10 Best Outdoor Solar Hanging Lanterns in 2024: Reviews & Top Picks

Last Updated on Jan 03 2024

Solar power is one of the most nature-friendly, renewable, and accessible sources of energy. Moreover, it is steadily becoming popular because of its increased energy efficiency, cost-saving qualities, and low maintenance requirement.

It is safe to say that solar power works as a lifesaver in emergencies when you have no source of light around. So, whether you are planning a camping kit or preparing an emergency kit for the dark times, make sure you get your hands on the best solar hanging lanterns.

These lights combine the independence associated with solar power and light portability. They can be placed in your backyard for some much-needed warm glow. Moreover, you can conveniently use them to brighten up your outdoor adventure.

Lucky for you, we have narrowed down 10 unique outdoor solar hanging lanterns for you. So, dig in for our reviews and top picks, followed by a bonus guide for your assistance.

A Glance at Our Top Picks (2024 Update)

The 10 Best Outdoor Solar Hanging Lanterns

1. Stansport Solar Lantern – Best Overall

Think of all the times you were busy enjoying an outdoor event but were suddenly met with an outage crisis that ruined your plans. Unfortunately, this is a very common scenario in most parts of the world. However, if you hate taking risks, you can invest in the Stansport Solar Lantern to add perfect light to your dark ambiance.

With an output of 300 lumens, this outdoor solar hanging lantern is powered by a powerful Cree LED bulb with a durable design. Additionally, the lantern features a built-in solar panel or a USB cable that helps keep the lantern charged.

The charging life of this unit is 6 hours when used on high and 12 hours on low. This duration is impressive, especially when it doesn’t use any batteries.

One of the coolest features of this lantern is that it produces multi-mode lighting. This means you can experience various light frequencies according to your comfort.

As a durable option that comes with a handle, this product makes an excellent match for outdoor lighting. However, we think that the lantern is comparatively more expensive than similar products available. Still, it is our choice for the best overall solar hanging lantern this year.

---

2. Goal Zero Lighthouse Solar Hanging Lantern – Best Value

If budget is not an issue and you are looking for the best and most stylish hanging lanterns, consider buying them from Goal Zero. This beautiful lighthouse generates 600 lumens of output, and the light produced is both multi-directional and adjustable, providing you with a great escape from the darkness of night.

What’s more, this solar hanging lantern comes with collapsible legs and an in-built handle so that you can adjust this product without any worries. While we think that this lantern is a bit heavy, it is very stable.

The lantern also features a rechargeable lithium battery that you can use to power your small batteries or phone. This makes this product pretty multi-functional.

You can use this fantastic lantern to produce 360 degrees of light. Or, if that’s too much for you, move the given dial to use only half of this lantern. This will also save its runtime and power. With all this in mind, this light is our choice for the best outdoor solar hanging lantern for the money.

---

3. Shymery Solar Hanging Lantern-Best for Backyard – Premium Choice

Do you want to elevate the ambiance of your backyard? In that case, you can install the beautiful yet slightly expensive Shymery solar hanging lanterns and enjoy the bright light.

Made with plastic and glass, this lantern has high durability and an excellent texture. Besides, this solar-powered lantern radiates warm light, creating a bright and soothing environment in your backyard.

What’s more, the solar panel features built-in silicone, which is both dustproof and waterproof. So, whether it is snowing or raining, the lantern will stay safe.

Additionally, the automatic lighting makes it a convenient product. You simply have to turn the switch at the bottom, and when it’s fully charged, the lantern will light up on its own. The lantern takes around 6 hours to charge and remains in a workable condition for almost 10 hours straight.

---

4. Goal Zero Crush Light Solar Lantern

Next up, we have the compact and lightweight Goal Zero solar hanging lantern. While this lantern doesn’t have sufficient output, it still can be added to your emergency kit to deal with an unexpected outage in your area. And because it has a light and safe design, your kids can use this lantern to light up their room at night.

What’s more, this lantern comes with three light settings. This means you can adjust the intensity of light produced according to your comfort and need. These settings also help you save power and the overall runtime of this unit.

There is also a flickering candle mode, designed ideally for situations when you may need a lot of bright light. But, again, that helps to store more power.

A built-in, micro-USB cable is provided to charge the unit whenever you require it. Besides, the lantern features a durable handle, so you can hang this light on a point to light up a room from all directions.

