Best Solar Lantern (2025) – Top 10 Picks & Reviews

Looking for the best solar lantern? We reviewed user feedback, device specs, and durability ratings to find the models that deliver real brightness, reliable runtime, and rugged build. In this round-up, you’ll find the top 10 solar lanterns for camping, emergencies, or backyard use, based on real reviews and performance data.

Solar Lantern’s idea to power your life might seem farfetched and daunting at first glance. Nonetheless, it doesn’t have to feel like that. Going for solar-powered lanterns can narrow your choices down, and you will be the biggest success when it comes to saving a lot of electricity bills.

Opting for Solar Lanterns is undoubtedly a lifesaver, more so when we are living in times of outrageous electric bills. However, do these solar lanterns work? Are they up to par with the typical electric bulbs in most homes? Are you staying in a shady compound without the rays of the sun? Here is the scoop and snoop on what this new craze of solar-powered lantern lights is all about.

How We Chose These Solar Lanterns

We didn’t test these lanterns ourselves, but we selected them using authentic user reviews, product specifications like lumens and runtime, and verified performance claims. We aim to help you choose a solar lantern that’s bright, dependable, and eco-friendly.

Best Solar Lantern Lights For Camping and Emergencies

1. TANSOREN: 4-Pack Solar LED Lantern

Best for: This lantern set is a strong fit for emergency preparedness, camping, or outdoor workspaces where reliable lighting is a must. Based on reviews, it’s also popular among families who want to equip each room or car with a dependable light source, without spending much.

This 4-pack of Tansoren LED camping lanterns is built for versatility, and based on our research, that’s exactly what makes it stand out in a crowded field. Each lantern folds down compactly, runs on three different power sources (solar, USB, or AA batteries), and offers ultra-bright COB lighting, all in a design that’s lightweight and travel-friendly.

From what users report, these lanterns have proven especially useful in emergency kits, camping gear bins, and even car trunks. The design isn’t flashy, but it’s practical, and that’s often exactly what counts when the lights go out.

The triple power system is the real highlight here. According to buyers, charging via USB, relying on AA batteries, or using the built-in solar panel gives peace of mind in unpredictable situations. Even if the sun’s not out or the outlet isn’t available, you still have a fallback.

That said, solar charging is limited by the panel size. Reviews consistently mention that while it’s a great backup, relying solely on solar can be slow, especially in overcast weather. For best results, many users keep these charged via USB and reserve the solar panel for emergencies.

Earthava’s Take: The 4-Pack Tansoren LED Camping Lantern isn’t trying to reinvent lighting; it’s focused on getting the basics right. Our review of customer feedback and specs shows that this set delivers on functionality, durability, and value. It’s the product you’ll be glad to have when the power’s out or you’re out under the stars. While it’s not the brightest or most tech-packed option on the market, its simple, rechargeable design and flexible power options make it one of the most practical choices for off-grid or emergency-ready lighting.

Specs And Key Features

Price:	$$
Wattage:	10W.
Voltage:	5V.
Material:	Plastic.
Color:	Black.
Light Color:	‎White.
Weight:	‎3.09 Pounds.
Dimensions:	‎3.34 x 3.34 x 10 inches.
Bulb Type:	LED.
WaterProof:	Yes.
Key Features:	Lightweight & Collapsible.

2. Vont 4-Pack LED Camping Lantern

Best For: This 4-pack is ideal for emergency preparedness, power outages, and casual outdoor use. It’s especially well-suited for families who want multiple lanterns in different locations, home, car, cabin, or go-bag, or for anyone looking to stock up on backup lighting without breaking the bank.

Reliable lighting when the power goes out, and a backup you won’t have to think twice about

The Vont 4 Pack LED Camping Lantern is one of the most frequently recommended emergency lighting options on the market, and not just for campers. Based on our research into buyer reviews, feature comparisons, and hands-on video demonstrations, this set stands out for its simplicity, portability, and everyday practicality.

Each lantern is compact and collapsible, offering 360 degrees of bright LED light with a pull-up design that activates instantly, no buttons, no fumbling in the dark. According to users, the lanterns provide a surprisingly strong beam for their size, making them reliable companions in power outages, storm prep kits, or weekend getaways.

The collapsible, grab-and-go design is what makes these lanterns such a staple. You can stash them in drawers, glove compartments, or emergency kits, and they’ll be ready the moment you need them. Pull to light up a dark space, then collapse them down again when you’re done. It’s a small detail that reviewers often mention as a big convenience.

The main tradeoff, based on feedback, is that the lanterns lack dimming control. It’s either full brightness or off. While this isn’t a dealbreaker for most, it may not be ideal if you’re trying to conserve battery or need softer lighting at night.

