Which LED spotlight should I choose for outdoor use?

The question we are often faced with is: "Which LED outdoor spotlight should I choose? It is important to know that the choice of LED has more advantages than other types of bulbs. Firstly, in terms of low energy consumption and secondly the variety of power. In fact, there are a host of factors to consider when choosing an outdoor LED light.

Whether in terms of technical specifications, colour or functionality. In addition, the market offers a variety of floodlights that are suitable for a multitude of applications. To help you choose the best outdoor LED floodlight, I have put together a comprehensive guide that covers everything you need to know.

The 5 best LED floodlights for outdoor use in 2024

Which LED floodlight should I choose for outdoor use?

First of all, it is essential to understand the benefits of this type of lighting. You may also have other questions. However, I will endeavour to provide you with as much information as possible to help you make the best decision.

What are the benefits?

To begin with, LED floodlights are quite attractive from a design point of view. LED outdoor lighting is both decorative and functional, adding a warm tone to your garden. Whether it's to light up the outside of your house, to illuminate your evenings with friends or to set the mood on a summer evening outdoors. It provides a soft and effective light as it is placed in the right place.

This is because the LED device is extremely efficient and has the advantage of low energy consumption. In addition, these devices are available in a variety of power. This allows you to tailor them to your specific needs.

And lastly, you have the option of choosing the shade of light.

Once you have learned about these benefits, there is one more thing you need to know.

Why should you care about the LED light output of an outdoor luminaire?

The lighting capacity of a traditional lamp is measured in watts. The higher the number of watts, the more efficiently the bulb illuminates. Furthermore, the light output of a lamp with LED technology is measured in lumens (lm). But to provide the same amount of light, an LED light source uses 10 times less electricity compared to an incandescent or compact fluorescent lamp. You can get a bright light by using an LED bulb with a high lumen count.

In other words, to choose the best outdoor LED powerThe first thing you need to do is to determine your lighting requirements. Each space has its own version of this. For example, in the garden it may be higher, and on the terrace it may be lower. And to do this, you can use the luminous efficacy of an LED bulb with a value of 100 lm/w to calculate your lighting needs. Note that a moderate wattage will suffice to illuminate a front door, for example, while a high wattage will allow you to highlight the entire façade, among other things.

What are the different varieties of outdoor LED floodlights?

There are many varieties of projectors available on the market to meet the needs of customers. Similarly, there is a wide choice on LED lighting brands. I would now like to introduce you to the different varieties and their main functions.

The classic model This is ideal for lighting a terrace or drawing attention to specific areas of your garden.

In particular, it will allow you to secure a light-sensitive area. For example, the lighting of a swimming pool, an escalator, a driveway, a garage entrance or a gate. Thanks to it, you will no longer be afraid of tripping and you will be able to dissuade prowlers.

The waterproof LED floodlight This model is mainly adapted in lighting for the pool.

This type of projector is distinguished by a protection rating (IP) of at least IP65. This means that the device is fully protected against dust and can withstand strong and heavy water splashes.

A rechargeable LED spotlight It has a rechargeable battery whose autonomy varies according to the model. You can also install it wherever you want because it is suitable for occasional lighting.

To do this, the battery is charged via a wall socket or USB port. And some projectors include replaceable batteries. So it's useful if you don't have access to electricity on a work site for professionals or if you're renovating your house.

Other types of exterior LED headlamps

Solar LED spotlight : This type of model is ideal if you do not have the resources or ability to install an electrical outlet in its location. In addition, by choosing a solar-powered floodlight, you are opting for a cost-effective, environmentally friendly and renewable energy source.

However, you should pay particular attention to the location of your solar LED floodlight. Specifically, it should be placed in a well-lit area in order to charge properly for optimal function.

The LED floodlight on a stand: It is a reliable and efficient LED spotlight.

Therefore, they can be placed anywhere on your property. Therefore, you can create the setting you want while maintaining adequate lighting.

The wall model : It is ideal for projecting light evenly onto the wall of a building, a museum or a theatre. In addition, it allows the light to be projected vertically along the wall to highlight it, but also to avoid the often uncomfortable dazzling effect.

What are the criteria for choosing the right outdoor LED spotlight?

To avoid making a mistake in choosing a projector that is compatible with your needs, there are a few criteria that must be respected.

