Best Outdoor Smart Lights UK

ByAnthony Caroleo

Illuminate Your Garden: The Best Outdoor Smart Lights in the UK

Transforming your garden into a smart, secure, and beautifully lit space is easier than ever with the wide range of outdoor smart lights available in the UK. From enhancing security to creating a relaxing ambiance for summer evenings, the right smart lights can significantly improve your outdoor living experience. But with so many options on the market, choosing the perfect set of lights can be a daunting task. This comprehensive guide will explore the best outdoor smart lights in the UK, considering factors like brightness, weather resistance, smart features, compatibility, and, of course, value for money.

Understanding Your Needs: What to Consider Before You Buy

Before diving into specific products, it’s crucial to define your needs and priorities. Consider these key factors:

  • Purpose: Are you primarily looking for security lighting, decorative lighting, or a combination of both? Security lights often prioritize brightness and motion detection, while decorative lights focus on colour, ambiance, and aesthetic appeal.
  • Area Coverage: How large is the area you need to illuminate? Smaller gardens may only require a few strategically placed lights, while larger spaces may benefit from a more extensive system.
  • Weather Resistance: Given the UK’s unpredictable weather, ensure your chosen lights are rated for outdoor use with a suitable IP rating (Ingress Protection). IP65 or higher is generally recommended for resisting rain and dust.
  • Smart Home Ecosystem: Which smart home ecosystem are you already invested in? Choosing lights compatible with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, or Apple HomeKit will streamline integration and control.
  • Power Source: Do you prefer wired or wireless lights? Wired lights generally offer greater reliability, while wireless lights offer easier installation and flexibility. Solar-powered options are ideal for eco-conscious consumers.
  • Budget: Smart lighting can range from budget-friendly to premium, so set a realistic budget before you start browsing.

Top Contenders: A Review of the Best Outdoor Smart Lights in the UK

Based on performance, features, and value, here are some of the best outdoor smart lights currently available in the UK:

Philips Hue Outdoor Lighting Range

Philips Hue is a dominant player in the smart lighting market, and their outdoor range is equally impressive. Known for their vibrant colours, seamless integration, and extensive features, Hue lights are a popular choice for UK homeowners.

Products to Consider:

  • Philips Hue Lily Spot Lights: Ideal for highlighting plants, pathways, or architectural features. These low-voltage spotlights offer a wide spectrum of colours and are easy to install. Available at retailers like Argos, Currys PC World, and directly from the Philips Hue website.
  • Philips Hue Calla Bollard: Perfect for lining driveways or garden paths. These stylish bollard lights provide both functional and decorative illumination.
  • Philips Hue Outdoor LightStrip: Versatile and flexible, this lightstrip can be mounted under eaves, along fences, or around patios to create a stunning ambient glow. It’s easily purchased from Amazon UK and John Lewis.
  • Philips Hue Welcome Floodlight: A powerful and bright floodlight with motion detection capabilities. Excellent for security purposes and illuminating larger areas.

Pros:

  • Excellent colour accuracy and brightness.
  • Seamless integration with Philips Hue ecosystem and other smart home platforms (Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit).
  • Wide range of products to suit different needs.
  • Durable and weather-resistant.

Cons:

  • Requires a Philips Hue Bridge (sold separately).
  • Can be relatively expensive compared to other brands.

Ring Smart Lighting

Ring, known for their security cameras and doorbells, also offers a comprehensive range of smart outdoor lighting solutions specifically designed for enhanced security. Ring lights seamlessly integrate with their security ecosystem, providing a powerful deterrent against potential intruders.

Products to Consider:

  • Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro: Combines a powerful floodlight with a high-definition security camera. Offers advanced motion detection, customisable alerts, and two-way talk. Available directly from Ring, Amazon UK, and Argos.
  • Ring Spotlight Cam Battery: A versatile battery-powered spotlight with a built-in camera. Easy to install and ideal for areas where wiring is difficult.
  • Ring Pathlight: Small but effective pathlights that illuminate walkways and driveways. They integrate with the Ring Bridge and can trigger other Ring devices when motion is detected.
  • Ring Steplight Adds subtle safety lighting to steps and stairs, and can be integrated with the wider Ring system for notifications and triggers.

Pros:

  • Designed for security, offering bright illumination and motion detection.
  • Seamless integration with Ring security cameras and doorbells.
  • Easy to install (especially battery-powered options).
  • Customisable motion zones and alerts.

Cons:

  • Requires a Ring Bridge (for most lights).
  • Subscription required for video recording and advanced features.
  • Colour options limited compared to Philips Hue.

