A TiO₂ nanorod (NR)-based dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were assembled using hibiscus dye with different counter electrodes. The role of various counter electrodes, i.e., carbon, graphite, and gold, on solar cell performance was investigated. The energy conversion efficiency (η) of DSSCs strongly depends on counter electrode materials carbon, graphite, and gold, and measured efficiencies are 0.07%, 0.10%, and 0.23%, respectively. The improvement of solar cell characteristics (V_oc, J_sc, and η) can be ascribed to the combined effect of a compact layer on the working electrode. The compact layer improves the adherence of TiO₂ on the FTO layer, and electrode dependence materials increase the electron conduction rate collectively, resulting in enhanced solar cell performance, which is studied and presented in the present manuscript.