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Oct 27, 2024

Outdoor and Backyard Lighting We Love | Reviews by Wirecutter

By Sarah Witman Sarah Witman is a writer focused on batteries and charging accessories. She has spent countless hours charging, discharging, and recharging batteries. West Elm let us know that our

By Sarah Witman

Sarah Witman is a writer focused on batteries and charging accessories. She has spent countless hours charging, discharging, and recharging batteries.

West Elm let us know that our flameless candle pick is now being sold under a different name, but the candle itself remains the same.

Your phone’s flashlight app will work in a pinch, but if you’re spending serious time outside after sundown—eating an alfresco dinner, reading a book in your tent, throwing a beach bash—you need an outdoor light, or several.

After 12 hours of research and 35 hours of testing, we’ve found the best packable lights, tabletop lanterns, flameless candles, string lights, and path lights for all of your outdoor adventures.

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This inflatable light is highly portable and easy to use. And the Luci’s battery capacity, brightness, and weatherproof ratings were some of the highest among the packable lights we tested.

Who this is for: Whether you’re setting up camp for the night, gearing up for an evening picnic, or waiting for Billie Eilish to begin her set at Coachella, the MPOWERD Luci Base Light will keep things illuminated. Inflate it with your lungs, charge it using the sun (or the included USB-A cable), and let it light up the night. You can also use its USB-A port to charge your phone or another small device. When morning comes, deflate it and stow it away in a bag or pocket for the next time. (Note: BioLite bought MPOWERD in June of 2024; the Luci Base Light will continue to be available under its original name throughout this year. Next year, it may be renamed.)

Why it’s great: At 300 lumens, the Luci Base Light is one of the brightest packable lights we tested. It can be charged using its USB-A port or solar panel—both located on the top surface of the light. And its built-in battery has a 4,000-mAh capacity, which is as high as that of any model we tested. The Luci has an International Protection rating (a weatherproofing standard, also called the Ingress Protection rating) of IP67. This means it’s completely protected against dust and can be safely submerged in water up to 3.3 feet. It has straps on both the top and the bottom—making it easy to carry, clip on a carabiner, hang inside a tent, or string on a clothesline; by contrast, other models we tested had only a single hook or handle. The Luci’s USB-A port puts out up to 8 watts, according to our assessment. And this lamp’s light—which can be set to low, medium, high, or flashing—creates an inviting, warm cast. It also has a handy valve to keep dust and water from leaking into the USB-A port, as well as a battery-status button, which lets you check how much charge it has left.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The Luci Base Light has a shorter warranty (one year) than many packable lights we tested. It’s also one of the heaviest, at 10.1 ounces. We don’t love that the moisture from your breath leaves smudges on the inside surface after you blow up the light. We also don’t love having to inflate and deflate it, or that there’s a potential to tear or pop the material to (as can happen with an inner tube, air mattress, or inflatable neck pillow). But we think this light’s compactness and portability greatly outweigh the drawbacks.

Brightness: 300 lumensPower source: USB-A, built-in solar panelWarranty: one yearWeatherproofing: IP67Weight: 10.1 ounces (including 4,000 mAh built-in battery)

The Moji fits in the palm of your hand and has two fold-up handles for hanging. Powered by three AAA batteries, it casts a strong, cool-white glow.

Who this is for: If you don’t want the hassle of inflating and deflating, the Black Diamond Moji Lantern is a great option for travel. It’s not as bright as the Luci Base Light, and it requires batteries, but it’s just as easy to stow in a backpack or pocket.

Why it’s great: The Black Diamond Moji is lightweight (just 4.3 ounces with batteries inside) and small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. It has a round, streamlined shape, so it’s easy to slip into a pocket. Unlike with the Luci Base Light, with the Moji there is no inflating or deflating: Just press the button on the side to turn it on and off, and hold it down to dim or raise the brightness. On top, the Moji has two strong metal handles, which can be folded down for storage. The LED is encased in a frosted, white plastic shell, and it casts a powerful cool-toned glow. The body (which comes in up to seven colors, depending on the retailer) is made of a durable-feeling rubber. Overall, this light seems well built. And, like the Luci Base Light, it’s backed by a one-year warranty.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The biggest downside of the Black Diamond Moji is that it’s not as bright as other lights we tested; it’s rated for 100 lumens, whereas the Luci’s brightness rating is triple that. But this lamp is still plenty bright—especially to illuminate a small area for reading a book or consulting a map.

