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Top 6 Best Motion Sensor Plug-In Outlet Of 2023 Review

Tired of waking up in the middle of the night and fumbling around in the dark? Or would you like your child to have an automatic night light in their room?

An easy way to solve this lighting problem is by getting a motion sensor plug-in outlet. Depending on the motion sensor, all you need is a spare outlet, and you are set. So, let’s go through the Best Motion Sensor Plug-in Outlets currently available and find the perfect one for you…

Top 6 Best Motion Sensor Plug-In Outlet Of 2023 Review

Product Overview

ProductTypeRadiusDistancePrice
Type
Integrated Sensor
Radius
100-degrees
Distance
25-feet
Price
$
Type
Integrated Sensor
Radius
120-degrees
Distance
15-feet
Price
$
Type
Integrated Sensor
Radius
180-degrees
Distance
30-feet
Price
$$
Type
Wireless Sensor
Radius
100-degrees
Distance
25-feet
Price
$
Type
Integrated Sensor
Radius
100-degrees
Distance
11-feet
Price
$
Type
Integrated Sensor
Radius
100-degrees
Distance
10-feet
Price
$$$

Top 6 Best Motion Sensor Plug-In Outlet Review

1 Westek MLC4BC Indoor Plug-In Motion Activated Light Control

We are starting this review with the MLC4BC from Westek. The MLC4BC is easily one of the best easy to install motion sensor plug-in outlets available. That’s because all you need is a three-prong outlet to plug it into.

Then hook it up to whatever you want it to turn on when it detects motion. The integrated sensor has a 100-degree radius that detects motion as far as 25-feet away. That makes it a good choice for an office or large open areas such as a church.

Timer…

On the back of the MCL4BC, you will find a dial that will control the motion sensor’s integrated timer. You will want to have a small flathead screwdriver or a coin handy to adjust it.

This timer will automatically turn off whatever you have connected to the motion sensor after one, two, five, ten, or 20 minutes, depending on what you set it to. It is a handy feature to have, but we did not find it to be that reliable.


Westek MLC4BC Indoor Plug-In Motion Activated Light Control

Our rating:4.3 out of 5 stars (4.3 / 5)

Pros

  • 100-degree radius sensor.
  • Detects motion from 25 feet away.
  • Low-profile design.

Cons

  • The timer is not reliable.

2 MAZ-TEK Plug-in Motion Sensor Lights – Best Budget Motion Sensor Plug-in Outlet

Next, we have the MAZ-TEK MZ3100 motion sensor. This compact plug-in motion sensor has an integrated LED light that should last for 20,000 hours. Making it one of the best long lasting motion sensor plug-in outlets currently on the market.

MAZ-TEK was able to squeeze four tiny LEDs into the motion sensor, which is rather impressive given how small it is. The integrated LEDs provide a 2700K warm white light when activated.

On, off, or auto…

Just below the dome-shaped sensor on this product, you will find two adjustable switches. The one on the left allows you to adjust the brightness of the LEDs. To the right of that, you will find a switch that allows you to turn the sensor on or off. Since you can adjust the brightness of the MZ3100 and leave it turned on, it makes for a great nightlight.

When you have the sensor set to auto, it will detect movement in a 120-degree radius in front of it. It works well, but you will need to be within 15-feet of the sensor.


MAZ-TEK Plug-in Motion Sensor Lights

Our rating:4.7 out of 5 stars (4.7 / 5)

Pros

  • Sold in pairs.
  • Adjustable brightness.
  • 2700K light.

Cons

  • 15-foot detection distance.

3 GE Wireless Motion-Sensing Control Transmitter – Best Value for the Money Motion Sensor Plug-in Outlet

Moving up in price a bit, we have a motion-sensing kit from GE. GE has designed this product in two parts. You will find a plug-in transmitter with an integrated outlet as well as a wireless motion sensor in the box. As you will see, it’s one of the best wireless motion sensor plug-in outlets you can buy.

