Outdoor solar lights are a convenient option when you're looking to illuminate your yard or walkway. Since they're solar-powered, they won't add to your electric bill, and you won't have to deal with pesky wiring. But with so many types out there, from spotlights and path lights to string lights, it can be tough to choose.
We tested each product for the following:
Dennis Brewer is a licensed C27 Landscape Contractor who has worked in the landscape industry for the past 40 years. He is an expert in his field and has worked in many different positions, ranging from laborer to owning and operating his own business. Dennis currently works for Bayside Pavers as a Designer and Salesman for hardscape projects in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Ryusuke uses his previous experience at a home renovation company in his current role as mybest's DIY Supply Department lead. He has been in charge of testing over 150 items from Makita, Bosch, Black+Decker and more. He also holds the qualification of DIY Crafts Advisor. He believes in creating articles that are accessible to everyone without too many technical terms.
One of the key factors when using outdoor solar lights is brightness, so we started by testing the brightness around the feet. After charging the lights for 12 hours, we set them to their maximum brightness and placed them two feet away from a wall. For lights with adjustable angles, we positioned them so the front was the brightest. String lights and floodlights were set up at a height of about 6.5 feet to mimic real-world usage. We then measured the brightness at three different points and calculated a weighted average. Lights that clearly illuminated obstacles on the ground with 50 lux or more were rated higher. These are the locations we took our data from.9 inches above the light and right next to it9 inches above and roughly 2 feet to the side of the light9 inches above and 4.25 feet to the side of the lightFor charging, we used artificial sunlight lamps to simulate the conditions of bright summer sunlight. The products were placed about 20 inches away from the lamp during charging.Light meter used:FT3425 by HIOKI, compliant with JIS AA standards.
How bright the light is near your hands is also important, especially when you're fumbling for keys in your bag to get into your house. We tested this as well. Under the same conditions as the first test, we measured the brightness at three different points at hand level and calculated a weighted average. Lights that made it easier to find keys in a bag with 25 lux or more were rated higher.These are the locations we took our data from.About 4 feet high and right next to the lightAbout 4 feet high and roughly 2 feet to the side of the lightAbout 4 feet high and 4.25 feet to the side of the light
If you're going to use an outdoor solar light, you want it to last as long as possible, so we measured how long each light stays lit. After charging the lights, we placed the lit lights inside a cardboard box and aimed them at a light meter. We measured the time it took for the light to go out, reaching zero lux. Lights that lasted longer than the average sunset-to-sunrise time in California summer, which is about five hours and 10 minutes, received higher ratings.
A light that can charge and illuminate at night is safer and more convenient, so we also tested lighting time in poor weather conditions. We charged the outdoor solar lights for eight hours and then let them run continuously, measuring the time until they went out. Lights that lasted longer than the average year-round sunset-to-sunrise time in California, about 11 hours and 50 minutes, received higher ratings. For this test, we used artificial sunlight lamps set one meter away from the lights and charged them at a brightness of 2,000 lux for eight hours to mimic a cloudy day.
When you're placing lights outdoors, you're concerned about how well they'll hold up over time and against the elements. We focused on the following six aspects related to durability and waterproofing for our scoring:Can it withstand light rain?Is the light cover made of UV-resistant, heat-resistant glass?Is the frame made of UV and heat-resistant metal or glass?Is the frame rust-resistant stainless steel, glass, or plastic?For waterproofing, we followed a method similar to the IPX3 standard. We sprayed 10 liters of water per minute at the light for five minutes. Lights that continued to function without water penetrating to the inside were considered waterproof.
A highly customizable light can be used in various situations. To find lights that can be versatile in different settings, we evaluated them based on the following seven criteria.Does it have automatic lighting or brightness adjustment features?Does it come with a motion sensor?Can you adjust the light's color and brightness?Can you change the direction of the light?Are there multiple installation options?Do you need to purchase additional items for installation?Can the solar panel be installed separately from the light?
