When it comes to illuminating your outdoor spaces, you want bulbs that are both energy-efficient and long-lasting. You’re likely considering factors like brightness, durability, and weather resistance. But with so many options on the market, it can be tough to know where to start. That’s why we’ve narrowed it down to the top 8 outdoor light bulbs that stand out from the rest. From smart bulbs with WiFi connectivity to bug-repelling bulbs with Zero Blue technology, each of these options offers unique features that set them apart. But which one is right for you?
Contents
- 2-Pack Corn LED Light Bulb for Indoor Outdoor Use
- Philips Hue Smart PAR38 LED Bulb – 2 Pack
- Sengled Daylight LED Light Bulb
- GE CYNC Smart LED Light Bulb, WiFi Color Changing Bulb
- hansang A19 LED Bug Light Bulb, 4 Pack
- GE LED+ Linkable Motion LED Light Bulbs
- Sengled Motion Sensor Light Bulbs
- Sunco Vintage LED Edison Bulbs
- Factors to Consider When Choosing Outdoor Light Bulbs
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
2-Pack Corn LED Light Bulb for Indoor Outdoor Use
The Pack Corn LED Light Bulb is an ideal choice if you’re looking for an energy-efficient and long-lasting lighting solution for your indoor or outdoor spaces.
It offers an impressive 50,000-hour lifespan and equivalent brightness to a 400-500W incandescent bulb.
With its 6500lm output and 360-degree shining, you’ll enjoy super bright lighting without any dead corners.
Plus, it’s energy-saving, using only 50W of power while providing the same brightness as a 400-500W incandescent bulb.
The bulb is also waterproof with an IP60 rating, making it suitable for outdoor use.
Best For: Those looking for an energy-efficient and long-lasting lighting solution for their indoor or outdoor spaces.
Pros:
- Energy-efficient and long-lasting with a 50,000-hour lifespan
- Super bright with 6500lm output and 360-degree shining
- Waterproof with an IP60 rating, making it suitable for outdoor use
Cons:
- No specific mention of dimmability
- May not be suitable for enclosed fixtures due to heat dissipation concerns
- Warranty period could be longer considering the product’s lifespan
Philips Hue Smart PAR38 LED Bulb – 2 Pack
You’ll get the most out of the Philips Hue Smart PAR38 LED Bulb – 2 Pack if you’re looking for a convenient, voice-controllable outdoor lighting solution that seamlessly integrates with your existing smart home setup.
This pack of two bulbs is perfect for illuminating your porch, patio, or front doors with a soft, warm white light.
Each bulb is dimmable and controllable through the Hue app, and you can also use voice commands with Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit.
With 1300 lumens of brightness and a 3000 Kelvin color temperature, these bulbs provide ample light without being too harsh.
Plus, they’re backed by a 3-year warranty and have a 4.7-star rating from over 1,800 customers.
Best For: Those who want a convenient, voice-controllable outdoor lighting solution that integrates seamlessly with their existing smart home setup.
Pros:
- Convenient and easy to set up with voice control through Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit
- Provides ample light with 1300 lumens of brightness and a soft, warm white color temperature of 3000 Kelvin
- Backed by a 3-year warranty and has a 4.7-star rating from over 1,800 customers
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to other outdoor lighting options
- May not be suitable for indoor use due to its outdoor design
- Limited to use with specific smart home systems (Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit)
Sengled Daylight LED Light Bulb
With its automatic dusk-to-dawn sensor and 5000K daylight LED light, this bulb is the best choice for homeowners seeking a convenient and energy-efficient solution for their outdoor lighting needs.
You’ll love that it provides bright, blue-white light with 1200LM output, making it perfect for illuminating your front porch, garage, or dark hallways.
Plus, it’s energy-efficient, using only 10.5W of power, equivalent to a 75W incandescent bulb.
Installation is a breeze, and you don’t need any additional wiring.
With a long lifespan of up to 25,000 hours, you won’t need to worry about replacing it anytime soon.
Best For: Homeowners seeking a convenient and energy-efficient solution for their outdoor lighting needs, particularly for front porch, garage, or dark hallways.
Pros:
- Automatic dusk-to-dawn sensor provides convenient and hassle-free lighting
- Energy-efficient with a long lifespan of up to 25,000 hours, reducing electric bill and environmental impact
- Bright, blue-white light with 1200LM output provides reliable lighting for increased safety and security
Cons:
- No specific mention of weather resistance or water resistance, which may be a concern for outdoor use
- May not be suitable for indoor use where a warmer color temperature is preferred
- Some customers may find the blue-white light too harsh or unpleasant
GE CYNC Smart LED Light Bulb, WiFi Color Changing Bulb
Those seeking a high-tech outdoor lighting solution that can withstand harsh weather conditions and offer endless color options will appreciate the GE CYNC Smart LED Light Bulb, WiFi Color Changing Bulb.
