Spotlight vs. Floodlight: How to Choose Between the Two

If you know you need a little light to brighten your outside patio, garage, or garden, but aren't sure if a floodlight or spotlight is the best choice, don't fret; this guide will explain what a spotlight is, what a floodlight is, and what the benefits are of each. Read on to learn about spotlights vs. floodlights.

What Is a Spotlight vs. a Floodlight?

Floodlight: A floodlight is a high-intensity outdoor light that casts a wide beam on yards, patios, driveways, and more. Depending on the floodlight, it can provide a beam of up to 120-degrees with the same electrical power as a spotlight. To learn more about floodlights, read our guide What Is a Floodlight?.

Spotlight:While a floodlight is intended to produce light that covers a wide area, a spotlight's purpose is to shine light on a specific spot or spots. Spotlights can be used indoors to focus light on a piece of artwork or furniture, however, when used for outdoor purposes, a LED spotlight can resemble a floodlight.

The Verdict

When choosing a spotlight vs. floodlight, keep in mind what you'd like the light to shine on.

• If you're looking to cover a good-sized area like your driveway or garden, a floodlight will beam light that covers the entire area, and thus is a better choice.
• If you have an area like your back door or patio or an object like a garden statue or pool that you want a lot of light shining on, a spotlight will do just that.

Spotlight vs. Floodlight Features

The main difference between spotlight vs. floodlight features is their lenses. For instance, the smaller the angle of the lens, the narrower and further the beam of light will shine, and vice versa. The lens allows the light to either flood an area with light (as in a floodlight) or brighten a specific spot (as in a spotlight). Read on for more useful features of spotlights and floodlights.

• Motion-Sensors:Floodlights and spotlights with infrared motion-sensing can provide security to your outdoor space. When the sensor picks up on motion, the light will turn on. The sensor generally works by picking up on heat waves when something moves within 180 degrees of the light. While it varies, once motion is detected, the light will usually stay on for up to 10 minutes before it shuts off.

• Dusk-to-Dawn:Floodlight & spotlights with the dusk to dawn feature can help ensure a dark area outside is brightened at all times. Once the sun starts to set, this feature prompts the lights to turn on, and when the sun begins to rise, the lights will shut off.

• Video-Enabled: If you're looking for more than motion-sensing or dusk to dawn features, some floodlights and spotlights come with a camera, too. This way, your light acts as an extra means of securing your home.

• Smart-Enabled: Smart features might include dusk to dawn, video, and alarm options.

• Remote Control: Manage your light from the comfort of inside with a remote control option.

• Timer: A timer gives you the option to set the exact times that you want your light to go on and off.

• Dimmable: Control how bright or dim your lights are with a dimmable feature.

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Now that you know the difference between a spotlight and a floodlight, it's time to decide which one will be best to brighten your dark space.

Written by Cathy Cassata