Also, the Moji isn’t the most weatherproof option we’ve tested—it has an IPX4 rating, compared with the Luci’s IP67 rating. That means it’s not rated for protection against dust. And though it ought to survive splashes of water, it shouldn’t be dunked.

Instead of charging via solar or USB like other contenders—including the rechargeable version of this light—the Moji is powered by three AAA batteries (not included). Our favorite rechargeable AAA batteries are good options for household use. But if you’re going off-grid for long periods of time, you should pack some extra single-use batteries.

Finally, the Moji doesn’t have a USB output port like the Luci does, but that wasn’t a feature we required. And if you need to charge small devices, you can always bring a power bank.

Brightness: 100 lumensPower source: three AAA batteriesWarranty: one yearWeatherproofing: IPX4Weight: 4.3 ounces (with batteries inside)

The lantern you picture when you hear the word “lantern,” this model is brighter and more ruggedly built than any we’ve tested.

Who this is for: If you’ve ever arrived at your campsite after dark and tried to set up your tent by the light of your car headlights or a wimpy headlamp (as I have), you should probably invest in a lantern. The UST 60-Day Duro Lantern is versatile: You can hold it by the handle on top, hang it from a loop on the base, or set it on a table. And it illuminates a wider area than the focused beam of a headlamp or flashlight. It’s also handy to keep by the door, if you want to let your dog out in the middle of the night, play an evening game of cards on the porch, or have it ready in case of a power outage.

Why it’s great: When it comes to portable outdoor lighting, the UST 60-Day Duro is the full package. It’s the brightest tabletop lantern we’ve tested by far, with an impressive 1,200-lumen rating. There’s a handle on top—to hang the lantern from a carabiner, pick it up with ease, or hold it out in front of you like a creepy old innkeeper—as well as a loop on the bottom (for additional hanging options). With a hard-plastic shell, it feels sturdy, and it has grippy strips of rubber on the sides, top, and base that keep it from toppling over or slipping out of your hands. The upper handle is also coated in textured rubber, making it easier to grasp. Like every other model we tested, the 60-Day Duro has three brightness settings and a cool tone—shedding light that’s bright enough to read by yet also feels cozy. It’s powered by six D batteries (not included), allowing the lamp to stay lit on its highest brightness setting for at least 60 days before the batteries must be replaced—which is something we verified in our testing. And, unlike most lanterns we tested, the 60-Day Duro is backed by a lifetime warranty.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The UST 60-Day Duro’s weatherproof rating—IPX4, which means it can withstand splashes of water—is as good as that of any tabletop lantern we tested, but we wish the lantern were dustproof as well. It’s also the biggest and heaviest model we tested, weighing 3.7 pounds with all six D batteries inside. But we think that’s a fair trade-off for the increased power and brightness.

Brightness: 1,200 lumensPower source: six D batteriesWarranty: lifetimeWeatherproofing: IPX4Weight: 3.7 pounds (with batteries inside)

The 30-Day Duro is just as rugged and versatile as the 60-Day model. Plus, it’s smaller and lighter, so it’s more portable. It is not, however, quite as powerful or bright as the 60-Day.

Who this is for: If you don’t need all the power that the UST 60-Day Duro offers—perhaps you go camping only a few weekends a year, or you have a tiny backyard—consider the UST 30-Day Duro Lantern instead. It’s the 60-Day Duro in miniature, and it was our top lantern pick for several years.

