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When it comes to landscape lighting, both style and function are key. Solar Reactors
Better Homes & Gardens / Alli Waataja
Whether you’re lighting a sidewalk or putting the spotlight on stately trees, having the right lighting can go a long way toward creating an enjoyable outdoor space. However, choosing the right combination of style and function can be challenging.
Plenty of landscape lighting options exist, including solar and electric options. To find the best landscape lighting options, we researched a variety of picks and considered factors such as type of power, size, material, and installation. We also consulted Lindsey Hyland, founder of Urban Organic Yield, and Kate Diaz, co-owner of Swanky Den, for additional insight.
It’s a low-voltage system that’s easy to install.
You’ll need to purchase the transformer and low-voltage wire separately.
Overall, the best landscape lighting option is this pathway light by Hykolity. These mushroom pathway lights are perfect for those wanting an easier, low-voltage landscape lighting option. Plus, they are designed with a heavy-duty stake that gets inserted into the ground and they come with a wire connector for quicker, easier installation.
The life of the lights is about 50,000 hours total thanks to the integrated LEDs that won’t need changing out. They’re resistant to the weather due to the cast aluminum material they’re made from. Plus, the lights will even stand up to snow as well as rain, making them a great choice for all types of climates.
Be aware that the lights come in a set of six, but you’ll need to purchase a transformer and some wire separately. However, the lights are still a favorite because they also come with a five-year warranty.
The LED bulbs will also help save on your energy costs because they use LED lighting equivalent to 10-watt incandescent bulbs, which work out to be about 150 lumens. Plus, installation is designed to be relatively quick and easy.
If you don’t love the mushroom-shaped cap design, you also have the option of choosing different shapes. The round lights offer a more modern feel while the crackled shade option lends a more classic look to your yard.
Product Details: Power Type: Wired | Size: 5 x 5 x 16 inches | Material: Aluminum, plastic
These can simply be placed on the ground and have an automatic on and off feature for easy operation.
They’re powered by the sun, so cloudy days may interfere with how many hours of lighting you can expect.
Solar-powered lights are some of the options for people who don’t want to mess with wires and transformers. These swivel disk lights by Bell + Howell come in a pack of four and take their power from sunlight during the daytime hours. Either place them flat on the ground or install them with the stakes that come with the lights.
The center panels of the lights swivel, which lets you customize the look of your lighting as well as where the solar panel is pointing. If you want to shine a light on different areas in your yard, these will let you easily do just that.
The disk lights have eight LEDs apiece and they’re a weather-resistant option. The stainless steel can even hold up to being run over by a lawnmower if you forget they’re in place.
Plus, the lights automatically come on once dusk arrives and shut themselves off when the dawn comes. You’ll get about 8 hours of lighting once the lights are fully charged, all without needing to remember to flip the switch. However, if you prefer to manually turn them off, they do have a switch that allows this option.
Product Details: Power Type: Solar | Size: 2.95 x 7.84 inches | Material: Stainless steel
A set includes eight lights, which is ideal if you have a sidewalk or a focal point you’d like to illuminate.
The transformer is not included with the low voltage set.
This set of eight lights allows for some lighting customization, making it some of the best landscape lighting to consider. The low-voltage set includes two flood lights and six pathway lights, so it’s ideal for sidewalks, walkways, and other focal points.
Each light is LED, so you’ll have a more consistent lighting type. The pathway lights have 150 lumens and the flood lights a bit more, with 205 lumens each. The lights are made of aluminum but come in a bronze tone for a polished look. They’re powder coated and weather resistant as well, so they’re practical as well as stylish. Installation is meant to be easy thanks to the included quick-install wire connectors included. Just keep in mind that they don’t come with a transformer, so you’ll have to get one separately.
Product Details: Power Type: Hardwired | Size: 3 x 5.5 inches | Material: Aluminum
The heads are extendable and adjustable, so you’ll be able to set up your lighting just how you want it.
You can only connect up to 10 lights together, so it depends on your needs.
