Best Overall
Brightech Ambience Pro LED Outdoor String Lights
- These affordable waterproof and shatterproof string lights can remain outdoors all year round.
These affordable waterproof and shatterproof string lights can remain outdoors all year round.
- They are spaced 3 feet apart, which may lead to gaps in illumination.
They are spaced 3 feet apart, which may lead to gaps in illumination.
Our pick for the best outdoor string lights are the Brightech Ambience Pro LED Outdoor String Lights. The two-watt bulbs will illuminate your outdoor spaces without creating an overwhelming abundance of light, setting a cozy mood for relaxing on your patio or front porch.
They are shatterproof whether they bump into any surfaces or drop from a height. These are commercial-grade lights with a rubberized, heavy-duty cord, and they are also waterproof. These string lights are also UL listed, so you have that added assurance of safety.
The string lights are 27 feet, so you may need to purchase additional lengths if you want to stretch them across the length of your backyard fence or along your roof. With these, you can connect up to 20 strands, end to end. However, the bulbs are spaced 3 feet apart, which are further apart than other options.
Product Details: Power Source: Corded | Bulb Type: LED | Cord Length: 27 or 48 feet | Number of Bulbs: 7 or 15
Key Terms to Know
- UL Listed: This means that UL Solutions, which offers certification and testing services for consumer products, has determined the product has met requirements for energy efficiency and safety.
- IP Rating: This is a two-digit number that describes the level of protection for electrical equipment. The first number indicates the protection against foreign objects, and the second number, against moisture.
Best Budget
Brightever Outdoor String Lights
- There are several different lengths to choose from, and they are dimmable.
There are several different lengths to choose from, and they are dimmable.
- The wire is thinner than other string lights on our list.
The wire is thinner than other string lights on our list.
If you want to illuminate your backyard or front porch on a budget, you'll love the Brightever Outdoor String Lights. With length options that range from 50 to 200 feet, they are the best budget outdoor string lights available.
The single watt LED bulbs are made of plastic, minimizing the risk for potential damage if they fall or accidentally knock into the fence due to wind. The weatherproof string lights are also dimmable, so you can customize the ambiance of your outdoor space.
They also have built-in hooks, so you can hang them along a fence or greenery in your backyard without difficulty. However, the hanging wire is thinner than other options on our list, so they may not be as long lasting.
Product Details: Power Source: Corded | Bulb Type: LED | Cord Length: 50, 60, 100, 120, 150, 180, or 200 feet | Number of Bulbs: 27, 32, 52, 62, 77, 94, or 104
Best Splurge
Pottery Barn Brass Heavy Duty Hanging String Lights
- The brass accents and exposed double filament add an elegant touch, while the commercial-grade cables are durable against the elements.
The brass accents and exposed double filament add an elegant touch, while the commercial-grade cables are durable against the elements.
- You’ll have to make sure the lights can reach an outlet or use an extension cord.
You’ll have to make sure the lights can reach an outlet or use an extension cord.
If you want your lights to look just a little bit sleeker without sacrificing durability, we recommend the Pottery Barn Brass Heavy Duty Hanging String Lights. They’re wet UL-listed, so they’re safe to be used indoors or outside.
Plus, they’re made with commercial-grade cables to stand up to the elements, making them extra durable against rain, wind, and even snow. Each bulb has its own hanging loop to make them easy to set up on your deck, garden trellis, pergola, or elsewhere.
The brass light bulb bases add sophisticated contrast to the sleek black cables, and we like the industrial appearance of the exposed double filaments. With 48 feet of lighting to work with, you’ll be able to illuminate a large portion of your patio with just one set of lights. They also come in a solar globe model if you prefer a round bulb or a more renewable power source.
These outdoor string lights run on electricity, so you’ll need to ensure you have. an outlet nearby or an extension. Since these lights won’t turn off with the sunrise like solar-powered models, you’ll need to remember to unplug them at the end of the night, too.
