit comes with two products, and you can also buy it directly with the Echo Dot, though you can get it without the Dot if you already own it.
With this smart outdoor light, you can connect the Ring Smart Camera with Alexa so that the voice control feature announces that movement has been detected. Of course, it has detection sensors, and you can also use Echo devices so that you can tell Alexa to talk to the front door or view the video.
It offers a quick-release battery pack and can monitor the home with night vision video or Live View. You also get a siren and built-in LED light strips.
Pros
- Motion-activated alerts
- Two-way talk
- Remote-activated siren
Cons
- Battery life not as long as expected
- Hub required (separate purchase)
Verdict
If you want to go further with your smart lights and desire a security camera, too, this is the product for you. However, it might be beneficial to consider various Ring smart home devices, so they all work together appropriately.
Ring Smart Path Light
Homeowners often worry about tripping over something when they come home at night. With Ring’s version of path lighting, you have no issues. There are three kits available. Each one contains the bridge and two, four, or six path lights. You can also choose to purchase the pathway smart lights separately.
Every light is battery-powered and is almost 17 inches tall. For being so small, it’s quite bright (80 Lumens) to help light the path. Of course, each one uses a motion sensor to detect movement. This saves the battery and alerts you of someone coming up the walkway.
The best smart lights are those that install quickly, and these do. There are no wires to connect, and you can group the smart lights together to help brighten up any area or the whole yard. Those who are worried about security are going to like that there is a full line of Ring products designed to create a smart home security system. It doesn’t work with Google Assistant, but it does connect with Alexa when connected to the Ring’s bridge.
Pros
- Easy installation
- Customizable settings
- Weather-resistant
Cons
- Battery-powered only
- Should be waterproof and aren’t
Verdict
If you’re fond of the Ring brand and already own many products, these smart outdoor lights might be suitable for your walkway. You can get voice control if you own Alexa, which you require for the smart home integration anyway. However, make sure that you frequently check the lights, as they aren’t waterproof and only water-resistant.
Ring Wired Floodlight
This motion-activated floodlight can shine 2000 Lumens of brightness on your driveway or any other outside area. With the starter kit, you get one light and the bridge. However, one light has three separate lights that can be maneuvered to shine on different spots.
Since it is hardwired, it must connect to an electrical box and be installed by an electrician. You’ll need to decide where you want the device to go so that it works the way you desire. Of course, it is designed for outdoor usage, but it is only weather-resistant and not waterproof.
It can be connected to other Ring products, such as a security camera, inside lighting options, and the like. Plus, the light uses movement sensor technology to activate when someone or something walks by.
Pros
- Motion-activated notifications
- Customizable settings
- Connects to the Ring Camera and Doorbell
Cons
- Requires an electrician to install
- Does not work with Google Assistant
- Lacking motion settings
Verdict
As far as smart outdoor lights are concerned, we aren’t sure this is the best. The “kit” only includes one light and the bridge. Most people who buy this product already have the Ring bridge. If you’ve already got this set-up and want a smart home with the same brand throughout, it could be a great choice.
Best Smart Bulbs/LED Strips
Sometimes, homeowners don’t necessarily want to invest in full light sets and starter kits. This is understandable, especially if you’re new to the smart home automation process. You may want to test out a few bulbs first or utilize LED strips to find out if they are worth the money and effort. Therefore, we compiled a list of options that offer excellent performance in any outdoor setting. They may also be less expensive than elaborate systems.
Philips Hue Smart Bulb
The first choice for outdoor smart bulbs is the Philips Hue brand, of course. It seems that this option is found everywhere.
The Philips Hue floodlight screws into any regular outdoor fixture on your home. Then, you can utilize voice control through the Philips Hue hub. Use it with Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, or Alexa. It comes as either a single or two-pack, allowing you to pick the one that best meets your needs. Plus, it lasts a long time and can be dimmed if necessary.
It is a white light (2700K) and features a weatherproof build. That means you can utilize the Hue Smart Bulb in any weather conditions. There’s also a three-year warranty, and it’s designed to last 25,000 hours with minimal use.
Pros
- Well-built for sturdiness
- Weatherproof
- Dimmable bulb action
- Control with your voice
Cons
- Hue hub must be purchased separately
- Light doesn’t change color
Verdict
Of course, we all know that Philips Hue is a leading brand name for the smart home market. If you’ve already got the Hue hub, this is the perfect light bulb for your current security lighting and is suitable for outdoor use. It’s a quality product and designed to work well.
