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We loved the “moody lighting” these lights emitted but noted they were bright enough to read by only when gathered together and not strung out. Also, these did not stay lit as long as the others we tested (6 hours total). If you are mostly using them for decor or entertaining purposes, this shouldn’t be an issue. And although you can’t connect multiple strands together (as we hoped!), there is a 48-foot strand available if you have the space.

Requiring a small footprint for the hanging bracket, the Derynome Solar Lantern Outdoor Lights give you all of the benefits of wall-mounted lights with little effort—you will need a drill and need to make sure the holes are level, but only two screws are needed. We installed both of these lights at one of our homes (one on an enclosed side porch and the other on a front porch post) in less than 15 minutes, not including the time it took to locate a drill.

During testing, we loved the stylish look of this lantern from Lumabase which is a fantastic option for attractive outdoor lighting for a front porch or back patio. We used this on our porch, in our doorway, and on an outdoor table for added ambiance on warm nights, proving it looks equally beautiful hung on the side of your home or used as a centerpiece.

We found both methods easy to install, and once set up, we loved how this aluminum light fixture’s lantern style and ripple glass added a nice glow. Despite the ripple glass, the light shines so brightly that we could even read around it while testing. While it's certainly still bright, this light isn't bright enough to be a security spotlight.

Where you want to use solar lights determines how you install them. Where you want to use solar lights determines how you install them. Some outdoor solar lights mount like traditional light fixtures, using screws, including our best wall-mounted pick, the Cyhkee Motion Sensor Solar Powered Wall Lanterns.

Hanging lights are also super easy to install and versatile within your outdoor space. Options like our best lantern, the Lumabase Solar Silver Lantern, and our best hanging pick, the Derynome Solar Lantern Outdoor Lights, can be hung on a base, against the outside of your house, or placed on a table as a centerpiece.

Over the past two years, we've tested 62 different outdoor lights including solar pathway lights, smart lights, spotlights, lanterns, wall-mounted, and string lights. We put each light to the test either in The Lab, where we simulated hail storms and filmed the lights overnight to see if they truly stayed on from dusk until dawn, or installed them at our own homes across the country. After each testing period, each light was evaluated for its ease of assembly, brightness, features, design, value, and durability.

Motion-activated lights turn on when triggered by movement and conserve solar energy reserves, such as the AloftSun Motion Sensor Solar Landscape Spotlights, our best overall pick for its bright lighting, three modes, and two installation methods. This style is often used for floodlights or for specific lighting needs, such as outside your back door.

After charging in sunlight during the day, the lights have three modes to choose from at night. The first mode is a dim, warm white light that stays on all night. The second mode is the same dim light with 15 seconds of brighter light when it detects motion up to 19 feet away. The third is the light remaining off and shining brightly for 15 seconds when it detects motion. We opted for the second and found the motion sensor reliable and the dim light attractive for added ambiance, but we don't think the dim light on its own is enough for safety purposes.

Still, this decorative lantern stood up beautifully to the elements. During the weeks-long testing period, we experienced hail, rain, and wind, and the lantern remained unharmed when left outdoors uncovered. Therefore, we love this lantern as a durable and attractive addition to your outdoor lighting setup.

To turn the lantern on, use the switch at its base. The on-and-off wording can be hard to see, so we recommend doing this in a bright room or in the daytime to ensure it's actually on when you want to use it at night. Right as the sun sets, the lantern emits an orange glow and a flickering effect to mimic a candle. It's not extremely bright, so we recommend using it as a decorative lighting option, rather than your only source of light for safety or security purposes.

Over the last few years, we've tested 62 different outdoor lights, including over 30 solar-powered options. After testing in our lab or at one of our own homes across the country, each light was evaluated on ease of assembly, brightness, features, design, value, and durability.

These solar pathway lights from Alfiot are perfect for guiding your path to and from your house after dusk. During testing, we loved that you could extend the height of these lights by 7 inches with the included extension pole. We also love the look of the lights, adding a modern flair to your front or backyard.

Solar-powered lights with motion sensors allow you to add lighting when and where you need it. We tested both of the Linkind StarRay LED Solar Motion Sensor Landscape Spotlights' modes to suit your needs. You can choose to have them turn on for 25 seconds when motion is detected or to operate constantly at half light and only brighten for 10 seconds when motion is detected.

However, we especially loved the eight lighting modes, including combination, waves, sequential, slow glow, chasing/flash, slow fade, twinkle/flash, and steady-on, so you can choose fun options for gatherings or holidays. After turning on automatically at night, these lights have an up to 10-hour runtime, but inexplicably, they did turn off for 60-second increments during our overnight testing.

