Dusk to dawn lights, also known as D2D lights, are outdoor lights that are put around a house, yard, or garden and come on when the sun has set (at dusk) and switch off once the sun rises in the morning.
They are great since they save money on electricity – or power if they are solar powered – as they don’t turn on during the day. While each of the lights below has the strengths that set it apart from the competition, below is a comprehensive review and comparison of the best dusk to dawn lights on the market with a conclusion on the best product.
Each light has different waterproofing standards which do make a difference depending on where you live. The IP65 classification means that the light is “dust tight” and can handle light water coming at it from different angles (for example, a garden hose or light rain).
This would not be an ideal light for places where it rains often. Whereas the IP68 classification means that the light is not only “dust tight” but also can protect the light against continuous, complete water submersion. This would be a good light for wet environments.
COMPARISON CHART
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TORCHSTAR LED Barn Light, Dusk to Dawn
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Maxxima LED Outdoor Wall Light, Black w/ Clear Water Glass
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SANSI LED Security Motion Sensor Outdoor Lights
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ALPHA 1080X Street Light
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LED Dusk to Dawn Light
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Specification
| Brand | Torchstar |
| Dimensions | 7.8 x 7.3 x 11.8 inches |
| Weight | 2.6 pounds |
| Color | Bronze |
| Voltage | 13 volts |
This Torchstar LED light is a fantastic choice as it offers variety in its light color variation, is durable and waterproof, and incredibly energy efficient. Plus, it comes in a deep bronze color which makes it great to place in almost any decorative setting (barn, house, and garage).
WHAT WE LIKE
This light is IP65 waterproof and made from industrial aluminum which makes it very durable and able to withstand outdoor weather. Plus, it comes in two light colors: a warm white light at 3,000 Kelvin and a brighter “daylight” at 5,000 Kelvin. Furthermore, it is very energy efficient saving up to 90% in energy bills due to its energy-saving technology.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
While there are the two light color choices, there is no dimming setting which some of the other lights on this list have. There is a five-year warranty, but it is unfortunately almost cheaper to buy a new light than to ship a deficient light back. Plus, the warranty is difficult to get in the first place as the company makes it difficult to have continuous contact with them.
PROS
- Different light colors
- IP65 waterproof
- Easy to install
CONS
- Not dimmable
- Cheaper to buy another than send back on warranty
Specification
| Brand | Maxxima |
| Dimensions | 12.32 x 9.09 x 7.4 inches |
| Weight | 2.77 pounds |
| Color | Black, brown, or white |
| Voltage | 120 volts |
For a warm, white light that is not only dawn to dusk and bright, but also aesthetically pleasing, this Maxxima LED wall light is a great option.
WHAT WE LIKE
This light comes in multiple color options – black, brown, and white – to fit with the aesthetic of every house. The light emitted is also a warm, white light instead of a bright, white LED light – the color temperature is 3000 Kelvin. The light can work in a myriad of temperatures ranging from -30°C to 45°C (-22ºF to 113ºF).
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
Unfortunately, the packaging isn’t done as thoroughly as one might hope and some lights have a tendency to arrive broken. The LED lights are not replaceable so when they burn out, the light is pointless.
PROS
- Aesthetic design
- Comes in different colors
- Warm white light
- Works in many temperatures
CONS
- Poorly packaged
- LED lights cannot be replaced
- Not classified as waterproof or water resistant
Specification
| Brand | Sansi |
| Dimensions | 8.3 x 5.5 x 11.4 inches |
| Weight | 2.46 pounds |
| Color | White |
| Voltage | 120 volts |
For a dusk to dawn light that is energy efficient, incredibly bright, waterproof and has a range of 180 degrees and a maximum of 50 feet, this light makes for a great purchase.
WHAT WE LIKE
These lights are known for their brightness level as well as their long range (many lights see only up to 26 feet (8 meters), but these lights see up to 50 feet (15.2 meters). Furthermore, there are four working modes: test mode, auto mode, on-time mode, and the dusk to dawn mode making it versatile to fit anyone’s needs.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
After a year, the lights often burn out, become glitchy, or stop working altogether making it a costly investment. However, this could also depend on the outside environment and how often the lights are being used.
PROS
- Energy efficient
- Very bright
- IP65 waterproof
- Four working modes
- Five-year warranty
CONS
- Year-long lifespan (mostly)
Specification
| Brand | Alpha |
| Dimensions | 17.34 x 5.91 x 1.58 inches |
| Weight | 4 pounds |
| Color | White |
| Voltage | 5 volts |
For a solar dusk to dawn light that can go up to four meters (13 feet) high with up to eight meters (26 feet) in distance between poles, this three-setting dusk to dawn light has PIR sensor options, different brightness modes, and makes for a great lighting system for any house.
WHAT WE LIKE
This light has three lighting modes and indicates which mode it is in with LED lights (green, blue, and red). The PIR sensor (which is activated in two of the lighting modes) works well and effectively. This ALPHA light is also very easy to install and comes with the mounting panel.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
The lights, although they are advertised to be bright, are only 5 volts and 10 watts. They are much dimmer than possibly expected. It is also not as durable and has a tendency to break or stop working more quickly than other lights on the market.
PROS
- Solar-powered
- Well-working PIR sensor
- Easy to install
CONS
- Dimmer than often expected
- Not very durable
Specification
| Brand | Superior Lighting |
| Dimensions | 16.4 x 12.5 x 9.8 inches |
| Weight | 8.88 pounds |
| Color | Grey |
| Voltage | 21 volts |
For a heavy-duty, durable, long-lasting at 50,000 hours, and bright white LED dusk to dawn light, this Superior Lighting LED light is a good option to choose.
WHAT WE LIKE
What makes this light great is that it emits 8,500 lumens (in daylight) which means that at night it is incredibly bright and lights the way. The mounting bracket works for poles or walls making it easy to install wherever you please. Furthermore, it has a five-year warranty and is incredibly durable.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
This might be a good investment for a strobe light. Sometimes, when the light malfunctions, it becomes a strobe light. What’s more is that once the light reaches this point, it also does not know day from night and comes on during the day, too. To make matters worse, the bulb cannot be changed which means investing in a new light.
PROS
- Durable: IP68, dust, and bug proof
- Bright (white LED)
- Versatile mounting bracket
- Five-year warranty
CONS
- Cannot change bulb
- Becomes a strobe light when it malfunctions
FINAL VERDICT
While each of these lights brings something great to the table that the others cannot, the best dusk to dawn light in the list is the TORCHSTAR LED Barn Light, Dusk to Dawn.
This is due to the light color, durability, and energy efficiency. Some people cannot stand bright white lights and prefer warmer lights. This LED light is great because the buyer can choose between a warm light (3,000 Kelvin) or a white light (5,000 Kelvin).
The light is also durable in that it is rated as IP65 waterproof meaning it is dustproof and also able to withstand light water from any direction. It is built using industrial die-casted aluminum cooling which enables it to have a stronger heat dissipation and the back housing is rust-resistant and corrosion-resistant.
This LED light is also incredibly energy efficient by using 90% less energy than normal lights as it delivers 4,200 lumens of light while matching the output of the traditional 400 watts light.
