It’s 1am and the dog needs to go out, or you heard a noise outside, or you’re awake waiting for your spouse or child to get home.
We’ve all been there, but in every one of those situations, just that little bit of extra light would help put us at ease.
Solar flood lights are not only eco-friendly, but they’re also extremely practical.
We love them because they provide intense, directed lighting, without adding a penny to our electricity bill.
We scoured the internet for the best solar flood lights and put the highest-rated lights to the test.
Read on to see our 6 top picks, and why we think they’re the best. The lights on our list might just be what you’re looking for!
Our Top Picks
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
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Best Overall: CYBERDAX Solar Powered Street Flood Light | With adjustable settings and a 20-hour battery, this light truly shines brighter than the rest! | Check Price |
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Longest Run Time: A-ZONE Solar Motion Sensor Light | This compact, long-lasting, motion-detecting security light is extremely easy to install and bright. | Check Price |
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Best For Large Areas: Sunforce Triple Head Solar Motion Light | 3 lights give this solar light wide angle coverage, perfect for a large yard or driveway. | Check Price |
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Most Reliable: ENGREPO Outdoor Security Solar Flood Light | We love the simplicity of the remote control for this solar light, and how easy it is to install. | Check Price |
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Best Value: LITOM Outdoor Solar Light | A simple solar-powered, motion sensor box light that’s bright and easy to install anywhere. | Check Price |
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Best For Reliability: Findyouled Solar Flood Lights | Not the brightest light, but it’s small, lightweight, easy to install, reliable, and weather-proof. | Check Price |
How We Chose the Best Solar Flood Lights
For this list, we considered a few different factors when choosing the best of the large selection of solar flood lights we found in-store and online.
We considered the different scenarios where a solar light might be used. When all was said and done, we considered the following factors when making this list.
Brightness
When you consider installing a light, whether inside or outside your home, the first thing that comes to mind is the brightness.
Do you want to illuminate a small area or risk blinding your neighbors? While the latter may not be the best idea, light placement and brightness should be considered.
The brightness of a light is measured in lumens. A lumen is a measurement of visible light. The more lumens, the brighter the light will be.
Some lights on this list may be on the lower side when it comes to lumens, but these lights may be intended to be installed with multiple lights.
A normal indoor lightbulb is around 800 lumens, but that can vary slightly depending on the kind of light.
When it comes to floodlights, around 700-1,300 lumens is a good range, depending on the size of the area you want to illuminate.
Other landscape or solar pathway lights can be dimmer, so using multiple is usually recommended. These are usually 50-300 lumens.
One thing to keep in mind about solar lights and their brightness is that brighter lights need more energy.
More energy, in this case, may mean larger solar panel kits, more time to charge, or both.
Durability
When it comes to the durability of the solar flood lights we tested, we considered whether the light was water-resistant or even waterproof.
We also took whether or not the light was dustproof into consideration.
To measure that, we took a look at the IP (Ingress Protection) rating of each light. This rating considers how resistant to water and other particles the light is.
In general, all of the lights will survive being outdoors. They all varied across the scale, though.
We saw lights ranging from 1-6 for the first number (resistance to dust) and 1-9 for the second number (water resistance).
The higher the number, in both categories, the more resistant. Some of the lights may be more durable than others, so we listed some lights higher than others.
Run Time
Run time refers to how long the lights stay on after a complete charge.
Usually, a complete charge takes anywhere from 4 to 8 hours of sunlight. Depending on the setting the light is on, that can also affect the runtime.
Dim and motion-sensing settings can consume less energy and perform best when a longer run time is desired.
The run times in the chart below are best-case scenarios. Where possible, we favored longer runtimes.
Modes
Each of the lights on this list provides different modes. Bright or dim and normal ON or motion sensing.
We favored the more customizable lights with the most unique or practical functions.
Some even had the option to leave the lights dim or have motion sensing to switch them to a brighter setting.
All of the lights on our list take about 5-8 hours to charge during the day to stay on all night.
This maximum charge also requires that the solar panel be charged in direct sunlight.
Some of the lights can last multiple days without recharging, especially if they are put in an energy-efficient mode such as dim or motion-sensing.
Others on this list may struggle to last more than a few hours, especially in the brightest setting, because the high-output LED bulbs drain the battery pack quickly.
