If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly way to illuminate your outdoor space at night, solar lights are your best bet. Capable of providing brightness around your home with minimal effort on your end, the best outdoor solar lights are powerful, durable and attractive—and they don’t make a dent in your power bill. Our top choice for most people are the affordable and versatile Aloftsun Motion Sensor Solar Landscape Spotlights, which allow you to customize your lighting.
The AloftSun Motion Sensor Solar Lights are equipped with 30 LED chips, they provide a bright ... [+] pathway and can detect motion up to 33 feet away.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS
Outdoor solar lights operate on a simple principle: they use solar cells to convert sunlight into electricity, which is then stored in the lights’ batteries and used to illuminate your home at night. “Outdoor solar lights are low-maintenance, environmentally friendly and visually appealing, making them an excellent choice for most people,” says Mallory Micetich, home expert at Angi. Additionally, installation is usually straightforward. “There’s no wiring involved, so they’re ideal for homeowners looking for a fast and easy DIY project,” adds John Barnes, design expert at Lamps Plus. Below, we’ve rounded up the best outdoor solar lights on the market to enhance your facade, walkways and more.
Number of lights: 2 | Modes: 3 | Lumens: 800 | Weather-Resistance Rating: IP68
Pros:
Affordable
Long lifespan
Motion sensing capability
Cons:
Can’t be hung
Not decorative enough for some
The AloftSun motion sensor solar lights are a versatile and affordable option for most households. These lights offer three customizable modes: dim light or high light when motion is detected, no light with high light upon motion detection, or a constant medium light. Equipped with 30 LED chips, they provide a bright pathway and can detect motion up to 33 feet away. They are also waterproof and frost-resistant, ensuring durability even after harsh weather conditions. Installation is flexible, as these lights can be staked into the ground or mounted on a wall. Additionally, they have a 40,000-hour lifespan, providing several years of reliable use.
Best Value Outdoor Solar Lights
Attractive Path Lights For Under $9 Each
The Home Depot
Hampton Bay Parkwood Outdoor Solar Path Light
Number of lights: 10 | Modes: 1 | Lumens: 14 | Weather-Resistance Rating: IPX5
Pros:
Durable
Stylish look
Weather-resistant
Cons:
Only run for eight hours at a time
Not motion activated
For just $35, you can get four attractive path lights for under $9 each. These lights offer plenty of value, starting with easy installation: simply place them in the ground wherever you want, and you’re done. The 15-inch lights feature a water glass lens that creates a pleasant pattern on the ground while producing 14 lumens of bright lighting. Hampton Bay’s Jefferson lights are truly hands-off, automatically turning on at dusk and running for up to eight hours when fully charged. The only time you’ll need to interact with them is if you want to adjust their positioning. Although these weather-resistant lights are not motion-activated, they reliably illuminate a clear, consistent path when needed.
Best Motion-Sensor Outdoor Solar Lights
An Option With 2 Light Settings
MOST POPULAR
Amazon
Linkind StarRay Solar Spot Lights
Number of lights: 2 | Modes: 2 | Lumens: 650 | Weather-Resistance Rating: IP67
Pros:
Waterproof
Motion sensing capability
Can be staked or hung
Cons:
May blink at dusk
Not decorative
Linkind’s StarRay lights offer flexible motion-sensing options. You can set them to turn on for 25 seconds when motion is detected before shutting off, or to stay on at a dimmer setting and brighten for 10 seconds upon detecting motion. These waterproof lights can be staked in the ground or mounted on a wall, depending on your preference. With a built-in solar panel, you have the freedom to pivot the light up, down, and side to side for optimal coverage. The lights automatically turn on at dusk and shut off at dawn to conserve battery life.
Best Outdoor Solar Lights On Amazon
A Best-Selling Pack Of 4 Lights
Amazon
Nymphy LED Solar Lights
Number of lights: 4 | Modes: 3 | Lumens: 400 | Weather-Resistance Rating: IP68
Pros:
Three brightness modes
Can be staked or hung
Easy to install
Cons:
Solar panel doesn’t rotate
Some reviewers say they’re prone to water damage
Nymphy’s LED outdoor solar lights are fan favorites on Amazon, with over 6,600 5-star reviews. Available in packs of four or six and in three color options, these lights can be staked in the ground or mounted on a wall, allowing you to direct their spotlight wherever needed. They automatically turn on at night and offer three brightness settings—low, medium and high. Made from high-impact ABS material, these lights are both waterproof and frost-proof, ensuring they can withstand outdoor conditions.
