The solar path lights in our lineup feature various designs some are more decorative than others, and some come with brighter LED bulbs. The solar lights were also awarded points for providing something extra, such as creating exciting light patterns on the ground or featuring color-changing LED bulbs. The exception to this rule was the Aityvert torches, which stayed on until the sun rose. We noticed that the more lumens the light produced, typically the shorter they remained alight at night. We awarded points for real glass and metal components, but we also included well-made plastic models because they’re more affordable and offer similar illumination. We tested each set of lights and noted their intensity, how long their batteries lasted, and whether they were made from durable materials. Solar lights don’t come with many functions, but consumers want to know that they’re getting well-made lights that won’t rust or die after a rain shower. Photo: Glenda Taylor How We Tested the Best Solar Path Lights

BEST TIKI TORCHES: Aityvert 4 Pack Flickering Flames Torch Lights.

BEST FOR LONG PATHS: Azirier 12 Pack Solar Garden Lights.

MOST VERSATILE: JSOT 4 Pack Bright Solar Outdoor Lights.

MOST DECORATIVE: CCJK Outdoor Solar Garden Rose Stake Lights.

BEST FOR COLOR: Osord 4 Pack Color Changing Solar Pathway Lights.

BEST LIGHT PATTERN: Gigalumi 8 Pack Solar Pathway Lights.

BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Maggift 6 Pack Solar Powered Pathway Lights.

RUNNER-UP: Plow & Hearth Solar Garden Path Lights.

BEST OVERALL: Beau Jardin 8 Pack Solar Pathway Lights.Spoiler-some are super bright, while others emit a softer glow.

Keep reading for our top tips and recommendations when shopping for the best solar path lights-and don’t miss the results of our hands-on tests. We installed numerous sets along sidewalks and garden beds and left them in place for a few weeks to see how they fared in the outdoor elements and whether they came on every evening when the sun set. We wanted to know whether these lights lived up to the hype. Drawing photovoltaic energy directly from the sun, these lights rely on the day’s sunshine to operate, either via rechargeable battery or remote solar panel. Path lights help extend outdoor enjoyment well past sunset, and when solar powered, they don’t even add to your electricity bill.

Solar outdoor pathway lighting