Best Outdoor String Lights

Outdoor string lights are a perfect way to make the night look stunning and magical on your patio, backyard or any outdoor location. In addition, they make evenings spent outside so much more enjoyable and festive. To surround a patio or a backyard seating area, you can build them and create a very nice and friendly ambience.

For late-night barbecues and get-togethers, you can hand them to add a little atmosphere or illuminate your room. With their twinkling adding ambience and allure, you can turn a backyard or a patio or porch into something more like an outdoor living space. Therefore in addition to the new patio umbrella lights that you just received, well you should probably consider adding these LED patio string lights to your outdoor space to add ambience and character. More importantly, it can really alter the look of a house to hang these string lights outside.

In addition, these outdoor patio string lights are both longer-lasting and robust enough to withstand the unpleasant atmosphere outdoors, in addition to giving off the good old nostalgic glow. So how do I pick the best outdoor string lights from a variety of styles? We have rounded up 10 of the best outdoor string lights, from plug-in outdoor string lights to solar-powered and intelligent control, to help you find the best package.

Common types of outdoor string lights

There are quite a few different types and models to choose from, depending on how you want to show the lights, where you want to put them and what you actually want to use them for. In its own distinct way, each is unique. For outdoor use, below are some of the most common types of string lights:

Festoon lights

These are also known as café lights because in such spaces they are widely used as accent lights and decorations. They’re the typical large bulb guitar lights, and they’re very flexible. They’re perfect for porches, patios, pergolas, and to cover broad areas, you can link many strands together.

Solar Lanterns

These string lights, since they’re solar powered, are really cool. They have a rather distinctive look and can last between 15 and 20 hours. They look like miniature paper lanterns, but they are not actually made of paper, but are made of a sturdy cloth-like material that is ideal for outdoor use and can withstand normal year-round weather conditions.

Edison bulbs lights

Hanging these Edison bulb lights is a great choice when you want to add a retro or antique touch to your outdoor areas. They look exquisite and timeless and they have a sweet antique vibe. They give off a glow of warmth and please the eyes.

Colorful Lights

During the holidays and for special occasions like Christmas or Halloween, colourful string lights are very popular. They are used to create eye-catching displays and they are bright and vibrant, but others that are more subtle can be found as well. They are simple to instal and can be used in creative ways of all kinds.

Fairy Lights

Fairy lights are used both inside and outside to create magical, fairytale-inspired decorations. They are commonly draped on trees and used to cover branches and trunks, resembling a bunch of fireflies in the night from a distance. On terraces, patios and gazebos, they also look amazing.

Rope lights

These lights are very distinctive and consist of tiny bulbs, hence the rope-like look, housed in a PVC tube. They are versatile and flexible and can be wrapped around pillars, trees, staircases, sculptures from the garden and so on.

Mini Globe String Lights

Mini globe string lights are a budget-friendly choice for your home that with a little lighting can easily create an on-trend look. They are connected to a plastic string with mini globe bulbs and about 4 inches with a shorter gap between each globe light. Therefore a 33 ” long string light contains up to 100 globe bulbs with more light sources in a strand, for instance. It is possible to position them on Christmas trees, patios, gardens, doors, bedrooms, etc.

LED string lights with copper wire

With a wire diameter of 0.38-0.5 MM, LED copper wire string light features weld-free, high durability, and bendable to any different shapes, but not easy to crack. They are lightweight, small in size, and it is weatherproof that stays with vivid lights and can be submerged in water. What’s more, the enamel coated copper wire of this string light makes it well-insulated and safe to use around kids and pets. It is commonly used to build your own lighting ornament at home for any use, and you can also DIY it.

Buying Guide For Outdoor String Lights

Before paying the bill for the string lights you have chosen, search again for the following tips that may help you choose a more fitting model.

Wire length

These patio string lights are available in various lengths and can accommodate spaces large and small. Consider the longer 100-foot string lights or the connectable string lights if you have a big patio or you need to light up a wide area. So it’s enough to illuminate the entire patio, otherwise you can link them together to illuminate more areas, such as the roof, as well. To get your desired length, the connectable mechanism allows you to connect the various lengths of wires. Outdoor string lights generally come in wire lengths of 10, 25, 35, 50, and 100 feet or longer lengths, but it depends on the manufacturer.