All product tests
were conducted in-house at mybest
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.The mybest team independently conducts its own tests to rank products.
Table of Contents
If you're on the fence about whether to go for outdoor solar lights or traditional garden lights, this section is for you. We'll compare the two and focus on the benefits of solar lighting.
One of the biggest perks of outdoor solar lights is that they convert sunlight into electricity to illuminate your surroundings. This means they charge solely on solar power so you won't see a spike in your electric bill.
Solar lights are hassle-free, unlike traditional garden lights that might require some wiring during installation. There's no need to plug them into an outlet, so you can place them wherever you fancy. This makes them a simple way to switch up your home's front yard or entryway vibe.
You might think outdoor solar lights are dim and won't last long in bad weather. Our testing found products that debunk these myths.
We thoroughly tested outdoor solar lights from various angles, including brightness and illumination duration. We found products that light up your space brilliantly and have enough charge to last all night, even when the weather's not ideal. In this article, we'll introduce you to products that overcome the obstacle of cloudy weather.
Some outdoor solar lights even have replaceable batteries, extending their lifespan to over five years.
Here are the points to keep in mind when choosing the best Outdoor Solar Lights.
When it comes to lighting up your walkway, you've got two main options: spotlights and path lights. If you're looking to make your path bright and easy to navigate, spotlights are the way to go.
Both spotlights and path lights are designed to be installed on the ground, but the brightness levels are worlds apart.
If you want to light up your path, high-lumen spotlights are your best bet. These can get super bright, with some boasting a whopping 100 lumens. Our tests showed they can reach up to 82.5 lux, which is bright enough to light up your entire body and make your surroundings clearly visible.
Plus, many spotlights offer adjustable angles, so you can focus the light on specific areas like a feature tree in your garden or steps leading up to your home.
Some spotlights even come with adjustable brightness settings, which is a huge plus. On a bright, moonlit night, you can dial it down to conserve battery. On darker nights, when the moon is hidden behind clouds, you can crank up the brightness to keep your area well-lit.
The only spotlight with this feature in our tests was Vont's Solar Light. If you're looking to light up your path at a level that matches the setting, you'll want to check this one out.
If you're more into setting a mood than lighting up a walkway, consider path lights. They often come in warm, incandescent bulb-like colors that can create a cozy atmosphere. And if you install multiple lights, you can easily create a cohesive, stylish look for your garden.
Don't underestimate the importance of brightness for decorative lights, though. Our tests found that lights under 10 lumens looked too dim and lackluster. So, aim for at least 10 lumens for the best effect.
Our top pick for path lights are Hampton Bay's Solar Landscape Path Lights. With 10 lumens, they spread light more effectively than other path lights we tested. If you're looking to add some flair to your garden, these should be on your list.
For a really mystical and inviting atmosphere, it's generally recommended to place path lights about 10 feet apart. However, the ideal spacing can vary depending on the brightness of the lights, so you might need to do some fine-tuning once they're installed.
If you're not just looking to light up a pathway but also want to add some glow to your patio or deck, you've got a couple of options: string lights and lanterns. But if you're setting up a cozy space for socializing, string lights are your best bet.
If you're looking to light up your patio or deck for a gathering with family or friends, string lights are the way to go. String lights and lanterns differ in the area they can effectively illuminate. String lights feature multiple bulbs on a single strand, allowing them to softly light up a larger area.
Lanterns, on the other hand, aren't really suited for lighting up a broad space and may be more decorative. Our tests also confirmed that string lights outshine lanterns when it comes to brightness and the ability to evenly light up a larger area. So, if you're planning a get-together where you'll need to softly light up a large area, string lights should be your first choice.
If you're in the market for outdoor solar lights, chances are you're not just looking to brighten up your yard. Many are also seeking lights for security purposes, especially around the entrance of their homes. In this section, we'll discuss the lights that are best suited for security.
