17 Best Outdoor Solar Lights for the Garden, Porch, and Beyond
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Outdoor lighting is an often overlooked but very important detail in your home’s exterior. Without it, your house can look cold and uninviting—and when you’ve put so much effort into your curb appeal, why ruin it by skimping on lights? If you want to make a change in the look of your garden or on your front porch but you don’t want to have to worry about extension cords and messy setup, go for outdoor solar lights. With solar, you’ll get everything you want from regular hardwired lighting minus any of the headaches.
There are plenty of different solar lighting styles now, too. If you’re looking for pathway lighting; motion sensor lanterns; twinkling ivy lights; spotlights; or something else, they’re probably available in a solar option. Many of our picks are beautiful enough to double as decor just as indoor lighting can, adding texture, color, and charm by day; and casting a warm, welcoming glow by night. Our top picks 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. Explore our bright ideas below.
01
Best Motion Sensor Wall Light
17 Stories Outdoor Motion Sensor Solar Porch Lights (2 Pack)
Wayfair
$177.99
Say goodbye to bulky, unappealing motion sensor lights of the past. Nowadays, they come in a variety of different styles and types, so you can keep up your home’s exterior design without compromising on function. This pack of two is easy to install, and once fully charged, can provide up to 10 hours of light.
Once set up, choose from three motion sensor modes (gradual shift, instant shift, or steady brightness) to fit the look you’re going for.
02
Paid partnership with The Home Depot
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 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.
04
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.
05
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.”
06
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.
07
Best Eclectic Style
Floral Lace Solar Lantern
Anthropologie
$41.25
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!
08
Best String Lights
Brightech Ambiance Pro Solar Powered String Lights
Amazon
$47.99
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.”
09
Best Motion Sensor Spotlight
AloftSun Motion Sensor Solar Outdoor Lights
Amazon
$20.99
These durable motion sensor spotlights are ideal for security. Plus, with three different lighting modes, you can customize exactly how bright you want the light to be to suit your needs.
Customers say these lights are bright, reliable, and easy to install, with motion sensors that work well night after night. As one reviewer summed up, “These solar lights are awesome! I love that there are different modes, and the motion sensor works great. Perfect for lighting up the backyard and walkway. Totally worth it!”
10
Best Twinkle Lights
Brightown 66Ft. Solar String Lights
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.”
11
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.”
12
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.”
13
Best Wall Lights
Eddy Aluminum LED Outdoor Wall Light
AllModern
$184.00
If you like modern decor, this sleek number is worth a splurge. It’s crafted from rust-resistant aluminum and rated for wet spaces. It’s slim design means it can fit almost anywhere (even in narrow spots next to doorways), and it’s compatible with dimmer switches. You can also choose from four different neutral colors.
It’s the modern style and standout performance that keep customers coming back. One noted, “This light is spectacular. Its sleek and modern appearance is exactly what I was going for. It accentuates the brick beautifully, and the strong LED bulb puts off a bright glow.”
14
Best Pathway Lights
Haitral Paradise By NEX Satin Solar Powered LED Pathway Lights (Set of 8)
Wayfair
$30.99
Talk about a great deal! Illuminate your driveway or garden pathway with these solar-powered beauties. They’re available in four different finishes (silver, chrome, bronze, and black) and two bulb temperatures (white or warm). They’re easy to install, as well.
Praised for their staying power and minimalist style, these lights have won over repeat buyers. “I bought another set for my landscaping project,” says one reviewer. “They illuminate very well and don’t disappoint. They are staying on all night.”
15
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.”
16
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.”
17
Best Spotlights
NYMPHY Outdoor Solar Lights
Amazon
$39.99
In addition to illuminating a pathway, these lights are a wonderful way to showcase a beautiful tree or landscaping. They come in three colors, including a multi-color option for colorful landscape decor.
Customers find these solar lights bright and reliable and appreciate the handy three-level brightness setting. “I’m genuinely impressed with their performance…They are weather resistant & aesthetically they look sleek and modern. Definitely recommended!”
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.