Searching for the perfect hanging solar lights for your outdoor area can feel like a bit of a hunt.
You want something that’s not only tough and efficient but also looks good.
With all the choices out there, it can get pretty overwhelming trying to pick just the right one.
Lucky for you, we’ve been in the solar lighting game for over 5 years, so we know our way around these products.
We’ve gone ahead and put together a list of our top 10 favorite solar hanging lights.
Best Retro
Pearlstar Hanging Solar Light
Brightness: ★★★★★
Run Time: ★★★★★
Functionality: ★★★★
Warranty: ★★★★★
Runner up
Take Me Solar Candle Lantern
Brightness: ★★★★
Run Time: ★★★★★
Functionality: ★★★★
Warranty: ★★
Best Wall Mount
Icerona Solar Hanging Lantern
Brightness: ★★★★★
Run Time: ★★★★★
Functionality: ★★★★★
Warranty: ★★
The Best Outdoor Solar Hanging Lanterns Selection
Editor’s Choice
TomCare Metal Flickering Flame Solar Lantern
Key Features
- Material: Metal
- Dimensions: 4.7″L x 8.3″H
- Weight: 3.36 pounds
- Brightness: 25 lumens
- Charging time: 8 hours
- Working time: Up to 10 hours
- Weatherproofing: IP65
- Warranty: 1 Year
If you’re looking for a solar lantern that truly stands out, the TomCare Metal Flickering Flame Solar Lantern is a great choice.
This lantern features a unique dancing flame design that gives off “Game of Thrones” vibes in the best way possible.
The flames look incredibly realistic not only from a distance but even up close.
The metal construction also adds to the overall elegance of this lantern, making it a beautiful addition to any outdoor setting.
The lantern is weatherproof, with an IP65 rating, and includes a durable hook for easy hanging.
With a charging time of 8 hours and a working time of up to 10 hours, this lantern is sure to provide plenty of light for your outdoor gatherings.
These outdoor solar lights also come with a 45-day money-back guarantee and a 12-month warranty, making it a risk-free choice for your outdoor lighting needs.
When it comes to the downsides, the only notable issue is that this solar lantern is quite expensive.
Yes, it’s made of metal and has a unique design, but for some customers, the price may be a bit steep.
However, if you’re willing to invest in a high-quality and unique hanging solar lantern, the TomCare Metal Flickering Flame Solar Lantern is a great choice.
I also recommend getting the TomCare solar stump lights to add to the overall ambiance of your outdoor space.
Pros
- Vintage metal design
- Realistic flickering flame
- Up to 10 hours of working time
- IP65 weatherproofing
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- Quite expensive
Runner up
Take Me Solar Candle Lantern
Key Features
- Material: ABS plastic
- Dimensions: 5.5″D x 11″H
- Weight: 3.78 pounds
- Brightness: 10 lumens
- Charging time: 10 hours
- Working time: Up to 12 hours
- Weatherproofing: IP65
- Warranty: 1 Year
If you are looking for a solar lantern that will add a romantic touch to your outdoor space, the Take Me Solar Candle Lantern is the way to go.
This lantern features a candle-like design with real flame-effect LED lights.
The LED lights flicker and give off a warm, soft glow that adds a cozy flair to any outdoor setting.
I like the bronze finish of the plastic construction, as it adds to the overall vintage feel of this lantern.
This solar lantern features a huge 600mAh battery that can provide up to 12 hours of continuous lighting and 0.54W solar panels that can fully charge the battery within 10 hours of sunlight.
From our tests, we found that the light lasts about 6-8 hours per day charge, which is good enough for most evening gatherings.
I also appreciate the weatherproof design, with an IP65 rating, making it suitable for all types of outdoor weather conditions.
One downside to this solar lantern is that it has a lower brightness of 10 lumens.
I understand that this is just an accent light and it’s supposed to be soft and subtle, but I wish the lanterns were a little brighter.
I’m also not a great fan of plastic construction, especially considering the price.