You’ll be able to light up your yard or patio with these spotlights by Greenclick, each of which outputs 300 lumens. The LED lights come in a pack of six, so you can place up to 1,800 lumens in an area if you want brighter lighting complete. Plus, the heads are adjustable as well, allowing you to customize more precisely where each spotlight should shine.
These are one of the best landscape lights for a number of uses, from pathway lighting to patio lighting and even shining a spotlight on your favorite flowers in the garden. The lights themselves are extendable, allowing even more flexibility and customization for creating the perfect outdoor ambiance. These low-voltage lights come with a transformer, so there’s no need to purchase one separately.
The aluminum material will hold up to water, as will the metal stakes, which are to be placed directly into the ground. You can expect these to last for approximately 50,000 hours total. You’ll be able to extend the set by connecting additional lights, but only up to 10 total. Keep in mind that If you have a larger area to light, you may need to purchase additional sets and connect them to a separate outlet.
Product Details: Power Type: Wired | Size: 9.25 x 2.5 inches | Material: Aluminum
These string lights are easy to hang and have shatterproof bulbs.
The bulbs are incandescent, not LED, so they may have a shorter lifespan.
Patio lighting can add just the right touch to your backyard, especially when it’s string lights like this style from Brightown. The string lights have shatterproof and waterproof glass bulbs, which means you won’t need to worry about them breaking on your patio or deck. Plus, they’re less expensive than other options and won’t take up any room.
Part of what makes this one of the best options to consider is you have your choice of string length as well as bulb color, allowing you to find the best landscape string lights for your home. The length starts at 25 feet, which translates to 24 feet of lighting. Each bulb is spaced about a foot apart as well, so they won’t look too crowded when they’re hung up.
The bulbs are incandescent rather than LED, so they’re not going to be as energy efficient and may have a shorter lifespan. The set comes with two spare bulbs, which are C7 size. These put out 23 lumens with each bulb as well, offering plenty of light.
For larger areas or brighter light, you can connect up to three strands together. These are easy to hang up, so you aren’t limited to lighting the patio with them. Try them on a patio umbrella, deck railing, or even a tree for something different.
Product Details: Power Type: Corded electric | Size: 25 feet | Material: Glass bulbs, electrical cord
The lights are motion activated and can be connected to Alexa for on-the-go control of your landscape lighting.
If you don’t already have one, you’ll need to purchase a lighting set with a bridge to facilitate the connection between the lights and Alexa.
For those who have embraced smart technology at home, these solar path lights by Ring are among some of the best landscape lighting options with smart technology. The lights can be connected to an Alexa-enabled device, allowing you to control the lighting even when you aren’t home.
Using these lights does require having a bridge that allows the lights to connect to your device. If you don’t already have a bridge, that does mean spending a bit more money up front on a set that includes a bridge.
Once connected, you’ll be able to receive notifications on your smartphone. You can program a schedule for the lights to turn on and off, or simply control them from your phone when you’re not at home.
The lights are powered by the sun, but they also come with batteries you can recharge with a USB cable. They give off 80 lumens and are motion activated. This is a fantastic option if you don’t want to keep lights on outdoors, but you do want guests to see where they’re going as they approach your door.
Different set sizes are available, starting with just two lights. You can also choose different combinations, like ordering a set of four lights with a bridge if you don’t have one already. The bridge costs a bit more but ordering it with the lights adds convenience.
Product Details: Power Type: Solar | Size: 16.8 x 4.33 x 4.33 inches | Material: Not listed
These modern pathway lights give off a gentle, warm light that clearly illuminates walkways.
The installation process can be tricky.
If you’re looking for pathway lights, you’ll want to make sure you select something that properly illuminates your walkway rather than simply offering aesthetic lighting. That’s not to say you have to sacrifice an aesthetically-pleasing design, though—the Goodsmann Landscape Path Lights are proof of that.
The minimalist light fixtures are sleek and easy to pair with your existing landscape decor, while the 22 lumens the bulbs provide are more than enough to properly light your way. We also really like that these landscape lights, while super sleek, are actually surprisingly heavy-duty and durable. The strong metal material is made to withstand all weather conditions so you won’t have to worry about replacing them after a few years outside in the rain and snow. The only downfall is that these lights are a bit difficult to install at first due to the sensitive connector pins.
