The Best Solar Pathway Lights to Brighten Your Walkways

Best Overall

Hampton Bay Solar Warm White Landscape Path Lights, 10-Pack

4.6

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Our Ratings

• Setup
  5/5
• Features
  3/5
• Design
  3/5
• Brightness
  4/5
• Overall Value
  4/5

The Hampton Bay Solar Warm White Solar Landscape Path Lights are our best overall pick because they’re reliable, affordable, and classically designed. The durable, weather-resistant metal should withstand the changing seasons, as it easily held up to a large dousing of water, golf balls meant to imitate hail, and being stuck in a freezer for an hour. The light's design is also maintenance-free, with integrated LED bulbs and rechargeable batteries. 

Standing 18.1 inches tall, these solar path lights make a statement without being too bold or obstructive. They provide warm white light, ample to navigate your landscaping in the evening, and safely traverse a footpath or steps. An automatic dusk-to-dawn feature turns them on and off each day. Our tester found it easy to read a book directly under the light, but said it was more difficult with added distance from the light.

Our tester's main concern with these lights was the crackle glass appearance. She said she enjoyed the projected light pattern, but expressed concern that it may not be the right aesthetic for everyone. Despite this minor design concern, these lights overall impressed our tester Compared with other light sets, which generally consist of six or eight lamps, the Hampton Bay No Voltage Solar Landscape Path Lights are an affordable option, with 10. The set also comes with a two-year warranty for faulty materials or workmanship to be replaced or repaired.

Price at time of publish: $114

_{Dimensions: 18.1 x 4.92 x 4.92 inches | Material: Aluminum, Glass | Lumens: 10 | Power Source: Solar | Charging Time: 10-12 hours | Operating Time: 8 hours | Lights in Set: 10}

Best Budget

SUNNEST Solar Lights Outdoor

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This set from SUNNEST takes the top spot in the budget category for durability and variety, as well as price point. These small but mighty solar lights charge in just six to eight hours and stay lit for eight to 10. Because of their compact, modern design, you could use these in a variety of ways around your yard, garden, and patio. Their durable, rainproof plastic and stainless steel withstand weather elements. 

Once you’ve assembled all 12 lights, be sure to turn each light’s switch to “On” before arranging them around your yard. (This ensures that the solar panel charges fully before the first night; if you don’t do this, the light doesn't charge.) You can choose a set for cool white or warm white light or even a set that alternates colors (fewer lamps). However, if you’re looking to light your entire yard, this set may not be the best choice, as they are dimmer than some of our other preferred models.

Price at time of publish: $30

_{Dimensions: 14.5 x 2.1 x 2.1 inches | Material: Stainless steel, plastic | Lumens: Not Listed | Power Source: Rechargeable solar battery | Charging Time: 6-8 hours | Operating Time: 8-10 hours | Lights in Set: 6-12}

Best Splurge

Frontgate Pro Series VI Solar Path Light

4.4

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Our Ratings

• Setup
  5/5
• Features
  4/5
• Design
  3.5/5
• Brightness
  4/5
• Overall Value
  3/5

If your budget is flexible, this Frontgate Pro Series VI Path Light set is our pick for the best splurge. A weather-proof, cast-aluminum housing protects the lithium-phosphate battery and lights, and fares better than plastic housing. Aluminum stakes also prevent breakage during installation. Our tester said this light easily passed our “rain” and “hail” tests, however, it did not re-illuminate after being in a freezer for an hour. The tops of these lights measure 7.25 inches in diameter, making the solar panel (larger than other models) better for cloudy days, winter performance, and shaded areas.

These lights only come in a set of two, making them an investment to line a full pathway. Despite the limited quantity, these solar lights are a reliable, quality pick, with 60 lumens per light, enough to light up your yard if spread apart, and have a longer lifetime, with an advanced lithium-phosphate battery. Overall, our tester said these lights are certainly an investment, so she’d recommend trying to snag them while they’re on sale.

Price at time of publish: $119

_{Dimensions: 20.5 x 7.25 inches | Material: Aluminum | Lumens: 60 | Power Source: Lithium-phosphate Solar Battery | Charging Time: 8 hours | Operating Time: Up to 8 hours | Lights in Set: 2}

Best Decorative

UMICKOO Solar Outdoor Lights

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For a multicolored set of solar lights, check out UMICKOO Solar Outdoor Lights. Made of weather-resistant materials, this set lights up the darkest night with a colorful display. Choose between two settings on each light: warm, white light, and multicolored lights that gently transition among seven colors. These lights operate after six to eight hours of charging and last eight to 10 hours. But let them sit out in direct sunlight for at least five hours before their first use. When installing them, gently press the stake into the ground with the pole rather than pressing your hand on the solar panel.

One drawback: The settings and operating instructions can be confusing. For example, the “On” switch turns on the warm white light, while the “Fade” switch gently blinks the multicolored lights.