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We tested both installation methods—at our lab, we assembled the light to the mounting base and placed it on a step, and during our at-home test, we assembled and installed the light on an existing round pole. We also noted that screws and a bracket were included for both a round or square pole, which isn't listed on the manufacturer's product description.

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We enjoyed the simple installation (just stake them into the ground and press the on button) and the lifespan of these lights when fully charged. We charged them fully before installation and were surprised to find that many in the set were still on after sunrise the next morning.

The solar panel is large and matches the color of the floodlight. Since this light is available in both black and white finishes, we found that the white finish helped the solar panel blend into a home's siding. You can also choose to recharge the battery separately using the USB cord.

Aside from their motion sensor feature, we also love their versatility and streamlined design. With the included hardware, you can stake them in the ground or mount them on a wall. The light and solar panel are on the same unit and can be pivoted up to 90 degrees vertically (180 degrees horizontally), so you can angle the light exactly where you want it to shine.

Lumens determine brightness: from 5 lumens for landscaping ambiance to 350 lumens or more for a strong spotlight or floodlight. For example, our best smart pick, the Ring Solar Floodlight has 1200 lumens. Your needs depend on your desired location and application. During testing, we noted that not all products listed their lumen ratings on the package.

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One thing to note is that these weren't the brightest lights we tested. We paired them with a spotlight to highlight features in our yard and add extra security and safety. However, you can always purchase another set of these pathway lights (which we did) to increase the brightness and scope of the light. They come in packs of four, six, or eight. We found the warm white light very soft and attractive, but there's a cool white version available, too.

Keep in mind that different retailers will offer different solar brightness options, which are all designed for different purposes. "Depending on size, color, and placement in relation to the sun, most of our solar lights could produce up to 20 lumens," Knopfler says. "These lights are meant to be layered, so you can customize your brightness by placing them closer or further away from each other."

Outdoor solar lights contain several key components, including solar cells, rechargeable batteries, photoresistors, and lightbulbs. During the day, solar cells convert the sun’s rays into electricity, which the batteries store. At night, photoresistors detect the absence of ambient light and switch on the units. The light stays on until the batteries run out or the photoresistors detect light in the morning.

Also, we found that these lights withstood our water and golf ball tests without sustaining damage. But when frozen, they strobed three times before turning off. The price for the Linkind StarRay LED seems a little high for a single light, but we found it works as described and feels sturdy. We recommend it either for landscape lighting or for lighting pathways and security.

Before selecting your lights, Sheva Knopfler, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Lights.com, recommends asking yourself: "How much brightness do you need? Does the light need to be direct or spread out? The height of your solar lights is also important. Will they be a tripping hazard? Are you able to install them into your pavement or garden?"

Dusk-to-dawn solar lights, like our best for post pick, the Kemeco LED Cast Aluminum Solar Post Light, use sensors to automatically illuminate when daylight dwindles and should have the lights remain on until sunrise. In regions with more limited sun, especially during winter, dusk-to-dawn lights may have trouble storing enough solar energy to stay bright for an extended period each night.

We did note after rainy and windy weather (although not extreme), the lantern never blew off. The on/off switch is located inside the lantern, but it was easy to twist the lantern to access it. When on, the lantern will go on and off automatically (dusk until dawn).

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Jenica Currie is a Shopping Editor at The Spruce, covering gardening, outdoor, home improvement, and gifts. Topics she’s covered include outdoor solar lights, hose reels, and grow lights. She loves testing new products that help save time and have multiple purposes, like smart hose timers and indoor/outdoor fans.

We noted that the difference between half-light and full-light was hardly detectable on the second mode, although both modes are bright enough that we could read under them. Although they are powered during the day, these lights do not automatically turn on at dusk unless you select one of those modes.

These spotlights feature 30 LED light chips, which help illuminate your pathway, garden, or yard easily, stand up to the elements, and are noted by the manufacturer to have a 40,000-hour lifespan. However, they do have a basic design and are more cool-toned (6500K) than some might prefer for a home. However, if you are looking for durable, bright lights with useful features at a great price, you can’t go wrong with this pick.

For path lighting, like our best pathway lights, the Alfiot Solar Pathway Lights, solar lights with stakes are quick and easy to install—just push them into the ground, and you’re ready to go. "Brick lights are great for illuminating gardens and pathways, as they can be installed into pavement or dirt," says Sheva Knopfler, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Lights.com.

To get the best results from your outdoor solar lights, place them where they get 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight. If they’re designed to be wall-mounted, consider placing them up high, so they’re closer to the sun. However, solar lights still work in indirect light or on cloudy days—they just won’t collect as much energy and may not stay on as long.