Why it’s great: The UST 30-Day Duro is just as ruggedly built as the 60-Day Duro. And it has the same design details that we value so much in the larger version—rubber strips for added grippiness, three brightness settings, a cool-colored cast, a handle on top, and a hanging loop on the bottom. The 30-Day Duro is roughly the size of a pint glass and weighs half as much as the 60-Day Duro (the 30-Day is 1.9 pounds with its batteries inside). So the 30-Day Duro is a lot easier to carry or pack inside a backpack or duffel bag. Like the 60-Day Duro, the 30-Day Duro comes with a lifetime warranty. It runs on three D batteries (not included), and we confirmed that it can stay lit for 30 days straight. In fact, during our testing, the 30-Day Duro stayed on its highest brightness setting for 31 days.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: As with every other model we tested, we’d prefer that the UST 30-Day Duro were better protected against the elements; it has a weatherproof rating of IPX4, which means it’s protected against splashes of water but not dust. Also, its brightness rating (1,000 lumens) and battery capacity (it’s powered by three D batteries) are both lower than those of its 60-Day counterpart. But the 30-Day Duro still packs a punch: It’s plenty bright and powerful for the casual camper—especially considering how small and lightweight it is.

Brightness: 1,000 lumensPower source: three D batteriesWarranty: lifetimeWeatherproofing: IPX4Weight: 1.9 pounds (with batteries inside)

This lantern’s rechargeable battery can be removed and used with many other Coleman products. It has a USB-C input port, a USB-A output port, and a 1,000-lumen bulb with six brightness settings to cast a soft, warm glow.

Who this is for: If you want a lantern that can be recharged from a USB port, the Coleman OneSource 1,000 Lumens LED Lantern is the best full-size option we’ve found. It’s about as rugged as our other tabletop lantern picks. And it offers many of the same features—without the need to hunt for D batteries (though you do sacrifice some battery life).

Why it’s great: The Coleman OneSource 1,000 Lumens LED Lantern is a workhorse with a wide array of features. Like the two UST models, this model has a handle on top, allowing you to carry it around or hang it from a tree, and a flat bottom, so you can set it down on a table. The Coleman has a 1,000-lumen brightness rating, to shed light on a campsite or backyard dining area; it has as many lumens as the UST 30-Day Duro and just 200 fewer than the 60-Day Duro. To adjust the brightness, simply twist the top of the lantern to cycle through six settings (twice as many as the UST models have, so the Coleman provides more-gradual shifts in brightness). Whereas the UST lanterns both emit light with a cool cast, the Coleman has a soft, warm glow.

This lantern is powered by a rechargeable, 4,800-mAh battery, which plugs into the center of the unit. You can use this battery interchangeably with numerous other Coleman products in the OneSource lineup. And, since the battery is removable, it can be recycled and replaced (so you don’t have to junk the entire lantern when its battery dies). It’s equipped with a USB-A output port (to charge a small device like a phone) and a USB-C input port (to recharge the lantern at top speed with a compatible cable and wall charger). Both ports are protected by flaps of rubber to keep out dust and moisture. With the battery inserted, the lantern weighs 1.8 pounds.

Like the UST models, the Coleman has a weatherproof rating of IPX4. And, though its three-year warranty pales in comparison with UST’s lifetime guarantee, that ought to be more than enough time to test out your lantern to ensure it’s working properly.

Lastly, the Coleman offers one of our favorite features among the lanterns we tested: a hidden compartment. Located on the bottom of the unit and covered by a rubber twist-off lid, this compartment is big enough to house the included charging cable (a 1.6-foot USB-C–to–USB-A cable) and other small items, like a few spare matches or guitar picks for a fireside jam session.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The Coleman OneSource lantern is a bit pricier than our other favorite tabletop lanterns ($80 at the time of publishing). However, the D batteries required to power those other models need to be replaced much more frequently (assuming you don’t use rechargeable D batteries, which are uncommon), so you should be able to recoup the extra cost fairly quickly. We also don’t think the Coleman is as rugged as the UST models—its smooth-plastic exterior acquired several minor scuffs and scratches during our testing. But we think most people can overlook these cosmetic flaws, as long as the lantern continues to cast a bright light.

Brightness: 1,000 lumensPower source: USB-CWarranty: three yearsWeatherproofing: IPX4Weight: 1.8 pounds (with 4,000 mAh battery inside)

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This flameless candle, which comes in five sizes, makes a statement in any outdoor space. Its plastic exterior has one of the most wax-like textures of those we tested, and its battery-powered light flickers like a real flame.

Who this is for: If you want a flameless candle that makes a bold statement and stays “lit” for hours, the West Elm Indoor/Outdoor Wavy Edge Basic Candle is your best bet.

