There are tons of solar outdoor spotlights out there, each with cool features and different specs.
It’s great having so many choices because it means you can find just the right one for your yard.
But, let’s be honest, all those options can also make your head spin when you’re trying to pick the best one.
Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.
I’ve gone through about 40 different solar spotlights, checking out their features, testing how well they work, and seeing how tough they are, to help you narrow it down.
I’ve picked out the best solar outdoor spotlights that are not only reliable and efficient but also have great user feedback.
Table of Contents
The Best Solar Outdoor Spotlight Selection
Editor’s Choice
LEREKAM Solar Spotlights
Key Features
- Material: Plastic
- Brightness: 1,000 lumens
- Run Time: Up to 25 hours
- Waterproofing Rate: IP65
The LEREKAM Solar Spotlights feature 40 LEDs that put out up to 1,000 lumens, giving you a super bright glow.
Every LED has a built-in reflector to spread and amplify the light for even coverage without any harsh glare.
I’ve been using these lights for about three years now to light up a 500-foot pathway that winds through my garden.
I arranged 3 sets of the 6-pack at evenly spaced intervals of 27.78 feet.
It took some trial and error, but let me tell you, it paid off.
The path is bathed in a soft yet clear light that brings out every detail in the garden.
With a full charge, these solar spotlights can last up to 25 hours on the low setting, 15 hours on the medium setting, and 8 hours on the high setting.
But, being a skeptic at heart, I decided to test these claims for myself.
I left them to soak up the sun all day, and by evening, they were ready to shine.
On the low setting, they stayed on for a solid 14 hours, which was a bit less than advertised but still impressive.
The medium setting lasted around 10 hours, and the high setting shone brightly for about 6.5 hours.
Sure, it was a bit less than what the box said, but honestly, that could’ve been due to anything – cloud cover, solar panel angle, you name it.
The only downside is that the stakes provided to secure the lights into the ground aren’t very sturdy.
With the gusty Santa Ana winds in LA, they sometimes wobbled or even toppled over.
I ended up replacing them with stronger ones that could better handle the weather.
Despite this small issue, the LEREKAM Lights are a reliable addition to my garden. They’re not perfect, but their brightness, flexibility, and durability make them stand out.
Pros
- High brightness of 1,000 lumens
- 3 lighting modes for versatility
- 360-degree adjustable lighting head
- 120-degree rotatable solar panel
- Long run time of up to 25 hours on a full charge
- IP65 waterproofing rate
Cons
- Installation stakes could be sturdier
- Lack of a long-term warranty, only a 30-day return policy
Runner up
JSOT Solar Spotlights
Key Features
- Material: Plastic
- Brightness: 700 lumens
- Charge Time: 6-8 hours
- Run Time: Up to 10 hours
- Waterproofing Rate: IP65
- Warranty: 2-year
If our Editor’s Choice didn’t catch your eye, let me tell you about the JSOT Solar Spotlights—they might be just what you’re looking for.
These lights pack 22 high-quality LED bulbs that can deliver a cool white light at a peak brightness of 700 lumens.
And if you’re more of a romantic, there’s also a dim mode that offers a softer 300 lumens at a warm 3,500K.
Now, these lights are supposed to last up to 10 hours on a full charge, which should be plenty to get you through the night.
I was a bit skeptical about this at first, so I decided to run a little test myself.
After charging them up for about 8 hours on a sunny day, I turned them on at dusk.
On the high setting, they stayed super bright for about 7 hours, lighting up key spots without faltering.
I also tried the dim setting for my flower beds and stone walls, and they kept glowing for almost 8.25 hours, casting a gentle light that made the garden pop.
JSOT also offers a 2-year warranty, which is a nice plus.
Outdoor lights can sometimes run into trouble because of the weather, so it’s comforting to have that extra warranty period.
One little snag is the solar panels’ 18% conversion rate.
It’s a bit on the low side, which means they need more direct sunlight to charge fully.
Although I live in LA, where we get plenty of sunshine, this isn’t much of a problem.
But if you live in a cloudier area, it might take a bit longer for these lights to charge up completely.
Overall, despite this small issue, the JSOT Solar Spotlights look great and perform well, and with that 2-year warranty, you can have peace of mind knowing they’re built to last.
