The Best Smart Outdoor Lights to Brighten Every Space

Smart outdoor lights can transform any yard, garden, or patio into a more functional, secure, and inviting space. As part of our ongoing focus on energy and power, we tested eight models, evaluating each one’s brightness, color quality, app connectivity, ease of installation, and weather resistance to identify the top models. These lights proved just as useful for illuminating walkways as they were for creating an ambient glow around seating areas or accenting landscaping features.

By connecting to a home’s Wi-Fi network and your smartphone, smart outdoor lighting gives users complete control from anywhere. You can adjust brightness, tone, or color; set timers and schedules; group multiple lights together; and even sync lighting scenes with your mood or routine. Our favorite model, the Philips Hue Calla Outdoor Bollard Smart Light, stood out for its beautiful modern design, effortless setup, and vivid customizable lighting through the intuitive Philips Hue app. But there were other standout picks, each with its own strengths.

Whether you’re upgrading for security, ambience, or convenience, the best smart outdoor lights make it easy to brighten your outdoor spaces in style.

1. BEST OVERALL: Philips Hue Calla Outdoor Bollard Smart Light
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: GE Cync PAR38 Full Color Outdoor Smart Bulb
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3. BEST PERMANENT: Lumary Permanent Outdoor Lights 2
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4. BEST STRING LIGHTS: Govee Outdoor String Lights 2
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5. BEST FAIRY LIGHTS: Philips Hue Festavia String Lights 
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6. BEST PATH LIGHTS: Govee Outdoor Ground Lights 2 
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7. BEST FOR SECURITY: Ring Smart Spotlight Battery 
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8. BEST WALL LIGHT: Govee Outdoor Wall Light
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Smart Outdoor Lights Comparison

Our Top Picks

Convenience and ease of control are two of the main benefits that the top smart outdoor lights offer. Illuminate outdoor spaces with the reliable and feature-filled smart outdoor lights ahead. 

Our Ratings

The Philips Hue Calla Outdoor Bollard Smart Light combines refined design with the versatility that makes Philips Hue products so popular. During testing, it impressed us right away with its sleek, modern look and simple installation process. The included stake is long and sturdy, keeping the light solidly in place once planted in the ground. Setup is as easy as running the cable back to an outlet and connecting it through the Philips Hue app—though you’ll need an existing Philips Hue Bridge to make it work.

Once connected, control options are extensive. Through the app, you can adjust brightness, change colors, and experiment with preset themes that smoothly transition through different hues. These settings make it easy to tailor the light for any occasion, whether you’re hosting an evening gathering or adding a subtle glow along a garden path. In testing, the Calla delivered strong, even illumination that made outdoor areas feel both polished and inviting.

While the Calla’s premium quality and smart features justify its price, it’s not the most budget-friendly option. Still, for homeowners who already use Philips Hue products—or those seeking a reliable, high-end weatherproof outdoor lighting system—the Calla is a clear standout.

What our tester says: “I’m a huge Philips Hue fan, so the Calla was an easy integration into my home setup. This is a gorgeous ground-level light that’s customizable and robust enough to last for years.”—Paul Rankin, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Philips Hue Calla smart outdoor light at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Philips Hue.

Our Ratings

The GE Cync PAR38 Smart Outdoor Floodlight Bulb can instantly upgrade almost any existing fixture with smart functionality. We found setting it up was refreshingly simple. All you have to do is screw the bulb into a standard socket, connect it to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth through the Cync app, and it’s ready to go. The bulb’s weather-resistant build makes it suitable for most outdoor fixtures, from porch lights to security floods, and its 1,300-lumen output delivered bright, consistent illumination throughout our tests.

We appreciated that the Cync bulb doesn’t require a separate hub or bridge, which keeps the setup cost low and the process straightforward. Once connected, the app lets you choose from millions of colors or a wide range of white tones, set schedules, and create lighting scenes to match your mood or activity. The bulb also integrates smoothly with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, adding the convenience of voice control for turning lights on, dimming them, or adjusting colors hands-free.

While the color transitions weren’t quite as seamless as higher-end models, the GE Cync offers excellent brightness and flexibility at a reasonable price. For homeowners who want an easy, affordable way to introduce smart tech to a yard, this bulb is a solid pick.

Get the GE smart outdoor lights at Amazon (2-pack), Lowe’s, Best Buy, Target, or Walmart.

Our Ratings

The Lumary Outdoor Permanent Lights are a standout choice for homeowners who want year-round smart lighting that looks sleek and professional. During testing, we were blown away by how good these lights look once installed—they deliver that “perfectly trimmed” glow you see on show homes or pro holiday setups. Installation was fairly simple: each light has a strong 3M adhesive backing, and the optional clips with screw holes add extra security. While the 3M strips held well overall, a few lights started to detach after a day in the Florida heat, so we used a few drops of gel super glue for added hold. They haven’t budged since. Once secured, the lights sit neatly under the eaves or along trim lines for a clean, seamless finish that’s built to last.

