The Best Outdoor Light Timers
Outdoor lights can make the difference between a stunning, festive display and a desolate, dark space. Holiday decorations, elegant landscaping, and blooming front yard flowers are only good if people can see them. Even if you don’t have a garden or any plans to decorate, installing outdoor lights can make your home or yard seem lively and welcoming. Once you have the lights, a timer can make lighting easier and save money by turning it on and off automatically. If you’re looking to take your yard to the next level, these timers can help you do that. We’ve put together a list of the best outdoor light timers, so get ready to illuminate your home with ease.
BN-Link, Digital Programmable Timer
If you have a busy schedule and want a timer that will keep up with you, this is the timer for you. This digital timer is programmable for a seven-day schedule and is customizable for different days. There’s no need to run your lights on at the same time every day. If your schedule changes, your timer’s program can too.
This timer also features a random mode, perfect for helping your house looked lived-in while on vacation. If you don’t want your home looking dark or neglected, this can bring it back to life and prevent potential burglaries. On top of all that, the price is easy on the wallet.
Pros:
- Set up to eight programs
- Random mode helps homes look lived-in
- Can customize individual days
- Good price
Cons:
- Programming isn’t very user-friendly
GE, Plug-in Mechanical Timer
Simple and sweet
Sometimes, less is more. If you prefer landlines to cell phones, books to podcasts, and CDs to streaming, this may be the timer for you. This simple layout makes selecting times easy. Even though the design is a bit old-school, it’s perfect for those who like their devices without any modern complexities.
For the budget-conscious buyer, this is a no-brainer. This timer is a steal at this price, and it gets the job done all in a compact package. What’s not to love?
Pros:
- Great price
- Simple interface
- Two grounded outlets
Cons:
- No extra features
- Not water-resistant
NSI, Mechanical Outdoor Plug-in Timer
If you’re more of a “set it and forget it” type of person, this timer may just be your new best friend. With a twistable dial and convenient layout, this timer is easy to use. Simply set the time you want the timer to be turned on and let it repeat daily.
If you only want your lights on for a minute or two, that’s fine. This timer can program times as small as 30 seconds. On top of that, it’s made for indoor and outdoor use. As far as power solutions go, this timer is as simple as it gets.
Pros:
- Simple layout
- Can be programmed in 30-second increments
- Settings repeat daily
Cons:
- Runs hot and can overheat if not careful
HBN, Smart Timer
Get smart
Living in the 21st century comes with its fair share of pros and cons. But like it or not, technology has changed the way we live and work in almost every aspect of life. That includes the worlds of home and garden. If your timer is still living in decades past, it may be time to upgrade.
This timer from HBN is smartphone compatible and can even be controlled via Amazon Alexa or Google Home Assistant. Just use voice command with those devices or open up the app to control your timer and set countdowns. As an added bonus, this timer has three grounded outlets and is water-resistant. If you’re tech-savvy, you can’t go wrong with this purchase.
Pros:
- Smartphone-compatible
- Has three grounded outlets
- Water-resistant
Cons:
- Alexa and other devices must be purchased separately
- Users who aren’t good with technology may have a hard time setting it up
BN-Link, Outdoor Photoelectric Timer
Easier than ever
Running an exposed power strip outside is a no-go, so it’s important that your timer has enough outlets for all your needs. If one or two isn’t going to do it, then maybe you need something more. This photoelectric timer from BN-Link has three grounded outlets and is water-resistant for added safety.
This timer also has the option for remote control, which makes this perfect for elderly users or people who prefer to set the countdown themselves. The remote control signal can travel through walls, so you can be sure you’re getting the best possible connection. This timer is an all-around great choice, and the inexpensive price is just the cherry on top.
Pros:
- Remote controlled
- Three grounded outlets
- Decent price
Cons:
- Not compatible with smartphones
Frequently Asked Questions
Do outdoor lights come with timers?
Most of the time, the answer is no. Outdoor lights have a lot of uses and not everyone wants to use a timer. Also, timers can be used for more than just lights, so they’re not mutually exclusive. There are probably bundle deals that companies offer with lights and timers in one pack, but for the most part, they’re sold separately.
Can I connect my timer to my smartphone?
In some cases, yes. Many timers are more traditional with a twisting dial that can select the hours you want the timer to be turned on, but some have taken the plunge into modern technology. Typically with newer timers, they can be controlled with devices like Amazon Alexa or Google Home Assistant. These devices are sold separately, so you can’t connect your phone directly to the timer without a device or certain apps to control the lights. But, if you have access to apps or voice-controlled devices and want to control your timer with it, there are timers that have that capability. Welcome to the future.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.