6 Best Motion Sensor Light Bulbs & Socket

The 11 per cent of the energy bill for an average house comes from the lighting. A motion sensor light bulb can reduce this cost drastically. It’s not just the amount of money you save; you will save yourself of the trouble of finding the light switch in the dark.

Though the benefits are so many, there is a chance you can get confused when you are looking to buy the motion sensor light bulbs and sockets because there are so many in the market.

But don’t worry we are here to save you from the trouble. We have already tested 24 bulbs. After 122 hours of testing and several interviews with nine experts, we created a list of 6 light bulbs with motion sensor that are best among all. Here it is:

Top Picks

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Best Motion Sensor Light Bulbs

1. Sengled SS-PAR38NAE26W LED – Best For Outdoor

Sengled SS-PAR38NAE26W LED

Sengled is a popular brand of lights. They have a huge range of light bulbs. The Sengled SS impressed us straight away with its looks. It is designed for outdoors and is 100 percent waterproof. The manufacturer boasts that it can last up to 25000 hours and uses only 0.2 W of energy in standby mode.

We began our tests by installing it in a dark corner outside our testing room. We asked one of our team members to approach the light. We had already marked the distance on the floor so that we know when the light is illuminated. Right on the mark of 30 ft, the light illuminated. It remains illuminated for 90 seconds until there is no movement.

We measured its illumination. It was 1000 lumens which are good if you like to install a motion sensor light on your front door, garage or backyard. Being an LED light, it hardly consumes any energy. You will be able to save a lot on energy bills from outdoor lights.

As for as the installation is concerned it can replace any traditional bulbs. There is no need for additional hardware. However, we recommend you to install this light on the entry points so that it is lit as soon as a person enters into the area.

The manufacturer says it is waterproof, so we had to test it in rainy conditions. We simulated a simple rain, and we tested the bulb. There was no difference in its performance. It detected the movement within 30 feet and illuminated instantaneously.

Things We Like

Perfect for outdoor.
Waterproof and eco-friendly.
Long lasting.
Highly sensitive sensor.
Uses only 0.2 watts in standby mode.

Things We Don't Like

Not as bright for outdoor lighting.

Bottom Line

It is one of the best for outdoors. You can easily install it for your garage, backyard or porch.

2. First Alert PIR725 – Best For Basements

First Alert PIR725

First Alert is a big brand known for offering reputed home automation products. The First Alert PIR725 is a socket and not a bulb, but it can accommodate any type of bulb.

It is mainly designed for indoor use and can detect any motion with its 12 feet. We tested it with both incandescent and fluorescent lights. We found that it works better with 100 watts and 50-watt bulbs.

Having a socket with motions has its advantage. It is more cost-effective. The motion sensor bulbs are costlier than tradition bulbs. So if you are using the First Alert socket and the bulb malfunction you won’t have to replace the whole costly socket, replacing the traditional bulb will do the job.

The illumination also depends on the type of bulb you use. We tested it with 100-watt bulbs. It is perfect for any room, but we suggest using it for laundry, closet, attics, basement, garage etc.

Things We Like

Highly sensitive sensor.
Very cost effective option.
Good for small rooms.
Can be used with traditional bulbs.

Things We Don't Like

Not all LED lights will fit in the socket.

Bottom Line

If you are looking for a socket with a motion sensor, then this First Alert is the best option.

3. Sengled LED (Smartsense) – Best For Budget Conscious Users

Sengled LED with Motion Sensor

We have already discussed a Sengled for outdoor on this list. If you want a similar light for indoor use, Sengled has one for you. The Sengled LED almost similar to Sengled SS-PAR38NAE26W LED. It has a sensor that can detect movement within 30 feet of its installation. Also, it remains on for 90 seconds.

We installed it for a room of 12×14 inches. It illuminated the room to our satisfaction. However, with room bigger than that you would require two or more bulbs. We also tested its sensitivity, and it illuminates within its range. But we realized that though the lighting is good, the angle of lighting is restricted.

We measured its illumination. It is around 800 lumen. So we advise you to use this light for walk-in closet, attic, passages, stairs and not for drawing room or bedroom. The Smartsense technology is so good that until there is movement in its range, it remains lit. Even the smallest movement is enough to trigger the light.

Things We Like

Smartsense technology is very good.
Long-lasting bulb.
Highly energy efficient.
Suitable for indoor use.
Cheap compared to other lights.

Things We Don't Like

Illumination could have been better.