When you're investing in outdoor solar lights, you want them to stay lit through the night. So, let's dive into the topic of how long these lights can actually stay on.
The whole point of solar lights is that they charge with sunlight, so it's crucial to pick ones that can still charge and stay lit for a long time even on cloudy or rainy days. In our tests, we found that lights that stayed on for at least three hours are your best bet for keeping things bright until you get home.
We charged the lights under two conditions: clear skies and cloudy weather. Almost all the products charged well under clear skies and stayed lit throughout the night. However, the real difference came when we tested them under cloudy weather conditions.
While some could charge sufficiently to stay lit all night, others barely lasted an hour due to insufficient charging. The ones that did charge well stayed lit for up to 13 hours. So, if you pick a light that can stay on for at least three hours, you can be sure it will stay lit from dusk till you get home, making it practical for everyday use.
If you're planning to use your outdoor solar lights for a long time, pay attention to the material. Durable materials like glass and stainless steel are less prone to discoloration and degradation, reducing the frequency of replacement.
While most budget-friendly outdoor solar lights are made of plastic, if you can stretch your budget a bit, go for those made of weather-resistant glass and stainless steel. Plastic might not rust, but it's less resistant to UV rays and can degrade or discolor when exposed to sunlight for extended periods. It's also less resistant to high temperatures, which means it could soften or deform.
In contrast, glass and stainless steel are highly resistant to UV rays and can withstand the effects of sunlight much better. Stainless steel is also less prone to rust, making it more durable for long-term use.
We also tested the waterproofing of these lights by spraying them with water at a rate of 10 liters per minute for five minutes. All the products continued to light up without any water seeping inside, so you don't have to worry too much about waterproofing when buying outdoor solar lights.
Outdoor solar lights come in two main types: those with detachable solar panels and those where the panel and light are integrated. In this section, we'll break down which type is best for different needs.
If you're looking to install your solar light in a spot that doesn't get much sunlight, like under hedges or in the shadow of a building, then go for lights with solar panels you can detach. These types are connected by a cord, allowing you to place the solar panel in a sunny spot and the light itself where you need illumination. Keep in mind that these cords are usually quite long, so make sure they won't get in the way when you're setting things up.
If you have pets like dogs or cats that play near where you'll be installing the solar light, it might be safer to opt for an integrated model. This eliminates the risk of your pet tripping over or chewing on the cord, making it a more secure option.
Type | Spotlight |
---|---|
Source brightness (advertised) | 100 lm |
Maximum lighting time (measured) | 17.46 hr. |
Brightness adjustment | 2 mode |
Lighting time in poor conditions (measured) | 3.21 hr. |
This solar spotlight from Vont has a high waterproof rating of IPX7 and frost resistance to withstand even harsh weather conditions. When we measured the brightness, illumination near our feet hit peak levels of 82.5 lux, while the area at the height of our hands reached up to 5.49 lux. This range of illumination makes it perfect for lighting up dark pathways. Plus, you can adjust the brightness in two levels, allowing you to tailor the light to your environment or mood.
When charged on a bright summer day, the light stayed on for 17 hours and 28 minutes. This means that if you can get a full charge on a sunny day, you can expect the light to last for two nights in a row. On the flip side, when charged under cloudy conditions, the light lasted for three hours and 13 minutes. Even on a gloomy day, the light will stay on long enough for you to get home without stumbling in the dark.
Although it's made of plastic, which doesn't promise extreme durability, it does pass the waterproof test. A little rain won't pose much of a risk of malfunction. While it only offers one type of light color, the adjustable beam angle is a nice touch. You can change the angle depending on your needs, giving you the freedom to light up various areas.
Additionally, you can either stick it into the ground or mount it on a wall, giving you more flexibility in terms of installation. With its long-lasting battery and ample brightness, this is a recommended product for anyone looking to brighten up their walkways.
