This content was originally published on OldHouseOnline.com and has been republished here as part of a merger between our two businesses. All copy is presented here as it originally appeared there.

Floodlights emit a broad beam of light to provide light to massive areas. They’re often found in ports and manufacturing plants that run 24/7. You can also find them on most monuments and architecture to increase viewing. And, of course, floodlights are used residentially as safety and work lights at night. In short, these lighting solutions have many uses due to which there is a high demand for the best flood lights.

You might be wondering what the difference is between normal lights and floodlights. Floodlights generally have a higher lumen – lumens measure how much light emits from a bulb. A higher lumen equates to a brighter light. Flood lights still manage to be quite efficient, especially LED versions. With that said, let’s look at the most recommended flood lights in the market.

What Are the Best Flood Lights?

TBI Pro Flood Light

– Best Overall

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To begin, we have this sturdy light with multiple adjustable heads. It has up to three heads to illuminate every direction, while its connecting points can rotate up to 360 degrees. Also, it is a solar flood light with a waterproof IP65 spot. Thus, it will recharge with the energy from the sun while its IP65 is protected from rain, making it highly recommendable for outdoor use.

Pros

  • It has motion sensors that light up the room automatically when you get in
  • It has a wide area coverage of up to 800 sq.ft
  • A waterproof surface which makes it suitable for outdoor use

Cons

  • The solar panel is not adjustable

LEPOWER Flood Light

– Runner Up

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If you are looking for a security light, this flood light has three heads to illuminate the compound maximally. Each head has a brightness of 35W and a high lumen output which makes it quite energy-saving. Moreover, security lights are highly exposed to harsh weather, which reduces their longevity. Fortunately, this item is made of aluminum which is resistant to environmental oxygenation that causes rust. Besides, its IP65 spot is also water-resistant.

Pros

  • This security light is water and rust resistant for longevity
  • It has a simple design which makes its installation relatively easy
  • It has three heads that are flexible to allow you to position in any direction

Cons

  • It doesn’t have motion sensors

Everbeam 50W LED Black Light

– Easiest to Install and Best Ambiance

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While security is important, what’s a backyard barn-burner without a new blacklight? With 120 degrees and 50W of light, these LEDs offer the benefits of floodlight with an added bonus of ambiance. The adjustable bracket and shatterproof construction top off this inexpensive party addition.

Pros

  • Waterproof design so you can leave it outside
  • Included 5ft power cord so batteries are never a problem
  • 50,000-hour bulb lifespan

Cons

  • As with any light, don’t stare at the source for too long!

Onforu Flood Light

– Honorable Mention

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A yard flood light should have a high lumen output and wide area coverage to illuminate every part of your yard. The Onforu flood light meets most if not all expectations of a yard’s reliable lighting solution. First, it has 50W light heads and a high lumen output that gives a brightness of 500lm to provide maximum brightness. Secondly, its adjustable and straightforward design will give you the best user experience. This simple crafting style makes it easy to install, and you can change the heads’ position to whichever direction you want.

Pros

  • It is made of die-cast aluminum which has efficient heat dissipation to increase its lifespan
  • The waterproof IP65 keeps it safe in rainy or snow weather
  • Its high lumen output will ensure that your yard is maximally illuminated

Cons

  • You will have to switch it on and off manually

LUTEC Flood Light

– Also Consider

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Next is the Lutec floodlight, which you can use both outdoor and indoor. It has two heads that you can adjust up to 360 degrees to ensure that every part is illuminated. The heads also have a lumen output of 2500 lumens which significantly increases their brightness.

Besides the adjustable design, its elegant appearance makes it suitable for indoor use. Its size is so compact that it takes up a small area of your wall. Moreover, if you want to use it outdoors, it has a waterproof surface to keep it safe from rain.