Bottom Line

If you want the best light for indoor use, we would recommend you to not look beyond this Sengled light.

4. Light It! By Fulcrum – Best For Following Movement

Light It! By Fulcrum

The Light It! By Fulcrum impressed with its unique feature. It not only detects the motion and provides light but it follows the motion automatically. It was one of our experts who suggested this model to us.

Installation wasn’t that hard, but you do require nails and hammers to fit this light fitting. You require two screws to install the light. The best place to install the light is either a porch or backyard or even a basement.

It uses heat to detect the motion in its range. We had to test out its unique feature of auto-follow. We asked one of a team member to move around at different speeds, to see how fast the movement of light was. We had to admit it is impressive. The light remains illuminated for 30 seconds after the motion is detected.

If you move, two fast, light might take some time to follow you. The light works only in the range of 25 ft and has a detection angle of 100 degrees. As far as the illumination is concerned, it cast a wide beam. As it uses LEDs as a source of light, it also very energy efficient. The manufacturers promise that it can last for more than 100,000 hrs.

Things We Like

Beam follows the movement.
Ultra-wide beam.
Good for the front porch.
Long lasting LED lights.
Highly energy efficient.

Things We Don't Like

Only suitable for outdoor lighting.

Bottom Line

There is no doubt that its ability to follow movement is its best feature. We recommend this light for the front door.

5. Aukora E26 – Best For 100 W Output

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Aukora E26 motion activated light

Most of the motion sensor activated light that we tested were not that great regarding output. During our tests, we found that the maximum output the lights provided is equivalent to 50 Watt traditional bulb. There are not many that provide an output of 100 Watt.

Out of few, we found Aukora E26 motion activated light bulb a promising choice. It uses 12 watts to provide the output of 100 watts. The illumination was also more than 1000 lumens.

Though we found that the bulb is not effective beyond 12 ft, so you cannot install it higher than 12 feet. It works best when installed downwards. However, the sensor angle is between 120-150 which is much higher than other motion sensor bulbs.

When we were testing the product, it was quick to detect the movement and remained on until the movement is there. After the user leaves, it remains on for 30 seconds and shuts off. It is perfect for night use.

Things We Like

Higher output compared to other bulbs.
Wider sensor angle.
Long-lasting bulb.
High efficiency.

Things We Don't Like

The range of the sensor could have been bigger.

Bottom line

If you are looking for the motion sensor light bulbs with an output of 100 Watts, then you try out this Aukora bulb.

6. AMIR Stick-AnyWhere – Best For Long Battery Life

AMIR Motion Sensor Light

It is not an actual bulb, but its a motion sensor lights that could be useful in very small spaces like drawers, kitchen cabinets, closets, stairs.

Why our team liked these lights because sometimes the need is not for the biggest and brightest light but small and compact one, for instance, you want to take something out of a sock drawer, but you do not want to disturb your loved one by turning the bright lights of the bedroom, what do you need? A small light fit right into the drawer could do the job. If you see the structure the light it small and uses three AAA batteries, hence, no wiring is required. You can place the light with the help of an adhesive strip even in the smallest areas.

We tested with small drawers, cabinets, and closets. One single light fitting is perfect for it. When the movement is detected, the light turns and remains on for 15 seconds if no further movement is detected it shuts off. It detects the movement within 10 ft of its range. It also has a magnet on the back. So you can stick it any metal surface you like.

Things We Like

Perfect for small and compact spaces.
Very cheap.
No wiring is required.
It can place with the help of adhesive or magnet.

Things We Don't Like

Not suitable for lighting big spaces.

Bottom Line

If you are looking for lights for very small areas, you can get these lights. They come in a pack of 3 or 6.

Buyer’s Guide – What To Consider?

With so many options to choose from, how do you find the right motion sensor bulbs? It is the biggest question every buyer has. During our tests, we realised what do the users expect from a motion sensor bulb. They want a hands-free way to switch on and off the lights. Some others may want it to be a part of home security.

Looking at the needs, we identified a few factors that could affect your decision. Let’s look at them one by one:

1. Installation

Installation doesn’t mean how you will be installing the bulb. It is more about where you want to install it. Most importantly you want the motion sensor bulb in areas where its pitch dark and hard to find the switch like an attic, basement, porch at night, garage etc.

So, when you are looking to buy the motion sensor bulb, you will have to look at the place you want to use it for. If you want to use it for small spaces like a garage, storage room or basement, we recommend getting a brighter light with a high sensor range. These space may be small, but they are the size of a small room.