Why it’s great: The West Elm candle casts a warm, bright light with a realistic flicker. This candle comes in five different sizes: 4, 6, 8, 9, and 12 inches tall. The batteries are included, and they’re easy to replace (the two largest sizes are powered by three C batteries, and the others require three AAA batteries). The West Elm candle has a minimalist silhouette and a clean, off-white color that will look at home in most outdoor spaces.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The West Elm candle does not come with a remote, though you can buy one separately ($11). Also, this flameless candle has one of the shortest warranties of any we tested—just 30 days!—so you should test yours right away to ensure you don’t have a dud.

Brightness: 10 lumens/bulbPower source: three C batteries (for two largest sizes) or three AAA batteriesWarranty: 30 daysWeatherproofing: safe for outdoor use (not rated by UL or IP)Height: 4, 6, 8, 9, and 12 inches

This sturdy, lengthy string of Edison-style glass bulbs is the best we’ve found to illuminate (and dress up) any outdoor space.

Who this is for: In the fourth season of Queer Eye, interior designer Bobby Berk tells a hapless farmer, “You can make any place look fancy with the right lighting.” Case in point: The Newhouse Lighting 48 ft. 11-Watt Outdoor Weatherproof String Light is the perfect mix of country and city, style and durability, whimsy and utility. Whether you’re having a backyard BBQ, a garden party, or just dressing up an outdoor patio, this sturdy string of Edison-style bulbs can add a dash of class to any outdoor space—in a way that even our favorite outdoor Christmas lights cannot.

Why it’s great: The Newhouse Lighting 48 ft. 11-Watt Outdoor Weatherproof String Light is a solid set of lights. It’s ruggedly built yet has a sophisticated look. It’s an ample 48 feet long, with 15 sockets spaced 3 feet apart, including 2 feet at the end of the cord with the input plug to help you reach faraway outlets. The other end has a foot of extra cord and an AC port, so you can string multiple sets of lights together. It also has a handy plastic cover attached to the “female receptacle,” to keep out water and dust when not in use. This set of lights comes with a five-year warranty, and it’s UL-listed for outdoor use. Its incandescent, Edison-style bulbs are rated for 75 lumens each, and they emit a warm, cozy cast. Newhouse makes an identical version with 200-lumen LED bulbs, which use less electricity and tend to last longer. But we slightly prefer the softer, sepia-tone glow of the incandescent bulbs. This string of lights comes disassembled (as with every model we tested, each bulb needs to be screwed in by hand), and it has three spare bulbs, in case some break or burn out. You can also buy replacement incandescent or LED bulbs separately. The bulb sockets each have a little hole at the top, so you can attach the lights to a house or other structure using wire, zip ties, or whatever material you so choose. Plus, each socket has an extra couple of inches of cord leading down to each bulb, so they dangle vertically, even if the main cord is hung at an angle.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: To assemble the Newhouse Lighting set, you have to remove each bulb individually from its own little box; we found doing this to be much more time-consuming than taking lights off the cardboard grid other models come with. We also found that some of the bulbs didn’t light up until we fiddled with them—gently unscrewing them until they illuminated—and one was burned out. Finally, the bulbs are made of glass, which over time gets hotter than plastic. The temperature reading of one of the bulbs after 15 minutes was 105 degrees Fahrenheit; though not painful to touch, it was still quite hot. So be sure not to leave them plugged in close to flammable things, like dried leaves in your gutters. Despite this drawback, all of the 48-foot options we tested have glass bulbs, and we think they look nicer than plastic anyway.

Brightness: 75 lumens/bulbPower source: AC wall outletWarranty: five yearsWeatherproofing: UL-listed for outdoor useCord length: 48 feet

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These solar-powered path lights have a sleek look that contrasts pleasantly with any outdoor environment. They’re ruggedly built and easy to assemble, and they stay put when staked into the ground.

Who this is for: If you have a path or walkway in your yard and want your steps to be illuminated by a set of durable, weatherproof solar-powered lights that are easy to install, look no further than the Smart Solar Charleston Pathway LED Lights (Set of 6). This set (sometimes sold under the name “Smart Living”) is the sturdiest, best-looking option we’ve found—and for a relatively low price, too.

