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The Best Floodlight Cameras for 2026

Monitor your property day and night with one of the top smart floodlight cameras we've tested.

 & John R. Delaney Contributing Editor
 & Angela Moscaritolo Managing Editor, Consumer Electronics
Our Experts
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A floodlight camera combines a security camera with bright lighting in a single outdoor fixture, typically with Wi-Fi connectivity that lets you control it remotely from your phone. We've been reviewing security cameras for 15 years, so you've come to the right place when evaluating your options. We tested each of the floodlight cameras below in our actual homes, evaluating their ease of setup and use, brightness, video quality, and value. With a 3K resolution, a 2,000-lumen floodlight, and mechanical pan and tilt controls, the Eufy Floodlight Camera E340 is our top hardwired pick. In contrast, the Arlo Pro 3 is an excellent wireless alternative, offering robust third-party smart home device compatibility. We have options for all uses and budgets, and our buying guide below provides everything you need to know about selecting the best floodlight camera, along with our recommendations.

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Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks

  • Eufy E340 Floodlight Camera
    Credit: Eufy
    Best Overall

    Eufy E340 Floodlight Camera

    4.5 Outstanding

    Pros & Cons

      • Two cameras
      • Sharp high-res video
      • Mechanical pan and tilt controls
      • Dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity
      • Local and cloud storage options
      • Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
      • Doesn't support HomeKit or IFTTT
      • SD card not included

    Why We Picked It

    The Eufy Floodlight Camera E340 features a dual-camera assembly equipped with telephoto and wide-angle lenses, delivering sharp 3K video. It also supports mechanical pan and tilt, providing 360-degree horizontal and 120-degree vertical views. It's equipped with two rectangular LED floodlights that offer a combined brightness of 2,000 lumens and a 4,000K color temperature. The E340 also supports intelligent motion alerts (human, pet, vehicle), motion tracking, and allows for 24/7 recording with both local and cloud storage options.

    Who It's For

    Large properties: If you need to light up and watch a lot of space, the E340 is a top choice. It's the only model on this list with mechanical pan and tilt controls, allowing it to cover 360 degrees in all directions. It's also top-notch in terms of video quality and storage flexibility.

    Specs & Configurations

    Alarm
    Alarm Volume 100dB
    Brightness 2,000 lumens
    Color Temperature 4,000K
    Field of View 130
    Integrations Amazon Alexa
    Integrations Google Assistant
    Night Vision
    Resolution 3K
    Storage Cloud
    Storage Local
    Two-Way Audio
    Get It Now
  • Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera
    Best Battery-Powered Floodlight Camera

    Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Sharp 2K video
      • Color night vision
      • Supports Alexa and Google voice commands and IFTTT applets
      • Intelligent motion alerts
      • Doesn't require a hub
      • Recorded video and smart notifications require subscription
      • Slight barrel distortion

    Why We Picked It

    The battery-powered Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight isn't the most affordable model we’ve tested, but it offers numerous features, including color night vision, intelligent motion alerts, dimmable LEDs, and a built-in siren. Its superb performance and ability to interact with lots of other smart devices make it a top pick.

    Who It’s For

    Areas without electrical wiring: If you need to monitor a location that lacks electrical wiring, such as a pool area or side yard, the battery-equipped Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight is an ideal choice. It’s a snap to install and recharge, while an optional solar panel accessory can keep it running indefinitely. It's also a good choice if you simply want reliable motion detection capabilities.

    Specs & Configurations

    Alarm
    Alarm Volume N/A
    Brightness 3,000 lumens
    Color Temperature 4,000K
    Connectivity Wi-Fi
    Field of View 160
    Integrations Amazon Alexa
    Integrations Apple HomeKit
    Integrations Google Assistant
    Integrations IFTTT
    Night Vision
    Resolution 2K
    Storage Cloud
    Two-Way Audio
    Get It Now
  • Arlo Wired Floodlight
    Best 2K Wired Floodlight Camera

    Arlo Wired Floodlight

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Sharp 2K video
      • Wide viewing angle
      • Bright floodlights
      • Voice control support
      • Lots of third-party integrations
      • Needs a subscription to access recorded video
      • Installation requires electrical wiring
      • Doesn't support Apple HomeKit

    Why We Picked It

    The Arlo Wired Floodlight offers sharp 2K video, bright floodlights, and a wide 160-degree field of view for monitoring activities on and around your property. As its name suggests, this model requires wiring, but it's affordably priced, supports voice control via Alexa and Google Assistant, and works with scores of third-party devices via IFTTT.