Lifx Light Bulb
The Lifx brand is another big name for smart light bulbs because they are easy to install. A good thing about it is that you don’t need a separate hub to utilize it. All you really need is to screw the light bulb into the fixture. Then, you can control the lights with voice commands when you download the appropriate app.
We like that this product is Wi-Fi compatible. Of course, you can adjust it based on your needs. You’ve got the option to dim or pick different colors, though most people prefer the bright white light. One exciting thing about this smart outdoor bulb is that it offers 16 million colors, which includes night vision options. Because of this, it might be one of the best smart outdoor lights on the market right now.
Pros
- No hub needed
- Choose from different colors, dim them, and utilize night vision functions
- Control using your voice
Cons
- Problems with Wi-Fi implementation at times
- Can be unreliable
Verdict
If your goal for outdoor lights is to have something smart without a hub, this bulb could be the right choice for you. While they are more expensive than Hue lights, you can save money by not buying the bridge.
Sylvania Lightify
The Sylvania brand is known for light fixtures, but you may have been unaware of the outdoor smart bulb called Lightify. It’s designed for outdoor use, and we think it could be the best smart bulb option. You can utilize it as a ‘dumb bulb,’ which means you don’t have to connect it to a bridge or activate voice controls. However, if you want timed or remote operation or the extra features, you need to get the ZigBee hub. This includes Amazon Echo Plus or SmartThings.
It features a white light (3000K) and can be dimmed through the smartphone. Create decorating lighting or make sure things are well-lit for safety.
This bulb can go into any light fixture and offers a 40-degree angle to spread out over large areas. There is also a 1050 lumen output.
Pros
- Affordable if you’ve already got an appropriate hub
- Large enough for big spaces
Cons
- Requires ZigBee compatible hub
- Instructions can be confusing to set-up
Verdict
Those who own an Echo Plus or another ZigBee controller are sure to like this smart outdoor light. Plus, you don’t have to upgrade all the fixtures, making it the best choice for many homeowners.
Sengled Smart Outdoor Lights
If you want a light bulb that’s smart, it’s time to consider the Sengled brand. Smart outdoor lights can be hard to find if you don’t want to upgrade the entire system. It comes with motion sensors to automatically turn on the lights when someone gets within 30 feet of it.
There is an integrated sensor to ensure that the smart lights stay off during the day, saving electricity. You can turn off the motion sensor to keep the outdoor lights on all the time. The switch is easy to find, as well.
When it comes to the best smart products, we think this bulb has what you want. It’s quite bright at 5000K to look like natural sunlight. Though you can utilize these with current lighting options, they cannot already have motion detection sensors. Of course, these smart lights are wet-rated to be waterproof.
Pros
- Easy to use and install
- Affordable
- Built-in motion detection
Cons
- Can heat up quickly
- Doesn’t appear to offer voice control
Verdict
If you want smart outdoor lights that allow you to use voice control, this might not be the option for you. However, those who prefer built-in motion detection may enjoy using these smart outdoor lights.
Best Smart Outdoor Light Switches
Those who desire smart outdoor lights and don’t like the idea of smart light bulbs might want to try smart outdoor light switches. These might be the best choice if you’ve already got the set-up for it.
You can find many options that are installed outside the house. Some of them are even advanced to include three-way switches and dimmers. We think each of the below products performed exceptionally well for smart home automation when a full system wasn’t desired.
GE Enbrighten Outdoor Switch
Those who want a device that controls the outdoor lights, decorations, and other things might prefer the GE Enbrighten. This could be the best smart product for the outside of your home because it allows you to remotely control the switch and the lights hooked to it from anywhere.
Of course, you need the Z-Wave hub, which must be bought separately. However, you don’t have to go outside to manually turn on and off the outdoor lights. Remember, this switch is weather-resistant, so it could get damaged if left on the ground and submerged in water. There is a built-in range extender, and it’s impact-resistant. You can use it to plug in all of your outdoor lights, making it one of the best smart outdoor switches.
Pros
- Impact- and weather-resistant
- Includes cover to close it when no outdoor lights are plugged in
- Control it remotely
Cons
- Requires the Z-Wave hub
- Separate hub is needed for Amazon Alexa usage
Verdict
This could be the best smart switch if you’re already using Z-Wave technology and want an extension to the outdoor lights of your home.
