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Verdict first: in the solar uplights vs downlights debate, pick uplights when you want to light trees, flags or a house front from the ground, and pick downlights when you want steps, fences and railings washed in warm light. A dark walkway at dusk is the moment the choice matters. We compared three listings, one uplight and two downlights, on stated brightness, runtime, water resistance and warranties, using only what each Amazon listing publishes.
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Solar uplights vs downlights: side by side
| Light | Solar Score | Side | Brightness | Runtime | Warranty | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XmnSoly Fence Lights 8-Pack | 9.6/10 | Downlights | 60 lumens | 8-10 hours | 1 year | View on Amazon |
| Varmtalys Solar Spot 2-Pack | 9.6/10 | Uplights | 60 lumens | 16-18 hours | 3 years | View on Amazon |
| XmnSoly Fence Lights 6-Pack | 9.4/10 | Downlights | 50 lumens | 10 hours | 1 year | View on Amazon |
Specifications are manufacturer rated as listed, collected 21 October 2026.
The picks
| # | Product | Solar Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  XmnSoly Fence Lights 8-Pack | 9.6/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |  Varmtalys Solar Spot 2-Pack | 9.6/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |  XmnSoly Fence Lights 6-Pack | 9.4/10 | Buy on Amazon |
XmnSoly Fence Lights 8-Pack
An 8-pack of solar fence downlights with 3 color modes and IP65, suited to fences, decks and railings.
Pros
- 3 color temperatures: 3000K, 4000K and 6000K
- IP65 stated
- 8 to 10 hours of runtime after 6 to 8 hours of sunlight
- Mounts with screws or adhesive tape
Cons
- Bullets say 12-pack while the title and spec table state an 8-pack
- Spec table says 3500 Kelvin while the bullets state 3000K, 4000K and 6000K modes
- No battery capacity is stated
- Spec table lists an E26 bulb base, odd for a solar fence light
Detailed Review
The listing states an 8-pack of solar fence downlights with 3 lighting modes, 60 lumens, IP65, 6 to 8 hours of sunlight charging for 8 to 10 hours of runtime, and mounting by screws or adhesive tape. The bullets say 'our 12-pack solar fence lights' while the title and spec table state an 8-pack; the title and spec table win. The spec table lists 3500 Kelvin while the bullets state 3000K, 4000K and 6000K modes; the bullets win.
Who it's for: long fences and decks needing even warm-to-cool light. Who should skip it: anyone who needs the pack count and color figures to agree.
Its Solar Score of 9.6/10 comes from performance 28/35, build 19/25, value 20/25, safety 8/10 and warranty 4/5: 79 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Brightness | 60 lumens |
|---|---|
| Charge time | 6-8 hours of sunlight |
| Runtime | 8-10 hours |
| Weather code | IP65 |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 21 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. IP65 stated, so safety scores 8 of 10. 1 years. It does not say everything a buyer needs, such as who pays return shipping, so warranty scores 4 of 5. See How We Pick.
Outdoor solar lights. Treat lumens, run time and weather ratings as the maker's figures, place the panel where it gets direct sun, and replace batteries only with the type the maker specifies.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
Varmtalys Solar Spot 2-Pack
A 2-pack of solar spot uplights with an adjustable beam, separate panel and 3-year replacement, suited to lighting trees and house fronts.
Pros
- Adjustable 10 to 60 degree beam for trees, flags and signs
- 16 to 18 hours of runtime from a 2500mAh battery
- Separate panel sits in the sun while the light sits in shade
- 3-year replacement stated
Cons
- No charge time is stated
- 2-pack covers less ground than the 6 or 8 packs
- ABS body
- No lumens figure per brightness level is stated
Detailed Review
The listing states a 2-pack of solar spot uplights with an adjustable 10 to 60 degree beam, a separate solar panel, 2500mAh battery, 16 to 18 hours of runtime, and 5 lighting modes across 3000K, 4500K and 6500K with 2 brightness levels, backed by a 3-year replacement. The spec table lists 60 lumens, 3.5 watts and a 3.2 volt system.
Who it's for: homeowners lighting trees, flags or a house front from the ground. Who should skip it: anyone needing wall or fence mounted light.
Its Solar Score of 9.6/10 comes from performance 32/35, build 20/25, value 20/25, safety 4/10 and warranty 4/5: 80 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Brightness | 60 lumens |
|---|---|
| Battery | 2500mAh |
| Runtime | 16-18 hours |
| Weather code | Not stated as a code |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 21 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. Water-resistant construction stated, so safety scores 4 of 10. 3-year warranty. It does not say everything a buyer needs, such as who pays return shipping, so warranty scores 4 of 5. See How We Pick.
Outdoor solar lights. Treat lumens, run time and weather ratings as the maker's figures, place the panel where it gets direct sun, and replace batteries only with the type the maker specifies.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
XmnSoly Fence Lights 6-Pack
A 6-pack of 3000K solar fence downlights with an 1800mAh battery, suited to steps and short fence runs.
