The Best Outdoor String Lights Tested in 2023

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Outdoor string lights can brighten a backyard or a patio space and make warm nights more relaxing and festive.

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These lights come in a range of styles, bulb types, and colors. To pinpoint which ones light up the night, we selected a variety of the most popular models, testing them in multiple weather conditions, noting their durability, ease of installation, and whether they were made from quality materials.

Ahead, learn what to look for when shopping for outdoor string lights, and find out why the following models made the cut in our hands-on testing for some of the best string lights for outdoors.

1. BEST OVERALL: Brightown Patio String Lights
2. BEST WEATHER-RESISTANT: Lemontec Commercial Grade Outdoor String Lights
3. BEST COLOR-CHANGING: Enbrighten Color-Changing Vintage Cafe Lights
4. BEST FAIRY: Twinkle Star 300 LED 99 Ft. Copper Wire String Lights
5. BEST GLOBE: Brightown Solar LED String Lights
6. BEST SOLAR: Brightech Ambience Pro Waterproof Solar LED Lights
7. BEST BATTERY-POWERED: OxyLED 2-Pack Battery-Operated LED String Lights
8. BEST FOR LARGE SPACES: Banord 102 Ft. Dimmable LED Outdoor String Lights
9. BEST DIMMABLE: Feit Electric Heavy-Duty String Lights

How We Tested the Best Outdoor String Lights

Our hands-on testing was stringent. We wanted to put these outdoor string lights through their paces to ensure their quality before readers purchase them. We used a testing rubric that followed strict guidelines, including hanging the lights (some models) and leaving them in place for several days. After dark, we attempted to read or perform other activities—such as grilling—with just the illumination from the lights. We scored them on both their brightness and illumination.

If the string lights were billed as shatterproof, we dropped them on a concrete patio from head height to see if they would crack. For the ones advertised as being waterproof, we left them out in a rainstorm or (for those under the umbrella and covered patio) sprayed them with water. Then, we tested them again after they dried. We noted the length of the cord (in case the use of an extension cord was required), the number of bulb sockets, and how easy it was to hang them on a structure. Plus, some of these top picks come with replacement bulbs.

Our Top Picks

We tested a wide variety of string light sets, and the following models all met our high expectations in a range of categories. We didn’t pull any punches, so rest assured, the string lights in this lineup are durable and up to the challenge of lighting up many types of outdoor spaces. From highly weather-resistant outdoor lights to vintage-style Edison bulbs to mystical fairy lights, this list includes a range of options to illuminate most any outdoor space.

Jump to Our Top Picks

What to Consider When Choosing Outdoor String Lights

A simple strand of string lights can transform a plain backyard into an inviting outdoor space. Compared with many other types of outdoor and patio lights, string lights are among the most affordable and easiest to install. When choosing the best string lights for your space, consider the light type, the size and shape, brightness, and color. A weather-resistant design, a lengthy cord, and remote or app control features can make outdoor string lights safer and easier to use.

Type

Most outdoor string lights feature LED, incandescent, solar, or battery-operated bulbs. Each type varies in durability, energy efficiency, and lifespan. When shopping for outdoor string lights, consider which type of lighting is most suitable for the space.

• LED light bulbs use much less electricity (less wattage) than traditional incandescent bulbs and don’t become as hot when they are turned on. Because they are cooler to the touch, there are LED patio lights made with plastic bubs—meaning they won’t easily shatter if dropped. Many LED bulbs can last up to 50,000 hours, which equals up to 10 years of daily use.
• Incandescent light bulbs are inexpensive and easy to find. These bulbs are less energy-efficient and have a much shorter lifespan than LED bulbs, usually lasting around 1,000 hours or up to a year of regular use. They can become hot with use, so glass bulbs are the norm for this type. Their warm color and affordable up-front cost make them a popular pick for outdoor lighting.
• Solar-powered lights don’t add to your energy bill or require an outlet, so they’re useful for apartment patios or houses that don’t have ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets. Simply place the included solar panel in a spot that sees a lot of sunlight during the day, and the bulbs will light up at night. Most solar-powered string lights have a runtime of 6 to 8 hours, which is usually long enough to host a backyard barbecue or a dinner party.
• Battery-operated lights are another option that doesn’t need an outdoor outlet. Instead, these light strands usually run on two to six batteries. Since they don’t require an outlet, they are a versatile choice for creative outdoor lighting.