Motion sensor | N/A |
---|---|
Width | 4.2 in. |
Depth | 5.5 in. |
Height | 12.2 in. |
Weight | 9.3 oz. |
Light color | Daylight |
Battery capacity | 2000 mAh |
Battery type | Lithium ion |
Charging time | 6 hr. |
Motion sensor range | N/A |
Installation location | Garage, Garden, Yard, Driveway, Walkway, Porch, Patio |
Light sensor | ✓ |
"Always on" option | N/A |
Light color temperature adjustment | N/A |
Cable attached | N/A |
Manufacturer warranty period | Lifetime warranty |
Accessories | Plastic stake, Screw set, Manual |
Light bulb type | LED |
Wattage | 1 W |
Number of batteries required | 1 ct. |
Shatterproof | N/A |
Light intensity adjustment | ✓ |
Detachable solar panel | N/A |
Type | Floodlight |
---|---|
Source brightness (advertised) | - |
Maximum lighting time (measured) | 13.26 hr. |
Brightness adjustment | 3 mode |
Lighting time in poor conditions (measured) | 2.56 hr. |
Aootek's 238-LED solar lights are floodlights with built-in motion sensors. These are ideal for illuminating the area around your front door and can also act as a security feature. When we tested the brightness, illumination at foot level reached a maximum of 12.76 lux, while brightness near the hands reached an impressive 84.1 lux. With brightness comparable to streetlights, it's well-suited for evenly lighting up the area around your entrance.
The brightness can be adjusted in two levels, and it also comes with a motion sensor mode. Not only can you adjust the brightness according to your environment, but you can set it to only illuminate when it detects people, adding an extra layer of security. Charged under the bright sunlight of a summer day, the light lasted for 13 hours and 16 minutes. While it may not last for two consecutive nights, it's more than enough for one night. On the other hand, when charged under cloudy conditions, the light lasted for two hours and 34 minutes. On a cloudy day, there's a chance it might not be on when you get home.
Though made of plastic, which doesn't offer much in terms of weather resistance, it passed our waterproofing test. A little rain is unlikely to cause any malfunction. While it offers only one type of light color, it does feature an automatic brightness adjustment function. The light adjusts its brightness according to the surrounding light levels, which helps to prevent unnecessary battery drain. With ample brightness and a built-in motion sensor, this is a suitable product for those looking for a security light to install around their front door.
Motion sensor | ✓ |
---|---|
Width | 7.6 in. |
Depth | 4.3 in. |
Height | 2.3 in. |
Weight | 22 oz. |
Light color | White |
Battery capacity | 2200 mAh |
Battery type | Lithium ion |
Charging time | 2-3 hr. |
Motion sensor range | 10-26 feet |
Installation location | wall, patio, garden, porch, lawn, pathway, gutter,etc. |
Light sensor | ✓ |
"Always on" option | ✓ |
Light color temperature adjustment | N/A |
Cable attached | N/A |
Manufacturer warranty period | N/A |
Accessories | Screw Set, User Manual |
Light bulb type | LED |
Wattage | - |
Number of batteries required | - |
Shatterproof | N/A |
Light intensity adjustment | ✓ |
Detachable solar panel | N/A |
Type | Post light |
---|---|
Source brightness (advertised) | 160 lm |
Maximum lighting time (measured) | 8.41 hr. |
Brightness adjustment | N/A |
Lighting time in poor conditions (measured) | 4.38 hr. |
Kemeco's outdoor solar light sits right on the ground, and its traditional design aesthetic makes it a great fit for a sophisticated garden. When we tested the brightness, maximum light intensity near the ground reached 28.8 lux, while the brightness at hand level reached only 0.88 lux. While the brightness at hand level left something to be desired, the ground was sufficiently lit for walking around.
Charged under the bright summer sun, the light lasted for eight hours and 25 minutes. While slightly short for keeping it on all night, it's long enough to stay lit for most of the nighttime hours. On the other hand, when charged under cloudy conditions, the light lasted for four hours and 23 minutes. Even on an overcast day, it should stay lit from dusk until you go to bed.
