When it comes to outdoor lighting, having the right flood light bulb can make all the difference in illuminating your yard effectively. With so many options on the market, it can be tricky to determine which bulb is truly the best for your specific needs and application. This comprehensive guide breaks down the key factors to consider when selecting an outdoor flood light bulb, provides an overview of the most popular bulb types, and makes recommendations for the best bulbs in different categories.
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What to Consider When Choosing an Outdoor Flood Light Bulb
Here are the main factors to take into account when picking a flood light bulb for outdoor use:
Lumens
Lumens indicate the total amount of light that a bulb produces. Bulbs with higher lumens will provide brighter illumination. For most medium to large sized yards, look for flood light bulbs that are at least 2000-3000 lumens to provide sufficient light coverage.
Light Color
The light color, indicated in Kelvin (K) units, affects the tone and feel of the light. Low Kelvin numbers like 2700K-3000K produce warm, yellowish light. Neutral white lights are 3500K-4100K. Cooler shades of light, like daylight tones, are 5000K-6500K.
Beam Spread
The beam spread refers to the width of the area lit by the flood light. Narrow beam angles concentrate the light in a smaller zone, while wide flood beams distribute the light over a broader space. Flood light beam angles can range from spotlights at 10° up to 360° for full area coverage.
Outdoor Rating
Verified outdoor rated bulbs are built to withstand outdoor elements like rain, snow, and temperature swings. Look for bulbs marketed as outdoor, weather resistant, or IP65 rated for wet locations.
Dimmable Capability
Many LED and halogen flood light bulbs are designed to be compatible with dimmer switches, allowing you to adjust the light brightness as needed. If dimming control is desired, verify the bulb you select is dimmable.
Smart Bulb Features
Smart flood lights can be controlled remotely via smartphone, voice assistant, or on a schedule through an app. They typically connect via WiFi or Bluetooth. Smart bulbs offer convenience but cost more than standard bulbs.
Light Distribution Pattern
The way the light is distributed from the flood bulb can be tailored depending on the coverage area needed. Wide flood patterns spread the light over a larger zone while spot or narrow floods concentrate and intensify the beam.
Energy Efficiency
LED and CFL flood light bulbs will use less energy and last longer than incandescent or halogen options. LEDs in particular maximize efficiency and longevity.
Temperature Performance
Extreme cold and hot outdoor conditions can impact bulb performance. Make sure to select a bulb suited for the temperature range in your geographic area.
Types of Outdoor Flood Light Bulbs
When shopping for outdoor flood light bulbs, you will come across these main options:
LED
LED bulbs are the most energy efficient and long lasting choice. They come in a range of lumens, beam angles, color temperatures, and specialty designs tailored for security, spotlights, wall washing, and more. LEDs do cost more upfront but provide overall value from electricity and replacement bulb savings.
Incandescent
Standard incandescent bulbs are inexpensive and provide a warm, natural light. However, they are very inefficient, producing only about 15 lumens per watt, and have a short lifespan of just 1000 hours or so.
CFL
CFL (compact fluorescent lamps) are more efficient and long lasting than incandescents. But they contain mercury and may flicker or hum in outdoor fixtures. Color rendering and light quality is also not as good as LEDs.
Halogen
Halogen bulbs are similar to incandescents in providing a bright, sparkling light. Halogen bulbs last 2-3 times longer than incandescents and are more efficient. They operate best fully exposed rather than in enclosed fixtures.
HID
HID (high intensity discharge) bulbs like mercury vapor, high/low pressure sodium, or metal halide produce intense light from an electrical arc inside the bulb. They take time to warm up and are not ideal for outdoor residential settings.
Best LED Flood Lights
Here are some top recommendations for LED flood lights to illuminate backyards, patios, driveways, and other outdoor areas:
| LED Flood Light | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Philips LED Bright White Flood Light | – 3000 lumens – 4000K cool white light – 120° wide beam angle – Dimmable |
| GE LED Durable Flood Light | – 1850 lumens – 5000K daylight effect – 85° flood beam angle – Dimmable |
| Feit Electric Waterproof LED Security Floodlight | – 2000 lumens – 5000K bright white light – 180° motion activated sensor – IP65 weatherproof |
| Westinghouse LED Motion Sensing Flood Light | – 1500 lumens – 5000K daylight tone – 180° motion sensor – Auto on/off |
Philips LED Bright White Flood Light
This Philips 3000 lumen flood light bulb provides powerful bright white illumination perfect for driveways, backyards, and exterior work areas. It has a wide 120° flood beam spread that fills a large area with glare-free light. The 4000K cool white tone is bright and refreshing. These LED bulbs are also dimmable to customize the light level. Philips is a leader in LED lighting technology.
GE LED Durable Flood Light
Designed to withstand tough weather elements, the GE Durable LED flood lights are rated for wet locations and can handle temperature extremes. The 1850 lumen output casts a wide 85° flood beam pattern to light up exterior spaces. The 5000K daylight effect gives clean, crisp illumination similar to natural daylight. These bulbs are also dimmable for adjustable brightness when needed.
Feit Electric Waterproof LED Security Flood Light
Part of Feit Electric’s security lighting line, these LED flood lights are completely weatherproof with an IP65 rating. The bright 2000 lumen output and 5000K color temperature create intense lighting to deter unwanted visitors. A 180° motion sensor switches the light on automatically when movement is detected. It’s a smart choice for enhancing outdoor security around the house.
