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The 10 best outdoor solar lights for 2025, expert-recommended and editor-vetted

Outdoor solar lights can make all the difference when it comes to adding ambiance and visibility to a backyard, patio, entryway or driveway. Because they’re powered by the sun, you don’t need to worry about leaving your lights on overnight and wasting electricity. And because these heat-seekers typically have minimal setup, you can just sit back and let Mother Nature do her thing.

The best outdoor solar lights for 2025 aren’t just practical and sustainable, but also powerful, durable, and in some cases, beautiful, serving as a decorative element on their own. Our picks come top-rated and expert-recommended by landscapers, interior designers and camping pros, plus yours truly — a home editor and outdoor lover with more than a decade of experience writing about decor and furniture.

Ready to dig in? We present to you a mix of lanterns, spotlights, path lights and floodlights — plus some very cool string lights! — that will brighten up your outdoor space in more ways than one. (And while you're upgrading your yard, consider one of these editor-tested outdoor speakers to really get the party going.)

Best outdoor solar lights for 2025

Dimensions: 5.43"H x 11.81"L x 4.33"W | Materials: Plastic | Colors: Black with warm white or cool white light | Output source: 30 LED chips | Brightness: 800 lumens

Topping our list are these googly-eyed solar posts from Aloftsun for their high-tech functionality, versatility and great value. They have stakes and the solar panels are built-in, so the lights can be planted wherever the sun shines without much setup or assembly.

There are three modes, including a continuous, medium brightness, and two motion-sensor options (one where the lights stay on but brighten when motion is detected, and the other where the lights stay off and turn on brightly when motion is detected). According to the brand, the lights have a range of up to 33 feet, with the ability to sense humans, animals and vehicles.

These handy gizmos can be used as path lights, garden lights and even spotlights — they're powerful enough, with 30 LED bulbs that pack 800 lumens. Bonus: They ring in at only $24 for a two-pack, with the option to purchase larger multi-packs at a discount.

No wonder more than 1,200 shoppers have given them a five-star rating. “I am beyond impressed with these solar lights!” exclaimed one illuminated fan. “These lights have made such a difference in my yard. I use them to light up my concrete path, and now I can easily see where I’m walking at night. The light is bright enough, and I love that they also highlight my beautiful flower beds and rock garden, making my landscape look stunning after dark.”

Pros

Motion-sensored
High-visibility
Three light modes
Affordable

Cons

Require direct sunlight for charging

$18 at Amazon

Dimensions: 27-foot cord (light portion is 20 feet) | Material: Plastic | Finishes: Black encasing/cord with bright or super bright light | Output source: 12 LED bulbs | Brightness: Not listed

Nothing enhances a patio like string lights, and this best-rated outdoor solar light set from Brightech has become my personal hack for getting my backyard vibe right.

To set them up, I simply affixed the solar panel to my deck railing via an included clip (there's also a stake, plus screws, for those who would prefer to plant the panel in the ground or mount it). The lights are just as easy to operate: I allow the panel to “juice up” during the day, and come evening, my deck is glowing. The bulbs typically stay bright for five to six hours on a full charge, which I've found to be sufficient for dinners and gatherings.

I strung these lights around the sides of my deck, and they’re always the life of the party. But you don’t have to take it solely from me: Brightech's Ambience Pro lights have more than 5,000 five-star reviews (and more than 25,000 five-star ratings) from customers who love them for their practicality and luminosity.

Pros

Shatterproof bulbs
Up to six hours of light
Comes with stake, screws and clip for versatile installation
Two-year limited warranty

Cons

Not as bright as some bulbs on this list (more of a soft lighting)

$22 at Amazon

Dimensions: 44-foot cord | Materials: Plastic with nylon cord | Finishes: Black encasing/cord with warm white or multicolor light | Output source: 20 LED bulbs | Brightness: Up to 140 lumens

For those who like to take the party on the road, it doesn’t get much easier (or quite frankly, cooler) than this portable string light pod.

“These are a total campsite mood-setter,” says Carolin Fuller, director of partnerships at the online camping resource and directory Campspot. “We’ve seen campers use them on their van awnings, strung through tents or even on backyard fences — and they look good everywhere.”

Fuller adds that the bulbs are compact but mighty: They hold up in less-than-ideal weather situations, and the hub detaches from the lights for easy (solar or USB-C) charging.

As a fun twist, these lights come in not only warm white (think: a fireside glow), but also in multicolor, with the option to set or alternate between seven hues. The brand says they'll last up to 40 hours per charge (or 26 hours with the multicolor version), so you'll never have to worry about getting stranded — pun intended — in the dark again.

Pros

Compact and portable
Warm white or multicolor light
Up to 40 hours of light
Detachable hub with solar or USB-C charging

Cons

Not as bright as some bulbs on this list

$100 at Amazon

Dimensions: 10”H x 8”L x 6”W | Materials: Powder-coated cast aluminum | Finishes: Black with bright white light | Output source: 12 LED chips per light | Brightness: 160 lumens per light

If you’re looking to spotlight two areas at once, with the flexibility of having the solar panel as a separate entity, Coleman Cosby, a licensed landscape contractor at the virtual landscape and outdoor design company Yardzen, says these durable, stakeable lights from EarthTech could really come in handy.

