In the past two years, we tested 62 different outdoor lights (yes, you read that correctly), including solar pathways, smart, spotlights, lanterns, wall-mounted, and string lights. If we do say so ourselves, we have become 10 Amazing Outdoor Solar Lights for 2025 solar light experts. Home Improvement.
We tested outdoor solar lights in The Lab, simulating hail storms and recording the lights overnight to see if they stayed on all night long. We also did some home testing around the country.10 Must-Have Solar Lights, We looked at the specs—each light was assessed for ease of assembly,Garden brightness, features, design, value, Shine Brighter, and durability. Best Solar Lights for 2025.
Read more about our process here, and we also spoke to lighting expert Sheva Knopfler, Lights. Com’s co-founder and creative director, on what to consider before buying outdoor solar lights. On her short list: how much light do you need, and does it need to be direct or diffused? Solar pathway lights help you find your way when walking at night, while mounted spotlights may have security monitors or be designed to showcase features of your landscape. 10 Powerful Solar Lights for 2025,
One other factor is how you’ll set up your lights. Some are driven into the ground, while others are mounted or hung on the side of your house. solar outdoor. Establish what you’d like to have illuminated as well as the areas you have room for outdoor lights so that you can find the best outdoor solar lights for your space.10 Best Solar Lights (2025),
Best Overall
The best option for most outdoor spaces is the AloftSun Motion Sensor Solar Landscape Spotlights. In testing, they passed our durability tests with flying colours, were super easy to use, and were bright enough to read under Depending on the setting, these spotlights can sense motion up to 33 feet away. Shine Brighter.
It has three modes from sunset to sunrise: dim or bright light if motion is detected; no light or bright light if motion is detected; or medium light/always on. It gives some options to suit your needs, and it’s super easy to use, and we use both a lot. Solar outdoor wall lights.
Simple to assemble, with only two pieces, this two-pack of lights can either be staked into the ground (the method we tested) or mounted to a wall with included hardware.
During our durability tests, we were impressed by how well these solar pathway lights held up. We added sprinkles of water to them and put them in the freezer for over an hour. And the lights still worked, just as well as before, after every test! We also dropped a golf ball onto their solar light panel from 6 feet away, and they still survived. 10 Best Solar Lights (2025),
These data-up-to-date spotlights also have 30 LED light chips in them to help brighten your pathway, garden, or yard, lasting 40,000 hours. Top 10 Solar Lights (2025) However, they are simply designed, and they tend toward the cool end (6500K) that some might find unattractive for use in a home. You can’t go wrong with these if you want durable, bright lights with useful features at a great price.
Dimensions: 11.81 x 5.43 x 4.33 inches | Lumens: Not specified | Charging time: 1 to 2 days first use, up to 8 hours on cloudy days | Operating times: 6 to 12 hours depending on setting | Weather Resistance Rating: IP68 | Color temperature: 6500K
Best Budget
If you’re seeking an inexpensive spotlight, we loved trying this available option from Hampton Bay. The light has a simple and intuitive design, but it’s ideal for illuminating a favourite fountain or landscape element you have in your yard.
The light even features a tilt-adjustable solar panel that allows you to position it at the best angle for charging and sun-collecting. At night the light will automatically switch on and turn off at the break of dawn. It is built to run for eight hours on a full charge. 10 Powerful Solar Lights for 2025.
Very basic, but we were surprised at the lack of directions with this light. This made the installation and set-up a bit more challenging, but once we located the on/off switch (it’s immediately beneath the solar panel and covered by a plastic knob for weatherproofing) things were more or less clear. You just turn it on, stake it into the ground, adjust the solar panel and wait for the sun to set.
This light at 55 lumens is relatively bright so we use it as landscape lighting. But we believe this kit of lights would be even better for lighting your yard. Fortunately, they are under $10, so picking up a few for your backyard is not too expensive.
Durability was not a problem — we’re happy to report that this light has lit up our yard every. Single. Night for the past six months. The light functions well no matter the wind, rain, or even blazing sun. solar outdoor, It was even accidentally hit by a lawn mower and it still had zero damage.
Dimensions: 3.5 x 8.1 inches | Lumens: 55 each | Charging Time: Not Listed | Operating time: 8 hours | Weather Resistance Rating: IPX5 | Color Temperature: 3000
How do outdoor solar lights function ?
