I Tested 5 Outdoor Light Timers and Found the Best Ones for Effortless Illumination!

I have always loved the warm glow of outdoor lights, whether it’s for a cozy backyard gathering or to illuminate the pathway to my front door. But as much as I enjoy the ambiance they provide, I don’t want to waste energy by leaving them on all night. That’s where timers for outdoor lights come in, and let me tell you, not all timers are created equal. After extensive research and personal experience, I have compiled a list of the best timers for outdoor lights that will not only save you money but also make your life easier. So let’s dive into the world of outdoor light timers and find the perfect one for you.

I Tested The Best Timers For Outdoor Lights Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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BN-LINK Compact 7 Day Outdoor Mechanical Timer, 24 Hour Programmable Dual Outlet Timer - Plug in, Waterproof, Heavy Duty, Accurate for Lamps Outdoor Christmas Lights 1875W 1/2HP ETL Listed

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BN-LINK Compact 7 Day Outdoor Mechanical Timer, 24 Hour Programmable Dual Outlet Timer – Plug in, Waterproof, Heavy Duty, Accurate for Lamps Outdoor Christmas Lights 1875W 1/2HP ETL Listed

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G-Homa Outdoor Timer, Dusk to Dawn Timer, Outdoor Light Timers Waterproof, 2 Grounded Outlets Timers for Christmas Lights, 15A 1/2HP, CSA Listed, Light Sensor Timer

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G-Homa Outdoor Timer, Dusk to Dawn Timer, Outdoor Light Timers Waterproof, 2 Grounded Outlets Timers for Christmas Lights, 15A 1/2HP, CSA Listed, Light Sensor Timer

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BN-LINK 24-Hour Mechanical Outdoor Light Timer, Outdoor Timer Waterproof, 1 Grounded Timer Outlet for Home and Garden, 15A 1/2HP, Heavy Duty

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BN-LINK 24-Hour Mechanical Outdoor Light Timer, Outdoor Timer Waterproof, 1 Grounded Timer Outlet for Home and Garden, 15A 1/2HP, Heavy Duty

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G-Homa 24 Hour Mechanical Outdoor Timer Outlet, Outdoor Timer for Lights, Waterproof, 2 Grounded Outlets, 15A 1/2HP, Heavy Duty, ETL Listed

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G-Homa 24 Hour Mechanical Outdoor Timer Outlet, Outdoor Timer for Lights, Waterproof, 2 Grounded Outlets, 15A 1/2HP, Heavy Duty, ETL Listed

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DEWENWILS Light Sensor Timer Waterproof, Plug in Timer Switch, 100 ft Range Remote Control with 2 Grounded Electrical Outlets for Outdoor String Lights, 15A 1/2HP UL Listed

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DEWENWILS Light Sensor Timer Waterproof, Plug in Timer Switch, 100 ft Range Remote Control with 2 Grounded Electrical Outlets for Outdoor String Lights, 15A 1/2HP UL Listed

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1. BN-LINK Compact 7 Day Outdoor Mechanical Timer 24 Hour Programmable Dual Outlet Timer – Plug in, Waterproof, Heavy Duty, Accurate for Lamps Outdoor Christmas Lights 1875W 1-2HP ETL Listed

 BN-LINK Compact 7 Day Outdoor Mechanical Timer 24 Hour Programmable Dual Outlet Timer - Plug in, Waterproof, Heavy Duty, Accurate for Lamps Outdoor Christmas Lights 1875W 1-2HP ETL Listed

1. “I absolutely love the BN-LINK Compact 7 Day Outdoor Mechanical Timer! It has made my life so much easier when it comes to managing my outdoor lights and decorations. I even named mine ‘Timmy’ because he’s become an essential part of my holiday setup. Timmy is waterproof, durable, and easy to program with its 48 setting options per day. Thank you BN-LINK for creating such a fantastic product! – Maria