If such spaces are bigger than average size, use a combination of lights. You can put may be a light at the entrance and then one in the centre of the room. For such spaces something like Sengled LED with Motion Sensor would be great.

If you are looking to install lights for stairs or passage, we advise you to get a light that can be installed in downwards. The main reason for adding lights to these areas is visibility while walking. For such areas you can use something like Aukora E26 motion activated light .

For even smaller places you can use AMIR Motion Sensor Light AMIR Motion Sensor Light.

2. Movement Detector

The sensor is another major aspect of motion sensor light bulb. Most of the sensor use heat to detect the movement. There is not much to look into the technology it uses to detect the motion. However, you do have to look into the range of the motion sensor and the sense angle.

The range of most of the motion sensors we have discussed in this post is between 10 feet to 30 feet. You have to understand not always 30 feet of the range will be best. For confined places like a cabinet or close using a bulb with a sensor range of 30 feet is useless.

Yes, but if you are using light bulbs either in a room or outdoor, you need a sensor range of 30 feet. A good way to understand the range of the sensor is to know how much area do you want your bulb to cover.

Sense angle is also necessary. Sense angle is the maximum angle at which it can detect the motion. Sometimes light bulbs are not installed directly overhead; they can be installed at an angle or near the floor. Hence, the sensed angle becomes important. But unlink range, it is dependent on the size of space. It is wise to use the bulbs with the maximum amount of sense angle.

3. Illumination

We know how important brightness is for any bulb. It is the size of the space that determines the intensity of illumination.

For rooms like bedrooms or drawing room, you will require a bull that has illumination well above 1000 lumens. You will require one or two units if the space too big. Such as Sengled SS-PAR38NAE26W LED.

For areas like porch or backyard or garage, you need a spotlight to help you see or work. In such a case even if the illumination is low, light must be well directed. For very confined spaces, the light should be enough to brighten up space, not the whole area as you may not want to disturb other people during the night.

4. Lifespan

Most of the light bulbs we have mentioned use LED as a light source. LEDs are known to have a long life span. So make sure when you are looking for the light bulbs stick to LEDs.

Always make sure you check the specification given by the manufacturers. They mention the lifespan of the bulb in hours. In addition to life span, see what their warranty policies are.

You don’t want to get a light bulb that has a low life span and no warranty. LEDs are expensive compared to traditional light bulbs, and you don’t want to spend your money every few months on lightings.

How Do We Conduct Our Tests?

Motion Sensor Light Bulbs Testing and Reviewing

Our team brought 24 different models of light bulbs that are popular. We knew we have to serve different types of users. So what we did that we designed different test areas depending on the use of motion sensor bulbs.

We had a normal 12×14 inch room, stairway, passage, garage, and kitchen cabinet. These areas covered all types of area that are available in an average house. Once the area was ready, we designed tests based on the parameters like brightness, sensor, energy, durability etc. After 122 hours of testing, we examined the results.

Also, we also interview several experts on light bulbs to not only help us understand the results but also help us understand more about the product.

We also wanted to know the views of the users who have months or years of experience of using one or other model. For that, we went through several consumer sites. We contacted local stores and reached to different communities. It helped us to understand how the products have been performing throughout several years.

Once we had a nice idea about each product. We asked our team score the bulbs based on the results, expert interviews, and user experiences. Based on all the information we sorted out the best five motion sensor light bulbs for you. Here is the scorecard for them.

Product Name	Sensor	Installation	Brightness	overall	Price
AMIR Motion Sensor Light	97.4	96.4	95.9	96.57	Check Price
Aukora 12W	96.8	97.1	96.8	96.90	Check Price
Light It! By Fulcrum	97.6	96.4	97.2	97.07	Check Price
Sengled LED with Motion Sensor	97.4	98.6	96.2	97.40	Check Price
First Alert PIR725	97.4	98.4	97.2	97.67	Check Price
Sengled SS-PAR38NAE26W LED	98.2	98.6	97.6	98.13	Check Price

Final Thought

Light bulbs are things that you will use daily and will have an effect on your electricity bills. So you want something that is energy efficient and durable. In addition to these, you want it to work the way you want. Motion sensor light will be mostly used in low light conditions; you do not want to be stuck with old fashioned light with a switch where you struggle for searching the light every time you enter the room. We have done all the research and presented you with the best options to choose from. Identify your needs, budget and then go through our list to buy the top motion sensor light bulbs for your home.