If you are low on budget and looking for something that can be conveniently used, we can’t recommend this lantern enough.

---

5. Rothco Solar LED Lantern & Torch

Rothco is a well-known brand that manufactures quality solar lanterns for all situations and needs. However, this multi-functional lantern by the brand is one of a kind. You can use it as a lantern and torch and experience much-needed solar light.

There are so many things to love about this product. For starters, this lantern comes with a charger, so you don’t have to buy a separate one. Plus, you can use this torch on the go and use it to charge your small electronic products.

So, you get one LED torch, an LED lantern, and a 4.2-volt solar panel all in one. The rechargeable alkaline battery makes it easy to use the lantern for 4 hours straight without any worries. Besides, the alkaline bulb features a high-performing quality for adequate output, and you can charge the battery through the USB cable provided.

Since this lantern also features an ergonomically-built handle, you can hang it on a branch or a high point, so it lights up an entire space. That said, since this lantern is a little heavier, you have to be careful that it doesn’t fall and break.

---

6. Survive Outdoors Longer Venture Solar Water Bottle Lantern

Do you often strap your torchlight to your water bottle to create a lantern during your scary adventures? While many of us do this, it is such a hassle carrying two things at a time, especially if you are walking for hours.

To overcome this issue, Survive Outdoors Longer came up with an excellent solution with the solar water bottle lantern. Of course, this lantern is nowhere close to your ordinary bottle or lantern. Instead, this BPA-free bottle consists of a lithium-ion battery and an LED light, so you can use it to light up a space within seconds.

Furthermore, it features three lighting modes of outputs varying from 20–100 lumens so that you can enjoy a run time of up to 10 hours. We also love how this bottle has a durable design. You can carry around the lantern through an ergonomically-built handle attached to the bottle’s cap.

The integrated USB cord takes about 2 hours to recharge. Or, if you want to use the solar panel to keep this lantern going, it will take you 25 hours to fully charge the product. That’s an extended period, but as long as you are using a nature-friendly power source, you should be satisfied and patient.

Finally, if you want to reuse the bottle, clean it by removing its cap and placing it in your dishwasher. Once cleaned, the product can be used again for your next adventure.

---

7. LETMY 4-Pack Solar Camping Lantern

Are you looking for a lantern that can meet your camping needs? The Letmy solar hanging lantern is an ideal recommendation for packing as it supplies your power in three different ways. First, the lantern features a built-in battery that you can either charge through the solar panel or a USB cord.

The lantern exhibits an excellent LED design that delivers 360-degree illumination to brighten up your camp within minutes. The output of 600 lumens is also impressive, and according to the manufacturer, the lantern can work for 12 hours straight.

The lantern can withstand harsh weather and is also shock resistant. It also has a collapsible structure, making it easy to store the lantern in your bag.

That said, since this lantern comes in a pack of four, many buyers have complained that some pieces work and some don’t. So, make sure you file a complaint if you face a similar issue.

---

8. OxyLED Solar Hanging Lantern

Make your outdoors beautiful with this OxyLED solar hanging lantern. The lantern features a gorgeous design and pattern and emits a soft and balmy light. What’s more, it uses sustainable solar power, ensuring that you use environmentally-friendly light only.

One of the best qualities of this lantern is it is an automatic on-off feature. The light automatically switches on at dusk and turns off at dawn. However, make sure you place the lantern in a sunny area so it can soak enough sunlight for eight hours before it is fully charged to work for 6 hours straight.

Since this lantern comes with a handle, installing it on a poll is pretty convenient. It is made from rust-proof and waterproof plastic, so the lantern stays safe under the harshest weather conditions.

---

9. LuminAID Solar Inflatable Lantern

The LuminAID solar hanging lantern may look different from a traditional lantern, but this recommendation performs well. Although it may not have an excellent out, it is an excellent piece of equipment to keep for emergencies.

This lantern features multiple brightness settings to adjust the light according to your need. Besides, the lantern has a waterproof, collapsible, and inflatable design, meaning you can take it anywhere you want.

This lantern also has an extensive battery life—almost 24 hours. Plus, you don’t need extra batteries when this product is fully charged.

We love this lantern, but it takes 10 hours to charge the battery using solar power. However, if you opt for USB charging, it takes only 2 hours to charge it completely.

---

10. TomCare Solar Hanging Lantern

Our last recommendation is the solar hanging lantern from TomCare. Made entirely with metal and rust-proof finishing, this lantern produces flickering flames and is designed perfectly to suit your patio.