Outdoor solar lights are powered by a few superhero elements: solar cells, rechargeable batteries, photoresistors and lightbulbs. Solar lights in a garden. During the day, solar cells turn the sun’s rays into electricity and batteries store them, and the photoresistors kick on the light in the dark.
Best String Lights
Outdoor string lights can bring a more welcoming vibe to your patio in the summer, and an added festive element during the winter holidays. Motion sensor lights outdoors we believe they’re versatile enough to keep up all year This Brightech set is 27 feet long and doesn’t need electricity. Simply stake the solar panel into the ground or clip it to a balcony, or other surface, and put the lights wherever you want them.
The shatterproof plastic Edison-style bulbs are not only stylish but also tough, Shine Brighter, standing up well in our tests. Although the solar panel shifted a little when we struck it with a golf ball, it showed no damage. They also offer a 1,000 hour lifetime on charge (about 2.5 years, if you believe the manufacturer) and full 2-year warranty.
We loved the “moody lighting” these lights produced but noted they provided enough brightness to read only when huddled together, not when strung out. Solar lights in a garden. They also didn’t burn nearly as long as the others we tested (for 6 hours each).
If you primarily use them for decor or entertaining purposes, this shouldn’t be an issue. And while you can’t join multiple strands (as we’d hoped!) if you have room, there is also a 48-foot strand.10 Best Solar Lights (2025),
Dimensions: 27 feet | Lumens: Not listed | Charging Time: 6 hours | Working time: Fully charged up to 6 hours | Weather Resistance Rating: Not listed | Color temperature: 3000K
Looking for the best outdoor solar lights in 2025? We’ve tested and approved the top solar powered outdoor lights that bring reliable brightness, style, and efficiency to your space. Whether you need solar outdoor flood lights, solar outdoor wall lights, or solar motion sensor light outdoor, we’ve got you covered.
From solar path lights outdoor to decorative outdoor solar garden lights, these picks work in all seasons—including outdoor solar lights that work in winter. Want safety? Try solar powered motion sensor lights outdoor and outdoor solar security lights for peace of mind. For ambience, solar rope lights outdoor, fairy solar lights outdoor, and colour changing outdoor solar lights are perfect for decks and patios.
Add a glow to walkways with solar outdoor pathway lighting or install step lights outdoor and solar powered outdoor stair lights for extra safety. Prefer wall-mounted? Choose solar wall lights outdoor, solar outdoor wall lighting, or wall mount solar lights outdoor for sleek finishes. Our list even includes outdoor solar post lights, solar pole lights outdoor, and outdoor solar deck lights that are perfect for enhancing your outdoor look.
We’ve also reviewed top picks from Amazon, Menards, and Home Depot, including amazon outdoor solar lights and home depot outdoor solar lighting. Whether you want bright solar powered outdoor lights, large outdoor solar lights, or LED rope lights outdoor solar, this guide has the answers. Upgrade your yard with outdoor decorative solar lighting that lasts.
Best Decorative
For a budget-friendly lighting option that’ll add ambience to your outdoor space, take a look at the 33-foot-long Brightown Outdoor Solar string lights. Available in seven hues (we tried the white), these fairy lights passed all our durability checks and were easy to install, needing just two stakes for the solar panels.
Since they are solar-powered you don’t have to rely on electricity for them to work, unlike with many other outdoor string lights. Solar outdoor. Just understand that they’re not a good choice if you’re looking to add bright light outdoors.
We particularly liked the eight lighting modes — combination, waves, sequential, slow glow, chasing/flash, slow fade, twinkle/flash and steady-on — so you’ll have some fun options if you need lights for gatherings or holidays. These lights have an up to 10-hour runtime after automatically turning on at night, although perplexingly, they did turn off during overnight testing, just for 60-second increments.
Consider putting the solar light panels in areas where they can receive light, which might restrict placement options. While this two-pack is a nice budget pick, especially if you need string lights or want to bring a little fun to your outdoor decorating.
Dimensions: 33 feet long | Lumens: Not listed | Charge Time: Not listed | Run time: 8 to 10 hours after full charge | Weather Resistance Rating: IP65 | Color Temperature: 2700K
How long do outdoor solar lights last ?
