The 7 Best Floodlight Cameras, Tested
If you frequently hear car alarms sounding off at night in your neighborhood, it might be time for a floodlight camera. These devices feature a high-resolution camera with horizontal viewing angles up to 140 degrees. Some have the ability to produce 2500 lumens of light or more while recording events in the immediate area.
We wanted to see how easy it was to install a floodlight camera and how much peace of mind it offered, so we tested today’s top models. We installed the devices and then synced them with our Wi-Fi network so we could determine how well their various functions performed. Most of the models we tested had to be hardwired to an existing light box, but one was powered by a small solar panel. Our top recommendation is the Arlo Pro 3 thanks to its clear video quality and night light capabilities.
Once we installed the cameras, we were able to use our smart devices to view activity outdoors in real time and to record movements and events. Ahead, learn what to look for when shopping for the best floodlight camera, and find out why the following models earned a spot on this lineup.
- BEST OVERALL: Arlo Pro 3 Wireless Floodlight Camera
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Geeni Sentry Smart Wi-Fi Floodlight Camera
↓ Jump to Review - UPGRADE PICK: Eufy S330 Floodlight Cam 2 Pro
↓ Jump to Review - BEST DUAL LIGHT: Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus
↓ Jump to Review - BEST WITH SIREN: Amcrest SmartHome Wi-Fi Floodlight Camera
↓ Jump to Review - BEST VIEW FEATURES: Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro
↓ Jump to Review - ALSO CONSIDER: Eufy E221 Floodlight Cam
↓ Jump to Review
How We Tested the Best Floodlight Cameras
We wanted to know just how beneficial floodlight cameras were, so we tested some of the highest-rated models available today. To do so effectively, we installed them in suitable areas, which required hardwiring for all but one solar model. We did this using wiring already in place for existing porch lights and floodlights.
We downloaded the relevant app for each camera and followed the steps to sync the camera with our Wi-Fi network. We then used the apps to configure the cameras’ functions and view live shots of the areas. After dark, we approached the cameras to see how close we could get before triggering the motion-detection sensors. We also measured the distance of the light each floodlight cast and we noted the range of camera view.
When possible, we uploaded the videos to the company’s Cloud storage and synced the cameras to our Echo Show, where we could see a live view via the Show’s display screen. We inspected the video images for clarity and facial recognition, which was good across the whole range of cameras. We tested the sirens and figured out which ones were the loudest (just by ear). We used the two-way audio features and paid attention to how clear voices sounded and whether the microphone picked up background noise.
Over the course of 3 weeks, we continued testing, using our smart devices to monitor the live view. During that time, we sprayed the cameras with a light mist from the garden hose to see whether the casing was waterproof. All cameras came through that test with flying colors.
We used a rubric and awarded points for each test. At the end of the testing, we added the points and used them to help identify the award categories for each floodlight camera.
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 7 |
| Time spent testing | 2 hours per camera |
| Tests performed | 7 to 8 |
| Price range | $80 to $250 |
Our Top Picks
For a floodlight camera to earn a spot on this lineup, it had to come with at least 1080p resolution. We felt lower-resolution cameras didn’t provide enough clarity for security purposes. In addition, we only tested devices with floodlights brighter than 1800 lumens. Some models had additional features such as infrared night vision, sirens, and two-way communication. We tried every function to determine the versatility of each camera. The following cameras took top honors in our hands-on tests.
Best Overall
Arlo Pro 3 Wireless Floodlight Camera
This Bob Vila Approved product carries our brand’s highest level of recommendation.
Bob Vila Approved recognizes the household and DIY products that impressed us most in our real-world testing and that exemplify core values of the Bob Vila brand, including craftsmanship, innovation, and value for the dollar. Winners of this designation come recommended by our professional review team and are personally approved by Bob Vila.