The light cover is made of glass and the frame is aluminum, offering high weather resistance. You can expect it to last a long time outdoors without much wear and tear. It also passed our waterproofing test, so a little rain won't affect performance. While it doesn't offer any other installation options or the ability to adjust the light intensity or color, its lack of customization is offset by its stylish ambiance. The warm light of the bulb creates a chic atmosphere, perfect for setting a fashionable mood.
Motion sensor | N/A |
---|---|
Width | 8.8 in. |
Depth | 8.8 in. |
Height | 18.1 in. |
Weight | 102 oz. |
Light color | Warm white |
Battery capacity | 2400 mAh |
Battery type | Nickel metal hydride |
Charging time | 6-8 hr. |
Motion sensor range | N/A |
Installation location | Outdoor |
Light sensor | ✓ |
"Always on" option | N/A |
Light color temperature adjustment | N/A |
Cable attached | N/A |
Manufacturer warranty period | 1 yr. |
Accessories | Mounting Base, All screws |
Light bulb type | LED |
Wattage | 2.5 W |
Number of batteries required | 3 ct. |
Shatterproof | N/A |
Light intensity adjustment | N/A |
Detachable solar panel | N/A |
Type | Path light |
---|---|
Source brightness (advertised) | - |
Maximum lighting time (measured) | 14.2 hr. |
Brightness adjustment | N/A |
Lighting time in poor conditions (measured) | 13.88 hr. |
Aogist's outdoor solar lights can be embedded into the ground and have eight LED chips. When we tested the brightness, around our feet reached a peak of 1.46 lux, while the area at hand level reached a maximum of 0.7 lux. Although the area directly above the light is bright, the light doesn't spread easily. To adequately light up the ground or hand level, you'll likely need to install multiple units close together.
Charged in sunlight on a clear summer day, the light lasted for 14 hours and 12 minutes. That's long enough to keep it on for about two nights. Interestingly, when charged under cloudy conditions, the light duration was almost the same, at 13 hours and 53 minutes. Regardless of the weather, it stays lit all night, making it ideal for areas like stairways that require constant lighting.
The light cover is made of plastic, but the frame is stainless steel, offering decent weather resistance. Both materials are less likely to degrade over time compared to all-plastic models. It also passed our waterproofing test, so a little rain won't cause any issues. On the downside, there are no alternative installation options and you can't adjust the light intensity or color. This limits its customization and makes it a bit less versatile for different applications.
Motion sensor | N/A |
---|---|
Width | 4.7 in. |
Depth | 4.7 in. |
Height | 5.1 in. |
Weight | 32 oz. |
Light color | White |
Battery capacity | 600 mAh |
Battery type | Nickel metal hydride |
Charging time | - |
Motion sensor range | N/A |
Installation location | Yard, Garden, Outdoor |
Light sensor | ✓ |
"Always on" option | N/A |
Light color temperature adjustment | N/A |
Cable attached | N/A |
Manufacturer warranty period | 1 yr. |
Accessories | Plastic stakes, Manual |
Light bulb type | LED |
Wattage | 4 W |
Number of batteries required | 1 ct. |
Shatterproof | N/A |
Light intensity adjustment | N/A |
Detachable solar panel | N/A |
Type | Path light |
---|---|
Source brightness (advertised) | 10 lm |
Maximum lighting time (measured) | 19.95 hr. |
Brightness adjustment | N/A |
Lighting time in poor conditions (measured) | 1.31 hr. |
Hampton Bay offers their Solar Landscape Path Lights in multiple sets. This makes it easy to line them up on both sides of a pathway. We found that the ground level brightness peaked at 2.5 lux, while hand level was much lower, at just 0.21 lux. Both levels are too dim to properly light walkways, but compared to other path lights, these are brighter and create an enchanting ambiance around them. They're great if you're looking to add some stylish decoration.