Batteries in outdoor solar lights last 3 to 4 years before needing replacement. Some manufacturers sell replacement batteries, while others require an entirely new fixture. You can help increase the life span by cleaning the panels regularly and protecting them from harsh winter weather.
Best for Posts
A light post adds a chic, old-school touch to your decor while brightening your entryway. With the Kemeco Solar Post Light Fixture, which we tried and liked, you have a lot more options on where to include it in your outdoor space, and solar lights in a garden, so you don’t need any electricity or wires. You can mount this light to a post (not included) or to its included mounting base and put it just about anywhere.
We tried both installation methods. At our lab, we assembled the light at the base mounting and placed it on a step, while during our at-home test, we assembled and mounted the light with an existing round pole. We also observed that screws and a bracket for either a round or square pole were included in our package, which did not appear in the manufacturer’s product description.
We found that the light in both scenarios was simple to assemble with only two pieces. Using the mounting base, standard, we did find it a little top-heavy, however. If you call this the virtue of using the mounting base, we suggest using the mounting bracket to screw it fast to a step to clear any anxiety over top heaviness.
Both methods were straightforward to install, and once they were set up, we appreciated how this aluminium light fixture’s lantern shape and ripple glass gave it a nice glow. Yes, the glass is rippled, but the light shines so brightly even around it that we could read around it while testing. And while it’s certainly still bright, this light isn’t bright enough for a security spotlight.
The manufacturer says the product is weatherproof, and it wasn’t damaged when we poured water directly above it in the lab. We have also been in real-world testing and not seen any issues with storms damaging the light.
Dimensions: 8.8 by 8.8 by 18.1 including 5.5-inch mounting base | Lumens: 130 to 145 | Charging Time: At least 8 hours | Operating time: 6 to 8 hours | Weather Resistance Rating: Not listed | Color Temperature: 3000K
Best Motion-Sensor
Motion sensor solar lights help you have lighting when and where you need. So, we tested both of the StarRay LED Solar Motion Sensor Landscape Spotlight modes to accommodate your need. They can be set to switch on for 25 seconds when motion is detected, or always be on half light and light up for 10 seconds upon detection.
We found that while the distinction between half-light and full-light was barely perceptible on the second mode, both modes were bright enough to read by. These lights do not automatically turn on at dusk but will do so automatically if powered during the daytime if you select one of those modes.
In addition to their motion sensor feature, we also love their multi-purpose versatility and sleek design. With the provided hardware, you can stake them into the ground or mount them on a wall. The light and solar panel come in the same device and can be rotated up to 90 degrees vertically (180 degrees horizontally), so you can point the light exactly where you want it to beam.
We also discovered that these lights passed our water-and-golf-ball tests without damage. When frozen, however, they strobe three times and then turn off. Solar lights in a garden, The price for the Linkind StarRay LED appears to be a bit steep for a single light, but we discovered it performs as advertised and has a sturdy feel. We recommend it no matter if you are doing landscape lighting or pathways and security.
Dimensions: 11.4 x 6.26 x 3.94 inches | Lumens: Not Specified | Charging Time: Not Specified | Operating time: 6-12 hours | Weather Resistance Rating: IP67 | Color Temperature: 6500K
Best Hanging
With a minimal footprint needed for the hanging bracket, the Derynome Solar Lantern Outdoor Lights offer you all of the benefits of wall-mounted lights, without much effort. We installed these lights at one of our homes (one on an enclosed side porch and the other on a post on the front porch) in less than 15 minutes.
After the brackets were up, it took seconds to hang the lantern on the hook. solar outdoor, However, make note that the lantern is sturdy and rugged feeling but quite light (just over 3 pounds) and tends to swing on the hook — just be sure you mount it at an accessible height so you can get it down.
We did psychedelic after rainy windy weather (but not extreme), the lantern never blew off. The on/off switch is in the lantern, but it was easy to twist the lantern to get to it. When on, the lantern will automatically turn on and off (dusk till dawn).
The bracket separates the solar panel from the wall, making it more likely to receive sunlight even if there is a slight overhang of the roof above. Indeed, we installed them under a small overhang and they still got enough sunlight to stay on even overnight. If you want a sunnier location, it’s fairly simple to rehang them, as well, since they’re so easy to install.
