Steps can be hard to see in the dark, making them vulnerable to trip hazards such as running over, up, down and across. Shining a light on steps will not illuminate them properly and may blend in with surrounding darkness. We reviewed and tested ten popular outdoor step lights to improve safety around your outdoor space while also looking into lighting fixtures that create an ambiance matching existing fixtures for an enhanced outdoor experience. Of these lights, seven made our top picks; all of which could be used indoors or outdoors in any weather condition.
Our Top Picks
| Rank | Product | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Best Overall: LEONLITE120V Dimmable LED Step Lamp | Superior positioning, design, temperature and dimming capabilities are all achievable. | Check Price |
| 2. | Best Lifespan: Mr. Beams MB522 Battery-Operated LED Step/Stairs Light | Motion step lights provide precise illumination without staying on all night. | Check Price |
| 3. | Highest Durability: Hykolity LED Landscape Deck/Step Lamp | These low voltage lights are bright, durable & resistant to heat, rain, snow and wind. | Check Price |
| 4. | Warm Ambiance Best: GKOLED Low-Voltage LED Step/Deck Light | Outdoor lights create a warm & comforting atmosphere to help you unwind as you drift off to sleep at night. | Check Price |
| 5. | Best For Wide Lighting Pattern: DBF 30 LED Outdoor Waterproof Solar Stair Lights | These waterproof solar step lights are the best choice for brightening up decks and posts with their wide light patterns. | Check Price |
How to Choose the Best Outdoor Step Lights
Based on their ability to do the job, we selected the best outdoor lighting for our purposes. We took into account relative brightness, versatility and durability as well as resistance to elements, installation ease and lifespan of hardwired lights or solar-powered lights’ run time. We did not rank products based on power source or features. It’s important to remember that step lights and stairs lights can be interchangeable when searching for outdoor step lights; lights intended for indoor use usually get referred to as “stairlights,” while those used outdoors usually get labeled simply “step lights.” Here we’ll use “step light,” since these will be reviewed outdoors; however the best ones may also work indoors!
Top 7 Best Outdoor Step Lights 2023
1. Best Overall: LEONLITE 120V Dimmable Led Step Light
Product Ratings
| Brightness | 5/5 |
| Versatility/Usage | 5/5 |
| Durability | 5/5 |
| Easy Installation | 3/5 |
| Lifespan/Run-Time | 5/5 |
Usage: Indoor/outdoor
What We Liked
- Can be placed vertically or horizontally
- Can be used in temperatures between -4°F and 104°F
- Energy efficient – only 3.5W
- Solidly constructed – waterproof/dustproof. Will not damage easily
- Compatible with most dimmers, so you can adjust the brightness
What We Didn’t Look Like
- It must be hardwired, and a junction box is required.
- 120V light can heat interior spaces. However, the voltage can be reduced by using a dimmer.
Leonlite was chosen as the best overall option due to its ease of installation – provided all parts are available. Furthermore, it’s energy efficient and can be utilized in numerous ways for various purposes indoors or outdoors, providing illumination in any situation. We selected Leonlite as the best overall choice, as reviewers raved about its strength and ability to withstand cold winters and hot Summers alike. While you will need a separate junction box for these lights, that shouldn’t deter you from purchasing them; these lights can be used for any purpose and are built to last a lifetime. While indoor stairs lights may be simpler to install, they’re not as durable or long-lasting outdoors like the LEONLITE light is.
2. Best Lifespan: Mr. Beams MB522 Battery-Operated LED Step/Stairs Light
Product Ratings
| Brightness | 3/5 |
| Versatility/Usage | 4/5 |
| Durability | 4/5 |
| Easy Installation | 4/5 |
| Lifespan/Run-Time | 5/5 |
Usage: Indoor/outdoor
What We Liked
- Long-lasting wireless installation, battery-operated
- Motion activated from 15 feet away, with a 20- or 60-second auto shut off timer
- Glow Mode – 2 lumens light output that doesn’t compromise battery life. Can be used as a constant light on the light without moving the light itself.