When charged in the bright sunlight of a clear summer day, these lights stayed on for 19 hours and 57 minutes. That's long enough to last for two nights. It's a nice feature that even if the next day is cloudy and you can't recharge them, the stored charge will keep them lit. On the flip side, when charged in poor weather, the lights only lasted for one hour and 19 minutes. They'll turn off almost immediately, leaving you in the dark when you get home.
The frame is made of plastic, but the lighting cover is glass, making them fairly weather-resistant. They're less likely to degrade over time compared to all-plastic options. In our waterproofing tests, they lit up without any issues even when showered with water, so there’s little risk of failing due to light rain. On the downside, the installation options are limited, and you can't adjust the light intensity or color, making them less versatile.
Motion sensor | N/A |
---|---|
Width | 4.92 in. |
Depth | 4.92 in. |
Height | 18.1 in. |
Weight | 188 oz. |
Light color | Warm white |
Battery capacity | 900mAh |
Battery type | Nickel metal hydride |
Charging time | 10-12 hr. |
Motion sensor range | N/A |
Installation location | Ground |
Light sensor | ✓ |
"Always on" option | N/A |
Light color temperature adjustment | N/A |
Cable attached | N/A |
Manufacturer warranty period | 2 yr. |
Accessories | Manuals |
Light bulb type | LED |
Wattage | 1W |
Number of batteries required | 1 ct. |
Shatterproof | N/A |
Light intensity adjustment | N/A |
Detachable solar panel | N/A |
Type | Path light |
---|---|
Source brightness (advertised) | 8 lm |
Maximum lighting time (measured) | 12.21 hr. |
Brightness adjustment | N/A |
Lighting time in poor conditions (measured) | 1.16 hr. |
Maggift offers a range of outdoor solar lights, from simple to more aesthetically-pleasing designs. These solar garden lights come in a set of six and emit a warm, incandescent bulb-like color. We found that the brightness peaked at 5.04 lux at the feet, but only reached 0.12 lux at hand level. Both levels are too dim for illuminating a path effectively. While the brightness isn't bad compared to other path lights, the zigzag pattern of the light creates many shadows, making it feel darker than it actually is.
Charged on a sunny summer day, these lights stayed on for 12 hours and 13 minutes. While not enough to last two nights, it's sufficient to keep your walkways lit for one night. However, when charged in poor weather, the lights only lasted for one hour and 10 minutes. They'll turn off almost immediately, so there's a chance you'll come home to total darkness.
Though made of plastic and not particularly weather-resistant, they passed our waterproofing tests, lighting up without any issues even when showered with water. So, they're less likely to malfunction if it rains a bit. On the downside, installation options are limited, and you can't adjust the light intensity or color. This lack of customization makes it hard to tailor the lights to your personal preferences, which is a bit of a shame.
Motion sensor | N/A |
---|---|
Width | 5 in. |
Depth | 5 in. |
Height | 17 in. |
Weight | 48 oz. |
Light color | Warm white |
Battery capacity | 100 mAh |
Battery type | Nickel metal hydride |
Charging time | 6-8 hr. |
Motion sensor range | N/A |
Installation location | Garden, Pathway, Patio, Walkway |
Light sensor | ✓ |
"Always on" option | N/A |
Light color temperature adjustment | N/A |
Cable attached | N/A |
Manufacturer warranty period | N/A |
Accessories | Manual |
Light bulb type | LED |
Wattage | 0.2 W |
Number of batteries required | 6 ct. (1 ct. per light) |
Shatterproof | N/A |
Light intensity adjustment | N/A |
Detachable solar panel | N/A |
Type | String light |
---|---|
Source brightness (advertised) | - |
Maximum lighting time (measured) | 11.95 hr. |
Brightness adjustment | N/A |
Lighting time in poor conditions (measured) | 5.58 hr. |
Brightech's Ambience Pro LED Outdoor String Lights come with a warm, incandescent bulb-like color that can add a stylish touch when hung on fences or tree branches. In our brightness test, the light reached up to 0.53 lux near the ground and 1.39 lux around hand height. Both levels are too dim for illuminating a path effectively. However, each string has a lot of bulbs, making them ideal for gently lighting up social gatherings and family get-togethers.