Wattage

When selecting your patio light bulbs, keep the wattage in mind, particularly for larger spaces and longer runs. Since each light strand has a maximum run wattage (which is specified for each light strand in the specifications), it is important to know that you remain within the maximum run wattage and how many bulb wattages you want to use. In addition, there are 15 to 20 amps in most household circuits that can accommodate between 1,800-2,400 watts. To prevent triggered breakers, it is recommended that you remain within 80 percent of the total wattage potential of any circuit. Try to select low wattage bulbs for longer light runs with this in mind, or consider switching to LED lights that only use half the incandescent bulbs’ wattage while giving off much brighter light.

Electricity availability

It is convenient to mount lights in the indoor areas, not just because of the better working condition, but also because it has easy access to electricity, with sockets for easy plug-in or hardwired with the reserved electrical cables everywhere. On the opposite, you need to know whether it has the socket or power over there to support the process when installing the outdoor string lights. Otherwise as a consequence of a challenging installation, it would restrict the installation to go with your ways and.

If it is difficult to reach the energy in the areas where you are going to instal the lamp, consider using the solar-powered string light. It saves more energy and doesn’t need AC power. Place the solar panel well under the sun as long as you’ve finished with hanging the strands, and then it can start working. It is so simple and quick!

Bulb material and type

Since the string lights are used outdoors, the durability of the bulbs is of essence. String light bulbs are typically made of two kinds of materials, either glass or plastic. Glass material bulbs are at risk of being damaged in bad weather conditions, so you may want the plastic bulbs if you are located in a location where typhoons or hails come regularly. Not only is the plastic light bulb waterproof but even shatterproof, it can survive the harsh weather outside and even in one piece. The type of bulb comes in the form of a globe and the shape of an Edison bulb, with various socket bases available: E12, E26, etc. Be careful if you are buying replacement bulbs to make the bulb compatible with the foundation, or you might end up finding out that the bulbs do not match the socket.

Color options

You should also consider what colour lights you like while looking for string lights. The traditional white or yellow glow is always available, but the soft yellow glow is more useful because it provides your patio, backyard, and pergola with the perfect ambient lighting. But if you’re looking for something a little more enjoyable, certain RGB LED string lights can achieve more bright colours and can come with all the rainbow colours. Some also have customizable light shows that you can use a remote or app to monitor. There are some themes such as Christmas, American Flag, etc. It is also possible to realise all these beautiful patterns from the app or remotely with various blinking patterns, fade, and follow.

Steps to hang the patio string lights

  • Draw a basic sketch with estimations, to have a review of the format of the lights. 
  • For yards without trees or other tall backings, gather your shafts if material. Utilize 10-foot-long wooden posts or 10-foot-long metal shafts (electrical metal tubing, otherwise known as EMT or slight divider, is accessible at home improvement stores in 10-foot lengths, which you may have to cut) 
  • In the case of utilizing fellow wire, hang this first. In certain circumstances, the light strings may should be strung through the person wire before being hung. 
  • Hang the first porch light string with the male fitting nearest to your source. 
  • Use zip ties or snares between every bulb varying on deck railings or different structures. On the off chance that is relevant, connect the strings to your person wire as you go. 
  • If your light string doesn’t have start to finish connectors, run an additional string to your subsequent light string and keep hanging your yard lights. In the event that hanging brilliant yard lights, remember greatest wattage and change to an alternate source if important to dodge power disturbances! 
  • Attachment your porch lights in and appreciate the feel

Best Outdoor String Lights

1. Addlon LED Outdoor String Lights

Addlon LED Outdoor String Lights

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Feature:

  • 48 Ft. string with 15 bulbs
  • Available in warm white color
  • Each bulb is 2W and comes with 12 months of warranty
  • Dimming enabled
  • Thickly insulated wire to withstand weathers
  • Weatherproof and Heavy-duty
  • Light Source – LED I
  • Material – Plastic 
  • Power Source – Corded 
  • Voltage – 110.00 volts

These lights are an ideal bit of style and have the most splendid potential lights, sufficiently alone to fill the lighting need. The dimmable LEDs come covered under 15 traditional style Edison plastic bulbs on a 48 ft long string. Reasonable for both outside and inside use, these bulbs have been made best in class material and can withstand extraordinary rainfalls and winds around 50 MPH.

