Best Outdoor Smart Lights (2025)
Outdoor smart lights add security, ambiance, and convenience to your yard. Here are the best options.
For indoor bulbs, see our guide to Best Smart Light Bulbs.
Top Outdoor Smart Lights
| Product | Type | Colors | Hub | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philips Hue Lily | Spotlight | 16 million | Hue Bridge | $140 |
| Philips Hue Calla | Pathway | 16 million | Hue Bridge | $130 |
| Ring Smart Lighting | Path/Step/Spotlight | White only | Ring Bridge | $25-50 |
| Govee Outdoor Lights | String lights | RGBIC | No hub | $80-120 |
| Wyze Outdoor Plug | Controls any light | N/A | No hub | $12 |
Types of Outdoor Smart Lights
Spotlights
Direct light to specific areas: trees, architecture, gardens. Philips Hue Lily is the premium option.
Pathway Lights
Line walkways, driveways, garden paths. Ring and Hue Calla are popular choices.
String Lights
Decorative lights for patios, decks, pergolas. Govee offers affordable RGBIC options.
Floodlights
Bright security lighting. Often combined with motion sensors or cameras.
Smart Outdoor Plugs
Make any existing outdoor light “smart” by controlling the power outlet.
Best Premium: Philips Hue Outdoor
The Hue outdoor lineup includes:
- Lily: Spotlights for landscaping ($140)
- Calla: Pathway bollards ($130)
- Appear: Wall-mounted ($150)
- Amarant: Linear floods ($200)
Pros
- Full 16 million colors
- Integrates with indoor Hue
- Reliable Zigbee mesh
- Excellent build quality
Cons
- Very expensive
- Requires Hue Bridge
- Low-voltage wiring required
Best Value: Ring Smart Lighting
Ring’s outdoor lights are affordable and integrate with Ring cameras/doorbells.
- Pathlight: $25
- Spotlight: $35
- Steplight: $25
- Bridge: $50 (required)
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy setup (solar/battery options)
- Integrates with Ring cameras
- Motion sensor options
Cons
- White only (no colors)
- Requires Ring Bridge
- Not as bright as wired options
Best Decorative: Govee Outdoor String Lights
RGBIC string lights for patios and entertaining areas.
- Colors: RGBIC (multi-segment)
- Lengths: 48ft-96ft options
- Features: Music sync, app control
- Price: $80-150
Easiest Option: Smart Outdoor Plugs
Already have outdoor lights? Make them smart with a plug:
- Wyze Outdoor Plug: $12
- Kasa Outdoor Plug: $20
- Features: Schedule on/off, voice control
This is the cheapest way to add smart control to existing string lights or decorative fixtures.
Weather Ratings Explained
| IP Rating | Protection | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| IP44 | Splash resistant | Covered areas |
| IP65 | Water jets | Most outdoor use |
| IP67 | Submersible (temporary) | Ground-level, pools nearby |
Look for IP65 or higher for exposed outdoor installations.
Power Options
Low-Voltage Wired
Philips Hue outdoor uses 24V low-voltage. Requires transformer and buried wiring. Most reliable, brightest.
Solar
Ring offers solar options. No wiring, but depends on sun exposure. Less bright.
Battery
Ring pathlights have battery options. Convenient but requires recharging.
Plug-In
String lights typically plug into outdoor outlets. Easy setup.
Verdict
Best Premium: Philips Hue outdoor lights. Expensive but unmatched color and quality.
Best Value: Ring Smart Lighting. Affordable, easy to install, works with Ring ecosystem.
Easiest Upgrade: Smart outdoor plug ($12-20) with existing lights.
For indoor bulbs, see: Best Smart Light Bulbs.