Product Details: Power Type: Wired | Size: 6.77 x 5 x 26.4 inches | Material: Metal
These well lights sit flush to the ground and are strong enough to withstand wear and tear, like being run over by a lawnmower.
You’ll need to purchase a transformer.
Well lights are a good option when you want a landscape light that sits level with the ground rather than sitting on or above the ground. These well lights by Leonlite have an aluminum body that sits in the ground and a grille cover over the light itself, which makes them a bit tougher. They’ll stand up to being run over by a lawnmower, and the grille cover cuts back on glare that can come from brighter landscape lighting.
The LED lights are waterproof and can stand up to inclement weather. They are a low-voltage system as well, so you’ll need to do a bit of wiring to connect them and get them installed. Plus, if you’re looking for a brighter light, these are a good option with 580 lumens. Their total life expectancy is around 50,000 hours, so you’re going to have them for quite a while.
Note that these lights do not come with a transformer, so that needs to be purchased separately. However, all other supplies needed for installation do come with the set of six lights. Plus, they come with a five-year warranty. And if you want to make sure your landscape lighting fits with your home’s aesthetic, these do come in two colors: black and oil-rubbed bronze.
Product Details: Power Type: Wired | Size: 13.58 x 4.53 x 9.25 inches | Material: Aluminum, metal
The 270-degree rotation provides a lot of flexibility when it comes to positioning the spotlights.
The design isn’t the most stylish.
The Aponuo Small Landscaping Spotlights are a great way to light up specific areas around your home, especially in the garden or in front of flowerbeds. The spotlights are admittedly small but they’re surprisingly powerful and will provide more than enough light to brighten up your outdoor space.
The 270-degree rotation means you can adjust your spotlights exactly how you want without having to worry about overcomplicating the installation process. We love that these powerful little lights are weatherproof and built to last for years to come thanks to the LED bulbs. That said, although the lights are small and made to blend into your landscape, the design itself could be a little more aesthetically pleasing.
Product Details: Power Type: Wired | Size: 12.36 x 9.29 x 2.36 inches | Material: Plastic
This low-voltage floodlight can be installed on uneven surfaces and is designed to be rust- and crack-resistant.
The light itself could be brighter.
The Malibu 50 Watt Floodlight Landscape Light is designed to illuminate your space without the fussiness that can sometimes occur when installing aesthetic outdoor lighting. This option is extremely well-made and weather resistant so it won’t rust or crack in bad weather, but it’s also designed to withstand rugged environments, meaning you can install it on an uneven surface like in a body of water or on a tree without a hitch.
The swivel head also allows you to easily adjust the exact position of the floodlight without hassle. Keep in mind that this option is relatively small and although it’s highly durable and long-lasting, the light bulb itself could be a bit brighter. That said, the price point for this floodlight is budget-friendly compared to other options, so you can always add a second light as needed.
Product Details: Power Type: Wired | Size: 6 x 3.5 x 5.9 inches | Material: Die-cast Metal
This budget-friendly step light is available in a variety of different sizes to suit your needs.
The light stream is a bit intense.
If you’re dealing with a dimly lit set of outdoor stairs, it’s not just aesthetically smart to install step lights—it’s also prudent. The Leonlite 8-Pack Classic Series LED Hardscape Lighting is bright enough to properly illuminate any staircase so you won’t have to worry about you or your guests missing a step.
The wireless design is super easy to install on a wide range of materials and will hold up against bad weather without rusting or cracking. The only thing you’ll want to keep in mind is that this set of lights doesn’t have a diffused or washed look, and instead emits three separate beams. It doesn’t make a difference in terms of visibility, but the dotted light beam isn’t as aesthetically pleasing.
Product Details: Power Type: Wireless | Size: 7 x 2.1 x 0.77 inches | Material: Aluminum
Wireless installation means you can put these pretty much anywhere you need some extra light.
One light might not be enough to fully illuminate the area.
