You don’t have to enjoy your outdoor space only during the day when the sun is out and everywhere is bright. Sometimes, relaxing on your patio at night while enjoying the fresh air can be therapeutic. This type of comfort can be experienced when your patio space is lightened up, and this is why you need an outdoor light.
The sight of a brightened patio or outdoor space can be comforting. You can create a relaxed ambiance in your outdoor space by lighting it up. After all, who doesn’t want a patio area they’re not proud of?
Whether you are looking to brighten your patio for dinner, a party, or relaxation purposes, there’s the right outdoor light for you. Also, outdoor lights can help make your outdoor space feel secure and give you a clear view of your outdoor area when it’s dark.
We understand how tough and confusing it can be for you to find the right type of outdoor light for you, and we came up with this list. After a series of examinations and confirmation of other real users, we made this list. We also put into consideration credible reviews of individuals that have used it. This review includes the different types of outdoor lights, their power source, abilities, and the best place and reason to use them.
Editor’s Choice
Best Torch Light: Walensee Solar Torch Light
Best Flood Light: WWimy Solar Flood Light
Best Outdoor light bulb: Philips LED Dusk-To-Dawn Bulb
Best Solar-powered light: Aootek Outdoor Solar LED Light
Best String light: addlon 48 FT Outdoor String Lights
Best Smart light: Philips Hue White and Color Smart Bulb
Best Bug-repellent light: Sunco Lighting LED Bug Light
Best overall: LiBlins Solar Landscape Spotlights
Best economical bulb: MAGGIFT Solar Pathway Lights
Best Landscape light: Hykolity 6 Pack LED Landscape Light
Best Outdoor Lights
Walensee Solar Torch Light
Specifications: Solar-powered, 96 LEDs, IP65 Waterproof, LED light, 16.2 x 13 x 6.75 inches
This outdoor light is a torchlight and can be called a tiki torch. It is designed to provide your outdoor space with the brightness and charming ambiance it needs. It is also a solar-powered outdoor light which even makes it more interesting.
You can use this outdoor light to lighten up your path and add to your garden’s aesthetic. This light comes with 96 LEDs designed to give off a flickering flame, just like typical tiki torches.
Unlike many fancy torch lights, this outdoor torchlight provides a lot of brightness to your patio. It is a solar-powered tiki torchlight and has a long runtime. The light comes with a rechargeable 2200mAh Li-ion battery that is built-in. It takes between 5-8 hours to charge under sunlight and can last for 12 hours when fully charged.
This outdoor solar tiki torch light from Walensee comes with an automatic on and off switch. This makes it possible for the light to turn on automatically at dusk and turn off when it’s dawn. It is also water-resistant, and you don’t have to worry about harsh weather as it is designed to resist them. Lastly, installing this light is easy as it doesn’t require any wiring; just mount it and enjoy the brightness.
Pros
- Durable
- Long-lasting battery
- Long runtime
- Auto on/off switch
Cons
- Made of plastic
WWimy Solar Flood Light
Specifications: Solar-powered, 4.7 x 8.5 x 8.3 inches, IP65 Waterproof, Motion sensors, LED light, Remote control.
This outdoor light is a reliable and top-rated floodlight. It is a solar-powered light and can last for a very long time. This outdoor solar-powered floodlight consists of 3 head LED lights and can cover an angle of 270° wide.
You can adjust each of the 3 heads to cover specific areas of your patio and outdoor area. It is also equipped with 210 super-bright LED beads to provide enough brightness for your outdoor space. This floodlight has an intelligent motion sensor and can detect movement from 26 feet away.
This floodlight runs on a 2000 mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery designed to last long. Considering that one will place this light in an open space, it is built to withstand harsh conditions. This outdoor light has an IP65 waterproof rating which makes it very reliable.
A remote is included to give you complete control over how the light performs. It also has three modes to modify its performance and serve you better. With this outdoor solar-powered floodlight, technical skills are not so necessary as it is easy to install.
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to install
- Can withstand harsh weather
Cons
- Made of plastic
Philips LED Dusk-To-Dawn Bulb
Specifications: Dusk to dawn, LED light, 2.3 x 2.3 x 5.5 inches, Soft White.
Are you looking for the right bulb for your outdoor area? This Dusk to dawn bulb from Philips is a perfect buy. It comes with sensors that enable it to turn on automatically once it’s dark and goes off once it’s daylight. It’s most suitable for your home or garage entrance, and it is also designed to serve as an indoor bulb.