For this article, she used our test results and researched dozens of top-rated outdoor solar lights to compile this list of the best available options. She also personally installed and tested the Derynome Solar Lantern Outdoor Lights on her front porch (which has held up over a year and counting!) and is currently testing the Lumabase Solar Silver Lantern.

We noted that the only feature, aside from its solar capabilities, is an on/off switch. Our lab testing also revealed some conflicting results. On the one hand, the frosted glass shattered during our golf ball test; on the other, the solar panels still worked. The manufacturer claims the product is weatherproof and wasn’t damaged when we poured water directly above it in the lab. In our real-world testing, we also haven't noticed any issues with the light being damaged by storms.

The bracket extends 5 inches from the wall, so the solar panel is more likely to get sun even with a small overhang. In fact, we installed them under a little overhang, and they were still able to get the sunlight they needed to remain lit overnight. But since they are so easy to install, if you need a sunnier spot, it’s relatively easy to rehang.

These shatterproof plastic Edison-style bulbs not only look stylish but are durable as well, holding up well during our tests. Though the solar panel moved a bit when we hit it with a golf ball, it showed no damage. They have a 1,000-hour charge lifespan (around 2.5 years, according to the manufacturer) and are backed by a full 2-year warranty.

While very basic, we were surprised at the lack of directions included with this light. This made installing and setting up slightly harder, but once we found the on/off switch. (it's right under the solar panel covered by a plastic knob for weather resistance), everything became clearer. Just turn it on, stake it into the ground, adjust the solar panel, and wait for the sun to go down. The light is designed to run for eight hours when fully charged.

As with other solar lights, you need to ensure that the solar panel on this smart outdoor light gets enough sunlight to fully charge each day. Since the Ring Smart Floodlight has a solar panel that hangs on a long cord, you have more options on where you can install the light.

The Ring Smart Lighting Solar Floodlight is a great way to upgrade your existing floodlight and tap into the benefits of smart home features. We did just that in one of our homes: We removed a traditional motion sensor light (keeping the existing plate) and quickly installed this Ring Smart Light, utilizing the easy-to-follow, illustrated directions (which are also helpful if you are installing a light for the first time). Keep in mind that you will also need to buy and install the Ring Bridge to utilize all of the smart features (if you don't have it already), although it was easy to plug in, install the app, and set up.

Luckily, they survived big storms with heavy winds and rain without a scratch. The lights are made of durable plastic, so we're confident they can withstand a lot of time outdoors without an issue. They're designed to be weatherproof and resist corrosion over time. Plus, we love that you get two matching lanterns in the set for symmetry around your front or back door.

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Also, you have to be sure to place the solar light panels where they can get light, which may limit placement options a bit. However, this two-pack is a great budget option, especially if you are looking for string lights or want to add a fun element to your outdoor decor.

Another option that is typically easy to install is solar-powered string lights. These typically have a solar panel that needs to be placed where it can receive a good amount of sun daily. For example, the Brightech Solar LED String Lights, our best string lights pick, can provide ambiance to your outdoor space all year long.

One light controls all three modes, so you have to wait until nighttime to confirm you chose the right mode. But, we appreciate the easy and intuitive controls. The manufacturer recommends charging these for 6-8 hours for optimal results when the sun goes down for up to 10 hours. We also love the Edison bulbs in these wall-mounted lanterns, which add extra elegance to your front porch. Just note that we did have to purchase additional mounting hardware to hang these, but they did arrive fully assembled, which we love.

Where you place your lights is another consideration. Some are staked into the ground while some are mounted or hung on the side of your home. Determine what you need to be illuminated and where you have space to install outdoor lights to find the best outdoor solar lights for your space.

For an affordable lighting option that adds ambiance to your outdoor space, we recommend the 33-foot-long Brightown Outdoor Solar string lights. Available in seven colors (we tested white), these fairy lights survived all of our durability tests and were easy to install, with only two stakes needed for the solar panels. And because they are solar-powered, you don’t need electricity for them to work, unlike many other outdoor string lights. Just note that they are not a great option if you want to add bright light outdoors.

It was bright enough to serve its purpose as a floodlight and think this floodlight is the ideal choice for homeowners who already have multiple smart devices integrated in their home. This light can also work with other Ring devices and lights through the Ring app.

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In general, batteries in outdoor solar lights last 3 to 4 years before needing replacement. Some manufacturers sell replacement batteries, while others require you to buy an entirely new fixture. You can help increase your solar lights' life span by cleaning the panels regularly and protecting them from harsh winter weather.

