The Best Outdoor Light Timers

Outdoor light timers are extremely handy for a wide variety of applications. You can use them for everything from your basic porch light to your pool pump. We especially love them for yard decorations and lights. And once you set one up, you can stop worrying about going outside to turn everything on and off at the end of a long day. To help you find the right one to fit your needs, we've compiled a list of the best outdoor light timers.

BN-LINK Compact Outdoor Mechanical Timer

Easy to Use, Easy to Afford

Set up to 48 settings per day with this simple outdoor light timer.
Best Overall

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It’s tough to control your outdoor lights, decor, and appliances throughout the day, especially when they need to be turned on or off often. Well, now you can sit back, relax, and let the BN-LINK Compact Outdoor Mechanical Timer do the work for you.

This outdoor light timer has two grounded outlets and 48 timer settings for every 24 hour period. It’s heavy-duty and completely waterproof, so you just set it up and get all of your timers where you want them. That’s it. The affordable price tag is just the cherry on top. Use this timer for lights, decorations, fountains, sprinklers, and so much more.

Pros:

  • This timer is super easy to set up, so you won’t need to waste time figuring it out
  • Use this timer to set up a whopping 48 on/off cycles
  • The outlets are grounded for your safety and protection
  • It is completely weatherproof and rain-tight when you close the box up

Cons:

  • It isn’t compatible with pool pumps or filters

Dewenwils Outdoor Light Sensor Timer

Simplicity from a Distance

Control up to two devices with the simple remote control.
Best Remote-Controlled Timer

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We all love our remote-controlled outdoor devices. They make life easier and give us full control without the inconvenience of needing to go outside and mess with buttons and controls. That is why we love the Dewenwils Outdoor Light Sensor Timer.

This outdoor light timer comes with a handy remote that controls it from up to 100 feet away, even through walls, so you can stand on your porch or stay in your house to turn on all of your lights and decor. It also has a dusk and dawn sensor to control your lights, which means you never have to worry about it being too dark outside. Once installed, it is waterproof and completely grounded with a heavy cord for your safety.

Pros:

  • This timer has two outlets so you can plug in more than one thing at a time
  • Use it for any of your outdoor appliances, including lights, fountains, seasonal decor, pool pumps, and more
  • The waterproof box protects your home and outdoor stuff from any surges or damage when it rains
  • We love the remote because it adds convenience and gives you options for the sensor, several timer settings, and overall power and you never even need to leave the comfort of your home
  • Both the remote and timer are durable and long-lasting

Cons:

  • If you buy more than one of these timers the remote channels may overlap

Kasa Outdoor Smart Plug

Maximum Convenience

This option from Kasa sports smart tech to help make your life easier.
Best Smart Plug

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In today’s busy world, convenience is key to a good product. There is nothing more convenient than the ability to control all of your devices with your home assistant, and now that extends to your outdoor lights and decor with the cutting-edge Kasa Outdoor Smart Plug.

This outdoor light timer allows you to control two outdoor devices at the same time simply by using your Alexa or Google Home voice assistant. We love that once it is plugged in, this smart plug has a 300ft WiFi range and is easily controlled with your voice assistant or your phone, making it easy to stay connected and in control. Meanwhile, it is waterproof and made to control anything you want, including lights, pool pumps and filters, decorations, and more. Get more than one for even more convenience.

Pros:

  • It works with Alexa, Google Home, or a phone app, so you aren’t limited in its application
  • The “Away Mode” gives the illusion that you are home, which deters burglars and thieves
  • Each of the 2 built-in outlets is controlled individually for ease of use and versatility
  • It is totally weather-resistant and perfect for all seasons

Cons:

  • Because it runs off of WiFi it is prone to signal-dropping and then you need to reset it

Woods Outdoor Dusk to Dawn Lighting Timer

Safe and Affordable

This pick is a versatile outdoor light timer for a fantastic price.
Best Value

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If you are looking for a simple outdoor light timer for an affordable price, you are in luck. The Woods Outdoor Dusk to Dawn Lighting Timer is well-made, easy to use, and meets all safety requirements. Better yet, it’s available in 1- and 2-outlet versions which are both affordably-priced.

This timer has a sensor that automatically turns your lights on at dusk and then turns them off at dawn. That means you won’t have to recalibrate them for the changing seasons. You can also choose to set the timer yourself. The outlet is grounded and equipped with a cover that protects it from weather hazards. With this pick, you’ll always feel confident that your yard, devices, and home are safe from electrical accidents.

Pros:

  • This timer is extremely affordable, making it accessible for everyone
  • It is very easy to use, with no pins, apps, or anything else needed
  • Choose either the 1- or 2-outlet model based on your needs
  • The convenient indicator light lets you know it is always working

Cons:

  • This timer does not have the wide variety of settings that many of the other options do

Frequently Asked Questions

What are outdoor light timers used for?

Outdoor timers are used for a variety of outdoor devices. For example, there are large lanterns and lights, seasonal decorations, pool pumps and filters, and fountains that all need to be plugged in. You won’t need the lanterns during the day and you won’t need the fountain at night, so an outdoor timer just makes sense.

Are these timers appropriate for use in greenhouses or other humid locations?

Any waterproof timer is safe to use in a greenhouse. Although some timers may short out in a wet and humid environment, waterproof ones are made to withstand those conditions, so you will always feel confident while using them. Plus, you won’t have to worry about forgetting to turn on your plants’ lights anymore. The timer will handle it for you.

About the Author

Chelsia has been a gamer for over two decades. She splits her time between her Playstation and PC, though she’s also been known to play board games as well. As a gamer, she knows how important it is to have a setup that fits your needs. Whether you’re looking for a new gaming monitor or wondering what third-party Playstation controller works the best, Chelsia has you covered.

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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.