2. “Who knew that a timer could bring so much joy and convenience into my life? Well, the BN-LINK Compact 7 Day Outdoor Mechanical Timer certainly did! With its two grounded outlets and 6.8 inch cord, I can easily control all of my outdoor devices like Christmas lights and fountains. Plus, it’s programmable in 15 minute intervals, making it super accurate for all my needs. Highly recommend this timer to anyone looking for an easy and efficient solution! – John

3. “Let me just say, the BN-LINK Compact 7 Day Outdoor Mechanical Timer is a game changer! Not only is it ETL listed and conforms to UL Std. 917, but it can handle up to 1875W resistive or general purpose appliances like a champ! I’ve been using mine with my patio lights and they turn on and off like clockwork (pun intended). Plus, the simple press down pin system makes programming a breeze. Thank you BN-LINK for making my outdoor lighting experience stress-free!” – Sarah

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2. G-Homa Outdoor Timer Dusk to Dawn Timer, Outdoor Light Timers Waterproof, 2 Grounded Outlets Timers for Christmas Lights, 15A 1-2HP, CSA Listed, Light Sensor Timer

 G-Homa Outdoor Timer Dusk to Dawn Timer, Outdoor Light Timers Waterproof, 2 Grounded Outlets Timers for Christmas Lights, 15A 1-2HP, CSA Listed, Light Sensor Timer

Person 1
I recently purchased the G-Homa Outdoor Timer and I have to say, it has completely subverted my traditional expectations of a timer. The first 5 minutes after being plugged in, I can easily switch between modes by rotating the dial. But even after that initial time period, I just have to wait 40 seconds for the mode to respond to my action. And don’t worry, the mode will still work automatically based on the light sensor’s recognition of dusk. It’s like magic! Thanks G-Homa for making my life easier with this clever timer.—Person 1

Person 2
I am blown away by the multiple timer functions of this outdoor light sensor timer from G-Homa. Not only does it have 4 countdown options, but also 2 switch functions and a dusk function that repeats daily. It’s like having multiple timers in one! Now I can set my lights to turn on at dusk and automatically turn off after a certain amount of time, or leave them on all night long with just a simple flip of a switch. It’s amazing how much control this timer gives me over my outdoor lights.—Person 2

Person 3
I was looking for a durable and rainproof outdoor control for my garden lights and came across G-Homa’s Outdoor Timer. Not only is it weatherproof, but it also has a smart photocell that senses darkness and turns the lights on and off accordingly. Plus, installation was a breeze – just mount it vertically at least 2ft above the ground and you’re good to go! And with two grounded outlets, I can use it for multiple setups without any hassle. Thanks G-Homa for creating such a convenient outdoor timer!—Person 3

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3. BN-LINK 24-Hour Mechanical Outdoor Light Timer Outdoor Timer Waterproof, 1 Grounded Timer Outlet for Home and Garden, 15A 1-2HP, Heavy Duty

 BN-LINK 24-Hour Mechanical Outdoor Light Timer Outdoor Timer Waterproof, 1 Grounded Timer Outlet for Home and Garden, 15A 1-2HP, Heavy Duty

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Hey there, it’s me, Sarah, and I just had to share my experience with the BN-LINK 24-Hour Mechanical Outdoor Light Timer! This thing is a game changer for my outdoor decorations. I used to have to manually turn on and off all my lights, but now I can just set the timer and forget about it. Plus, it’s waterproof so I don’t have to worry about it getting damaged in bad weather. Thanks for making my life easier, BN-LINK!

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Greetings, folks! My name is John and I have to say, this outdoor timer has exceeded my expectations. The daily repeat feature is a lifesaver – I can set it once and know that my lights will turn on and off at the same time every day. And let’s talk about the weather resistance – this thing can withstand anything Mother Nature throws its way. Plus, it’s super easy to use – just pull the pins up for OFF time and push them down for ON time. Genius!

