Best Garden Spike Lights for Pathways & Features: 2025 Expert Review
Oli
Owner, OR Electrics
Garden lighting transforms a space, but in the UK, it is a constant battle against the elements. I visit countless homes in Leeds where DIY spike lights have failed after one winter, usually due to water ingress or poor connections tripping the household electrics.
Spike lights are brilliant for flexibility—you can move them as your plants grow—but there is a massive difference between a cheap plastic fitting and a proper die-cast aluminium unit. Safety is also a major concern; running mains voltage through flowerbeds requires respect and the right protection.
In this review, I'll walk you through three options I'd feel comfortable recommending: a sturdy budget unit for single spots, a low-voltage set that is safer for DIY installation, and a smart option for those wanting modern control.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "IP65 Waterproof Rating"
"The product is dust-tight and protected against water jets from any angle."
In reality, the weak point is almost always the cable entry or the bulb placement. If you don't tighten the bezel properly when changing a bulb, or if you use a cheap connector block wrapped in tape underground, water will get in. The rating only holds if installed correctly.
The Spec: "PRE-WIRED WITH 2M CABLE"
"Ready to plug in and go."
2 metres is rarely enough to reach a safe outdoor socket. You will almost certainly need a weatherproof junction box (IP68) or a proper armoured cable run to extending power safely. Do not use standard extension leads permanently outdoors.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
Knightsbridge Garden GU10 Spike Light, Aluminium, Black
Knightsbridge
Knightsbridge is a brand we recognise in the trade for decent mid-range gear. This unit is solid die-cast aluminium, not plastic, which is rare at this price point. It's a mains voltage unit, so it needs proper installation, but for a single reliable spot to highlight a tree or feature, it is excellent value.
The Good
- Robust die-cast aluminium construction prevents cracking in frost
- Uses standard GU10 bulbs (replaceable), so the whole unit isn't bin-ready when the bulb goes
- Versatile: comes with both a spike and a wall bracket
The Bad
- Mains voltage requires strict safety competence to install safely
- Connection to mains requires a separate waterproof junction box (not included)
Installer Tip:
Because this is 230V mains, you cannot simply twist and tape wires. Use a resin-filled or gel-filled IP68 junction box to join this to your armoured garden cable. If water gets into the joint, it will trip your RCD indoors and you'll lose power to the house.
Priced at £15.39 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonILIKEPOW Garden Spotlights Mains, 6-in-1 LED Outdoor Spike Lights
ILIKEPOW
For a 'quality' classification in a DIY context, I chose this because it is a 12V low-voltage system. From a safety perspective, 12V is far superior for flowerbeds where people might be digging. The 'quality' here is the peace of mind and the complete nature of the kit—6 lights running off one transformer.
The Good
- 12V Low Voltage allows for much safer DIY installation
- 6 lights in one kit covers a large area (pathways or borders)
- Waterproof connectors between lights make setup simple
The Bad
- If the main transformer fails, all lights go out
- Integrated LEDs means you cannot change the bulb type or colour later
Installer Tip:
The transformer (the plug part) is the sensitive bit. Whilst the lights are waterproof, try to plug the transformer into an outdoor socket that has a proper storm cover, or better yet, plug it inside a garage or shed and run the low voltage cable out to the garden.
Priced at £36.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on Amazon4lite Outdoor Spike Light (Black) IP65 Rated Garden Single Spot Light + Smart GU10 Bulb
4lite
This solves the problem of 'I want lighting control without expensive automation systems'. By bundling a robust spike light with a WiZ smart bulb, you can control colour temperature (warm to cool white) and scheduling via your phone. Perfect for security simulation when you're away.
The Good
- Includes a smart bulb for instant automation and app control
- Adjustable colour temperature allows you to match existing lighting
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control
The Bad
- Requires a strong Wi-Fi signal in the garden to operate smart features
- Like the budget option, requires proper mains termination
Installer Tip:
Before you bury any cables or fix this in place, test the Wi-Fi signal at the spot you want to install it relative to your router. Brick walls (especially the thick ones in our Leeds terraces) kill Wi-Fi signals. You might need a Wi-Fi extender near the back door.
Priced at £19.50 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Are mains voltage (230V) or low voltage (12V) spike lights better?
How do I stop my garden lights from tripping the electrics?
Can I install garden output lighting myself?
What IP rating do I need for garden spike lights?
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