The Best Solar Pathway Lights to Brighten Your Walkways (2024)

• Our Picks

• Other Options We Tested

• How We Tested

• What to Look For

• FAQ

• Why Trust The Spruce

After putting them through the test in our lab, 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 during testing. 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. For example, we were able to read a book easily directly under the light, but it was a bit more difficult with added distance to the light. We also appreciate that these lights feature an automatic dusk-to-dawn feature, so they turn on and off each day without having to do it manually.

Although the crackle lights project a pretty light pattern, we do want to point out that not everyone will love the crackle glass appearance (as some of us noted during testing). Despite this minor design concern, these lights impressed us overall. Compared with other light sets, which generally consist of six or eight lamps, theHampton 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.

_{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}

If you are willing to pay more for a durable, effective, and sturdy pair of pathway lights that should last season after season, we recommend the Frontgate Pro Series VI Path Light set. These lights feature a weather-proof, cast-aluminum housing that protects the lithium-phosphate battery and lights, and fares better than plastic housing. The aluminum stakes also prevent breakage during installation. While testing in our lab, this light easily passed our “rain” and “hail” tests. However, they did not re-illuminate after being in a freezer for an hour (so they may need to warm up and recharge before they light up again after a freezing cold day). However, 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 tolight up your yard if spread apart and have a longer lifetime with an advanced lithium-phosphate battery.

_{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}

This URPOWER Solar Lights Outdoor set was designed with wet weather and water exposure in mind, making it a great option if you want lights you can leave outside all year without worry. In fact, the durable plastic casing protects these solar pathway lights from all weather conditions. During our tests, 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. While testing, they stayed illuminated for a full eight-hour period overnight. 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 when needed.

Simply designed, each light in this set has a power switch and two different brightness settings. We found both to be pretty bright: While it was possible to read a book under the lower setting, we read easily under the higher light setting. We also love that 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, we appreciated the value of these lights, even if their spotlight design may not be suited for everyone.

_{Dimensions: 10.55 X 4.76 inches | Material: Metal | Lumens: 200 | Power Source: Solar | Charging Time: 4-6 hours | Operating Time: Up to 6 hours | Lights in Set: 2}

The Rayolon Solar Ground Lights are a modern, minimally designed set that can line a pathway, driveway, or pool deck. While testing these lights, they provided a warm white light, with eight LED bulbs in each of the 12 units. However, they were not bright enough to read under independently, so you would want to line them up next to each other for enough light to illuminate a path. We found that they held up during our water and golf ball tests. Just note that they did not stand up well to being frozen (they wouldn't stay lit for long), so you may want to store them if your area experiences a frigid winter.

We do want to point out a few other small issues to keep in mind: 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.Also, since they are small and low to the ground, avoid stepping on them once installed. Dirt and debris can easily cover them, preventing the solar panels from charging—check on them occasionally, and clean the solar panels if they become covered. Despite these few drawbacks, we think these are a great low-profile choice.

_{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}

If you just need one light but want it to stand out, we love this stylish option from the Brookhaven collection from Hampton Bay. At over 24 inches, this is the largest light on our list, and it has a vintage look, with seeded glass (little bubbles in the glass) and an Edison-style LED lightbulb. While this path light is black and grey, you can also find it in eight other colors and finishes to add a pop of color to your landscape, including red, gold, and navy. And if you have a larger space, you can purchase these lights in a 4-pack.

Although it doesn't offer a ton of features, this path light is simple to install and use, comes with rechargeable batteries, and automatically stays on from dusk to dawn (at a maximum of 8 hours). The stake is plastic, but the light fixture itself is metal, so it's more durable than all plastic options. It's also weather-resistant and waterproof, although it may not withstand extreme rain storms. Keep in mind that taller lights tend to be harder to keep upright, especially when the ground is wet, so they may need to be adjusted occasionally.

