Adam holds a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Linguistics, and creative writing has always been his greatest passion. For more than 25 years he's been working for several well-known automobile and travel magazines as an editor and expert consultant, but when Adam started his writing path here, at WisePick, it turned out that he's capable of writing practically anything about everything.
Initially being an engineering specialist, Tom has never stopped learning and acquiring other knowledge and skills. Now he’s involved in technical support for a well-known household appliances manufacturer, so no wonder he knows everything about almost everything you buy for your home.
Last updated: June 17, 2021
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Unfortunately, not all options you come across can be described as the best battery-powered lights. This is something that a lot of people don’t know, and it might even take getting the purchase wrong a couple of times for them to realize their mistake. Other individuals hit the mark when they first attempt the purchase simply because they have more information.
If you want a place among this group of people, it means taking into account specific data during the purchase process. All the lights have certain features that influence their usability in various scenarios. These include the bulb and battery types that are incorporated. Also, the size, brightness, color, and wattage will determine their best installation spots in the house. Lastly, a variety of modes could be instrumental in catering to a variety of lighting needs. If you have this information already, determining which options are the best battery-powered lights will likely be easy as pie. If you don’t, keep reading and you will have it.
"These energy-saving lights include 10 LEDs each and are perfect for basements, storage rooms, closets, and hallways.220 lumens.Motion sensor.Auto on/off."
"This impressive ceiling light contains 80 LEDs and features the brightness of up to 300 lumens.PIR infrared motion detector.18ft detection distance.Auto shut-off."
"These four-pack night lights offer multiple installation options and are operated by a remote control.200 lumens.30 minutes auto-off timer.Come with a set of batteries."
Given their perceived benefits over the competition, LED bulbs are widely considered the best in the market. It is thus not surprising that this product, which is the editor’s choice, features LED bulb construction. The tool should, therefore, see improved bulb life and durability.
As you can see, three lights are provided with this purchase at a reasonable price. On each of these, there are ten LEDs and a motion sensor.
Placement and installation should be left at the discretion of the buyer. However, there are some potential installation spots that you should think about. They include basements, storage rooms, closets, hallways, and more.
The areas mentioned above don’t get much movement; hence the light won’t need to stay on for hours. As mentioned, a motion sensor is present, and an auto on/off feature is included to complement that feature as well.
In classic LED bulb fashion, this tool uses up 0.8 W to power up, which is quite low. As such, battery life is bound to be elongated. Remember, each of the three lights requires that you add four AAA batteries for it to work. For you to adequately cater to the set, you need to purchase 12 AAA batteries.
The auto-off takes effect after about 15-seconds of no motion. As such, you won’t need to turn off the light manually. Additionally, this set of lights seems to be of solid construction. After all, it does come with an aluminum alloy body.
Installation as well is so easy that even a child can manage. You have an adhesive strip that you attach to whatever surface you want. Under this strip is a magnetic bar. Seeing as though the light is made of metal, it shouldn’t be too hard to figure out how to join it to the magnetic bar.
Most people will find the installation process self-explanatory. Nevertheless, instructions are provided as well if you come across a stumbling block.
What stands out?
Easy to install
Easy to use
A motion sensor is included alongside auto on/off feature
One-year warranty
What cons did we manage to find?
The lights don’t offer manual operation
The lights can’t stay on when an overhead light is on as well
Finding faults on the IRIS OHYAMA BSL-10L Battery-Operated LED Sensor Light is as well a tall order. That being said, it does have a unique outlook. Nevertheless, the design doesn’t seem to have any adverse effects on performance. Besides, some people may like how the device looks.
Noteworthy is that this product ships as a single light. It doesn’t take up much space and requires four AA batteries to work optimally. Remember that these batteries are not added to the package. You will thus have to find additional funds to purchase them. It is also an excellent idea to have some extra sets of batteries lying around just in case the first one gets depleted.
The manufacturer has a couple of places where the tool would be ideal for lighting. Hallways are one. Other options are bathrooms and closets.
