We researched over 50 different types of outdoor solar lights before we bought the 8 best sets available today to test side-by-side. Over the course of a month, we used the lights in various locations and settings to find out which ones worked the best in which locations, and why. We compared each set for reliability, design strengths and weaknesses, and the amount of illumination each light produced. Read below to find out which are the best motion-activated floodlights, which are the best stake-style version, and which ones are the best bargain.
Editor's Note: We updated this article on October 19, 2022, removing a few solar lights that are no longer available and including info about the updated URPOWER lights.
1
Best Overall Motion Sensor Outdoor Solar Floodlight
Type: Motion Sensor/Flood | Number of Lights in Pack: 4
REASONS TO BUY
Very reliable sensor
Wider than average range
Waterproof rated to IP65
REASONS TO AVOID
Have to remove the light from the wall to change settings
Not a stylish design
If you're on the hunt for solar-powered, motion sensor-activated floodlights, it's going to be tough to top the Aootek Solar Lights. We were impressed with their reliability — the light sensor was especially sensitive. In comparison to others we have tested, the sensor range isn't as wide, but for the majority of mounting locations, it should do the trick. Many outdoor solar light manufacturers claim that their products are waterproof, but Aootek puts their money where their mouth is with an IP65 waterproof rating. This means that the light can handle water jetting at it from all directions and is 100% dustproof, ensuring neither rain, dust, nor snow will be an issue.
We didn't find a lot to criticize about the Aootek Solar Lights, but we will still discuss a couple of potential setbacks. First, we doubt these lights are going to top anyone's list of best-looking or most chic outdoor solar lights. If decorative is what you're going for, you will likely want to look at a different model. Second, the light has to be removed from the wall in order to adjust the settings. This means if these are mounted somewhere that you need a ladder to access, it will be a pain any time you need to change the settings. Regardless of these flaws, we are still impressed with the Aootek lights and think they are some of the top overall motion sensor-activated solar-powered floodlights around.
The Gigalumi Solar Pathway Lights are an excellent choice for anyone seeking stake-style lights. This stylish and functional model comes in a high-quality bronze finish that we love — they look awesome situated beside a sidewalk or along a driveway. Not only do the devices themselves look good, but they earned some bonus points for the unique light pattern they cast onto the ground. During our assessment, these lights turned on right on time every night.
However, the Gigalumi Solar Pathway Lights aren't very useful individually because the level of illumination produced by each standalone device is a bit low. They are best used close to one another. That said, they're still a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a stylish and dependable set of stake lights.
Credit: Laura Casner
3
Best Budget Motion Sensor Outdoor Solar Floodlight
Type: Motion Sensor/Flood | Number of Lights in Pack: 4
REASONS TO BUY
Wide sensor range
Decent amount of illumination
Inexpensive
REASONS TO AVOID
Not the largest lighting area
Unattractive design
Product Update Note — October 2022
Since we tested these lights, URPOWER has released an updated version with 40 individual LED lights per unit (shown above) vs. the previous 8 per unit we tested. The waterproof rating has also changed to IP65, and there is now a large press-button instead of a small depression where you must stick a pin or paperclip. We're now linking to these updated lights in our review.
If you're looking for motion-sensor solar floodlights on a budget, check out the URPOWER Solar Lights. The sensors on these affordable lights have a great range, so you won't be stumbling around in the dark, trying to get your lights to activate. They are also bright, making them ideal for the front of a garage. The URPOWER lights are rated to IP64 waterproofing, which means that they can withstand most types of nasty weather. We found that the button on the front is not the easiest to push, requiring something like a thin paperclip or an earring to press it. But we appreciate that you don't have to remove the devices from the wall to change the settings.
Although the sensors on the URPOWER Solar Lights have a great range, the actual range of light dispersed from the device is not very wide — the illumination is concentrated to a smaller area than some floodlights. The URPOWER is not exactly easy on the eyes; it was obvious to us that the designers of this product valued functionality over style. But considering the price-to-performance ratio, we think they're worth the purchase.
If you're looking for a large number of solar-powered stake lights, but you don't want to break the bank either, we recommend the Sunnest Life Solar Lights. This set comes with 12 lights — more than enough to line a walkway or path. We also found that they all come on right about the same time and at the perfect time at dusk. Considering the number of devices included in the package, they are very affordable. Despite the low cost, they are still fairly stylish.
