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15 Best Outdoor Solar Lights for the Garden, Porch, and Beyond

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Outdoor lighting can make or break the look of your home’s exterior. Go for lighting that’s too cool-toned, and, your house can look cold and uninviting; opt for lighting that isn’t bright enough, and it could feel dingy or outdated. If you’re looking for a quick, easy-to-install fix that will provide the perfect lighting for your exterior, the best outdoor solar lights offer an amazing solution.

If there’s one thing we know about curb appeal, it’s that how you put your home on display (with lighting, landscaping, and general care and maintenance) will impact how your space looks and feels—to both you and your guests. But with solar lights, enhancing the look of your garden or your front porch has never been easier or better for the environment! You don’t have to worry about extension cords, stressful setups, or messy wires. Instead, you’ll get everything you want from typical hardwired lighting minus any of the headaches.

There are so many different solar lighting styles offered now, too. Be it pathway lighting; motion sensor lanterns; twinkling ivy lights; spotlights; wall-mounted lanterns or sconces; and more. Regardless of what you choose, all of these beautiful picks will make an impact on your exterior, boosting style, adding function, or providing a helpful solution. Our top finds for solar lights are easy to install (and relocate), hold up through the changing seasons, and come highly rated by reviewers who’ve tested them in real life.

01

Best Motion Sensor Wall Light

Latitude Run Solar Outdoor Wall Lights With Motion Sensor (Pack of 2)

Wayfair

$263.99

Wave goodbye to outdated motion sensor lights. Nowadays, these helpful lighting options come in a variety of different styles, so you can keep up your home’s exterior design without compromising on function. This pack of two is super easy to install, too. Simply use the two included screws and mounting hardware to frame your doorway or spruce up your backyard porch.

The sconces are waterproof-rated, have a four-sided protective cover, and come with a bottom-access panel for easy bulb replacement. Each light has three enhanced solar panels that use rapid-charge tech, which means you can rest easy knowing the battery will charge, even on cloudy or overcast days.

02

Philips Reina Outdoor Solar Integrated LED Path Light

The Home Depot

$29.97

The Reina solar path light from Philips is the ultimate in versatility. Style as a ground stake for classic path lighting, or instead, opt for the wall-mount configuration for a spotlight look in the garden. Position in a sunny area to charge during the day, and you’ll enjoy up to 10 hours of glow.

It has a durable, weather-resistant design that can stand up to dust, humidity, and water with ease. An anti-UV stabilizer helps the black finish look new no matter what Mother Nature throws its way.

03

Best Solar Table Lamp

DWELLCOZY Solar Led Table Lamp

Wayfair

$47.99

This chic solar and waterproof table lamp will last a whopping eight hours on a full charge, so your outdoor dinner parties don’t have to end when the meal is finished. The modern shape and sleek style make the table lamp versatile enough for indoor use, too. Along with its solar charge functionality, it also features a USB charging option, just in case it’s not sunny enough to catch any rays.

With two light modes (cool or warm white), an adjustable dimmer, and an auto-off function, this table lamp offers a wonderful amount of versatility. One 5-star reviewer writes, “This lamp is a game-changer. It’s compact yet powerful enough to light up dark corners, making the transition from indoor to outdoor use effortless. The touch sensor works perfectly, and it’s incredibly user-friendly. A must-have.”

04

Best Path Light Pack

Mainstays Solar-Powered Classic Black Halo LED Path Lights (Set of 6)

Walmart

$7.97

Make an impact right from your walkway with path lights. This budget-friendly option from the Mainstays brand at Walmart is less than $8 for a pack of six, and provides a serene warm glow to your front yard steps or garden path. They feature an automatic dusk-to-dawn operation, with a wire-free design that allows you to place them in an asymmetrical pattern or in multiple different areas.

One 5-star buyer writes, “What an amazing item for the money. Everyone with a garden or marking fence post should buy these. The buyer as well as the supplier should be given awards for these items. Hands down cheapest but best little solar lights I’ve used on my farm. I highly recommend these and have used them for everything.”

05

Best Whimsical Style

Solar Outdoor Lit Blossom Lawn Stake

Pottery Barn

$45.00

These stake lights are something truly unique! With a whimsical botanical shape and a realistic twig design, these lit blossom stakes can take on plenty of different uses. Style them inside stoneware vases at various heights for a pretty table light, or use them in the flowerbed for a seamless look that provides a soft glow.

Made to last, the light is crafted of metal, vinyl tape, plastic, and silicon, and has a surprisingly durable build. With a full charge, the light will last approximately 100 hours. 

06

Best Pebble Style

Solar Pebble Light

Anthropologie

$48.00

These pebble lights offer a unique take on backyard lighting. Shaped like a pebble and available in two sizes, the light offers a versatile design that you can use in multiple places in your garden.

Style a few on your patio tablescape, position them along the pool, or place them in your garden bed for a soft glow among your flowers. They even have an easy automatic dawn/dusk sensor so you can set it and forget it.

07

Best Rattan Style

KagoLing Outdoor Solar Rattan Lanterns, Pack of 2

Amazon

$59.99

This charming duo is made from handwoven rattan and gives off a soft, golden glow that instantly cozies up your outdoor space. Place them on your patio table or hang them from tree branches for a touch of natural texture.

Customers say these lanterns look just as stylish in person, hold up well in all kinds of weather, and create a cozy ambiance. “So stylish, so sleek, so beautiful,” raved one reviewer. “They light up at dusk, go off at dawn, and create a beautiful ambience on my patio.”

08

Best Ivy Style

Solar LED Ivy Branch Lights

Terrain

$98.00

Bring a bit of whimsy to fences, railings, or pergolas with this lit climbing ivy garland. The twinkling along the vines is perfect for creating an enchanted garden vibe.