Dimensions: 11 x 6 x 6 inches | Lumens: 15 each | Charge time: 6 hours | Run time: 8 hours | Water Resistance Rating: IP65 | Color temperature:
What are some creative ways to use solar lights in a garden?
Floating LED Orb Lights: These waterproof, solar-powered orbs can be placed in pools or ponds, creating a futuristic ambiance.
Embedded Glow Stones: Glow stones absorb sunlight during the day and emit a soft glow at night, adding a magical effect to pathways.
Smart Sensing Technology: Advanced solar luminaires now feature intelligent sensors that adjust brightness based on environmental conditions, enhancing energy efficiency.
Best Smart
The Ring Smart Lighting Solar Floodlight is great for upgrading your current floodlight and utilizing smart home features. We did so at one of our abodes: we replaced a standard motion sensor light (using the existing plate) and easily mounted this Ring Smart Light in no time based on the illustrative steps included.
It’s worth remembering that in order to take advantage of all of those smart features (if you don’t already have one) you’ll need to purchase and plug in the Ring Bridge, but that was simple enough to do — just plug, install the app and set up. Like other solar lights, you need to make sure that the solar panel on this smart outdoor light gets adequate sunlight to be fully powered each day. The Ring Smart Floodlight has a solar cell that hangs from a long cable, so you have more mounting options in terms of where you can mount the solar cell. Solar lights in a garden long.
It comes with a fairly large solar panel however that is the same colour as the flood light. Since this light comes in a black and white finish, we found the white matching one helped the solar panel blend into a home’s siding. You can also charge the battery separately with the USB cable.
Once the app is up and running, there are plenty of powerful capabilities available through this smart home device. You can switch the light on and off in the app and set a schedule for when the light will turn on, change motion sensitivity, change brightness, and so on. We found all of these features to be very useful, but we only wished the light was as bright as the previous floodlight we had installed at one of our homes (though we did like the warmth of this Ring light).
It was bright enough to fulfil its function as a floodlight, and this is the best option for homeowners who already have several smart devices in their homes. Solar outdoor. This light can also integrate with other Ring devices and other useable lights through the Ring app.
Dimensions: 5.5 x 10.4 x 4.7 inches | Lumens: 1,200 max (adjustable) | Charge Time: | Usage time: | Weather Resistance Rating: IP66 | Color temperature: 3500
Best Pathway Lights
After dark, guide yourself to and from your house with these solar pathway lights from Alfiot. While testing, we liked that you can raise the height of these lights by 7 inches with an extension pole that’s included. We also adore the aesthetic of the lights, bringing a contemporary touch to your front or backyard. Best Solar Lights for 2025.
We loved the quick installation (simply stake them into the ground and press the on button) and the lifespan of these lights when they’re fully charged. We had charged them fully prior to installation and were shocked to discover that many in the collection remained on after sunrise the next day. Solar lights in a garden. They continue to be lit at night while the autumn, then winter approach.
But these were not the brightest lights we tested, and we paired them with a spotlight to illuminate features in our yard, as well as provide added security and safety. That’s not a total deal-breaker, but you can always buy a second set of these pathway lights (which is what we did) to amp up the brightness and range of the light. They are sold in packs of four, six, or eight. We found the warm white light quite soft and appealing, but there’s also a cool white version.
We were particularly impressed with the durability of these lights. Through heavy winds, rain, and bright, hot sun they never tipped or had any issues. After six months, we noticed one thing: The solar panels had a white film on them. Although we couldn’t get this removed, it didn’t impact the functionality of the lights.
Dimensions: 3 x 26.5 (with extension) inches | Lumens: N/A | Charging Time: N/A | Operating time: 12-14 hours | Weather Resistance Rating: IP65 | Color Temperature: N/A
What are the best brands for high-quality solar lights in 2025?
Nymphy: Known for their durable and bright outdoor solar lights, popular for illuminating walkways and flower beds.
Kaxiida: Offers reliable solar lighting solutions with various styles suitable for different garden aesthetics.
Aootek: Provides high-quality solar lights praised for their brightness and durability.
Best Wall-Mounted
These Cyhkee Motion Sensor Solar Powered Wall Lanterns offer a simple, yet elegant, entryway wall sconce. And, if they have motion sensor capabilities, they provide additional security to your front or backyard. When we played around testing them, we loved the different modes you could flip between the light’s durability even in inclement weather.10 Amazing Outdoor Solar Lights for 2025.