If the days aren’t as sunny as you’d like, check out are guide for How to Charge Solar Lights Without the Sun!
Reliability
When we talk about how reliable a light is, we talk about how long the light might last (weeks, months, or even years).
More often, you will notice that the simpler lights are the ones that will be the most reliable.
Best Solar Flood Lights Reviewed
1. Best Overall: CYBERDAX Solar Powered Street Flood Light
Product Ratings
| Brightness | 5/5 |
| Durability | 5/5 |
| Run Times | 4/5 |
| Modes | 4/5 |
| Reliability | 4/5 |
Lumens: 5,000 | Battery Size: 3600mAh | Run Time: 20 | Remote Control? Yes | Solar Panel Power: 35W | Charging Time: 6-8 hours from 0-100% with good sunshine | Color Temperature: 6500K
What We Liked
- Extremely bright LED bulbs
- Short charging time
- Long run time
- Durable in weather and working conditions
What We Didn’t Like
- Almost too bright for some areas
- No motion sensing
- Some issues with latch reported
This is the brightest solar flood light by far, has adjustable settings, and one of the longest run times that we saw on any solar flood light.
These qualities make this flood light land at the top of this list. If you’re looking for extra security in a flood light, you’re in luck!
The CYBERDAX has two main modes: automatic on/off and a timer setting. The first setting uses a sensor to come on and go off throughout the day.
The timer setting has an option for 3, 5, or 8 hours. The brightness can be adjusted from high to low in each setting.
There’s a lot to like about this flood light.
However, with a large, heavy solar panel, despite the quality of the overall build, this can make installing or moving the flood light a bit on the difficult side.
The solar panel and light are separate pieces, making for a more complicated installation. Reviewers say its construction holds up well against the elements.
There is one downside to this one, though. There is no motion-sensing setting.
If that’s important to you when hunting for the perfect solar flood light, this may not be the best option.
That said, if you’re looking for a bright solar security light, this is a perfect choice.
This is hands-down the brightest light, bordering on a little too bright, at 5,000 lumens.
Once this light is mounted, it shouldn’t need to be taken down or moved because it’s controlled with the included remote.
As long as you’re within 50 feet of this light, you should have no problem changing the settings using the remote.
Many of the other lights on this list need to be reachable or even taken down to change the modes, so the remote makes the CYBERDAX extremely convenient and customizable.
See Price on Amazon2. Longest Run Time: A-ZONE Solar Motion Sensor Light
Product Ratings
| Brightness | 4/5 |
| Durability | 4/5 |
| Run Times | 5/5 |
| Modes | 3/5 |
| Reliability | 5/5 |
Lumens: 800 | Battery Size: 2600mAh | Run Time: 40 hours | Motion Detection? Yes | Durability: IP66 | Charging Time: 5-6 hours | Color Temperature: 6500K
What We Liked
- Long run time
- Short charging time
- Motion detecting
What We Didn’t Like
- Doesn’t cover a very wide area
- No adjustable settings
With double the runtime of our top pick, this light has the longest runtime of any light on this list, by a long shot.
This is great if you’re looking for something that will last all night on a driveway, parking lot, or any other area that needs an extra layer of security.
The brightness is nothing to brush off, either. At 800 lumens, or about the brightness of a traditional household light bulb, it falls well within the ideal brightness for a flood light.
The installation is extremely easy, which is one of the highlights of this light and why it landed so high on our list.
We also like how it remains in dim mode until the motion sensor is activated.
A brighter setting is triggered when motion is detected, which will remain on for 15-20 seconds after the motion is detected.
BONUS: This light has a similar appearance to a security camera. This can be a deterrent in a scenario where security is important.
The light beam is narrow, so if you want to illuminate a small secluded area, the focused beam of this light would be perfect!
This will not be ideal if you want to light a large yard or parking area.
There are no adjustable settings, but with a 40-hour run time, this light may be a perfect match for you for the right area and scenario!
It is also very weather-proof. The IP rating of 66 means that this light can endure it all – rain, sleet, or snow!