- UV resistance
What We Didn’t Look Like
- Per light, 3 C-cell batteries will be required. Not included
- Not a floodlight
- Can detect movement 15 feet away
Mr. Beams step/stairlight was chosen for its long-lasting motion-sensing feature that lasts forever, making it the best option available. If you need an outdoor light to help illuminate stairs when walking up them and turn them on, this model is your ideal pick. This light can detect movement up to 15 feet away. It may turn on if there are animals near where you place it, which could drain the battery quickly. Therefore, keep this in mind when purchasing these lights. This light may not be ideal if you’re searching for a motion-sensing lamp that also serves security purposes, though there are plenty of options on the market that can fulfill that need. Plus, since this modern-style light doesn’t need to be wired, you can place it wherever desired. Glow Mode is another feature this modern style light boasts; ideal for night lighting and bathrooms since the illumination is dim enough not to affect battery life negatively.
3. Best Durability: Hykolity Low Voltage LED Landscape Deck/Step Light
Product Ratings
| Brightness | 4/5 |
| Versatility/Usage | 4/5 |
| Durability | 5/5 |
| Easy Installation | 2/5 |
| Lifespan/Run-Time | 4/5 |
Usage: Outdoor
What We Liked
- 10-year warranty
- Long-lasting LED light bulbs that are very bright and durable
- Weather-resistant
What We Didn’t Look Like
- Additional accessories such as a transformer or low voltage wires, must be ordered separately.
- Very bright
- Light does not have to be reflected downwards. It can also be too bright for your eyes.
Hykolity offers low-voltage LED outdoor steps lights designed for long lasting reliability and weather resistance. Aluminum casing makes this light weatherproof while its bright LED lights require little upkeep and last a long time. Modern designs can easily be paired with any style by providing just enough illumination. As these lights require access to electricity from outdoors, additional accessories may be needed but once set up they have an impressive 15 year lifespan!
4. Best For Warm Ambiance: GKOLED Low Voltage LED Step/Deck Light
Product Ratings
| Brightness | 3/5 |
| Versatility/Usage | 3/5 |
| Durability | 3/5 |
| Easy Installation | 4/5 |
| Lifespan/Run-Time | 4/5 |
Usage: Outdoor
What We Liked
- Residential lighting: Decorative and auxiliary
- Warm accent light, not too bright
- Landscape/pathways: Downcast light
- Easy installation with no screws.
- Solid, elegant finish
- Low voltage light that lowers energy consumption
What We Didn’t Look Like
- It is not dimmable, but it is also not bright
GKOLED lights are the ideal option for creating a cozy atmosphere, as they’re easy to install and boast stunning aesthetics. These lights can be dimmed without losing brightness – ideal for lighting landscapes, gardens, paths and outside stairs alike. Many reviewers have praised their stunning finish as well as ease of installation even though they require an electrical outlet.
5. Best For Wider Needs: DBF 30 LED Outdoor Waterproof Solar Stair Lights
Product Ratings
| Brightness | 4/5 |
| Versatility/Usage | 4/5 |
| Durability | 5/5 |
| Easy Installation | 5/5 |
| Lifespan/Run-Time | 4/5 |
Usage: Outdoor
What We Liked
- Glare-free lighting
- Battery built-in rechargeable – fully charged, 8 hours run time
- Installation is quick and simple with no wiring
- Bright light – 30 LEDs, large solar panel
- Conversion of high-efficiency solar energy
- Durable – Stainless Steel, won’t Rust
What We Didn’t Look Like
- Bright light – 30 LEDs
- Solar-powered devices may not be fully charged during rainy or cold conditions.
This solar light is so bright that it’s a contender for “Best for Brightness”, boasting an even light pattern. This bulb can illuminate larger areas than any other on the market, making it ideal to pair with outdoor step lights to provide additional illumination along the path. These lights are large enough that you don’t need to place them too close together, saving money depending on their placement. Plus, they are solar-powered and extremely bright with 30 LEDs. Some reviews have noted that the lights may not fully charge in wet or cloudy weather conditions. However, we found these lights to be bright, durable, energy-saving and won’t rust. While these cast a wide light beam over an expansive area, more powerful circular illumination might be desirable. Outdoor Pillar Lighting can also be attached to railings for all-around illumination.