Electrical power

Firstly, the first factor to consider when buying a floodlight is the electrical power of the device. The power of an outdoor LED floodlight will be determined by the area to be lit and the use to be made of it.

In addition, there is a little trick that will allow you to compare LED bulbs to older bulbs. Simply multiply the wattage of your LED projector by seven.

As an example, here is a quick summary which is only theoretical. It does not take into account all the other factors that need to be considered when choosing an outdoor LED floodlight.

• For a terrace or entrance: 10 Watts for a surface of about 10 to 15m².
• For the car park of a house or yard: 50 Watts for an area of about 40-50 m².
• To illuminate facades: 80-100 Watts for a surface of more than 50 m².

Light output (lumens)

When selecting a floodlight, lumens are part of the intensity comparison list. Since this is the amount of light emitted by your outdoor LED floodlight. The higher the number of lumens, the higher the light intensity. In general, here are some examples of cases:

• 60 to 80 lumens per m²: for a terrace activity such as a dinner party
• 150 lumens per m²: for DIY, reading or working

And finally, to secure your property, it's best to choose an even more powerful outdoor LED spotlight.

The angle of diffusion

If you need the light to be focused on a certain area or object, a tighter angle (between 30 and 50 degrees) is better. However, for a large field of view, use a device with a beam angle of more than 120 degrees.

The shape and design of the projector

It is interesting to note that the first LED floodlights were large square blocks with an LED bulb in the centre. But still, a power supply system integrated into the body of the projector.

However, the models have evolved and are now more aesthetically pleasing. There are narrow, ultra-thin and discreet models, ideal for facades. Models without LED filters are also available on the market, which reduces the glare effect. This is the best way to reduce the visual problems caused by a projector that produces too much light.

The materials 

In general, LED floodlights for outdoor use are made of aluminium. They are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions such as ultraviolet light. Also, temperature changes, rain, snow. However, if you live in a salty environment, make sure your outdoor LED floodlight is corrosion resistant for a longer life.

IP protection class  

When considering the installation of an outdoor LED floodlight, this detail is crucial. As it will be exposed to the elements, choose at least an IP44 or IP65 rating. If the floodlight is mounted on the ground, an IP67 rating is required to protect it from heavy rain, ice formation and flooding.

The choice of shade or colour temperature

The colour of the light source of your outdoor LED floodlight is essential and will be determined by its intended use.

Here are the colour options:

Warm white The average value is about 3000 Kelvin. This type of colour is used to enhance a church, stone walls and many others.

Cool white The light intensity is about 6000 k. It is the whitest and most intense, with the best luminescent performance. This colour enhances modern structures. It can also be used to provide powerful lighting in car parks or airports to discourage people from driving.

Neutral white, around 4000 k. This is almost identical to natural light. Moreover, it will work all night while remaining non-aggressive to the eyes. We recommend it for use on a terrace or for outdoor events at night...

The options available

The final criterion to consider when choosing an outdoor light is, of course, the features it includes. Here are some of the most important ones:

The presence of a filter: this is to reduce the glare effect.

Motion detector: an LED floodlight has other parameters than lighting, such as a motion detector. For example, choosing this for an installation at the entrance to your home is more beneficial especially for security. It is useful to avoid tripping over potential barriers and to warn you of possible intrusions. Also, the light is safe and energy efficient, as it only lights up when you need it.

There are also LED headlamps with variable brightness. The colour and intensity can be controlled by remote control, depending on your needs. For example, when there is no one outside, or guests in your garden, you can turn the intensity down and then up again. And you can also create a light show to entertain people at outdoor parties.

In Brief

The fourfold role of the LED outdoor floodlight is particularly important in large properties and in the heart of rough gardens. It provides security around swimming pools and dangerous stairwells. But it also exposes potential lurkers, making it harder for them to get in. It can also be used to highlight your most beautiful trees and create a light sculpture in your garden, and it can be used for arbour parties and outdoor dinners.

You now have all the information you need to decide on the most suitable outdoor floodlight for your property. As you can see, this is not a decision to be taken lightly, as it can have an impact on both your exterior appearance and your energy bill. As well as knowing what type of equipment is best for you, you also need to know where to buy it and only deal with reputable lighting brands.