A dusk-to-dawn sensor light basically works by utilizing a light-sensing photocell to determine when it is time to activate and deactivate itself. With this, it doesn’t just serve as simple illumination to your home’s outdoor surroundings at night. It can also act as additional security measures that can prevent possible intrusion and theft commonly occurring during dark hours.
According to Good Earth Lighting Channel, dusk-to-dawn sensor lights usually have “a sensor that faces up toward the sky allowing the unit to collect light and it is considered a smart device.” With this, the lights are able to sense the right time to activate themselves without the need for manual assistance.
Dusk-to-dawn sensor lights usually have a sensor that faces up toward the sky allowing the unit to collect light and it is considered a smart device.
Good Earth Lighting Channel
When looking for one, there are lots of considerations to have in order to find the best model that suits your needs. Nowadays, dusk-to-dawn sensors come with a lot of new and upgraded features that make the competition among models bigger. This includes the custom time modes, sensing distance, and dual-function as an accent light and motion sensor light.
One of the best dusk-to-dawn sensor lights that offer it is the AmeriTop 3500LM model. Not only it boasts of the features mentioned above, but it also comes with a great quality that will assure you of the product’s longevity. For instance, it has an IP65 waterproof rating, ETL certification, die-cast aluminum housing, and impact-resistant PC lens that most products lack. Furthermore, it has flexible three light heads which is better than the typical single or dual heads of other brands.
Nonetheless, there are still a lot of choices that are worth considering from other leading brands such as EMANER, ZJOJO, Zeben, and Aukora. In view of this, here are the five best dusk-to-dawn sensor lights that you might want to consider and scrutinize. They are personally picked and tested by our in-house experts to assure we could offer you the best options from the endless list on the market. Also, be sure to click on the buttons below to have the consumer-wise deals we sought for you on Amazon.
Best Dusk-to-Dawn Sensor Lights Comparison & Rating
Dusk-to-Dawn Sensor Lights | Features |
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1. AmeriTop 3500LM Outdoor Dusk-to-Dawn Sensor Lights
Brand | AmeriTop |
Temperature Color | 6000 K |
Lumens | 3500 LM |
Battery | No |
This AmeriTop 3500LM dusk-to-dawn sensor lights excel from the amount of light it is emitting to the overall performance, versatility, and build of its body.
It comes with a 6000 K cool color temperature which is definitely a must for a security light. This gives you a clear view of the outdoors which is even made better with 3500 LM. This equates to a 200 W halogen light or a great number of 40 W incandescent bulbs.
The lights are very bright that at 15 meters, you’ll see great details for objects around you. Its light can even reach as far as 150 to 200 meters. Moreover, you have complete control over the function of the lights in this model. Using the 3 switches on the body of the unit, you can control its mode, sensitivity, and length of light time.
For the modes, you have the option between 3- or 6-hour Modes. In these settings, the light will function as an accent light in the dark depending on the number of hours you will choose. It will produce 50% light illumination and will only activate its 100% light capacity once a motion is triggered within its 360-degree and 60-foot detection distance. After the indicated hours, the unit will just function as a motion light. Nonetheless, the unit also offers an Auto Mode and a Dusk-to-Dawn Mode. Sweet!
Furthermore, what we really love about this is how its versatility reflects even in the construction of its body. Compared to the other items from other brands like Zeben, Aukora, and ZJOJO, this unit is capable of providing the best of the best brightness. The light heads can be adjusted which gives you thrice the brightness of other models. The 180-degree coverage is astounding that can remove the total blackness from your lawn as far as 1500 feet!
2. EMANER Solar Dusk-to-Dawn and Motion Sensor Light
Brand | EMANER |
Temperature Color | 6000 K |
Lumens | 1000 LM |
Battery | Yes |
This EMANER dusk-to-dawn sensor light is another great innovation that brings you great functionality and convenience. Compared to most units available on the market powered directly by one of your home’s power outlets, this uses a solar panel and a 4500 mAh battery.
It would only need a good 5-hour charging under sufficient sunlight and it is capable of lighting up your lawn for 8 hours or more. The downside about this is that its light performance will depend on the charge or its light exposure during the day. Hence, under unfavorable rainy weather, it could not last more than 6 hours.
Despite that, given that this is just a solar-powered light, it is still a good choice, especially if you just are intending to use it as an alternative outdoor light. After all, the illumination it could provide is truly powerful. It comes with 40 LEDs and produces 1000 LM and 6000 K color temperature. It also has a pretty good light range that can illuminate an area as far as 150-200 meters.
Once it is dusk and the unit is activated, it will produce 50% of its light capacity and once a motion is sensed, it will deliver 100% brightness for 60 seconds. There is no way to adjust or extend its 60-second 100% light brightness, but it is a small gripe since the unit is very sensitive. As a matter of fact, it has a wide motion range that can reach up to 8 meters.
We also love the versatility of the unit that manifests in a lot of ways. One of them is the fact the parts of the units can be rotated and adjusted according to your preference. With this, you have the power over the distribution of light and create a 180-degree coverage by adjusting the light heads. The solar panel can also be adjusted to catch a better amount of sunlight.
3. ZJOJO LED Wall Pack Light
Brand | ZJOJO |
Temperature Color | 5000 K |
Lumens | 3000 LM |
Battery | No |
Far from the bulbs and oversize dusk-to-dawn sensor lights, this ZJOJO LED Wall Pack Light sits between great functionality and style. Despite its compact body with the dimensions of 6” x 9.2” x 2.8”, it delivers 3000 LM and 5000 K color temperature. Its lighting elements are secured inside a transparent cover that can be mounted on any flat surface. The result is a natural-looking wall light that will complement all kinds of outdoor walls.
