Outdoor security cameras are an important part of any security setup, whether at home, the office, or elsewhere. But when night falls, details can get a little… blurry.
Though night vision cameras are a great way to maintain a clear picture in diminished light, even the best doesn’t really compare to the details you can capture in full color with appropriate light.
A floodlight camera, a type of security camera with built-in lights, can help shed a light even on the darkest space, maintaining detail without the need to install external lighting. Learn everything about them, including our picks for the best floodlight camera in 2022.
Table of Contents
What is a Floodlight Camera?
A floodlight camera is a type of security camera with a built-in light. The light is almost always controlled via motion detection, so that when the camera detects movement within range, it will immediately turn on the floodlight.
This will illuminate the subject, creating a full-color, well-lit image from which you will be able to distinguish facial details. You’ll find both wireless and wired floodlight cameras available; a wired floodlight camera is hardwired (usually through walls) and may require professional installation.
Recommended reading: The Best Wired Security Camera Systems of 2022
What is the Difference Between a Spotlight and a Floodlight Camera?
A spotlight is generally a much narrower beam of light (normally no wider than 45 degrees) than a floodlight . A more concentrated beam means that usually on a single subject is illuminated in detail.
On the other hand, a floodlight’s beam could be as wide as 120 degrees or more, illuminating a much larger space. There isn’t necessarily any difference in the actual lumen output as a spotlight—it just diffuses the light more widely, so that more subjects are lit. A floodlight usually also reaches a reasonable distance away.
Are Floodlight Cameras Worth It?
Whether or not you want to invest in a floodlight camera might not be so straightforward. After all, there are good alternatives; namely, night vision cameras and standalone motion detector lights. Here’s three things to consider when deciding whether to invest in a floodlight camera.
1. Existing Lights on the Property
We’re a big fan of outdoor security lights; they’re a failsafe way to keep a property well-lit, potentially helping to discourage intruders, and they should also help maintain a full-color image on a security camera.
As such, we can’t exactly recommend a floodlight camera if the outside of your property already features outdoor lighting, unless there are blind spots that aren’t covered by the existing lights.
2. Budget
Naturally, floodlight cameras are among the more expensive standalone cameras. Ring floodlight camera, Wyze floodlight camera, Arlo pro 3 floodlight camera, Nest floodlight camera and the Eufy floodlight camera are all the most expensive products in their respective lines.
If you’re on a budget, a security camera with night vision, or a low-light mode, should probably suffice. However, if you are intending to install outdoor lighting and security cameras on your property anyway, you’ll most likely make savings by opting for a floodlight camera rather than separate products.
3. Closeness of Windows
Though some form of lighting on the outside of a property is ideal for all security purposes, sometimes the reality is that it isn’t practical for homeowners, neighbors, and renters, especially when windows are near the areas that need to be lit.
Given the scope of floodlights, you may find that buying a standalone spotlight or spotlight camera (such as Arlo’s Essential Spotlight Camera) is more appropriate for your space, or that night vision would be best to avoid unwanted irritation caused by the window.
Our Picks for Best Floodlight Camera in 2022
If you have your sights set on a floodlight camera, we can help you make the best choice. Here’s our top 5 picks for best floodlight camera in 2022.
- Best floodlight camera wireless – Arlo Pro 3 Outdoor Floodlight Camera
- Best floodlight camera wired – Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus
- Best floodlight camera no subscription – eufy Floodlight Camera
- Best smart floodlight camera – Nest Floodlight Camera
- Best affordable floodlight camera – Wyze Cam Floodlight
| Brightness | Main Features | |
| Arlo Pro 3 Outdoor Floodlight Camera | 3,000 lumens | Battery-operated, built-in alarm |
| Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus | 2,000 lumens | Wired connection, built-in alarm |
| eufy Floodlight Camera | 2,500 lumens | Subscription-free, built-in alarm |
| Nest Floodlight Camera | 2,400 lumens | Hardwired, full voice control |
| Wyze Cam Floodlight | 2,600 lumens | Hardwired, affordable |
Arlo Pro 3 Outdoor Floodlight Camera
Best floodlight camera wireless
Available on Arlo, Amazon, and BestBuy. From $196.97 on Amazon.
The Arlo Pro 3 is among the most high quality security cameras available thanks to its crisp 2K video, full color night vision, two-way audio, and other fantastic features. Take that winning formula and slap two ultra-bright, 3,000 lumen LED lights on it and you’ve got Arlo’s flagship floodlight camera offering.
Turn on the lights manually, via the app, or through motion detection, and your yard will be doused in super bright white light. The price tag is steeper than most, but a battery-operated floodlight camera this powerful is hard to come by.