Worth mentioning is the range of motion detection, which is about 15 feet. When you get that close to the device, it lights up and will maintain that state if motion is consistent in the area. However, the tool does turn off when there is no longer any movement.
Also, do remember that the placement of the light can affect the effectiveness of the motion sensor. We recommend that you test it out in a couple of scenarios to see where the sensor offers the most detection.
Additionally, potential buyers should know that the only available color for the light is white.
This Yurnero Motion Sensor Ceiling Light is impressive in a lot of areas as well. As you can see indicated in the name, the device is meant for attachment to your ceiling. As such, the 300 lumens brightness is not surprising since it is intended to cater to a large space.
For this battery operated light to reach the brightness it offers, it makes full use of all the 80 LEDs included in its construction. Additionally, the product uses a PIR infrared motion detector to determine when somebody is close enough so it can light up. Worth mentioning is that the minimum distance allowed for this to happen is 18 ft.
It should as well be noted that the tool has two modes. One will allow for the light’s use only during the night while the other allows the product to be used during the day as well.
Conservation of battery life is also a significant benefit you get with this purchase. This is because 20 seconds after you have left the vicinity of the light, it will go off.
Unlike most other battery-powered lights, the tool uses D-cell batteries rather than the more common AAA and AA options. A similarity with most other options is that you have to purchase the batteries separately.
It should go without saying that battery-operated lights are some of the easiest to install. This is true, especially when compared to electric and solar-powered lights.
What makes it special?
Easy to install
Includes a motion sensor as well as auto on/off features
Offers a large coverage area
What cons did we find?
Purchase of batteries can be expensive
Depending on where you use the light the brightness may not be enough
Some of you will be taken by the benefits of the Starxing Puck Lights With Remote and decide to buy the lights. At a price point of less than $20, these are also a bargain.
As you can see in the image, this is a 6-pack. You will thus have a lot of freedom in the placement of each light. When turning the device off or on, you don’t have to go looking everywhere for the remote. You can touch the buttons on the device for that. If the remote is close, you can use it as well.
For fine-tuning the settings, however, you will want to use the remote. The lights offer you four brightness modes that include 10%, 40%, 80%, and 100% illumination.
Another thing you can fine-tune is how long each light stays on. At the very least, each puck light will be on for 15 minutes. 30-minute, 60-minute, and 120-minute options are also available.
Each of these requires three AAA batteries. You would also expect the brightness settings to affect the lifespan of the batteries, and you would be right. At 100% brightness, 8 hours is the maximum runtime you can get. If, however, you maintain a constant 10% light intensity, the batteries can last 100 hours.
Additionally, the manufacturer gives buyers a lifetime warranty with the product. Lastly, with the adhesive tapes included, you will be able to do the installation in less than five minutes.
What do we love it for?
Easy installation
Multiple brightness modes
Multiple timing modes
Lifetime warranty
Remote control as well as on/off buttons on each light
What were we disappointed with?
Some people dislike the plastic construction
Battery life isn’t impressive especially at 100% brightness
The Brilliant Evolution LED Puck Light could also be the ideal purchase for some of you. Each light is relatively compact and consists of three LEDs. There are, of course, different sets to choose from with this purchase. The price and number of lights are the major disparities between the options.
The set highlighted in this list consists of six lights, remote control, and the initial set of batteries. Since each of these devices uses three AA batteries, 18 are included in the package.
Also, the remote control is impressive. The signal emitted can reach the devices from 15 feet away and is capable of controlling a maximum of 12 such puck lights.
You should know that each puck light produces 55 lumens maximum brightness. Some people may find this too bright for their use scenarios. In this case, they don’t have to worry as they can use the remote to crank down the brightness.
Another thing the manufacturer seems proud of is the low power consumption of each light. As such, a 100-hour runtime is to be expected with each set. If you do find the pluck lights an invaluable source of lighting and ambiance in your house, you will do well to have a few extra sets of batteries at hand.
Purchasing an auto-off timer will do you a lot of good. Remember, it allows you to set different time frames that range from 15 minutes to two hours. If you want to save on battery life, the lowest limit is the way to go.
