In the evolving world of smart home technology, lighting has taken a significant leap forward with the advent of smart light bulbs.
These innovative devices offer more than just illumination; they provide unparalleled convenience, efficiency, and control, transforming the way we light up our outdoor spaces.
This guide aims to shed light on the key features, benefits, and considerations to keep in mind, ensuring you make an informed decision that enhances your outdoor living experience.
Our Top Picks
We provide our product links with Amazon assurance whenever possible.
Best Overall: Govee H7021 String Lights
Light up your world with Govee H7021 String Lights. They are the perfect blend of style and technology. Perfect for any occasion, these lights transform your space into a vibrant oasis. With easy setup and smart control, they’re not just lights; they’re an experience. Dive into a world where color meets convenience, and make every moment shine brighter.
Specifications:
- Length: 96ft
- Control Methods: APP, Voice Control
- Lumens: 50 Lumen per bulb
- Voltage: 12V
- Wattage: 24W
- Waterproof Rating: IP65
- Bulb Shape Size: S14
- Features: Dimmable, Color Changing, Remote Controlled, Waterproof, Shatterproof
Who Is It For?
The Govee H7021 String Lights are perfect for the modern homeowner or event planner who loves to create memorable, vibrant atmospheres. You might be decorating your backyard for a family barbecue. Or, lighting up a wedding. Or, just adding magic to your home’s feel.
These lights are very versatile and easy to use. With smart app and voice control, they cater to tech-savvy individuals who appreciate convenience and innovation. They are ideal for indoor and outdoor use.
Their waterproof design ensures they can withstand the elements. This makes them a great choice for year-round decoration. If you’re someone who values both aesthetics and functionality, the Govee H7021 String Lights are designed with you in mind.
Best Premium: Philips Hue Econic Up
Light up your home with Philips Hue Econic Up, the premium smart light that combines style with advanced technology. It’s great for outdoor spaces. This elegant wall light improves your home’s exterior. It also offers customizable lighting for any occasion. With easy integration into your smart home system, the Econic Up brings both beauty and intelligence to your doorstep.
Specifications:
- Lumen Output: 1,150 lm
- Lifetime: 25,000 hours
- Weight: 6.570 lb
- Dimensions: 10.2″ x 10.2″ x 4.5″
- Energy Label: A+
- Color Temperature: Adjustable
- Water Resistance: IP44
- Connectivity: Zigbee and Bluetooth
Who Is It For?
The Philips Hue Econic Up is the perfect choice for homeowners who value both aesthetics and functionality in their smart home devices. The Econic Up has you covered. It can enhance your home’s security with well-lit exteriors. It can also create the perfect ambiance for outdoor gatherings. It is robust and weatherproof. This makes it ideal for any outdoor space. It has a wide color range and can dim. This allows for endless customization. The Econic Up is suitable for tech enthusiasts who enjoy personalizing their living spaces. It seamlessly integrates with existing smart home systems, offering convenience and control right at your fingertips.
Best Value: XMCosy Landscape Lights
Illuminate your outdoors with XMCosy Landscape Lights, blending elegance and functionality. These smart, energy-efficient lights brighten your garden paths and landscapes. They also add a touch of sophistication with their customizable colors. Perfect for those seeking a blend of style and practicality in outdoor lighting.
Specifications:
- Brightness: 400 lumens
- Color Temperature: 2700K warm white
- Color Options: 16 million RGB colors
- Energy Efficiency: LED technology
- Lifespan: 50,000 hours
- Voltage: Low voltage (12V)
- Weather Resistance: Durable & weatherproof
- Control: Smart app integration
Who Is It For?
XMCosy Landscape Lights are perfect for homeowners who value both aesthetics and functionality in their outdoor spaces. You may want to enhance your garden’s beauty. Or, light up your walkway for better visibility. Or, create a cozy ambiance for outdoor gatherings. These lights offer a versatile solution. They are great for people who like to personalize their space.
This is thanks to the choice of colors and the smart app control. With easy installation and energy-efficient LED technology, they’re a great choice for eco-conscious individuals wanting to add a touch of sophistication to their home’s exterior. Ideal for anyone from tech enthusiasts to garden lovers looking for reliable, stylish, and smart outdoor lighting.
Best Affordable: Ligency Landscape Lights
Brighten your outdoors with Ligency Landscape Lights! These smart, waterproof lights transform your garden, pathway, or driveway into a beautifully lit space. Easy to install and manage, they offer vibrant colors and durable design, making your home stand out. Perfect for anyone looking to enhance their outdoor living with style and ease.