This outdoor led light bulb is designed to last long and can last 10x longer than incandescent and 4x longer than halogen bulbs. Also, each of these LED outdoor light bulbs has a lifetime of up to 22,000 hours. It is an energy-saving bulb and makes use of 8 watts of power, making it possible for you to save over $140 within its lifetime.
This bulb can also serve on your patio while giving you the utmost comfort you need. It is designed to meet EyeComfort requirements, so you don’t have anything to worry about with this outdoor light bulb. No technical knowledge is required before getting this bulb. It is important to know that it fits in E26 medium screw bases and is incompatible with Philips HUE products.
Pros
- Durable
- Long-lasting
- Saves energy
Cons
- Not compatible with Philips’ HUE products.
Aootek Solar LED Wall Light
Specification: Solar-powered, IP65 Waterproof, 7.44 x 6.69 x 3.58 inches, Motion sensors, 120 LEDs.
Are you looking to brighten your outdoor area? This solar-powered LED light got you covered, whether it’s the entrance, garage, or patio. This is an outdoor solar light that is highly effective and cost-efficient. With this outdoor light, you can cut down on energy costs while making your outdoor area brighter and more secure.
This outdoor solar light is equipped with 120 LEDs to provide the brightness you need. Though powered by solar, it has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. This outdoor light also comes with motion sensors and can spot movements 26 feet away at an angle of 120°.
With this high-efficient solar LED light, you get a wide-angle illumination of about 270°. It is also designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and has an IP rating of IP65. With this outdoor solar light, you get three optional modes which are:
- Security light mode: The light turns on automatically and stays on for 15 seconds after detecting motion at night.
- Permanent On all-night mode: Once it’s dark, the light turns on and stays on all night.
- Smart brightness control mode: The light is on all night but gets brighter after detecting motion.
Pros
- Can withstand harsh weather
- Durable
- Long-lasting
- Auto on/off switch
Cons
- Made of plastic
Addlon 48 FT String Lights
Specifications: Corded electricity, 11.85 x 9.8 x 6.34 inches, Dimmer compatible, Edison bulbs.
There’s no better way to enjoy a party or family dinner on your patio without a string light. A string light gives your patio and outdoor area a charming ambiance and makes every event memorable. This outdoor string light offers a lot to your patio area.
This outdoor string light is 48 feet long and can cover nearly all parts of your patio, depending on how big it is. It comes with 15 Edison vintage bulbs to make your patio look classy and fabulous. This string light is bright enough to illuminate your outdoor area as each bulb is an 11W S14 incandescent bulb. This outdoor string light is also dimmer compatible to set the mood and offer you the flexibility you need.
It is designed to withstand all weather conditions and is properly insulated to last long. This can serve for both private and commercial patios. Installing this outdoor light is easy and doesn’t require much technical skill. Each bulb socket has a hanging hook above it for easy placement. One can get this string light in three different colors, which are black, white, and orange.
Pros
- Durable
- High resistance to harsh weather
- Easy to install
- Properly insulated wires
Cons
- Not energy-efficient
Philips Hue White and Color Smart Bulb
Specifications: White and Color Ambiance, 2.4 x 2.4 x 4.3 inches, Dimmable, Full Spectrum, Color Changing, 2 Hue bulbs
If you love smart home technologies, you’d love this smart outdoor bulb from Philips. This smart bulb is designed to serve both outdoor and indoor purposes. Its ability to change colors helps to improve your patio’s look. If you’re looking to set the tone for different purposes, this smart bulb helps with its dimmable feature.
You can get a lot done with this bulb from your smartphone or voice commands. If you are looking to read, relax, concentrate, or stay energized, this smart outdoor bulb comes with some preset light scenes to get the right light for the right purpose. It is equipped with LEDs to make your patio as bright as possible.
This smart outdoor bulb is 75 watts and powered by electricity. Although the installation can be a bit tricky, following the guides provided in the pack makes it more accessible. If you are looking to use this smart bulb in your outdoor area, you should provide some level of cover as it doesn’t have a high resistance to harsh weather.
Pros
- A wide range of color
- Can be controlled by smartphone or voice commands
- Comes with preset light scenes
- Charming ambiance
Cons
- Can’t withstand tough weather conditions
- Consumes energy
- Installation can be tricky
Sunco Lighting LED Bug Light
Specification: Dusk to Dawn, Photocell sensor, 6.8 x 4.6 x 4.5 inches, 9 watts, Amber glow.