But overall, the Take Me Solar Candle Lantern is a great choice for anyone looking for romantic and cozy outdoor lighting.
Pros
- Realistic candle flame design
- Cozy lighting effect
- Up to 12 hours of working time
- IP65 weatherproofing
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- Lower brightness of 10 lumens
- Plastic construction is not as durable or elegant as metal options
Best Light Pattern
Kaixoxin Solar Lantern Lights
Key Features
- Material: Metal
- Dimensions: 5.12″D x 8.66″H
- Weight: 0.76 pounds
- Brightness: 7 lumens
- Charging time: 7 hours
- Working time: Up to 12 hours
- Weatherproofing: IPX4
- Warranty: 1 Year
If you want unique and eye-catching lighting for your outdoor space, the Kaixoxin Solar Lantern Lights are a great choice.
These solar lanterns feature a cylindrical shape and have cutouts in the metal construction that create beautiful patterns on surfaces when lit up.
I must say that I’m in love with the design of these solar lanterns and they add a fun touch to any outdoor setting.
These solar lanterns have a 7-lumen brightness, which is on the lower end, but they more than make up for it with their unique patterns.
In terms of battery and charging, these solar lanterns have a 600mAh battery that can provide up to 12 hours of lighting and 0.16W solar panels for quick charging in about 7 hours of sunlight.
Now, it’s important to mention that this solar lantern isn’t as big as it appears in the product photos.
It’s only about 5 inches in diameter and as tall as a notebook, so keep that in mind when purchasing.
The frame is also made of thin metal, so it’s pretty lightweight but surprisingly the wind doesn’t easily knock it over because of the porous design (the holes provide paths for the wind to pass through.)
Overall, the Kaixoxin Solar Lantern Lights are a great choice for anyone looking for unique and decorative outdoor lighting.
There is also another amazing solar lantern that gives off a leaf pattern if that’s more your style.
Pros
- Unique and eye-catching light pattern design
- Up to 12 hours of working time
- Quick 7-hour charging time
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- Smaller size than it appears in product photos
- Lightweight
Best for Pathways
Maggift 34 Inch Hanging Solar Lights
Key Features
- Material: ABS plastic
- Dimensions: 6.3″D x 9.5″H
- Weight: 0.45 pounds
- Brightness: 4 lumens
- Charging time: 8 hours
- Working time: Up to 10 hours
- Weatherproofing: IP44
- Warranty: 30 days
If you’re looking for solar lanterns to line a pathway or accent your garden, the Maggift 34 Inch Hanging Solar Lights are a great option.
These hanging solar lights feature an elegant black finish and a classic lantern shape with clear glass panels.
They come with two, 34″ shepherd hooks for easy installation in your desired location.
I love the vintage touch it adds to any outdoor setting and they provide just the right amount of subtle lighting for a pathway or garden.
It’s not the brightest solar light, with only 4 lumens, but it’s enough to see where you’re going at night.
The light color is more of a natural white than a warm yellow, which is something that I’m not a big fan of.
Natural, blue light is great for certain tasks, but I prefer warmer tones for ambiance.
In terms of battery and charging, each of these solar hanging lights has a 300mAh battery that can provide up to 10 hours of lighting after 8 hours of sunlight.
Sadly, this solar hanging light does come with some durability concerns.
The plastic construction is not as durable as metal options, so these solar lights may not last a long time in harsh weather conditions.
The shepherd hooks are also very delicate and easily bendable, which is a downside in windy areas.
Pros
- Elegant black finish
- Classic lantern shape
- Last up to 10 hours at night
- Comes with shepherd hooks for easy installation
- Good price for the quality
Cons
- The light is natural white rather than warm yellow
- Not as durable in harsh weather conditions
- Delicate shepherd hooks
- No warranty
Best Design
Maggift Outdoor Hanging Solar Lantern
Key Features
- Material: ABS plastic
- Dimensions: 6″D x 6.7″H
- Weight: 0.7 pounds
- Brightness: 6 lumens
- Charging time: 8 hours
- Working time: Up to 10 hours
- Weatherproofing: IP44
- Warranty: 30 days
If you are into solar Chinese lanterns, then this one is specially made for you.