“Aluminum is lightweight and resistant to the elements, and powder coating is superior to paint for metal applications,” he explains. “It's a more durable and solid finish.”

The lights can be staked into the ground, and are built for automatic dust-to-dawn performance — with a corresponding remote control for added convenience. As Cosby notes, EarthTech also sells wire extensions for when you want to roam a bit farther from the shared solar panel. More on the benefits of shared versus individual solar panels in the "factors to consider" section below.

Pros

Can spotlight two areas at once
Combined brightness of 320 lumens
One-year warranty

Cons

Lamps need to be used with the solar panel for charging

$169 at Earthtech

Dimensions: 13.78"H x 7.87"D x 7.87"W | Material: Steel and teak laminate | Color: Black/wood | Output source: 15 LED chips | Brightness: 40 lumens

Lanterns add an elevated touch to any deck or patio, especially for dining al fresco, and can easily be moved to accommodate different setups (or carried when you want to continue the gathering somewhere else).

I've been eyeing this design from AllModern for some time now — it has a minimalistic, modern aesthetic, with teak-effect accents for an earthy touch. The light comes from the top of the lantern and reflects down onto the base for a soft glow. (FYI, AllModern is owned by Wayfair and is a great source if you like mid-century modern and Scandinavian decor at Wayfair prices.)

According to the brand, a full charge delivers up to eight hours of lighting. And like the other solar lights on this list, the materials are weather-resistant. Bright idea: Pair this style with the taller version for added depth and higher light coverage.

Pros

Stylish
Portable
Well-priced
Style comes in several sizes

Cons

Lower brightness level (more like mood lighting)
Accents are laminate, not real wood

$77 at Wayfair

Dimensions: 18.5"H x 9.5"W | Materials: Aluminum and teak | Finishes: White with weathered wood | Output source: 10 LEDs | Brightness: 300 lumens

Les Jardins does modern, high-end solar lighting beloved by interior designers. It's pricey, but features materials like solid teak and dimmable bulbs, which aren't exactly common among solar-powered fixtures. “This lantern is a favorite for many reasons, including the gorgeous mix of materials like weathered teak and white aluminum and the clean look that works with most decor styles,” says Alena Capra, founder of Alena Capra Designs in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

The lantern comes in several sizes and finishes, including a tabletop option. “It has a motion sensor, and is a solar- and USB-chargeable hybrid, so no worries on those cloudy days!" Capra adds. She likes that it's dimmable "to set a nice, warm, ambient light in any outdoor space.”

Capra also likes the brand's design-forward (and slightly more affordable) Tinka and Tekura lantern styles, both of which I'll be adding to my summer wishlist.

Pros

Motion-sensored
Dimmable
Solar or USB charging
Up to five hours of light

$478 at Lamps Plus

Dimensions: 5.4”H (collapses to 1.5”H) | Materials: PVC | Finishes: Black with warm Light | Output source: 31 LED chips | Brightness: 360 lumens

When it comes to portable solar lanterns, Fuller says BioLite’s Luci model is a smart pick. “It’s inflatable (fun to pack), solar-powered (just leave it on your car's dashboard) and powerful enough to charge your phone via USB,” she explains.

BioLite is an expert in off-grid power — it also makes products like camp stoves and solar generators — so it comes as no surprise that a camping pro like Fuller is a fan. The brand claims this lantern is waterproof and can deliver light for up to 110 hours on a single charge. It also folds down flat, so it can easily be stowed in a backpack for camping.

While Fuller considers this model "the showstopper," she says the entire Luci light collection is worth a look: “I've heard such good things about these lights, from the little flickering Luci Candle (adorable and just $20) to the more heavy-duty models, from the outdoor community.”

Pros

Compact and deflatable
Solar or USB-C charging
Four light modes
Up to 110 hours of light

Cons

It takes 28 hours to recharge via solar

$60 at Amazon

Dimensions: 30”L x 2”H x 2”W | Materials: ABS plastic | Finishes: Black with warm Light | Output source: 8 LED bulbs per stem | Brightness: Not listed

Looking for a fun way to add light and movement to your garden? These "fireflies" are a Yahoo reader favorite for their ease of use and whimsical vibe.

Each of the stems (this set comes with four) can go right in the ground and comes with a built-in solar panel and eight large LED bulbs. The brand promises up to 12 hours of light with adequate charging.

The bulbs sway when the wind blows, creating a captivating light show that you (and guests!) can see from several feet away. Convenient bonus: There's an automatic on/off feature (yes, to not having to rummage through your flowers to get everything set up right!).

"I bought a package of white lights and a package of colored lights to put around my holly bushes," wrote one of the 3,500+ customers who gave these solar lights a glowing review. "These charge during the day, and at night, they move in the breeze and look like fairy lights. I love them."