Weather Resistance

Since outdoor string lights are exposed to the elements, selecting a set that stands up to rainy conditions and heavy gusts of wind is important. It’s inconvenient to take the string lights down every time there’s inclement weather in the forecast.

First, check the product description to determine if the lights are intended for outdoor use. Using indoor lighting outside creates a potential fire hazard. Second, make sure the product is water-resistant (or waterproof—even spots under a porch or gazebo roof can grow damp in bad weather). Weather-resistant lights can handle direct exposure to water and feature watertight seals to protect their interior parts from accumulating moisture and causing safety issues.

Style and Bulb Shape

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String light bulbs are available in a variety of styles and shapes, which can give the strands a unique aesthetic. For example, tiny circle fairy lights make an outdoor area feel whimsical, while larger oval-shaped Edison bulbs add a vintage look. Globe bulbs, Edison bulbs, lantern bulbs, fairy lights, and rope lights are among the most popular styles.

• Globe bulbs are typically for decorative purposes. These spherical bulbs come in a range of sizes and are commonly seen in hanging pendants, modern chandeliers, and outdoor string lights. Their classic style is timeless and suits a range of outdoor decor setups, from angular modern seating areas to cozy bohemian patios. Globe bulbs can add a touch of glamour and charm to an outdoor space.
• Edison bulbs are designed to look like Thomas Edison’s original invention. These traditional incandescent bulbs feature a warm, glowing appearance, thanks to their visible internal filaments. The oval-like shape and ambient, warm glow can give an outdoor space a vintage look. Modern LED Edison-style bulbs feature this classic light bulb look but with an energy-saving LED design.
• Lantern bulbs usually feature standard outdoor string lights covered with a lantern made of paper, plastic, nylon, or tarpaulin (a durable and waterproof material that resembles canvas). Lanterns come in different colors, patterns, and shapes. These fun patio light options can help create a themed or festive atmosphere.
• Fairy lights can make a backyard look like a magical escape. The tiny bulbs are usually no larger than a grain of rice and resemble fireflies shimmering on a wire. These are ideal for background lighting, and users can create a pretty effect by draping strands of fairy lights over tree branches, in bushes, or along a fence.
• Rope lights are essentially mini bulbs encased in a transparent cover to protect them from the elements. Often made with LED bulbs, rope lights are great for winding between deck posts, hanging from fences, or illuminating garden spaces.

Bulb Size

When choosing a bulb size, consider the available outdoor space, ease of installation, and desired look.

Small bulbs are a good pick for small outdoor spaces; they won’t overpower a space or other outdoor decorations. These bulbs are generally more subtle, providing gentle background lighting. They provide less light and are commonly chosen for decorative purposes.

Large bulbs are more striking and offer a bolder look. Their larger size can provide more direct illumination. They are generally brighter and are well suited for larger spaces that need more lighting. Large decorative bulbs, like globe bulbs and Edison bulbs, can make a style statement.

Keep in mind that bulb size can affect installation. String lights with small bulbs are generally lightweight and easier to maneuver. They may be easier to install than string lights with larger, heavier, and bulkier bulbs.

Most globe outdoor string light bulbs come in one of three bulb sizes:

• G30: The smallest size at 30 millimeters (close to 1.25 inches) in diameter.
• G40: A medium size that’s 40 millimeters (just over 1.5 inches) in diameter.
• G50: The largest size is 50 millimeters (just under 2 inches) in diameter.

Most Edison-style string light bulbs are an S14 bulb size, which is a medium-size, oval-shaped bulb that’s 32 millimeters (just over 1.25 inches) in diameter.

Brightness and Color Temperature

Brightness and color temperature are two of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the appearance of outdoor string lights.

Lumens measure the amount of light output from a bulb—the more lumens, the brighter the bulb. When deciding on bulb brightness, take into account the desired lighting effect. String light bulbs can range from 5 to more than 100 lumens per bulb. Users often choose string lights for their glowy appearance rather than their brightness, so lower lumens often do just fine to set the mood. Lumens are different from wattage, as wattage measures how much power a bulb consumes and not necessarily how bright a light appears.