Why it’s great: Each Smart Solar Charleston path light is 3½ inches in diameter, with the stem raising it an ample 16 inches off the ground. The lights meet our minimum brightness criteria of 5 lumens, casting a soft and cozy warm light. Some basic assembly is required—you need to screw the stainless steel topper (containing the solar panel and battery compartment) onto the glass bulb, screw that onto the stainless steel stem, and screw that onto the plastic stake. And then you can stick it into your lawn, or use a rubber mallet to gently hammer it into more solidly packed earth. Sturdily built and seemingly durable, this set is available in pewter, copper, or antique bronze finishes—which should, between them, work with most landscaping. The square solar panel on top (which blends in well with the stainless steel topper) provides power during the day. And when the sun isn’t out, each light is powered by one AA backup battery (included). This set has a one-year warranty.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Though we like the look of the Smart Solar Charleston Pathway LED Lights the most of those we tested, they might be a little diminutive for some yards—especially if you have a wider walkway. If you want something a bit bigger, and you don’t mind having a network-connected device, we have some alternative options in our guide to the best smart outdoor lighting.

Brightness: 5 lumens per bulbPower source: one AA battery, built-in solar panelWarranty: one yearWeatherproofing: safe for outdoor use (not rated by UL or IP)Finishes: antique bronze, copper, pewter

Outdoor lighting enhances home security. Smart lighting makes it versatile and attractive. Here are our picks for smart bulbs, path lights, and fixtures.

As the writer of this guide, I spent 12 hours researching and 35 hours testing outdoor lights. I’ve also spent a lot of time considering how electronics are powered, having written guides to the best portable solar chargers, the best portable power stations, the best power banks for charging phones and tablets, and more.

Before joining Wirecutter, in 2017, I was a science writer and fact-checker for more than four years. In my personal life, I spent most of my childhood vacations camping in national and state parks. I’ve eaten my fair share of alfresco meals—in parks, campgrounds, and backyards—and I generally enjoy spending time outdoors at night.

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We perused the websites of major brands and retailers like Amazon, REI, and Target. And we read user reviews and other editorial reviews, to compile a list of our top contenders. Next, we narrowed down this list based on the following criteria:

We then conducted 35 hours of hands-on testing with our finalists to put manufacturer claims to the test and get a better sense of how these lights function in the real world. As applicable, we monitored temperature (in Fahrenheit) using an infrared thermometer, checked cord length (in inches) using a tape measure, accounted for weight (in pounds and ounces) using a digital scale, and measured maximum power input and output (in watts) using a PortaPow USB Power Monitor and a Drok Adjustable Constant Electronic Load.

If the Luci Base Light is unavailable, and you’re okay with a few trade-offs: Several other lanterns in the Luci lineup are nearly identical to our pick and would make fine substitutes—especially if they’re on sale. We tested and dismissed the following models because they have a lower battery capacity (mAh) and/or brightness rating (lumens) than the Base Light:

If you want a compact tabletop lantern that can double as a flashlight: Get the Goal Zero Torch 500. It has a fold-up handle on either side, so you can hang it, prop it up at an angle on a tabletop, or let it sit flat. You can also pick it up and use it like a uni- or bi-directional flashlight (or, as the name suggests, a “torch” of sorts). Our pick from Coleman has twice as many lumens (1,000) as the Torch 500. And we think its 360-degree illumination is more practical for camping. However, there’s still lots to love about the Torch, which was formerly our pick in this category. It weighs less than a pound, and—at 8¾ by 2¼ by 1¼ inches—it’s about the size of a Toblerone box. It has a built-in solar panel and USB-C input port for recharging, as well as a USB-A output port. It’s sturdily built and made of rugged materials. And its IP67 rating means it’s more resistant to dirt and moisture than any of our lantern picks.

If you want our West Elm flameless candle pick but it’s unavailable: Go with the flameless candles sold by Everlasting Glow or The Gerson Company instead. Both are identical to our pick, and they’re sometimes cheaper (though they come in a narrower range of sizes).

If the Everlasting Glow and Gerson options are out of stock too: Consider the Crate & Barrel Indoor/Outdoor Pillar Candle with Timer, which in our testing performed about as well as our pick, in terms of durability and reliability. However, it is less effective at mimicking wick-and-wax candles (the battery compartment is easy to spot through the translucent plastic, especially when it’s lit up), which is why it’s not among our picks.