6. Best Solar-Powered Step Lights: Solpex Outdoor Solar Step Lights
Product Ratings
| Brightness | 3/5 |
| Versatility/Usage | 5/5 |
| Durability | 4/5 |
| Easy Installation | 4/5 |
| Lifespan/Run-Time | 4/5 |
Usage: Outdoor
What We Liked
- On bright, sunny days it takes only 4-5 hours to fully recharge
- Multicolor comes in 7 different colors
- Installation is simple
- It is solar-powered so it does not increase your energy bill
What We Didn’t Look Like
- One AAA battery required (not included).
- If attached to a step, it is easy to trip on
- A color-changing group of lights cycles through every color without the ability to choose one.
This solar light has earned the title of “Best for Brightness”, boasting an incredibly bright light pattern. This lamp can illuminate larger areas than any other on the market, meaning outdoor step lights don’t need to be placed too close together – potentially saving money by purchasing fewer lights! Plus, these lights are solar-powered with 30 LEDs; some reviewers noted they might not charge fully in wet or cloudy weather conditions, but we found them reliable, efficient, and corrosion resistant.
7. Best “Work All Day, Party All Night” Lights: DenicMic Outdoor LED Solar Step Lights
Product Ratings
| Brightness | 3/5 |
| Versatility/Usage | 4/5 |
| Durability | 4/5 |
| Easy Installation | 5/5 |
| Lifespan/Run-Time | 4/5 |
Usage: Outdoor
What We Liked
- A large solar panel makes it take 4-5 hours for your battery to charge fully in sunny weather.
- Easy installation – no wiring required – you can use Gorilla Tape with no screws
- The solar panel can be used as a hood depending on the location of the lights. Light is directed downwards by the sun.
- 1 AA battery required for each light (included).
- You can use warm light during the day
What We Didn’t Look Like
- For every application, small size is not the best.
- The colors change constantly, so it is impossible to choose one.
DenicMic solar deck lights were selected by us as the best party lighting, because we believe celebrations are more enjoyable with vibrant colors. You can also opt for warm white light in areas where you’re walking – some reviewers even noted these lights to be smaller than expected! Solar lights also cycle their colors automatically, so you never have to choose just one hue. Plus, since they require neither electricity nor an outlet, you can place them wherever desired. Place these lights wherever you please: around your pool, along the path to your barbecue or even on the steps leading into your home for those late nights. Just make sure they get some sun access so they can fully recharge – though please remember not to place them under any kind of cover or roof!
Comparison Chart
| Products | Best Overall | The Best Lifespan | Best for Brightness | Best for Durability | Warm Ambiance is best | Ideal for Wider Uses | Solar-Powered Step Lights: Best | The Best Party Lights |
| Brightness | 5/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Versatility/Usage | 5/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Durability | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy Installation | 3/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 2/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Lifespan/Run-Time | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
The Winner
Based on our evaluations, the LeONLITE 120V Dimmable LED Light Step Light is the overall winner and clear winner. It’s ideal for indoors as well as outdoors. The 5’s are almost universal.
How to Choose the Best Outdoor Step Lights
Consider Your Lighting Needs
Dimmable step lights provide warm lighting to illuminate your garden path or create an ambiance for outdoor desserts. Brighter lights are better if you need to illuminate home steps safely; warmer ones look more appealing and pleasing to the eye than ones used only for safety reasons. With more illumination, you have greater safety when leaving your house in the dark.
Take a look at The Electrical Source
If your property lacks electricity, you might consider taking down outdoor step lights. We tested and reviewed the top lights available on the market and found that hardwired options work best and last longest; however, solar-powered options come in at a close second. No matter which option you pick – solar or hardwired, decorative or safety – durability should always be your top priority when selecting an ideal outdoor light.
Take into account the Weather Conditions
All the step lights reviewed in this post have been tested against the elements & proved their durability against wind, rain & snow. So guys you should be aware that not all stair lights are created equal; those designed for indoor use might not be suitable for outdoor use. When selecting an outdoor step light for your home, it’s essential to take into account its purpose; our 7 top-rated outdoor step light reviews can help you make a knowledgeable decision based on where your lights should go.