Pros

  • Its construction material is resistant to rust, making it durable on outdoor use
  • It has a wide area coverage as a result of its dual-head design
  • The high lumen output ensures that the pathways or the yards are perfectly floodlit

Cons

  • Its installation process is slightly complicated

Lithonia Flood Light

– Also Consider

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The Lithonia light has elegant two paired-holders made of a rust-resistant metal casing, making it long-lasting. The heads also have comprehensive area coverage, and they are adjustable to allow you to change their direction of focus. Another thing that makes this flood light unique is its brightness and energy efficiency. It has an operating power of 120 volts and a high brightness output per wattage to conserve power.

Pros

  • Its dual-head design gives it a comprehensive area coverage
  • A high lumen output increases its brightness and conserves power
  • You can change the direction of focus of the heads

Cons

  • Since it is not entirely waterproof, you can’t use it outdoor

Amico Flood Light

– Also Consider

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The Amico flood light is the best if you rarely remember to switch on and off the security light. It has motion sensors that detect if anyone steps into your compound and lights up automatically. Moreover, its IP65 spot is waterproof, while its metal casing is rust-resistant to guarantee durability. Its installation process is also highly simplified, and it will take you only a few minutes.

Pros

  • Its motion sensors make it light up automatically when you get into the room
  • With its waterproof surface, you can use it on your garage or any other outdoor use
  • It has three heads which makes it illuminate a more extensive area

Cons

  • You will face angle restrictions when installing it on the ceiling. It works best if installed on a wall

JJC Flood Light

– Also Consider

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Do you prefer manually switching on or off the flood light, or would you like a lighting device that automatically powers on when it detects motion? The JJC flood light incorporates both settings. Thus, you can choose whichever you want. Its motion sensors are highly advanced, with long-distance sensitivity of up to 65FT. Additionally, it is an energy-saving and long-lasting lighting solution, thanks to its efficient heat dissipation system and the high brightness on a negligible wattage.

Pros

  • It has a time knob that lights up the heads during the night and powers off without human intervention
  • You can use the motion sensors to conserve energy and only light when motion is detected in the darkness
  • It is ETL certified, which guarantees its reliability and durability

Cons

  • It is troublesome when installed under soffit facing downwards

Buying Guide for the Best Flood Lights

Floodlights are an excellent energy-efficient lighting solution if you need extra lighting in your manufacturing plant, yard, or driveway. However, these devices come in various designs. For instance, some have motion sensors, while others have to be operated manually.

Moreover, there are countless counterfeit items in the market. Thus, there are high chances of getting trapped with a poorly constructed floodlight. Not to mention that these items have different lifespans, and you can’t withstand a thing that will need a replacement a week after. In short, you need to be aware of some things before paying for any floodlight, as mentioned below.

What Factors Should You Consider When Purchasing a Flood Light?

Power consumption

The higher the power the floodlight consumes, the higher will be your electricity bill. With that in mind, we don’t need to repeat that you should check on the power consumption of the floodlight.

However, some people think that the higher the power consumption, the brighter the lamp is. That is the case with the normal lighting solutions but not with the floodlights because their brightness significantly relies on the lumen rating. Consequently, a light with lower power consumption and a higher lumen rating will help maintain an affordable electricity bill.

Number of heads

Flood light can have more than one head to help increase its area of coverage. Usually, lights with two heads are suitable for walkways or indoor use. However, if you need a lighting solution for a yard, garden, or any other outdoor use, you should consider three or more heads.

Head design

Moreover, their heads can be fixed or adjustable. Fixed designs can be used in the garage or indoors, but they are not good outdoors because you might need to change the direction of focus of the heads, which favors adjustable head design.

While purchasing a floodlight with an adjustable head, you should consider the degree of adjustability. Some may rotate up to 180 degrees, while others are entirely adjustable up to 360 degrees. The appropriate degree of rotation will depend on the size of your yard, where you should have wide rotation angles for large areas.