    Who It's For

    Handy homeowners: If you’re looking to illuminate and monitor the outside of your home, and you're OK with wiring, the Arlo Wired Floodlight is worth a look. It should integrate nicely with your existing smart home devices (unless you use Apple HomeKit), and it offers a wide viewing angle, along with bright lighting. Just note that you will need to pay an additional fee to unlock certain features and view recorded videos.

    Specs & Configurations

    Alarm
    Connectivity Bluetooth
    Connectivity Wi-Fi
    Field of View 160
    Integrations Amazon Alexa
    Integrations Google Assistant
    Integrations IFTTT
    Night Vision
    Resolution 2K
    Storage Cloud
    Two-Way Audio
    Get It Now
  • Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro
    Best Detection and Tracking Features

    Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Sharp HDR video
      • Dual-band Wi-Fi
      • 3D motion detection and subject-tracking features
      • Intelligent alerts
      • Color night vision
      • Works with Alexa voice commands and IFTTT
      • Expensive
      • Requires subscription to access video recordings
      • Lacks HomeKit and Google Assistant support

    Why We Picked It

    The Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro stands out for its excellent motion detection abilities, including a Birds Eye View feature that shows an aerial map of where visitors to your property have traveled and a 3D motion radar that lets you set distance thresholds for motion alerts. It doesn’t support Apple HomeKit or Google Assistant, but it works with Alexa voice commands and IFTTT.

    Who It’s For

    Ring users: The Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro is particularly worthwhile if you already use other Ring devices. It integrates seamlessly into your smart home alongside any Ring security cameras or video doorbells you might have. It's a bit expensive, but you get a lot for your money, including dual-band Wi-Fi, two bright LED lamps, color night vision, HDR video capture, and intelligent motion alerts.

    Specs & Configurations

    Alarm
    Alarm Volume 110dB
    Brightness 4,000 lumens
    Color Temperature 3,000K
    Connectivity Wi-Fi
    Field of View 140
    Integrations Amazon Alexa
    Integrations IFTTT
    Night Vision
    Resolution 1080p
    Storage Cloud
    Two-Way Audio
    Get It Now
  • Google Nest Cam With Floodlight (Wired)
    Best for Google Assistant

    Google Nest Cam With Floodlight (Wired)

    3.5 Good

    Pros & Cons

      • Sharp 1080p video
      • Bright LEDs
      • Supports Google Assistant commands
      • Intelligent alerts
      • Dual-band Wi-Fi
      • Expensive Some features require a subscription Doesn't support Alexa, HomeKit, or IFTTT

    Why We Picked It

    The Google Nest Cam With Floodlight captures sharp 1080p HDR video and is relatively easy to install. In addition, its onboard Passive Infrared (PIR) sensor has no trouble distinguishing people, vehicles, and animals from motion events, and its LED lamps shine effectively. That said, it’s one of the more expensive floodlight cameras we've reviewed, and you don't get much support for third-party integrations.

    Who It’s For

    Google users: The Google Nest Cam With Floodlight is expensive, but it makes a lot of sense if you rely on Google Assistant (and/or Gemini Home) to control your smart home. You can conveniently stream video from this camera to a Google Nest Hub display, as well as use voice commands to turn the floodlights on and off and control their brightness.