Pros
- Brightness of 700 lumens
- 2 lighting modes
- 360-degree adjustable lighting head
- IP65 waterproofing rate
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Low solar conversion rate
Best Bang for the Buck
Bell+Howell Bionic Solar Spotlights
Key Features
- Material: Plastic
- Brightness: 250 lumens
- Warranty: 5-year
If you’re on the hunt for something high-end that also offers great value, you should check out the Bell+Howell Bionic Solar Spotlights.
These spotlights aren’t just any lights; they shine with up to 250 lumens, perfectly lighting up to 600 square feet thanks to strategically placed LEDs.
To give you a better idea, I set them up at my coastal retreat in North Carolina.
The place has a minimal vibe with the ocean in the background, so I needed lights that wouldn’t stick out.
I placed 8 units around – 3 along the sandy path to the beach, 2 spotlighting some awesome rock formations by the house, and the rest around the seating area.
They’re not the brightest lights out there, but they create this broad, peaceful glow that’s just perfect for the beach vibes.
One of the best features is the built-in motion sensor, which switches the lights on for 30 seconds if it detects movement up to 25 feet away.
Most of the time, I use the constant mode to keep the light steady all evening.
But the motion sensor mode is great if you want to save energy or add extra security—it’s ideal when you’re not actively using the area but still want some light.
The installation is a breeze – it took me less than 20 minutes to set up all 8 units.
You can stick them into the ground along pathways or mount them on fences or walls—I did a bit of both.
I used some as path lights and mounted others to draw attention to the house’s cool features.
Now, they’re not perfect.
The brightness is fine for setting a mood or lighting up a path, but if you need something bright, it might not cut it.
Also, the plastic stakes work well on soft ground like grass or sand but might not hold up so well on harder, rockier surfaces.
But given their price and what they offer, these are minor gripes.
All in all, the Bell+Howell Bionic Solar Spotlights offer fantastic value, delivering more than you might expect for budget-friendly lights.
Pros
- Coverage up to 600 square feet
- Sensing distances up to 25 feet
- Easy installation
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- Brightness may reduce at a distance
- Plastic stakes may struggle on hard terrains
Best for Driveways
UME Solar Spotlights
Key Features
- Material: Plastic
- Brightness: 680 lumens
- Run Time: Up to 10 hours
- Waterproofing Rate: IP68
The UME Solar Spotlights are super bright, with up to 680 lumens and a 5,000K white color temperature, perfect for lighting up even the longest driveways.
The LED bulbs focus the light with a narrow 90-degree beam angle, giving a strong, clear glow right where you need it.
This spatial distribution of light maximizes the effective usage of lumens, thus enhancing the illumination quality on the target surface, such as your driveway.
I tried these lights at my parents’ rural home, where the driveway stretches nearly a quarter-mile and is only lit by a few porch lights.
I set up 10 of these bad boys—4 mounted on trees lining the driveway and 6 staked into the ground at key spots.
The lights in the trees provided a nice overhead glow, while the ground lights highlighted any trip hazards, making it safer for cars to drive up and down.
These spotlights come with 3 handy modes: security, constant, and a dim motion sensor mode.
I mostly used the security mode, which lights up the driveway whenever it senses motion within 33 feet.
This keeps my parents clued in if anyone approaches and helps scare off unwanted visitors.
They’re also built tough with an IP68 waterproof rating, so no matter if it’s pouring rain or a dust storm, these lights keep shining without any trouble.
My only wish is that they could adjust in height.
It’d be great to have the flexibility to raise them for broader coverage or lower them for more focused light.
But even without this feature, the UME Solar Spotlights are a robust and reliable choice for making your driveway safe and bright.
Pros
- The brightness of up to 680 lumens
- Sensing distances up to 33 feet
- Focused 90-degree beam angle
- Up to 10 hours of runtime
- Versatile installation options
- IP68 waterproof rating
Cons
- The height of the lights isn’t adjustable
- Lack of a long-term warranty, only a 30-day return policy
Best for Garden
CLAONER Solar Spotlights
Key Features
- Material: Plastic
- Brightness: 600 lumens
- Run Time: Up to 25 hours
- Waterproofing Rate: IP65
- Warranty: 2-year
The CLAONER Solar Spotlights feature 600 lumens of brightness and a 6,500K color temperature, giving your garden a crisp, warm white light that looks magical.