Specifications:
- Brightness: Adjustable
- Color: RGBW Spectrum
- Control: Smart App Integration
- Waterproof: Yes
- Length: 40ft Wired
- Installation: Easy Setup
- Energy Efficiency: High
- Durability: Long-Lasting
Who Is It For?
Ligency Landscape Lights are perfect for homeowners who love to personalize their outdoor spaces without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a tech-savvy individual looking to add a modern touch to your garden or someone who enjoys hosting evening gatherings outdoors, these lights offer the flexibility and durability you need.
With easy installation and smart app integration, managing your outdoor lighting has never been simpler. Ideal for those who value both aesthetics and functionality in their home improvement projects, Ligency Landscape Lights bring your outdoor areas to life, making them welcoming for family and friends alike.
Best for Security: Sengled Motion Sensor Bulb
Meet the Sengled Motion Sensor Bulb: your home’s new guardian. This smart bulb lights up your space when it detects motion, blending seamlessly into your life. It’s like having a vigilant friend who lights up the way whenever you’re near. It’s perfect for people who love a mix of technology and security. Simple, smart, and secure, it’s designed to make your home feel safer and more welcoming.
Specifications:
- Bulb Type: LED
- Wattage: 14W (PAR38), 9.5W (A19)
- Color Temperature: Warm White 3000K, Soft White 2700K
- Motion Sensor: Integrated
- Detection Range: Up to 30 feet
- Angle of Detection: 100 degrees
- Weatherproof: Yes, for outdoor use
- Compatibility: SmartThings, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa
Who Is It For?
The Sengled Motion Sensor Bulb is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their home security with smart technology. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast eager to automate your home or a family looking for an easy way to increase safety around your property, this bulb is for you.
Its motion-sensing capabilities make it ideal for illuminating dark pathways, entryways, or garages as soon as movement is detected, ensuring you and your loved ones are always stepping into the light.
Plus, with its weatherproof design, it’s equally suited for outdoor and indoor use, offering peace of mind to those who value security without compromising on convenience.
What I Wish I Knew Before I Got The Best Outdoor Smart Light Bulbs?
- Reliability Varies by Brand: Some users report never having issues, while others face constant problems.
- Cost-Effectiveness: High upfront costs can be offset by long-term savings and convenience.
- Compatibility Issues: Ensure compatibility with your existing smart home system to avoid limitations.
- Installation and Setup: Some bulbs are plug-and-play, while others may require a more complex setup.
- Performance in Outdoor Conditions: Check if the bulbs are specifically rated for outdoor use to withstand weather conditions.
- Brightness and Color Quality: Not all smart bulbs offer the same brightness or color accuracy.
- App and Voice Control: The ease of use can greatly vary between different brands and ecosystems.
- Security Concerns: Smart bulbs can be a weak point in your home’s network security.
- Return Policy: Knowing the return policy can save you from being stuck with a product that doesn’t meet your expectations.
- Customer Support: Good customer support can make a significant difference in resolving potential issues.
Are smart bulbs good for outdoor use?
Smart bulbs can indeed be used outdoors, but with certain considerations. Most standard smart bulbs are primarily designed for indoor use and may not withstand outdoor conditions like moisture and temperature variations.
However, manufacturers have developed outdoor-rated smart bulbs specifically designed to tolerate these conditions. These outdoor smart bulbs are ideal for external use as they are rated to handle wetness and other weather-related exposures.
If your outdoor fixtures are not completely weather-tight, opting for these specially designed outdoor smart bulbs is advisable to ensure durability and functionality. Always check the product specifications to ensure compatibility with outdoor conditions before making a purchase.
Do smart lights work without Wi-Fi?
Smart lights are designed for convenience and efficiency, offering users the ability to control lighting via smartphone apps or voice commands. However, their functionality can vary when it comes to operating without a Wi-Fi connection.
While Wi-Fi is essential for accessing the full range of smart features, including remote control and integration with smart home systems, many smart lights can still operate without it. They can be controlled through Bluetooth connectivity or a physical switch, allowing basic on/off functionality and sometimes even dimming.
This means that even in the absence of Wi-Fi, you won’t be left in the dark. For those looking to enhance their home’s exterior, the best outdoor smart light bulbs are designed to offer durability and weather resistance, ensuring that your outdoor spaces remain well-lit and welcoming, with or without Wi-Fi connectivity.
