The 10 Best Floodlight Security Cameras (2024)

Recording color footage at night can be challenging. Infrared night vision does a decent job. However, it cannot reproduce colors and has a limited distance.

The alternative is to provide ambient lighting to the environment. The most optimal solution for this is floodlight cameras. These include their own light source that's also effective as an active deterrent.

My main recommendation for a floodlight camera is the Lorex 2MP Floodlight Security Camera. It has a dual-spotlight setup with a 4000 Lumen brightness and a wide area of effect. It also has two-way communication, ideal for deterring intruders.

My second pick is the Wyze Cam Floodlight Floodlight Security Camera. It has a 2600 Lumen LED dual-setup. On top of that, it has a siren and two-way audio as extra deterrents.

The 10 Best Floodlight Security Cameras (2024)

The Lorex V261LCD-E Floodlight Security Camera provides good value as an IP-based floodlight camera. It records footage at 1080p (1920x1080) using a 2MP camera, and it has a 137-degree field of view.

The defining characteristic of this Lorex floodlight camera is the dual-LED setup that can illuminate the environment with 4,000 lumens. (which would be great for a garage entrance or backyard.) The camera supports AC electrical wiring and will easily interface with light fixture wiring. For data transfer, it relies on 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and includes a MicroSD card slot for local storage.

The Wyze Cam Floodlight is a very reasonably-priced floodlight camera. The included Wyze Cam v3 uses a 2MP camera to record 1080p footage. (1920x1080) It is rated at IP65 and includes an in-built siren and speaker/microphone combo for two-way communication.

A unique feature of the Wyze Cam Floodlight is the ability to provide power to a second Wyze Cam v3 via USB. So you can set up another camera -- to cover another angle -- without needing to do extra wiring.

The dual-LED setup provides 2600 Lumens. Along with the three separate PIR (passive infrared) sensors, the Wyze Floodlight will have a 270 degrees FOV.

The Eufy Floodlight Cam 2 Pro Security Camera is a full 360 degree compatible PT (pan and tile) camera that records footage at a 2K resolution of 2560x1920.

The device has three dedicated spotlights with Smart lighting features for automation. There are also intelligent features such as object detection and tracking. The spotlights have a maximum brightness of 3,000 lumens and can provide enough ambient lighting for the Eufy camera to record full-color night vision footage for extra clarity.

On top of these intelligent features, this device also includes audio-based features such as a remote-activated 100db siren and two-way communication.

The Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Security Camera has a distinct design that includes the camera and spotlight on a slender flat surface. Nonetheless, the entire setup is wire-free and easy to install almost anywhere.

The device records 2K footage (2560x1440) using a 4MP sensor. It has a 1/3" and can cover a FOV of 160 degrees diagonally. Along with that, the 3,000 Lumen in-built spotlight helps deter intruders and record full-color night-vision footage.

There are multiple power options for this device. It can be powered using AC solar panels (sold separately) and rechargeable batteries.

Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro Security Camera is another great addition that includes a 1080p 2MP camera with 140 degrees horizontal and 80-degree vertical FOVs.

There are two spotlights, each having a maximum brightness of 2,000 Lumens. The camera cannot automatically pan and tilt, but it can easily detect people and notify the owner via the Ring app.

Speaking of which, the Ring app allows several features such as activating the warning lights and 110 dB siren, performing two-way communication, and even customizing motion zones. (so the camera won't trigger passing cars or pedestrians from afar.)

The Blink Outdoor 3rd Gen Floodlight Security is a fully wire-free IP-based camera that uses rechargeable batteries for power and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi for data transmission. It uses a 2MP camera with 1080p resolution. (1920x1080)

The dual LED spotlight configuration can provide enough ambient lighting for the 110-degree diagonal FOV of the lens. However, the maximum brightness of these floodlights is only 700 lumens.

This device does not include an integrated siren, nor does it provide the interface for one. Regardless, it does offer two-way communication facilities and audio recording. Also, it's IP65 rated so it will have no problem being outdoors.

The Amcrest ASH26-W Floodlight Security Camera has a 2MP camera that records footage in 1080p resolution. (1920x1080) It has a 2.8mm fixed focus lens that helps cover 114 degrees horizontally and 66 degrees vertically.