No one enjoys their patio when bugs are flying around, and being able to relax on your patio is one of the reasons why you have them. With this LED bug light from Sunco, you no longer have to worry about bugs disturbing your comfort on your patio. This outdoor bug-repellent light is designed to provide the brightness you need in your outdoor area while repelling bugs.
This outdoor bug light comes with a photocell sensor to detect light levels and act as an auto switch. It also has a dusk-to-dawn feature that enables it to turn on automatically at night and goes off once there is daylight. So you don’t have to worry about leaving the lights on accidentally.
Must Read: How to have a pest-free Patio and outdoor areaThis bug-repellent light is built to last long as it has over 10,000 hours of lifespan. This outdoor light also gives off an amber glow to make you more comfortable on your patio. Also, this bug light is damp-rated and has little resistance to rain or harsh conditions. Hence, it is advised you provide some closure for the bulb to make it last longer.
Pros
- Auto On/Off
- Long runtime
- Sleep enhancer
- Durable
- Energy-efficient
Cons
- Can’t withstand harsh weather
LiBlins Solar Landscape Spotlights
Specification: Three light modes, 9.69 x 6.38 x 6.18 inches, Solar-powered, 198 LEDs, IP67 Rating.
This article aims to help you find the right and near-perfect outdoor light, and this outdoor spotlight might just be what you need. This solar-powered outdoor spotlight got you covered if you are looking to brighten up your outdoor area and patio.
This outdoor solar spotlight helps to cut down energy costs while providing your outdoor area with the brightness it needs. It has 6 headlights equipped with 33 LEDs each and can cover a wide angle of 120°. To meet your needs, it comes with three different light modes, which are;
- Low light mode (30% brightness/MAX 15Hrs)
- Medium light mode(60% brightness/MAX 10Hrs)
- Strong light mode(100% brightness/MAX 6Hrs)
With this solar spotlight, you can keep your patio, garage, driveway, and other outdoor areas bright as it is built to withstand every weather. It has a waterproof IP rating of about IP67, which is higher than many outdoor lights on the market. It comes with an auto on/off that makes it come on automatically at dusk and go off at dawn.
This spotlight is easy to install and can be installed in two different ways. You can use the stakes and insert them into the ground to make it a landscape spotlight, or you can use screws to mount them on the wall.
Pros
- High water-resistant
- Highly durable
- Easy installation
- Can serve as a spotlight or wall light
- Can withstand harsh weather conditions
Cons
- Made of plastic
MAGGIFT Solar Pathway Lights
Specifications: 12 lights, 3.3 x 3.3 x 13.4 inches, Warm white color, Dusk to dawn, Solar-powered, IP44 rating, NiMH battery.
If you are looking to brighten your outdoor area and are on a tight budget or don’t want to break the bank, this affordable outdoor light might be what you need. This solar pathway light is an affordable and efficient patio light designed to brighten your pathway.
When you buy this outdoor light, you get 12 pieces of solar-powered lights that are designed to help improve the aesthetics of your yard or pathway. It is powered by solar and does not require any electricity. This patio light is designed to serve under all weather conditions and has a rating of IP44.
This light has an auto switch that enables it to turn on automatically at night and goes off at dawn. Installing this solar outdoor pathway light is very easy. All you need to do is to assemble the light described in the manual and push the stake into the soil, and you are good to go. This outdoor light serves better as a decorative light as it provides some designs to your outdoor area and doesn’t provide sufficient lighting.
Pros
- Auto on/off switch
- Durable
- Easy to install
Cons
- Made of plastic
- Not sufficient lighting
- Low IP rating
Hykolity 6 Pack LED Landscape Light
Specification: Warm white light, Corded-electricity, 6 lights, 18.4 x 11.25 x 11 inches.
The last outdoor light on our list is a reliable outdoor landscape light. This outdoor LED light is also known as an outdoor pathway light that effectively brightens your outdoor area. It is designed to illuminate paths, walkways, stairs, Patios, Gardens, Shrubs, etc.
This pathway light comes with an aluminum hat to help protect the light from direct sunlight and rain. It also has a rating of IP65, which makes it possible to withstand weather conditions. The LEDs in this outdoor light are designed to last long and can serve up to 25,000 hours.
You don’t have to be bothered about high energy costs as this outdoor landscape light can help save up to 80% of energy. Installing this light doesn’t require much technical skill. It comes with the stakes and quick-install wire connector needed to get the lights up and running.
Pros
- Energy saver
- Water-resistant
- IP65 rating
- Aluminum cover
- Lasts long
- Easy to install
- Auto on/off
Best Outdoor Light: Buyer’s Guide
People buy outdoor lights for different reasons, and regardless of the reason, there is a perfect light for every need. Whether you are looking to brighten your pathway, make your yard more secure, brighten your path and garage, or beautify your patio and garden, there is an outdoor light that gets it done.