The globe design reminds me of the red Chinese festival solar lanterns, yet those have a more oriental touch to them with their beautiful rusty white finish.
It has elegant cut-out patterns that create beautiful shadow effects when lit up at night.
Speaking of lighting, this solar hanging lantern puts out 6 lumens of warm white light.
I like the light color and I’m a huge fan of the design but I wished it was a bit brighter.
This solar hanging lantern is advertised to last up to 10 hours at night but from my experience, it lasts for about 5-6 hours max.
The solar panels are just not that efficient at charging the battery, but to be honest, it’s a little hard to get enough direct sunlight to solar lanterns because of the shadows cast by trees and buildings.
It’s also not very durable, so I wouldn’t recommend leaving it outside during heavy rain or snow.
But overall, it’s a great addition to any outdoor space and adds a touch of whimsy with its unique design.
Pros
- Unique globe design
- Amazing rusty white finish
- Elegant cut-out patterns
- Warm white light
Cons
- Not very bright
- Short battery life
- Not durable in harsh weather conditions
Best Retro
Pearlstar Hanging Solar Light
Key Features
- Material: ABS plastic
- Dimensions: 5.5″D x 8.3″H
- Weight: 1.1 pounds
- Brightness: 30 lumens
- Charging time: 8 hours
- Working time: Up to 10 hours
- Weatherproofing: IP44
- Warranty: 6 months
If you prefer a more retro and vintage design, you can go with the Pearlstar hanging solar light.
This outdoor solar hanging lantern is made with ABS plastic and has a beautiful matte black finish.
It reminds me of solar lanterns in jungle adventures or old Western movies, which is cool if I might say.
They also come with an adjustable handle, making it easier for you to hang them wherever you want.
But the highlight of these hanging solar lights is their brightness.
Each lantern put out 30 lumens, which is a lot better than some of the more decorative options out there.
They have a 600mAh battery that fully charges within 8 hours of sunlight and powers the lantern for up to 10 hours at night.
Pearlstar also offers a 6-month warranty, so if you have any issues with the product, they will replace it for you.
With that being said, I’m not a huge fan of these solar hanging lights.
The design I love but the solar part is where it falls short.
The solar panel isn’t very efficient and most likely you’ll end up with just 3-4 hours of lighting, which is pretty disappointing.
But this is a cool-looking solar lantern and if you’re willing to sacrifice some solar efficiency for the retro design, these are worth considering.
Pros
- Retro and vintage design with matte black finish
- Adjustable handle for easy hanging
- Brightness of 30 lumens
- 6-month warranty
Cons
- Inefficient solar panel with short working time.
Best Wall Mount
Icerona Solar Hanging Lantern
Key Features
- Material: Metal
- Dimensions: 7″D x 11″H
- Weight: 1.5 pounds
- Brightness: 20 lumens
- Charging time: 8 hours
- Working time: Up to 10 hours
- Weatherproofing: IP65
- Warranty: 30 days
If you prefer a wall mount option, check out the Icerona solar hanging lantern.
This outdoor lantern is made of metal and has a rustic bronze finish, giving it an antique look.
It reminds me of the Maldives or Bora Bora, making it perfect for a beach or tropical-themed outdoor space.
But the design isn’t just for looks.
The UV protection layer, along with the IP65 weatherproofing, makes this solar hanging lantern durable and able to withstand rain or other harsh weather.
It also has a 20-lumen brightness, making it great for providing some extra light in your outdoor area.
The light fully charges within 8 hours and lasts up to 10 hours at night on a full charge.
So you should expect at least 5 hours of light per night.
And you get free stainless steel hooks for easy mounting on walls or solar fence lights.
One downside to this solar hanging lantern is that it only comes with a 30-day warranty.
But overall, these are a beautiful and durable option for wall-mount solar lanterns.
