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.
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
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
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
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
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 security 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
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