What do you think of when you hear about a party? For me it’s togas, good times, laughs, drunk uncles and of course the lights!
Whether it be a 21st birthday, after party, conference, live music night or even a wedding, all these events and more can benefit from a well setup lighting arrangement. Because of this, I have researched and reviewed 5 of the best party lights so you too can hit the dance floor in no time!
How a Party Light Can Bring Your Event to Life
We all know how strobe lights and disco balls can bump up the excitement level of a dance party or a concert. In those situations, the venue may allow for a complete lighting special effects systems.
Spot lights, programmable lights with color filters, strobes pulsing to a beat, are all part of the entire experience with many music events, large or small.
Different types of party lights
- Strobe lights. When ever the phrase “dance party” comes up, many of us will first think of two types of lights. A flashing strobe reminds me of everything from 1970s era disco to current house music. Strobes that flash to the beat enhance any bass heavy mix, a nice touch.
- Disco balls. The ball itself is usually mirrors, but many come with a spot light, perhaps with color filters, to shine on it, making a pretty effect on walls, ceiling, and the dance floor.
- Lasers. We used to spell it LASER (all caps), but now laser is the common accepted use. Lasers can be used alone, to shine on to a disco ball perhaps, or in groups. They can be continuous, pulsing, or even preprogrammed into a light show.
- Spot lights. A spot light can be used as a decoration, shining on nothing in particular or on random subjects. A spot light can also be employed to focus attention on one person or thing.
- Light banks, light bars. These can be comprised of all one type of light or incorporate several different styles.
- Light systems. Programmable or console controlled, an event in a large venue is a prime subject for a full featured treatment.
- Pyrotechnics. DISCLAIMER: DO NOT TRY TO DO THIS YOURSELF! In most areas, pyrotechnical displays require a professional license and multiple permits. But, if you have the budget to hire a professional group in a venue with all the proper safety precautions, then it will be an amazing show.
How I Found The Best Party Lights
There will be a lot of variety in regards to budgets, space, and intended usage, but there are still some basic criteria I will consider when researching the best party lights.
- Power source. Most are simply AC powered, some link together with specialty cords. Both are fine, just need to make sure what you’re getting.
- Compatibility. When looking at a sophisticated system of lighting, you will need to make sure anything you’re buying will work together or from the same controller.
- Replacement bulbs. Not every type of light has user replaceable bulbs, but for those that do, how easy are they to find, how easy to actually replace, become aspects to look at closely.
- Quality. Always fairly subjective, but we want even our toys to last. Poor quality materials or workmanship make for a waste of money.
- Price. As I’ve said in other reviews, I always look for the best item at the most reasonable price. I’m not opposed to spending money, only wasting it.
Top 5 Best Party Lights for Your Next Event!
1. LaluceNatz LED Par Lighting Kit 4pcs (Best Tested)
If you are looking for an easy to use, basic, and inexpensive light system to use for stage lighting, this is a great choice!
The four lights included in the kit are all four of the same, and they link together through DMX. The power comes from an AC cord which is a little short in my opinion, but an extension cord was an easy fix.
At the distance you are likely to have these lights placed, the light coverage of each LED is about 5×10 feet.
As long as we’re already talking about light placement, we should look at how they mount. If we are going to mount them on a ceiling or a wall, the supplied brackets work well. Depending on how and where we place the lamps and brackets, we can adjust them to point in any direction.
One thing to note is that they aren’t motorized, so we won’t be able to make them move during a show. But with their flat surfaces, we can place them directly on a floor or stage. I could easily imagine that at the low price they come in at, many users will mount several different kits in various places around the venue.
When it comes to the remote control, it allows the user to change which LEDs are on, either programming ahead of time, or live. The programming was a little difficult to learn, but live control was pretty easily accomplished.
As a semi permanent installation, for club owners or anyone with a stage, this kit seriously offers a lot of value and easily deserves my number one pick for the best party light! Highly recommended!
2. DragonX 4 Bar LED Mobile DJ Stage Lighting Package
Next on my list is the DragonX Professional LED stage beam light package which is slightly costlier, but I found this was easily offset due the features and quality it provides.
When is came to the light bar, there are 4 X Tri-9W RGB LED diodes they can be mounted on the included tripod stand or be floor mounted for uplighting effects. Controlled by footswitches or DMX, the LED color lights add a great atmosphere to musical productions or any other stage show.
Along with having the RGB diodes, there was also full on white light which could be used as strobe or wash out which was a nice touch. There was also the ability to daisy chain multiple bar systems by linking them together with DMX cables, compatible with Chauvet light system.
Though a little bit more expensive, these lights would be great for bar bands, small dance halls, DJ’s or many other small to medium sized productions and venues. A must have!
3.Chauvet Mini Kinta IRC Compact LED DJ Party Light
Moving onto the next light on my list is the Mini Kinta DJ Light which game me some spectacular results.
This light is low enough priced that many users will want several of them for larger auditoriums or stage shows. They are easy to link together via DMX or they be programmed ahead of time. An optional non-DMX remote is also available, or they can be set to flash to the music.
As for the lights, this unit it sporting 3W LEDs with 48 different lenses that punch through nearly any ambient lighting or fog. Filling a room floor to ceiling with razor sharp beams, it delivers an output that surpasses those of much larger derby effects.
Here is the light in action!
When is came to setting up this light, the light bracket is made to be mounted to the floor, wall, or ceiling which made it a breeze to setup.
A talented producer on a budget can create a memorable show with several of these. A basic user can set up just one and create a show that will get them noticed. Overall a great party light!
4. Tomshine 80W Moving Head Light
Next up is a motorized, super bright, 80W LED moving head light designed for large events. This moderately priced unit can be used alone, strung together with multiple pieces, or as part of a complete DMX controlled lighting system.
It has shaking and lighting effects with changing rainbow in eight colors and in eight patterns which is great for a wide range of events. While this light is a little heavy, the bracket is strong enough to hold it anywhere, or it is equally at home floor or stage mounted.
Another nice touch was the display on the base which was easy to see and I was able to quickly check the lighting mode thanks to the LED indicators around the display.
Probably best suited as part of a larger overall system, I think this could also be used for wedding DJs, or any small event planners all by itself.
5. SOLMORE LED Disco Ball Party Light
Last but not least for my list is a very low priced light effects unit. This unit opens up the world of lighting effects to anyone with a smart phone and enough money buy a takeout dinner.
Operating as a disco ball, it projects a variety of lights, colors, and patterns. Charge it up from the USB port, connect to a smart phone with a music library by means of Bluetooth, and the built in speaker gives hours of light and sound.
A small house party or office party is about all I would use this for, but it is really a lot of fun! I set it as just a light, too, letting it pulse lights and patterns to the beat of the music.
Lighting effects can be a daunting task for beginners.
We don’t have to be a professional effects manager working for a major Rock or R&B star. Just like many other technologies, the world of lighting and stage effects has opened up to anyone willing to invest time and at least a small amount of money. With the best party lights such as those on this list, a beginner or a pro will happy with what they provide.
If you want to learn more about setting up lights for your next party or event, check out these resources below.
- How to setup lighting for your party – WikiHow
- 7 lighting tips for your next event or party
- How to light up your corporate event like a pro
Family parties are primed and ready for party lights, too. Kids love the excitement and even a 50th anniversary party can add a special touch with the best party lights. A soft touch with subtle effects may be desirable, or the circus atmosphere with multiple effects may be just the ticket.