Pros
- Antique, rustic bronze design
- Durable metal construction
- Lasts up to 10 hours at night
- 20 lumens output
- Free wall mounting kit
- UV protection and IP65 weatherproofing
Cons
- Only comes with a 30-day warranty
Best Crackle Glass
Roshwey Solar Globe Lantern
Key Features
- Material: Glass
- Dimensions: 3.5″D x 5.3″H
- Weight: 3 pounds
- Brightness: 60 lumens
- Charging time: 6 hours
- Working time: Up to 10 hours
- Weatherproofing: IP65
- Warranty: 6 months
If you’re looking for something a bit more cozy and welcoming, then this solar hanging lantern is for you.
The warm yellow light leaks out through the delightful cracked glass, creating a beautiful ambiance in any outdoor setting.
I also love that it has a rope handle, allowing you to hang it anywhere or even carry it around with you.
Solar lights are quite bright as well.
With 60 lumens and a 1600mAh battery, it can last up to 10 hours at night after just 6 hours of sunlight.
It’s also durable with its IP65 weatherproof rating, making it able to withstand rain and snow without any issues.
The only downside is that the lids are not perfect.
They don’t seal properly and can rust, so it’s important to make sure they are tightly closed before leaving your solar lanterns out in the rain.
Pros
- Stylish crackle glass design
- Elegant rope handle
- Lasts up to 10 hours at night
- 60 lumens output
- IP65 weatherproof
- 6 months warranty
Cons
- Lids do not seal properly and can rust
Best Mason Jar
Gigalumi Solar Fairy Lanterns
Key Features
- Material: Glass
- Dimensions: 3.2″D x 5.3″H
- Weight: 0.78 pounds/Jar
- Brightness: 5 lumens
- Charging time: 8 hours
- Working time: Up to 10 hours
- Weatherproofing: IP65
- Warranty: 3 months
These hanging solar lanterns come in a set of 6 mason jars, making them perfect for decorating an outdoor party or backyard gathering.
Each jar has its solar panel, 400mAh battery, and 30 LED string fairy lights.
The fairy lights are small but put out a nice warm white glow, creating a cozy and romantic atmosphere.
However, the light output is not very bright at only 5 lumens per jar.
But I like that they have an IP65 weatherproof rating, meaning they can withstand rain and snow without any damage.
They take about 8 hours of direct sunlight to fully charge and can last up to 10 hours at night, which is pretty standard among solar mason jar lights.
Gigalumi also offers a 3-month warranty, so if you run into any issues, they will replace your solar lanterns for free.
Overall, these solar hanging lanterns are great for adding a touch of charm and personality to any outdoor space.
Also, if you have lots of old mason jars lying around, you can buy the cap with solar lights separately and DIY your solar hanging lanterns.
Pros
- Set of 6 mason jars with metal hooks
- Lasts up to 10 hours at night
- 30 warm white LEDs
- IP65 weatherproof
- 3 months warranty
Cons
- Not so bright at only 5 lumens per jar
Best Fairy
Kaixoxin Solar Lantern Fairy Lights
Key Features
- Material: Glass
- Dimensions: 4.33″D x 6.1″H
- Weight: 1.35 pounds
- Brightness: 5 lumens
- Charging time: 6 hours
- Working time: Up to 12 hours
- Weatherproofing: IP44
- Warranty: 30 days
Just look at it.
I don’t have to sell you the aesthetic charm of this solar fairy lantern.
It’s just stunning with beautiful fairy shadows and a breathtaking frosted glass design that diffuses the light nicely, adding a touch of magic to any outdoor space.
But it’s not just a pretty face.
The solar part is extremely good too.
They equipped this fairy jar with a 1.2W solar panel and a 600mAh battery.
In layman’s terms, the solar panel should fully charge the battery within just 6 hours of sunlight.
After that, the battery will power the 20 warm white LEDs for up to 12 hours at night!
The jar also comes with a hemp rope handle, allowing you to easily hang it anywhere or carry it with you.
