I am a huge fan of solar powered lights because all I need is the sun to charge the battery. My kids and I love spending the warm summer evenings in our backyard, and we plan to continue going outside as often as possible even after the cooler days of fall arrive. To light our evening fun as the days grow shorter, I have a few outdoor lights that I can set on my patio table. When recently offered the chance to review a solar orb lantern from Bright Outdoors in exchange for my honest opinion, I eagerly accepted the chance to light up my nights a little more.
Price
The Bright Outdoors solar orb lantern currently retails for $29.99 with a sale price of $14.95 on Amazon. I consider the sale price reasonable for a solar powered light. Additionally, other similar inflatable lanterns cost around $15. I therefore rate the current sale price reasonable and comparable. Also use coupon code 2DM37EVQ to save 5% off two on Amazon.
Design
Ideal for all outdoor night activities including hiking and camping, the solar orb lantern from Bright Outdoors features ten LED lights that produce 70 lumens of bright light. The inflatable frost white plastic orb is waterproof and lightweight. The solar powered panel on the bottom measures only 1/2 inch thick. The entire lantern measures 4.5 inches by 5 inches by 5 inches when fully inflated and weights only four ounces. The base features a battery indicator that displays the battery charge. Leave the lantern in the sun for up to six hours to charge. A full charge lasts up to eight hours. The lantern comes with a remote control to cycle between the three light settings: on, seven-color cycling mode, and flashing. Easily hang the lantern from the plastic strap on the base. Bright Outdoors offers a one-year warranty.
Performance
Setting up the solar orb lantern from Bright Outdoors is incredibly easy. Start by loosening the plastic of the orb, and then blow into the hole on the bottom to inflate the lantern. Once you inflate the orb, press the stopper into the hole, and the lantern is ready to use. The strap on the base makes carrying or hanging the light super easy. Then when you are ready to pack up the lantern, simply remove the stopper from the hole and gently squeeze the valve to deflate the orb.
My kids and I absolutely love the three light settings on the Bright Outdoors solar orb lantern. The on setting is perfect for lighting up the night. The ten LED lights are very bright and produce a white glow that extends out ten square feet. The seven-color cycling mode is super fun. My toddler son loves watching the colors change between red, green, purple, and more. The flashing setting is great for parties and fun events. My kids love turning on the flashing lights and having dance parties in the evenings. To switch between the three light modes, either press the button on the base of the orb or use the included remote control.
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Charging the solar orb lantern from Bright Outdoors is also easy. Simply place the lantern with the solar panels facing up in full sunlight for up to six hours. For a full charge, you do need full sun to shine on the panels. I also tried charging the battery on a cloudy, rainy day but the battery lasted only about fifteen minutes. My only concern with this light is that you must have sun light to charge the battery. I would prefer to have a secondary charging option so that I can charge the battery on cloudy days as well. However, as long as you have sunlight for a few hours, you can easily charge the battery.
Final Verdict
If you are shopping for a compact solar powered light for outdoor activities, definitely check out the solar orb lantern from Bright Outdoors. The inflatable frost white plastic orb is waterproof and lightweight and features ten LED lights that produce 70 lumens of bright light. The orb is easy to inflate and deflate. The three light settings — on, seven-color cycling mode, and flashing — are super fun. To switch between the three light modes, either press the button on the base of the orb or use the included remote control. My only concern with this light is that you must have sun light to charge the battery. I would prefer to have an auxiliary charging option as well as the solar panels. However, as long as you have sunlight for a few hours, you can easily charge the battery.
Purchase a Bright Outdoors solar orb lantern on Amazon via my affiliate link. Use coupon code 2DM37EVQ to save 5% off two on Amazon.
Image Credits
Bright Outdoors Solar Orb Lantern Review © 2016 Heather Johnson
Bright Outdoors Solar Orb Lantern Box © 2016 Heather Johnson
Bright Outdoors Solar Orb Lantern © 2016 Heather Johnson
Bright Outdoors Solar Orb Lantern Remote Control © 2016 Heather Johnson
Bright Outdoors Solar Orb Lantern Base © 2016 Heather Johnson
Bright Outdoors Solar Orb Lantern Base with Lights On © 2016 Heather Johnson
Bright Outdoors Solar Orb Lantern with Lights On © 2016 Heather Johnson
Bright Outdoors Solar Orb Lantern with Red Light On © 2016 Heather Johnson
