Best Flickering Flame Solar Lights of 2021: Complete Review With Comparisons

1. Aityvert Solar Flickering Flame Torches

Aityvert is a trusted brand that specializes in battery-operated and solar-powered outdoor lighting solutions.

The Solar Flickering Flame Torch is its flagship product and one of its bestsellers.

It closely mimics the look of a real flame and can give your yard a mood-enhancing glow.

If you want to enhance your home’s curb appeal without breaking the bank, this product is a great option.

Product Highlights

There are many ways that this solar torch from Aityvert can improve the look of your yard or garden.

Here are the best features you’ll likely enjoy from this torch:

• Stunning Dancing Flames Design

This solar light fixture uses 96 LED bulbs, but you would never know it from how the light sways.

It does not flicker in random patterns, but it still gives the impression of a dancing flame on a torch.

The glow it emits is soft, and it works great in setting the mood in your outdoor space. 

• Long Run Time

Each solar torch comes with a 2,200 mAH rechargeable lithium-ion battery. 

It can run for 12 hours during summers when the sun is more visible. During winters, you can expect it to run for five hours.

As a rule of thumb, six to eight hours of exposure to direct sunlight can charge this solar torch fully.

• Automatic On and Off

The Aityvert Solar Flickering Flame Torch boasts a sensor that detects the amount of light outside.

This feature tells the torch to turn on at dusk when it starts to get dark and then shut off at dawn. 

You won’t have to worry about going out to operate the solar torch as it functions automatically.

• Weatherproof

With a rating of IP65, this solar torch is waterproof and can withstand rain and bad weather.

It has a solid ABS plastic construction designed to survive extreme conditions all year round. 

• Easy Installation

This solar torch stores energy from the sun and does not require any wires to operate.

It comes with a plastic ground spike and pole extenders that form a 42.9-inch torch when connected.

To install, all you’ll need to do is stick it into the ground firmly, and you are good to go.

The Good

One thing that makes this solar light stand out is its gorgeous design.

It looks like a real flaming torch that can liven up your outdoor space, whatever the weather is.

The Bad

The battery inside this solar torch is not accessible, which means that you cannot replace it.

While these batteries last long, it would have been nice to have the option to replace them.

2. TomCare Flickering Flame Solar Torches

TomCare is a Chinese company that produces a wide range of consumer electronic products, from health care to home improvement.

It also manufactures solar lighting solutions, and the TomCare Flickering Flame Torch is one of its mid-tier offerings. 

More than anything, it is an excellent option for those who want to recreate the campfire ambiance at home.

Product Highlights

These are some of the key features of TomCare’s solar torch you’re sure to love:

• Realistic Flame Effect

This product features 99 LED bulbs designed to flicker and imitate the behavior of real flame.

It is an improved version of an older model with fewer LED bulbs.

With a brightness of 35 lumens, it looks like a real torch that can give your outdoor space a charming ambiance.

• Weatherproof and Durable

Like the torch from Aityvert, it has a sturdy ABS plastic body that can stand strong against all weather conditions.

It has an IP65 waterproof rating, making the electronic components inside safe from the elements.

Even with its rugged build, it still looks elegant and works well as a decorative lighting fixture.

• Easy to Use

Each product package comes with four torch heads, one stake for each torch, one connector, and two extending poles.

You can put it together easily without using any tools. You can also adjust its height to match your preference.

After assembly, simply push it into the ground to install it.

• Long Working Time

This TomCare solar torch has a solar panel that boasts a 20 percent conversion efficiency.

It charges the 2,200 mAh battery to full capacity just after eight hours of exposure to sunlight.

Once full, you can expect it to run for up to 10 hours.

During winter, or when weather conditions are not optimal, it can run for at least five hours.

The Good

This solar torch features a vivid flame effect to help you create a relaxing outdoor environment.

What’s more, it is easy to assemble and install without the need to use any tools.

The Bad

Though durable, some users complain that the plastic material looks cheap.

3. Kyekio Solar Torch Lights With Dancing Flickering Flames

Kyekio is a manufacturer of high-quality but affordable outdoor solar lights.

The Solar Torch Lights With Dancing Flickering Flames is its mid-tier offering.

It comes in packs of eight, complete with everything needed to install each torch.

You’d like this product if you are looking for a budget-friendly way to create a campfire ambiance at home.

Product Highlights

Here’s what you can expect from Kyekio’s Solar Torch Lights:

• Safe Alternative To Real Flame

This product features 33 LED bulbs in each head emitting a flickering flame pattern.

It has a brightness of 35 lumens, which is ideal for recreating the soft and mood-enhancing glow of a torch.

Compared to real flame, it provides a safe and cost-effective lighting solution for your outdoor space.

• Wide Range of Applications

This torchlight is dimmable, making it ideal for a wide range of decorative applications. 

You can use it to illuminate pathways, liven up garden parties, brighten up barbecue nights, or make Christmases more festive.

With a battery life of 50,000 hours, you’ll get plenty of opportunities to make new memories with this solar torch.

• Highly Durable

Like most high-quality solar torches, this product has an ABS plastic body. 

As such, you can expect it to stand up to a fair amount of abuse and withstand all types of weather.

With an IP65 waterproof rating, you can rest assured that its electronic parts will be safe outside.