This is an extensive buyer’s guide that takes you through the process of everything you need to know about buying an outdoor light or patio light. Whether this is your first time buying a patio light or not, you will find this guide helpful.
Why do you need outdoor lights?
Outdoor lights help to light up your path and make your entire outdoor area bright. You can also use it to lighten up your paths while it’s dark. Also, if you are looking to make your patio charming or plan an outdoor party or dinner, outdoor lights can help beautify your patio area and set the tone.
While keeping your outdoor area bright and illuminated, outdoor lights can help improve the security of your home. They can help prevent unwanted visitors from coming near your property, especially at dark hours.
Types of outdoor light
There are different types of outdoor light and patio light, and each of these types is built and designed to solve a problem or meet a need. Regardless of your outdoor lighting needs, there’s a patio light for you. Here are the types of outdoor light:
Outdoor Floodlight
An outdoor floodlight is a very bright light with a beam that can spread anywhere between 45 and 120 degrees. Due to how bright this type of outdoor light can be and how far its rays can travel, areas that require visibility and safety will need it. This type of outdoor light is best-suitable for yards, parking lots, playing fields, driveways, etc. If you are looking to buy a floodlight, dо well to consider how wide your outdoor area is and compare it to how many angles the light can cover. Also, an outdoor flood light with security enablement and a good IP rating will serve better.
Outdoor Landscape Light
Just like every type of outdoor light, a landscape light helps to brighten one’s outdoor area. Although, it offers more than just illuminating an outdoor space. You can highlight any part of your outdoor area or patio with a landscape light. You can also create a charming ambiance with this type of patio light. Many landscape lights are also designed to beautify a patio, and this is something you would like if you are looking to have an attractive outdoor area. When getting a landscape light, it is crucial to consider its resistance to harsh weather since it will be exposed nearly all the time. The higher the IP rating and ability to resist extreme weather conditions, the better.
Outdoor Wall light
Wall lights are a very common type of outdoor light. They can be found on the wall of many buildings while they provide light for the yard. Outdoor wall light comes with a wide range of options to choose from. This type of patio light helps provide some security level while keeping your outdoor area illuminated and cool. Not all outdoor wall lights are water-resistant, as some get sheltered from the rain.
Outdoor Motion Sensor Light
This type of outdoor light is primarily built to provide security while keeping your outdoor area bright. One can find motion sensors in both security cameras and outdoor lights. They can spot heat waves from moving objects and turn lights on automatically. They are an effective way of keeping burglars and unwanted visitors away from your property. When getting an outdoor light with motion sensors, consider the motion sensor range and the IP rating for longevity.
Outdoor Spotlight
A spotlight is a type of landscape light built just like floodlights. The difference between a spotlight and a floodlight is how wide the ray is and how much area it covers. A spotlight has narrower beams, and floodlights have wider beams. Due to how broad the rays from a floodlight are, they can cover more area but won’t travel far, just like a spotlight with narrow beams.
Outdoor Smart light
Due to the level of innovation and technological advancements, lights can now offer more than just brightness. You can now set the tone for an event or mood with a light, and you don’t have to move around to do this. Whether you are looking to just relax on your patio or spend a romantic time with your special person, a smart light offers a range of lights for different purposes. A smart light makes it possible for one to control the light either with voice controls or from your smartphone. A smart light can also be connected to other smart home appliances. When looking to get a smart light, you might want to consider its features and whether it is easy to install.
Outdoor String light
Are you looking to hold a party in your outdoor area, a family dinner, or a memorable event on your patio? Then you need a string light. Even if you want to make your patio comforting, you might still need a string light. This type of outdoor light gives off a warm vintage feeling that can be comfortable. It is a set of Edison Bulbs linked together and can be powered by either solar or electricity. Most string lights are properly insulated to make them waterproof and are highly resistant to harsh weather.
Ceiling Fan light
This type of patio light is meant for patios with a roof. They come attached to a ceiling fan and have low water resistance, hence the need for a shelter to prevent water from entering them. They help beautify and improve the aesthetics of a patio while keeping it bright and cool.