You’ll love that it’s customizable with millions of color options and is energy-efficient, dimmable, and long-lasting.
Plus, it’s compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home for voice control, and connects to Wi-Fi without a hub or bridge.
This outdoor-ready bulb is designed for cold and wet conditions, replacing 90-watt bulbs with a 10-watt, 1300-lumen LED.
With a 3-year warranty and easy setup, you’ll enjoy its bright, tunable, and color-changing features.
Just be aware that some users have reported connectivity issues and poor app performance.
Best For: Those seeking a high-tech outdoor lighting solution that can withstand harsh weather conditions and offer endless color options.
Pros:
- Customizable with millions of color options and compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home for voice control
- Energy-efficient, dimmable, and long-lasting with a 3-year warranty
- Easy setup and bright, tunable, and color-changing features
Cons:
- Some users have reported connectivity issues and poor app performance
- Outdoor-ready design may not be suitable for extreme weather conditions
- Limited compatibility with certain smart home systems
hansang A19 LED Bug Light Bulb, 4 Pack
If you’re looking for an energy-efficient way to keep bugs at bay while still enjoying a cozy ambiance, the Hansang A19 LED Bug Light Bulb, 4 Pack is an excellent choice, thanks to its Zero Blue feature that promotes better sleep quality.
This 7-watt LED bulb is equivalent to a 60-watt incandescent bulb, using less energy and lasting longer, which means you’ll save money on electric and replacement costs.
With its amber color, it’s designed to attract fewer bugs, creating a comfortable outdoor or indoor atmosphere.
Plus, it’s eco-friendly, reliable, and contains no lead or mercury, making it a great option for your home.
Best For: People who want to create a cozy ambiance while keeping bugs at bay and promoting better sleep quality.
Pros:
- Energy-efficient and cost-effective, using less energy and lasting longer than traditional incandescent bulbs
- Amber color is designed to attract fewer bugs, creating a comfortable outdoor or indoor atmosphere
- Eco-friendly and reliable, containing no lead or mercury and producing no UV or IR
Cons:
- Not dimmable, which may be a drawback for some users
- May not be as bright as some users prefer, with a brightness of 600 lumens
- No specific information is provided about the warranty, which may be a concern for some users
GE LED+ Linkable Motion LED Light Bulbs
For homeowners seeking a convenient and energy-efficient way to illuminate their outdoor spaces, the GE LED+ Linkable Motion LED Light Bulbs are an excellent choice.
You’ll appreciate the motion sensor feature, which stays off when no motion is detected and switches on for 5 minutes once motion is detected.
This energy-saving feature reduces energy costs and extends the bulb’s lifetime.
With a brightness of 1200 lumens and a warm white color temperature of 3000 Kelvin, these bulbs provide reliable and bright illumination for dark areas of your outdoor space.
Plus, they’re easy to install and use, making them a great addition to your existing outdoor LED flood lights.
Best For: Homeowners seeking a convenient and energy-efficient way to illuminate their outdoor spaces with motion-sensing capabilities.
Pros:
- Energy-efficient and long-lasting, reducing energy costs and extending the bulb’s lifetime
- Easy to install and use, making it a great addition to existing outdoor LED flood lights
- Provides reliable and bright illumination for dark areas of outdoor spaces with a brightness of 1200 lumens and a warm white color temperature of 3000 Kelvin
Cons:
- Some reviewers mention issues with false triggers or faulty bulbs
- Limited to outdoor use, may not be suitable for indoor applications
- May require occasional cleaning to maintain motion sensor accuracy
Sengled Motion Sensor Light Bulbs
You’ll get the brightest bang for your buck with Sengled Motion Sensor Light Bulbs, which boast an impressive 1050 lm brightness and energy-saving design that uses a mere 11.5 watts of energy.
These LED bulbs are built to last, with a lifespan of 15,000 hours, and they’re waterproof, making them perfect for outdoor use.
The built-in photocell sensor and PIR motion sensor work together to provide auto ON/OFF functionality, with a 90-second duration.
You’ll appreciate the convenience of the Always On Mode, and the fact that they’re suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.
With a 4.5-star rating and over 2,700 customer reviews, you can trust that these bulbs will provide the security and convenience you need.
Best For: Homeowners who want an energy-efficient and convenient lighting solution for indoor and outdoor spaces.
