Best Floodlight Cameras for Home Security: 2025 Expert Review
Oli at OR Electrics
Fully Qualified Electrician & Owner
Integrating a camera with a floodlight is one of the smartest upgrades you can make for home security. It combines a visual deterrent with evidence gathering. However, the market is flooded with cheap plastic units that fill with water the moment we get a proper downpour.
In my trade, I see plenty of failed DIY installs—usually where a homeowner has underestimated the wiring requirements or bought a unit that claims to be 'weatherproof' but fails within six months. Issues like nuisance tripping (RCD faults) often stem from poor outdoor connections letting moisture in.
In this review, I've selected three units I'm comfortable recommending. Whether you need a simple solar solution for a shed or a heavy-duty hardwired system to protect a driveway, these are the options that actually deliver.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "Lumen Brightness Claims"
"Marketing materials often label 200-500 lumens as a 'floodlight'."
A true floodlight needs to be 1500+ lumens to light up a driveway effectively. Anything under 500 lumens is really just a spotlight or porch light—good for seeing your keys, but not for blinding an intruder.
The Spec: "Wi-Fi Range in Brick Homes"
"Cameras claim strong connectivity up to 15-20 metres from the router."
In Leeds' solid brick Victorian terraces, Wi-Fi struggles to penetrate external walls. 5GHz is faster but has shorter range; 2.4GHz is better for penetrating brickwork. Always check your signal properly before drilling holes.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
ANRAN 2K Floodlight Outdoor Security Camera with Lumens Projector, Wireless Solar Outdoor WiFi Surveillance 3MP Motion Activated Light, Colour Night Vision, PIR Motion Detection, Two-Way Audio, IP66
ANRAN
This is an excellent option for areas where running a new cable just isn't feasible, like the bottom of a garden or a rented property. Whilst the light output (200 lumens) is more of a spotlight than a true floodlight, the solar charging capability and 2K video make it great value for money.
The Good
- Completely wireless installation – no electrician needed
- Solar panel included – saves on energy bills
- Surprisingly sharp 2K video for the price point
The Bad
- 200 Lumens is not very bright (more of a path light)
- Solar charging struggles in mid-winter on north-facing walls
Installer Tip:
In Northern England, solar placement is critical. Angle the panel strictly South or South-West. If you mount this on a North-facing wall in Leeds during December, the battery will deplete faster than it charges.
Priced at £39.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonRing Floodlight Cam Pro (newest gen) | Outdoor Security Camera | Retinal 4K, 10x Enhanced Zoom, 2000 Lumen Floodlights & Siren | 30-day free trial of Ring Subscription Plan
Ring
If budget allows, this is the gold standard for residential security. The 4K 'Retinal' clarity is genuinely impressive, and the 2000-lumen output turns night into day. It integrates seamlessly if you already have a Ring doorbell, though you do get locked into their subscription ecosystem.
The Good
- Exceptional 4K video quality with good zoom
- Massive 2000 lumen brightness – a true deterrent
- 3D Motion Detection reduces false alarms significantly
The Bad
- High initial cost
- Requires ongoing subscription for best features
- Must be mains wired (requires competent installation)
Installer Tip:
This unit needs a permanent mains supply (L-N-E). If replacing an old standard floodlight, check the existing junction box for water ingress or corrosion before wiring this in. A solid earth connection is vital for safety with these metal-bodied units.
Priced at £249.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonieGeek 5MP Floodlight Camera Wired, 5G/2.4G WiFi Outdoor home Security Flood light Camera with Color Night Vision, 2600 Lumens, Motion Activated Floodlights/Smart Siren,2 Way Audio,Work with Alexa
ieGeek
This camera solves two common issues: signal interference and darkness. By supporting 5GHz Wi-Fi, it avoids the clogged 2.4GHz channels often found in terraced streets, and the 2600-lumen output is brighter than the Ring Pro at a third of the price. A fantastic mid-range wired option.
The Good
- 5GHz Wi-Fi support is ideal for congested urban areas
- Extremely bright 2600 lumens
- No mandatory subscription (supports SD card)
The Bad
- Mains wiring required (not plug-and-play)
- App interface isn't as polished as Ring's
Installer Tip:
The junction box included makes installation cleaner, but ensure you use weatherproof glands or silicone sealant where the cable enters the unit. Even IP65 rated units can suffer if water tracks down the cable into the terminal block.
Priced at £79.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Can I legally install a floodlight camera pointing at the street?
Do I need an electrician to install a floodlight camera?
Why does my floodlight keep tripping the electrics?
Is 5GHz Wi-Fi better for outdoor cameras?
How much does it cost to have a floodlight camera installed?
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