Beyond looks, Lumary’s color-changing outdoor lighting offers incredible customization. Each diode is individually addressable, allowing full control over color, brightness, and effects through the Lumary app. The range is impressive, spanning warm whites for subtle year-round lighting to vibrant holiday color displays. We loved the preset scenes, and the DIY scene creator makes it easy to personalize lighting for different seasons or moods. They can even sync to music—perfect for anyone who enjoys going big during the holidays.

While these lights are among the pricier options we tested, the quality, versatility, and durability (IP67-rated and able to last 50,000 hours) make them a worthwhile investment for homeowners serious about smart outdoor design.

What our tester says: “I was blown away by how amazing these look. Pair that with the endless settings you can explore in the carefully curated app, and these are easy winners.”—Paul Rankin, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Lumary smart outdoor lights at Amazon or Lumary.

Our Ratings

The Govee Outdoor String Lights 2 instantly elevate any backyard or patio with their warm, festive glow and impressive smart features. During testing, we connected three 48-foot strands—144 feet total—and hung them from tree to tree across our backyard. The result was stunning: soft, even light that turned a dark wooded area into a welcoming hangout space perfect for gatherings, dinners, or late-night conversations.

What really sets these backyard lights apart is how customizable they are. Through the Govee app, we were able to choose from dozens of preset effects or manually create our own color patterns for any mood or occasion. The lights even sync to music, pulsing and shifting in time with the beat—an unexpectedly fun feature for parties or outdoor movie nights. The app itself was intuitive and responsive, making it easy to fine-tune brightness, color, and timing without any learning curve.

These string lights also held up well in simulated rain testing: we sprayed them with a hose, and they continued to perform flawlessly. (Just be sure to keep the controller box sheltered, as it’s less waterproof.) The only limitation we found was range: the controller needed to be within about 15 feet of our router for reliable app control. Even so, for a stylish, durable, and delightfully versatile set of lights, it’s hard to beat these.

Get the Govee outdoor string lights at Amazon or Govee.

Our Ratings

The Philips Hue Festavia String Lights bring the brand’s signature polish and smart functionality to a festive, flexible format. Out of the box, we immediately noticed their quality—the bulbs feel durable and premium, and once lit, they produce a clean, vibrant glow that looks great both outdoors and in. Installation took a bit longer than expected since the lights arrived tangled in the box, but once untangled and hung, setup was simple. As with other Philips Hue products, you’ll need the Hue Bridge to unlock full functionality, but pairing through the Hue app was quick and smooth.

In testing, the Festavia lights delivered an exceptional range of effects and color control. Through the app, we could make the string glow like flickering candles, shimmer like stars, or pulse with color changes synced to music via Spotify integration. The brightness and tone options were equally impressive, from warm ambient white to bold, saturated hues that instantly changed the atmosphere of our outdoor space. We also loved that they’re fully weatherproof, making them suitable for year-round outdoor use or indoor holiday decorating.

Though they’re pricier than most string lights, the Festavia set offers unmatched versatility and polish. For homeowners already invested in the Hue ecosystem—or anyone seeking the most refined smart string lighting experience—these are hard to beat.

Get the Philips Hue Festavia smart outdoor lights at Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, or Philips Hue.

Our Ratings

The Govee Outdoor Ground Lights 2 are an excellent way to highlight walkways, garden edges, or entry paths with smart, customizable lighting. Installation was quick and easy in testing—each light snaps securely onto its stake before being pressed into the ground. We lined ours along a front entry path, and within minutes, they transformed the space with bright, even illumination and striking color effects. Govee’s upgraded reflective housing casts a wider light radius than most ground lights we’ve tested, producing an impressive glow that looks great year-round, not just during the holidays.

As with other Govee products, the Govee Home app is where these lights really shine. It doesn’t require a hub—a huge plus—and offers an almost overwhelming number of preset scenes and effects. Whether you want a subtle warm-white pathway or a full-on rainbow display for parties, these lights handle both beautifully. We especially loved the music-sync mode, which matched colors and rhythms to whatever was playing nearby. After 2 months of continuous outdoor use, they’ve remained vibrant and reliable through rain and heat alike.

For homeowners looking for an affordable, durable, and endlessly customizable way to illuminate their landscaping, these are some of the best smart ground lights available.

Get the Govee smart outdoor ground lights at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Govee.