The main downside to the Sunnest Life is that they produce a very small amount of light per device. Although they do a great job of marking a pathway or driveway, they don't do much to actually illuminate anything. If you need to light up a walkway or obstacles or steps, we'd suggest going with a set that produces more light. However, we still think these are perfect for decoration and for marking pathways in the dark.
For some people, style is everything. If the main reason you're looking for outdoor solar lights is for decoration, we think the TomCare Solar Torch lights are the way to go. These lights resemble the flickering flames of a burning torch, which adds a mellow atmosphere to your yard without having to deal with oil, smoke, or actual open flames. We found the sensors are timed to work perfectly at dusk to add some illumination to your property. We loved the simple on/off buttons on the body of each device.
With the added degree of feng shui comes a trade-off — the TomCare Torches don't do much as far as illuminating the ground, so they aren't much good for lighting up steps or walkways. We'd suggest a model that produces more light if you're searching for outdoor solar lights that will aid in nighttime navigation of your property. Considering there are only four of them in a kit, these are also on the more expensive side. Still, if you're looking for a stylish set of solar-powered mock torches, the TomCare Solar Torch lights are the way to go.
Type: Motion Sensor/Flood | Number of Lights in Pack: 4
REASONS TO BUY
Good illumination
Button works well
REASONS TO AVOID
Not the best motion sensor
Unattractive design
The Luposwiten Solar Motion Sensor Lights is another solid choice for a motion sensor floodlight. The on/off button is located in a tiny hole that requires a paperclip or earring to press, but we found it much easier to push than other models with a similar design. The Luposwiten boasts a waterproof rating of IP65, so you can rest easy knowing that foul weather won't destroy your investment. Our favorite feature of these devices is their 400-lumen and 120-degree lighting range.
We were not overly impressed with the reactivity of the motion sensor on the Luposwiten. Other models seemed to be much more sensitive to movement at a greater distance from the device. The look of this model is also quite unappealing. If you're looking for a stylish model, it will make sense to go with lights with a classier appearance.
Type: Motion Sensor/Flood | Number of Lights in Pack: 4
REASONS TO BUY
Set of four illuminates well when used together
Decent motion sensor range
REASONS TO AVOID
Individual lights are not very bright
Lacking style
On/off button is difficult to operate
The ZOOKKI Solar Lights aren't very effective when used individually, but if you install all four of them in one place, they do an okay job of lighting up a driveway. They would be better suited for a small patio or on the wall going up a stairway. We also didn't find the motion sensor range to be that solid.
The ZOOKKI lights aren't exactly easy on the eyes. The bland look of this model isn't going to add much curb appeal to your property. The button on these devices is located in a tiny hole that needs to be pushed with a paperclip or earring. We found that the button is hard to press correctly and that the tool you are using can easily slide off before you reach your desired setting.
The Maggift 26 Inch Hanging Solar Lights are ideal for lighting up pathways and stair sets. It's hard to beat them in the style department with their charming lantern look. Unlike many of the gaudy outdoor solar lights on the market, the Maggift will add a decorative element to your yard in addition to a degree of illumination at night. Their price point also won't put too much of a dent in your bank account.
If you're looking for lights that will truly brighten up a walkway at night, you should look elsewhere. They're pretty, but they aren't very lucent. Sadly, we also found that one of the Maggift lights came with a poor battery connection right out of the box. We would only recommend purchasing these devices strictly for looks.
Credit: Laura Casner
Why You Should Trust Us
For this review, we spent weeks using the lights at our own homes. We used the floodlight versions above a garage door to see how well they could illuminate a driveway and then mounted them on a wall above a staircase to see how they worked in a variety of settings. The stake versions were placed in yards and along walkways to check how well they could light up pathways at night. We took detailed notes on each model's various designs and styles, and we paid close attention to how well the controls worked and how difficult they were to access.
This project was spearheaded by Senior Research Analyst Michelle Powell and Review Editor Ross Patton. Michelle has tested hundreds of products ranging from espresso machines to drones to all kinds of home & garden appliances. Ross brings more than a decade of experience in the field of professional product reviews coupled with a formal education in Environmental Science. With this team, you can trust that they have put outdoor solar lights under the utmost amount of scrutiny and have hunted down the tiniest nuances and details that set these devices apart from one another.
Some models are more suited for decoration than for lighting.
Full sun is the best way to charge these devices.
This model is made to light up landscaping features or a house.
Analysis and Test Results
Outdoor solar lights come in an array of types and designs for many different purposes. Our testing has divvied up the specific strengths and weaknesses of each device and will help you choose the model that is best for your individual needs.
