Best Outdoor Light Timer Switch: Top 5 of 2024

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Controlling your outdoor lighting manually is a pain in the butt. Given how cheap you can get an outdoor light switch timer, this is not a great use of your time.

The best outdoor light timer switches have simple programming options, self-charging backups, and are weatherproof and durable enough to last.

On the other hand, a bad outdoor light timer switch is worse than not having one. Nothing says “Good Morning Sunshine” quite like your backyard coming to life at 3 AM.

To help you separate the good from the bad – we’ve reviewed the Top 5 Outdoor Light Timer Switch of 2024.

Buy with the confidence that you’re buying one of the best outdoor light timer switches on the market. Let’s get straight into the reviews.

best overall rating
Woods Outdoor Light Timer Switch
  • ¾ Horsepower
  • Self charging backup
  • Weatherproof digital outlet switch
premium choice rating
Intermatic Outdoor Light Timer Switch
  • Manual override ON/OFF Switch
  • Weatherproof cover
  • 15 FLA Motor
great value rating
BN-LINK Outdoor Light Timer Switch
  • Simultaneous control
  • Random Security Mode
  • ETL Listed

Contents

Top 5 Best Outdoor Light Timer Switch

Woods Outdoor Light Timer Switch – Best Overall

Woods 50015WD Outdoor 7-Day Heavy Duty Digital Plug-in Timer; 2...
  • USER-FRIENDLY DIGITAL OUTLET TIMER: with 3 timing features (digital timer; random setting and countdown timer) on this 7-day programmable plug-in digital timer switch with...
  • ENERGY-SAVING PRECISION PROGRAMMING: the 7-day digital outlet timer lets you do up-to-the-minute programming; which means you can be enjoying more energy savings.
  • HEAVY-DUTY DIGITAL TIMER: this digital countdown timer outlet is specially designed to complement heavy-duty appliances such as outdoor fountains; heaters or pool pumps.

Discover the versatility of the Woods 50015WD, the leading choice for an outdoor light timer switch. With three distinct settings—countdown, digital, and random—it caters to your every need. Its three-prong outlet offers flexibility, allowing adjustments on both daily and weekly intervals for ultimate convenience.

Benefit from the peace of mind provided by its self-charging backup. This crucial feature ensures your settings remain intact through any power surge. Coupled with a robust construction, the timer guarantees protection against all weather conditions, ensuring reliability and longevity.

Since it has a ¾ horsepower, it’s good for appliances such as heaters and pumps. With the capability to adjust up to 20 settings daily, this device excels in versatility. Whether it’s for holiday illumination, enhancing security, or simply managing your home’s ambiance, it offers unparalleled adaptability.

Its LCD lighting system is easy to read and user-friendly. When the LCD light is on, the power is operating in both outlets. Once the LCD light is off, it reminds the user that both outlets aren’t receiving power.

You can even fully reset the device if it’s giving you any trouble or if the battery is fully depleted. Overall, this is an excellent outdoor light timer switch, as it combines excellent features and value for money.

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What We Like
  • ¾ Horsepower
  • Self charging backup
  • Weatherproof digital outlet switch
  • ’R’ reset button for resetting light schedules
  • Easy to customize
What We Don’t Like
  • Requires frequent resetting
  • Short cord
  • Outlet can melt under certain conditions

Intermatic Outdoor Light Timer Switch – Premium Choice

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Intermatic P1121 Heavy Duty Outdoor Timer - 15 Amp/1 HP Pool Pump...
  • WEATHERPROOF CONSTRUCTION - Specifically crafted for outdoor use, this Intermatic timer tackles dynamic weather conditions while offering hassle-free operation.
  • VERSATILE CONTROL - Seamlessly manage an array of applications including pool pumps, water fountains, landscape lighting, holiday decorations, and more.
  • USER FRIENDLY OPERATION - Flexible scheduling with green and red pins for start and end times, and ships with 2 sets of pins for dual ON/OFF settings daily.

The Intermatic P1121 is the best premium outdoor light switch timer due to its features and performance, though the price is relatively steep. It controls water fountains, fans, signs, lighting, and more.

Users have 2 ON/OFF settings a day which include removable trippers. This outdoor light switch timer even comes included with additional trippers.

Since the Intermatic P1121 Outdoor Light Timer Switch plugs directly into a wall outlet, installation is simple and painless. With its locking or grounding-type NEMA receptacle or plug, you can place them in the wall and experience top notch protection within minutes.

Experience hassle-free setup that simplifies your life. Plug in the timer, and it’s good to go, operating seamlessly throughout the day. Adjusting settings is straightforward, ensuring ease of use even for first-time users.

This 120 volt timer has a 12-inch grounded cord, manual override ON/OFF switch, and a waterproof cover which allows you to use it regardless of the weather conditions. Basically, this is a good device for electricians wanting a premium light timer switch that’s safe from weather and electrical outages.

