The 6 Best Motion Sensor Lights Under $100 for Driveways, Yards and Closets, Ranked & Reviewed

Our verdict: A 7500 lumen three-head flood with 5000K daylight, IP65 and dusk-to-dawn sensing.

This LUTEC flood light delivers 7500 lumens from 72W across three adjustable heads, with 5000K daylight color, IP65 waterproofing and a dusk-to-dawn sensor. It costs between $25 and $50.

The lumen count is the reason it leads. 7500 lumens lights a driveway or a yard, where a smaller unit lights a doorstep, and three heads let you aim at different zones. The dusk-to-dawn sensor means it only operates in the dark, and IP65 rating means it shrugs off rain and dust. As a wired fixture it needs to be connected to the house supply, which is not a task for everyone.

Buy it if you have a garage, a driveway or a big yard and can wire it or hire someone. Skip it if you want a stick-on solution.

Output

7500 lumens, 72W

Color

5000K daylight

Rating

IP65 waterproof

Heads

3 adjustable

Our verdict: A 19W, 2000 lumen two-head flood with IP65 and a photocell, for under $25.

The UME is a 19W LED flood with two adjustable heads, 2000 lumens, 5000K color, IP65 waterproofing and a photocell for dusk-to-dawn operation. It costs under $25.

2000 lumens is the right amount for a side door, a patio or a shed. Two heads give some coverage, and the photocell turns the unit on only when it is dark. The low price is its strength. It ranks third because the light is far weaker than the LUTEC, and it is still a hard-wired fixture that needs a connection to the mains.

Buy it if you want a small hard-wired light for a doorway or a patio. Skip it if you need to light a whole yard.

Output

2000 lumens, 19W

Heads

2 adjustable

Rating

IP65 waterproof

Sensor

Photocell, dusk to dawn

Our verdict: A solar three-head light with 2500 lumens, 210 LEDs, a remote and a 270 degree wide angle.

This solar security light has three heads, 210 LEDs, 2500 lumens, a remote control, IP65 waterproofing and a 270 degree wide angle. It costs under $25.

Solar saves the wiring work: you screw it to a wall and let the panel charge it. The remote is a practical addition, since it lets you change modes without climbing a ladder. A 270 degree wide angle means broad detection around a corner. The big caveat with solar lighting is sunshine. In shady spots or in winter, the panel may not fully charge, and the light dims or switches off early.

Buy it if you have a sunny wall and no power outside. Skip it if the spot is shaded.

Output

2500 lumens, 210 LEDs

Heads

3

Extras

Remote control

Angle

270 degrees

Our verdict: Two solar three-head lights at 2500 lumens, for under $25.

The daphino set contains two solar motion lights, each with three heads and a 2500 lumen rating. The listing shows few other specs. It costs under $25.

Two lights for the price of one is the appeal: you can light a front and back door, or both sides of a garage. Solar means a no-wiring setup. The listing does not state a waterproof rating or a sensing angle, which are important for an outdoor light, so it ranks below the Tuffenough, which lists IP65.

Buy it if you want to light two spots cheaply. Check the waterproof rating with the seller.

Pack

2 lights

Output

2500 lumens each

Heads

3 each

Power

Solar

Our verdict: Six black solar lights with 120 LEDs each, for path and fence lighting under $25.

The Aootek set holds six black solar motion sensor lights, each with 120 LEDs. The listing gives no other specifications. It costs under $25.

Six lights is the point: they suit a fence line, a path or a perimeter, where one bright light is less useful than several small ones. Small solar panels charge slowly, so expect modest brightness. It ranks sixth because the listing gives no lumens, waterproof rating or sensing detail.

Buy it if you want a string of small lights along a fence or path. Skip it if you need a strong single floodlight.

Pack

6 lights

LEDs

120 each

Finish

Black

Power

Solar

Our verdict: Two rechargeable 10 inch magnetic lights with 5 dimming levels, for closets and under cabinets.

The MCGOR set includes two rechargeable 10 inch indoor motion sensor lights with five dimming levels and a magnetic mount, for closets, cabinets and under counters. It costs under $25.

Indoor motion lights fix a different problem: dark closets and kitchen counters at night. Magnetic mounting means you can stick them to a metal bracket or the included plate without drilling, and rechargeable batteries avoid wiring. Five dimming levels let you soften the light for night use. It ranks seventh because it is not an outdoor security light, and so does not compete with the leaders.

Buy it if you want to light a closet or cabinet. Skip it if you want outdoor security lighting.

Pack

2 lights, 10 inch

Power

Rechargeable

Dimming

5 levels

Mount

Magnetic