We found that the motion sensor was reliable and the dim light nice for added ambience, but we do not think it’s adequate for safety. The single light handles all three modes, meaning your confirmation that you chose the right one can only come at night. But the easy and intuitive controls are good. Solar outdoor. When the sun goes down for 10 hours these are recommended to be charged for 6-8 hours for optimal results by the manufacturer.
We also love how the Edison bulbs in these wall-mounted lanterns add additional style to your front porch. Just note that we had to buy separate mounting hardware to hang these up, Best Solar Lights for 2025., but they did come fully assembled (which we love).
Fortunately, they emerged unscathed from major storms with strong winds and rain. The lights are constructed from hardy plastic, making us sure they’ll withstand the great outdoors. They’re weatherproof and corrosion-resistant — and we love that the set comes with two matching lanterns for symmetry around your front or back door.10 Top Solar Lights Reviewed (2025),
Size: 8.7 x 5.3 x 5.5 Inches | Lumens: 200 | Charge Time: 6-8 hours | Operating time: 8-10 hours | Weather Resistance Rating: IP65 | Colour Temperature: Warm
Best Lantern
We loved this stylish option from Lumabase during testing, and think it’s a great way to get some attractive outdoor lighting for a front porch or back patio. We used this on our porch, in our doorway and sitting on an outdoor table for added ambience on warm nights, showing that it looks just as lovely hanging on the side of your flat (or house) or gracing the centre of a table. Solar lights in a garden,
Switch on the lantern using the switch at the foot of the lantern. The on-and-off wording can be difficult to read, so we recommend doing this in a well-lit room or in the daytime to make sure that it’s actually on when you want to use it at night. Just as the sun sets, the lantern gives an orange hue and a flickering effect to simulate a candle.
It’s not incredibly bright, so we suggest using it as a decorative lighting option rather than the sole source of light for safety or security reasons. But it does still add a cheerful atmosphere to our front porch each evening, even as it grows darker earlier in October and December.
And yet this decorative lantern held up beautifully against the elements. We went through hail, rain and wind during the weeks-long testing period, and it went unscathed when left outside uncovered. So we love this lantern as a long-lasting, good-looking option for outdoor lighting. Six months later, we’re still using this lantern on our covered outdoor porch, which still gets heavy winds during rainstorms, and it’s never tipped or fallen.10 Top Solar Lights Reviewed (2025),
Dimensions: 5.5 x 5.5 x 13.5 inches | Lumens: N/A | Charging Time: N/A | Operating time: 6-7 hours | Weather Resistance Rating: N/A | Color Temperature: N/A
Final Verdict
The durable and flexible AloftSun Motion Sensor Solar Landscape Spotlights are our best outdoor solar light because it has three different simple lighting modes and two setup ways, so you can achieve bright light wherever and whenever you see fit. We also like our best budget pick, the Hampton Bay LED Outdoor Solar Spotlight, Effortless Glow, a lovely and affordable way to illuminate your entrance without concern for power.
How We Tested The Outdoor Solar Lighting
In the past few years, we’ve tried out 62 outdoor lights, more than 30 of them solar powered. All of the lights were tested in our lab or at one of our own homes around the country and were rated on ease of assembly, brightness, features, design, value and durability.
Ease of assembly: We set a timer and put each light together per how the manufacturer told us to do so. We indicated whether the instructions were easy to follow and whether the hardware was included. We also paid attention to the setup process, if the lights were inserted into the ground, wall-mounted or hanging.10 Amazing Outdoor Solar Lights for 2025.
Solar Capability:-We then placed them all in the sunlight to charge completely. In The Lab, solar outdoor, we put each of these in a dark room and ran through their features, including motion sensors and lighting modes. We went out of the room — the lights had motion sensors that would not turn on when we were out — waited two minutes, went back in, and recorded when the lights went on without us telling them to.
Brightness:-We tried to read a book under each lamp to test out the brightness. At home, we made a note of whether the colour and brightness matched what you’d expect for the type of lighting and whether they turned on and off when they were supposed to (motion sensors included).