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What We Like
  • Manual override ON/OFF Switch
  • Weatherproof cover
  • 15 FLA Motor
  • 1800 wattage
  • Good durability
What We Don’t Like
  • ON/OFF tabs difficult to place at the correct time
  • Melted Plug
  • Slightly pricier than alternatives

BN-LINK Outdoor Light Timer Switch – Great Value

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BN-LINK 7 Day Heavy Duty Digital Programmable Timer, FD60 U6, 115V,...
  • ✓ VERSATILE & CUSTOMIZABLE: Easily set up to 8 on/off programs for the timer’s two grounded outlets. Outlets are controlled simultaneously, and settings can be as short as...
  • ✓ JUST SET & GO: Choose your own individual days or simply select one of the convenient pre-set combination days. Switch to Daylight Savings mode with a press of a button....
  • ✓ PROTECT YOUR HOME: Activate the “Random” Vacation mode to randomize your programmed lights. Make your home look “lived in” even when you’re away.

The BN-LINK Outdoor Light Timer Switch is a product that can be used in indoor and outdoor settings. The outlets can be simultaneously controlled and the settings can be set to as little as one minute.

Users can activate the “Random” Vacation mode to randomize the programmed lights in your home. This makes the home appear lived in even if you’re away. Thus, giving you an added layer of protection.

It allows users to set their own individual days or select from a range of presets of day combinations. You can switch to Daylight Savings Mode with a quick button press. Its long-lasting backup battery will help maintain your settings in the event of a power outage.

You can set up 8 programs for your timer’s grounded outlets. Due to this, it saves electricity costs and extends your appliances’ lifespans. By doing this, you’ll have a light switch that you can set and go, and it will automatically adjust the lighting based on your preferences.

This model also features a 115 Volt rating. Overall, this is the best outdoor light timer switch for customers on a budget.

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What We Like
  • Simultaneous control
  • Random Security Mode
  • ETL Listed
  • Customize 8 ON/OFF programs
  • Intuitive programming options
What We Don’t Like
  • Malfunctioning outlets
  • Can’t handle an 11 amp load
  • Bad backup battery

GE Mechanical Outdoor Light Timer Switch

GE 24-Hour Heavy-Duty Outdoor Mechanical Timer, 2 Grounded Outlet...
  • Turn outdoor lights ON/OFF at your desired times daily – saving you time, money and energy!
  • Ideal for your security lights, landscape, patio and seasonal lighting. LED, CFL, Incandescent and Halogen compatible.
  • Set the timer in 30-minute intervals and set 24-hour programmable daily cycle.

The GE Mechanical Outdoor Light Timer Switch is a timer outdoor light switch whose features speak for themselves. For instance, it has a timer customization setting where the user can set up a custom daily cycle. This makes it easier for you to conserve power.

And it features 2 heavy grounded wire outlets which ensure that you can hook up additional devices. Both wire outlets are weather-resistant, making them useful for both indoor and outdoor environments.

Though highly rated, some users have reported timing inconsistencies and issues with the lights not following scheduled ON/OFF prompts. Should you encounter such challenges, a prompt replacement is advisable to ensure satisfaction and performance.

Still, the GE Mechanical Outdoor Light Timer Switch is a light-sensitive outdoor timer switch that’s worth your money. It has an easy set up process, making it easier for beginners to use. So if you’re in need of an alternative timer switch for outdoor porch light this is the right device for you.

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What We Like
  • User customized time settings
  • Easy to set up
  • 2 Grounded Outlets
  • 24 hour programmable cycle
  • Weather Resistant Construction
What We Don’t Like
  • Missing ON/OFF Switch
  • Limited Durability
  • Skips through the times

Intermatic HB880R Outdoor Light Timer Switch

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Intermatic HB880R Outdoor Timer with 7-Day Programming - Astronomic...
  • FULL FEATURE OUTDOOR TIMER - Weatherproof enclosure with 7-day programming and 14 ON/OFF events for versatile control of lights, decorations, pumps, or fans.
  • ASTRONOMIC SELF-ADJUST - The astronomic setting automatically aligns event schedules with changing sunrise/sunset times, optimizing efficiency.
  • VERSATILE PLUG-IN DESIGN - Plugs directly into a wall outlet with a 24” cable, providing 2 timed and grounded configurations (5-15).

The Intermatic HB880R Outdoor Light Timer Switch has a full feature plug-in timer. This allows users to have 7 day programming settings with a weatherproof enclosure. With over 14 ON/OFF events, you’ll have no problem getting the right lighting in your home or garden.

It also has astronomic settings that allow you to adjust the event schedules. Users can organize and create event schedules to be placed based on the changing sunset/sunrise times for maximum efficiency.

However, it has a small issue with the timer function. After a few months of usage, consumers stated that the timer function would fail to work. Fortunately, this doesn’t seem to be a universal issue.

Also, this model plugs directly into the wall outlet. It has a 24” grounded plug and 2 grounded receptacles. It is perfect for holiday and landscape lighting and water fountains.

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What We Like
  • ½ HP Motor
  • 14 ON/OFF user programmed events
  • Astronomical clock adjustment
  • AA Battery Backup
  • 2 Grounded receptacles
What We Don’t Like
  • Challenging access to battery
  • Difficult to program
  • Limited display durability

About Blake Sutton

Blake has worked as an electrician for over 10 years, receiving his Journeyman Electrician license in 1998. Looking to take his professional electrical career further, in 2008 he received his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) from the University of Texas in Austin. Blake now works full time as an electrical engineer, specializing in power systems.