Pros

Automated on/off feature
Easy setup and assembly
Includes eight bulbs per stem
Up to 12 hours of light

Cons

Need to be placed in direct sunlight

$25 at Amazon

Dimensions: 4.25"H x 10.16"L x 8.03"W | Materials: Plastic and tempered glass | Finishes: Black with bright white light | Output source: 232 LED chips per panel | Brightness: 2,500 lumens

If you really want to illuminate a space, such as the better part of a driveway or the side of your house to deter intruders, this bestselling floodlight system has your back.

The light panels are made of weather-resistant tempered glass for added durability and deliver up to 2,500 lumens for maximum visibility. And there are three brightness modes, including an option to have the light turn on, or stay on and get brighter, when motion is detected.

According to the brand, the system can sense motion up to 30 feet away and cover an area of up to 1,615 square feet. It's an Amazon customer favorite, with more than 1,200 perfect ratings.

“I've used this for over a full year now, and it still functions absolutely flawlessly!” exclaimed one five-star fan. “I put one on a pathway leading to my back porch and another on a dock piling next to my boat using the low-intensity always-on setting, which then snaps to full brightness upon motion detection trigger. It’s the perfect solution for those needs, and both have remained fully charged and functional in all weather conditions.”

At $24, this is a solid deal, and if you want to skip the remote, you can nab the lights for even less.

Pros

Three light modes
Motion-sensoring
Up to 1,615 square feet of coverage
Comes with a remote control

Cons

Needs to be mounted in direct sunlight

$24 at Amazon

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Factors to consider when choosing outdoor solar lights

Become a brighter shopper with these tips.

Type of light: How do you plan to use the lights? If you're focused on ambiance, you probably don't need a high-lumen fixture — string lights, fairy lights or a solar lantern will probably do the trick. But if you're looking to illuminate a specific area, like a tree or driveway, you'll want something very bright, like a spotlight or floodlight. Path lights should also have relatively high lumens, and look for fixtures that come already mounted on stakes so you can plant them directly in the ground.
Materials: Consider metal and glass, as they tend to hold up — and look — better in the elements, advises Cosby. “I've thrown away way too many plastic lights that were broken by an errant soccer ball or kicked accidentally,” she says. Look for terms like "shatterproof" and "weather-resistant" on product labels; even better if the fixture comes with a warranty.
Quantity: “You might be surprised how few lights are needed to enhance an outdoor space," says Cosby. When in doubt, start with less and add more lighting as you see fit.
Solar panel type:
- Shared solar panels, common among spotlights and string lights, refers to systems powered by one central solar panel. The lights are wired to the panel, so the lights themselves don't need to be exposed to direct sunlight to charge. As Cosby notes, these fixtures also look more traditional as they don’t have a built-in solar panel in the design.
- Individual solar panels are built into the fixture itself and are often found on path lights, floodlights and lanterns. They “offer the flexibility to install the lights where you want and move them around easily because they are self-contained and don't require any wiring,” explains Cosby. Though you'll have to make sure they're exposed to direct sunlight so they can charge.
Lumens and kelvins: You'll likely see both these terms mentioned in a light's description. Lumens measure luminosity — the higher the number, the brighter the light. Kelvins measure color temperature. The higher the number, the cooler the light appears, whereas lower kelvins typically indicate warmer, softer light.

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How we chose these outdoor solar lights

We consulted with professional landscapers, interior designers and camping professionals for guidance on what to look for when evaluating and shopping for outdoor solar lights. We asked them for their favorite brands, as well as specific styles they've used and recommend.

Any additional picks come highly recommended by real-life shoppers (based on reviews) and/or were personally tested by yours truly, an editor with 10+ years of experience evaluating and covering home products for Yahoo, along with other publications and leading home brands.

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Outdoor solar light FAQs

How do solar lights work?

A solar panel that's either built onto the fixture or connected via wiring absorbs sunlight and converts it into electricity. A battery stores the electrical energy and powers the lights.

How many lumens is good for an outdoor solar light?

Look for lights in the 30-100 lumen range, say experts, for a more subtle glow, and at least 300 lumens for greater visibility. If you're using a floodlight for security, look for lumens in the thousands, like our pick above.

“Also consider what kind of light wash you are already getting from other light sources, like wall sconces or even nearby street lights,” Cosby advises. “If using uplights or floodlights, be aware of how they will impact their surroundings." Make sure the light isn't so strong it's disrupting the environment or shining into your neighbors' homes.

How long do outdoor solar lights last?

Many of the outdoor solar lights in this story can last 6-8 hours, with some of the camping lights lasting 15+ times that on a single charge. Keep in mind longevity depends on the type and build of a specific light, as well as the brightness setting.

As for the lifespan of the bulb itself, it’s hard to say. Some brands will note an estimated lifespan. Otherwise, it can help to look for bulbs encased in durable/shatter-resistant materials and prioritize fixtures that come with warranties for added peace of mind.

Are outdoor solar lights waterproof?

Companies that make outdoor solar lights typically claim they're waterproof, or at least water-resistant. Look for an IP rating to ensure the fixture has been tested. To be on the safe side, you may want to consider shielding or even storing outdoor solar lights during seasons when you don’t plan to use them or extreme weather conditions, such as major winds and snowstorms.