Features:-In The Lab, we ensured the lights were set to the correct mode (Dawn to Dusk, on, or left alone if they were automatic) and set a video camera pointing to each night overnight. We then played back the recording, marking when each light came on and off and any weird behaviour. At our own house, we observed whether the lights come on at sunset and off at sunrise and whether they remained on through the night or turned on and off periodically. If applicable, we also evaluated and tested other functionality, such as smart features and other configurations.
Design and durability:-We wanted to see how each performed in the elements, including rain, hail and subfreezing winter temperatures. For the lights we had in our homes, solar outdoor. We also noted how they performed against any inclement weather encountered during the testing period.
Value:-At the end of the testing period, we discussed what we did and didn’t like about each product and whether or not we felt its price matched its features.10 Top Solar Lights Reviewed (2025),
The Best Solar Lights to Install Around Your Home, Tested.
How to Choose the Best Outdoor Solar Lights
The Style of the Solar Light
Outdoor solar lights are generally categorized into three types based on their light output: motion-activated, dusk-to-dawn and timer-controlled. The energy is finite because of the size of the solar cells and the capacity of the battery so think about when you want the lights burning and for how long.
Solar lights with built-in timers- provide you with maximum oversight by letting you choose what time they turn on and the duration.
Dusk-to-dawn solar lights,— such as our top pick for posts, the Kemeco LED Cast Aluminum Solar Post Light — use sensors to automatically turn on when daylight fades.
Motion-activated solar lights turn- on in response to movement and conserve their solar energy reserves, such as the AloftSun Motion Sensor Solar Landscape Spotlights, our best overall. You train on this for floodlights or some need lighting like outside your back door.
Smart solar lights-such as our best smart pick, the Ring Smart Lighting Solar Floodlight, which has all of the advantages of a smart home device, letting you set when the lights will come on, how bright they will shine and how sensitive the motion detection settings will be, all from an app.10 Amazing Outdoor Solar Lights for 2025.
How You Install the Lights
How you install solar lights depends on where you want to use them — “Brick lights are ideal for illuminating gardens and pathways since they can be installed into pavement or dirt,” Knopfler says.
Mounting:-Some outdoor solar lights also mount like traditional light fixtures, with screws, such as our best wall-mounted pick, the Cyhkee Motion Sensor Solar Powered Wall Lanterns.
Staking: For path lighting, such as our best pathway lights, the Alfiot Solar Pathway Lights, stake solar lights are fast and easy to install — just push them into the ground and you’re good to go.
Stringing:-Solar-powered string lights — like our favourite string lights, the Brightech Solar LED String Lights — can add ambience to your outdoor space year-round.
Hanging:-Options such as our best lantern, the Lumabase Solar Silver Lantern, and our best hanging pick, the Derynome Solar Lantern Outdoor Lights, solar outdoor. Can be hung on a base, against the exterior of your assigned house or simply placed atop a table as a centrepiece.
The Optimal Sunny Spot
Make sure to place your outdoor solar lights in areas where they receive direct sunlight 6 to 8 hours a day for optimal results. If they’re designed to hang on a wall, aim for a higher placement, closer to the sun. But solar lights still operate in indirect light or on cloudy days — they just won’t store as much power and may not last as long.
Brightness is Key
Lumens measure brightness: anywhere from 5 lumens for landscaping ambience to 350 lumens or more, for a wide spotlight or an outdoor floodlight. For instance, our top smart pick, the Ring Solar Floodlight has 1200 lumens.
What one needs depends on where and how one wants to use them. While testing the products, we found that not all of them states their lumen ratings on the package. If you recall, various merchants will have different solar brightness alternatives, every one of which is utilized for an alternate purpose.
Most of the solar lights we have could shine up to 20 lumens, depending on size, colour and orientation toward the sun,” says Knopfler. “These lights are built for layering, so you can customise your brightness by placing them closer to each other, or further apart.”
We’re pleased to report some of the options on this list still kept shining well into the night, as daylight waned. As an example, our budget-friendly choice, the Hampton Bay Solar Spotlight, turned on nightly for six months without fail, even as the dead of winter was approaching.
We’re happy to report that several options on this list continued shining through the night, even as daylight dwindled. For example, our best budget pick, the Hampton Bay Solar Spotlight, came on every night for six months without fail, even as the winter approached.
Why Trust The Prince Princess ?
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especially holiday lighting solutions.My experience and commitment to providing accurate,
unbiased information sets The Prince Princess apart from other review platforms.
