We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Security lights, spotlights, string lights, and more. environmental sensors
With so many solar light options out there, you might find yourself in the dark about which ones are best for your outdoor space. You want lights that will not only look great but also perform well, keep you safe, and withstand the elements—rain, hail, snow, and more.
To simplify your search, we tested 16 different types of solar lights, including smart lights, spotlights, floodlights, lanterns, string lights, and more. Over six months, we considered each light's ease of installation, brightness, features, durability, and overall value. For expert insight, we also spoke with Andrea Scharff of Andrea Scharff Landscape Design and Ashley Yeates, founder of AYI & Associates, a sustainably focused design firm.
You can easily adjust the direction of the light.
There’s no motion sensor.
If you’re looking for a reliable dusk-to-dawn outdoor light, we highly recommend the Sansi floodlight. We installed it to replace an outdoor halogen lamp and were thrilled with the upgrade. After six months of use—during which the light was exposed to both rain and snow—it’s still shining. Its brightness illuminates a wider area of our deck and yard, and we can change the direction of the light easily, thanks to two adjustable arms.
While this floodlight doesn't have a motion sensor, the photocell sensor works well; if you rely on that alone, the light will turn off at dawn. Otherwise, you can turn the light on/off via the switch, since it's a wired light. We like that the bulb is an LED, which saves money with a longer, more efficient lifespan compared to halogen or incandescent bulbs.
Dimensions: 11 by 11 by 4 inches | Lumens: 6,000 | Operating Time: Dusk to dawn | Charging Time: N/A | Weather-Resistance Rating: IP65
It’s highly effective, even in bad weather.
It has a disposable battery.
Solar lights can be a “get what you pay for” product, which is why we’re so impressed with the performance of this well-priced 200-lumen light from Beams. Its motion sensors illuminate the entire backyard when it detects any kind of activity. The light comes with a sturdy bracket that holds it in place; it hasn’t budged in our yard, despite exposure to subfreezing temperatures and heavy wind and rain.
As dog parents, we’ve put it through its paces with nightly backyard visits, making it a safer experience for all of us. After six months, we’re pleased to report that this budget-friendly light is still doing a great job illuminating our backyard, and the motion detector is still working seamlessly. We haven’t had to replace the batteries yet, either. We’d love it even more if it came with a rechargeable battery, but it’s an excellent value for the price.
Dimensions: 6.5 by 3.5 by 4.42 inches | Lumens: 200 | Operating Time: Not listed | Charging Time: Not listed | Weather-Resistance Rating: IPX6
These string lights are durable and easy to hang.
We wish you could string more than one strand together.
String lights can add a picturesque quality to any backyard gathering, but solar-powered ones remove the mystery of how to keep them plugged in and on. This 27-foot strand from Brightech has clear Edison bulbs powered by a solar panel you can stake in the ground or clip to a post for optimal sunlight absorption. While you can’t change the brightness level, you can spread the individual lights out or cluster them to modify the illumination from ambient, moody lighting to concentrated task lighting. We just wish there was a way to string more than one strand together.
Throughout our testing period, these sturdy plastic bulbs held up well against water, errant golf balls, and other outdoor impacts. We found these lights stay lit for only about six hours, which is a shorter timespan than others on our list. Still, we like the simple, sleek design that’s reminiscent of regular string lights and their outlet-free operation.
Dimensions: 27 feet | Lumens: 100 | Operating Time: 5 to 6 hours | Charging Time: Not listed | Weather-Resistance Rating: Not listed
They provide consistent illumination even in shady areas, plus they stand up well to the elements.
You can’t adjust the color.
These solar lights from Solpex survived heavy rainstorms during testing, and given how reasonably priced and easy to install they were, we’d absolutely purchase more. They illuminated our entire deck from dusk to dawn so well we didn’t even need to turn on our outdoor light.
While we would've loved being able to adjust the brightness level and color of the light in some spots, our deck furniture and decor was illuminated in a warm, inviting, and consistent glow. There's also no motion sensor, but we didn't find that we needed it.
Dimensions: 3.46 by 1.77 by 1.85 inches | Lumens: 3 | Operating Time: Dusk to dawn | Charging Time: 4 to 5 hours | Weather-Resistance Rating: Not listed
There are multiple brightness settings, plus a USB port for extra charging power.
The plastic mounting stakes are a bit fragile.
After six months of testing—through a snow filled Iowa winter—we were impressed by how well these string lights held up. We love their durability, and they still work as well as they did on day one. We placed four of them around our yard to improve the visibility and safety of our home’s perimeter, and it’s been an illuminating experience. Installation was quick and easy as well; the hardest part was deciding where to place each individual light.
While the sun charges these lights during the day (especially on sunnier days), there’s also a USB port for charging. The cool white lights have three brightness settings, and we kept ours on the highest level because we liked how clearly we could see our yard at night. There’s no motion sensor, though, which would have been a addition. The ball part of the bracket also broke off the mounting stake, but the lights are otherwise good as new.