Our Ratings: Installation 5/5; Performance 4/5; Durability 5/5; Video Quality 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Camera resolution: Up to 2K
- Lumens: 2000 lumens
- Camera field of view: 160 degrees
What We Like
- High-resolution camera; HDR quality for identifying visitors
- Siren included in construction in case of intruders or unexpected visitors
- 2-way audio for ease of communication
- Infrared night vision for high visibility
What We Don’t Like
- Requires the purchase of solar panel for remote charging
- 2-way audio distorted in windy conditions
- After 3 months, users must pay for Cloud storage
For clear images, ample lumens, and helpful extras without hardwiring, the Arlo Pro 3 is an excellent all-around floodlight camera. To get started, we downloaded the Arlo app (the unit doesn’t come with printed installation instructions in the box), which worked without a hitch and walked us through the setup with concise, easy-to-follow directions. We installed the Pro 3 beside an exterior door and attached the Arlo Solar Panel to charge its battery (sold separately). Alternatively, users can charge the battery by plugging its power cord into a standard power outlet. We configured the Pro 3 from our smartphone and synced it to our Echo Show. By issuing the voice command, “Alexa, show the courtyard camera,” we could see the area clearly on the Show’s screen; we could even zoom in for a closer look.
We were impressed with Arlo’s exceptional clarity, thanks to a 2K camera with high-definition resolution (HDR) that creates an ultraclear color picture, even in dark conditions. The floodlight is bright, too, with a 2000-lumen output.
The motion detector on the Pro 3 triggered the floodlights and started recording in 1-minute increments. The camera captures a 160-degree range of view, and we found images on both the daylight and nighttime videos clear and well defined. The camera’s two-way audio allowed us to talk back and forth, but on a windy day, the sound was slightly distorted
The Arlo Pro 3 also has an optional siren, which is quite loud. We were able to trigger the siren from the app, and we could also configure it to go off when motion was detected. The only downside we noticed was that the rechargeable battery in the Arlo Pro 3 ran down quickly after a few cloudy days when the solar panel wasn’t fully charging it. However, this could be remedied simply by running its cord to an outlet. We took advantage of Arlo’s free 3-month trial Cloud storage to upload and view our videos.
Get the Arlo floodlight camera at Amazon, Best Buy, or The Home Depot.
Best Bang for the Buck
Geeni Sentry Smart Wi-Fi Floodlight Camera
Our Ratings: Installation 4/5; Performance 5/5; Durability 3/5; Video Quality 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Camera resolution: 1080p
- Lumens: 2100 lumens
- Camera field of view: 140 degrees
What We Like
- High lumen output; 2100 lumens of light for ample visibility
- Includes security siren in the event of intruders or unexpected visitors
- Can record to SD card for storing footage
What We Don’t Like
- Not as durable as higher-priced cameras
- Motion detection may be too sensitive
- Must be hardwired to operate correctly
Home security needn’t come at a high price with the Geeni Sentry Floodlight Camera, which offers some of the same impressive features of pricier brands at an affordable cost. The Geeni requires hardwiring, so we connected it to an existing exterior light box and then downloaded the Geeni app, which gave us easy-to-understand instructions for configuring the camera and syncing it to our Alexa Show. Geeni doesn’t offer a free Cloud storage trial, but an SD card port located on the back of the device offers an alternate method of video storage. We slipped an 8-gigabyte (GB) SD card into the slot and started testing.
We approached the Geeni, which detected our movement at a distance of about 16 feet, triggering the floodlights and the camera’s recording. More motion-detection range would have been nice, but the 2100-lumen floodlights were bright enough to startle an intruder. The camera has a 140-degree view range, which is sufficient for seeing a good portion of a small yard or entry, and the 1080p video resolution was clear—we could easily see facial features.
A minor downside was the high sensitivity of the motion detector. It triggered the lights and camera (and siren, when enabled) when something as small as a hummingbird flew past. The siren is very loud, so we opted to engage it only manually from our smartphone to avoid false alerts.
After testing the camera for 3 weeks, we removed the SD card and checked the videos. Unfortunately, our 8GB SD card had run out of memory, so it didn’t record the last few videos. We suggest using an SD card with more memory for users who want to capture videos without paying a Cloud-storage subscription fee. That issue aside, we found the Geeni to be a robust floodlight camera that affords home security at an attractive price point.