The bulbs emit light similarly every which way in a stilled mode. You can without much of a stretch utilize the all-encompassing segment of string at its the two finishes to attach the string any place you need. The covering bulbs are plastic made thus can be set on the sides of grass and floors as well. 

Since they were at first intended for commercial purposes, they were made to convey a customary exhibition consistently. Whenever dealt with in a decent way, quite possibly these bulbs would last you much over a year.

Positive
  • Durable
  • Expandable up to 30 strands
  • Give-off very little heat
Negatives
  • No solar recharge

2. Brightech Ambience Pro Commercial Grade Outdoor String Lights

Brightech Ambience Pro Commercial Grade Outdoor String Lights

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Feature:

  • Size – 48 Ft Strand
  • Shape – S14
  • Voltage – 110 Volts
  • Type of Bulb – Incandescent
  • have withstood Nor’Easters blowing at 50 MPH
  •  Each 48 foot strand contains 15 hanging 11 Watt bulbs spaced 3 feet apart
  • Works with Alexa to turn on/off
  • Connect up to 8 strands end to end.
  • 3 Year Product Warranty

This string light is one of the best choices on our list of best outdoor string lights, not simply regarding the sticker price these accompany yet in addition as far as what they offer. This bistro and vintage like open air lighting item has been made to work for business occasions better and is consequently very safe.

The bulbs this string accompanies are profoundly evaluated, made to be break and climate verification. The 27 ft. long string has 12 S14 LED bulbs that are sun oriented battery-powered with both immediate and roundabout daylight. The bulbs are solid and exceptionally break and climate safe with a Silicon layer that secures each LED.

The bulbs have a normal life expectancy of 20000 hours, can endure ends up to 50MPH, day off, and are safe towards warmth of up to 122F. The best part about these string lights is that they are sunlight based battery-powered. You should simply put them under 6-7 hours of direct daylight and these will last 5-6 hours with full brilliance.

Positive
  • Connectable end to end
  • Works with a dimmer
  • Waterproof
  • Wear-resistant
Negatives
  • Not LED lights

3. Sunlitec Solar String Lights Waterproof LED Indoor/Outdoor Hanging Umbrella Lights

Sunlitec Solar String Lights Waterproof LED Indoor/Outdoor Hanging Umbrella Lights

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Feature:

  • Light Source type – LED
  • Number of Lights – 25
  • Power Source – Battery-powered, Solar-powered
  • Assembled Height – 13 centimeters
  • Assembled Length – 20 centimeters
  • Weather resistant
  • Dual charging options
  • 3W / 5V solar panel
  • Suitable for Outdoors and indoors both
  • Each bulb can be lighted up for 50000 hours

Sunlitec solar string lights can be effectively arranged and eliminated if necessary to place them in another area. Nothing troublesome about it, all you require is bring them down and move them somewhere else. The sun oriented board has a 4500 mAH battery that completely charges throughout the span of 5 hours of daylight and focuses light for 8 hours after nightfall. expert else.

There is not really a breaking point to the number of string lights you can fold over the wooden gazebo on your porch. The more lights you have, the more sentimental the climate can be. 

Lampat string light will assist you with making an astonishing search for your open air space. Zone off your feasting or diversion zone with lights to make a shocking look in the sunlight, yet a loosening up climate for when the sun goes down.