See Price on Amazon3. Best for Large Areas: Sunforce Triple Head Solar Motion Light
Product Ratings
| Brightness | 4/5 |
| Durability | 2/5 |
| Run Times | 2/5 |
| Modes | 4/5 |
| Reliability | 3/5 |
Lumens: 1000 | Life Span: 3-4 years | Motion Detection? Yes | Durability: IP65 | Charging Time: 5-6 hours
What We Liked
- Durable
- Motion detecting
- Low-maintenance
What We Didn’t Like
- Not as bright as other options
- Not very reliable latch
If it’s adjustability you’re looking for in a solar flood light, this is the one for you!
This light pulls out all the stops with an adjustable motion sensing range. It’s also the second brightest light on this list.
With 3 lights, as opposed to 1 that many of the other lights on this list have, this light offers the widest angle you could ask for!
With 1,000 lumens total, the Sunforce can get the job done in any space.
The variable light duration and range of independently adjustable motion settings make this light unique from the others we tested.
Users can adjust the light duration after motion is detected (30, 60, or 120 seconds) and the range of motion detection (10-25 feet).
The setup was extremely simple. We loved the brightness and variability of the settings. The motion sensor also seems to be sensitive based on the chosen setting.
On the downside, reliability and durability seem to be up in the air.
The manufacturer provided no IP rating, and there’s no information published about how long the run time is.
Our experience is that it will last all night, but that can change for each user, dependent on charging conditions.
We aren’t confident in recommending it if you need a light that lasts longer than an 8-12 hour stretch on a full charge.
As far as being waterproof, reviewers, including ourselves, didn’t have any specific issues regarding the durability of the light.
Our tests showed it lasted well through rainstorms, but with no IP rating, we don’t have any guarantee for how much weather this light will handle.
We love this solar flood light because individual parts of the light are fully adjustable.
They can be angled in just about any direction, making them incredibly flexible for wide-angle and customizable illumination.
See Price on Amazon4. Most Reliable: ENGREPO Solar Outdoor Flood Light
Product Ratings
| Brightness | 5/5 |
| Durability | 3/5 |
| Run Times | 3/5 |
| Modes | 4/5 |
| Reliability | 5/5 |
Lumens: 600 | Durability: IP65 | Run Time: 15 hours | Range of Light: 270° | Wattage: 80 watt hours
What We Liked
- Nice remote control range to adjust settings
- Smart chip automatically detects the low battery and adjusts the light to maximize battery life
What We Didn’t Like
- No motion sensing function
- Not very bright compared to other solar flood lights
There are a few things that we love about this light in particular. One, the 15 hours run time is sure to last you through the night.
Especially with the dusk to dawn setting, keeping things a little brighter through the night isn’t a problem for the ENGREPO.
One of the unique features of this model that we love is its built-in smart chip.
It can automatically adjust the brightness when it detects a low battery, prolonging the run time.
There’s also a display that lets you know the status of the battery. They also recommend allowing 6 hours to get a full charge before being used.
This light didn’t end up higher on our list due to the lack of motion sensing, but we think that the variety of other settings can make up for that.
The remote control on the ENGREPO has a 33-foot range, which makes it super convenient to change the settings without too much effort.
Aside from the dusk-to-dawn setting, there’s an option for a 3 hour or 5-hour time setting via the remote and an on/off button.
The manufacturer recommends not using the on/off switch during the daytime as it will deteriorate the batteries faster than normal.
The 84 LEDs can light an area of about 1,500 square feet, so if it’s just a small area you are looking to shed light on, this might not be the right choice for you.
This light can endure almost any weather with one of the higher IP ratings on this list at IP67.
We love that it was easy to install, and it will even charge enough during an overcast day to work through the night.
See Price on Amazon5. Best Value: LITOM Solar Flood Light
Product Ratings
| Brightness | 4/5 |
| Durability | 2/5 |
| Run Times | 2/5 |
| Modes | 4/5 |
| Reliability | 3/5 |
Lumens: 600 | Durability: IP67 | Color Temperature: 6500K | Remote Control? Yes | Coverage: 1500 sq. ft.
What We Liked
- Not very bright
- 3 Adjustable lighting modes
- Easy installation + included tools
- Budget-friendly price
What We Didn’t Like
- Small solar panel
- Only 6 hour run time
At only 600 lumens, this option isn’t the brightest, but the simplicity of the design and installation has reviewers raving.
Plus, you can’t beat the price. Essentially just a solar-powered lightbox, this option doesn’t have any bells or whistles.
All the tools needed to install this light come included. If you install it and decide that another location might be better, it’s easy to reinstall elsewhere.
