Best Solar Hanging Lanterns
Solar Hanging Lanterns have become more and more popular over the past few years, as the cost of LED lighting and solar panels has become less and less expensive. When most people think of solar outdoor lighting they think of ground-based solar path lighting, which is great, but solar hanging lights have become much more popular recently. The designs on these lights are adventurous and creative, with lots of different options, and a set-and-forget system.
After looking at several great options for solar-powered LED lanterns, we have determined that the Best Solar Hanging Lanterns available are the Soji Stella [Amazon Link] line of solar hanging lights.
- Constructed from durable fade- and...
- handmade
- Designed for year-round, outdoor use
- Solar panel with light sensor and dual white LED...
- Includes AAA rechargeable battery and stainless...
Last update on 2024-09-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
These lanterns feature stunning Mediterranean-inspired designs! They made from weatherproof Tyvek and stainless steel, and automatically turn on at night, and shut off and charge during the day. With five color and pattern options to choose from, and beautiful diffusion patterns to accent your patio or garden, these lanterns are a great choice for decoration and good vibes.
For a complete review of the Soji Stella line of lanterns, see our Product Reviews section below.
Runner Up Best Solar Lanterns
If you need a lantern that is perhaps a bit less stylish but more functional, we would suggest the Espier Solar Outdoor Lanterns [Amazon Link]. These attractive, well-constructed solar lights are not the cheapest on our list but give off quite good light, look great, and feature a waterproof IP55 rated housing. They can essentially be left out year round.
They have a loop for hanging on a hook, a clip for attaching to a patio umbrella or awning, and have a flat base for use as a table lamp. A single lamp will not provide enough light to read by, but a few of these would likely give off enough light for moderate task lighting.
For a complete review of the Espier lanterns, see below.
Last update on 2024-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Budget Pick: Best Solar Powered Hanging Lights
When it comes to a scoping out a good deal on solar lanterns, the Twinkle Star set of 8 [Amazon Link] is an outstanding budget pick. This set of 8 small LED lanterns cast an interesting diffuse pattern when on, due to the housing they are in, are completely weatherproof, turn on and off automatically, and are covered under a 180-day warranty. They can be hung in a variety of locations, and they bring great ambiance and vibes when turned on. These lights are not super bright and are more for atmosphere and pathway illumination than task lighting.
They are a great choice for solar LED hanging lights. For a complete review of these lights, please see our Product Reviews section below.
Last update on 2024-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Solar Hanging Light Reviews
In this section, we look at five different options for outdoor solar hanging lights. All of these are designed for outdoor exposure, all have solar panels and auto on/off controls, and all function quite well. We’ll start with a comparison table to get the lay of the land, and then look carefully at the pros and cons of each, and determine our favorite.
Last update on 2024-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Espier Solar Lantern Hanging Decorative Atmosphere Lamp for Pathway Garden Deck Waterproof Auto On/Off
The Espier Solar lantern has a reasonably attractive modern design somewhat reminiscent of Japanese design. They are fairly squat solar lanterns structured of a rectangular crisscrossed frame holding a clear plastic housing. Inside the housing is an LED candle, which flickers pretty significantly when lit.
The amount of light these cast off is reasonable to see by and for accent purposes but is generally not bright enough to use to read. Multiples of these may be used to create enough light to read by, however, only one is included in a purchase.
Key Points at a Glance
- Charge Time: 4-6 hours
- Light Time: 8-10 hours
- LEDs: 75PCS
- Auto on/off dusk to dawn sensor
- Color cast: warm white
- Waterproof (IP55), rustproof design
- 1-year warranty
Dimensions
- Dimensions: 3.5″ x 3.5″ x 5.4″
- Weight: 10.6 oz
The Details
The Espier Solar Hanging Lantern is a fairly attractive solar light with a flickering candle design that flickers pretty significantly but puts out decent light for 8-10 hours on a full charge. Typically these need 4-6 hours of direct sunlight to charge up completely and will glow for most of the night, gradually fading over time.