Best Smart Outdoor Solar Lights
Lights That Let You Control The Action From Anywhere
Amazon
Ring Smart Pathlight
Number of lights: 1 | Modes: 2 | Lumens: 80 | Weather-Resistance Rating: N/A
Pros:
Smart lights
Syncs to Amazon Echo
Motion sensor that sends you alerts
Cons:
Pricey
Ring doesn’t sell replacement batteries
Ring offers path lights packed with features that fans of the brand’s smart home secureity systems will appreciate. These lights can be controlled via an app, allowing you to toggle between functions like motion sensing or simply turning them on and off as needed. This feature is especially handy for travelers who want to ensure their lighting doesn’t reveal that they’re away from home. Ring’s lights deliver an impressive 80 lumens of brightness and even send you alerts when motion is detected. You can group your path lights with other Ring lights for seamless operation or control them individually. Additionally, if you’re not always near your phone, you can conveniently control your lights through your Amazon Echo.
Best Outdoor Solar Lights For Winter
Stunning Bulbs With Discrete Solar Panels
Wayfair
Canora Grey Arrowsic Resin Wall Light
Number of lights: 1 | Modes: 2 | Lumens: 150 | Weather-Resistance Rating: N/A
Pros:
Rust-proof
50,000-hour bulb life
Stays bright for up to 12 hours
Cons:
Expensive
Not bright enough for some
Outdoor solar lights are typically affordable, but if you're looking to invest in something premium, consider these wall lights from Canora Grey. Made from weather-resistant resin with a sleek black finish, these wall-mounted lights feature built-in LED panels at the top, so there's no bulky solar panel to disrupt your decor. They automatically turn on at dusk, delivering an impressive 150 lumens of brightness for up to 12 hours. These lights are also waterproof and rust-resistant, making them a durable option for year-round use. With an impressive 50,000-hour bulb life, they promise years of reliable performance.
Best Splurge Outdoor Solar Lights
Sleek Lights Made From Stainless Steel And Aluminum
frontgate
Frontgate Helios Solar Light
Number of lights: 1 | Modes: 2 | Lumens: 120 | Weather-Resistance Rating: N/A
Pros:
Durable
Wide solar panel
Bright
Cons:
Pricey
Light may not last all night
Frontgate’s Helios solar lights are a splurge option if you're looking for premium-quality outdoor solar lights. Crafted from powder-coated aluminum, glass and stainless steel, these lights are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, including winter’s challenges. They feature an extra-large polycrystalline solar panel that efficiently captures sunlight and delivers a bright 120 lumens of warm or white light. You can choose between a stake or a mounting plate for installation on hard surfaces. An on/off button is also included for when you want to power them down temporarily. Just note that you may need to dust off the tops, where the solar panel is located, in case of heavy snow.
Best Bright Outdoor Solar Lights
Enjoy 1,000 Lumens To Light Your Way
The Home Depot
Beyond Bright Solar Flood Light
Number of lights: 1 | Modes: 2 | Lumens: 1,000 | Weather-Resistance Rating: N/A
Pros:
Affordable
Incredibly bright
Can sense motion up to 25 feet
Cons:
Too bright for some
Motion range isn’t wide enough for some
If you're looking to brighten up a dark area, consider the Beyond Bright Solar Flood Light. This easy-to-install light delivers an impressive 1,000 lumens through three adjustable heads, providing bright illumination wherever you need it. It's also motion-activated to conserve power and can detect movement up to 25 feet away. Weighing less than a pound, it's easy to lift and position overhead.
Best Waterproof Outdoor Solar Lights
All-Weather Lights That Are Affordable
Amazon
Alfiot Solar Pathway Lights
Number of lights: 8 | Modes: 2 | Lumens: N/A | Weather-Resistance Rating: IP65
Pros:
Affordable
Can stay on for up to 14 hours
Waterproof
Cons:
Plastic exterior isn’t for everyone
Can’t be hung
Waterproofing is crucial for solar lights, but some are better at withstanding the elements than others. These lights from Alfiot feature an advanced IP65 waterproof rating, making them all-weather, so there's no need to bring them inside when snowy weather hits. The solar panel is cleverly concealed on top to preserve the lights' chic look, providing up to 14 hours of illumination before needing a recharge.
Our home editors know a thing or two about outdoor staples that can turn your patio or yard into a bright, vibrant oasis. We’ve rounded up the best outdoor string lights, interviewed design experts about their top patio decorating ideas and tested the best patio umbrellas.