The modes that this one includes are something to behold. For being so simple, it really can’t get much better.
Reviews were consistently good for this light. The brightness compared to its size surprised us.
The motion sensor’s sensitivity checked off another box that helped it land a spot on our list.
The LITOM comes with 3 modes: dim steady, dim with bright motion detection, and off with bright motion detection.
These modes can appeal to a wider audience than other solar flood lights because of the pure variety.
Compared to the other lights, this one isn’t nearly as bright as many of the other lights on this list, but a single light is fine for a fair-sized area.
One other complaint about this light was the relatively small solar panel which contributes to the short run time.
With a full charge, this light might last 6 hours. So if you’re on the prowl for a light that will last all night, this is not the one for you.
We placed this light by the outdoor garbage bins to provide a little bit of extra illumination when taking the trash out at night, or walking past the bins to check the mail.
In those situations we just want to avoid tripping, so we don’t need a light that will last all night.
See Price on Walmart6. Best for Reliability: findyouled Solar Flood Lights
Product Ratings
| Brightness | 2/5 |
| Durability | 4/5 |
| Run Times | 2/5 |
| Modes | 3/5 |
| Reliability | 5/5 |
Lumens: 120 | Durability: IP65 | Run Time: 8-12 hours | Charging Time: 6-8 hours | Color Temperature: 3000K (Warm White)
What We Liked
- Small, lightweight construction
- Short charging time
- Set-and-forget installation
- 50-foot range
- 15-hour run time
What We Didn’t Like
- Might require multiple lights to illuminate the desired area
- Not very bright as a single light
Reliability is a top priority for many when purchasing a solar flood light.
This Findoutled flood light is just that. It has small and lightweight construction and doesn’t take a lot of real estate.
If you’re looking to light a small area, this is the light for you! The installation of this one is just a set-it-and-forget-it type of situation.
We feel this is more of a solar-powered spotlight and not necessarily a flood light, but it can shine as far as 50 feet away when fully charged.
Placement is key to getting the most out of this one.
If you aren’t looking to blind anyone and need dimmer light for a sidewalk or small area, at only 120 lumens, you have found your match.
To truly be used as a flood light, multiple lights may need to work in tandem to provide the brightness that other options on this list provide.
This light comes with a stake that can be placed in the ground, allowing for a plethora of options for installation in and around the area you’re looking to illuminate.
You can get 15 hours or more with this light in the best charging conditions.
You may only get 6 hours out of this one with a minimal charge or a charge in less than ideal conditions.
If multiple lights are not out of the question, and you’re looking for a reliable flood light, this is worth considering.
Where durability and reliability are a priority, this is the one!
See Price on AmazonComparison Chart
| Product | Brightness | Durability | Runtime | Modes | Reliability |
| CYBERDAX Solar Powered | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/4 | 4/4 | 4/4 |
| A-Zone Solar Sensor Light | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Sunforce Triple Head Light | 4/5 | 2/5 | 2/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| ENGREPO Security Solar Light | 5/5 | 3/5 | 2/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| LITOM Outdoor Solar Light | 4/5 | 2/5 | 2/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Findyourled Solar Flood Lights | 2/5 | 4/5 | 2/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 |
The Winner
All things considered, nothing came close to the CYBERDAX Solar Powered Street Flood Light.
The brightness, durability, reliability and variety of modes made it the clear winner.
There wasn’t another on the list that even came close to matching this outstanding flood light.
How to Choose the Right Solar Flood Light
Solar flood lights can be used in so many ways that make it understandable why there are so many options.
Some might choose solar flood lights because of the lack of cords so they can light their perfectly manicured lawn without tripping over cords.
Or if staying off the grid is important, that can be a factor as well.
Staying green is important for many individuals and businesses alike, so solar is a great option.
Solar flood lights are usually easy to install, affordable, and are reliable. You can’t beat the low-maintenance and practicality of them either.
Some factors to consider when in the market for a solar flood light are:
- The size of the area you want to light
- If you want constant light or motion sensing, or a combination of both
- Where the solar panel will be mounted to have enough sunlight to charge the battery
- How many hours you need the area to be lit
- The shape of the space, compared to where the light might be placed
- Wide-angle or more focused light
Taking these factors into consideration will help you pick the right solar-powered flood light to illuminate your home or business.