Outdoor string lights are the perfect way to add charm and ambiance to any outdoor space. Whether you’re hosting a garden party, enjoying a cozy evening on the patio, or simply illuminating your backyard, these versatile lights can transform any setting.
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With their soft, warm glow, outdoor string lights create a welcoming atmosphere that brings people together. Available in various designs and lengths, they can be draped over trees, fences, pergolas, or balconies, offering both style and functionality. From classic white bulbs to colorful options, these lights are an easy and affordable way to enhance your outdoor decor, making every occasion feel extra special.
Top Best Outdoor String Lights Reviews
Let’s look at some of the best 5 and get into their details!
#1. Brightown 58 FT LED RGBW Outdoor String Lights.
We used Brightown’s outdoor string lights to transform our backyard into a cozy and inviting retreat. The 100-foot strand, featuring rounded Edison glass bulbs, added an elegant vintage touch. These string lights are waterproof, energy-efficient, and dimmer-compatible, making them versatile for different moods.
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The 50 LED bulbs, along with two replacement bulbs, provided a warm 2700K white glow, brightening even the darkest hours of the night. What stood out to us were the handy gutter clips that made hanging the lights on an overhead clothesline a breeze. We arranged them in a grid pattern, creating a relaxing space where we could unwind and read magazines long after sunset.
Unlike the shatterproof bulbs we tested, we didn’t have any issues with these glass bulbs. We plugged the lights into a dimmer cord and adjusted them to a soft, ambient glow. These Brightown string lights are perfect for setting the mood at parties, enhancing outdoor spaces, or even adding some extra security. However, it’s worth noting that these incandescent bulbs tend to get hotter than LED bulbs and may need to be replaced more often.
#2. Brightech 27Ft Ambiance Pro Solar String Lights.
After testing numerous solar lights, we found these to be our favorite. The 17 vintage-style Edison bulbs are not only charming but also practical, made from shatterproof plastic. They performed impressively in our lab tests, enduring freezing, water exposure, and even a golf ball drop onto the solar panel.
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What we love most is that these string lights don’t need electricity, allowing you to place them virtually anywhere. The solar panel features a versatile design that can be clipped to a fence or balcony, or staked into the ground. The soft, “moody” glow they emit is perfect for creating ambiance, though they’re not bright enough for reading.
We think they’re ideal for decorative lighting or outdoor entertaining. Additionally, they come with a 2-year warranty and a 1,000-charge lifespan, which is around 2.5 years based on the manufacturer’s estimate. While you can’t connect multiple strands, a longer 27-foot option is available.
After just six hours of charging in direct sunlight, you’ll enjoy six hours of illumination. The lights automatically turn on at night, but if you want to turn them off, you’ll need to do so manually. This also ensures they won’t continue charging the following morning.
#3. Enbrighten 48ft Color-Changing Vintage LED Cafe Lights.
Enbrighten’s string lights offer an impressive level of customization, with up to 120 color combinations to bring a vibrant touch to any outdoor space. Perfect for creating specific moods, these lights deliver on their promise of versatility and style. The bulbs are made from durable, solid acrylic and are labeled as “shatterproof.”
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To test this, we dropped them from head height onto a concrete patio, and they exceeded expectations—no cracks, chips, or even scuff marks were visible. Although we hung them under a covered patio, a rainstorm still left them dripping wet. Despite this, their performance remained unaffected, proving their durability in challenging weather conditions.
Each bulb uses just 1 watt of power and produces a warm, inviting glow. The included remote made it easy to switch between single colors, two-color combos, and festive preset modes for holidays like Christmas and Saint Patrick’s Day.
We also appreciated the ability to set 2- or 4-hour timers, adjust among 10 dimmable brightness levels, and explore fade and strobe lighting effects. With 24 shatterproof acrylic bulbs featuring a unique bubbled design, these lights are as functional as they are decorative.
#4. Brightech Ambience Pro LED Outdoor String Lights.
Our top pick for the best outdoor string lights is the Brightech Ambience Pro LED Outdoor String Lights. These two-watt bulbs provide just the right amount of light to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, perfect for relaxing on your patio or front porch without being too overpowering.
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Designed for durability, these lights are shatterproof, whether they bump into surfaces or fall from a height. Built with a commercial-grade, rubberized, heavy-duty cord, they are also waterproof and UL listed, ensuring a high level of safety for outdoor use. The string lights measure 27 feet in length, which may not be enough to cover an entire backyard fence or roof.
However, you can connect up to 20 strands end to end, allowing for flexibility in your setup. The bulbs are spaced 3 feet apart, which is farther than other options, so while one 27-foot strand with 12 bulbs may not be sufficient for a full patio installation, it serves as an excellent starting point. Plus, the affordable price makes it easy to purchase additional lengths as needed.
#5. Govee Warm White Smart Outdoor String Lights.
The Govee Warm White Wi-Fi & Bluetooth Smart Outdoor String Lights offer an impressive array of color options, with a staggering 16 million colors and 47 light show modes. Through the Govee Home app, you can select each bulb’s hue using a color wheel or even upload a photo for the lights to match.
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The light show modes are highly versatile and can easily be synced to your favorite music, adding another layer of fun to your outdoor experience. In addition to app control, you can also manage the lights via voice commands by linking them to Alexa or Google Assistant.
The 48-foot string features 15 dimmable bulbs, while the 96-foot option combines two 48-foot strings for a total of 30 bulbs. Keep in mind that the maximum recommended length is 96 feet, and the power adapter is not waterproof.
These outdoor lights do more than just shine; they bring your music to life with dynamic lighting effects. The Govee Home app also lets you explore advanced features like Music & Scene modes, as well as set daily schedules. With Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility, controlling the colors, brightness, and effects of your string lights has never been easier.
Conclusion
The best outdoor string lights combine style, durability, and versatility, making them a must-have for any outdoor setting. Whether you’re looking to create a cozy retreat or add festive flair to a special occasion, these lights provide the perfect finishing touch. With so many options available, you’re sure to find the ideal lights to enhance your space.