Best Outdoor Spotlight Security Cameras

An outdoor spotlight security camera is a great option to both record and deter intruders. Spotlight cameras are ideal for covering potential entry points such as gates, doors, and windows.

In addition, most general-purpose spotlights cameras have motion sensors and integrated sirens which you can customize to respond whenever there are intruders. When doing so, the cameras can send you notifications via an app and allow you to control the spotlight, alarm, or engage in a two-way conversation.

Below, we have listed the best outdoor spotlight security camera, and these include a mix of wired and wireless devices. However, note that we have excluded floodlight security cameras and outdoor PTZ-based cameras since they already have their own lists.

Best Outdoor Spotlight Security Cameras

Our top pick is the Reolink RLC-811A Bullet Security Camera. The five-spotlight configuration used in this security camera has a maximum brightness of 450 Lumens, and the system can piggyback off this light source for full-color night vision. Nonetheless, the camera has made room for four infrared LEDs with a maximum range of 98ft.

This Reolink camera works best with PoE but will also support DC. The storage options include MicroSD, NVR, and FTP with support for Synology software and RTSP and P2P protocols.

The possible maximum resolution of the footage is 3840x2160 4K with a 5x optical zoom lens.

Our runner-up is the eufyCam 2C Pro 2-Cam Kit. This system ships with the main hub and two, three, or four eufyCam 2C Pro wire-free cameras. The main hub helps connect the cameras to the cloud while also doubling as a storage drive. (With 16GB eMMC)

The wire-free cameras include a dual-spotlight setup. Apart from illuminating the environment, it doubles as a source of ambient lighting for the full-color night vision feature.

These Eufy cameras draw power from the rechargeable batteries. Under standard conditions (with motion-activated recording,) it can last up to six months on a single charge. The battery is not removable, and you will have to take down the camera for recharging; luckily, it only takes five hours to recharge.

The Lorex 4K Ultra HD Smart Deterrence IP Camera is an IP-based device with PoE and DC power and data transmission mediums.

This bullet-type device uses two spotlights (on either side of the camera) to provide ambient lighting for the full-color night vision feature. The maximum distance of the full-color night vision feature is 150ft, and we prefer using this over infrared. (Whose maximum distance is only 98 ft.)

Unfortunately, this camera only supports NVR for storage and is incompatible with many interoperability protocols. Nonetheless, there is the human, vehicle, and face detection when coupled with a compatible NVR.

The Arlo Ultra 2 is a wireless camera with a rechargeable battery (typically lasts around six months) and a hardwired AC power option. The camera is easy to set up thanks to its wire-free design. However, you might need a Wi-Fi connection to unlock its full functionality.

The camera has an outdoor spotlight that is bright enough for the low-light sensors to carry out full-color night vision. Regardless, there are also infrared LEDs as a backup option.

This Arlo Ultra 2 has microSD and USB for local storage, but its preferred method is cloud storage. (A monthly subscription is required.) With cloud storage, you get access to the Arlo mobile app. (Which allows for push notifications, smart integration, and remote viewing.)

The ANNKE NC400 mid-range bullet-type camera is an IP-based device with PoE and DC power options.

The device includes a single LED spotlight which allows for full-color night vision at a maximum range of 100ft. The storage options are limited to compatible NVRs with support for Synology, Blue Iris, ONVIF, and RTSP. Despite that, there is no MicroSD support or cloud storage feature.

Also, the system cannot carry out any intelligent motion-detection activities such as human or customizable motion zone detection.

The enclosure has an IP67 rating, and the camera can operate at temperatures ranging from -22F to 140F.

As the name suggests, the Ring Spotlight Cam Battery features a wire-free design complete with an in-built spotlight and full-color night vision.

Since this is a wire-free camera, there are no wired options and no support for continuous recording. On top of that, you need to maintain a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection.

There is no support for third-party interoperability protocols or any local storage devices such as MicroSD. So unfortunately, to unlock most of the camera's smart features, (including basic storage functionality) you need to subscribe to a "Ring protect plan" and make sure that the Wi-Fi connection has enough data to last the entire month.

Alos, a few other features locked behind the online subscription include: remote viewing, configuring camera settings, and push notifications to name a few.

The Night Owl Wi-Fi IP Plug-In 4K Spotlight Camera is a high-end bullet-type camera system. The device is IP-based with a hardwired AC option and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi data transmission. Other than that, there are no DC power options or support for PoE.

The system utilizes two in-built spotlights that deliver decent brightness and complements the full-color night vision feature.