Specs And Key Features

Price:	$$
Material:	ABS Plastic.
Color:	Black.
Light Color:	White.
Weight:	1.6 Pounds.
Dimensions:	‎5.5 x 4.9 x 10.5 inches
Bulb Type:	LED.
Key Features:	CE/ RoHS/ EMC certified.

3. Mukkuri: Rechargeable Camping Solar Lantern

Best for: People preparing emergency kits for hurricanes, storms, or blackouts, or anyone who camps lightly and needs a space-saving lantern that can still charge a phone if needed. It’s ideal for those who value redundancy: the kind of product you’ll appreciate having, even if you rarely need to use it.

For emergencies or off-grid weekends, the Mukkuri Solar Powered Camping Lantern aims to be more than just a light source. It’s a small, collapsible lantern that doubles as a flashlight and a basic power bank—an all-in-one unit built for backup situations when power or visibility is scarce.

What makes this model especially useful is its triple-power functionality. Based on reviews and our analysis of the specs, the lantern can be recharged via USB, solar panel, or even 3 AA batteries. That flexibility stood out across buyer feedback, with many calling it “dependable” in unpredictable situations like power outages or bad weather. The ability to charge a phone, though limited in capacity, was considered a smart bonus, especially during hurricanes or long camping nights.

However, there are realistic limits. According to several users, the solar panel performs best when used to top off the battery over time, not as a fast or primary power source. It also won’t fully charge a phone from 0 to 100%, which is worth keeping in mind if you plan to rely on it as a backup charger.

Earthava’s Take: This Mukkuri lantern isn’t designed to impress with flash; it’s built for function. According to users, it shines brightest when things don’t go as planned. Its compact size, reliable lighting, and multi-charging options make it a smart pick for preparedness kits or as a backup in your car or RV. Not fancy, but very dependable.

Specs And Key Features

Price:	$$
Batteries:	2000mAh Lithium Ion batteries.
Material:	ABS Plastic.
Color:	Black.
Light Color:	White
Weight:	0.22 Pounds.
Dimensions:	Not Specified.
Lumen:	500.
Waterproof:	IP44.
Key Features:	Collapsible.

4. LETMY: 4-Pack Solar Camping Lantern

Best for: People looking for budget-friendly, compact lanterns to include in hurricane kits, emergency drawers, or camping bins. This set is especially useful for households that want to keep one in each room, or for families heading off-grid together.

Reliable lighting isn’t a luxury when you’re in the dark; it’s a necessity. The LETMY Rechargeable Camping Lantern 4-Pack is designed with that in mind, offering a practical mix of portability, multiple power options, and simple functionality for emergencies, camping trips, and everything in between.

What sets this lantern apart, based on our research, is its triple power flexibility. Each unit can be charged via solar panel, USB cable, or standard AA batteries, an important feature that many users say gives them peace of mind when the power’s out or the weather’s uncertain. According to reviews, this versatility makes it a solid choice for home emergency kits or as a backup light source during outdoor adventures.

That said, it’s not intended to light up a large space. Several buyers noted that while the lanterns are bright enough for small areas like tents, porches, or rooms during an outage, they aren’t powerful floodlights. For their size, though, most users found the brightness more than sufficient for reading, walking around, or handling tasks at night.

Earthava’s Take: If you’re building a basic preparedness kit or just want to keep a few extra lights on hand, LETMY’s lanterns are a thoughtful option. They may not be ultra-bright or high-tech, but according to users, they’re reliable, easy to power, and reassuring to have when the lights go out. A practical staple with just the right amount of utility.

Specs And Key Features

Price:	$$
Batteries:	18650mAh Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery.
Material:	Metal.
Color:	Black.
Light Color:	White
Weight:	2.68 Pounds.
Dimensions:	Not Specfiied.
Lumen:	600.
Certifications:	CE/FCC/RoHS.
Key Features:	Collapsible & Lightweight.

5. JMADENQ: Camping Solar Lantern

Best for: someone who’s prepping a home emergency kit, wants something affordable to keep in the car, or is just looking for a lightweight camping backup. It’s not going to power your phone all weekend or light up a huge space, but for the price and size, it’s a thoughtful little tool to have around, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need.

This little lantern from JMADENQ. It’s not flashy. It looks almost like something you’d find in a hardware store back in the early 2000s. But here’s the thing: based on what buyers are saying and what the specs tell us, this compact, collapsible lantern holds its own.

