Skip to Content

The Top 10 Solar Pathway Lights for 2021

A green and easy way to light up your outdoor space.

solar pathway lights
Staff

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Solar pathway lights are becoming a fast favorite for homeowners because they don’t require outlets. They’re also eco-friendly, energy-efficient, and thanks to the array of options flooding the market, increasingly easy on the eyes. While solar lights generally are brightening the lives of homeowners and businesses, pathway lights are especially popular because they’re such a beautiful way to welcome visitors and prevent stumbles in dimly lit spaces. Compared to conventional lights, solar lights can also be much brighter, and you don’t need to worry about turning them on and off. Read on for our top picks.

1
Best "Moon" Light

Homeimpro Moon Crackle Stake Light

Homeimpro Moon Crackle Stake Light

This solar-powered garden light turns on automatically at night for a full six hours of illumination. Moon Crackle is a 40-inch-tall stainless steel garden staff, topped by a patterned Cheshire Cat-style moon, cradling an LED dome. The solar light is durable and weather-resistant. 

The installation is simple. Batteries are included. Reviewers adore it; one says it’s “everything I had hoped it would be. It’s bright, yet subtle and nothing short of beautiful.” Another loves it because it makes their “garden look more fancy in the summer.”

2
Traditional Style

Hampton Bay Bronze Outdoor Landscape Light, Set of 6

Hampton Bay Bronze Outdoor Landscape Light, Set of 6

These decorative brush bronze posts come in a six-pack. They are 12 x 4.7 inches, and create a subtle, elegant light effect along your outdoor paths. This set is ideal for traditionally appointed homes and gardens, require no maintenance and are a snap to install. 

One reviewer says, “I’ve invested in quite a few of these and they are extremely durable. I recharge the batteries every spring and they’ve lasted several seasons.” However, for those hoping for serious brightness, move on. “They look great along a patch or flower bed, but don’t give off a ton of light.”

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
3
Most Colorful

ExcMark Color Changing Solar Lights, Set of 10

On Sale
ExcMark Color Changing Solar Lights, Set of 10

This 10-pack of solar lights is a great way to add splashes of color to your pathway. The 16.3 x 4-inch lights install in seconds, and each one contains a rechargeable AAA battery for longer-lasting use. The battery charges by day and then automatically turns on for 6-8 hours during the night. The lights are also durable and weather resistant. Some reviewers like to keep these multicolor lights on year-round, while others preferred breaking them out for parties and other festive occasions. 

One reviewer notes that “the colors alternate, and are very aesthetically pleasing. I’ve been getting compliments from my neighbors (adults and children).”

4
Best Sunflower

FORUP Sunflower Solar Stake Lights, Set of 2

Amazon’s Choice
FORUP Sunflower Solar Stake Lights, Set of 2

These decorative sunflower lights soak up the sun during the day and turn on automatically at night. These art deco-style flowers are almost 30 inches tall. One reviewer says the flowers “look so festive during the day and equally festive at night." Another loves that the “bright yellow is a perfect standout in the day and they are very bright at night!”

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
5
Most Elegant

GIGALUMI Solar Powered Path Lights, Set of 2

On Sale
GIGALUMI Solar Powered Path Lights, Set of 2

This two-pack of solar yard lights features powder-coated steel and a large window-shaded lampshade, adding charm and elegance to your pathways, garden or driveway. The lights charge during the day, then turn on automatically at night, lasting up to eight hours before requiring a recharge. They are designed to withstand weather extremes. The lights feature a 100% satisfaction 60-day guarantee. Reviewers love how durable they are, and how bright the light is. 

One writes, “these solar lights are absolutely waterproof. After a heavy rain period, they are still alive and work like before.” Another calls them a “great product … bright enough to illuminate a patch with a soft yellow glow that doesn’t glare in your windows at night.” 

6
Mega Wattage

APONUO LED 2-Watt Solar Spotlights

On Sale
APONUO LED 2-Watt Solar Spotlights

These lights will put a serious spotlight on whatever you aim it at. With an output of 150 lumens, the lights soak up power all day and pump out bright light for 8 hours on high and for 12 hours on low. Many people use these lights to highlight and showcase elements of their home near their paths, such as sculptures or fountains, in addition to providing much-needed illumination for navigation. 

These lights are highly reviewed by those seeking “powerful lights,” but it should be noted that they must be installed with a small solar panel (it’s part of the package), which will be a deal-breaker for many.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7
Best Lantern

GIGALUMI Star and Moon Solar Pathway Lights, Set of 6

On Sale
GIGALUMI Star and Moon Solar Pathway Lights, Set of 6

This six-pack of solar-powered garden lights features lantern-style lights with a hollowed-out star-and-moon-shaped patterns on the metal lantern. Reviewers love the patterns it throws on the walkway. 

It soaks up power during the day and switches on automatically at dusk. Some reviewers even utilized these lights in their trees and on their patios, in addition to their pathways, creating general outdoor ambience. The lanterns stand just under a foot tall and include AAA batteries.

One reviewer raved that they’ve “gotten so many compliments! Have them leading a path through my garden and around my gazebo and it truly is magical at night!!”

8
Most Subtle Lights

Dekugaa Solar Ground Lights, Set of 8

On Sale
Dekugaa Solar Ground Lights, Set of 8

These disk lights provide the perfect pop of subtle light along pathways. They provide light without drawing attention to themselves. This eight-pack of waterproof in-ground lights can be simply popped via their built-in stakes into the ground. They soak up rays all day and then turn on automatically at night. They come with a one-month free turn money-back guarantee. 

One reviewer says they’re “well designed” and “easy to set,” plus they “appear more fancy than others I’ve had in the past. If I ever needed to purchase again, I would without hesitation!”

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
9
Best Tiki-Style

Aityvert Solar Flickering Flame Torch Lights, Set of 4

On Sale
Aityvert Solar Flickering Flame Torch Lights, Set of 4

This four-pack of tiki-torch style lights is a wonderful way to welcome guests up your pathway, but many also use it as a decorative element at outdoor BBQ and camping events. The LED “flames” cast a safe, moody glow. The solar torches are 42.9 inches tall, and come with a built-in rechargeable battery that gives light for 12 hours in the summer and 5 hours in the winter when fully charged. 

Reviewers “LOVE these lights,” calling them “amazing,” “realistic” and “beautiful. Love them so much I bought my mother-in-law a set.” 

10
Firework Lights

EPIC GADGET Solar Firework Lights, Set of 2

On Sale
EPIC GADGET Solar Firework Lights, Set of 2

If you are hoping to spark conversation with your pathway lights, this two-pack of firework solar lights may be the way to go. The multicolor string lights are solar powered, and waterproof, with flexible branches that can be shaped as desired. Each “firework” is 10.5 inches around, and features 105 small lights. They add brightness and fun to walkways, and party hosts love to set them up around the yard for whimsical touches of sparkle.

Headshot of Kathleen Willcox
Kathleen Willcox is a journalist who writes about parenting, technology, shopping, food and wine. Her work appears in a variety of publications, including Popular Mechanics, Wine Enthusiast and SevenFifty Daily. She is based in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., where she lives with her husband and twins.
Watch Next 
solar pathway lights
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below