If our Newhouse Lighting string-lights pick is unavailable, and you don’t mind trading more bulb sockets for fewer spare bulbs: Get the Hampton Bay 48 ft. 24-Socket Incandescent String Light Set. It’s almost identical to the Newhouse Lighting version, but it has more (24) bulb sockets and fewer (two) spare bulbs. We’d ideally prefer to have more than a couple bulbs to spare. Otherwise, though, the Hampton Bay is a great alternative to our pick, especially if you want the bulbs of your string lights to be more plentiful and closely spaced.

If you want a smaller set of string lights (one that’s a breeze to set up and take down), and you don’t mind a set that’s not especially rugged: You should get the Room Essentials 20ct Outdoor String Lights G40 Clear Bulbs. This set is a former pick, and we removed it because it doesn’t come with extra bulbs (which means that if a bulb burns or breaks, you have to replace the whole set or find spare G40 bulbs that match). This set is shorter and less ruggedly built than the Newhouse set. But we’ve found that it’s also more portable and convenient to put up and take down. If you can live with those trade-offs, the Room Essentials set is a good alternative to the Newhouse one—especially if you’re looking for something to hang in a smaller area, like a balcony or an archway. This set is 17 feet long, with 20 clear plastic, globe-shaped bulbs spaced about 10 inches apart. The bulbs are dainty and whimsical compared with the Newhouse’s industrial-chic bulbs. Rated for 75 lumens each, they give off a soft, warm glow. Each bulb socket has a built-in hook, allowing you to easily clip it onto a railing or trellis. The insulation comes in a variety of colors: black, turquoise, white, gray, orange, leaf green, and dark green. This set is also UL-listed for outdoor use and covered by a one-year warranty.

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The BioLite AlpenGlow 500 is super-compact and portable. It has a weatherproof rating of IPX4, and its rechargeable battery has an impressive capacity rating of 6,400 mAh. But at 500 lumens, it’s half as bright as our packable lantern picks. The BioLite AlpenGlow 250, its little sibling, is even more packable, but it has half the battery capacity and brightness of the larger model.

The Black Diamond ReMoji Lantern is the rechargeable version of our Moji pick, and it’s just as cute and compact as the AAA-powered model. But since the Luci Base Light is more portable and adds a built-in solar panel (and costs about as much as the ReMoji, at this writing), we think you’re better off with one of our picks.

As the names suggest, Goal Zero’s Crush Light and Crush Light Chroma can be easily “crushed” into the shape of a small hockey puck and stowed in a bag or pocket. They’re also convenient to charge by either a USB cable or built-in solar panel. But they have fewer lumens (60 apiece) and lower battery capacities (both are rated for 500 mAh) compared with our picks in this category.

The origami-inspired Solight Qwnn Solar Lantern has a unique, self-inflating design, and its 600-lumen light casts a bright, warm glow. Also, it’s made of recycled materials. However, our picks in this category have similar capacity ratings, and they seem more sturdily built than the Qwnn (the Qwnn has no IP rating, so it’s unclear how resistant it is to moisture and dust).

Compared with the Luci Base Light, the UST Spright Recharge has lower battery capacity and lower weatherproof and brightness ratings—3,500 mAh, IPX3, and 100 lumens, respectively—and just one metal hook versus two straps. Unlike the Luci Base Light, the Spright Recharge lamp does not have a solar panel, and it can be powered only by USB. After it’s powered off, it still glows in the dark, which could be annoying or obstruct sleep. It has one USB port for input and another one for output, which could get confusing. Plus, at a measly 5 watts, the output port is hardly worth having.

The UST Spright Solar has lower battery capacity and lower weatherproof and brightness ratings—860 mAh, IPX4, and 120 lumens, respectively—than the Luci Base Light. Plus, compared with the Luci’s straps, the Sprite Solar’s dual fold-up metal handles are less effective for hanging and holding onto. And the UST lamp’s solar panel is on the bottom, so you have to hang it if you want to catch any rays. Also, like the Spright Recharge, the Spright Solar glows in the dark—even when you might prefer it didn’t.