Positive
  • Different lighting modes to suit your moods
  • Energy efficient
  • Dual rechargeability
Negatives
  • High maintenance

4. Joomer 2 Pack Globe Solar String Lights

Joomer 2 Pack Globe Solar String Lights

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Feature:

  • Size – 20ft
  • Color – Pink
  • Style – Art Deco
  • Material – ABS
  • Power Source – Solar-Powered
  • Voltage – 1.2 Volts
  • Type of Bulb – Led
  • 2 strings of 20 ft length with  30 LED bulbs
  • Solar rechargeable and power efficient
  • Auto ON and OFF capability
  • 2 switches to select from 8 different lighting up modes

This one is an exceptional expansion to this list for all the outdoor party lovers out there. Give a total disco contact to your garden or patio,, outside, and inside with this pack of disco light strings. You can get these in 5 stunning tones to give your space such a renovative touch. The pack accompanies 2 strings of 20 ft length each and every single one of these has 30 LED bulbs on it.

On account of their very greater size contrasted with pixie lights, these string lights can illuminate a serious enormous zone in any event, when they are lesser in numbers. Have confidence that the less number of bulbs would not influence the quality or splendor of your place by any means. 

With their 8 novel lighting modes, these retro lights will right away give your place a dash of a facilitating place for some 60’s period wild gathering. These lights are both energy proficient and sunlight based battery-powered with an auto on and off usefulness

Positive
  • Strong and bright bulbs
  • Unique Retro shape
  • Can be used on both grass and floors
  • Long lasting battery
Negatives
  • The wire is not strong

5. JMEXSUSS 2 Pack Solar String Lights Outdoor

JMEXSUSS 2 Pack Solar String Lights Outdoor

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Feature:

  • Light Source – LED
  • Material –  Plastic
  • Power Source – Solar Powered
  • Batteries – 1 AA batteries required
  • 2 packs of 32.8 ft silver wire strings
  • 200 LED bulbs in total
  • Flexible wires for a customized set up
  • Auto switch on and off
  • Solar rechargeable

This is a weather-safe LED string lights pack that you can put resources into for overtime utilization. After buying one set, you are probably going to get your hands on two sun powered reviving boards and two strings of 32.8 ft each. Every one of these strings has 100LED bulbs and the way that you have two strings of 100 lights each makes this item a very sensibly valued thing.

These lights come in 8 distinct tones and are strung in a silver wire that takes into consideration the adaptable arrangement of your light strings in a manner you need. The copper wire turns out to be practically undetectable because of its blur capable paint covering. This adds more crudeness to the styles and turns your place as though it’s a system of stars. 

Ideal for your yards and gardens, these outdoor lights are additionally similarly acceptable inside yet you should uncover the board out to revive. A great many people love to utilize these on Christmas and thanksgiving and love to illuminate their work environments for happy days utilizing these current string lights.

In this way, in the event that you are anticipating putting resources into a bubbly stylistic theme that you hope to keep going long in any event, when kept available for most pieces of the year, at that point going for these pixie lights is a decent choice.

Positive
  • Environment friendly
  • Long lasting and durable
  • Flexible wire
Negatives
  • It takes time for a single recharge

6. AMIR Solar Powered String Lights

AMIR Solar Powered String Lights

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Feature:

  • Size – 100 LED
  • Color  -Blue
  • Power Source – Solar Powered, Battery Powered
  • Type of Bulb – LED
  • 33 ft long and strong copper wire string with 100 LED bulbs
  • Available in different colors
  • 2 modes of lighting (Steady or flashing)

This string light is made with adaptable and tough Copper wire, you can assemble any shape you like, let your creative mind and innovativeness go crazy. With 33 feet of scaled down LEDs, you can embellish your yard, deck, entryway patio, family room, lounge, kitchen, anyplace you like.

Adding an amusing, sentimental climate to your home, parties, wedding, and so on 100 Super Bright LED bulbs on 33ft top notch copper wire, with consistent 360 degree seeing points they enlighten toward each path. Made with meager and adaptable copper wire, wound with a bobbin winder to maintain a strategic distance from a wreck, the sun based controlled string lights (low voltage, no transformer notwithstanding) is anything but difficult to capacity and prepared for the following use.

Likewise, it is natural neighborly, high energy transformation rate, strong and protected to utilize. Adaptable Copper wiring can without much of a stretch form the shapes you need; fold over tree trunks or gazebos; in obscurity, the wire blurs to undetectable, leaving just the splendid lights.