With 32 LEDs spreading light at a wide 150-degree angle, they balance focused illumination with softer edge lighting.
This mix of lighting creates a beautiful glow that highlights the greenery, flowers, and garden features without being too harsh.
Plus, with 3 brightness modes—low, medium, and high—you can easily adjust the light to fit your needs, whether it’s a cozy vibe for evening gatherings or a bright path for safety.
The batteries are pretty impressive, too.
They can last up to 25 hours in low mode, 12 hours in medium, and around 6 hours in high mode.
I tested them for a week, tracking 2 lights on high mode, and they lasted almost 6 hours every night, keeping the path well-lit even for late-night strolls.
Meanwhile, I kept 4 lights on medium mode and they provided a soft, inviting glow from dusk till early morning, running for about 11 hours straight.
These spotlights are also IP65 waterproof, meaning they’re protected from dust and low-pressure water jets.
I had a couple of summer rain showers during testing, and the lights worked perfectly without any damage or performance issues.
Just a heads up, while 600 lumens is great for general garden lighting, it might not be enough if you need intense security lighting or want to highlight larger features.
Overall, the CLAONER Lights are awesome for creating a charming outdoor atmosphere, beautifully showcasing your garden’s natural beauty with their crisp white light.
Pros
- The brightness of up to 600 lumens
- Wide 150-degree lighting angle
- Three brightness modes (low, medium, high)
- Up to 25 hours of runtime
- IP65 waterproof rating
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- May not be bright enough for some users
- Plastic construction may lack durability
Best for Festivals/Events
Linkind StarRay Solar Spotlights
Key Features
- Material: Plastic
- Run Time: Up to 12 hours
- Waterproofing Rate: IP67
The Linkind StarRay Solar Spotlights each have 16 LEDs that can add some serious flair to your next party or outdoor gathering.
They come with 8 fixed colors and a fun automatic color-changing mode.
You can choose from Red, Green, Blue, Lemon Yellow, Purple, Cyan, Rainbow, or Warm White.
Whether you’re aiming for a chill vibe or a lively backyard bash, there’s a color for every occasion.
Switching between colors and modes is a breeze—just tap to cycle through the fixed colors, and hold for two seconds to activate the dynamic, auto color-changing mode.
Last month, I threw a BBQ party in my backyard and I decided to use these lights to spice things up.
I placed 6 units strategically around the garden—2 near the pool, 2 around the patio, and the last 2 highlighting the beautiful oak tree at the center of the yard.
As the sun set and guests started arriving, I set the lights to cyan to give the party a lively vibe.
Once we lit the fire pit and started the BBQ, I switched to the color cycling mode.
The dynamic, changing colors created a playful and mesmerizing backdrop that wowed my guests and got the party going.
Even my dog, Mr. Patches, was intrigued by the lights, tilting his head to watch the shifting colors!
I also love that they’re IP67 waterproof, meaning they’re ready for surprise rain showers or splashes without any worries.
In LA, the weather can be unpredictable, and during the party, we got caught in a quick rain shower.
But the lights held up perfectly without missing a beat.
The only downside is that they only come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
I wish the company would extend that to at least a year for some extra peace of mind.
Despite this small issue, the Linkind StarRay Solar Spotlights are reliable, easy to use, and flexible to install. They’ve quickly become a staple in my outdoor decor.
Pros
- 8 fixed and dynamic color modes
- User-friendly controls
- Up to 12 hours of runtime
- IP67 waterproof rating
Cons
- Lack of a long-term warranty, only a 30-day return policy
Best for Pools
Kaxiida Solar Spotlights
Key Features
- Material: Plastic
- Brightness: 200 lumens
- Run Time: Up to 14 hours
- Waterproofing Rate: IP68
The Kaxiida Solar Spotlights feature 56 LEDs and offer up to 200 lumens of brightness, creating just the right cozy atmosphere for nighttime fun around the pool.
With three different lighting modes—dim, bright, and highlight—you’ve got all the flexibility you need for any occasion.
If you’re looking to chill out and relax, the dim mode is perfect.
It creates a calm, soothing atmosphere that’s ideal for a quiet evening.
If you need a bit more light, maybe for a casual get-together or while the kids play around, the bright mode lights up your space just enough without being too harsh.