Landscape lighting with built-in motion sensors tends to serve more of a functional purpose than an aesthetic purpose, but the Linkind StarRay Solar Spot Lights fits the bill on both. The waterproof design can withstand inclement weather without getting rusty or waterlogged, and the wireless installation means you can set these up pretty much anywhere you need temporary visibility come nightfall.
We also really like that this option is minimal and non-invasive so it won’t take away from the rest of your landscape design during the daytime. You’ll want to keep in mind that although this model is easy to install and sensitive enough to catch your movement when you need it to, the lights could be brighter. Consider purchasing a set if you want to really illuminate your whole yard or walkway.
Product Details: Power Type: Wireless | Size: 6.26 x 3.94 x 11.4 inches | Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
Overall, the best landscape lighting is the Hykolity Landscape Pathway Light. The set of six lights is a long-lasting LED option that’s designed for easier installation. The lights are also offered in a few different shapes, so you can choose the best style for your home.
Plenty of styles exist within landscape lighting, so you’ll be able to choose which best suits your style and needs. Two common styles include string lights and on-ground stakes. Plus, you’ll also have to choose whether you prefer a solar option or one that needs to be wired and plugged in. Finally, you might consider the new outdoor smart lighting solutions that can add personalized aesthetic touches to landscape lighting.
“First, consider the overall look of your home and garden. Are you going for a more formal look or a more relaxed atmosphere?” says Diaz.
There are different ways to install landscape lighting, depending on the style and type of power you choose. Low voltage lighting can be a DIY project but know that it may require a bit of electrical savvy, as you’ll be connecting cables and dealing with a transformer.
“Installation is usually pretty simple. Most landscape lighting fixtures come with all the necessary hardware and instructions,” says Diaz. “If you're not comfortable working with electrical wiring, you may want to hire a professional electrician to handle the installation for you.”
As with style, landscape lighting varies in terms of what type of power it uses. Some landscape lighting options are low voltage power, which you could install on your own. Often, these lighting systems involve placing stakes into the ground which connect via a cable that plugs into a transformer which then connects to an outlet. High-voltage lighting systems may need to be hardwired in, which requires hiring an electrician. Solar lights are another popular option as they use the sun’s energy to provide light at night.
Diaz advises you to consider the availability of power in your area when deciding on landscape lighting. For example, if you live in a city, you’re likely going to be able to access power via city power lines. If you’re in a more remote area, however, she says you may need to use a generator or solar power instead.
“LED bulbs are becoming increasingly popular for their energy efficiency and long life span. However, they can be more expensive than traditional bulbs,” Diaz says.
There is no hard and fast rule when it comes to how bright your landscape lights should be as it really depends on what you’re using them for and your particular preferences. If you’re planning to use your landscape lighting to illuminate a path for safety purposes, you’ll want to opt for at least 100 to 200 lumens in order to ensure adequate visibility.
If you’re looking for landscape lighting to enhance an aesthetic feature in your yard, like a flowerbed or garden, you can get away with something between 50 to 300 lumens. Keep in mind that if you’re using landscape lights near your windows, you might want to opt for less bright bulbs in order to avoid light pollution leaking into your home.
The number of landscape lights you need depends on a few factors including the size of your yard and how much you want to illuminate your space. Layering your landscape lighting close together requires more individual lights but offers brighter results. If you don’t want to light up your entire lawn, you can get away with spacing your landscape lights further apart. This will require fewer individual lights, saving you some money, and leads to a subtler and warmer aesthetic.
According to Diaz, most types of landscape lighting you install yourself likely won’t require you to get a license. However, she recommends contacting a professional if installation requires any wiring or electrical work. It’s also worth noting that a high-voltage option will require an electrician.
Switching Adapter This article was written by Brittany VanDerBill, a freelance writer for Better Homes & Gardens. To find the best options, she researched a variety of landscape lighting, keeping in mind the type of power, installation, lighting type, and more. She also consulted Lindsey Hyland, Founder of UrbanOrganic Yield, and Kate Diaz, Co-owner of Swanky Den. The story was updated by Kaitlyn McInnis, a former lifestyle editor and freelance writer for Better Homes & Gardens.