The 8 Best Outdoor String Lights of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

How We Tested Outdoor String Lights

After researching dozens of bestselling and highly-rated outdoor string lights, we tested dozens of outdoor lights in our lab and in our homes across the country including several of the string lights in this list. While testing we evaluated the string lights on durability, brightness, and overall value, while also noting how factors such as power source, length, and bulb type affect the buying process. For at-home tests, we used the outdoor string lights in our own backyards for weeks to see how they held up over time and in varying weather conditions. Using these testing insights from various tests, we compiled this list with our favorites that we tested and researched.

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What to Look for in Outdoor String Lights

Power Source

“The first thing you will need to consider when purchasing string lights is the power source. If you have an outdoor electrical outlet that won’t present a tripping hazard for wires, then you can do regular electric string lights. However, if there is no outlet or if it’s placed awkwardly, then you will want to consider purchasing string lights that are solar or battery-operated,” according to Amber Freda, a custom landscape and garden designer in NYC.

Freda also notes that the color of the chord may vary, so this may be something to consider when matching lights to your outdoor decor. “String light cords also come in a few different colors – black, green, or white are the most common options. You should consider what sort of backdrop they will be placed on when choosing the color of the cord,” she shares.

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To make your outdoor lights twinkle, you’ll need a readily accessible power source that’s compatible with the type of string lights you buy. Many string lights on the market are designed to be plugged into an electrical outlet; the most durable ones also feature protected sockets to keep out moisture. But if you don’t have an outlet available for your outdoor lighting, look for USB-powered or solar string lights. Brightech LED Solar String Lights, tested in our lab, have a solar panel that can be clipped onto a balcony, or staked in the ground, so you can string them just about anywhere.

Bulb Type

String lights come with a wide variety of bulb types and shapes, but LED bulbs, seen in the Hampton Bay string lights, are the most common. These bulbs offer the longest lifespan and best energy savings of any bulb type. However, you’ll still need to decide if you want a bright, vintage light from an Edison-style light bulb or the softer glow of string lights with a globe bulb. For extra durability, some string light bulbs are made of plastic, while others are made of glass and may require a little more cautious care.

Other bulb types include battery-powered and solar lights. Both don’t require electricity but may have a shorter life than an option that’s always plugged in. The advantage of these bulb types is the absence of unattractive wires in your outdoor space. Also, plugs on string lights are often not weatherproof, so they must be covered at all times. For an option like our favorite battery-operated lights from koopower, the entirety of the lights are weatherproof and can be exposed to the elements.

Brightness

You don’t have to settle for a steady glow when it comes to outdoor lighting. Many string lights can be used with a dimmer, or they include a remote control that allows you to control various lighting effects. Some string lights are capable of strobing or flashing effects, and others can twinkle or fade in and out. With a smart light, like the Grovee Warm White Wi-Fi & Bluetooth Smart Outdoor String Lights, you can control everything from the color to the brightness to the strobing effect of your lights for a completely customized experience.

Weather Resistant

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Perhaps the most important factor when choosing outdoor string lights is how weatherproof they are. You want to ensure that your string lights can withstand rain, sun, wind, and even snow depending on where you live. All of the options on this list are designed to be durable and weatherproof, so they’ll last for a long time despite what Mother Nature throws at them. Our best overall pick, the Pottery Barn LED String Lights sustained high winds and rain during testing without any damage.

Length

It’s important to ensure that your string lights will fit your space. Always measure the patio or deck that you are trying to light before looking at options. Luckily, for many options on this list, including the SUNTHIN Outdoor String Lights, you can connect multiple strands of the lights to perfectly fit your outdoor area. Others come in multiple sizes so you’re guaranteed to find something that works for you.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by Julia Fields, an associate editor for The Spruce, covering toys, gifts, and the holidays. She’s also covered similar topics in other roles, including toy reviews, product round-ups, interviews with experts, and more.

For this article, she researched best-selling and highly-rated outdoor string lights on the market, considering customer reviews and reactions. Each string light was evaluated for bulb type, length, design, power source, and weatherproof qualities. Fields also took testing insights from our outdoor solar lights test for a few of the products listed, as well as several non-solar options we tested at home. While testing, we installed lights in our own homes or in the lab to see how they performed over time and in response to inclement weather. Expert advice was provided by Amber Freda, a custom landscape and garden designer in NYC, and Hadley Hirt, the president and founder of Patio Lights of Houston.

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