Kasa Smart Outdoor Plug
If you’re looking for the best smart outdoor lights on the market, you may not need to buy a full kit or the bulbs. You can turn any current lighting smart when you choose the Kasa Smart Plug. It’s designed by TP-Link under this name. This product is set apart from others on the list because you use it without a hub. Control it remotely regardless of where you are using the Kasa Smart app. There are two outlets available with a cover to protect it when it’s not in use.
Of course, it’s weather-resistant, and you can control the outlets together or separately.
Pros
- No separate hub expense
- Two outlets with one plug-in
- Voice control compatible
Cons
- Might not work in hot conditions
- App could be better
Verdict
People who want the best smart products without the hassles are sure to like this option. Keep your current lighting and make them smarter. It’s durable, priced right, and gives you the features you desire.
iDevices Outdoor Switch
Our next product is the best smart plug-in for those who utilize the Apple HomeKit bridge. The iDevices switch is designed well and plugs into any outside outlet. You can then control it with the Apple app. You don’t need a hub to set it up and use it, though it is compatible with HomeKit.
With this switch, you can control all features as long as the product is connected to the home WiFi network. It has been rain-tested, so it’s perfect for outdoor use. Through the app, you can monitor energy consumption.
Pros
- Compatible with HomeKit
- No separate hub required
- Check energy consumption
Cons
- Can’t control each plug-in separately
Verdict
For homes that utilize Apple HomeKit already, the iDevice products work well. This might be the best smart plug-in option for you.
Insteon 2634-222 Outdoor Smart Plug
The last smart plug on the list is from Insteon, and you can control any device remotely if it’s plugged into the switch. It uses a special controller, which you get, as well. You can use it in various temperature conditions, making it suitable for the outdoors.
However, you do need the Insteon hub but then can control it with voice commands. This might not be the best smart plug on the market, especially if you don’t have other Insteon products and must buy the hub.
Pros
- Well-designed module
- Takes on harsh conditions
- Tested – doesn’t take on rain or ice
Cons
- Requires Insteon hub for voice commands
Verdict
We think that the Insteon brand could have the best smart products because it’s got a strong build and is durable. However, you must invest in the hub.
FAQs
Can You Use Smart Lights Outside?
Yes, smart lights can be installed outdoors, but you must remember that not all smart lights are suitable to use outside. They must be resistant to the weather forces so that they are safe and don’t short out with time.
What Is the Best Outdoor Lighting Brand?
There are countless lighting brands available, but we must say we like the Philip Hue brand best. Though you do require a separate hub, the light options are amazing. Plus, you can use the same brand throughout the home. Many people like this because they’re all controlled the same way.
What Are the Best Outdoor Security Light Options?
Of course, the Philip Hue brand offers the best light choices, but we know that some people aren’t fond of the Hue or don’t like having to buy the Hue bridge. We do like the Sylvania and Ring brands, but they all require a hub. Therefore, it all depends on what features you desire. If you want a camera, the best choice could be the Ring. If you’re hoping to keep the same branding throughout and already use Philip Hue, this might be better.
What Are the Brightest Outdoor Lights?
Those who want the brightest lights possible might prefer the Sengled bulb. They produce 5000K, which is similar to daylight. However, if you desire a spotlight style, the Hue brand might be ideal.
Can All Bulbs be Used Outside?
Most bulbs that you use inside the house can work outside, but that doesn’t always mean you should do so. The lifespan of the lights is going to be drastically shortened, especially during inclement weather. Therefore, we recommend that you use bulbs that are rated for the outdoors. Any of the ones on the list are suitable. This includes the Hue brand.
Are LED Bulbs Designed for Outside Use?
Yes, LEDs can be used outside the home, and they’re going to be more resilient than the traditional ones. However, you should look for products that are designed for the outdoors. Otherwise, you could damage the bulb, light system, and home.
How Long Does an Outside Light Last?
There’s no perfect answer to this question. Their usage and lifespan are affected by how often they turn on, the weather conditions, and more. However, if we take away the factors, LEDs can last up to 10 times longer than other products.
Can the Outdoor Lights Get Wet?
Of course, the goal of having an outside light is for it to be used regardless of the conditions. However, they aren’t all created equal. You should look for the wet rating because this indicates it’s going to withstand the elements better.
What Color Should the Lights Be?
There’s no rule about the light color you require. Usually, this is a personal preference. Most people prefer to use variations of white, but some offer other shades. For example, the Philip Hue brand uses 16 million colors, as well as some of the others on the list. Remember, you can change the ambiance and add decoration if you select different colors.
What Color Temperature Is Suitable for Outdoor Lights?