Weather resistance

This feature is quite essential if you are looking for a security light to install outside. Thus, it will be exposed to rain or snow. As you might be aware, the IP65 spot is damaged by exposure to moisture. So, make sure the surface of the floodlight is made of waterproof material. You should also ensure it is rust-resistant to avoid environmental oxygenation that causes rust on the material.

Safety

Nonetheless, you wouldn’t pay for an item that keeps your life at risk. The best way to ensure that the floodlight promises your safety is by checking for the ETL certification. Electrical testing labs, abbreviated as ETL, is a program that tests electric devices on their safety standards. Hence, a device with an ETL logo is a guarantee that it is safe for use.

Manual or automatic?

Floodlights can be powered on manually or automatically. For the manual devices, they have a switch that is strategically positioned within your reach. The main flaw of these devices is that they will continue consuming power even during the day if you forget to switch them off.

On the other hand, we have automatic lights, which may have light or motion sensors. The devices with light sensors will power on when darkness approaches and power off when it is daytime. Similarly, the lighting devices with motion sensors detect any movement in the yard at night and power on automatically.

Location

Also, it would be wise to consider the location where you will be mounting the device. First, you should consider the mounting surface. Is it on the wall or ceiling? If it is on the wall, then the direction of the head should be sideways, and preferably it should have at least three heads to light in all directions. In contrast, most of the ceiling mountable floodlights have their heads facing downwards.

Secondly, are you mounting the floodlight indoors or outdoor? For instance, if you are installing it outdoors, it should be weather and rust-resistant. Additionally, if it is an indoor lighting solution, it would be better to have an eye-appealing design and sufficient but safe light for the room.

Which Is the Most Appropriate Level of Brightness in a Flood Light?

Floodlights have a lumen rating which refers to the amount of brightness a bulb can produce per wattage. Basically, the higher the lumen rating, the brighter the floodlight is. However, an extremely high lumen rating may damage your eyes, especially if you use the floodlight indoors. So, how much lumen or lightning do you need for your room?

To determine the amount of lumen needed, you should first check the area of your room. A 250 square feet room requires a floodlight with approximately 5000 lumens. Also, you should note that these measurements are for a room with standard conditions. Else, if you have dark walls which have a poor light reflection or you are using shades with fixtures, you should increase 10 lumens per square feet of the room area.

How Much Does a Flood Light Cost?

The cost of floodlights depends on their power rating. Simply, the higher the power rating, the higher is the price of the floodlight. For instance, a 300 watts floodlight costs approximately $12. Also, you should be mindful of the installation cost of the device. Some of these items have complicated designs that may cost you an expert to have them installed while others have a simpler design such that you can install them all by yourself.

Where Are Flood Lights Commonly Used?

Floodlights are useful in every place that requires unnatural, bright light. First, these devices are common in architectural sites and monuments. In these places, they are used to give a brighter vicinity which makes the area eye-appealing to attract more tourists.

Secondly, these lighting solutions are common in manufacturing plants that need high-intensity lighting every time. Thus, because of the high lumen of these devices, they are more energy-saving despite the long hours of power consumption. Besides, floodlights are common in some of the critical parts of a building such as the front areas or the walkways.

People Also Asked

Q: How many lumens do I need for a flood light?

A: Most people get it wrong when all they want is the brightest floodlight, and they go for the brightest available light, which keeps their eyesight in danger. The needed brightness or the lumen rating depends on the space to be covered-for instance, an area of 25sq. Ft requires a floodlight with 5000 lumens.

Q: Do flood lights consume a lot of power?

A: Not at all. In fact, floodlights are energy-saving lighting solutions with a high lumen output on a very negligible wattage. Consequently, they consume less power regardless of their high brightness.

Q: Why is it called a flood light?

A: Flood lights get their name due to their nature to ‘flood’ an area with brightness at only small wattage consumption. Thus, they are the best energy-saving solutions in the regions that need more lighting than regular bulbs.

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