What makes it stand out?
Easy to use
Comes with a remote
The puck lights offer adjustable brightness
The tools offer long battery life
Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
Relatively pricey
Some users report that some of the lights randomly light up on their own
Those looking for a four-pack should also think about buying the Alltro Battery Operated LED Night Lights. If you have lots of metal surfaces in your household, as most people do, you won’t have a shortage of installation spots. There are also two other ways that you can go about installation. They including hanging the lights and using the provided adhesive to stick it to various surfaces.
The bulbs only use up 1W of power when lighting up. Also, for using so little power, the devices impress when it comes to performance. On this list, there is only one device that can top the 200 lumens output.
You are given the first set of AAA batteries. However, at some point, you are going to have to replace them with a set you purchase.
The remote imaged is also quite versatile. It controls timer functions, on/off, brightness, and auto-off configurations. The product is also safe for use around children. After all, it doesn’t heat up enough to be a potential hazard.
What makes it special?
Safe to touch
Offers multiple installation options
A remote control is included
Relatively bright
The first set of batteries are provided
What cons did we find?
When the battery gets used up the lights, start to dim
Battery-powered Christmas lights also have a special place in a lot of people’s homes. As such, if you want a set for your house, the ZOUTOG Battery Operated String Lights provide excellent value for buyers.
The set consists of 100 LED globe lights lined up on a 33ft wire. As such, using these lights to decorate a Christmas tree should be easy. You just wrap the wire around the tree, and in two minutes you are done.
However, saying that the lights can’t be used to decorate anything else other than a tree would be a mistake. They can be fitted in corners, doorways, and even outdoors. The manufacturer also makes the lights water-resistant so you can have them exposed to weather elements without a care in the world.
Each of the 100 lights is 0.7 inches in diameter, which makes them quite small. Nonetheless, this is something you expect of most fairy lights.
The fact that these lights only need three AAA batteries to function means they are not very demanding when it comes to power use. Again in an ideal situation, you have a few extra sets of batteries, so you don’t have to do last-minute shopping during the holiday period.
A 13-keys remote is as well a pro of purchasing these battery-powered lights. Anybody who has ever used a remote before will have it easy when changing modes to suit the mood.
Another product that adds to the number of fairy lights on this list is the WERTIOO Battery Operated Fairy Lights. Most of you expect to use this purchase outdoors, and the manufacturer caters to that by making it weatherproof.
Warm white color is produced by the bulbs as depicted by the color temperature mentioned above. This gives a highly aesthetic outlook to the product, making it ideal for parties. The picture above also shows how good the lights would look when used for decorations.
The wire connecting the lights and the power supply is 33 ft long. Lining the surface of this wire is a total of 100 globe lights. There is also the similarity between this product and the YoTelim Globe String Lights, where both use three AA batteries.
A lighting tool of this caliber is made better by the inclusion of a remote control. The accessory’s primary function is to control light sequences for the best flickering effect. A timer may also be handy when it comes to battery management. Remember, you have to budget for and buy batteries as well.
If you have pets and children in the house, there is no need to think twice about making the purchase. After all, the bulbs remain safe to touch even when they have been on for hours.
What makes it special?
Easy to install
Safe to touch
Weatherproofed
A remote control is provided
The connecting wire is relatively long
What cons did we find?
The lights are not very bright
The remote needs to be very close to the lights to be effective
This two-pack of battery-powered fairy lights is worth considering as well. You have to realize as well that the best use of these lights is during the holiday periods.
The wires connecting the bulbs are 19.7 ft long, making the placement of the lights very versatile. However, one common use is on Christmas trees.
Since the lights are IP65 waterproof rated, it should be an easy matter to position them outside as well. Each set will require three AA buttons to light up. The compartment for these batteries is waterproof and has a button for mode control.
Additionally, there is a remote for mode control as well. Since the surfaces of the bulbs remain cool even when the device is on, it is considered safe for use.
For closet use, picking products like the Dream Master LED Battery-Powered Night Light makes a lot of sense. However, there are lots of other scenarios where using these lights is plausible. The portability as well is worthy of praise.