    Specs & Configurations

    Alarm Volume N/A
    Brightness 4,800 lumens
    Color Temperature 4,000K
    Connectivity Wi-Fi
    Field of View 130
    Integrations Google Assistant
    Integrations Nest
    Night Vision
    Resolution 1080p
    Storage Cloud
    Two-Way Audio
    Get It Now
The Best Floodlight Cameras for 2026

Compare Specs

Select Up To 3Select Up To 2
Our Pick
Rating
4.5 Outstanding
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
3.5 Good
4.5 Outstanding
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
Best For
Best Overall
Best Battery-Powered Floodlight Camera
Best 2K Wired Floodlight Camera
Best for a Panoramic View
Best Detection and Tracking Features
Best Affordable Camera for Alexa
Best for Google Assistant
Best Overall
Best Battery-Powered Floodlight Camera
Best 2K Wired Floodlight Camera
Integrations
Amazon Alexa, Google AssistantAmazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, Apple HomeKitAmazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTTGoogle Assistant, Amazon AlexaAmazon Alexa, IFTTTAmazon Alexa, IFTTTGoogle Assistant, NestAmazon Alexa, Google AssistantAmazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, Apple HomeKitAmazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT
Storage
Cloud, LocalCloudCloudLocalCloudCloud, LocalCloudCloud, LocalCloudCloud
Resolution
3K2K2K4K1080p1080p1080p3K2K2K
Field of View
130160160180140143130130160160
Night Vision
Brightness
2,000 lumens3,000 lumens3,000 lumens4,000 lumens2,600 lumens4,800 lumens2,000 lumens3,000 lumens
Color Temperature
4,000K4,000K3,000K to 6,000K3,000K5,000K4,000K4,000K4,000K
Two-Way Audio
Alarm
Alarm Volume
100dBN/A110dB105dBN/A100dBN/A

Buying Guide: The Best Floodlight Cameras for 2026


How Bright Do Floodlight Cameras Get?

Most smart floodlight cameras use dual-LED lamps to illuminate the area. A typical bulb in a smart floodlight emits anywhere from approximately 500 to 3,000 lumens; the combined brightness of the two bulbs in dual-LED configurations typically surpasses that of single-bulb models. For context, a 3,000-lumen LED bulb is roughly equivalent to a 200-watt incandescent bulb.

Smart floodlight cameras typically don't use replaceable bulbs, but you can expect them to last anywhere from 15,000 to 30,000 hours of use.

Blink Wired Floodlight Camera
(Credit: Amazon)

Any model worth its salt can respond to motion and sound events, but some fixtures even let you dim the lights or create custom lighting effects. If you use Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri voice commands to control your smart home devices, ensure that your floodlight cam supports independent voice controls for both the lights and the camera. You should also ensure that it is capable of streaming video feeds to an indoor smart display such as an Amazon Echo Show or a Google Nest Hub.


What Resolution Floodlight Camera Do You Need?

The camera component of a smart floodlight is just as important as the light source, as it enables you to see what's going on outside. Many offer the same features as standalone outdoor security cameras, including the ability to respond to motion detection events by turning on the lights, sending an alert, or recording the event.

The cameras typically house Wi-Fi or Bluetooth radios to connect the fixture to your home network and feature weather-resistant enclosures that protect them from the elements. If you have a lot of smart devices on your network, consider choosing a dual-band camera that can connect to either the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi or 5GHz bands.

Most floodlight cameras record 1080p video, but a handful can go up to 2K. Although you get a sharper image from a 2K camera, streaming video smoothly at that resolution requires a strong network connection. Moreover, higher-resolution video requires more storage space and may result in higher cloud storage fees; we detail these fees in each of our reviews. Look for a camera that offers a wide field of view and uses high dynamic range (HDR) technology to enhance contrast.

Many cameras use infrared LEDs for black-and-white night vision, but some employ specialized sensors that capture color video at night, even in low ambient light. Either way, make sure your floodlight cam can record clear video out to approximately 30 feet.


Do Floodlight Cameras Have Alarms?

Shining a light on potential thieves and intruders can be a good deterrent, but in some situations, more drastic measures are necessary. If you live in an area where package thefts or car break-ins are common, look for a floodlight camera that has a built-in siren that you can activate from the app or program to go off when it detects motion. You should look for a siren with a volume somewhere in the 100dB range (or louder if you live near a busy roadway). Flashing lights are also ideal for letting visitors know that you're aware of their presence.

Ensure your floodlight camera features a two-way talk option that allows you to converse with whoever is present. And if you want to play a personalized audio message, look for a model that lets you prerecord messages. Doing so can help make it appear as though you're home, even if you’re not.

Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera
(Credit: Arlo)

Do You Need an Electrician to Install a Floodlight Camera?