_{Dimensions: 24.7 x 6.42 inches | Material: Metal and Glass | Lumens: 20 | Power Source: Solar | Charging Time: Not listed | Operating Time: 8 hours | Lights in Set: 1}

Are you looking for a light that can be installed on a wall or used as a ground stake while also acting as a spotlight? If yes, you might be interested in the LEREKAM Solar Spot Lights. We recently tested these solar lights in our home and were blown away by how well they illuminated the designated locations. We installed the solar light near the side of our house, facing our gate, and discovered that it provided an impressive 10 feet by 10 feet of lighted area. At 1000 lumens (the highest on our list), we found that the light's maximum range was roughly 25 feet, which is rather good for a solar-powered light.

Setting up the lights was also a breeze. We spent more time deciding where to put the lights than we did putting them together—there are only four basic steps to set up. Even though we only tested the lights on the ground, they may also be screwed to the wall, making it a versatile alternative for your outdoor lighting needs.

While the lights have three brightness levels (high, medium, and low), we found that the high option provided the greatest light in our intended area. Keep in mind, however, that these lights are not motion-censored. Instead, the lights switch on around nightfall, providing a continuous supply of light all night. Overall, we thought these lights were a simple and efficient method to add outside lighting to your property.

_{Dimensions: ‎4.3 x 5.7 x 2.4 inches | Material: ABS Plastic, High Efficiency Monocrystalline Silicon | Lumens: 1000 | Power Source: Solar | Charging Time: Not listed| Operating Time: 8-25 hours | Lights in Set: 2}

For a multicolored set of solar lights that can add cheer on even the gloomiest winter days, 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. Also, you can't choose which colors to display (which would be nice during certain holidays). It's either all white or all different colors.

_{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}

Want to illuminate an area at night that doesn't get much sunlight during the day? Each of the two T-SUNNUS Solar-Powered LED Spotlights in this 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.

While they can be placed in the shade during the day, avoid placing the solar panels under any porch or security lights that come on at night (the spotlight won't turn on if light is detected). Also note that the cords between each light and solar panel are about 10 feet long, which can limit your placement options, especially when covering a particularly large pathway. Despite these few placement concerns, we think these lights are an excellent option for shady areas, especially if you don't mind the traditional spotlight shape.

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

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 (only 5 lumens, the lowest on this list), 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)—it's the second larger pick on our list, and the largest that comes in a set. Their traditional lantern design casts a crystalline pattern that beautifully lines any walkway or garden area. We also appreciate the large solar panels that allow for a fast charge, and the path light's waterproof- and rust-resistant design.

_{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}

Final Verdict

After testing in our lab in Des Moines, Iowa, our best overall pick for solar pathway lights is the Hampton Bay Warm White Solar Landscape Path Lights because they are durable, stylish, and bright. We also think this 10-pack is a great value, especially if you want to illuminate a longer walkway or outdoor space. If you want a pair of bright lights that will hold up to the elements all winter long, we also love the URPOWER Solar Lights Outdoor set, our best winter pick. They held up well to all of our durability tests during testing and offer two brightness settings, as well as two placement options (wall-mounted or staked into the ground).

FAQ

• How do solar pathway lights work?

  Solar lights absorb sunlight through solar panels that store electricity, which powers the bulbs. Some solar lights operate on rechargeable batteries. Others have batteries that can last as long as four years before needing to be replaced.

• How do you install solar pathway lights?

  
  While each style of our recommended solar pathway light has different assembly instructions, all install in the ground via stakes. If your purchased lights’ stakes seem fragile, we recommend digging shallow holes before pressing them into the ground to prevent breakage. Be sure to install solar pathway lights in an area that enjoys direct sunlight and isn’t covered by other lights in the evening; panels don’t activate if they’re exposed to other light.

• How do you clean and maintain solar pathway lights?

  Solar lights don’t absorb sunlight if the solar panel is dirty or covered with ice or snow. “Prior to cleaning your solar pathway lights, review your manufacturer’s instructions,” Kunkle says. “However, most solar pathway lights can be cleaned with a soft dryclothwithout any cleaners that have chemicals, solvents or harsh abrasives.” Keep in mind that low-profile lights need more frequent checking.

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