The Espier Solar Lantern has an auto on/off feature and dusk/dawn sensor, which automatically turns these lights on at dusk, and turns them off at dawn (if they’re still powered). Once you place them where you want them to go, you don’t really need to do anything to take care of them.
This solar lantern is powered by a standard NI-MH AA 1.2V 1500MAH battery, and the rechargeable battery should last for about 1.5 years of daily use. Once your battery is no longer recharging very well, you can just insert a new battery and it will glow like new once again!
These lanterns include a loop and a clip, either of which can be used to suspend the solar light. The clips are great for use in suspension on as an umbrella light, and the loop is ideal for hanging on hooks. When combined with shepherd hooks [Amazon Link], these lanterns are excellent for lighting up a pathway or accenting a small table. In some ways, they are better than ground-based solar garden lights as they bring the eye up a foot or so off the ground.
The design of these lanterns is pretty solid, and they can generally be left out in the elements for long periods of time without worry. Note: be sure you turn the switch to ON before you use the lantern.
The Bottom Line: High-Quality Hanging Solar Lights
The Espier solar lantern is a great choice for the garden, porch, pathway, or camping lighting. It features a set-and-forget design that is always welcome, and as long as it is placed in a sunny location, will give surprisingly nice lighting for hours at a time when the dusk descends.
These only come as one unit per package, and there’s no discount for purchasing multiple lanterns.
Last update on 2024-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Twinkle Star 8 Pcs Hanging Solar Lantern with Handle Umbrella Solar Lantern Waterproof Solar Landscape Lantern
The Twinkle Star Hanging Solar Lantern 8-pack is one of the best deals on solar lighting available. These units have a very cool diffusion pattern, as shown, and create an interesting environment when several of these lights are placed in a single area.
Key Points at a Glance
- Includes eight solar LED lanterns
- Automatically turns on and off at dawn and dusk
- Waterproof enclosed housing
- Charge Time: 6-8 hours
- Light Time: 8-10 hours
- Color Temperature: warm white
- Covered under 180-day guarantee
Dimensions
- Lantern Size: 2.5″ × 2.5″ × 5.5″
- Weight (per lantern): 3.2oz
The Details
The Twinkle Star 8 pack of solar lanterns is a fantastic bargain, with a package of eight lights, each in a waterproof housing, with an attractive design that illuminates in a very pretty way when lit.
These solar lanterns are designed with a handle attached to the top of the light, and they can easily be hung on a hook, a branch, shepherd hook, or virtually anything else. For ease of placement, you can disconnect the hook from one side and then re-attach it (important for hanging on trees).
The handles are made of soft plastic and are a potential failure point. If they break, these lanterns could be hung with wire or string as a replacement.
These look great on the ground, but even better when suspended. The light itself is a single bright LED light as opposed to a faux candle like some of the other lights on this list. These lanterns don’t flicker, but the light pattern, when swaying a bit in the wind, is stunning.
When you first receive these lights, be sure to turn on the switch on the solar cover, or you won’t get any illumination. After charging, these will glow for several hours before slowly fading. The battery on the Twinkle Star light is a 200mAh NiMH and should last for about 1.5 years before needing to be replaced.
The Bottom Line: Beautiful Solar Tree Lanterns
The Twinkle Star Solar Light pack of 8 is an outstanding choice for those who are looking for really atmospheric solar lanterns. The light pattern on these is the primary selling point, but we love that they are set-and-forget.
They are inexpensive enough that you can use several on a single tree, or to accent a single spot in the garden, or you can spread them out for solar path lights. These can be used in so many different ways, you’re going to want to buy multiple packs of them!
They are among the best solar hanging lights!
Last update on 2024-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Mabor Solar Lantern, Auto Sensor Vintage Twinkling Candle Effect (4 Pack)
The Mabor Solar Lantern four pack is a rather attractive set of four hanging solar lanterns, with a housing enclosing a faux-candle LED. These can be hung by the included loop, or with the included clip, as is shown on these cantilever umbrella lights.