TP-Link Kasa Smart Outdoor Lights

TP-Link Kasa offers a budget-friendly entry point into the world of smart outdoor lighting. Their lights are easy to set up and control directly through the Kasa app, without the need for a separate hub.

Products to Consider:

  • Kasa Smart Outdoor Plug KP400: A weatherproof smart plug that allows you to control any outdoor device, including traditional string lights, fountains, or heaters, remotely. Widely available at retailers like Amazon UK and Currys PC World.
  • Kasa Smart Outdoor Dimmer Plug KP405 Provides dimming control for compatible outdoor lights, allowing for custom ambiance.
  • Kasa Smart Flood Light KL430: A Wi-Fi connected flood light that doesn’t require a bridge.

Pros:

  • More affordable than Philips Hue and Ring.
  • Easy to set up and use.
  • No hub required.
  • Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant.

Cons:

  • Limited range of products compared to other brands.
  • Colour options may be less vibrant.
  • Durability may be a concern in harsh weather conditions.

LIFX Outdoor Lighting

LIFX offers a range of smart lights that work directly over Wi-Fi, no hub needed. Their products are known for their exceptionally bright and vibrant colours.

Products to Consider

  • LIFX Outdoor Festoon Lights: Perfect for creating an atmospheric, colourful outdoor space. These lights are weather-resistant and offer a wide range of colours and effects. Available at retailers like Amazon UK and directly from LIFX.
  • LIFX Beam: A modular strip light that works well under eves, decking or to highlight architectural details.

Pros:

  • Bright and vibrant colours.
  • No hub needed, works directly over Wi-Fi.
  • Easy to set up.
  • Works with Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit

Cons:

  • Can be relatively expensive.
  • Some users have reported connectivity issues.

Solar-Powered Smart Lights

For an eco-friendly and energy-efficient option, consider solar-powered smart lights. These lights harness the power of the sun to illuminate your garden, reducing your carbon footprint and saving you money on electricity bills.

Products to Consider:

  • Eufy Solocam S40: This wire-free security camera also features a bright integrated spotlight and solar panel. Easy to install and eco-friendly. Available on Amazon UK.
  • Arlo Pro 4 spotlight camera While technically a security camera, it has become increasingly popular as a high powered solar light. The optional solar panel makes this extremely low maintenance.
  • TomCare Solar Lights: These decorative lights offer a warm, flickering flame effect, adding a touch of ambiance to your garden. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. Available at retailers like Amazon UK.

Pros:

  • Eco-friendly and energy-efficient.
  • No wiring required.
  • Low running costs.

Cons:

  • Performance depends on sunlight availability.
  • Brightness may be lower compared to wired lights.
  • Battery life can degrade over time.

Installation Tips for Outdoor Smart Lights in the UK

Proper installation is essential to ensure the longevity and performance of your outdoor smart lights. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Read the instructions: Always carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions before installation.
  • Check the IP rating: Ensure the lights are suitable for outdoor use and can withstand the UK’s weather conditions.
  • Use weatherproof connectors: When connecting wired lights, use weatherproof connectors to protect against moisture.
  • Bury cables: If running cables across your garden, bury them to prevent tripping hazards and damage.
  • Consider placement: Position lights strategically to maximize their effectiveness. Consider factors like security, ambiance, and aesthetics.
  • Test before securing: Before permanently securing the lights, test them to ensure they are working correctly and communicate with your smart home system.
  • Use a qualified electrician: For complex installations or if you are unsure about electrical work, consult a qualified electrician.

Securing Your Smart Garden Lights

Sadly, garden theft is a real issue, and expensive smart lights can be a target. Consider these tips to deter theft:

  • Physical Security: Where possible, try to mount lights in areas difficult to reach. Use tamper-proof screws if supplied. Consider security cages for exposed lights in vulnerable areas.
  • Visible Deterrent: A security camera near your lights can deter thieves. Ring and Arlo offer integrated camera/light combinations which act as a visible deterrent.
  • Motion Activation: Set your lights to activate with motion. A sudden burst of light can scare off potential thieves.
  • Smart Home Integration: Integrate your lights with your smart home security system. Consider setting up routines to simulate occupancy when you are away, turning lights on and off at different times.

Conclusion: Illuminating Your Smart Home Future

Investing in outdoor smart lights is a great way to enhance the security, aesthetics, and functionality of your garden. By carefully considering your needs, budget, and smart home ecosystem, you can choose the perfect set of lights to create a beautiful and intelligent outdoor space. The Philips Hue range offers superior integration and colour, Ring is hard to beat for Security features, while TP-Link Kasa provides a budget-friendly alternative. Solar options provide eco-friendly options to help keep your carbon footprint down.

Similar Posts