The Coleman 800 Lumens LED Lantern with BatteryGuard offers plenty of light (800 lumens) and power (four D batteries) for the price, and it has a classic look and convenient handle on top—much like the UST 60-Day Duro. But we found that it felt clunky and chintzy compared with most others we tested, both in terms of materials used and build quality.

Compared with most rechargeable lanterns we tested, the Coleman Rugged Rechargeable 400L LED Lantern is dimmer (rated for 400 lumens), and its battery capacity rating (4,000 mAh) is lower. It’s not weatherproof, and the materials and build quality seem relatively cheap and flimsy. We’ve also noticed some stock issues with this model.

We love the endearingly retro yet futuristic look of the Fatboy Edison Petit Table Lamp, and we found it easy to use: You simply tug on the red tag to turn it on and off, and hold it down to adjust the brightness. It weighs less than a pound, so it’s easy to carry from a bedside table to a reading nook to the backyard. It recharges quickly via USB-C, it’s UL-certified, and it’s safe to use both indoors and out. However, this lamp generally costs much more than comparable models, and ours stopped working after a few months of use.

The Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 Lantern has an impressive brightness rating (600 lumens), and its built-in battery has a capacity rating (5,200 mAh) as high as that of any rechargeable lantern we tested. We like that it has a hand-crank recharging option, red flashing lights in case of emergencies, and fold-up legs, as well as a handle on top. However, it’s not weatherproof, and its built-in USB-A cable is super-short.

The Goal Zero Lighthouse Core Lantern has fewer lumens (rated for 430) and recharging options (just a short built-in USB-A cable) than most lanterns we tested. Its battery capacity rating (4,400 mAh) is also lower, and it’s not weatherproof.

The Hay PC Portable Lamp is sturdily built, rechargeable, and dimmable, and it has a cute, modern, mushroom-like look. It weighs less than a pound, so you can carry it like a torch from room to room. And its compact shape allows it to easily sit on a bookshelf or other small surface. However, this lamp is one of the pricier models we considered ($100 at this writing). Also, although its warm glow provides a cozy ambience, the it is far too dim (rated for just 30 lumens) to use as a reading light or for any other practical purpose.

The URI Portable Table Lamp and Mini URI Portable Table Lamp Set (both of which are sold exclusively at the MoMA Design Store) proved to be major disappointments in our testing. They have a sleek, modern aesthetic (like most things sold at the MoMA Design Store) and come in several different colors. But they felt flimsy compared with most models we tested, and the handle atop each one proved unergonomic for carrying. Also, both have extremely low brightness (just 5 lumens apiece) and battery capacity (600 mAh) ratings. And the 90-day warranty is one of the shortest for any lantern we tested. Lastly, these lamps are pretty pricey, costing $50 and $65, respectively, at this writing.

The Lights4Fun Set of 3 TruGlow Ivory Outdoor Waterproof Flameless Candles with Remote cost about as much as our picks. But we found them to be much flimsier and less realistic. For example, even from a distance, the “wick” is very clearly an electrical wire encased in black plastic.

The Luminara 5” Outdoor Candle w/ Soft-Touch Coating + Remote is less realistic than others we tested—both in terms of its exterior and flickering light—and much more expensive.

The Brightech Ambience Pro is similar to the Hampton Bay and Newhouse Lighting options, but it came with just one spare bulb. And when we were assembling the bulbs, we had to partially unscrew some of them to get them to light up.

The Energizer Stainless Steel Solar LED Path Stake Light (8 Pack) is the priciest set of lights we tested. And though it offers plenty of lumens, easy setup, and durable construction, we don’t think these features outweigh the high cost. Not to mention that each light is a whopping 6 inches in diameter, which we think is a little too obtrusive for the average backyard walkway.

We’ve also tested and dismissed lights by Lowes, Mpowerd, Restoration Hardware, TaoTronics, and UST that have since been discontinued.

This article was edited by Christine Ryan and Harry Sawyers.

Sarah Witman

Sarah Witman is a senior staff writer who reports on powering and charging technology for Wirecutter. She previously worked as a writer, editor, and fact checker for several science magazines. Though she researches and tests chargers for a living, her phone battery is usually low.

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