Our top pick, the Greenclick Extendable Landscape Lights, offers impressive light output—300 lumens per light—and an adjustable beam angle for precise illumination. Here are the best landscape lights to brighten up your yard. These lights are compatible with 12-volt or 24-volt electrical systems. Out of all the picks in this roundup, this is the only set that includes a transformer, which is a nice convenience. (A transformer is required to reduce your home’s 120-volt electrical system to the 12 used by low-voltage lights.) Installation is simple and straightforward, and usually only takes a couple of minutes. Once these landscape lights are wired, the total length of these landscape lights is 68.9 feet, with 9.84 feet between each light. If you need to illuminate a larger area, you can purchase an extension cable and two extra packs of lights. Although we found some reports that the lights stopped working after a short period of time, the manufacturer offers an 18-month replacement service. Made of plastic, these lights are weather-resistant to a degree but not as durable as aluminum or stainless steel options. Be sure to take advantage of the one-year warranty if you encounter any damage or defects. With a light output of 2 lumens, these lights aren’t all that bright—you can expect subtle illumination rather than intense beams. Like most solar-powered lighting options, their performance can be a bit finicky, especially during stretches of cloudy weather. Weather-resistant, these lights come with a lifetime warranty, and during testing, we noticed no changes when we poured water on them, froze them, or dropped a golf ball on the solar panel. It’s worth noting that aside from operating dusk till dawn, they only offer two brightness settings and no other features. But if you are looking for the convenience of solar power, and durable, bright lights that can withstand the elements, this pick stands out. Sold in a pack of 10, this set is a great value, although it’s worth noting that they do not offer any special settings or features, aside from automatically operating from dusk until dawn. They are also a breeze to assemble and set up (just three pieces per path light). And while testing, these lights proved to be durable, holding up well while we poured water on them, froze them, and dropped a golf ball on the solar panel. The manufacturer also offers a two-year warranty. Thanks to a durable cast aluminum frame, the light can be used year-round. It’s available in two smart-looking finishes—bronze or black. The light requires some minor assembly, then you can simply stake it into the ground. Another plus is that you have three options on where to mount the stake in the light: in the side, center, or corner mount. This unique feature allows you to customize the look according to your space and preferences. As you consider placement, the Gama Sonic, like all solar-powered lights, requires direct sunlight daily for adequate performance. Thanks to an adjustable lamp head, you can find just the right angle for illuminating specific objects. Another noteworthy feature is an integrated switch, which allows you to choose between three light colors: warm white, soft light, or daylight color. However, the light itself only comes in one finish, a powder-coated black that is neutral enough to blend in with almost any decor or landscape (although we would have appreciated other finishes). Also, note that these lights are not dimmable and they don’t have motion sensors. If you’re looking for a flood light specifically for home security, you may want to check out other options. These lights have an IP65 rating, which means they’re safe to use in wet conditions. Both the housing and the stake are made of aluminum, which is waterproof and resists corrosion. To ensure long-lasting performance, these lights have a 40,000-hour lifespan and they’re backed by a five-year warranty. They easily connect to a 12-volt lighting system, and the instructions are clear and straightforward. Note that you need a compatible transformer, which is not provided. Each 3,000K bulb emits 100 lumens and produces warm, white light. The 90-degree beam angle allows you to illuminate landscape features of various heights, from flower beds to stone walls, trees, and swimming pools. These lights are compatible with 12-volt or 24-volt transformers. While installation might be easy for a DIYer, the process is likely more complicated for a newbie. Pathway lights are ideal for illuminating footpaths, garden beds, and other objects that are close to the ground. Solar-powered pathway lights usually only emit a few lumens and are not very bright. However, they’re a great choice if you’re looking for subtle accent lighting. If you want to brightly light up a pathway, consider a low-voltage product with higher lumens. Spotlights focus on specific objects such as statues, water fountains, and other architectural features. The beam width of a spotlight is measured in degrees. An adjustable beam angle and head are key features to consider because they can help you get the angle just right. Well lights are buried in the ground, allowing them to project light directly upward. These lights are ideal for highlighting a home’s architectural features, as well as landscaping elements such as trees and plants. Most well lights feature shock-resistant tempered glass, which can absorb impacts from foot traffic and heavy yard equipment.
Power Source
As the name suggests, low-voltage landscape lights are powered by a 12-volt to 24-volt electrical system. If your home has standard 120-volt electricity, you need a transformer to convert the voltage. Some landscape lights rely on solar power rather than low-voltage electricity. Solar-powered lights are easier to install because they don’t require any wiring. Instead, they have an internal battery that charges during the day. Once fully charged, solar lights usually can remain illuminated from dawn until dusk. However, they require about six hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal performance.
Installation
Since low-voltage systems pose little to no risk of electric shock, homeowners can install them without the help of a professional. (For that reason, low-voltage landscape lighting can be installed where children and pets congregate.) You’re likely to need an electrician to install a transformer, however. Some landscape lighting fixtures are staked into the ground, while others are mounted on trees or fences. Low-voltage landscape lights are connected by a series of wires, which are daisy-chained to the transformer. Since solar-powered lights are freestanding and require no wiring, they can be staked into the ground in almost any location, provided that area receives at least six hours of direct sunlight every day.
Brightness
The brightness of landscape lighting is measured in lumens: The higher the number, the brighter the light. Landscape lighting fixtures powered by 12-volt electricity have considerably higher lumens than solar-powered lights. Low-voltage lights might generate anywhere from 100 to 1,500 lumens, while a solar-powered pathway light might only produce 2 to 6 lumens.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Sage McHugh is a freelance writer specializing in home decor and lifestyle content. She makes sure to recommend products that are stylish, functional, and well-reviewed by consumers. For this roundup, Sage considered dozens of landscape lights, carefully evaluating each product’s power source, brightness, ease of installation, and energy efficiency. For expert insight on landscape lighting, Sage interviewed Amber Freda, a landscape designer specializing in city gardens in the New York City area, including rooftops, terraces, and townhomes.
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