Pros:
- Energy-efficient design that uses only 11.5 watts of energy
- Waterproof and suitable for outdoor use, with a lifespan of 15,000 hours
- Convenient features such as auto ON/OFF functionality and Always On Mode
Cons:
- Some users reported issues with sensitivity and false triggers
- One user reported a faulty product
- May not be suitable for users who prefer a different color temperature or brightness level
Sunco Vintage LED Edison Bulbs
These Sunco Vintage LED Edison Bulbs are the perfect choice for homeowners seeking a unique, retro-style lighting solution that’s both energy-efficient and weather-resistant.
You’ll appreciate the soft white light (2700K) and 800 lumens of brightness, which provide ample illumination for your outdoor spaces.
With a high CRI of 80, these bulbs guarantee accurate color rendering, making them ideal for outdoor decorative lighting.
Plus, they’re dimmable, so you can adjust the light to suit your mood or decor.
As an added bonus, they’re waterproof and UL certified, indicating they can withstand the elements.
With a 5-year warranty and a 94.12 lumens/watt efficiency, you can trust these bulbs to provide long-lasting, reliable performance.
Best For: Homeowners seeking unique, retro-style lighting solutions for outdoor spaces that are both energy-efficient and weather-resistant.
Pros:
- Energy-efficient with a high lumens-per-watt ratio of 94.12 lumens/watt
- Waterproof and UL certified, making them suitable for outdoor use
- Dimmable and has a high CRI of 80 for accurate color rendering
Cons:
- May not be suitable for indoor use due to its outdoor design
- Requires a specific type of socket (E26) for installation
- The color temperature of 2700K may be too warm for some users’ preferences
Factors to Consider When Choosing Outdoor Light Bulbs
When choosing the right outdoor light bulbs for your needs, you’ll want to weigh a few key factors.
You’re looking for bulbs that provide the right light color temperature, brightness, and energy efficiency, while also being durable and weather-resistant.
Light Color Temperature
Choosing the right light color temperature for your outdoor space is essential, as it can greatly impact the ambiance and functionality of your lighting setup.
You’ll want to think about the type of atmosphere you want to create and the tasks you need the lighting to perform.
Warm white light (2700K-3000K) can create a cozy and inviting ambiance, making it perfect for outdoor living areas.
Cool white light (3500K-4100K) is better suited for task-oriented lighting, such as pathways and security lighting.
If you need high visibility, daylight-colored bulbs (5000K-6500K) are the way to go. They can help reduce eye strain and improve visibility, making them ideal for areas like parking lots and streets.
Additionally, the color temperature of your light bulb can affect the way colors appear, so bear in mind the colors you want to accentuate. For example, warm white light enhances warm colors, while cool white light enhances cool colors.
Brightness and Lumen
Your outdoor lighting setup’s effectiveness hinges on selecting the right brightness level, which is measured in lumens, to provide your spaces are safely and adequately lit.
When choosing an outdoor light bulb, consider the specific task or area being lit, such as a porch, patio, or walkway, as different areas require different levels of brightness.
For outdoor security lighting, a general rule of thumb is to choose a bulb with at least 1,000 lumens. For pathway lighting, you can get by with lower lumens around 400-600.
Remember that color temperature also affects brightness perception. Cooler temperatures (5000K-6500K) appear brighter than warmer temperatures (2700K-3000K) at the same lumen output.
Don’t assume that all outdoor light bulbs are created equal – check the packaging or manufacturer’s specifications for the lumen output, as it can vary substantially between products. Outdoor bulbs usually range from 800 to 1,200 lumens, so you’ll want to choose the right one for your needs.
Energy Efficiency Level
You’ll substantially cut down on energy consumption and costs by opting for outdoor light bulbs with high energy efficiency levels, which are measured in lumens per watt (lm/W).
Outdoor LED bulbs, for instance, can offer up to 130 lm/W, a significant improvement over traditional incandescent bulbs which offer around 10-17 lm/W.
By choosing energy-efficient outdoor lighting, you’ll not only reduce your energy bills but also contribute to a more sustainable future.
In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that widespread adoption of energy-efficient lighting could save up to 340 TWh of electricity by 2035, equivalent to the annual output of about 44 large power plants.
When shopping for outdoor light bulbs, look for the ENERGY STAR certification, which indicates that the product meets energy efficiency standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
By selecting energy-efficient bulbs, you’ll also reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as they require less energy to produce the same amount of light.
This is a vital step in mitigating climate change.
Durability and Lifespan
Outdoor light bulbs’ durability and lifespan are critical factors to weigh, as they directly impact how often you’ll need to replace them and the overall cost of ownership.