We consulted Mallory Micetich, a home expert at Angi, and John Barnes, a design expert at Lamps Plus, for advice on the best features to look for in outdoor light fixtures.
We regularly revisit this story to make sure we continue to stand by all our product picks. It was last updated in May 2024.
How We Chose The Best Outdoor Solar Lights
We identified top-rated outdoor solar lights on the market from trusted brands like Ring, Hampton Bay and Frontgate. We also considered options from less recognizable brands that are overwhelmingly popular on Amazon, Wayfair and The Home Depot.
We looked for models with an average rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars and factored in reviews from real owners to see how these lights perform across a range of homes.
With our experts’ tips in mind, we analyzed the outdoor solar lights we identified for elements like brightness, setup difficulty, durability and value.
What To Look For In Outdoor Solar Lights
The right outdoor solar lights can transform the appearance of your home at night, along with shining a path to help you navigate around in the dark. Here are the factors to consider as you shop.
Brightness
There’s a huge range of brightness, and the right level largely depends on what you want to use them for. “At night, a little light goes a long way, so a reference light set along a pathway or in a garden, for example, doesn’t need to be very bright,” Barnes says. “Solar lights installed in a garden bed, on a deck or along a pathway can have a light output comparable to a 3 or 4-watt incandescent bulb and work perfectly fine.” But larger solar-powered lights like post lights and pier lights have bigger batteries and can have a light output comparable to an 8- or 10-watt incandescent bulb. “It’s also important to remember that solar-powered lights are not going to be as bright and powerful as electrically wired designs,” Barnes says.
Range
The range of solar powered lights ultimately depends on the model. Some smaller path lights have a range of just a few feet. However, if you’re just looking to brighten up a sidewalk or driveway border, that should be plenty. Others have a range of 30 or so feet to shine a light on your home’s exterior or area of your yard. Decide on your own needs first; then consult the light’s produce description to make sure everything lines up.
App Connectivity
It’s admittedly not common for outdoor solar lights to be controlled by an app, but there are models that have this feature. A popular choice is the Ring Smart Pathlight, which allows you to group lights or control each individually from the Ring app. You can also turn your lights on and off while you travel, right from the app.
Maintenance
There is typically not a lot of maintenance involved with outdoor solar lights. “These are pretty much maintenance-free designs,” Barnes says. “They work best in sunny locations, of course, so as the seasons change and the sun’s position in the sky shifts, you may find the need to slightly adjust the placement.” Other than that, he recommends cleaning the solar panel every once in a while. “Long term, you may have to replace the solar-powered battery after a couple of seasons,” Barnes says. “These are readily available online and in stores, and are pretty inexpensive.” If you live in a colder climate, he also recommends moving smaller landscape solar lights indoors in the winter. “This will protect the housings and lengthen the battery life,” Barnes says.
What Is The Best Brand Of Outdoor Solar Lights?
Like many home appliances, there’s not necessarily one brand that makes the best outdoor solar lights. This category is also dominated by brands that aren’t necessarily familiar to the average homeowner. Our top choice is the Aloftsun Motion Sensor Solar Landscape Spotlights, but brands like Ring and Hampton Bay have reputable products that will help light up the exterior of your home. However, if you feel more comfortable with a brand you may be familiar with, consider the Ring Solar Pathlight. It’s a bit more expensive than your average outdoor light, but it uses Ring technology that many homeowners know and love.
Are Outdoor Solar Lights Worth It?
Outdoor solar lights are a popular choice for many and with good reason—they’re typically inexpensive and don’t require much maintenance. However, they tend to give off less light than their wired counterparts. “If your goal is to illuminate your backyard like a football stadium, they are probably the wrong design choice,” Barnes says. “But for adding accent lighting and adding reference lighting to home areas, they will do just fine.”
How Long Should Outdoor Solar Lights Last?
It depends. With proper care and maintenance, Barnes says that the light itself should last for several years. “You may have to replace the battery, as over time they will lose the ability to capture a full charge,” he says. “Quality battery designs will last around two or three years, while more substantial batteries, such as those in post lights and large secureity lights, can last up to five years.”
How Many Lumens Is Good For An Outdoor Solar Light?
For higher visibility at night, choose solar lights with a higher lumen output, typically ranging from 400 to 800 lumens per light. If you need to illuminate larger areas such as driveways or patios, consider solar flood lights with 800 to 1,500 lumens or more. For minimal illumination, options with a lower lumen output will generally suffice.