Let’s start with what it is: a small, dual-purpose solar lantern and flashlight combo that also lets you charge a phone via USB. It’s collapsible, has a built-in handle, and runs on either solar power or USB, a welcome bit of flexibility. Our research shows that most people keep it for emergencies. Some toss it in a storm kit or glove box. Others use it when the power cuts out, or while camping without much gear.

The feature that stands out most, and it caught our attention too, is the versatility. You can hang it, carry it, collapse it, use it as a flashlight or lantern, and recharge it in multiple ways. According to dozens of reviews, that kind of flexibility makes a big difference when you’re fumbling around in the dark or trying to preserve power during an outage. Several users even noted it gave off more light than expected for such a small device. And the collapsible design? That’s something people seem to genuinely appreciate, especially those with limited space.

Now, on the other side, there’s a recurring theme in the feedback: solar charging is very slow. Like, “leave it in the sun all day and maybe you’ll get enough juice,” slowly. Some users found that disappointing, especially if they were hoping to rely on sunlight alone. And while the USB charging works better, the built-in power bank for phone charging isn’t particularly strong; it’s more of a last-resort option. That said, most folks weren’t expecting a full power bank from a lantern this size, so take that with a grain of salt.

Specs And Key Features:

Price:	$$
Batteries:	18650 2Lithium Polymer batteries.
Wattage:	‎12W.
Voltage:	3.7/4.2V.
Material:	ABS.
Build Type:	LED.
Color:	Black.
Light Color:	White.
Weight:	‎‎1.41 Pounds.
Dimensions:	3.1 x 3.1 x 9.8 inches.
Lumen:	60.
Waterproof:	Not Specified
Key Features:	Compact.

Best Solar Lantern Lights For Decoration

6. SHYMERY: Garden Hanging Solar Lantern

Best for: someone who is after a warm, cozy atmosphere, something charming for evening dinners, patio corners, or quiet outdoor moments, SHYMERY Solar Lanterns are a lovely, low-maintenance option.

Some solar lanterns are designed to be noticed. Others, like the SHYMERY Solar Lanterns, quietly do their job, adding a warm, flickering glow to your outdoor space without demanding attention. And that’s exactly why many people love them.

These 14-inch lanterns come in a set of two, styled with a classic mission-inspired design and a built-in flickering flameless candle that mimics a soft candlelight effect. Based on user reviews, the lighting isn’t bright, around 10 lumens, but that seems to be the point. It’s subtle, ambient, and more decorative than functional, perfect for mood-setting rather than task lighting.

One of the things that stood out in our research is battery longevity. SHYMERY claims these last up to 3x longer than similar models, and many buyers confirm they stay lit for 8–10 hours after a full charge. That’s not something we see consistently in lower-priced solar lanterns, especially decorative ones. Several users mentioned being pleasantly surprised by how well they hold a charge over weeks of use.

They’re also versatile. You can hang them from shepherd hooks, tree branches, or place them flat on tables or stairs. And while the body is plastic (not metal), it’s well-sealed against water, so it holds up during rain, though we’d still recommend bringing them in during heavy storms just to be safe.

If there’s one recurring critique, it’s the size. Despite being 14 inches tall, some users expected something more substantial or heavier. A few also noted that they feel a bit lightweight, especially in windy conditions. That said, most buyers didn’t seem to mind once they saw how they looked lit up at night.

Earthava’s Take: If you want solar lanterns that feel intentional, not like an afterthought in your garden, SHYMERY’s set is a gentle, reliable pick. They don’t shout for attention, but they do create it quietly. For readers who care about ambiance and want something that just works (and keeps working), we would say these are worth your attention.

Specs And Key Features:

Price:	$$
Material:	Glass & Plastic.
Color:	Black/White.
Bulb Type:	LED.
Light Color:	Warm.
Weight:	‎‎‎‎‎3.59 Pounds.
Dimensions:	‎5.51 x 5.51 x 14 Inches.
Waterproof:	Yes.
Key Features:	Flickering Lights.

7. ROSHWEY: Outdoor Hanging Solar Lantern

Best for: These are ideal for someone who wants gentle mood lighting outdoors without needing to wire anything or constantly recharge. Think evening chats on the balcony, small gatherings on the patio, or even quiet solo nights with a book outside. They aren’t for lighting up a whole yard, and they’re not trying to be.

At first glance, ROSHWEY Solar Lanterns seem simple: two modestly-sized outdoor lanterns, warm light, 30 LEDs per piece. But the more we looked into them, the more they revealed a kind of quiet reliability that’s hard not to appreciate.

These aren’t the showiest lights on the market. They don’t try to be. What they do instead, and do quite well, based on hundreds of buyer reviews and hours of side-by-side spec comparisons, is bring a soft, glowing presence to a garden, balcony, or backyard without much fuss. Just hang them up or set them on a table, let the sun do its job, and they’ll return the favor come evening. It’s the kind of simple, low-maintenance design that a lot of people seem to be gravitating toward now.

One thing that kept popping up in our research was how long the light lasts after dark. Many buyers noted these stay on for up to 8 hours after a full sunny day, which, compared to a lot of solar lanterns in this range, is a win. We also appreciated that the light isn’t overly harsh. It’s warm, like candlelight, but stronger. Some reviewers said it added “just enough glow” to their outdoor dinner setups without overpowering the setting.

What stood out most, though, was the 30-LED arrangement. It’s a bit of a jump from many competing models that use just 6 or 10. The result? A fuller, more even glow that feels intentional, not like a flashlight shoved into a lantern shell. The LEDs are tucked in a way that the whole structure feels lit from within, not just poked with light.

Of course, it’s not perfect. A few users mentioned that while the body looks metallic in photos, it’s actually a lightweight plastic. Not a dealbreaker, but it’s good to know if you were expecting heavy-duty materials. The upside is it’s weatherproof, rain didn’t seem to bother it in most cases. Still, some said wind knocked them over easily if they weren’t secured, so hanging might be the better option if your space gets gusty.

Earthava’s Take: If your goal is to bring a little soul to your outdoor space, not spotlight it, just give it a quiet warmth, the ROSHWEY lanterns are simple, dependable, and thoughtfully designed. And in a world full of overcomplicated lighting, that feels like a breath of fresh air.

Specs And Key Features

Price:	$$
Battery:	1600mAh NiMH battery.
Wattage:	5W.
Voltage:	2V.
Material:	Stainless Steel, ABS, Glass.
Color:	Black.
Light Color:	Warm white.
Weight:	‎3.56 Pounds.
Dimensions:	‎3.5 x 3.5 x 5.3 Inches.
Waterproof:	IP65.
Number Of Lights:	30 LED.
Key Feature:	Heat resistant.

8. EXCMARK: Decorative Solar Hanging Lantern

Best for: From what we’ve seen in customer feedback, these are ideal for someone looking to dress up a space, not flood it with light. A small backyard gathering. A quiet dinner for two. A cozy spot you’ve carved out to read or sip tea as the sun disappears. That’s their lane. And in that lane, they do just fine.

The EXCMARK Solar Hanging Lanterns aren’t the brightest lights in the garden. They are more about setting a tone, about shaping the kind of calm, flickering glow that makes your outdoor space feel lived in. Cared for. A little more magical after dark.

They come in a 2-pack, black metal with a hollowed-out pattern that casts patterned shadows as the warm white LED flickers inside. Not a real flame, but it plays the part well enough to pass for one when you’re sitting a few feet away, letting the day settle. Based on the reviews we combed through, it turned out people aren’t buying these for task lighting. They’re buying them because they add something soft and quiet to their patios or porches, and they don’t need to be fussed with.

A standout detail? The design. That hollowed-out floral cutout isn’t just aesthetic, it’s the entire reason these lanterns get noticed. During the day, they hold their own with understated decor. At night, that pattern comes alive. Multiple reviewers mentioned how often guests asked where they got them.

Now, for the trade-off. These aren’t built like high-end solar fixtures. Several users noted that the paint can start to chip or fade after months of exposure. If you live in a climate with harsh sun or frequent rain, you might want to bring them in between uses, especially during bad weather. They’re water-resistant, yes, but not invincible.

Earthava’s Take: These lanterns won’t transform your whole yard, but if you’re after those small, meaningful touches, the kind that make a space feel loved, the EXCMARK pair delivers. For the price and the charm, they’ve quietly earned their place on a lot of patios.

Specs And Key Features

Price:	$$
Battery:	600mAh ‎Ni-MH Battery.
Wattage:	1W.
Voltage:	1.2V.
Material:	Metal.
Color:	Black/Bronze.
Bulb Type:	‎LED.
Weight:	‎0.53 pounds.
Dimensions:	‎5.5 X 5.5 X 9.1 Inches.
Key Feature:	Design.

Best Solar Inflatable Lantern Lights

9. LuminAID: Solar Inflatable Lantern

If there’s one solar lantern we’ve come across that seems to resonate deeply with campers, hikers, and folks prepping for emergencies, it’s the LuminAID. You might have seen it on Shark Tank; that’s where it first caught mainstream attention, but it’s the real-world feedback from users over the years that made us dig in and pay closer attention.

This little thing is inflatable. That’s probably the first thing people mention, and not in a gimmicky way. It’s clever. Packs down flat when you’re tight on space, then inflates into a soft-glow cube that lights up your tent or room with an almost gentle calm. No harsh beams. Just ambient light that doesn’t blind you when you’ve been in the dark a while. That matters more than you’d think, especially during long power outages or after the sun dips on a solo hike.

What stood out to us, going through dozens of buyer stories and test videos, is how resilient it is. People toss it in backpacks, tie it to kayaks, leave it outside for hours, and it just… works. The solar panel charges decently in sunlight, not lightning-fast, but not sluggish either, and the battery holds up for a good while. Some reviewers mentioned leaving it on all night and waking up to just a slight dim. That kind of reliability during camping trips or emergencies goes a long way.

It’s not flawless, though. A few users felt the buttons were a bit finicky, especially with gloves or wet hands. And if you’re expecting a spotlight or floodlight kind of intensity, this isn’t that. It’s more of a space-filler, good for reading, moving around, even creating a bit of atmosphere, but not designed to light up a forest clearing.

Still, for what it is, lightweight, solar-powered, waterproof, and thoughtfully designed, it hits a very specific sweet spot. Our research shows it’s especially loved by solo travelers, backpackers, and families building emergency kits. There’s something comforting about having light that doesn’t rely on batteries or the grid.

We’ve seen people keep a few on hand, one in the emergency drawer, one in the glovebox, one clipped to a backpack. It doesn’t shout for attention, but when the power cuts out or the trail gets dark, it becomes the thing you’re most thankful to have packed.

Earthava’s Take: This isn’t the kind of lantern that tries to be everything. But what it does, it does thoughtfully. Based on what we’ve seen across hundreds of real-world stories, the LuminAID is a quiet kind of dependable, the kind you don’t think much about until you need it. And when you do, you’re glad it’s there.

Specs And Key Features

Price:	$$
Battery:	1000mAh batteries.
Material:	Plastic.
Color:	White.
Light Color:	Multicolor.
Weight:	0.3 Pounds.
Dimensions:	4.75 x 4.75 x 4.75 Inches.
Waterproof:	IP67.
Key Feature:	Easy Storage.

10. Goal Zero: Multi-Color Inflatable Solar Lantern Light

Best for: This lantern seems ideal for casual campers, festival-goers, or anyone curating a cozy, low-impact lighting setup. It’s also become a popular addition to emergency kits, less for its output, more because of how compact and solar-friendly it is.

The Goal Zero Crush Light Chroma isn’t just a solar lantern; it’s one of those rare utility tools that manages to sneak in a little joy when you least expect it. At its core, it’s a collapsible LED lantern that folds down flat and lights up your camp or backyard dinner with a surprisingly soft, ambient glow. But what sets it apart? According to dozens of campers and van-lifers we’ve looked into, it’s the color modes. Yes, it’s practical. But it’s also fun, and that seems to matter more than you might think.

This one’s known for its multicolor fade feature, not just the typical harsh white beam. You can cycle through six colors, or set it to fade gently between them. People use it not only for visibility, but to create a kind of atmosphere, whether they’re hiking solo or turning a picnic into something more memorable. And because it’s crushable, you can flatten it with your hand, it disappears into a backpack or glove box without taking up space. A lot of users bring it along “just in case,” then end up using it every night.

That said, it’s not a powerhouse. The brightness maxes out at 60 lumens, which reviewers say is enough to softly light up a tent or a small table, but not enough for tasks that require sharp detail. If you’re hoping to cook or read in the dark, you might want to pair it with something stronger. And while it does include a built-in solar panel, charging that way takes time; realistically, it’s better used as a backup. Most buyers tend to top it off via USB before heading out.

A few users hang it in their kids’ rooms as a nighttime comfort light. That blend of practicality and playfulness is what keeps it in so many carts.

Specs And Key Features

Price:	$$
Bulb Type:	LED.
Material:	Plastic.
Color:	White.
Color Light:	Multicolored.
Weight:	0.2 Pounds.
Dimensions:	‎5.25 x 1 x 5.25 inches.
Warranty:	One Year.
Waterproof:	Yes.

Common FAQ

When it comes to choosing the best solar lanterns, it’s natural to have a few questions. Whether you’re curious about how solar lanterns work, their durability, or the best options for specific needs like camping or emergency use, we’ve got you covered. In this section, we address the most common questions people ask about solar lanterns to help you make an informed decision and get the most out of your investment.

Conclusion

When it comes to cutting down on power bills, and protecting the environment by opting for solar energy. These lights work just like the usual electric lighting system and can be used to light up our streets, backyards, and homes, and even carried along when going camping. Solar outdoor lanterns can also be used to beautify event venues, improve home security, and add color and ambiance to your house.