When choosing outdoor light bulbs, you’ll want to think about how long they’ll last before burning out. Look for bulbs with a longer lifespan, typically measured in hours. For example, LED bulbs can last up to 25,000 hours or more, while incandescent bulbs may only last around 1,000 hours.
You should also ponder the bulb’s durability regarding its construction. Are the materials high-quality and able to withstand the elements? Are the bulbs shock-resistant and able to handle accidental drops or bumps?
A more durable bulb will be less prone to damage and will last longer as a result. By choosing bulbs with a longer lifespan and better durability, you’ll reduce the need for frequent replacements, saving you time and money in the long run.
Weather Resistance Level
When selecting outdoor light bulbs, consider the level of weather resistance they can provide, as it’s essential to ascertain they can withstand the elements and perform reliably in various environmental conditions.
You’ll want bulbs that can handle rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. Look for bulbs with an IP65 rating or higher, as they’re designed to withstand harsh outdoor conditions.
If you opt for bulbs with lower IP ratings, such as IP40 or IP54, be aware that they mightn’t be suitable for outdoor use and could be damaged by moisture or water exposure.
Additionally, consider bulbs with the UL Wet Listed certification, which guarantees they can operate safely in wet conditions.
Weather-resistant bulbs are often made with materials like silicone or polycarbonate that can withstand the elements. Think about the installation location, such as a porch, patio, or garden, and choose bulbs that can withstand the specific conditions they’ll face.
Motion Sensor Feature
Motion sensor light bulbs bring an added layer of convenience and security to your outdoor lighting setup, automatically switching on and off in response to movement.
When choosing a motion sensor light bulb, consider the duration it stays on after detecting motion. You can set it to stay on for anywhere from 30 seconds to 10 minutes, depending on your needs.
You’ll also want to adjust the sensitivity of the sensor to reduce false triggers caused by pets, wind, or other environmental factors. Some bulbs even have a ‘walk test’ feature that lets you fine-tune the sensor’s sensitivity and range by walking around the area.
Additionally, you can use motion sensor light bulbs in conjunction with photocell sensors to verify the light only turns on during nighttime or low-light conditions.
Finally, consider the detection range of the motion sensor, which can vary from 30 feet or more to shorter distances, depending on the product.
Compatibility and Base
You’ll also need to verify the light bulb you choose is compatible with your existing fixtures and has the right base type.
This might seem obvious, but it’s vital to make certain the bulb fits snugly and securely in its socket. Check the packaging or manufacturer’s website for specific compatibility information.
You don’t want to end up with a bulb that’s too large or too small for your fixture.
When it comes to base type, you’ll typically find one of three options: screw-in (E26), pin-based (GU10), or candelabra (E12).
Make sure you choose a bulb with the same base type as your existing fixtures to avoid any installation issues.
Some bulbs may also have additional features, such as a special adapter for specific fixtures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Outdoor Light Bulbs Be Used in Enclosed Fixtures?
When choosing bulbs, you should know that not all outdoor bulbs are suitable for enclosed fixtures. You’ll want to check the packaging for ‘enclosed fixture rated’ or ‘weather-resistant’ labels to guarantee you’re making a safe choice.
Do LED Bulbs Attract Fewer Bugs Than Traditional Bulbs?
Like a moth to a flame, you’re drawn to the question: do LED bulbs attract fewer bugs? Yes, they do! LEDs emit less heat and UV light, making them less appealing to insects, so you’ll catch fewer creepy crawlers in their glow.
Are Smart Bulbs Compatible With All Smart Home Systems?
You’re wondering if smart bulbs are compatible with all smart home systems – sadly, they’re not. You’ll need to check the bulb’s compatibility with your specific system, like Alexa or Google Home, before making a purchase.
Can Outdoor Light Bulbs Be Installed in Areas With High Humidity?
Imagine walking into a misty morning, where droplets of dew cling to every surface. You’re wondering if outdoor light bulbs can survive such humidity. The answer is yes, most bulbs are designed to withstand moisture, but you must check the IP (Ingress Protection) rating for the level of humidity they can handle.
Are Energy-Efficient Bulbs More Expensive Than Traditional Bulbs?
You’re wondering if energy-efficient bulbs break the bank, right? Generally, they’re pricier upfront, but you’ll save money in the long run through lower energy consumption and a longer lifespan, making them a worthwhile investment.
Conclusion
As you illuminate your outdoor space, remember that the right bulbs can make a radiant difference.
Radiant reliability, robust brightness, and remarkable resilience are the hallmarks of the best outdoor light bulbs.
Rely on our roundup to reveal the top picks that will revitalize your exterior ambiance, rendering it resilient to the elements and radiant with charm.