Style it along your exterior side walls to add a natural glow to your pathway, or even position it on the fence for an extra source of soft lighting in the yard.

09

Best Eclectic Style

Floral Lace Solar Lantern

Anthropologie

$60.00

Add a soft glow and delicate charm with this delicate yet durable lace lantern. Customers love how it holds up through multiple seasons and casts a beautiful pattern when lit. It could be a great addition to the eclectic home, or even a bohemian style patio.

“So easy to leave them out and watch the glow in the evening,” says one reviewer, who’s bought four and counting!

10

Best String Lights

Brightech Ambiance Pro Solar Powered String Lights (48 ft)

Amazon

$39.99

These commercial-grade patio lights are built to last—and they help create an enchanting outdoor space for entertaining. They’re available for purchase in two different sizes and brightness levels, too.

Customers say these lights are easy to hang and built to last, with durable cords and a stylish look. One 5-star reviewer shared, “They’re bright, sturdy, and stay on for a long time…much brighter than other solar lights I have purchased.”

11

Best Twinkle Lights

Brightown Solar String Lights (66 ft)

Amazon

$13.99

You can use these charming fairy lights all year round, indoors or outdoors. Wind them around a balcony or deck railing, or string them in the branches of a backyard tree. There’s eight different lighting modes, and you can add a little motion to the mix by choosing the twinkle or wave setting.

These lights earn high marks for their generous length and great value, with one happy customer saying, “The solar lights are so much fun to place in bushes in my yard. Never have to worry about turning them on or off—just sit there and look pretty! I live in Florida so they take a beating in the sun and the rain.”

12

Best Flood Lights

Hampton Bay LED Outdoor Solar Spotlight

The Home Depot

$9.88

These LED flood lights are another solid option for helping secure your outdoor space. Line your driveway with a set, or use them to illuminate shadowy spots in your backyard. They’re easy to install, and come with an adjustable head.

Customers say this spotlight is a budget-friendly, easy-to-install pick that works well for lighting up landscaping and outdoor decor. One reviewer raved, “Great design and functionality—very happy so far! The adjustable head makes it easy to direct both the light and the solar panel exactly where I want. Everything about the build feels solid and well thought out.”

13

Best Hanging Lanterns

TAKE ME Outdoor Solar Hanging Lanterns, Pack of 2

Amazon

$38.48

These LED lanterns are a charming addition to any outdoor entertaining space. They’re light enough to hang from tree branches or hooks, but you can also set them down on tables or steps for a cozy glow.

Customers appreciate these lanterns’ realistic flickering effect and ability to stay lit for hours after a full charge, with one 5-star reviewer sharing, “We purchased these solar lanterns in August 2021, and they’ve truly stood the test of time. They’ve been outside year-round through snow, rain, and summer heat—and still look and perform beautifully. The warm, flickering light adds such a welcoming touch to our steps.”

14

Best Modern Style

Floor Solar Lights, Set of 2

AllModern

$116.00

This set will instantly elevate your deck or patio, and it lights up your space beautifully. They also come with ground stakes, so you can easily set them up in your yard as well.

With its dreamy glow and charming design, this light gets all the love. “I’m in love,” one customer wrote. “It’s the perfect romantic touch for my outdoor space.”

15

Best for Decks

SOLPEX Outdoor Solar Deck Lights

Amazon

$37.99

These easy-to-install lights are ideal for your deck railing or fence to illuminate pathways and elevate the ambiance of your outdoor space.

Customers love how quick and hassle-free these lights are to set up, and say they’re an excellent value, too. One 5-star reviewer raved, “Easy to install, fully charged, appear to be very durable and quite unobtrusive while providing just enough light. I may even save on electricity by leaving the outside lights off when we are out past dark.”

Frequently Asked Questions


How do I clean outdoor solar lights?

A quick wipe-down with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water is usually all it takes. Be sure to clean the solar panel, too, as that helps it charge better. And skip the harsh cleaners or anything abrasive so you don’t damage the finish.

Can you charge outdoor solar lights without the sun?

How many lumens is best for solar lights?

How do I choose the best outdoor solar lights?

What is the best wattage for outdoor solar lights?

How long should outdoor solar lights last?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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Heather Morgan Shott

Heather Morgan Shott is an award-winning consumer news reporter and lifestyle writer with over 20 years of experience. Previously, she was the Vice President of Content and Marketing for the $3.5B Better Homes & Gardens collection at Walmart. Prior to that role, she oversaw digital content strategy for Meredith Corporation's Home Group, which included Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Better Homes & Gardens, and Southern Living. Additionally, Shott was Editor-in-Chief of Evolve Media's parenting vertical and editorial director at XO Group (formerly The Knot). She has held staff editor positions at National Geographic Traveler, Parents.com, Brides.com, and Wine Spectator. She is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work at Hunter College in New York City to become a licensed clinical social worker specializing in perinatal mental health.

⚖️ How We Choose What to Recommend
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Bree Pulver O'Hagan

Bree is the Senior Digital Editor at DrewandJonathan.com. In the past, she’s worked for publications focused on home improvement and sustainable living. Bree’s Pinterest board is filled with cozy textures; vintage patterns; sculptural furniture; and moody, warm-toned colors. She has a degree concentrated in the intersection of writing and architecture, which influences her passion for exploring creative solutions to unusual home layouts and stylish renter-friendly decor. She’s a self-proclaimed pro at finding the best antique furniture in the most unlikely of places (but her cat Blue can certainly back these claims).

⚖️ How We Choose What to Recommend

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