Dimensions: 5.7 by 4.3 by 2.4 inches | Lumens: 1,000 | Operating Time: Dusk to dawn | Charging Time: 2 days | Weather-Resistance Rating: IP65
It’s easy to adjust settings and view video alerts through the app.
The motion sensor can pick up incidental traffic.
Ring might have cemented its reputation with its popular video doorbells, but the company offers a range of other options to expand your home security. Case in point: the Ring Floodlight Cam. Despite six months of dust accumulation during the testing period, the light looks like it was just installed. Even better, the motion sensor still works well.
We found this to be an effective security light, with the added bonus of a 1080p HD video camera, allowing us to see our illuminated property clearly—even when we're indoors. We appreciate that the camera alerts us whenever something triggers the sensor; lately, it’s just been local traffic, but we feel peace of mind knowing we’ll be notified of any possible intruders.
Although it allows you to change sensor sensitivity and brightness, we found our original setting to be perfect for our needs. Should that change, we like that it’s easy to check on the video feed and adjust any light settings using the app. If you want more than just an ordinary floodlight for your property, this motion-sensor camera light is a good value.
Dimensions: 11.7 by 7.03 by 9.67 inches | Lumens: 2,000 | Operating Time: N/A | Charging Time: N/A | Weather-Resistance Rating: Not listed
The colors are easy to adjust for different designs and seasons.
Setting up the app is time-consuming.
Whether you want bright outdoor holiday decorations or lighting for special events, these programmable LED strip lights from Govee are more than up for the task. Six months into use, we’re pleased to report that they're still functioning well, and everything remains synced with the app. In fact, they’re still attached to our house right where we hung them, so we recommend them for easy outdoor decor year-round time.
The app makes it easy to choose different colors and themes to customize your lighting, and we loved how the app also kept everything turning on and off just as it should, even in the snow. You can control it from your phone or connect it to Alexa or Google Home for seamless smart home automation. Just give yourself time to play around with the various lighting options in the app, so you can customize steady illumination, a fun light show, or other fun settings. It even has motion sensors for security.
Dimensions: 32.8 feet | Lumens: 146 | Operating Time: N/A | Charging Time: N/A | Weather-Resistance Rating: IP65 (adapter is IP44)
The teak construction is beautiful and built to last.
It’s pricey for the amount of light it provides.
We love this solar lantern from Pottery Barn for the warm, golden glow it brings to any outdoor space. The frame is made of beautiful, highly durable teak, so it fits just about any outdoor aesthetic. The solar light comes detached but is easy to assemble, and since it comes pre-charged, you can start using it right away. The black stainless steel handle allows for easy transport it throughout your space, or hang it from a cord or even a tree branch.
A touch of the power button on the solar pack allows you to toggle between smart mode, which adjusts the light intensity so it stays illuminated all night, or forced mode, which allows you to adjust the level of brightness. It stands up well to weather, though at just 3 pounds, you’ll want to secure it on windy days.
This solar lantern is beautifully crafted, but as a light source, it’s more about ambiance than utility. When lit, we found it didn’t illuminate much farther behind the table we placed it on. That said, you would need a collection of these to light up your deck, patio, or small backyard, which can get pretty pricey. Still, if you were to get just one, this would make a gorgeous addition to your outdoor decor.
Dimensions: 6 by 6 by 10.5 inches | Lumens: 300 | Operating Time: 4 hours full power; 150 hours dimmed | Charging Time: Not listed | Weather-Resistance Rating: Not listed
The Sansi Outdoor Integrated LED Floodlight is our top choice because it provides powerful illumination to increase your home’s security. It is a wired light, but it does have a strong, effective photocell sensor that will turn the light off at dawn. If you're looking for something at a lower price, the Beams Motion Sensing Spotlight is less than half the price of the Sansi Floodlight and worked very well in bad weather.
To find the best outdoor solar lights, we tried out 16 solar lights in our own yards, evaluating them on their efficiency, ease of installation and operation, design, and overall value. While the lights spanned different types and styles, we paid close attention to their brightness and whether they truly turned on and off based on the sun's timetables.
During the testing period, we noted the intensity and reach of the lights and whether the illumination was bright enough for backyard entertaining, taking the dog out, and other outdoor activities. If the lights were adjustable, we tested the experience using different light intensities and colors.
With motion sensor lights, we observed sensitivity and range of motion detection, as well as how long they stayed on before dimming or turning off. We also noted how well the lights continued to operate and how the devices themselves held up in the elements over three- and six-month testing periods.
Since outdoor solar lights live outdoors, you'll need to think about the weather and how that will affect your purchase. For example, if you live in a coastal climate, materials quickly corrode, so you should look for outdoor lighting made from copper or aluminum so they last. Materials like teak (think teak patio furniture) are built to last—and we included the splurge-worthy Pottery Barn Nellie Outdoor Lantern on our list for this reason.