Positive
  • Can run on low voltage
  • Long lasting and durable strings
  • Auto on off feature
Negatives
  • The bulbs are heated up a little too early

7. Brightech Ambience Pro – Waterproof, Solar Powered Outdoor String Lights

Brightech Ambience Pro - Waterproof, Solar Powered Outdoor String Lights

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Feature:

  • Light Source type – LED
  • Number of Lights – 12
  • Power Source – Solar Powered
  • Size – 27 Feet
  • Color – (3000k) Soft White
  • Wattage – 1 watts
  • Each bulb needs 1W power
  • Replaceable bulbs and battery
  • 3 ft. extra wire length at both ends for properly securing the strands
  • Expandable up to unlimited strings

If you’re going for a vintage and natural theme, these are truly outstanding for you. Interestingly, the lights are fantastic for weddings, birthday events, mixed drink parties, bistros, BBQ parties, and so on. Each string contains 15 bulbs of 11Watts at 3 feet separated. Fortunately, you can interface up to 8 strands to organize the lights in any capacity you like.

This implies you can cover your whole yard and other enormous zones with no issue. The Brightech lights are mileage safe. In addition, they are waterproof so you can uninhibitedly leave them outside throughout the entire year. The WeatherTite innovation makes a standout amongst other outside lights for chilly climate.

On the off chance that you need something to make your lawn or porch comfortable and unwinding, these may be the best open air string lights. The vintage Edison string lights have uncovered fibers radiating a nostalgic and warm shine.

Positive
  • Easy to install
  • No electric power needed
  • Solar rechargeable
  • Extra durable
Negatives
  • No dimmer
  • Quiet heavy

8. ADDLON Outdoor String Lights Commercial Grade Weatherproof Strand Edison Vintage Bulbs

ADDLON Outdoor String Lights Commercial Grade Weatherproof Strand Edison Vintage Bulbs

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Feature:

  • Color  -Warm Yellow
  • Number of Lights – 15
  • Voltage – 110 Volts
  • Wattage – 11 watts
  • Bulb shape size – S14
  • 48 ft. highly resistant strings
  • 11 bright strong glass bulbs of 11W each
  • Expandable up to 5 strands
  • Dimmer compatible
  • Indoors and outdoors compatible

If you need to illuminate your whole yard with delightful lights, consider the Addlon Outdoor String Lights, which arrive in a pack of two. These bistro-style lights are thoroughly weatherproof, and each strand is 48 feet in length with 15 bulbs associated with hanging attachments. Furthermore, every attachment has a balancing snare above it, making it simpler to introduce these lights around your space. 

These business grade lights are mounted on a hard core wire and radiate a delicate white sparkle—ideal for making your own little open air heaven. You can interface up to five strands together for more inclusion, and keeping in mind that they’re on the more costly side, you’ll love the wonderful way these lights look in your yard. These patio lights are intended to withstand the mileage of all year open air use. They are UL recorded weatherproof commercial.

The protection material can shield the strand from sweltering winter, sun, wind, downpour, day off moist. The substantial light line is rubbery, adaptable, and thicker than a conventional rope with the goal that you can unhesitatingly leave these super sturdy string lights in plain view all year.

Positive
  • Highly resistant against weather
  • Great for outdoors and indoors
  • Bulb won’t heat up long lighting hours
Negatives
  • No in-built dimmer switch
  • Lesserbulbs

9. Lampat Globe String Lights with Bulbs

Lampat Globe String Lights with Bulbs

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Feature:

  • Color  -Warm White
  • Light Source type – Incandescent
  • Number of Lights – 25
  • Style – Modern
  • Material – Plastic, Glass
  • Shape – G40
  • Power Source – AC
  • Voltage – 120 Volts
  • Wattage – 125 watts

These outdoor string lights are among the best outdoor globe string lights. They look straightforward and rich which settles on them an extraordinary decision for weddings, birthday events and different festivals. 

The string is around 25 feet in length and highlights 25 G40 bulbs at 12” separating. Each string is connectable start to finish so you can cover enormous territories. The bulbs have an E12 (candelabra) attachment base. One end is a 6” lead with a male plug, while another is a 6” tail with a female connector.