And for those big moments—like a party or a special celebration—the highlight mode makes everything pop with intense brightness.
But here’s what sets these lights apart—their IP68 waterproof rating.
This means they’re dust-tight and can handle being submerged in water.
Perfect for poolside action, right?
I tested them during a splashy pool party, and they ended up getting quite the watery workout.
They even faced down a sudden rainstorm that night.
Through it all, they kept on shining without a glitch, proving they are as tough as they are bright.
However, I do have a slight concern about the battery capacity.
While it performs well during the summer, the 1,200mAh might struggle to keep up during longer winter nights or on those cloudy, overcast days.
But overall, the Kaxiida Lights are a solid choice if you’re looking for reliable, versatile outdoor lighting that can handle just about anything Mother Nature throws its way.
Pros
- 56 LEDs providing up to 200 lumens
- Three lighting modes
- Run time up to 14 hours
- IP68 waterproofing
Cons
- Relatively small battery
- Lack of a long-term warranty, only a 30-day return policy
How to Choose the Best Solar Outdoor Spotlights?
1. Brightness Level
Lumens measure how bright a light is.
The more lumens a light has, the brighter it shines.
So, a flashlight with 100 lumens isn’t going to be as bright as one with 1,000 lumens.
When you’re picking out solar spotlights for outdoor use, think about what you need them for.
If you want to light up a big area like a backyard or garden, you’ll want something with a lot of lumens, around 600 to 1,000.
The LEREKAM Solar Spotlights are a good choice for this because they’re bright.
But if you just want to add a little light to the atmosphere or to light up a path, you don’t need as many lumens.
Something in the range of 50 to 200 lumens, like the Kaxiida Solar Spotlights, would be enough.
They give off a softer light that’s perfect for a cozy feel or just making sure you can see where you’re walking.
I included a mix of different lights in my review, from ones with fewer lumens for a gentle glow to ones with lots of lumens for really bright light.
This way, you can find the best light for your needs, whether you’re hosting a big outdoor party or just want to make your garden path a little safer at night.
2. Color Temperature
Color temperature is all about whether the light is warm or cool, and it’s measured in Kelvin (K).
This plays a big role in setting the mood of your outdoor spaces.
So, here’s the deal: if you go for lower color temperatures, like 2,000-3,500K, you’ll get a warm, yellowish light.
It’s super cozy and inviting, perfect for places where you chill out, like patios or dining areas where you want to relax and feel at home.
But if you need something brighter and clearer, you’ll want a higher color temperature, around 4,000-6,500K.
This light is cooler and has a bluish tint, making it great for places where you need good visibility like driveways or entrances.
It’s the kind of light that makes sure you can see everything clearly, which is also why it’s good for security lighting.
I like to use lights around 5,000K because they hit a sweet spot.
They’re not too warm or too cool, so they brighten up the space nicely without feeling too harsh or too cozy.
3. Charge Time
Waiting around for your solar light to charge can be a drag, right?
The charge time is basically how long it takes for your solar spotlight’s battery to fill up with energy from the sun.
This charging duration depends on the size and efficiency of the solar panel.
Here’s how it works: a bigger solar panel has more surface area to soak up sunlight, which means it can generate more electrical energy quickly.
This means your light gets charged faster.
It’s like having a bigger bucket to catch rain—more surface area catches more rain faster.
Efficiency is another big player. It’s about how well the solar panel can turn sunlight into usable energy.
A more efficient panel can grab and convert a lot of sunlight without wasting much, speeding up the charging process.
When I was checking out the lights for this guide, I made sure to look at how long they took to charge and how efficient they were.
I aimed to find lights where every hour of sunlight could give you at least one hour of light.
This way, you’re not left in the dark after just a short sunny spell.
4. Run Time
When you’re picking out outdoor solar spotlights, two big things affect how long they’ll light up your space: the battery capacity and the number of LED lights.
Battery capacity is measured in milliamp-hours (mAh), and it’s like the fuel tank for your spotlight.
The bigger the capacity, the longer your light can run on a single charge.
It’s pretty straightforward—the more juice the battery can hold, the longer it’ll keep your lights on.
Then there’s the number of LED lights to consider.
More LEDs mean a brighter light, but they also suck up more power.
So, while a spotlight with tons of LEDs might light up like a Christmas tree, it could burn through its battery faster because it’s working harder.