Whichever type of outdoor lights you choose, make sure they come with a warranty. When shopping, Yeates says to look for lights with a warranty of at least one year.
The look and placement of your lights are your personal preference. While fairy lights and string lights can add ambiance to an outdoor setting, you might simply need a motion-sensor spotlight by your garage or front door.
Scharff recommends lanterns when trying out solar lighting for your backyard. “I think that this is something where people can have a lot of fun [designing] because they don't have to commit to a location, per se,” she says.
For ground lighting, she cautions homeowners to consider a durable design that can withstand impact from lawnmowers, animals, a foot strike, or other environmental stressors.
Yeates refers to lighting as the “jewelry” of a space. How brightly you want yours to shine will depend on its purpose. For example, string lights offer attractive, ambient light, while a flood light provides security by potentially scaring away intruders.
With outdoor lighting, color could mean two things, depending on the type of lighting device. For decorative lights, it could mean actual colors in the rainbow, so we recommend looking at the Govee WiFi Outdoor LED Strip Lights.
For white lights, you might choose either a cool light, which is white light with a blue tinge, or warm light, which is white with a yellow tinge. Yeates prefers warm lights for the welcoming glow they give; whichever type of white light you choose, she says all outdoor bulbs should be one or the other for a cohesive look.
Several of the lights on our list are marked with weather-resistance ratings of IP65 or IP68. This is an international standard that measures how well devices can hold up to environmental elements, including dust and water.
Here’s how to read an IP rating: The 6 indicates the device is dust resistant, and the 5 or 8 indicates how well it can hold up to low-pressure water jets. If you want your solar light to last, keep an eye out for this rating.
Many of the products on our best outdoor solar lights list go beyond mere illumination. If you want your outdoor lighting to provide better security for your home, then look to those devices that have motion sensors that will turn the light on once a person or animal is detected.
Do you like to run your home’s systems with the help of Alexa or Google Assistant? You can look for solar lights that have app or smart home connectivity so you can program daily lighting schedules.
Frontgate Pro Series VI Solar Path Light: During testing, we appreciated this light's quick and easy assembly process. While it did work well from dusk to dawn, we wish we could have adjusted the brightness or fixture itself for better coverage. We also thought it was fairly expensive given its basic design.
Brightown Solar Fairy Lights: If you're looking for attractive, ambient lighting for your yard without being tethered to an outlet, these fairy lights are a great choice. They offer eight modes to choose from and, despite their dainty design, are surprisingly durable during inclement weather conditions. Just keep in mind that the illumination range is fairly small.
You might think it’s fine to install solar lights wherever you need illumination in your yard, but you’ll also have to consider which spots receive the most sunlight. Depending on the brand and design of your light, it can take between four and 12 hours to fully charge. While it is possible to charge solar lights in indirect sunlight, direct sunlight will give you a full battery more quickly.
It's worth observing your yard over several sunny days to see what parts absorb sunlight and for how many hours. This will help you determine where to install your new solar lights for optimal results. While it is possible to install solar lights even in shadier areas, you might have to lower your expectations regarding how bright they’ll shine and for how long.
While sunnier days ensure optimal operation of your solar lights, solar lights aren’t exactly a set-it-and-forget-it proposition. Some maintenance is involved if you want them to last longer than a season or two.
For starters, you might need to dust or wipe off the solar panels if the lights aren’t staying bright even after cloudless days. Then again, it could be the battery. “[Changing out the battery] is recommended once a year on solar lights,” Yeates says. She urges consumers to try fresh batteries before tossing solar lights that aren’t working properly to avoid all that material heading into a landfill.
Yeates also suggests that consumers look for outdoor lights made by brands that have been in business for a long time, as well as those that offer at least a year-long warranty to ensure the product has some degree of longevity.
A lumen is the measure of a light bulb’s brightness. An outdoor light that has 400 lumens is the equivalent of a 40W bulb. That said, the higher the lumens and wattage, the brighter the bulb.
Personal preference dictates the brightness of your outdoor solar lights, but so does common sense. If you want a floodlight or spotlight for security, then you’ll want to choose brighter lights between the 700 and 1300 lumen range. If you like the idea of a motion sensor light that only comes on when motion is detected, consider a light between 300 and 700 lumens.
The number of lights installed in a given area will also factor into how many lumens you need for individual lights. If you plan to add a light to every step leading up to your deck, for example, you can choose lights that are 100 lumens or less.
led string lights outdoor This article was written by Barbara Bellesi Zito, a lifestyle writer based in Staten Island, NY. To compile this list of best solar lights, we tested 16 outdoor solar lights, considering factors like design, weather resistance, and overall value. For expert shopping advice, she consulted Andrea Scharff of Andrea Scharff Landscape Design and Ashley Yeates, founder of AYI & Associates, a sustainably focused design firm.