Get the Geeni floodlight camera at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Newegg.
Upgrade Pick
Eufy S330 Floodlight Cam 2 Pro
Our Ratings: Installation 5/5; Performance 5/5; Durability 5/5; Video Quality 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Camera resolution: 2K
- Lumens: 3000 lumens
- Camera field of view: 360 degrees
What We Like
- Camera can tilt and pan 360 degrees for excellent security and visibility
- Camera will lock onto a subject automatically in case of intruders
- 3 powerful LED floodlights produce 3000 lumens of light
- Pets did not trigger the lights or camera; only detects real threats
What We Don’t Like
- No siren integrated into the machine; may not be ideal for some users’ preferences
While most security cameras are limited to pointing in a single direction, the Eufy Floodlight Cam 2 Pro can rotate 360 degrees and tilt as well, allowing the user to track visitor or trespasser movement through the property. It uses artificial-intelligence technology and advanced motion detection to lock onto a moving subject automatically and follow the individual through the coverage area.
This floodlight camera looked impressive out of the box, and we opted to install it on the underside of our covered patio ceiling where it could monitor the comings and goings of visitors to our back door. This is another hardwired model, so it should be installed in the place of an existing exterior light. At 3000 lumens, this is the brightest of all the camera lights we tested. When triggered, it lit up the entire 15-foot-by-15-foot patio, plus about 10 feet beyond it.
We’d already installed the Eufy app for another model, and it quickly detected this camera. We were able to configure the light’s intensity, video recording duration, and motion-detection sensitivity from the app. The camera provides 8GB of internal storage and offers a subscription Cloud storage plan. The 2K camera resolution was clear and we could easily identify facial features. Unfortunately, motion detection does not trigger the camera or lights until a person gets about 18 feet away.
The big difference between this floodlight camera and others we tested was the ability to pan the camera angle from our smartphone to see in different directions. This gave us a 360-degree range of view, which was pretty impressive. This Eufy model doesn’t come with two-way audio or a siren, but it’s a top pick for those who want high-resolution videos, tracking ability, and bright illumination.
Get the Eufy floodlight cam 2 Pro at Amazon, Best Buy, or Newegg.
Best Dual Light
Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus
Our Ratings: Installation 4/5; Performance 5/5; Durability 5/5; Video Quality 5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Camera resolution: 1080p
- Lumens: 2000 lumens
- Camera field of view: 140 degrees
What We Like
- Syncs with Echo Show and Alexa for monitoring and adjusting
- In-color night images for ample visibility and security
- Clear and audible 2-way talking for ease of communication
- Integrated siren to alert homeowners of threats or unexpected visitors
What We Don’t Like
- Shallow motion-detection range may not meet the needs of some users
This Ring floodlight camera comes with two adjustable lamps that we configured to reach where we wanted the most illumination. While these are fairly bright floodlights—the two together produce 2000 lumens, and each throws bright light to a distance of about 20 feet—we found the motion-detection range to be on the short side, about 13 feet away from the device.
Setup was quick and easy through the Ring app, although we still had to hardwire the camera using the wires from an existing light. We could sync the camera to our Wi-Fi and Echo Show, allowing us to view live streaming video on the Echo Show display screen. Ring offers a free 30-day Cloud storage trial so that we could upload and store our test videos online.
The Ring floodlight camera has a view zone of 140 degrees, and its 1080p resolution offers ample clarity—we could identify facial features, even on the nighttime recordings. We were able to configure the motion sensitivity to pick up only humans and not pets or birds, which was a nice feature.
We were able to receive notifications on our smartphone when motion triggered the camera, and the Ring features two-way audio that transmits voices clearly. The siren, which can be triggered by motion or manually from a smartphone, was quite loud and seemed adequate to startle an intruder.
Get the Ring Wired Plus floodlight camera at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Best Buy.
Best with Siren
Amcrest SmartHome Wi-Fi Floodlight Camera