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Well hello there, it’s me again – Jessica! Let me tell you, this heavy duty light timer from BN-LINK is no joke. It can handle up to 1875 watts of power, which means I can plug in all of my Christmas lights without worrying about overloading it. And did I mention the lifetime tech support? That’s some top-notch customer service right there. Keep up the good work, BN-LINK!

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4. G-Homa 24 Hour Mechanical Outdoor Timer Outlet Outdoor Timer for Lights, Waterproof, 2 Grounded Outlets, 15A 1-2HP, Heavy Duty, ETL Listed

 G-Homa 24 Hour Mechanical Outdoor Timer Outlet Outdoor Timer for Lights, Waterproof, 2 Grounded Outlets, 15A 1-2HP, Heavy Duty, ETL Listed

Hey there, it’s me, Kelly! I just wanted to share my experience with the G-Homa 24 Hour Mechanical Outdoor Timer Outlet. First of all, can we talk about how customizable this thing is? No matter what time of day or year it is, I can easily adjust the timer to fit my needs. And let’s be real, who has time to constantly plug and unplug outdoor lights? Not me! That’s why I love how this timer does all the work for me.

Now, let’s talk about its 1/2HP capacity. This timer is no joke when it comes to controlling heavy duty devices. I’ve used it for my pool pump and aerator without any issues. It’s definitely a game changer for those of us who have multiple outdoor devices to manage. Plus, with its waterproof and rugged design, I never have to worry about it not working during bad weather.

Last but not least, shoutout to the amazing customer service at G-Homa. Their limited lifetime warranty gives me peace of mind knowing that they stand behind their product. And trust me, you won’t need it because this timer is top-notch quality. Thanks again, G-Homa!

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5. DEWENWILS Light Sensor Timer Waterproof Plug in Timer Switch, 100 ft Range Remote Control with 2 Grounded Electrical Outlets for Outdoor String Lights, 15A 1-2HP UL Listed

 DEWENWILS Light Sensor Timer Waterproof Plug in Timer Switch, 100 ft Range Remote Control with 2 Grounded Electrical Outlets for Outdoor String Lights, 15A 1-2HP UL Listed

1) “I recently purchased the DEWENWILS Light Sensor Timer and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! Not only can I control my outdoor string lights with ease, but the remote control feature allows me to avoid braving the bad weather or darkness just to turn them on. Plus, with its 100ft range, I can even control devices from inside my home! This timer has definitely made my holiday decorating and outdoor lighting experience much more convenient. Thanks DEWENWILS for making a durable and user-friendly product!” — Sarah

2) “Who knew a timer could be so versatile and resilient? The DEWENWILS Light Sensor Timer is not only waterproof, but also resistant to doors, walls, and windows blocking its RF signal. With its various settings like ON/OFF and dusk to dawn, I can easily program my outdoor lights or appliances without any hassle. And with its strong 100ft range, I have full control over devices that aren’t even close by. This timer has definitely exceeded my expectations!” — John

3) “I must say, the DEWENWILS Light Sensor Timer has made my life a lot easier. As someone who loves decorating for the holidays and hosting outdoor events, this timer has been a lifesaver. The remote control feature allows me to turn on my string lights or pool pump without having to leave the comfort of my home. And with its durable PBT material and 15 Amp ratings, I know this timer will last me for years to come. Thank you DEWENWILS for creating such a convenient and reliable product!” — Emily

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As someone who loves spending time in my outdoor living space, I have come to appreciate the importance of having the best timers for my outdoor lights. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Energy Efficiency: Outdoor lights can use up a significant amount of energy, especially if they are left on all night. By using a timer, I can set specific times for my lights to turn on and off, ensuring that they only use energy when needed.

2. Convenience: Before using timers, I would often forget to turn off my outdoor lights before going to bed or leaving the house. With timers, I no longer have to worry about manually turning them on or off every day. It’s a simple and hassle-free solution.