Our Ratings

The Ring Smart Spotlight is a compact, powerful, and convenient way to add motion-activated lighting anywhere around your home. During testing, setup couldn’t have been easier—just pop in four D-cell batteries, mount the light, and connect it through the Ring app. We installed ours above a small backyard area, and it provided plenty of brightness for nighttime visibility when letting the dog out or checking the yard. Each spotlight emits 400 lumens, which was more than enough to clearly light up walkways, porches, and garage-side areas without overwhelming glare.

Because it’s battery-powered and weather-resistant, the Ring Smart Spotlight can be placed almost anywhere—trees, fences, or sheds—without worrying about wiring. The motion detection worked reliably in our tests, turning on instantly when movement was detected. Through the app, we were able to receive motion alerts and adjust sensitivity settings. When paired with the included Ring Bridge, the spotlight can also integrate seamlessly with other Ring products, including doorbells, cameras, and path lights, for a more complete home security setup.

Though it’s not meant to flood an entire yard, the Ring Smart Spotlight performs exactly as intended: simple installation, solid brightness, and dependable motion activation. It’s a great option for homeowners who want reliable, low-maintenance lighting for safety and convenience.

Get the Ring spotlight smart outdoor lights at Amazon (spotlight only), Ring, or Best Buy (spotlight only).

Our Ratings

This smart outdoor wall light from Govee delivers a perfect mix of modern design, powerful illumination, and intuitive smart control—making it one of our favorite wall sconces for adding both style and function to outdoor spaces. The set comes neatly packaged with two fixtures, all necessary hardware, and clear installation instructions. Setup was straightforward in testing, though aligning the mounting plate required a bit of precision since the light hooks onto it rather than screwing into an adjustable bracket. Once in place, the fixtures felt sturdy and well-built, ready to handle the elements.

In use, these sconces impressed us with their brightness and color versatility. They can shine bright for security or tone down for a soft ambient glow. Through the Govee Home app, we customized colors, brightness, and schedules with ease, and the dynamic effects—like smooth color transitions or holiday patterns—were vibrant and fun. No hub is required, and everything synced flawlessly over Wi-Fi.

After around 6 months of testing, these lights have stayed bright, responsive, and weather-resistant through heavy rain and Florida humidity. For anyone looking to add personality, security, or seasonal flair to their home exterior, the Govee Smart Outdoor Wall Light is an easy, high-quality upgrade.

Get the Govee smart outdoor wall lights on Amazon or Govee. 

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Tested the Best Smart Outdoor Lights

To find the best smart outdoor lights, we researched more than a dozen leading brands before narrowing down our list to eight models for testing. We focused on top-rated products across multiple categories, including string lights, spotlights, pathway lights, and wall sconces. Each product was evaluated for ease of installation, app connectivity, brightness, durability, weather resistance, and customization features like color range, scheduling, and voice control. 

We also factored in price, design, and value to ensure our picks offered strong performance for the cost. During hands-on testing, we installed each light outdoors for at least 2 weeks, assessing real-world performance in rain, heat, and daily use. We noted how stable each app connection remained, how quickly lights responded to commands, and how intuitive their smart features were. Products that stood out combined reliable connectivity, strong illumination, and simple controls with the versatility to suit both everyday use and special occasions.

What to Consider When Choosing a Smart Outdoor Light

Aside from being very convenient, smart outdoor lighting is also becoming increasingly affordable. There are so many options nowadays for smart outdoor light bulbs, switches, and fixtures, almost all of which use energy-saving LED bulbs. This variety opens up a range of uses, including utilizing exterior LED lighting for safety and security or simply to set the ambience for an outdoor party. There are a few features to consider when choosing a smart outdoor light, including brightness, compatibility with other smart devices, ease of installation, water resistance, and additional lighting features.

Brightness

Smart LED outside lights offer a range of adjustable features, including brightness, tone, and color. While these features are fun, brightness is an important one for practicality and safety. Smart outdoor lights share a lumen rating, which is a measure of the light’s brightness. Lumens can be reported as either a range or as the maximum lumen rating for dimmable lights. It’s important to find a light that’s bright enough for the intended use. 

For accent lighting, a dim light is usually preferable, whereas for security or safety lighting, the light needs to be bright enough to do its job. For step lights, up to 100 lumens is often enough. Path lights should be a bit brighter—between 100 and 200 lumens. Landscape lights can be between 50 and 300 lumens, depending on preference. For security and flood lights, look for lights that offer over 700 lumens. 

Connectivity and Compatibility

Smart outdoor lights can be controlled via an app on a smartphone or tablet, a voice assistant like Amazon Alexa or Google Home, or a smart display. Some require a hub to connect to a Wi-Fi network, while others can connect directly. 

