The Best Light Timers
Remembering to turn off your lights can be a hassle, especially around the holidays when fairy lights seem to adorn every surface. With a well-made light timer, you simply set it and forget it. Then, like clockwork, your lights will blink on and off automatically according to your schedule. Growing plants indoors can be honed to the minute with these timers, and outdoor lights can be set to trigger when it gets dark. These days, there are countless electrical outlet timers out there, so let's go into how to best choose one.
What to Look For
First of all, will you be using it outside or inside? For outdoor use, we recommend B-LINK or Brightown for truly weatherproof, dependable light timers. Easy setup is another important feature, so you’ll want to know where and how you’ll install the timer. For example, we found that B-LINK’s outdoor timers use a photocell receptor to automatically sense dusk and dawn and switch the lights accordingly. To learn more about what makes a great light timer, read on, and we’ll help you hone in on what works best for you.
BN-LINK 24-Hour Plug-in Mechanical Timer
Let there be light
If you’re looking for an indoor outlet timer that you can always rely on, then this mechanical light timer from BN-LINK could be just the thing you’re looking for. Unlike cheaper models, this timer is made out of sturdy, hard plastic that won’t chip or crack. And instead of pull-out timing pins that can get lost everywhere, it includes embedded pins at 96 15-minute intervals so you can control your electrical appliances. Rated to withstand up to 1,875 watts, this can easily handle something like a space heater. You can set up your timer to turn on when you get home, so it’ll be nice and toasty when you get home without wasting energy when you’re not around.
Pros:
- We were impressed by the heavy-duty design, which can power appliances and lights up to 15A at 125V.
- Up to 96 15-minute intervals are available to use for scheduling. There aren’t any external pins to misplace, so this will keep working for a long while.
Cons:
- It’s a bit on the bulkier side.
BN-LINK 24-Hour Water-Resistant Light Timer
Bring on the weather
Lawn lights and holiday lights look magical and brighten up our backyards. But having to unplug them every morning can be a hassle and wastes energy if you forget to turn them off. Instead, you could try this outdoor light timer. The photocell sensor detects when it’s dusk or dawn and sets the lights accordingly.
The included remote is a nice touch and well-made. It can easily reach up to 100ft and even works through concrete walls. And if you get multiple units, the remotes won’t interfere with each other. In fact, you can sync one remote to multiple units — a nice touch for larger setups. This weatherproof timer is meant to last, withstanding rain, sleet, or snow easily. Just make sure to leave the outlets facing down, so water doesn’t short the circuit.
Pros:
- We were pleased to discover that the remote works through walls. It’s also convenient that the remote can be synced to multiple units or to their own unique timer.
- This isn’t affected by power outages, unlike other digital timers.
Cons:
- There are no options for exact times, only in two-hour increments after dusk.
Brightown Outdoor Light Timer with Sensor
Set it and forget it
If you’re looking for a no-frills, simple-to-use outdoor timer, this is your best bet. The Brightown light timer simply plugs in, and you’re ready to go. Turning the dial sets the hours past dusk that you’d like the lights on. You can also choose to have them stay on all night. However, you won’t have to do anything more since the photocell sensor automatically detects when it’s dark out and turns your lights on for you. And if you have a ton of lights outside, don’t worry: this has three outlets and can take up to 15A.
Pros:
- The light sensor won’t be triggered on cloudy days. Make sure the outlet is placed under direct light and doesn’t receive shade.
- If you’re less technologically inclined, this simple option is easy to set up.
- The heavy-duty construction keeps this secured against weather damage and working for years to come.
Cons:
- You can’t set this to go off at any time besides dusk, so it may not be suitable for certain outdoor applications.
Fosmon Indoor 24-Hour Programmable Plug-in Timer 2 Pack
The ultimate energy-saving life hack
There’s no need to fuss with Wi-Fi-connected devices with one of these convenient 2-packs of plug-in timers. They’re much more discreet and lightweight compared to other, bulkier timers. And with two outlets per timer, you’ve got options for plenty of lights or appliances. When paired with something like an aquarium or plant light, or an inexpensive humidifier without a built-in timer, you can achieve the same functionality as those pricey devices for a fraction of the cost.
Pros:
- These are incredibly quiet, with no clicking or grinding noise. Those with sensitive ears will highly appreciate these whisper-quiet timers.
- Power outages won’t affect the device, unlike other more expensive digital models.
- Because they’re more lightweight, it’s harder to accidentally knock these off a wall outlet.
Cons:
- The instructions for setup are a bit unclear.
BN-LINK Outdoor Power Strip Yard Stake
Ultimate outdoor power
Setting up an elaborate lighting setup outside takes outlets — lots of outlets. That’s why we love this yard stake power strip since it has six available outlets for all your outdoor electrical needs. Besides being fully waterproof, it includes a photocell timer to automatically sense daylight and turn off your lights. Even under weeks of stormy weather, this still works flawlessly. And setup couldn’t be easier. Simply stake it in, connect it to your home’s outlet, and hit a button to change settings.
Pros:
- This outdoor power strip is well-crafted and well-engineered. We found it could withstand harsh snow, rain, and wind without falling or shorting out.
- The overload protection can save your lights from burning out due to a short or a blown fuse.
Cons:
- Car lights might accidentally trigger this, though it resets afterward.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many holiday lights can I use with a light timer?
For the most part, outdoor light timers are rated at 15A. A string of lights can use anywhere from 0.2A to 1.7A, so make sure you calculate how many lights you’ll be using so you don’t blow a fuse. We recommend using LED lights to cut down on power usage.
How do you set up an automatic daylight-sensing timer?
Usually, most outdoor timers with light sensors work automatically, but you may have to press a button to set it to that mode. There are usually options for how many hours the lights stay on after dusk.
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.