Price at time of publish: $50

_{Dimensions: 18.5 x 4.9 inches | Material: Glass and Plastic | Lumens: 25 | Power Source: Solar | Charging Time: 6-8 hours | Operating Time: 8-10 hours | Lights in Set: 8}

Best for Winter

Urpower Outdoor Solar Spotlights

4.6

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Our Ratings

• Setup
  5/5
• Features
  4/5
• Design
  4/5
• Brightness
  3.5/5
• Overall Value
  4/5

This URPOWER Solar Lights Outdoor set was designed with wet weather and water exposure in mind. A durable plastic casing protects these solar pathway lights from all weather conditions—water, golf balls, and freezing were no match for this light’s performance—and the adjustable solar panel allows you to switch the panel’s angle on overcast days. Keep in mind that these lights have a screw that supports the solar panel, but it can be difficult to maneuver to change the angle of the panel. During testing, they stayed illuminated for a full eight-hour period overnight.

These lights have a power switch and two different brightness settings. Our tester noted it was not possible to read a book under the lower setting, but said she could easily read a book with the higher light setting. These lights can also be mounted on a wall, rather than a pathway, which makes them a great option for a variety of outdoor lighting needs. Overall, our tester said she appreciated the price point of these lights, even if their spotlight design may not be suited for everyone.

Price at time of publish: $36

_{Dimensions: 16 x 4.5 inches | Material: Metal | Lumens: 6 | Power Source: Solar | Charging Time: Not listed | Operating Time: Up to 6 hours | Lights in Set: 8}

Best for Shade

T-SUNNUS Solar-Powered LED Spotlight

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Each of the two T-SUNNUS Solar-Powered LED Spotlights in the set comes with a separate, corded solar panel, so you can easily install them in a shaded area and guarantee a full charge every day. You can adjust the angle of the solar panels and the light heads to aim them in the desired directions. Two brightness settings offer up to 200 lumens each, enough brightness to see the details of your yard. You can switch between a bright spotlight and a dimmer pathway light.

Avoid placing the solar panels under any porch or security lights that come on at night because the solar lights don't turn on if light is detected. The cords between each light and solar panel are three meters long (about 10 feet), which can limit your placement options, especially when covering a particularly large pathway. Despite their traditional spotlight design, these solar lights’ brightness and separate solar panels still make them our pick in the best-for-shade category.

Price at time of publish: $34

_{Dimensions: Not Listed | Material: Plastic | Lumens: 200 | Power Source: Rechargeable Solar Battery | Charging Time: 8-10 hours on high light mode; 14-18 hours on low light mode | Operating Time: 8-10 hours | Lights in Set: 2}

Best Large

GIGALUMI Solar Pathway Lights 6 Pack

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Large solar pathway lights can be especially helpful if you have a long footpath and want each light to cover more area. The GIGALUMI Solar Pathway Lights aren’t as bright as other models, but their height and larger structure make them a strong pick for anyone hoping to brighten a large area with fewer lights. 

The pack includes six 19-inch-tall lights (including the stakes). Their traditional lantern design casts a crystalline pattern that beautifully lines any walkway or garden area. The large solar panels allow for a fast charge.

As with some other solar light models, be careful when pressing these lights into the ground to ensure their stakes don’t break.

Price at time of publish: $43

_{Dimensions: 19 x 5.3 inches | Material: Metal and Glass | Lumens: 5 | Power Source: Solar | Charging Time: Not listed | Operating Time: 8 hours | Lights in Set: 6}

Best Small

Rayolon Solar Ground Lights

4.2

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Our Ratings

• Setup
  5/5
• Features
  2.5/5
• Design
  3/5
• Brightness
  3/5
• Overall Value
  4/5

A low-profile light option fits a minimalist aesthetic in your yard or avoids lantern-style lights obstructing your path. The Rayolon Solar Ground Lights are a modern, minimally designed set that can line a pathway, driveway, or pool deck. They provide warm white light, with eight LED bulbs in each of the 12 units. Despite their low-profile design, they’re waterproof and can withstand harsh winter temperatures. 

One drawback is their long initial charging time: To ensure they reach their maximum brightness, allow three days of charging before installing them in the ground. When installing each light, dig a shallow hole for the stake to prevent breakage. 

Their low profile also has significant drawbacks: Avoid stepping on them once installed! Also, dirt and debris can easily cover them, preventing the solar panels from charging. Check them occasionally, and clean the solar panels if they become covered.

Price a time of publish: $37

_{Dimensions: 4.72 x 4.92 x 5.2 inches | Material: Stainless Steel | Lumens: Not Listed | Power Source: Solar | Charging Time: 8 hours | Operating Time: 6-8 hours | Lights in Set: 12}

Best Set

BeauJardin 8 Pack Solar Pathway Lights

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These BeauJardin Solar Pathway Lights provide 10 lumens each in a durable, weather-resistant design. A rustproof stainless steel pole and glass light shade protect the solar battery and lightbulb, and the solar panel charges during the day for eight to 12 hours of illumination. The light shade also creates a pretty floral pattern. 

Although each pole is stainless steel, the ground stake is plastic, making it a weak portion of the design. To prevent breakage, be sure to dig a shallow hole in the ground before installing each light. With careful installation, they should last for several seasons.

Price at time of publish: $80

_{Dimensions: 16.54 x 4.72 inches | Material: Stainless Steel and Glass | Lumens: 10 | Power Source: Solar | Charging Time: 6-8 hours | Operating Time: 8 to 12 hours | Lights in Set: 8}