Reliability
Reliability was the primary factor we studied during our assessment. If the lights don't work, they're nothing more than a decoration, or in some cases, an eyesore. To test the reliability of the motion sensor/floodlight models, we left these devices in direct sunlight all day. After nightfall, we approached each light to gauge the range of the motion sensor and its reactivity to movement. For the stake versions, we again left each model in direct sunlight from sun up until sundown, then patiently watched to see when they came on at dusk and how close the timing was among the devices in each set.
The Gigalumi model does a great job of charging in full sun.
Credit: Michelle Powell
As far as motion sensor/floodlight models, we found that the Aootek and URPOWER had very reliable sensors during our tests. These models activated from movement at a further than average distance.
We love that the LITOM Original has such a wide sensor range.
Credit: Laura Casner
When it comes to stake versions, we were impressed with the reliability of the Gigalumi Solar Pathway Lights, the Sunnest Life Solar Lights, and the TomCare Solar Torch. Each of these versions nearly came on in unison at dusk every night, and we had no issues with battery connectivity or faulty sensors.
With a full charge, the TomCare Flickering Flames models all come on around the same time.
Credit: Michelle Powell
Illumination
The amount of light produced by these devices may be a very important purchasing factor for some people and might not matter at all for others, depending on the purpose and application intended for the lights. You're going to want a much brighter light if you're looking to illuminate a driveway than if you're trying to line a pathway or stair set. Even then, you may not care how much light they provide if you're just looking for yard decorations. We subjectively judged the amount of light produced by the various models — the results are broken down in the paragraphs below.
The Gigalumi makes a unique light pattern at night.
Credit: Laura Casner
The Aootek model easily lit up a small driveway, especially when using more than one of them in one location. The quality of light emitted is easier on the eyes than many floodlight-style versions that we've reviewed. The URPOWER Solar Lights are also fairly bright, but the light produced is a bit harsh on the eyes.
The Aootek lights were among the brightest that we tested.
Credit: Laura Casner
If you are less concerned with brightness and more concerned with marking a pathway or driveway, several options are great for the job. The Gigalumi Solar Pathway Lights make a pretty pattern on the ground that is also useful for seeing where you're stepping at night. The TomCare Solar Torch lights won't light up obstacles, but they do give off the appearance of being actual flames. The Sunnest Life Solar Lights hardly put off any amount of luminosity, but they work perfectly as markers.
The spotlight models do a great job of lighting up one area, but stake versions are better for pathways and markers.
Credit: Laura Casner
Design
Next, we carefully inspected each version of outdoor solar lights for differences in design and functionality. Some are simplistic and are up and running in a matter of seconds, and others require tools to mount to a wall or adjust the settings. Finally, we considered the style and appearance of each model.
The motion sensor spotlight models aren't quite as fancy looking as many of the stake models.
Credit: Laura Casner
When it comes to stake versions, we found the most stylish model to be the Gigalumi Solar Pathway Lights. With a bronze metal finish and the on/off switch hidden below the cap, this model scored extra points for its elegant look.
Our reviewers found the Gagalumi models to be some of the best looking.
Credit: Michelle Powell
We recommend the Sunnest Life Solar Lights if you're seeking the most basic, straightforward look out of a stake light. They are very plain looking, but for some people, that may be the desired look. The on/off switch is conveniently located on the underside of the light to keep it out of sight and out of the elements.
The Sunnest on/off switch is hidden below the cap to protect it from the elements and keep it out of sight.
Credit: Michelle Powell
It's hard not to like the look of the TomCare Solar Torch lights. These devices give off the appearance of real flames, but with none of the hassle of a real fire. They have a simple on/off button on the shaft near the base of the light.
The TomCare switch is a basic button near the top of the stake shaft.
Credit: Michelle Powell
The motion sensor floodlight versions that we liked best have two different types of on/off switches. The URPOWER has a small hole containing the button that needs to be pushed with a narrow object such as a paperclip or earring.
Some motion sensor spotlight versions such as the URPOWER have a small button that requires a strong and slender object to depress.
Credit: Michelle Powell
The Aootek needs to be removed from the wall to reach the switch, which can be a bit inconvenient.
If the switch is located on the back of a motion sensor spotlight model, you'll need to remove it from the wall to change settings.
Credit: Laura Casner
Conclusion
Whether you're looking to fully illuminate your driveway, light up the side of your house, mark out a pathway, or simply want to add some decorations to your yard, we've set out to provide you with the best analysis possible. We hope our research and testing leads you to the perfect purchase for your needs.
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