The string lights are ideal for both indoor and open air use. They look astounding on decks, tents, bistro, lawns, porches, gatherings and pool umbrellas. The work of art and rich plan makes them a standout amongst other outside porch lights available.

Positive
  • Connectable
  • Replaceable bulbs
  • Lightweight
Negatives
  • Only one color and level of brightness

10. Brightown Outdoor String Lights-25Ft G40 Globe Patio Lights 

Brightown Outdoor String Lights-25Ft G40 Globe Patio Lights

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Feature:

  • Size -25 ft
  • Color – Black
  • Pattern – G40 string light
  • Shape – G40
  • Voltage – 110 Volts
  • Wattage – 125 watts
  • 25 G40 glass bulbs + 1 spare bulb
  • 125V 5A Fuse types
  • Parallelly connected bulbs that won’t interrupt each other’s wokring
  • Extendable up to three strands
  • Expected lifetime of each bulb is 1000 hours

The Brightown Outdoor String Lights have adorable globe-formed bulbs that would gaze wonderful hung upward around a yard or other outdoor space. The lights come in four tones, and you can choose between 25-, 50-, and 100-foot lengths, contingent upon your necessities. 

These economical outdoor string lights emit a warm white light, and there are 12 creeps between bulbs, which implies the 25-foot strand will have 25 lights on it. The lights are weatherproof for all year use, and you can interface up to three strands start to finish. These globe lights accompany one substitution bulb, and commentators state they look dazzling around evening time.

Dimmable viable and energy sparing: G40 outdoor string light accompanies 25 glass bulbs and 1 extra bulb. 1.5 inch lights have E12 or C7 candelabra attachment base, 5W per bulb, warm white dimmable string light assists you with sparing greater power offer.

Positive
  • Weather resistant
  • Customizable and flexible
  • Spare fuse and bulb
Negatives
  • Spare bulb and bulb replacement is not easy

Frequently Asked Question

Do outdoor string lights attract bugs?

These festive outdoor string lights use special yellow glass bulbs that unlike white or transparent bulbs, flying insects can not see or be drawn to and are chemical-free. Sorry for breaking the news, but yes, the LED lights are always attracting bugs.

What color do lights keep bugs away?

According to the findings, conventional incandescent bulbs were by far the worst choice for outdoor lighting, while a warm coloured LED light was the best (and least desirable to insects) – those are the LEDs that create a yellow/orange hue, rather than cool blue light.

Can I shorten string lights?

In order to be linked end to end, outdoor light strings with male and female end plugs are planned. The shortening of these lights voids the safety rating and can no longer operate the line. There are available Patio light strings without end plugs that can be cut to any desired length.

Can you splice outdoor string lights?

In a 60 bulb line, they can be wired together like Christmas lights. Each string is rated at 9.6 watts (0.08 amps) and has a 3 amp fuse built into the plug for each string.

How many outdoor string lights can you connect?

Incandescent (old-school lights): Incandescent bulbs are usually applied to the “law of 3. You can safely plug 3 strings (end-to-end) in sequence, normally regardless of the number of bulbs per string (strings range from 25 to 200 bulbs) if the strings were created after 2008.

What does a yellow porch light mean?

In reality, for all residential, commercial and industrial outdoor lighting needs, LEDs are actually the ideal option. LEDs are ideal for outdoor use because they provide all the same advantages as indoor LEDs, but also reducing the expense of maintenance and repair work that can make it so painful to own outdoor lights!

Conclusion

The market provides a wide selection of furniture and accessories for patios. Lights have always been a common outdoor decoration option because they are both helpful and simple to integrate. Lights have always been an indicator of urban and romantic surroundings, from small, garden too big bug deterrent and string. But which are the best outdoor string lights? 

At different events and places, they can be seen as a decoration. It doesn’t have to be a tiresome task to decide which one to get. How intense the light is and how long the strand should be are the most important things to bear in mind.

Bear in mind that a certain amount of time can be a deal-breaker for strands that can connect end to end. Whatever you choose, at many locations and activities, you are sure to have an interesting and aesthetic decoration that is simple to add and reuse.