Best Driveway Lights (Review & Buying Guide) in 2024

In order to choose the best driveway lights, we took a look at the many different lighting products available. We considered and compared different styles of driveway lights, including in-ground, wall- or fence-mounted, wireless, and over-garage lights. To narrow down our list to only the best product choices, we looked at details and features like total lumen output, weatherproofing and waterproofing, ease of installation, and light lifespan. We picked the most durable and brightly illuminating driveway lights, and we also prioritized easy installation so absolutely anyone can get a set of lights up and running.

We love the Solpex Solar Pathway Lights, a set of driveway lights that runs on solar power and LED light bulbs with fantastic weatherproofing and a simple, almost effortless installation method. They offer the whole package of durability, convenience, and ease of use. If you’re looking for a lot of value, the Ollivage Solar Wall Lights are another great option as they’re affordable and durable, with bright illumination.

With so many different types of outdoor lights available to choose from, picking out a set of quality driveway lights can be a bit of a challenge. If you’re wondering how to find the right fit for your needs and your driveway, we have all of the advice you need right here.

These are lights that come mounted on a stake. You then place them along the outside edge of your driveway in the soft earth. The stake holds the light elevated above the driveway to illuminate the area around each light. You’ll need several lights to line each side of your driveway.

These lights get installed into the ground and are flush with the driveway or earth on either side of the driveway. The light then shines upward to illuminate the area around the driveway. These lights work best when you have something for the upward-pointing light to shine against. This could be a wall or dense brush.

This is typically a single or couple of lights that mount high up and shine downward. You’ll need to mount the light on a tree or building that is close to the driveway. This style of light typically has two light units that you can adjust to create a large wash of light in the general area below.

Solar-powered lights are environmentally friendly and the cheapest light to run long-term. They only require exposure to sunlight. However, for brighter and more consistent illumination, you’ll want to consider lights that are powered by batteries or ones that are hardwired into your electrical system. Consider your budget and climate, and amount of sun exposure when choosing your power source. 

The lighting style you choose will depend on the width, length, and build of your driveway. If you only want to mark the edge, then lights installed flush with the driveway will work fine. A short driveway that’s close to a building could be illuminated by one large overhead light. Long and wide driveways may need several lights on posts or bollards to provide the required amount of light. 

You’ll need to decide how long you want your lights to be on. Maybe you only need them to be on for a few hours after dark. Perhaps you want them to be on all night, or they could only turn on when motion is sensed on your driveway. The illumination you choose is a personal preference based on your needs and driveway use.

Driveway lights aren’t a huge investment; you’ll find that most products are reasonably priced, if not outright budget-friendly. You can opt for lights that cost less than $25 in total and offer full garage coverage. And there’s another cost-effective reason to install garage lights. If you opt for solar-powered or battery-powered lights, you won’t have to worry about an increased utility bill each month. Solar-powered driveway lights are the most affordable, as once you’ve bought a set, they’ll run on sunlight and cost you nothing more.

It’s no secret that light helps you see in the dark, so it kind of goes without saying that a set of driveway lights will increase your safety at night. With these lights placed along the edges of the driveway, your fencing, or even over your garage door, you’ll be able to see better in low lighting or total darkness. It’s the best way to avoid potential obstacles and prevent accidents. Additionally, if you opt for motion sensor lights, you can also add a bit of nighttime safety to your home by deterring would-be thieves.

If you’re opting for sleek, colorful, or style-forward driveway lights, you can actually upgrade your home’s outdoor style. With just a few lights strategically placed along fencing, the edges of your lawn against your driveway, or even around your garage door, you can both illuminate your driveway and make your home’s exterior look extra nice. It’s a simple upgrade that looks especially great at night.

You have so many options when it comes to driveway lights, and there’s a power source for every preference. From solar to single-use batteries to hardwired, there are lights that run on every possible type of power. Whether you’d like your lights to be hands off or maintained regularly, you can find driveway lights that operate in a variety of different ways.

For $25 or less, you’ll find either high-quality single units or lower-quality sets of multiple lights in this category. They’re most likely solar and have a limited number of LEDs in the lighting unit. Spend between $25 and $55, and you’ll be able to choose from the majority of solar- and battery-powered driveway lights, all of which fall into this range. Plus, this price range offers better durability and construction. For $55 or more, you’ll find lights that are top-quality or have some unique features about them. The LEDs are generally brighter with longer illumination times.

As with something you do for decades upon decades, you pick up a few tips and tricks along the way in terms of selecting the right product, and/or using it. That’s the case with us and driveway lights. To help you bridge the information gap, here’s a selection of what we’ve learned along the way.

You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers!