Outdoor lanterns add pools of warm light on a table, along a step or hanging from a hook, and they double as decor in daylight. This guide covers flameless lanterns: solar models that charge themselves and battery models with a timer. We left out open-flame candle lanterns.
We compared lanterns sold for outdoor use on build (glass, metal or plastic), power source, runtime claims, weather rating and mounting options. Browse more in the Outdoor Lighting category, or see our guide to Best Outdoor String Lights.
Our Top Picks
| Pick | Product |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | Otdair 14" Solar Lanterns (2 Pack) |
| Best for Longest Stated Runtime | SHYMERY 14'' Solar Lanterns (2 Pack) |
| Best for Floor Lanterns | CEDARLUX Large Solar Floor Lanterns (Set of 2) |
| Best for Battery-Powered | Bdor 13 Inch LED Candle Lanterns (2 Pack) |
| Best for 4-Pack | KOOPER Metal Solar Lanterns (4 Pack) |
| Best Value | DERAYSION Solar Lanterns with Wall Bracket (2 Pack) |
Pros
- Real glass with a classic look
- IP65 stated
- Hang or tabletop
Cons
- Shorter stated runtime than some
- Glass needs care
- No rating data available to us
Otdair's 14-inch lanterns pair a tempered glass body with a bronze retro coating and an SMD flickering candle inside. They are rated IP65, the maker says they charge in 6 to 7 hours of direct sun and run about 7 to 8 hours from dusk, and a switch on the base turns them on before first charge. They hang from a hook or sit on a table.
The best mix of looks, glass build and stated weather rating.
Amazon rating: not available in our product data.
Hang lanterns from secure hooks or set them on stable ground, keep them out of walkways, and place solar panels in direct sun. Bring lanterns in during storms and follow the maker's battery instructions.
Pros
- Longest runtime claim
- Tempered glass
- Charge protection listed
Cons
- No IP number stated
- Runtime depends on full sun
- No rating data available to us
SHYMERY lists 12 to 16 hours of light after about 6 hours of charge from a monocrystalline panel, the longest runtime claim in this group. The lanterns use tempered glass, a flickering SMD candle and a sealed design with over-charge and short-circuit protection, according to the maker. Each measures 5.5 by 5.5 by 14 inches.
The pick if you want the light to last all night.
Amazon rating: not available in our product data.
Hang lanterns from secure hooks or set them on stable ground, keep them out of walkways, and place solar panels in direct sun. Bring lanterns in during storms and follow the maker's battery instructions.
Pros
- Tall statement size
- Candle clipped in place
- Matched pair
Cons
- Needs assembly
- No IP number stated
- No rating data available to us
CEDARLUX's set pairs a 27.6-inch and a 16.3-inch black metal lantern, each with a solar-powered pillar candle clipped in place. The panel on top charges in 6 to 8 hours for 8 to 12 hours of light, per the maker. The lanterns assemble in a few steps and are sized to stand on the floor by a door or at the edge of a patio.
The best choice for large floor-standing lanterns.
Amazon rating: not available in our product data.
Hang lanterns from secure hooks or set them on stable ground, keep them out of walkways, and place solar panels in direct sun. Bring lanterns in during storms and follow the maker's battery instructions.
Cons
- No rating data available to us
Battery lanterns with a 6-hours-on, 18-hours-off daily timer, IP44 and 3 AAA batteries each (not included), best on covered porches.
Amazon rating: not available in our product data.
Hang lanterns from secure hooks or set them on stable ground, keep them out of walkways, and place solar panels in direct sun. Bring lanterns in during storms and follow the maker's battery instructions.
Cons
- No rating data available to us
Four iron hanging lanterns with filament-style LEDs, an 800mAh battery and up to 15 hours of light after 6 to 8 hours of sun, per KOOPER.
Amazon rating: not available in our product data.
Hang lanterns from secure hooks or set them on stable ground, keep them out of walkways, and place solar panels in direct sun. Bring lanterns in during storms and follow the maker's battery instructions.
Cons
- No rating data available to us
Glass and metal lanterns that hang or mount on a fence or wall with the included bracket; 8 to 10 hours after 6 to 8 hours of charge, per the maker.
Amazon rating: not available in our product data.
Hang lanterns from secure hooks or set them on stable ground, keep them out of walkways, and place solar panels in direct sun. Bring lanterns in during storms and follow the maker's battery instructions.
All Products Compared
| Product | Best For | Size | Power | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Otdair 14" Solar Lanterns (2 Pack) | Best Overall | 14 in | Solar | IP65 (maker) |
| SHYMERY 14'' Solar Lanterns (2 Pack) | Longest Stated Runtime | 14 in | Solar | Sealed (maker) |
| CEDARLUX Large Solar Floor Lanterns (Set of 2) | Best Floor Lanterns | 27.6 in and 16.3 in | Solar candle | Weatherproof (maker) |
| Bdor 13 Inch LED Candle Lanterns (2 Pack) | Best Battery-Powered | 13.4 in | 3 AAA each | IP44 (maker) |
| KOOPER Metal Solar Lanterns (4 Pack) | Best 4-Pack | 12.67 in | Solar, 800mAh | IP65 (maker) |
| DERAYSION Solar Lanterns with Wall Bracket (2 Pack) | Best Wall Mount | 11 in | Solar | Weatherproof (maker) |
Top 3 Outdoor Lanterns Reviewed
#1 Otdair 14" Solar Lanterns (2 Pack): Best Overall
Why We Picked It
Otdair's 14-inch lanterns pair a tempered glass body with a bronze retro coating and an SMD flickering candle inside. They are rated IP65, the maker says they charge in 6 to 7 hours of direct sun and run about 7 to 8 hours from dusk, and a switch on the base turns them on before first charge. They hang from a hook or sit on a table.
Key Specifications
- Amazon rating: not available in our product data
- Pack: 2
- Height: 14 inches
- Body: tempered glass, bronze coating
- Light: flickering SMD candle
- Runtime: about 7 to 8 h after 6 to 7 h of sun (maker)
- Rating: IP65 (maker)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Real glass with a classic look | Shorter stated runtime than some |
| IP65 stated | Glass needs care |
| Hang or tabletop | No rating data available to us |
Best For
Tables and porch hooks where you want a traditional lantern.
Who Should Skip It
Shady porches that get little direct sun.
Verdict
The best mix of looks, glass build and stated weather rating.
Otdair 14″ Solar Lanterns (2 Pack)
#2 SHYMERY 14'' Solar Lanterns (2 Pack): Longest Stated Runtime
Why We Picked It
SHYMERY lists 12 to 16 hours of light after about 6 hours of charge from a monocrystalline panel, the longest runtime claim in this group. The lanterns use tempered glass, a flickering SMD candle and a sealed design with over-charge and short-circuit protection, according to the maker. Each measures 5.5 by 5.5 by 14 inches.
Key Specifications
- Amazon rating: not available in our product data
- Pack: 2
- Size: 5.5 x 5.5 x 14 inches
- Body: tempered glass
- Panel: monocrystalline
- Runtime: 12 to 16 h after 6 h of charge (maker)
- Protection: over-charge and short-circuit (maker)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Longest runtime claim | No IP number stated |
| Tempered glass | Runtime depends on full sun |
| Charge protection listed | No rating data available to us |
Best For
Porches and patios used late into the evening.
Who Should Skip It
Anyone who wants a stated IP rating.
Verdict
The pick if you want the light to last all night.
SHYMERY 14” Solar Lanterns (2 Pack)
#3 CEDARLUX Large Solar Floor Lanterns (Set of 2): Best Floor Lanterns
Why We Picked It
CEDARLUX's set pairs a 27.6-inch and a 16.3-inch black metal lantern, each with a solar-powered pillar candle clipped in place. The panel on top charges in 6 to 8 hours for 8 to 12 hours of light, per the maker. The lanterns assemble in a few steps and are sized to stand on the floor by a door or at the edge of a patio.
Key Specifications
- Amazon rating: not available in our product data
- Pack: 2 (27.6 and 16.3 inches)
- Body: black metal
- Light: solar pillar candle, clipped in
- Runtime: 8 to 12 h after 6 to 8 h of sun (maker)
- Placement: floor or table
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Tall statement size | Needs assembly |
| Candle clipped in place | No IP number stated |
| Matched pair | No rating data available to us |
Best For
Flanking a patio door or the top of patio steps.
Who Should Skip It
Tabletops and small balconies.
Verdict
The best choice for large floor-standing lanterns.
CEDARLUX Large Solar Floor Lanterns (Set of 2)
Also on Our List
- Bdor 13 Inch LED Candle Lanterns (2 Pack) (Best Battery-Powered): Battery lanterns with a 6-hours-on, 18-hours-off daily timer, IP44 and 3 AAA batteries each (not included), best on covered porches.
- KOOPER Metal Solar Lanterns (4 Pack) (Best 4-Pack): Four iron hanging lanterns with filament-style LEDs, an 800mAh battery and up to 15 hours of light after 6 to 8 hours of sun, per KOOPER.
- DERAYSION Solar Lanterns with Wall Bracket (2 Pack) (Best Wall Mount): Glass and metal lanterns that hang or mount on a fence or wall with the included bracket; 8 to 10 hours after 6 to 8 hours of charge, per the maker.
How to Choose Outdoor Lanterns
Solar or Battery
Solar lanterns charge themselves but need direct sun on the panel. Battery lanterns work under a covered porch and often have a daily timer, but you replace batteries.
Glass, Metal or Plastic
Tempered glass looks traditional and resists scratches. Metal frames last but can rust if the finish chips. Plastic is light and will not shatter.
Size and Placement
Small hanging lanterns suit hooks and tables. Tall floor lanterns, such as the 27.6-inch CEDARLUX, mark doors and steps.
Weather Rating
IP44 handles splashes, so keep those lanterns under cover. IP65 resists rain. Bring lanterns in during storms either way.
Placement Safety
Hang lanterns from secure hooks, keep them out of walkways, and set floor lanterns where they will not tip in wind or be knocked over.
How We Evaluate Outdoor Lanterns
For this guide we compared listings on size, materials, power source, runtime claims, weather rating and mounting options. We included only flameless lanterns and read each maker's specifications. Most listings in this guide had no rating data in our product feed, so ratings did not decide the order. We did not handle or measure these products ourselves, every figure comes from the maker's listing, and we never repeat a weather, brightness or runtime claim as our own.
Variants of one listing count as a single product, and we would rather list a few strong picks than pad the list. Our full process is on the How We Review page.
FAQ
How long do solar lanterns stay lit?
Makers in this group list from about 7 to 16 hours after a full charge in direct sun. Cloudy days and winter shorten that.
Can outdoor lanterns stay out in the rain?
Check the rating. IP65 lanterns are made for rain; IP44 lanterns are better under a roof.
Are flameless lanterns safer than candle lanterns?
They remove the open flame, which matters near cushions, umbrellas and children. Still follow the maker's battery and charging instructions.
Final Verdict
Otdair's 14-inch glass lanterns are our top pick for their look, IP65 rating and hang-or-table design. SHYMERY claims the longest runtime, and CEDARLUX's tall pair is the best floor option.
Bdor suits covered porches, KOOPER gives four lanterns per box, and DERAYSION mounts on a wall or fence.
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