Generally, the color temperature range is between 2500K and 4000K. Warmer colors can work well for architectural elements while you may choose a cooler temperature for plan installations and the like.
How Many Lumens Do I Need?
The number of lumens you require depends on the purpose of the mechanism. For example, you only need 100 to 200 lumens for pathway or step lights. Floodlights can range from 700 to 1,300 lumens. The Philips Hue brand offers various lumen options.
Do the Lights Attract Insects?
LEDs in the warmer tones don’t attract as many bugs because there’s less light and the heat generated is lower.
Do LEDs Work in Colder Temperatures?
Many light options don’t work well in cold climates. However, LEDs don’t have that problem. Often, the lights are more efficient when used in colder weather.
Why Do I Need Outside Lights?
Everyone is different, so your reasons might vary from another person. However, most homeowners desire outside lighting for many purposes:
- You and your guests aren’t going to trip over anything.
- It’s easy to see who is outside knocking.
- Buy fewer bulbs because LEDs last longer.
- They’re convenient. You don’t have to flip switches all the time to turn them on/off or leave them on.
- Save money on electricity because LEDs don’t use as much energy.
- You can be anywhere and control the lights.
- Turn them on at different times throughout the night when you’re away.
- Monitor what’s going on from the app (in some cases).
Can I Leave the Outside Lights on All the Time?
You can do this, but you are wasting electricity or battery power (depending on the brand). Ultimately, you should consider dusk-to-dawn options because they automatically shut off when it gets light outside.
Are the Outside Lights Going to Protect My House?
Often, would-be thieves don’t want to be noticed. If it’s all dark, they think no one is home, or you’re sleeping. However, when the light detects movement, it scares the thief away. They aren’t going to stick around and may worry that they woke you up. Regardless of their thoughts at the time, they are more likely to run away than continue trying to rob the house.
Do You Have to Have WiFi?
Most smart outside lights require a wireless connection, but this is often through the hub or the app. Generally, they work without the internet connection, but you can’t control them while away or with your voice. If your internet frequently goes down, they should still work like traditional dusk-to-dawn systems without the smartness. Some hubs, such as the one from Hue, are intermediaries between the product and the wireless connection, so they can still work if there is an internet outage.
Are the Lights Going to Draw Power if They’re Off?
Technically, yes, smart lighting systems are always ‘on,’ even if they don’t put off light. Therefore, they consistently utilize electricity when they’re off. Still, they are LEDs, so they reduce your energy consumption. In fact, throughout their lifespan, they draw less electricity than regular incandescent bulbs. In a sense, the amount of energy used can’t be measured.
Do the Smart Lighting Systems Utilize Data?
Typically, no, your smart products don’t utilize any data, though the hub might. If they require software updates, such as the Ring camera light, then it could. However, they are hooked up to the internet through WiFi. Unless you are on a metered connection, this shouldn’t be an issue. Consider talking to your ISP about your options if you are concerned.
Can the Bulb or System Get Hacked?
Anything that is hooked up to the internet can be hacked. Many manufacturers of smart products now include encryption to protect against this. That way, no one can gain access to the home network without having the WiFi password. There are always updates to the software, so it’s best to download and install them when they become available.
Conclusion
As of right now, you know a lot more about outside lighting and the smart options available to you. Still, it’s a challenge to know what to pick. It’s hard for us to provide you with a clear-cut winner because the products we reviewed are so different from each other. Those who want more security and cameras with their lights might prefer Ring, as it offers both in one.
With that said, we do feel that the Philips Hue brand is the better choice. The products are relatively inexpensive, and you only have to buy one hub for every 50 devices attached to it. Therefore, you can pick lamps, outside lights, and everything else that the brand provides.
Our goal today is to ensure that you have the information necessary to make better decisions about the lighting for your home. Of course, it is imperative that you plan where you want the lights to go and why you require them. You’re going to need something extremely bright to light the way up the driveway, but you might desire something softer to accentuate various parts of the garden or yard.
Most homeowners choose multiple types of lights, from floodlights to pathway lighting. It’s also possible that you have fixtures in place already. It might be impractical or not cost-effective to remove them all and install new ones. Unless you are going for a full overhaul, consider using smart bulbs that turn any fixture into a smart one. You can still utilize them without the connectivity, giving you more options.
Now, all you’ve got to do is pick the one you like most and make sure it fits in with your plans and desires. It goes without saying to choose lights that are built well and weatherproof so that they last. That way, you’re not constantly changing or replacing them.