Westinghouse LED Motion Sensing Flood Light
Westinghouse packs helpful features into these sensing flood lights. The integrated motion sensor detects activity within 20-30 feet to turn the light on automatically at night. After motion stops, the light turns off by itself after 5 minutes. The 1500 lumens and 5000K daylight tone provide great visibility when the light activates. It’s easy to install and operate.
Best Halogen Flood Lights
Here are top rated halogen flood light options for bright, white illumination:
| Halogen Flood Light | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Philips Halogena Energy Advantage | – 1500W equal light output – 3000K warm white light – PAR38 flood bulb |
| Sylvania Halogen PAR38 Flood | – 90W 120V – 2850 lumens – 3000K warm color – Medium flood 40° beam |
| Westinghouse 500W Halogen Floodlight Bulb | – 500 watt 120V – Par56 base – 3200K warm light – Narrow 25° flood beam |
Philips Halogena Energy Advantage
As an energy efficient alternative to standard incandescent PAR38 floods, these Halogena bulbs from Philips produce the same 1500W brightness using just a 90W halogen capsule. The 3000K color gives warm, inviting light. They are a direct replacement for old 90W PAR38 incandescents.
Sylvania Halogen PAR38 Flood
Sylvania’s 90W halogen PAR38 flood bulb generates an extra bright 2850 lumen output while using less energy than old-style incandescent floods. The 3000K warm white color is perfect for accent and spotlighting. It comes in both flood and spot beam spreads. These rank among the best halogen flood bulbs available.
Westinghouse 500W Halogen Floodlight Bulb
When high power illumination is needed, this 500W Par56 halogen bulb delivers. It produces 35,000 lumens of intense light focused in a narrow 25° flood beam pattern, making it ideal for spotlights or remote security lighting. The white 3200K color provides excellent visibility. A durable filament gives long life.
Best Motion Sensor Flood Lights
Motion sensing flood lights provide automated convenience and security. Here are top motion activated flood light options:
| Motion Sensor Flood Light | Key Features |
|---|---|
| AsseenonTV 5835 Motion Sensing Light | – LED bulb with 1600 lumens – 180° motion detection – Auto on/off operation |
| LEONLITE Solar Powered Security Light | – Integrated LEDs – 270° motion activated – Solar charged battery |
| LITOM Original Solar Lights Outdoor | – 3 adjustable LED heads – Wide motion sensing area – Solar powered charging |
AsseenonTV 5835 Motion Sensing Light
Just install the bulb and this As Seen On TV flood light will activate automatically whenever motion is detected within 30 feet. The adjustable sensing head scans a 180° area. Bright illumination comes from a powerful 1600 lumen LED module inside the bulb. It turns on at night and off after 20 seconds of no motion detected.
LEONLITE Solar Powered Security Light
LEONLITE’s motion activated security flood utilizes solar power for installation anywhere without needing wiring. The integrated LEDs generate 2000 lumens to light up a 270° area when triggered by motion up to 26 feet away. It automatically powers off after 30 seconds. This is an easy add-on for outdoor security and visibility.
LITOM Original Solar Lights Outdoor
With 3 adjustable light heads, this LITOM solar powered flood can spread illumination across a very wide zone. Each super-bright LED head contains 24 LEDs and rotates 120° to put light where needed most. They activate automatically from motion up to 26 feet away. Powered entirely by the sun, they are a handy option for pathways, driveways, or gardens.
Smart Flood Lights
Here are the best smart flood lights that offer advanced features and connectivity:
| Smart Flood Light | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Philips Hue Smart Flood Light | – Bluetooth and Zigbee compatible – Color tunable and dimmable – Sync with music and schedules – Controlled via app or voice |
| Ring Smart LED Floodlight | – Customizable motion detection – HD video and audio – Works with Alexa – Bright, uniform light |
| LIFX Beam Smart LED Light | – Multicolor effects – 1500 lumens output – WiFi and voice controlled – Programmable on/off times |
Philips Hue Smart Flood Light
Part of the popular Philips Hue smart lighting ecosystem, the Hue Flood Light allows you to choose from 16 million colors and shades of white light. Adjust brightness and lighting schedules through the smartphone app or by voice with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Position the two light modules where needed for complete coverage.
Ring Smart LED Floodlight
Ring’s security floodlight includes motion-activated HD video and audio features. Customizable motion sensors detect activity and trigger bright, uniform LED illumination plus optional camera recording and notifications. All features integrate seamlessly with Alexa. It replaces existing wired floodlights.
LIFX Beam Smart LED Light
The super flexible LIFX Beam can display any color you desire for accent lighting. Use preset themes and effects or create your own custom scenes. With the app you can set schedules, timers, and voice control options. This WiFi LED floodlight simply replaces an existing fixture to become part of your smart home.
Conclusion
Outdoor flood lights are a versatile way to provide security, stage landscapes, or simply add visibility around the exterior of your home. But finding a flood bulb designed for longevity in tough outdoor environments is crucial. LED and halogen bulbs are today’s best options for efficiency, light quality, and life span.
When selecting a flood light, determine how much brightness you need, what color light will suit the space, and how wide or focused the beam coverage should be. Also consider any smart or motion sensing features that may be useful for your unique needs. With so many choices available, you can find the perfect flood light bulbs to meet all your outdoor illumination needs.