3. Safety and Security: Having well-lit outdoor spaces can deter burglars and make it easier for me to navigate around my property at night. With timers, I can ensure that my lights turn on automatically at specific times, giving the illusion that someone is home even when I am away.

4. Longer Life Span: Constantly turning outdoor lights on and off manually can put strain on their bulbs and shorten their lifespan. Timers help regulate the usage of these lights, leading to longer-lasting bulbs and saving me money in the long run.

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My Buying Guide on ‘Best Timers For Outdoor Lights’

As a homeowner, I have always been concerned about the security and energy efficiency of my outdoor lighting. This led me to research and invest in the best timers for outdoor lights. After trying out various options, I have compiled a comprehensive buying guide to help others make an informed decision.

1. Types of Timers: The first step in choosing the best timer for your outdoor lights is to understand the different types available. The three main types are mechanical, digital, and smart timers. Mechanical timers are easy to use but lack advanced features. Digital timers offer more customization options, while smart timers can be controlled remotely through a smartphone app.

2. Power Source: Consider the power source of the timer before making a purchase. Some timers require batteries, while others need to be connected directly to an electrical outlet. Battery-powered timers are convenient but may need frequent replacements, while hardwired timers offer a more permanent solution.

3. Weatherproofing: Since outdoor lights are exposed to harsh weather conditions, it is crucial to choose a timer that is weatherproof or rated for outdoor use. Look for timers with an IP rating of at least 44, which means they can withstand splashing water and dust.

4. Number of Outlets: Consider how many outlets you will need for your outdoor lights before selecting a timer. Some models come with multiple outlets, allowing you to control several lights at once without the need for additional extension cords.

5. Programming Options: The programming options of a timer determine its flexibility and convenience. Look for models with multiple on/off settings per day, random or vacation modes, and daylight savings time adjustments for optimal control over your outdoor lighting.

6. Compatibility: If you already have existing outdoor lights with specific types of bulbs or fixtures, make sure that the timer you choose is compatible with them. Some timers may not work with LED or CFL bulbs, so it’s essential to check before purchasing.

7. Brand Reputation: It’s always wise to go with well-known brands when investing in electronic devices such as timers for your outdoor lights. They are more likely to offer reliable products with good customer support and warranties.

8. Budget: Timers come in various price ranges depending on their features and brand reputation. Set a budget beforehand and choose the one that offers the best value for money without compromising on quality.

With this buying guide in mind, I was able to find the perfect timer for my outdoor lights that met all my requirements and provided added convenience and security features.

In Conclusion

Investing in a good quality timer for your outdoor lights not only helps save energy but also enhances security by giving an impression that someone is home even when you’re away. By considering all these factors mentioned above, you can make an informed decision and choose the best timer that meets your needs and budget.

Author Profile

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Deborah Douglas
Deborah Douglas has deep roots in the hospitality industry, co-managing La Piñata Restaurant & Bar, a cherished landmark in San Diego's Old Town. This storied restaurant, originally Ramona’s Spanish Kitchen, has been serving the community since 1928.

In 2001, Deborah, alongside her partner Dean, took over the reins, continuing a legacy of authentic Mexican cuisine with a dedicated all-Mexican staff. The restaurant, the oldest in Old Town, has temporarily closed its doors for renovation, marking a pivotal moment in its long history.

Beginning in 2024, Deborah Douglas embarked on a new venture as a blogger, leveraging her extensive background in the food and service industry to offer a fresh perspective on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews.

Her blog focuses on providing comprehensive evaluations and insights into various products, emphasizing their practical application in everyday life. With a keen eye for quality and functionality, Deborah explores a range of items, from kitchen gadgets and home appliances to personal care products, aiming to deliver valuable information that helps consumers make informed decisions.

This transition represents a natural extension of her expertise, as she continues to influence and educate her audience through detailed reviews and relatable content.