There are five lights in total in the package. With their double-sided adhesive surfaces attaching them to a wall is not the hardest thing you’ll do. Also, a center switch is there to turn the light both on and off.
Unfortunately, the lights are not dimmable. As such, they will remain at their full 50 lumens brightness whenever you turn them on. Like some of their competition, they use three AAA batteries as the source of their power.
Additionally, during the first year, you can get replacements and repairs for any of the lights that malfunction.
What stands out?
One-year warranty
Easy to use
Easy to install
What cons did we manage to find?
The lights are non-dimmable
No remote is provided
Things to Consider
Some of these battery-powered lights are meant for holidays. Others would be ideal for closets while others work best in hallways and relatively small rooms.
This means that there is no one-size-fits-all product you will find on the above list. Nevertheless, with the education that this buying guide provides the best lights to purchase will be a cinch to find.
Benefits of battery-powered lights
One of the most apparent benefits of such lights is that they will lead to a decrease in power consumption and, consequently, power utility bills. This may save you some funds. Additionally, you can place them anywhere. This includes living rooms, basements, kitchens, walls, bathrooms, and more.
Another pro worth mentioning is how easy it is for people to install these lights. Sometimes it is as simple as sticking the device on a wall.
Features to consider when choosing battery-powered lights
Being keen on features will tell you exactly what each light is ideal for. This is a significant reason why we have included a section on battery-operated light features below. To continue reading is the only requirement for you to get a good grasp of all the features and their benefits.
Type of lights
The type of light will also dictate how you use it. One example of this is where decorative lights will likely be used to give a holiday vibe during special occasions. They can also work by improving the look and ambiance of a space in addition to making it more fun. Garlands are the same way.
Ceiling lights are often functional and are installed mainly to light up rooms. As the name suggests, they are usually mounted on the ceiling. However, you might use them to create an ambient setup by grouping them.
The third type of light is a wall light. This may be used mainly for illumination purposes in the same way you would use a ceiling light. Also, where you install the lights is self-explanatory since it is mentioned in the name.
You may also encounter spotlights. Remember, their place is not just on a stage. They can as well be used to highlight certain accessories in your household. Using them for focused reading is also not unheard of.
Bulb type
Bulb type as well varies from light to light. However, looking at the list above, you note that only LED bulbs are included. That could be because of their energy-saving capabilities. After all, you do want to conserve as much of your battery life as possible.
The durability of LED bulbs, as well as the minimal heat produced, are all viable reasons why manufacturers use them. There are also other bulb types, including incandescent, halogen, and compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) options.
Most of these other bulb types are not used for battery-powered lighting since they consume too much power. The CFL option, for instance, is one of the more energy-efficient ones. However, it will likely not work with 2W of power, which is the highest wattage level on the list above. This is seen in the Dream Master LED Battery-Powered Night Light.
Size
Bigger lights tend to light up bigger spaces. Nonetheless, they also take up more installation space. If you are installing lights in your closet, you likely want something small like the Starxing Puck Lights With Remote. For a ceiling, the opposite is true. You need big lights that will illuminate the whole space, which is why a light like the Yurnero Motion Sensor Ceiling Light is ideal.
Battery type
In the list above, you find that primary batteries are the ones being used to power the lights. These are batteries intended for one-time use and are not rechargeable. Zinc Carbon batteries are one such category of batteries. They contain Zinc Chloride cells, and if you use them continuously, they will discharge their energy a lot quicker than their competition.
You have probably seen these batteries with labels such as heavy-duty and even super heavy duty. Alkaline batteries are also common. They will last a few times the average lifespan of Zinc Carbon batteries. Nevertheless, you can end up paying three to five times more money for them.
Lithium batteries are also likely to feature. In comparison to their alkaline counterparts, they last about two times as long. It is to be expected that they are more expensive as well.
Button cell batteries are small, disk-shaped options that you are unlikely to find being used on battery-powered lights. Also, there are rechargeable options, as well. These are the lithium-ion, NiCad, NiMh, and Lead Acid batteries. However, you will likely not find such batteries in these types of lights.