After charging in sunlight on a clear summer day, these lights stayed on for 11 hours and 57 minutes. While not enough to last two nights, it's sufficient to keep your area lit for one. When charged in poor weather, the lights still lasted for five hours and 35 minutes, which should get you through the evening until bedtime.
Though made of plastic and not particularly weather-resistant, these lights are shatterproof, so even if they fall from a height, the risk of breakage is low. In our waterproofing tests, they lit up without any issues, making them less likely to malfunction in light rain. While the light intensity or color are not adjustable, the solar panel is detachable, allowing you to place the lights in shaded areas.
Motion sensor | N/A |
---|---|
Width | 324 in. (27 ft.) |
Depth | 2.7 in. |
Height | 4.3 in. |
Weight | 40.2 oz. |
Light color | Warm white |
Battery capacity | - |
Battery type | - |
Charging time | 6 hr. |
Motion sensor range | N/A |
Installation location | Balcony terrace, Garden, Bistro, Pergola |
Light sensor | ✓ |
"Always on" option | N/A |
Light color temperature adjustment | N/A |
Cable attached | ✓ |
Manufacturer warranty period | 2 yr. |
Accessories | Solar panel, 12 bulbs, Clip, Stake |
Light bulb type | LED |
Wattage | 12 W (1W per bulb) |
Number of batteries required | 2 ct. |
Shatterproof | ✓ |
Light intensity adjustment | N/A |
Detachable solar panel | ✓ |
Type | Lantern |
---|---|
Source brightness (advertised) | 10 lm |
Maximum lighting time (measured) | 9.28 hr. |
Brightness adjustment | N/A |
Lighting time in poor conditions (measured) | 5.38 hr. |
Home Zone Security offers these solar wall lanterns that feature a warm, incandescent color that can create a cozy atmosphere. When measuring brightness, we recorded a maximum of 0.18 lux around the feet and 0.55 lux at the height of the hands. Both levels are quite dim, making them unsuitable for brightening up the surroundings. Even if you're installing them for aesthetic reasons, a single lantern might not be enough to make an impact.
Charged in the sun on a clear summer day, these lanterns stayed on for nine hours and 17 minutes. They can adequately light up your space for one night, but won't last for two. When charged in poor weather, they still lasted for five hours and 23 minutes, which should be enough to keep them on from dusk until bedtime. The lighting cover is made of glass and the frame is made of aluminum, making them highly weather-resistant. You won't have to worry much about wear, even if they're installed outdoors for a long time.
In our waterproofing tests, they lit up with no issues, so the likelihood of them failing to work in light rain is low. There are no alternative options for installation and you can't adjust the brightness or color, but the warm, incandescent bulb-like color does make them suitable for creating a relaxed atmosphere.