Key Points at a Glance
- Comes in a pack of four
- Auto on/off dusk dawn feature
- Charging time: 8 hours
- Light Time: 8 hours
- Color temperature: Warm White
- Water resistant, but not waterproof
Dimensions
- Lantern Size: 3.5″ x 3.5″ x 4.9″
- Weight (per lantern): 0.44,lbs
The Details
The Mabor solar light package is another surprisingly good deal for a simple solar lantern set. With four lights included, these are ideal for those looking for a simple flickering lantern design but want a set-and-forget feature, and a water resistant, hassle-free housing.
The twinkle-effect of these LED faux candles is pretty high quality and looks nice when several are twinkling in the same area.
The Mabor lanterns can easily be suspended from a canopy or umbrella with their clips, placed on a table, or hung from a tree limb or hook. The design is quite versatile.
These units are not completely waterproof, but they are fairly water resistant. Don’t place them in an area where they will get soaked (such as by a garden sprinkler), as the battery housing will likely rust. And it’s best not to leave them directly on the ground, in the snow, for long periods.
The Bottom Line: Decorative Hanging Solar Lights
The Mabor solar lantern four pack is an attractive set, positioned at a surprisingly good price point. However, there is no warranty on these units, which gives us pause. Also, some have reported that their units came with broken candles, and with no way to open the lantern, there’s no way to fix the candle.
Finally, these are only water resistant, not waterproof, so they are prone to failure if you’re not careful where you place them. If they are sheltered, and you like the design, these are a good choice. If you want full flexibility as to where you put these lanterns, then it may be wise to pick a different set.
Last update on 2024-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
LampLust Outdoor Black Solar Candle Lanterns, 11″ Height, Warm White LEDs, Dusk to Dawn Technology, Batteries Included – Set of 2
The LampLust set of two black solar LED lanterns is a clear front-runner when it comes to build quality, with a large, rust resistant powder coated steel housing, and real glass panels encasing the faux candle. These lanterns have an operable door so that access to the interior of the lantern is available.
These units have a classic hand-held lantern shape, and while they’re not ultra modern, they stick to a pretty simple design aesthetic that will look great in a wide variety of environments.
Key Points at a Glance
- Set of two black solar lanterns with open-able housing
- Flickering LED faux candlelight illuminates these lanterns
- Features real glass panels
- Auto on/off dusk til dawn feature
- Color Temperature: Warm White
- Weatherproof housing
- Charging Time: 8 hours
- Light Time: 8 hours
- Covered under a 90-day warranty
Dimensions
- Lantern Dimensions: 5.6″ D x 11.5″ H
- Candle Dimensions: 3″ D x 4.5″ H
- Height with handle extended: 14″
- Weight: 2.2lbs (total weight)
The Details
The LampLust twin pair of solar LED lanterns has a very high-quality fit and finish, and is perhaps a step above some of the other items on our list in this area. The housing is quite attractive, but simple, and features a powder-coated steel frame, and real glass panels. There is an operable door to gain access to the interior of the lantern and the faux candle.
These units are wet-rated, but not 100% waterproof. They can be exposed to water, rain, and snow, but it is not recommended that they get submerged for any period of time in the water, such as being soaked with a sprinkler or covered in heavy snow.
The candle LED doesn’t really flicker, but gives off a steady, attractive warm light. The LampLust light automatically turns on at dusk and turns off at dawn (assuming it still has enough light). The whole system is pretty simple, just be sure to turn on the LED panel when first setting it all up.
There is a battery that is continuously charged by the solar panel, a 1.2V AA 600 mAh Ni-Mh battery. This will gradually fail over the course of about 1.5-2 years, and can easily be replaced when that time comes.
The Bottom Line: Outdoor Hanging Lanterns for Candles
The LampLust set of two black solar LED lanterns is a nice choice for many, and the build quality is solid. These lights are fairly large and quite nice looking. They are only water resistant, so not ideal for year-round use, and some have found that the lights simply don’t work as well after the battery has been changed. That said, they are covered under a 90-day warranty, which is certainly a help, and these really have a nice finish.