Lighting color temperature is measured using the Kelvin (K) temperature scale. This scale measures how warm or cool the light appears. Lower numbers on the Kelvin scale look warmer, and higher numbers look cooler.

Most home lighting falls between 2,000K and 6,000K. Bulbs around 2,700K have a cozy, warm white color with a yellow hue, while bulbs over 5,000K offer stark, crisp lighting with a blue hue. Warm lighting makes a space look more cozy and inviting, while cool lighting can often appear harsh, especially at night. For this reason, warmer bulbs are generally preferred for ambient outdoor lighting.

Wire Length

Outdoor string lights typically come in lengths of 10, 25, 35, 50, and 100 feet. Consider the size of the outdoor space and the lighting layout when choosing the ideal wire length.

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Patio string lights can outline garden borders, wrap around banisters and trees, or suspend over seating spaces. The best way to determine the necessary wire length is to use a piece of twine to measure where the lights will go. Make sure to include enough length to reach the outlet if it requires corded power, or keep an extension cord handy.

For lining one side of an average balcony or small porch, a 10-foot string of outdoor patio lights may do the trick. A small 6-by-8-foot patio space typically requires 25 to 50 feet of string lighting. A medium 12-by-12-foot outdoor space may need 50 to 100 feet of string lighting, depending on the desired layout. For more spacious areas or to illuminate a large event, more than 100 feet of string lighting is usually necessary.

Additional Features

For those who want to upgrade from basic string lights, consider a product with extra features like color-changing bulbs, dimming options, and remote control or app operation. As we found in our tests, by selecting different bulb colors, we could create entirely different moods.

• Color-changing bulbs: For a fun pop of color, look for patio string lights with color-changing bulbs. These string-light options can set the mood for events, seasons, and holidays.
• Dimming options: Whether for a romantic outdoor dinner or patio drinks with friends, dimming the lights can add to a cozy ambience. Some outdoor string lights include built-in dimmers, while others are dimmer compatible and can be attached to external dimming devices.
• Remote/app controls: A remote control allows for the operation of different lighting settings within a certain vicinity of the lights. App controls add even more convenience—there is no need to store or find an easy-to-lose remote. WiFi-enabled options make it easy to switch lights on and off, even when away from home. Some lights can also integrate with smart-home devices, like Amazon Alexa and Google Home voice assistants.

FAQs

String lights can instantly transform a typical yard or patio into a warm and inviting space, but choosing the right set of lights is a must for creating the desired ambience. Still considering the best outdoor string lights for your space? Read on for answers to some frequently asked questions about selecting and installing outdoor string lights.

Q. What color of light is best for outdoors?

White light is the most effective lighting color since it is closest to natural light. Warm white lights have a glowy yellow tinge that is cozy and inviting, making them a popular pick for outdoor lighting. Colorful bulbs, such as the Enbrighten LED Color Changing String Lights, are often chosen for their ambience rather than their lighting ability. These lights add a decorative flair and can be a fun addition for different seasons and holidays.

Q. What are the brightest outdoor string lights?

Lemontec Commercial Grade Outdoor String Lights offer fifteen 11-watt incandescent bulbs and are one of the best options in the lineup for those seeking a brighter set of outdoor string lights. Plus, additional sets can be connected for even more illumination.

Q. Can string lights be left outdoors?

Yes, some weather-resistant and weatherproof string lights can be left outdoors. Be sure to check their specifications to make sure the lights can handle changing weather and temperature conditions year-round.

Q. How do you hang string lights on a patio?

The easiest way to hang lights is to use existing fixtures or wrap them around columns and railings that surround a patio. If necessary, create hanging options by using heavy-duty sticky hooks, metal hooks, or nails where needed.

Why Trust Bob Vila

Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series including “This Old House” and “Bob Vila’s Home Again,” he popularized and became synonymous with “do-it-yourself” home improvement.

Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice. The Bob Vila team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.

Meet the Tester

Glenda Taylor is a product tester and writer specializing in the construction, remodeling, and real estate industries. She and her husband own a general contracting company, and Taylor is experienced in both residential and commercial building applications. She tests a wide range of power tools as well as other home improvement, household, and lawn-and-garden products.

Additional research provided by Jamie Birdwell-Branson and Jasmine Harding.

Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Outdoor