There are multiple storage options, including 128GB MicroSD, Cloud storage, NVR, and DVR. (Only compatible with BTWN8 Series NVR and BTD8 Series DVR.)

Also, despite having a wireless-only data transfer medium, the camera can stream continuous footage as long as the minimum upload speed is 3Mbps.

The Amcrest SmartHome 1080p 2MP Deterrent Outdoor Wi-Fi Security Camera is an affordable bullet-type camera with an outdoor spotlight. As the name implies, the camera uses 2.4GHz Wi-Fi for data transmission with DC power.

The system includes a single spotlight which provides the camera with enough ambient lighting for the full-color night vision feature. Also, there is infrared night vision with a maximum range of 33ft.

The camera can seamlessly interface with Amcrest NVRs and offers MicroSD and cloud storage alternatives. (128GB maximum for MicroSD.) Fortunately, the cloud storage feature is optional, and most of the camera’s functionality is not limited when bypassing this online feature.

The Dauhua 4MP TiOC Network Bullet Camera is a more expensive mid-range device. It is an IP-based security camera with PoE and DC data transmission and power options.

There are two white light LEDs for the spotlights, and these provide a maximum range of 98.43ft for the full-color night vision feature. On top of that, the system also has a dual infrared setup with the same distance spec.

Storage options include 256GB maximum MicroSD, NAS, FTP, and NVR. Also, there is support for S, G, T ONVIF profiles, RTSP, CGI, and P2P protocols. The camera has an IP67 rating and can operate between -40F to 140F temperatures.

Swann’s Wi-Fi NVW-800 NVR Enforcer™ Bullet Security Camera is an affordable IP-based alternative. The system needs DC for power and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi for data transmission.

The camera has a four-spotlight configuration which illuminates the location for the full-color night vision feature which has a maximum range of 32ft. However, if you need more range in low-light conditions, the infrared LEDs are the better option with their 115ft maximum range. (Unfortunately, the footage will be black and white.)

This is a strictly NVR-based system; hence, for carrying out motion detection, notifications, and remote viewing, you need to set it up with a compatible NVR.

The Wyze Cam V3 Spotlight is one of the best budget-friendly outdoor spotlight security cameras. It is an IP-based device that needs AC electricity and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi for power and data transmission.

Despite its budget-range specs, the camera incorporates a 70lumen spotlight that helps the camera with full-color night vision. Also, this device includes an integrated siren and a speaker/microphone combo for two-way communication.

Unfortunately, this device requires a cloud subscription to unlock its full potential. On top of the usual functions, the cloud service enables this camera to integrate with Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT.

The enclosure has an IP65 rating, and the camera can operate at temperatures ranging from -5F to 113F.

Decision Factors when Choosing a Spotlight Security Camera

Spotlight

When picking out a decent outdoor spotlight camera, we recommend noting down the maximum brightness of these spotlights. On average, a value of 400 lumens is considered bright enough to deter intruders while also performing full-color night vision. Budget-range security cameras will have lower lumens, and they might not do a great job of illuminating the environment. However, they will record clear full-color night-vision footage. 

IP rating

Always make sure you purchase an outdoor camera with a minimum rating of IP66. Anything lower than that will not protect the camera against heavy rain, wind, and snow. Also, if you are setting up this camera in cold regions, don’t forget to note down the operating temperature range and if the camera includes an in-built heater.

Night Vision

Most outdoor spotlight security cameras include some form of spotlight dependent full-color night vision. Therefore, we highly recommend setting up a camera with full-color night vision over infrared because of its ability to record additional information. (In this case: color.) Also, we recommend going for devices with at least a 33ft range.

Power Options

One factor that will affect the ease of installation is the available power options for the camera. Wired cameras, whether through DC or AC, require less maintenance. However, (depending on your situation) you will have to spend extra time and effort to draw cables. We recommend going for wired devices with a rechargeable battery as a backup option. These might be expensive, but they are worth the investment and will hold up their end in the case of a power failure.

Audio-based features

Having an integrated siren or two-way communication facilities can help you in the long run. A spotlight is a good enough deterrent, but with automatic/manual sirens, and two-way communication, you can double the security and make sure that intruders think twice before breaking into your premises. Besides, you can also get the neighbors (or anybody passing by) involved. 

Conclusion

This has been our list of the best outdoor spotlight security cameras. So far, we’ve covered a lot of devices among varying price points. However, these are all general-purpose cameras with bullet-type housing that works well in any location. So if you are a first-timer looking to beef up security in your backyard or garage entrance, these outdoor spotlight cameras are what you need to get your hands on.

So, what is your favorite outdoor spotlight security camera? Let us know in the comments.