Motion sensor | N/A |
---|---|
Width | 6.25 in. |
Depth | 6.25 in. |
Height | 6.7 in. |
Weight | 63 oz. |
Light color | Warm white |
Battery capacity | - |
Battery type | Nickel metal hydride |
Charging time | 8 hr. |
Motion sensor range | N/A |
Installation location | Garden, Porch, Outdoor, Garage |
Light sensor | ✓ |
"Always on" option | N/A |
Light color temperature adjustment | N/A |
Cable attached | N/A |
Manufacturer warranty period | 1 yr. |
Accessories | 2 brackets, 4 screws, 4 screw anchors |
Light bulb type | LED |
Wattage | 0.96 W |
Number of batteries required | 2 ct. |
Shatterproof | N/A |
Light intensity adjustment | N/A |
Detachable solar panel | N/A |
Type | Path light |
---|---|
Source brightness (advertised) | 5 lm |
Maximum lighting time (measured) | 20.16 hr. |
Brightness adjustment | N/A |
Lighting time in poor conditions (measured) | 1.81 hr. |
Popular at the home improvement chain Lowe's, the Harbor Breeze 4-Pack 5-Lumen Black Solar Integrated LED Outdoor Path Light Kit (3500 K) is a budget-friendly set that’s a convenient option for those looking to switch up the atmosphere of their yard. When we measured the brightness, illumination around the feet measured a peak of 0.45 lux, while a maximum of 0.08 lux was recorded at the hand level. Both levels are pretty dim, making them unsuitable for brightening up the surroundings. Even if you're installing them for the sake of ambiance, a single light might not cut it.
Charged in the bright sunlight of a clear summer day, these lights stayed on for an impressive 20 hours and 10 minutes. That's more than enough to last for two nights. However, when charged in poor weather, they only lasted for one hour and 49 minutes. They won't charge sufficiently in cloudy weather conditions, so if you want them to stay lit all night, make sure they get plenty of direct sunlight.
Both the lighting cover and frame are made of plastic, so they're not particularly weather-resistant. However, in our waterproofing tests, they lit up without any issues even when sprayed with water, so there’s not much risk of them failing in light rain. There are no setup options other than ground installation, and you can't modify the light's brightness or color, so it's not the best choice if you're looking to personalize your lighting setup.
Motion sensor | N/A |
---|---|
Width | 3.94 in. |
Depth | 3.94 in. |
Height | 13.03 in. |
Weight | 21 oz. |
Light color | Warm white |
Battery capacity | - |
Battery type | Nickel cadmium |
Charging time | 10-12 hr. |
Motion sensor range | N/A |
Installation location | walkways, pathways, driveways, patios, decks |
Light sensor | ✓ |
"Always on" option | N/A |
Light color temperature adjustment | N/A |
Cable attached | N/A |
Manufacturer warranty period | 1 yr. |
Accessories | AA solar rechargeable batteries, Plastic stakes |
Light bulb type | LED |
Wattage | - |
Number of batteries required | 4 ct. |
Shatterproof | N/A |
Light intensity adjustment | N/A |
Detachable solar panel | N/A |
To find the best product, we conducted tests based on the following six criteria:
Products we tested
String lights and floodlights were set up at a height of about 6.5 feet to mimic real-world usage. We then measured the brightness at three different points and calculated a weighted average. Lights that clearly illuminated obstacles on the ground with 50 lux or more were rated higher.
These are the locations we took our data from.
For charging, we used artificial sunlight lamps to simulate the conditions of bright summer sunlight. The products were placed about 20 inches away from the lamp during charging.
These are the locations we took our data from.
If you're going to use an outdoor solar light, you want it to last as long as possible, so we measured how long each light stays lit. After charging the lights, we placed the lit lights inside a cardboard box and aimed them at a light meter. We measured the time it took for the light to go out, reaching zero lux. Lights that lasted longer than the average sunset-to-sunrise time in California summer, which is about five hours and 10 minutes, received higher ratings.
A light that can charge and illuminate at night is safer and more convenient, so we also tested lighting time in poor weather conditions. We charged the outdoor solar lights for eight hours and then let them run continuously, measuring the time until they went out.
Lights that lasted longer than the average year-round sunset-to-sunrise time in California, about 11 hours and 50 minutes, received higher ratings. For this test, we used artificial sunlight lamps set one meter away from the lights and charged them at a brightness of 2,000 lux for eight hours to mimic a cloudy day.
For waterproofing, we followed a method similar to the IPX3 standard. We sprayed 10 liters of water per minute at the light for five minutes. Lights that continued to function without water penetrating to the inside were considered waterproof.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
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