The lantern also comes with a durable hook to hang it wherever you want. So, whether it’s a walkway or a patio, this lantern helps to create a beautiful ambiance.

The lantern is entirely solar-powered. In addition, it has a waterproof design, meaning the material survives even under the rain.

That said, just like most classy lanterns are, this one is also a little pricey. Moreover, the batteries may need to be replaced more often, which adds to the overall cost.

Buyer’s Guide: Buying the Best Outdoor Solar Hanging Lanterns

Are you thinking of investing in the best solar hanging lantern? The buying guide below will help resolve your queries on this product, so you can choose a lantern that strikes your fancy.

Benefits of Investing in a Solar Hanging Lantern

Here are some of the reasons you should buy a solar hanging lantern:

Choosing the Best Solar Hanging Lantern

Since there are many different types of solar hanging lanterns available, you might get overwhelmed when selecting one. However, if you consider some imperative factors below, you can make the correct choice.

Purpose

Ask yourself what the primary purpose of buying a solar hanging lantern is. Do you want only to use it to enhance your outdoor decor, or do you want it to serve you during an adventure? Some may choose to buy a lantern to deal with an emergency.

If you want to use a lantern for outdoor adventures, such as camping or hiking, invest in a lightweight, durable, and long-lasting lantern.

However, if your purpose is only to brighten up your backyard, you can experiment with heavy and lightweight lanterns. Make sure the lantern is durable, though, so it doesn’t break during a storm.

Lumens or Brightness

Lumens measure the amount of light produced from a source. So, if a source has high lumens, it will generate brighter light and illuminate a long distance. For outdoor activities, look for lanterns that produce 100–300 lumens.

However, if you want to light up an entire camp, a lantern with an output of more than 400 lumens may prove beneficial. It all depends on your requirement and the purpose you want to use a lantern for.

Runtime

The runtime of your lantern is the duration that it will run for after fully charged. Most high-quality lanterns last for a day when fully charged and operating on low settings. However, if you use it in advanced settings, the runtime may be reduced.

Charging Time

Solar lanterns take longer to charge than those entirely powered by a battery. Therefore, we recommend looking for lanterns that charge within 5 hours.

If you opt for a lantern that takes a long time to charge and has a short runtime, invest in a backup option. You don’t want to experience an emergency and get stuck without any source of light.

Charging Options Available

While all solar lanterns use solar energy to generate power, many come with additional charging options. For example, some lanterns feature USB ports. The more charging options you have, the better because you never know when an emergency may strike.

Lighting Modes

Select a lantern model that features many lighting modes. This feature allows you to shift from low to high settings pretty conveniently.

Also, specific lanterns have strobes, SOS modes, and various colors of light. While these features may not be handy, strobes and SOS modes produce distress signals which work well during emergency times.

Material

You can opt for plastic solar hanging lanterns if you have a tight budget. Plastic is an excellent material that is resistant to weather fluctuations. Just make sure to avoid cheap quality plastic. This material is prone to damage.

If you want lanterns for your backyard, we recommend buying glass ones. They look stylish and are also less prone to decay or erosion. When looking for a weatherproof lantern, always check the product’s IP rating. A higher rating indicates better protection and excellent waterproof capabilities.

Portability

To analyze the portability of your lantern, consider its size and weight. Lightweight lanterns may not always be durable. But if they are, they are best to use during adventurous expeditions.

Also, when it comes to size, choose lanterns that are not big, especially if you want to use them for hiking or camping. Choose those that fit in your bag or hand conveniently.

If you want a backyard lantern, heavy and oversized lanterns may look better and create an incredible impact. Make sure that they easily stick to the pole that you plant to hang them on, though.

Conclusion

Solar hanging lanterns are amazing when it comes to being environmentally friendly and producing light for emergency situations. Also, since they don’t require much maintenance, they are pretty affordable.

But since these lanterns are available in various types and materials, you need to evaluate many options before choosing the perfect one that serves the purpose. If you ask us, we think the Stansport Solar Hanging Lantern is the best overall for outdoor adventures or rough yet fun experiences.

However, if you need a lantern for your backyard, the Goal Zero Lighthouse Lantern is versatile, beautiful, and produces enough light while remaining the best for the money. But the final choice is yours, and hopefully, the above options will help you pick the right one.

---

Featured Image Credit: TomCare, Amazon