• Automatic Lighting

Each solar torch comes with a 600 mAh rechargeable battery.

It can run for 10 to 12 hours straight on a full charge and four to six hours under not-so-optimal weather.

Plus, a photosensitive control switch automatically turns it on and off, depending on the time of day.

The Good

With eight solar torches in each package, this product offers much value for your money.

What’s more, it also has many possible decorative applications for your outdoor space.

The Bad

When assembled, the torchlight pole only measures 22.8 inches, which might be a bit short for some people.

4. Ollivage Outdoor Flickering Flame Solar Light

Ollivage is one of the more recognizable names in the solar light industry.

This flame torchlight is a high-tier offering from its wide range of lighting solutions.

It comes with a 2,200 mAh battery that provides realistic flickering flame light for up to 12 hours.

In a nutshell, it offers the perfect balance of quality and affordability that most people look for.

Product Highlights

There are many reasons to buy the Ollivage Flickering Flame Solar Light, including:

• Life-Like Flickering Flame Light

This solar torch emits a flickering light that looks like a real flame.

It features LED bulbs powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery you can fully charge after six to eight hours.

• Adjustable Height

The product package includes four solar torchlights, a ground spike for each one, two extenders, and a connector.

You can use all parts and assemble a 43-inch torchlight. If you want a shorter torch, just leave out one pole extender.

Once assembled, just stick it into the ground, and you are done.

• Automatic Lighting

Each torchlight has a built-in sensor that can detect the amount of light outside.

This sensor then automatically turns the light on when it starts dark and turns it off at dusk.

• Long-Lasting

This product has an IP65 waterproof rating, guaranteeing that it can withstand all types of weather. 

Its solid ABS plastic build makes it durable enough to last a long time.

Even better, it comes with a 12-month warranty for repairs and replacements.

The Good

This solar torch allows you to enjoy a realistic flickering flame experience at a reasonable price.

What’s more, you can adjust its height depending on where you will use it.

The Bad

Some users complain that the plastic pole is a bit unstable.

5. TomCare Metal Flickering Flame Solar Torch

Another solar lighting product from TomCare, this one is an upgrade from the previous solar torch.

Its head is made of quality metal, while its poles and stake are ABS plastic.

If you are willing to pay a few extra bucks for better quality, this is a great option.

Product Highlights

This solar torch is a bit more expensive, but with these features, it’s worth the higher price tag:

• Metal Solar Torch

While the other solar torches are made of plastic, this product breaks the mold and uses metal.

It is coated with a rust-resistant black finish, creating an elegant and sleek look for the torch.

As you can imagine, it will make a great decorative addition to any outdoor space, from gardens to lawns to walkways.

• Realistic Flame Design

This torch emits a warm yellow-colored light, adding to the illusion of real flame. 

The light also flickers, giving the impression of an actual fire dancing in the wind.

• Durable Construction

The metallic torch head is rust-proof, which makes it ideal for the outdoors.

It is also rated IP65 waterproof, similar to its plastic mounting pole.

With its durable construction, this torch can endure anything the weather throws at it.

• Efficient Solar Panel

The solar panel on each torchlight has a 20.5 percent conversion rate, which is higher than what other brands offer.

It can charge the 2,200 mAh battery within eight hours under ideal sunlight conditions.

On a full charge, this solar torchlight can power the 35-lumen bulbs for 10 hours.

The Good

The metallic finish on the torch head looks elegant and would look great in your outdoor space.

The flickering light it emits is the closest you can get to a real flame.

The Bad

The metallic torch head comes at a slightly higher price tag.

Buyer’s Guide

With countless options to choose from, it is important to have a good idea of what to look for. 

These torchlight criteria will help you make a decision.

Durability

Solar torchlights are designed for outdoor use.

As such, they must be able to withstand extreme temperatures and severe weather conditions.

A good practice is to see if it has an IP65 rating or higher, which tells you that it is waterproof.

Battery Rating

The solar torchlight’s battery capacity determines how long the lights will run.

If possible, do not choose anything that has a capacity lower than 2,200 mAh.

Flickering Flame Solar Light FAQs

1. How long do solar tiki torches last?

Solar torches can last anywhere between five and 12 hours.

The number would depend on the battery’s capacity and how much sunlight it receives.

2. What causes solar lights to stop working?

If a solar light has stopped working, it is often because of the battery or the solar panel.

Either the battery no longer stores energy, or the solar panel could not convert sunlight.

3. How do you charge solar lights for the first time?

For most brands, you must charge the solar light under the sun for at least eight hours before first-time use.

However, it is best to check the manual that comes with the product.

4. Do solar torchlights have batteries?

Modern solar torchlights have rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that store the energy collected by the solar panels.

In older models, the batteries are nickel-based.

5. How do you test a solar light?

Solar lights are designed to work in the dark, so you should simulate this condition to test them.

You can try bringing them into a dark room or covering the sensors to block the light.

Which Is the Best Solar Light With Flickering Flame?

The best flickering flame solar lights combine performance, durability, and affordability.

Based on this yardstick, the Ollivage Outdoor Flickering Flame Solar Light earns the honor, narrowly beating the other brands.

If you are willing to pay more for a tougher build, the TomCare Metal Solar Torch is a great alternative.