Jenica Currie is an editor who covers outdoor, gardening, holiday, gift guides, and home improvement topics and joined The Spruce in 2020. She has tested dozens of products at home and in the Lab, including outdoor lighting, outdoor rugs, and garden tools. She spends her weekends gardening and working on other projects to improve the outdoor space around her home (including adding path lights along her driveway!).

Durable and versatile, the AloftSun Motion Sensor Solar Landscape Spotlights are our best outdoor solar light pick with three easy-to-use lighting modes and two installation methods, so you can have bright light when and where you need it. We also love our best budget pick, the Hampton Bay LED Outdoor Solar Spotlight, a stylish and affordable way to brighten up your doorway without worrying about electricity. Easy to mount on the wall, this set is built to withstand the elements and features an on/off switch.

We were impressed at how well these solar pathway lights held up during our durability tests. Since the manufacturer claims these lights have the highest waterproof rating and are frost-resistant, we sprinkled water on them and then froze them for over an hour. After each test, the lights still worked just as well as before! We also dropped a golf ball on their solar light panel from a distance of 6 feet, and they still held up.

If you are looking for an affordable spotlight, we loved testing this option from Hampton Bay. The light has a basic and intuitive design, but it's perfect for highlighting a fountain or landscape feature you love in your yard. The solar panel on top of the light is adjustable, so you can tilt it to the optimal angle for charging and catching the sun. Once dusk comes, the light will turn on automatically and shut off when the sun rises.

These were the same factors we found most important during our testing. The brightness of your lights is vital for safety reasons and will vary depending on what you want to illuminate. Solar pathway lights help guide you when walking at night, while mounted spotlights may have security monitors or be intended to highlight landscape features.

Based on their light output, outdoor solar lights fall into three general types: motion-activated, dusk-to-dawn, and timer-controlled. Because of solar cell size and battery capacity, the solar energy gathered is a limited resource, so consider when you want the lights to shine and for how long. Timer-controlled solar lights give you the most control since you can specify the time they turn on and for how long.

Our top pick for most outdoor spaces is the AloftSun Motion Sensor Solar Landscape Spotlights. During testing, they withstood all of our durability tests, were easy to use, and were even bright enough to read under! These spotlights can detect motion from as much as 33 feet away, depending on the setting.

A light post can add a stylish, vintage look to your decor while illuminating your entryway. With the Kemeco Solar Post Light Fixture, which we tested and loved, you have many more options on where to add it to your outdoor space, with no electricity or wires needed. You can mount this light to a post (not included) or to its included mounting base and place it just about anywhere.

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The Cyhkee Motion Sensor Solar Powered Wall Lanterns are a simple yet stylish way to add a wall sconce to your entryway. Plus, with motion sensor capabilities, they add extra security to your front or backyard. During testing, we loved the different modes you could toggle between the durability of the lights even in inclement weather.

Our best smart pick, the Ring Smart Lighting Solar Floodlight, offers all the benefits of a smart home device, including the ability to set the lighting schedule, adjust the brightness, and adjust the motion detection settings, all from an app.

Once the brackets were installed, hanging the lantern on the hook only took seconds. Keep in mind, though, that the lantern feels sturdy and durable but is lightweight (just over 3 pounds) and can swing around on the hook—make sure you hang it at a height that is accessible when you need to remove it.

We found the light in both settings easy to put together with just two pieces. While using the mounting base, however, we found it a bit top-heavy. If you choose to use the mounting base, we recommend also using the mounting bracket to screw it securely to a step to correct any concern over top heaviness.

After setting up the app, you will be impressed with the abundance of features you can use with this smart home product. You can turn the light on and off via the app and schedule when the light will be activated, adjust motion sensitivity, adjust the brightness, and more. We found all of these features to be very useful, but we do wish the light was as bright as the previous floodlight installed at one of our homes (although we did like the warmness of this Ring light).

Outdoor string lights can make your patio more inviting during the summer and add a festive touch during the winter holidays. In fact, we think they are versatile enough to leave up all year! This set from Brightech is 27 feet long, with no electricity required. Just stake the solar panel in the ground or clip it to a balcony or other surface and place the lights where you want them.

The three modes that operate from dusk until dawn—dim light/high light when motion is detected; no light/high light when motion is detected; or medium light/constantly on—give you options to suit your lighting needs and are simple to use. (It did, however, take us a few minutes at first to figure out how to trigger them.) Easy to put together (just two pieces), this two-pack of lights can either be staked into the ground (the method we tested) or mounted onto a wall with the included hardware.

At 55 lumens, this light is relatively bright and works well as landscape lighting. However, we think a set of these lights would work even better at illuminating your yard. Luckily, they cost less than $10, so grabbing a few for your backyard isn't a huge expense. Also, we had no issues with durability when testing this light outdoors for weeks.

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