And when it comes to the warranty, Kaixoxin has your back.
If you receive a broken jar, they offer fast and free replacements.
The only thing that I don’t like about these solar hanging lanterns is the weatherproofing.
It’s only IP44 rated, meaning it can handle light rain and splashes but not heavy rain.
But overall, these solar lanterns are worth considering for their unique and eye-catching design.
I have 2 of these next to my flower beds and they add a lot of character to my outdoor solar lights decor.
You should also consider getting some solar flower lights to complete the look.
Pros
- Beautiful frosted glass design with fairy shadows
- Lasts up to 12 hours at night
- 20 warm white LEDs
- Comes with a hemp rope handle for hanging or carrying
- Fast and free replacements for broken jars
Cons
- Will break in heavy rain
How to Choose the Best Solar Hanging Lights?
1. The Lantern’s Size
It’s common for people to pick solar lanterns based on the pictures they see online.
But here’s the thing—sometimes those photos aren’t exactly what they seem.
Sellers might zoom in a lot or use some clever Photoshop tricks to make a lantern look way bigger and brighter than it is.
Let me paint you a picture: imagine you find this awesome lantern online that could light up your backyard.
You get excited, you buy it, but when it arrives, it’s so small it barely lights up the table it’s hanging over.
If the description says it’s 10 inches tall but looks massive in the picture, that’s a red flag.
For a big area, you’d want something around 15-20 inches tall to make a difference.
But if it’s just for a small spot or a tiny balcony, something smaller, like 6-10 inches, would be just fine and not too overpowering.
So, always make sure to peek at the dimensions in the product details before you hit that buy button.
2. Brightness & Light Temperature
When picking out solar lights, you’ll notice they talk about ‘lumens‘ and ‘Kelvins.’
Let me break it down for you: lumens measure how bright the light is.
More lumens mean a brighter light.
Simple, right?
Now, for the color of the light, which is measured in Kelvins.
If you like a cozy, yellowish glow, go for warm white lights with a lower Kelvin number, around 2500-3500K.
They’re great for creating a relaxing vibe.
If you prefer a cleaner, brighter look, natural white lights are the way to go; they’re usually between 3500-4500K.
And if you’re into a modern, cooler light that has a bluish tint, look for cool white lights, which are around 4500-5500K.
For most gardens or patios, I’d suggest sticking with warm white lights.
They’re just perfect for adding a soft, inviting glow that makes everything look nice and cozy.
3. Charging Time
The charge time is how many hours of direct sunlight your solar panels need to fully juice up the battery.
This depends mainly on two things: how efficient the solar panels are and how big the battery is.
You want efficient solar panels because they convert sunlight into power faster, which is important on cloudy days or in the winter when sunlight is scarce.
Now, about the battery—it’s a lot like a car’s fuel tank.
The bigger the battery, the more energy it can store, which means your lights will stay on longer once it gets dark.
It’s perfect because it keeps your garden or patio lit up all night, providing both security and a cozy atmosphere for relaxing or socializing.
So, my advice?
Go for solar lights with both high-efficiency solar panels and a large battery capacity.
This combination ensures they charge up quickly and light up your space for a long time.
I also ensured to pick out lights that give you at least one hour of light for every hour they spend in the sun, so you get the most out of them each night.
4. Working Time
When we talk about how long your solar hanging lights can glow each night, or their “run time,” we’re looking at two big factors.
First up, there’s the battery capacity.
Think of it like a big water jug—the bigger the jug (or battery), the longer your lights will shine before they need a recharge.
Then, you’ve got to consider the LEDs themselves—the little lights that make your garden bright.
The more LEDs you have and the more power they chew through, the quicker they’ll drain that big jug of energy.
More powerful LEDs mean your lights might not last as long before they need to soak up some more sun.
Keep in mind, the run time you see on the box is usually a best-case scenario.
In the real world, things like weather and where you place the lights can make a difference, so they might not last quite as long as advertised.
I’ve dug into the details to find solar hanging lights that not only look great but are also reliable.