Other common connectivity options include Zigbee or Z-Wave and Bluetooth. Zigbee and Z-Wave are wireless networking technologies, and these devices require a hub to connect to the home Wi-Fi network. Bluetooth is an older technology that most readers are likely already familiar with. A Bluetooth light bulb usually only allows users to control the lights within a certain range (unlike WiFi-enabled options, which allow for complete remote control). Some Bluetooth mesh options allow for remote control away from home. 

For homes with an existing smart-home system, consider compatibility with smart hubs and voice assistants. Smart outdoor lights are often compatible with a range of voice assistants, including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, and Microsoft Cortana. 

Ease of Installation

Ease of installation depends on the complexity of the light and/or lighting system. All of the same installation concerns for regular outdoor lights apply—for example, how the light itself is installed (mounting patio lights onto the wall is more difficult than pushing a path light stake into the ground) and where power outlets are located. 

Outdoor smart light bulbs are among the simplest to install. Being that they are essentially remote-control light bulbs, they just screw into an existing outdoor lighting feature and turn these “dumb” fixtures smart. To illuminate hard-to-reach spots in the backyard, consider solar outdoor lights, which won’t require an outlet. In big backyards, also keep range in mind; the light will need to be within range of Wi-Fi or its hub to take advantage of smart features. 

Setting up smart features is less of a concern and shouldn’t deter new users—these outdoor smart lights are designed to be hassle-free to connect to devices. The top brands have made setup accessible to anyone with a little know-how in navigating their smartphones. If there’s any trouble, video tutorials and customer service lines can help. 

Water Resistance

Safety is important when considering smart outdoor lighting. Electricity and water are a dangerous combination, so water resistance is a crucial aspect to consider. Location matters, too—consider if the intended light location is exposed to full or partial moisture or dampness. 

In areas with full exposure, look for weatherproof or waterproof options. However, even in covered areas like a front porch, it’s still possible for the light to be exposed to moisture (whether from a serious rainstorm or just dampness from being outdoors). In these situations, still opt for an outdoor bulb or fixture that is water-resistant or labeled as suitable for wet or damp locations.  

Additional Features

All smart LED outdoor lights can connect to a smartphone for basic controls, like turning the light on and off. Some go a step beyond, offering the ability to adjust light brightness, temperature, and color. Even further, some have the option to set schedules, timers, and group lights together. Almost all are compatible with at least one voice assistant to enable voice controls. 

Smart outdoor lights can also integrate with other smart systems, especially if they are part of the same brand, like Ring’s smart lights and security cameras. This lets you integrate lighting, doorbell cameras, security cameras, and other devices. Doing so allows you to set synchronized routines, like turning on all the porch lights when the doorbell rings. 

FAQs  

Easy to install and with plenty of affordable options, smart lights are an easy way to dip your toe into the world of smart tech. Whether you choose the best smart light switch or a smart light fixture, it’s worth the upgrade. Smart outdoor lighting brings these benefits outdoors, lighting up pathways and backyards and giving you control at your fingertips. Still wondering if smart outdoor lights are a good choice for your space? We answer some frequently asked questions below.  

Q. Are smart lights worth the money?

Yes! If you’re looking for more lighting flexibility, smart lights are worth the money. They really put control in your hands, offering the ability to remotely switch lights on and off; change brightness, temperature, and color; set schedules and timers, and more. Smart lights aren’t all that expensive anymore, either. There are smart light bulb options that are under $15 each—a small price to pay for such convenient features. 

Q. Can you put smart lights outdoors?

Yes, there are plenty of smart light options that can be placed outdoors, from motion-sensing security lights to decorative string lights. Just make sure the lights are designed for outdoor use to keep everyone safe. 

Q. Is it OK to use indoor lights outside?

No, it’s best not to use indoor lights outdoors. Outdoor lights are designed to withstand the elements and are weatherproof or water-resistant to ensure safe operation. Indoor smart lights aren’t designed for the outdoors and can be a hazard. It’s not worth the risk! 

Q. What are smart outdoor lights?

Simply put, smart outdoor lights are smart lights that are suitable for the outdoors. “Smart” refers to their ability to connect to a smartphone and other smart devices via a wireless connection. This gives you the ability to turn lights on and off and control features remotely. 

Q. Are smart outdoor lights weatherproof?

Most smart outdoor lights are weatherproof or water-resistant, built to withstand rain, humidity, and temperature changes year-round.

Q. How long do smart outdoor lights usually last?

High-quality smart outdoor lights typically last 25,000 to 50,000 hours, depending on build quality, usage, and exposure to the elements.

Meet the Tester

Paul Rankin is a product tester and home improvement writer who’s reviewed dozens of smart home and outdoor lighting products. His reviews blend hands-on testing with straightforward, real-world insights homeowners can trust.

Additional research provided by Jasmine Harding

 

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