Product Details: Power Source: Corded | Bulb Type: LED | Cord Length: 48 feet | Number of Bulbs: 15
Best Shatterproof
Solatec Commercial LED String Lights
- Being commercial grade, the quality is even better than string lights specifically made for homes.
Being commercial grade, the quality is even better than string lights specifically made for homes.
- Their impressive durability makes them heavier.
Their impressive durability makes them heavier.
When it comes to quality, you can’t get much better than commercial grade, which is what makes the Solatec Commercial LED String Lights some of the best outdoor string lights. The rope is encased with a thicker rubber than standard, keeping the sockets dry and intact.
The male plug has a weatherproof seal so you can connect multiple strands (up to 12) risk-free, while the female plug has a cover to protect the socket. The 15 plastic LED bulbs are shatterproof, made to withstand all the sun, water, freeze, and wind the weather may throw at them.
With this kind of durability does come weight, however. These are heavier than the usual outdoor string lights designed for homes, and as a result, may be a little bit *too* impressive depending on your space.
Product Details: Power Source: Corded | Bulb Type: LED | Cord Length: 48 feet | Number of Bulbs: 15
Best Globe Style
Brightown Outdoor Globe Patio Lights
- These lights come in multiple colors and lengths to give you the best array of options.
These lights come in multiple colors and lengths to give you the best array of options.
- Incandescent bulbs have a shorter lifespan and run hotter than LEDs.
Incandescent bulbs have a shorter lifespan and run hotter than LEDs.
The vintage look of globe lights makes them attractive during the day and night. This specific style of Brighton Outdoor Globe Patio Lights is available in a range of colors (green, black, and white cords) and lengths (25, 50, and 100 feet); you can even choose between white or multicolor bulbs for a more festive touch. If you need more length, you can connect up to three strands.
The lights are IP44 waterproof, which means they’ll be protected from the rain. If one bulb does end up burning out, the parallel circuit wiring means the others won’t be impacted. That said, these are incandescent bulbs, which means they get hotter than LED bulbs and need to be replaced more frequently.
Product Details: Power Source: Corded | Bulb Type: Incandescent | Cord Length: 25, 50, or 100 feet | Number of Bulbs: 27, 52, or 104
Best Smart
Govee Warm White Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Smart Outdoor String Lights
- You can customize these bulbs with almost any color imaginable, as well as choose from 47 light show modes.
You can customize these bulbs with almost any color imaginable, as well as choose from 47 light show modes.
- The power adapter isn’t waterproof.
The power adapter isn’t waterproof.
The Govee Warm White Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Smart Outdoor String Lights come packed with so many more color options than other string lights. In this case, that means 16 million colors (seriously) and 47 light show modes.
With the Govee Home app, you can use the included color wheel to choose each bulb’s hue or upload a photo for it to color match. The light show modes offer a ton of flexibility as well and can be easily programmed to sync to your desired music.
In addition to managing the lights via the app, you can use voice control by pairing it with Alexa or Google Assistant. The 48-foot string comes with 15 dimmable lights, while the 96-foot option is two 48-foot strings connected to each other for a total of 30 lights. Note that 96 feet is the maximum recommended length, and the power adapter on the cord isn’t waterproof.
Product Details: Power Source: Corded | Bulb Type: LED | Cord Length: 48 or 96 feet | Number of Bulbs: 15 or 30
Best Solar
Brightech Ambiance Pro Solar String Lights
- These fast-charging solar lights are easy to hang and they can withstand high winds and extreme heat.
These fast-charging solar lights are easy to hang and they can withstand high winds and extreme heat.
- They turn on automatically at night; if you don’t want them to do that, you’ll have to manually turn them off. They also aren’t UL or IP rated.
They turn on automatically at night; if you don’t want them to do that, you’ll have to manually turn them off. They also aren’t UL or IP rated.