I aimed for lights that can give you a solid 6-8 hours of light once they’re fully charged, ensuring your space stays lit up from dusk till (almost) dawn.
5. The Lantern’s Weight & Material
The weight of a lantern is what tells you how easy or tricky it’ll be to hang it up and keep it looking good.
When you’re on the hunt for solar hanging lights, remember that the material they’re made from plays a huge role in how heavy they are.
Each material comes with its own set of pros and cons, affecting not just the weight but also how the lantern looks and how long it’ll last.
For instance, metal lanterns tend to be on the heavier side.
They add a timeless, sometimes rustic charm to your garden or patio and are sturdy enough to stay put even when it’s pretty breezy.
But, because they are heavier, you need to make sure they’re securely fastened to strong mounts or chains.
On the flip side, lanterns made from plastic or lightweight synthetic materials are a breeze to handle.
You can pop them up on simple setups like small hooks or even dangle them from tree branches without much trouble.
The material also determines how well the lanterns can handle the weather.
Metal is tough and long-lasting but might need some extra care, like a protective coating, to stop rust if they’re outside all year.
Plastic lanterns might not look as fancy, but they can resist the elements and don’t need much looking after, making them a smart pick if you’re after something more maintenance-free.
When I was picking out lights for this guide, I thought about these things.
I went for lanterns that strike the right balance between being practical and durable, so they’re not just easy to set up but are also built to last.
6. Material & Weatherproofing
Since you’re getting outdoor lights, you should ensure they’re weatherproof to last a long time.
How well a light can handle different weather conditions is shown by its IP rating.
A higher IP rating means the light can stand up to tougher weather.
The IP rating has two numbers: the first one measures protection against solid objects like dust (on a scale from 0 to 6), and the second measures protection against liquids (on a scale from 0 to 8).
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- IP44: Protected against solid objects over 1mm (like wires) and splashing water.
- IP65: Dust-tight and protected against low-pressure jets of water from any direction.
- IP66: Dust-tight and protected against powerful jets of water.
- IP67: Dust-tight and protected against temporary immersion in water.
For any outdoor setup, I’d recommend opting for lights with at least an IP65 rating.
Lights with this rating can handle everything from a drizzle to a more substantial rainstorm without a hitch.
A lower rating might not cut it in heavy rain or high dust conditions, potentially shortening the life of your lights.
7. Warranty
You should always look for some sort of warranty when you’re in the market for solar hanging lights.
A good warranty is like a promise from the company that makes them.
They’re telling you, “Hey, we believe in our product, and if something isn’t right, we’ll fix it or replace it.”
This kind of backup is super reassuring, right?
That’s why I always nudge you towards options that offer at least a 1-year warranty or even a 30-day money-back guarantee.
I also made sure all the lights in this guide come from companies that back their products with strong warranties so you can feel confident about your purchase.
FAQs
How Long Does a Solar Lantern Last?
Solar lanterns last for 2 years before needing to be replaced. The battery’s lifespan will depend on how often they are used and charged, but most solar lantern batteries can last for about 500 charge cycles.
Can Solar Lanterns Be Used Indoors?
Solar lanterns can be used indoors as long as they have enough exposure to sunlight during the day to charge. There are also a few ways to charge solar lanterns without sun but they are just not as effective as direct sunlight.
Do Solar Lanterns Need Direct Sunlight to Charge?
Solar lanterns don’t need direct sunlight to charge but they will take longer to charge in indirect or shaded sunlight. It’s best to place solar lanterns in direct sunlight during the day to ensure they are fully charged for the night.
Conclusion
As promised, we’ve walked you through everything you need to know to choose the perfect solar hanging lights for your outdoor space.
Here’s a quick tip: check out the TomCare Metal Flickering Flame Solar Lantern.
It has a realistic flickering flame effect that adds a warm, inviting vibe, making it great for a cozy atmosphere or as a standout piece in your garden.
If you have any questions or need more help, we’re here to assist you in making the best choice for your space!
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