Pros
- 6-pack covers more area than a 2-pack
- 1800mAh battery with up to 10 hours of runtime
- Convex lens focuses light with a 6.5 foot beam height
- Screws and brackets included, with an adhesive option
Cons
- 50 lumens is the lowest stated brightness here
- 3000K only, with no color choice
- No IP code is stated
- No charge time is stated
Detailed Review
The listing states a 6-pack of 3000K solar fence downlights with 50 lumens, an 1800mAh battery, up to 10 hours of runtime, a 6.5 foot beam height, and screws and mounting brackets. It lists a water-resistant design with no IP code stated.
Who it's for: steps, porches and short fence runs needing simple warm light. Who should skip it: anyone wanting color modes or a stated IP code.
Its Solar Score of 9.4/10 comes from performance 26/35, build 19/25, value 19/25, safety 0/10 and warranty 4/5: 68 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Brightness | 50 lumens |
|---|---|
| Battery | 1800mAh |
| Runtime | Up to 10 hours |
| Warranty | 1 years. |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 21 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. No IP weather rating is stated, so safety scores zero. 1 years. It does not say everything a buyer needs, such as who pays return shipping, so warranty scores 4 of 5. See How We Pick.
Outdoor solar lights. Treat lumens, run time and weather ratings as the maker's figures, place the panel where it gets direct sun, and replace batteries only with the type the maker specifies.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
How we scored them
The Solar Score weighs performance, build, value, safety and warranty. For landscape lights, safety means stated weather protection; the XmnSoly 8-pack lists IP65, the Varmtalys states water-resistant construction with no IP code stated, and the 6-pack lists no IP code. All three listings state a warranty term.
| Product | Solar Score | Perf. /35 | Build /25 | Value /25 | Safety /10 | Warranty /5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XmnSoly Fence Lights 8-Pack | 9.6 | 28 | 19 | 20 | 8 | 4 |
| Varmtalys Solar Spot 2-Pack | 9.6 | 32 | 20 | 20 | 4 | 4 |
| XmnSoly Fence Lights 6-Pack | 9.4 | 26 | 19 | 19 | 0 | 4 |
Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each product’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score.
Solar uplights vs downlights: which should you choose?
What each side lights
The Varmtalys uplight lists an adjustable 10 to 60 degree beam for trees, flags and signs, with a separate panel that sits in the sun while the light sits in shade. The two XmnSoly downlights mount on walls, fences and steps; the 6-pack lists a 6.5 foot beam height and the 8-pack a 6.6 foot circular pattern from its convex lens. Uplights aim at things; downlights aim at paths. Also see the best solar lights for uplighting trees list.
Runtime and charging
The Varmtalys lists a 2500mAh battery with 16 to 18 hours of runtime. The 8-pack lists 6 to 8 hours of sunlight for 8 to 10 hours at night; the 6-pack lists an 1800mAh battery with up to 10 hours. All three switch on at dusk automatically. For non-solar options, see Solar vs Low Voltage Landscape Lights: Which to Pick.
Weather codes and warranty
The 8-pack lists IP65. The 6-pack lists a water-resistant design with no IP code stated; the Varmtalys states water-resistant construction with no IP code stated. The Varmtalys is backed by a 3-year replacement; both XmnSoly packs list 1 year. Also see the best solar landscape lights for trees list for more tree picks.
Sizing Notes
- Match brightness to the job: 60 lumens (Varmtalys, 8-pack) or 50 lumens (6-pack) as each listing states.
- Match runtime to the night: 16 to 18 hours (Varmtalys), 8 to 10 hours (8-pack), or up to 10 hours (6-pack).
- Match color to the mood: 3000K, 4500K and 6500K with 2 brightness levels (Varmtalys); 3000K, 4000K and 6000K modes (8-pack); 3000K only (6-pack).
- Match the weather code to the forecast: IP65 (8-pack), water-resistant construction with no IP code stated (Varmtalys), or no IP code stated (6-pack).
- Match the warranty to the plan: 3-year replacement (Varmtalys) or 1 year (both XmnSoly packs).
Frequently Asked Questions
Which side lights a tree?
Uplights. The Varmtalys lists an adjustable 10 to 60 degree beam for trees, flags and signs.
How long do they run at night?
The Varmtalys lists 16 to 18 hours; the 8-pack lists 8 to 10 hours; the 6-pack lists up to 10 hours.
Which have an IP code?
The XmnSoly 8-pack lists IP65. The Varmtalys states water-resistant construction with no IP code stated, and the 6-pack lists a water-resistant design with no IP code stated.
What warranties are stated?
The Varmtalys lists a 3-year replacement. Both XmnSoly packs list 1 year.
How do the downlights mount?
The 6-pack lists screws and mounting brackets; the 8-pack lists screws or adhesive tape.
Related guides
See every Path, String and Deck Lights guide and all Solar Lights, Cameras and Fans guides.
More picks: uplighting spotlights, solar vs battery landscape lights, landscape lights for trees.