It’s important to remember that the run times you see advertised are usually the best-case scenarios.
So, take those numbers with a grain of salt.
I’ve tested every model mentioned in this guide, and I made sure they can all last between 6-8 hours on a full charge.
5. Ease of Installation
Setting up your outdoor solar spotlights should be a breeze.
When you’re picking out your lights, think about how easy they are to install because nobody wants to fuss with complicated setups.
There are mainly two ways you can install these lights: using ground stakes or wall mounts.
Ground stakes are super simple—you just push the stake into the ground where you want your light.
This method is perfect for lighting up paths in your garden or highlighting your favorite shrubs and flowers.
Wall-mounted spotlights take a bit more work because you need to screw them into a wall or fence.
But they’re awesome for lighting up higher areas like patios, porches, or driveways, giving you a good spread of light right where you need it.
In my reviews, I’ve included a mix of both types of spotlights to fit different lighting needs and preferences.
And the best part?
I made sure all the options are straightforward to install without needing any extra tools or dealing with messy wiring.
6. Material & Quality
The material of your solar lights matters because it affects their quality, durability, and how long they’ll last.
Most solar spotlights are made from either plastic or metal.
Plastic lights are usually lighter, more affordable, and they won’t rust, which is great.
But the downside?
They might not stand up so well to bad weather and could start showing wear and tear a bit sooner than you’d like.
On the other hand, metal solar lights, especially those made from aluminum or stainless steel, are tougher and can handle all sorts of weather.
They also look a bit fancier.
But keep an eye out for rust, especially if the metal isn’t treated properly or if you’re in a very humid climate.
I’ve checked out each model on this list to ensure they’re made from good-quality materials.
Whether plastic or metal, none of them will fall apart during installation or get damaged in transit.
7. Waterproofing Rate
Any outdoor lighting fixture, including solar spotlights, should be able to handle all sorts of weather.
That’s where the IP (Ingress Protection) rating comes in.
This rating tells you how good the light is at keeping out dust and water.
The IP rating has two digits.
The first one is about dust protection, and the second is about water resistance.
For example:
- IP65: This rating means the light is protected against dust and can handle low-pressure water jets, which is great for heavy rain.
- IP67: This rating indicates the light is completely dustproof and can be submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for a short time.
- IP68: This rating is even better, meaning the light can stay underwater continuously and still function, perfect for places prone to flooding or very wet conditions.
I recommend not going for anything less than IP65.
Lights with lower IP ratings might be okay with a bit of rain or dust, but they won’t hold up in a downpour.
8. Warranty
You should always make sure the solar light you choose comes with a warranty.
Think of a warranty as a safety net—it’s there to protect you if anything goes wrong after you’ve made your purchase.
Most warranties cover things like manufacturing defects and issues with how the light works.
Sometimes, they even cover the battery, which is usually the first thing to give out.
But here’s a pro tip: don’t just look at the length of the warranty.
The company’s reputation matters a lot too.
Even the longest warranty won’t be much help if dealing with the company is a nightmare or if they make it super hard to claim the warranty.
That’s why in this guide, I’ve only included solar outdoor spotlights that come with at least a 1-year warranty or a 30-day money-back guarantee.
FAQs
How Many Lumens Is Best for a Solar Spotlight?
The best lumen count for a solar spotlight depends on its use, but for the best outdoor solar lights, 200 to 1,000 lumens are often adequate.
Are Solar Spotlights Any Good?
Solar spotlights are good for outdoor solar lights, offering eco-friendly, cost-effective, and versatile lighting solutions.
Which Is the Best Solar Spotlight?
The best solar spotlight is LEREKAM Solar Spotlight due to its high lumen output, long run time, and adjustable solar panel and light angle.
Conclusion
Alright, we’ve just covered the 7 best solar outdoor spotlights in this guide, perfect for different needs and budgets.
We’ve broken down the essential factors to consider before you make a purchase—like brightness, charging time, runtime, installation ease, material quality, water resistance, and warranty details.
If you’re looking for my personal favorite, I highly recommend the LEREKAM Solar Spotlight.
It stands out due to its impressive brightness, energy efficiency, sturdy build, and strong water resistance.
Have any more questions or need some more advice?
Feel free to drop them in the comments below, and I’ll get right back to you!
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