Best outdoor floodlight camera to buy in 2024

When something goes bump in the night in your backyard, you probably want to know about it. While regular security cameras with night vision can show you what’s out there, a floodlight camera can show you and tell that rascal or raccoon to get off your lawn, scaring them away with some powerful lumens and possibly a blaring siren.

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While research is mixed on whether outdoor lighting significantly deters crime or simply annoys your neighbors, illuminating your property can offer numerous safety and security benefits.

Smart floodlight cameras provide the best of both worlds: enhanced lighting and robust security monitoring. With the implementation of sensors, AI, and machine learning, these cameras can illuminate only when someone is truly present, avoiding unnecessary activations like when the wind blows a plastic bag across your yard.

A floodlight camera offers several advantages over a standard smart security camera. If you already have hardwired lighting around your home, replacing it with a floodlight camera is straightforward and eliminates concerns about recharging batteries, installing solar panels, or using an outdoor outlet. For more insights on floodlight cameras and installation tips, continue reading for further details.

Here, I’ve rounded up the best outdoor floodlight security cameras based on extensive testing over two years at a single-family home in South Carolina.

What I look for

Good lights

The lights make a floodlight camera more useful than a standard security camera, so high lumens for security (2,000 or more) and the ability to adjust brightness and to control the lights is essential. Tunable white light that can change from cool to warm tones is a bonus, as the lights can double as ambient lighting. The option to have the lights turn on automatically from dusk to dawn is a nice-to-have feature, too.

Wide motion detection and field of view

Most cameras use PIR motion sensing, but radar detection is a nice upgrade; it’s more accurate based on my testing. The lights should have an independent motion sensor, separate from the camera, to help trigger them before the camera so you get a well-lit view. Speaking of view, a wide field of view is important; one well-placed floodlight camera with a wide view (140 degrees or more) can replace the need for two or three standard cameras.

Smart alerts

Like security cameras, a floodlight camera should be able to distinguish between people and motion. Animal, vehicle, and package detection is a plus. A useful upgrade is a camera that can turn its lights on only when it detects specific objects.

Video quality

1080p HD video is the minimum video quality; higher is better, as you’ll want to zoom in. Most floodlight cameras are up high, so a good zoom will help show details like faces.

Built-in siren and two-way audio

Lights and sirens are a good deterrent to a potential intruder, although be wary of turning on a siren automatically based on motion unless you really don’t like your neighbors. Some models offer an automated voice alert option; two-way audio lets you speak to anyone prowling your property.