Tiki or Torchlight
This type of outdoor light gets its design from the tiki culture of the mid-20th-century United States. It is a pole-mounted light and used to be made of bamboo, but due to innovations and longevity considerations, many tiki torches are now made of Aluminium and other sturdy materials. Also, the light used to be flammable, but recent tiki torch lights are LED lights. This type of outdoor light helps to make the outdoor area more appealing and gives off a warm feeling. It also helps to brighten the outdoor space and is mainly used for pathways. When getting this type of outdoor light, you might want to consider the light type (flammable or LED) and the material used (bamboo or metal).
Lamps
This is a very common type of outdoor light. Their primary purpose is to light up your outdoor area. Although, some outdoor lamps are designed to increase the aesthetics of an outdoor space. Most lamps come properly insulated to prevent water from getting into the light. They can be mounted on the wall or a pole.
What to consider when buying an outdoor light?
It would be best to consider some factors when buying an outdoor light that would serve you properly without causing any regrets. Considering the significant factors will help you know what type of outdoor light you need. It can also save you some unnecessary costs and time. Here are some essential things to consider when buying an outdoor light.
- Need: Your outdoor light needs are the first thing to consider. People need outdoor lights for various reasons. If security is your main reason for getting an outdoor light, you might want to go for a floodlight with motion sensors. On the other hand, if you need a light for a family dinner, a string light will dо. Not doing this might make you buy the wrong outdoor light. So, first, figure out your reason, and this will help you know what to go for.
- Installation: The installation process for some outdoor lights can be hectic and demanding and might require the help of a technician. However, some lights are designed to allow nearly anyone to install them. Also, you might want to consider where you want to place the lights. On the wall, pathway, or hanging on the roof?
- Brightness: How much brightness dо you need? Obviously, the light in the yard should be brighter than that meant for your relaxation spot on your patio. You can estimate how bright the light will be by checking the number of LEDs or the lumen.
- Longevity: Some outdoor lights are designed to last longer than others, and this is due to several reasons such as material, IP rating, etc. An outdoor light with an IP rating of IP50 or higher is recommended.
- Energy source: Outdoor lights are mainly powered by either solar or electricity, and this is something you will want to consider. You might want to have your mind made up, on which to use before buying an outdoor light.
Solar or Electricity; Which outdoor light is better?
You might be wondering, “what is the best power source for my outdoor light?” Choosing a power source for your outdoor light can be challenging, especially when you are looking to manage the cost and get the best out of the light. Each of these types of energy sources has its advantages and benefits.
In terms of flexibility, solar-powered outdoor lights can be placed almost anywhere and moved easily. But outdoor lights powered by electricity need to be wired in a certain way and can’t be moved around easily. If you need something more flexible, you might want to consider a solar-powered light. When it comes to brightness and light quality, it varies on the product type, but wired lights tend to shine brighter than solar-powered lights.
In terms of pricing, every product may vary as there are different factors affecting it, but it is better to consider how effective the light will be to you rather than look at the price. Also, solar lights are more expensive than electric lights. When it comes to the cost of running the light, solar-powered lights have no running cost. Although, there are many energy-saving electric lights that will help manage the cost over time.
Best Outdoor Light: FAQs
What are the types of bulbs?
There are mainly 4 types of bulbs and they are
- Incandescent.
- LED (light-emitting diodes).
- CFL (compact fluorescent lamp).
- Halogen light
What is an IP rating?
IP rating, which stands for Ingress Protection rating, refers to how protected an item is from elements that can cause damage. The elements that are being protected against are either solids or liquids. The rating shows the level of protection, and the higher the IP rating, the more protected the item is.
What is an Edison bulb?
Also referred to as an antique bulb or vintage bulb, an Edison bulb mainly refers to bulbs built and designed to look like early tungsten-filament incandescent lamps.
How does the dusk-to-dawn feature work?
Lights with a dusk-to-dawn feature come with a photocell. This photocell allows the bulb to detect when the sun sets and turns the light on. Once the sun rises, the photocell detects it and turns off the light automatically.
How many lights do I need on my patio?
Four main reasons can determine the amount of light needed in a patio or outdoor area. They include outdoor area space, landscaping, type of light, and light brightness. Once these factors have been considered, you can come up with a near-accurate estimate of how much light you need.
Can I use an indoor light for outdoor purposes and vice-versa?
Using an indoor light for outdoor purposes and vice-versa can be possible, but it’s a question of effectiveness. A bulb built for indoor purposes won’t be bright enough to light up an outdoor area. Also, most outdoor lights are too bright and would not make a good fit when used indoors.
How long should an outdoor light last?
How long an outdoor light should last depends on several factors, including the IP rating, lumen/LED strength, level of maintenance, etc. Although a lot of lights are built to last long enough, many can serve for up to 50,000 hours.