The transmitter and receiver pair together automatically and can be placed up to 100-feet apart from each other. This allows you a ton of flexibility in setting this kit up. As a result, it is one of the most versatile motion sensor plug-in outlets on the market.

Mounting…

While the transmitter will plug into any standard wall outlet and be powered, the wireless motion sensor will run off batteries. Three AAA batteries come included that should last you for at least a year.

When you mount the sensor with the included hardware, place it six to eight feet off the ground for the best coverage. It can detect movement from up to 30 feet away when turned on.

Keep it away from moving air…

The sensor is very sensitive and has a 180-degree detection radius. However, we noticed it would falsely trigger when placed near your heater or air conditioner.


GE Wireless Motion-Sensing Control Transmitter

Our rating:4.8 out of 5 stars (4.8 / 5)

Pros

  • 100-foot signal range.
  • 30-foot detection range.
  • Auto-off after 10 minutes.

Cons

  • Easy to accidentally trigger.

4 GE Motion Sensor LED Night Light – Best Garage Motion Sensor Plug-in Outlet

On the other side of the spectrum, we have this simple twenty-lumen light from GE. The GE model 40865 has a sensor that detects motion up to 25-feet away at a 100-degree radius.

Great for outdoors…

It produces a white daylight-like light that is only activated when in a dark environment. Once it detects motion, it will stay lit for 90-seconds before automatically turning off. As a result, it’s one of the best outdoor motion sensor plug-in outlets on the market.

The LEDs in this light are only twenty lumens, which may not seem a lot. We found that the color of light emitted makes for an uncomfortable experience in the dark. They just do not produce a warm enough glow to be used in your bedroom. We find this product to be better suited in the garage or a hallway instead.

That is not all…

Some plug-in motion sensors are rather bulky and can sometimes block off the neighboring power outlet. GE has designed this motion-sensing light so the plugs offset, allowing for plenty of clearance to the adjacent outlet.


GE Motion Sensor LED Night Light

Our rating:4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)

Pros

  • Cheap.
  • Compact.

Cons

  • Too bright.
  • Extremely sensitive.

5 GEHUAY Kids Plug-in Night Light – Best Nightlight Motion Senor Plug-in Outlet

Want a nightlight and USB charger all in one? Well, this GEHUAY dual USB nightlight two-pack has you covered. Each square night light has two 5V/2A USB ports that you can use to charge your phone or tablet. Do not expect a quick charge-type experience from these USB ports, though.

GEHUAY has integrated 12 LEDs into each motion sensor to light up your room in the dark. They provide a nice warm glare-free glow that should not disturb your sleep. Therefore, this is one of the best indoor motion sensor plug-in outlets currently out there.

But there is a catch…

The integrated sensor in each of these nightlights has a 100-degree radius and can detect movement up to 11 feet away. After the sensor is activated, it will automatically turn off after 60 seconds if it does not detect further motion.

Furthermore, this sensor only works at nighttime. You may also hear a bit of noise coming from the USB outlets when they are in use as well. Not real deal-breakers, just things keep in mind.


GEHUAY Kids Plug-in Night Light

Our rating:4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)

Pros

  • 2 x 2 inches in size.
  • Dual USB ports.
  • 60-second timer.

Cons

  • Only works at nighttime.

6 Bonashi LED Motion Sensor Night Light Flashlight Cut Light – Best Premium Motion Sensor Plug-in Outlet

The final product in this Best Motion Sensor Plug-in Outlet roundup comes to us from Bonashi. This motion sensor can be used as a night light or as a flashlight all at the same time.

It has a built-in motion sensor capable of detecting movement up to ten feet away. When activated, it produces a nice blue glow, and after 25-seconds, will automatically turn off.

Flashlight…

Integrated into each one of these motion-sensing lights from Bonashi is a small 500mAh battery. When plugged into the wall, the battery will charge automatically. At full charge, these batteries will last for an hour and a half. If you have a power cut, the blue LED lights will turn on automatically.