Pros
- Two x 3,000 lumen LEDs are super bright
- Built-in alarm
- Battery-operated
Cons
- Expensive
- Subscription required for smart device use and other features, including recording video
Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus
Best floodlight camera wired
Available on Ring, Amazon, and BestBuy. From $164.99.
Amazon’s Ring Floodlight Cam is hardwired for those wanting that additional peace of mind that comes from a reliable power source. At 2000 lumens, the floodlights aren’t quite as bright as Arlo’s offering, but are still more than bright enough for superior use.
1080p, two-way talk, and a built-in siren are all part of the package, and custom motion detection zones are a great selling point.
Pros
- Hardwired means no drained batteries
- Built-in siren makes it a three-in-one security solution
- Customizable motion detection zones mean notifications are more intelligent.
Cons
- Professional installation may be required
- Signal can be very weak if not very close to Wi-Fi router
- Hardwiring can damage the integrity of walls
eufy Floodlight Camera
Best floodlight camera no subscription
Available on Walmart, Amazon, and BestBuy. From $145.99 on Walmart.
eufy’s affordable line of security cameras and doorbells is among our favorites not just because of the great quality and price point of the products, but because of the lack of monthly fees.
This 1080p, 2,500 lumen floodlight camera with built-in smart siren is truly a one time purchase, so for those not wanting to be tethered to subscription contracts, look no further.
Recommended reading: Review: The Best Wireless Security Cameras 2022 Without Subscription
Pros
- Subscription-free (no eufyCam HomeBase required either!)
- 2,500 lumen LED floodlights with brightness presets for different scenarios.
- Easy connection with Alexa and Google Assistant
Cons
- Motion activated events only (no 24/7 recording)
- Voice control is very limited (can’t control lights).
- Doesn’t support as many third-party apps as competitors like Arlo.
Nest Floodlight Camera
Best smart floodlight camera
Available on BestBuy, Amazon, and Walmart. From $199.99 on BestBuy.
This wired floodlight camera from Google’s flagship Nest line is an attractive option for those willing to spend a little more (and given that the camera clocks in at 1080p HD, you are most definitely paying for the name).
Rather than a standalone unit, you’ll get the original Nest Cam and a floodlight, which attaches via a magnet. The 2,400 lumen floodlight is hardwired, so it will require professional installation.
Pros
- Works seamlessly with other Nest and Google Assistant-enabled products.
- Can be operated entirely through voice controls.
- Superior AI
Cons
- Expensive
- No built-in siren
Wyze Cam Floodlight
Best affordable floodlight camera
Available on Amazon, Wyze, HomeDepot. From $79.98 on Amazon.
This budget-friendly option from Wyze is just as capable, if not more, than many of its competitors, yet is sold for just a fraction of the price. Like Nest’s offering, this is actually a Wyze Cam V3 and a floodlight that attaches.
The floodlight clocks in at 2,600 lumens, making it brighter than Nest, while the camera can capture 1080p HD. Expect motion detection and notifications.
Pros
- Affordable
- Super bright floodlight
- Intelligent motion detection
Cons
- No voice assistant control
- Unattractive
- Subscription brings the price up.
FAQ
What is the purpose of a floodlight camera?
Floodlight cameras are security cameras flanked by LED lights, usually two either side. These illuminate a broad distance, helping to light up the image captured by the camera. This increases detail, including faces.
Which floodlight cam is best?
The Arlo Pro 3 outdoor wireless floodlight camera is the best quality, highest performance floodlight cam on the market—but it comes at a price. Wyze’s floodlight cam is another great choice at just a fraction of the price. Despite its features rivalling those of Nest and Ring, it’ll save you a reasonable chunk of money.
Do you have to pay monthly for a floodlight camera?
Like other security cameras, most floodlight cameras do require monthly or annual fees, either for premium features or cloud storage. eufy’s floodlight camera is an exception to the rule.
How long do floodlight cameras last?
LEDs are well regarded for lasting a very long time—expect at least ten years of use with a 50,000 hour lifespan. They are not replaceable like a regular bulb.
What’s the storage capacity for a floodlight camera?
Almost all floodlight cameras require cloud storage subscriptions for long-term use. eufy’s floodlight camera does not, boasting 8GB of local storage. Old clips will be recorded over once storage fills.
Conclusion
Floodlight cameras make a great addition to any space’s outdoor security protocols, efficiently combining two essential products in one: outdoor lighting and security cameras.
Though they won’t be for everyone, they are particularly useful for moving into a new space that features zero outdoor lighting, saving you money on buying lighting and cameras separately.
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