We named the Brightech Ambiance Pro Solar String Lights our favorite solar string lights, and we’re still obsessed with their antique look that instantly adds charm to any outdoor space. These lights have included bulb loops for easy hanging on your patio railing, your home’s eaves, or outdoor trellises.
The lights have commercial-grade weatherproofing, though they aren’t UL or IP rated. They can withstand moisture as well as winds up to 50 miles per hour and heat up to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. They even come with a two-year warranty for additional peace of mind.
If you need a longer string of outdoor lights, you can purchase the Brightech Ambience Pro lights in a 48-foot version as well, which also operates via a solar panel that you stake into the ground. Six hours of charging the solar panel in direct sunlight gets you six hours of illumination.
These lights will automatically turn on when it’s dark, so if you don't want them on, you’ll have to manually shut them off. However, this also prevents them from charging again the next morning.
Product Details: Power Source: Solar; up to six hours of light on a full charge | Bulb Type: LED | Cord Length: 27 or 48 feet | Number of Bulbs: 12 or 15
Best LED
Hampton Bay Indoor/Outdoor String Light
- The warm white light is extra cozy, especially when paired with the attractive Edison design.
The warm white light is extra cozy, especially when paired with the attractive Edison design.
- They aren't dimmable.
They aren't dimmable.
The Hampton Bay Indoor/Outdoor String Light feature energy-efficient LED bulbs. The lights are spaced two feet apart, meaning you’ll get 12 bulbs on the 24-foot strand and 24 bulbs on the 48-foot strand.
Need more length? The beauty of LED’s energy efficiency is that you can link up to 25 24-foot strands or 11 48-foot strands together from one electrical outlet (they’re corded).
The bulbs themselves are impact- and weather-resistant, so they won’t break if they fall. The lights come with a two-year warranty in case anything happens.
Product Details: Power Source: Corded | Bulb Type: LED | Cord Length: 2448 feet | Number of Bulbs: 12 or 24
Best Battery-Powered
Koopower Outdoor Battery Fairy Lights
- There are eight lighting effects controlled by the included remote and built-in timer.
There are eight lighting effects controlled by the included remote and built-in timer.
- The lights are on the dim side.
The lights are on the dim side.
Whether you’re low on outdoor power sources or looking to save on your energy bill, the Koopower Outdoor Battery Fairy Lights, are a convenient solution. The lights are remote-controlled with adjustable brightness and eight different lighting modes, such as steady on, slow fade, and waves, so you can customize your ambiance.
The timer function (six hours on and 18 hours off) allows you to enjoy the lights every night without having to manually turn them on and off. (Heads up that they’re relatively dim to begin with.) Being dust and waterproof, they don’t need to be taken down in inclement weather. The battery box even has a rubber ring built inside to make it even more waterproof.
You can opt for 16 feet with 40 LED lights or 36 feet with 100 LED lights.
Product Details: Power Source: 3 AAA batteries | Bulb Type: LED | Cord Length: 16 or 36 feet | Number of Bulbs: 40 or 100
Best Edison Bulb Style
Addlon Outdoor Lights
- These lights are extremely durable and come in five different sizes.
These lights are extremely durable and come in five different sizes.
- The lights require an outdoor outlet.
The lights require an outdoor outlet.
For the vintage feel Edison bulbs offer, we love the Addlon Outdoor Lights. There are five different lengths to choose from and there are also four different styles: manual with a black string, manual with a white string, multicolor with a black string, and white with a black string. Each one is complemented by the aesthetically pleasing Edison bulb look.
Durability is another big benefit of these lights. Certified weatherproof by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., the lights’ heavy-duty cord, waterproof housing, and shatterproof bulbs guard against harsh weather.
Each LED bulb has a hanging hook that can be used to help install it on patios and trellises. Don’t worry if LED isn’t your thing, because they have an incandescent option as well.
Product Details: Power Source: Corded | Bulb Type: LED | Cord Length: 24, 36, 48, 72, or 96 feet | Number of Bulbs: Nine, 13, 16, 26, or 30