The 10 Best Solar String Lights

What’s great about them: Perfect for backyard decks or gazebos, these high-quality globes make great outdoor patio string lights as well as decoration for numerous other occasions. With 20 feet of length, they have an IP65 rating that makes them equipped to handle sudden rainstorms and other unexpected weather scenarios. They have eight lighting modes, come in three color choices, and last up to eight hours on a full, six-hour charge. Best of all, they have a built-in sensor that turns them on automatically when it’s dark and powers them off when it’s light out.

One reviewer wrote: “Love these. I was looking for something to hang on my patio but really wanted a solar option that didn't require manual on/off. It’s been about 3 weeks now that I’ve put them up and I still love them, they come on every night and really makes the space feel nice and warm. It was just the passive solar solution we needed.”

What’s great about them: Made with twinkling, loose-hanging fairy strings, these solar-powered firefly lights provide any outdoor setting with an ethereal vibe. Reviewers noted that they’re incredibly easy to install, and the set features 10 strings of lights on copper wire. The water-resistant lights have eight lighting modes and a built-in sensor to know when it’s dark. Additionally, the quick-charging battery offers eight hours of illumination, and the IP65 rating means you don’t have to stress if you spot storm clouds forming.

One reviewer wrote: “I like the brightness, the different modes, and how well they look.”

• Also available on Walmart, $30, and Brightech, $49

What's great about them: With more than 18,000 reviews and a 4.5 star rating, these large-bulb solar string lights are a fan favorite on Amazon. They have big Edison-style bulbs that help you channel the look of a European café, which makes them great for outdoor barbecues or backyard garden parties. At 27 feet long, they feature “WeatherTite” technology, which means they can handle rainfall and heavy wind (though, they don’t have an IP rating).

The strong 3,000K LED lights are attached to simple push-down stakes you can put in the yard, and there’s also a clip you can use to attach them to the roof or other structures. Able to charge in five to six hours, they last for roughly five hours at a time and come in your choice of soft white or warm white light. There’s also a larger option at 48 feet if you need to cover more space.

One reviewer wrote: “Love, love, love these lights! Bought one set a year ago & they even worked during the winter in upstate NY! Wow! I bought 2 more set recently and they are perfect. Makes me go to my windows to look at them when it is too cold out!”

What’s great about them: With glowing LED bulbs and a quick-charging design (that juices up in just eight hours), these pretty star-shaped string lights make a great choice. In addition to charging fast, they last 10 to 12 hours once they get going. Plus, they’re water-resistant with an IP65 rating, and they’re super easy to install, according to reviewers. There are eight lighting modes you can toggle between, including waves, flashing, twinkling, and more. You can also choose from three different colors.

One reviewer wrote: “Love these solar lights. Very bright and twinkly. Easy to install and you don’t have to run electrical or worry about turning them on or off.”

What’s great about them: If you’re looking for a whimsical touch, these dragonfly solar string lights are just the ticket. The IP65-rated lights are 21 feet long and feature 30 multicolor dragonflies. The offer eight different modes, including waves, gradual, and chasing flash, and they turn on automatically at night for eight to 10 hours of illumination. Choose from three other additional styles, including a bee, star, or waterdrop shapes.

One reviewer wrote: “I have turned my back yard into a twinkling wonderland. These light were easy to install, and I love the fact they are solar powered, no electrical cords running every where. They are very bright, and having different modes adds a lot of [variety].”

What’s great about them: With thousands of fans on Amazon, these string lights showcase a set of 30 teardrop-style casings to hang around your backyard or other outdoor spaces when you want a more festive atmosphere. The cable is 20 feet long with a solar battery that lasts up to 10 hours once charged. There’s also an easy on-off switch and the option for either flashing or steady light. While these lights don’t have an IP rating, they are weatherproof, according to the brand. Plus, there’s a light-saving mode you can set to make them shut off when it gets light out.

One reviewer wrote: “These are awesome! Just beautiful! Colors are bright & the lights come on at dusk & stay on til daylight! I have had these for a year & they still look & work like new. The best solar lights I ever bought from Amazon.”

What’s great about them: If you like a little color but you don’t want it to be too busy or flashy, this two-pack of solar string lights come in seven color options: blue, green, purple, white, multicolor, red, and yellow. They also come in five four different lengths ranging from 33 to 80 feet. The weather-resistant lights charge fast, according to reviewers, and they’re simple to install, but they aren’t IP-rated. The flexible copper in the wires makes them simple to adjustable — and like several other options, they showcase eight light modes.

One reviewer wrote: “Easy to install. It arrived fully charged (right out of the boxes) so we were able to see beautiful colors since we were installing it in the dark. Impressive!. Definitely recommend purchasing it.”

What’s great about them: Level up your outdoor decor game with this set of solar-powered lids and lights, which work with your own standard mason jars. With 10 pieces in a set, the lids offer eight hours of light and take around six hours to recharge. And the IP65 rating means they can be used indoors or outdoors to brighten up backyard gatherings, camping trips, barbecues, and more. You can also opt for an eight-pack at a slightly lower price.

One reviewer wrote: “I decided to purchase masonjar solar lights to add a little extra to my garden. These lights did not disappoint. They are absolutely beautiful and add a magical look to my back yard. They stay lit all night and shine brightly. These lights would also be a fun addition to use as lanterns for camping. These lights are awesome and I’m so glad I purchased them.”

What’s great about them: Flexible and easy to set up, these outdoor solar string lights for trees are perfect for wrapping around things like tree trunks, gazebos, wooden pillars, and porch posts. They offer eight different lighting modes, including flashing, twinkling, and slow fade. With an IP44 rating, they’re slightly water-resistant (though not as much as some of the other options on this list) and boast nearly 33 feet of length. They last for eight to 12 hours when fully charged and come in nine color choices.

One reviewer wrote: “No plugs to worry about [...] Lights are bright and the different colors and patterns are appealing.. Plenty of extra wire to use when positioning the solar panel.”

What’s great about them: Designed with warm white teardrop LEDs, these vibrant string lights create a beautiful ambience wherever you place them. They’re water-resistant, according to the brand, and you don’t need screws or other complicated hardware to install them. They also charge quickly in the sun and offer a selection of eight lighting modes so you can set just the right vibe for the occasion. Choose from three different color options.

One reviewer wrote: “Love these festive lights. Very easy to hang outside. The colorful glow is very peaceful. Bought several more since.”