- PORCH DECOR - This set of two flameless candle lanterns is made of...
- DUSK TO DAWN - Powered by a built-in solar panel, the lantern lights...
- WEATHERPROOF - Both the lantern and candles are made from durable...
- REALISTIC GLOW - The included plastic solar candle illuminates each...
- WARRANTY - LampLust Tall Black Glass Solar Lanterns have a 90-day...
Last update on 2024-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Soji Stella LED Outdoor Solar Lantern, Handmade with Weather-Resistant UV Rated Tyvek fabric
The design of the Soji Stella Market and Boho solar LED lanterns is certainly the most Pinterest-worthy of any of the lights on our list. Available in five color and pattern options, these lanterns are made of weatherproof Tyvek material, and when lit, produce stunning diffusion patterns of light through the environment. The solar LEDs are placed in the middle of these paper-style lanterns, and they glow with a magical vibe through the night.
These do not glow particularly brightly and are only for accent lighting, but they are perfect for creating a magnificent ambiance.
Key Points at a Glance
- Available in five pattern and color options
- Hand-made with UV-resistant, weatherproof Tyvek material, and Stainless Steel
- Auto on/off feature, with dusk/dawn sensor
- Charge Time: 6-8 hours
- Light Time: 4-6 hours
- Color Temperature: Cool White/Blue
- Assembly is required
- Covered under a 1-year warranty
Dimensions
- 12″ sphere
- Weight: 8oz
The Details
Inspired by Mediterranean lanterns that produce stunning diffused patterns, the Soji Stella lights are fantastic solar lights for ambiance. These are an absolute hit when it comes to accent lighting. The color and patterns in these spherical lanterns look nice during the day and glow beautifully at night. Multiples of these lanterns certainly make a great design statement.
These lights are powered by a solar panel which charges an AAA battery. The battery will last for about 1.5-2 years before it needs to be changed. There is some minor assembly required, but it can be completed in 5-10 minutes, and you’ll have your light hanging beautifully, shortly after that time.
Some have had troubles with the solar panels not working properly upon receipt of the lantern. Allsop Home and Garden has a great 1-year warranty on these lights, so if you have any trouble with yours, you can easily request a replacement.
The color cast of these lanterns is a bit on the cool blue side, as opposed to the warm white that most people tend to like. However, it is diffused through the lantern shade, so we don’t see the color temperature as an issue. Some may find it a bit off-putting, and Allsop Home and Garden should consider switching their LED to a warmer, more candle-like tone.
The Bottom Line: Great Hanging Lantern Solar Lights
For ambient lighting, the Soji Stella Market and Boho line of solar hanging lanterns are an outstanding choice. They will go with virtually any decorative theme, from modern to Mediterranean to Transitional. These units look amazing, have a set-and-forget control, can be left out year-round (though we suggest taking them in when a serious storm is coming in), and look amazing. These are the best solar hanging lanterns for ambiance.
You certainly can’t read by these lights, and they will only make a marginal difference in your ability to see, but they are beautiful ambient lighting, and function as stunning accent pieces that look cool during the day, and illuminate gracefully at night. Unfortunately, they’re not available through Amazon Prime.
- Handmade with high-quality weather-resistant and UV treated Tyvek...
- Beautiful punched out fabric patterns, Easy to set up and lanterns...
- Solar lanterns charge by day and glow at night (with full charge...
- LED system uses one rechargeable AAA battery and solar panel - all...
- Allsop home & garden founded the 'Solar garden art' Concept and offers...
Last update on 2024-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion: Best Hanging Garden Lights
All of the hanging lights on our list will look wonderful in the garden or on the patio. With a wide variety of design, quantity, and price options presented here, we hope you can find the right look for your space. For us, there’s no need to look further than the Soji Stella Market lanterns, they are just so cool.
But if these aren’t for you, any of the others on our list will help create a magical outdoor space!
Last update on 2024-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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