The unit itself is IP65 waterproof rated which means it is very ideal to be installed outdoors compared to bulbs that need coverings. Moreover, it has a lifespan of 50,000 hours which means you’ll really get more than what you’ll be paying for.
As for its performance, it won’t disappoint you. The light sensor material is directly built on the front surface of the unit which makes it very efficient. Once dusk starts, the units will automatically provide great lighting to your garden and lawns. For 26 watts, it is really amazing how bright it can be. It delivers wide coverage from side to side and given its color temperature, everything under its light looks natural.
4. Zeben Dusk-to-Dawn LED Radar Motion Detector Light Bulbs
Brand | Zeben |
Temperature Color | 6500 K |
Lumens | 1200 LM |
Battery | No |
This bulb from Zeben might look simple, but this is fashioned with great capabilities. It is not just a simple dusk-to-dawn light, but so as a motion sensor, as well. At < 6 lux, the Zeben bulb activates its standby mode in preparation for possible motions in the dark. During the day, it goes into an Energy-saving Sleep Mode. The sensitivity is great that as soon as the dusk sets in, the bulb would light up anytime.
The quality of the light is phenomenal, as well. It comes with 1200 LM and 6500 K color which make its illumination more powerful. The light appears very natural and the illumination it can provide can cover at least a thousand feet.
Also, great built-in smart radar sensor. Compared to other motion-sensing bulbs, it has a more sensitive infrared that can cover a maximum sensing range of 26 feet and a maximum sensing height of 13 feet. Its dual 360-degree sensors enable it to efficient despite its small size and this is utterly impressive that given its size, it can cover such an area. That being said, if you want a heavy-duty performance and a complete set of features all packed inside a small bulb, get this.
5. Aukora Dusk-to-Dawn Sensor Light Bulb
Brand | Aukora |
Temperature Color | 6000 K |
Lumens | 1000 LM |
Battery | No |
Aukora Dusk-to-Dawn Sensor Light Bulb is another powerful bulb with an integrated sensor capability. This 12 W bulb has a 1000 LM and delivers a 6000 K color temperature. It has a CRI that is greater than 80, which means that it will give illumination that can give vivid and natural lighting even at night. The mixture of these great features allows it to be just a step behind the Zeben Dusk-to-Dawn LED Radar Motion Detector Light Bulbs.
The illumination of the light can cover at least a thousand feet, making it a good choice for the porch, basement, front door, and garage. The light sensor activates below 15 lux and deactivates above 30 lux. This light sensitivity is just right to help it light up once dusk starts.
Its maximum 10-foot detection capacity is also decent enough to trigger the light before someone sets a foot on your porch. It isn’t as impressive as the Zeben bulb but given its price, it is acceptable. Moreover, it has 5,000 hours more lifespan than the said brand which makes this choice still a great deal.
Best Dusk-to-Dawn Sensor Lights - Buyer's Guide
To get the best out of your purchase, it is best to a model that offers a plethora of features. BY doing so, you’ll have a multi-purpose light that can both serve as illumination and a security tool. For instance, it is better if you could have a model that can work both as a dusk-to-dawn light and a motion sensor light. One example is the AmeriTop 3500LM Outdoor Dusk-to-Dawn Sensor Light. It can serve as an accent light that produces 50% brightness when no motion is present. Once triggered, it can deliver 100% brightness using its 3500-lumen light heads which are incredibly bright. Furthermore, it allows various adjustments from motion sensitivity to light time.
Determine the purpose of the light you are about to purchase. If you just need a light that will automatically turn on at night, having a light with a dusk-to-dawn feature is good. However, if you intend to use it as a security measure, you better have lights that have motion sensors as they can provide better alarm function. As said, you can have both features in certain models which is really and greatly suggested. Nonetheless, it still depends on your needs.
The brighter the light is, the better as it allows you to illuminate a wide area. On the other hand, also consider the range of the motion sensor if the light model has it. Also, it is much better if the model has an option where users can modify the ranges of the sensing capability of the infrared just like what the AmeriTop 3500LM Outdoor Dusk-to-Dawn Sensor Light offers. It can detect motions as far as 60 feet. Its capability is enhanced due to the integration of its 180-degree motion-sensing element. The good thing is that you can even adjust its sensitivity to avoid unnecessary triggers at night.
The price of the item must come as a secondary factor in choosing a model. An expensive light won’t always guarantee you an excellent set of features. Conversely, a cheap one won’t always give you the best deal. With this, always start by looking for all the features that you need and once you find the model that has it, make sure that the item comes at the most reasonable price.
Best Dusk-to-Dawn Sensor Lights - FAQs
Dusk-to-dawn sensor lights contain photocells that are light-sensitive. With this, they are able to “sense” the amount of light around to activate the dusk-to-dawn system.
Generally, dusk-to-dawn sensor lights with a motion sensor feature must be installed without any cover. That said, coverings like glasses, lampshades, or any metal covers could affect the sensitivity of the motion sensors.
No, not all dusk-to-dawn sensor lights water-resistant. It depends on the model and function of the light. Some of them are sensitive to liquids but some of them can withstand moisture and harsh weather.
The height of installation of the dusk-to-dawn sensor lights depends on the function. If it is just for a dusk-to-dawn purpose, height is not a problem. However, if it has a motion-sensing feature, it needs to be installed closer to the ground or about 9 to 15 feet to get optimal results for motion range sensing. Installing such kind of light too high can affect their sensitivity to motion.