Brightness
Depending on the installation and the effect you are trying to achieve, you may want a bright or dim light. A closet light, for instance, does not need high levels of brightness as it will prove surplus to requirements.
You will also want to look at the kelvin measurements of the light you are about to purchase. However, you have to decide beforehand if you want cool or warm color temperatures. For the latter, you are going to go for the higher kelvin values available.
A lower wattage value is seemingly better, as it means the light isn’t draining your battery. However, this is only where you are satisfied with other parameters such as brightness, color temperatures, and more. Nevertheless, you probably won’t like the number of batteries you have to buy each month if the wattage is high.
Coverage area
Your purpose for buying a battery-operated light may be to illuminate your kitchen counter. If it ends up lighting up the whole kitchen, it will be surplus to requirements. The light may also fall short and be unable to cover the intended area. These are scenarios you could avoid by taking a little time to look into the coverage area of each device.
Materials
Apart from the LEDs, you would do well to find out the material of the lights pre-purchase. This will allow you to know just how durable the product is. One example is that when you hear a product like the PeakPlus LED Motion Sensor Night Light features aluminum construction, you expect it to last longer than the plastic competition.
Modes
Finding out the modes available with the lights will also allow you to ascertain the tool’s capabilities. Fairy lights, for instance, are often capable of flickering; hence they are perfect for decorations. They also happen to have different modes that allow you to set the flickering pattern.
Other devices might have bright and dim modes for different situations. Additionally, a few others offer motion-sensing modes that will provide illumination whenever someone walks past. If you look at the list above, you will find that no device features all the mentioned modes. As such, doing your homework and finding out which modes are supported by a potential purchase is a crucial step in buying such lights.
Other features
There are some additional features that you will encounter from time to time. An example is with the YoTelim Globe String Lights, where they are IP rated to show they are waterproof. As such, using them in a place where they are exposed to rain isn’t so far-fetched.
Other options have magnetic bases for easier mounting and installation. You may find as many extra features as there are options. Remember to think about how these features would be of benefit to you before allowing them to influence your decision.
For a lot of these battery operated lights, there are no adverse effects of leaving them on for a long time. The only likely disadvantage is that the batteries will run out quickly, and this will prompt you to purchase others.
Battery operated lights can last up to 100 hours when you add a fresh pair of batteries. However, the exact time frame will vary depending on power consumption and the number of batteries in the device.
If you have ever used an incandescent light, then you know what warm white would look like. It has a slight yellow tinge. For rooms like dining rooms, bedrooms, and living rooms, you are better off choosing warm white lighting options.
Cool white produces white light. Additionally, there are daylight color temperatures that have a white-blue tint.
Some options like the WERTIOO Battery Operated Fairy Lights are outdoor rated while others are not. It would be detrimental to use the non-rated ones outdoors as they may get damaged and may even be hazardous.
It varies since some are connected to the power grid while others are not. Those that are connected to the power do not need batteries; hence may not have them. However, some are entirely battery-powered and thus need a fresh set of batteries every so often to keep them going.
When you pay attention to the features of the PeakPlus LED Motion Sensor Night Light, you will realize that you are getting a bargain. The brightness is something to write home about in addition to the construction and motion-sensing features. Also, mounting these lights in your closet and other such spaces is a walk in the park.
The IRIS OHYAMA BSL-10L Battery-Operated LED Sensor Light is an excellent addition to our list of top picks. A wide detection range is one of the highlights for the battery-powered light. The quality of the sensor is as well top-notch hence is not likely to fail.
Ceiling lights are almost a must-have in every home. For one of the best battery-operated options, you can pick the Yurnero Motion Sensor Ceiling Light. The brightness should cater well to relatively large spaces, and the motion detector impresses as well.
The product for you may or may not be among the three mentioned here. The only way to know for sure is to make a list of your needs. After that, check it against the merits and demerits of all the products on the list. It might be time-consuming, but on the flip side, you will end up making a purchase you won’t regret. Do share with us how that goes by commenting below.