Like many other conventional floodlight cameras, the Amcrest ASH260-W needs to tap into the AC wiring to draw power. However, it transfers data wirelessly using 2.4GHz Wi-Fi.

The 12 LED configuration (6 on each panel) allows the camera to light up a scene with 2,000 lumens of maximum brightness. Along with that, it is great for the outdoors, thanks to its IP65 rating.

The Nest Cam with Floodlight is the only device on this list that supports Google Nest integration. It can detect people, vehicles, faces, and even animals. Also, it can turn on the lights automatically (when motion is detected) and notify you via Nest Labs or Google Home.

Unfortunately, the device has an IP54 rating which is not ideal for the outdoors. The Nest Cam uses a 2MP camera that records 30fps footage at a 1080p resolution.

The camera includes two spotlights with a maximum brightness of 2400 lumens. The device can use infrared to record footage during low-light but can utilize full-color night vision thanks to its in-built spotlights. (However, this will drain the battery.)

Swann SWIFI-SLMFLCW Floodlight Security Camera uses two LEDs with a maximum brightness of 2600 lumens. The device has a Night2Day™ color night vision feature that allows the camera to record full-color night vision at a maximum distance of 100ft.

The camera includes an integrated 75dB siren that can be controlled manually or preconfigured to operate when motion is detected. (along with warning lights.) Along with that, there is the option to perform two-way communication.

The device is also compatible with multiple smart integration platforms such as Alexa, Google Assistant, Chromecast, and Echo Show.

The Dahua IPC-L26N Floodlight Security Camera records 30fps 1080p footage on a 2MP camera. It has an IP65 rating and includes infrared and full-color night vision features.

The spotlight configuration is twelve LEDs separated into two panels. (with six LEDs on each.) Along with that, the device has an in-built 110dB siren which can be set up to work in tandem with the spotlight to deter intruders.

The device needs a hardwired AC supply for power, but it transfers data wirelessly through 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. There is no cloud subscription service so a MicroSD card and/or NVR is required for storing footage.

Decision Factors when choosing a Floodlight Security Camera

IP rating

The ingress protection rating (IP for short) will determine if the floodlight camera of your choice will be able to endure the outdoors without breaking down. The minimum recommended rating for outdoor installations is IP65. Anything lower than that will not fare too well against the dust, rain, and snow.

Floodlight Lumens

When considering a floodlight security camera, we recommend going for one that has upwards of 2,000 lumens for maximum brightness. A bright array of LEDs will help discourage intruders and illuminate the area so the cameras can record footage with minimum noise.

Power Options

Most cameras listed above require a continual source of energy, typically through AC. Therefore, the camera needs to be wired directly to your home’s electrical wiring (without going through an adapter connected to a wall outlet.) Some wire-free cameras offer the choice to use rechargeable batteries (and solar power) but these will severely limit the floodlight camera’s ability to record footage and keep the spotlight on 24/7.

Audio Features

Floodlight cameras do their best work with a loud siren. So if you want better security, we highly recommend picking up a device that includes both integrated sirens and two-way communication facilities. A 100dB siren is loud enough for you and your neighbors to hear. Also, check if you can automate the sirens and spotlight to work together when motion is detected. (most cameras only include manual controls.)

Storage

Another significant aspect is storage. In the above selection, you have the choice of local storage (with a MicroSD card), connected storage (such as an NVR, or NAS), or cloud storage.

Most brands provide an iOS and Android app where you can stream a live view or review previously recorded events. Cloud subscriptions are also possible, where the footage is backed up to the cloud, in case the locally recorded footage is destroyed.

 

Conclusion

Floodlight cameras definitely help improve the lighting conditions. With these, you don’t have to worry about installing separate lights.

Besides, you can set up the camera to record and trigger the spotlight during motion. This is a powerful deterrent, as intruders will think twice when they’re “in the spotlight.”

My top pick is the Lorex 2MP Floodlight Security Camera. It’s affordably priced for homeowners and records in crisp 1080p at 30fps.

The top alternative is the Wyze Cam Floodlight Floodlight Security Camera. This one is IP65-rated for the outdoors and comes with a powerful 105dB siren.