Finding the best hanging solar lights for your outdoor space can be tricky.
You want something that is durable, efficient, and of course, aesthetically pleasing.
And with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose one.
We have over 5 years of experience in the solar lighting industry and we know a thing or two about finding the best outdoor hanging solar light.
That’s why we have compiled a list of our top 10 favorites for you.
We made sure each of these hanging solar lights are different in style and function,
so you are sure to find one that fits your outdoor space perfectly.
How to Choose the Best Solar Hanging Lights?
Before getting into the top picks, let’s take 2 minutes to understand what makes good solar lights.
This section is very important and will make sure you pick not only good solar lanterns that suit your decoration needs but also a lantern that is well priced and will last for years to come.
1. Size
This may seem obvious but I’ve seen so many people buying their lanterns based on the seller’s photos.
Most of the time, the sellers will magnify the photo to make the lantern look bigger.
In fact, some of them don’t even take their own photos, they just get a stock image and add their product to it using photoshop.
And of course, they will make the product bigger in the photo so it looks more impressive.
So make sure you check the dimensions of the solar lanterns before purchasing.
2. Brightness & Light Temperature
The brightness of a hanging solar street light is measured in lumens. The higher the lumens, the brighter the light output will be.
The light temperature is measured in Kelvins and it refers to the color of the light.
- Warm white lights have a lower Kelvin (2500-3500K) and give off a yellowish glow
- Natural white lights have a higher Kelvin (3500-4500K) and give off a more white, bright light
- Cool white lights have an even higher Kelvin (4500-5500K) and give off a bluish glow
When it comes to hanging solar lights, I recommend shopping for warm white lights as they give off a softer, more ambient light, which is perfect for decoration.
3. Charging Time
The charge time is how many hours of direct sunlight it takes for solar panels to fully charge your battery.
This number mainly depends on 2 things: the wattage of solar panels (efficiency) and the capacity of the battery.
The better solar panels, the less sunlight it needs to fully charge the battery, so your lights can work all night even in winter or overcast days.
On average, most solar lights need about 8 hours of direct sunlight to fully charge.
4. Working Time
This is how long the hanging solar light can last on a full charge, usually measured in hours.
The run time depends on the battery capacity and the lamp’s wattage (brightness and color) – the higher the wattage, the shorter the run time.
Most solar hanging lanterns can last for about 10 hours on a full charge but the catch is that is the maximum amount of light you can get.
Most of the time, your battery won’t get a full charge during the day and you’ll get only 5-6 hours of light before the battery dies.
5. Weight
When it comes to hanging solar lanterns, weight is an extremely important factor.
You want to make sure it’s not too heavy that it pulls on the hanger and breaks, but also not too light that it blows away in the wind.
6. Material & Weatherproofing
You want a durable material that can withstand harsh weather conditions, such as strong winds, rain, and even snow.
Look for products with weatherproof ratings, such as IP65 or higher, to ensure your solar hanging lanterns can withstand the elements.
7. Warranty
A good warranty shows that the company stands by their product and will take care of any potential issues with your solar hanging lantern.
It’s important to mention that not having a warranty for a solar product does not necessarily mean it’s bad.
But a warranty can give you peace of mind and make sure you’re covered if anything goes wrong.
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. And 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
![TAKE ME [2 Pack] 14" Solar Lantern Outdoor Garden Hanging Lantern Waterproof LED Flickering Flameless Candle Mission Lights for Table,Outdoor,Party Valentine's Day Gift](https://solarenergyhackers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Take-Me-Solar-Candle-Lantern.jpg "Take-Me-Solar-Candle-Lantern")
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 really 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 definitely 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 panel 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 lantern 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 solar lantern is made with ABS plastic and has a beautiful matte black finish.
It reminds me of solar lantern in jungle adventures or old western movies, which is really 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 really 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 really 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 solar 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 own individual solar panel, 400mAh battery, and 30 LED string fairy light.
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 laying around, you can buy the cap with solar lights separately and DIY your own 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 really 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
Related Article: The 14 Best Solar Tiki Torches
FAQs
How Long Does a Solar Lantern Last?
Solar lanterns typically 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
There you have it, our top picks for the best outdoor solar hanging lanterns.
Whether you’re looking for a pop of color with mason jar solar lanterns or the stunning charm of a frosted glass fairy lantern, these solar hanging lights are sure to add some personality and character to your outdoor space.
Just remember to keep them in direct sunlight during the day for optimal charging and to check the weatherproof rating before leaving them out in the rain.
Happy shopping!