On the top of each sensor, you will notice a couple more lights. Since these can run off battery power, you can unplug them from the wall and carry them around with you. When you unplug this product from the wall, the top two lights will turn on. They are extremely bright, just like a normal flashlight.


Bonashi LED Motion Sensor Night Light Flashlight Cut Light

Our rating:4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)

Pros

  • On and off switch.
  • Flashlight.
  • 1.5 battery life.

Cons

  • Pricey.

Best Motion Sensor Plug-in Outlet Buying Guide

Best Motion Sensor Plug-In Outlet Guide

A motion sensor can help prevent you from stumbling around in the dark, but which one is right for you? That depends on where you want to place it. In this roundup, you will have noticed that motion sensors differ from one another somewhat.

Motion sensors that have an extra outlet are the most versatile. They allow you to plug in a light fixture like a table lamp or an LED light strip. Whatever you have plugged in will turn on once you come within range of the motion sensor. Some motion sensors can detect movement from over twenty feet away and some only from eleven feet away.

Sensor Radius

Just because a sensor can detect motion from further away, it might be limited to a narrow radius. If you are placing your motion sensor in the middle of a narrow hallway, you will want to make sure the sensor in question has a wide radius.

This can make placing the sensor in the appropriate place rather challenging. To make installing your motion sensor easier, you find that some manufacturers separate the outlet from the actual sensor, making it wireless.

Wireless Sensors

Give you the freedom to place it anywhere you want as long as it is still in range of the transmitter. The typical range of this is about a hundred feet. With a wireless motion sensor, you can set the sensor up to detect motion on your stairway while the transmitter is plugged into a lamp down in the hallway. So, whenever you walk down the stairs, a lamp at the bottom will automatically light up your path.

Integrated Lights

If you want to keep things as simple as possible, you could always go with a motion sensor with an integrated light. You will notice that motion sensors with an integrated light are typically a bit bigger. So, they might end up blocking off your adjacent wall outlet.

These types of sensors will usually have a very wide radius. They can even be used as a nightlight, depending on the integrated light. Because of the form factor of these motion sensors, LEDs are used. The brightness and color of the LED will vary. While a warm glow might be nice in your child’s bedroom, it would not be bright enough to light up the garage.

Flashlights

The last type of motion sensor we came across that stood out is one that can be used as a flashlight. These sensors plug directly into your wall outlet and have two types of integrated lighting. They light up just light any other motion sensor would under normal circumstances. What makes them different is that they have an integrated battery. This battery charges when plugged in.

Then if you have a power cut, the integrated light will automatically illuminate and run off the battery. You will find a separate set of brighter lights available on the motion sensor as well.

When you unplug this type of motion sensor from the wall, these brighter lights will shine just like a flashlight. You can then carry the unit with you around the house, illuminating your path as you go.

Timers

Best Motion Sensor Plug-In Outlet Timer

No matter the motion sensor you go with, they all have one thing in common, a timer. This timer may or may not be adjustable. When your motion sensor activates, you do not want it to turn your lamp on for the rest of the night. Unless your timer is adjustable, they will usually only allow your light to stay on for a minute or two.

Once you choose the motion sensor that is right for you, make sure you place it away from your heating or air conditioning. The temperature change can often accidentally activate the sensor. You do not want your lights turning on and off on their own all night long.

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What is the Best Motion Sensor Plug-in Outlet?

The winner of this roundup goes to the…

GE Wireless Motion-Sensing Control Transmitter 

It provided not only the widest detection radius but also the longest motion detection range. With a transmitter range of 100-feet, you can set up the wireless motion sensor pretty much anywhere you want. Once you plug your lamp into the transmitter, it will automatically turn on for 10-minutes once motion is detected.

Since the motion sensor is wireless, you will need to change out the batteries now and then. Besides that, just take care when setting it up and not place it next to your AC or heater.

Until next time, let your light shine.

About Paul S. Brunet

Known as the "Tech Lover", Paul is an expert of current and trending technology. Here at TinyGrab, he makes "tech" easy to understand for the average person.

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