If you use Alexa, Google, or HomeKit to control your smart home, select a floodlight camera that works with your preferred platform so you can run routines and set it to interact with your other smart home devices. Alternatively, look for a model that supports IFTTT, a service that enables you to set up integrations with lots of third-party apps and smart devices. If you want to future-proof your setup, be sure your choice supports Matter, a newer standard that bridges multiple platforms.

Some floodlight cameras contain a microSD card slot for storing local video recordings, but others require a cloud subscription to access them. If you require access to your video from anywhere, cloud storage is the best option; otherwise, local storage will suffice. Better yet, look for a model that offers both options.

Finally, installing a floodlight camera is fairly easy; however, wired fixtures require dealing with high-voltage electrical wiring. If you're not comfortable with that, then consider hiring a professional for the installation. Or, you can opt for a battery-powered fixture, which doesn’t require any wiring whatsoever. However, you will likely need to charge them frequently, depending on their recording resolution and usage.

About Our Experts

John R. Delaney

John R. Delaney

Contributing Editor

My Experience

I’ve been working with computers for ages, starting with a multi-year stint in purchasing for a major IBM reseller in New York City before eventually landing at PCMag (back when it was still in print as PC Magazine). I spent more than 14 years on staff, most recently as the director of operations for PC Labs, before hitting the freelance circuit as a contributing editor. 

The Technology I Use

I do all of my writing on my aging but trusty Lenovo Thinkpad T460.

At home I have two wireless networks running: one for streaming, gaming, and other day-to-day networking tasks, and another for testing all sorts of smart home devices including smart plugs and switches, lighting, indoor and outdoor security cameras, home security systems, air conditioners, smart grills, robotic lawn mowers, pool cleaners, and whatever else finds its way to my door.

It’s not uncommon to find people standing in front of my house taking video of a robotic lawn mower traversing my lawn during the summer months. Now if only someone would come up with a robotic snow blower, I’d be all set. 

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Angela Moscaritolo

Angela Moscaritolo

Managing Editor, Consumer Electronics

My Experience

I'm PCMag's managing editor for consumer electronics, overseeing an experienced team of analysts covering smart home, home entertainment, wearables, fitness and health tech, and various other product categories. I have been with PCMag for more than 10 years, and in that time have written more than 6,000 articles and reviews for the site. I previously served as an analyst focused on smart home and wearable devices, and before that I was a reporter covering consumer tech news. I'm also a yoga instructor, and have been actively teaching group and private classes for nearly a decade. 

Prior to joining PCMag, I was a reporter for SC Magazine, focusing on hackers and computer security. I earned a BS in journalism from West Virginia University, and started my career writing for newspapers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

The Technology I Use

My little Florida beach bungalow is brimming with smart home tech. I have a smart speaker or display in every room, allowing me to control other connected devices by voice. The Nest Hub on my bedside table lets me set wake-up alarms, control my smart light bulbs, and set the temperature on my smart thermostat. I use the Amazon Echo Show 8 on my kitchen counter to browse recipes, reorder protein powder, check the weather, and watch the news while I do dishes. 

Because I suffer from allergies, air purifiers are essential. My favorite model is the Dyson Purifier Cool TP07, which doubles as a fan and continuously sends indoor pollution data to its companion mobile app. 

My pitbull Bradley sheds, so a good robot vacuum is a must. I currently use a premium Ecovacs Deebot that can both vacuum and mop, empty its own dustbin, and wash its own mop cloth. 

For fitness, I like to mix up my routine with cycling, indoor rowing, running, and strength training in addition to yoga. I take classes on the Tonal 2 smart strength training machine, I row indoors on an Aviron machine, and track my beach runs with an Apple Watch while listening to music on my Apple AirPods Pro. On the weekends, I love riding e-bikes like the rugged, beach-friendly Aventon Aventure for fun and fitness.

My job involves a lot of virtual meetings, so a quality webcam, microphone, and ring light are important. I use the Jabra PanaCast 20 webcam, the Elgato Wave: 3 microphone, and a Yesker tripod ring light. 

As for my preferred phone platform, I'm an iPhone person, but I've also extensively used Android for product testing.

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