9 Best Outdoor String Lights of 2023 to Consider

Are you bored of your dull and lackluster outdoor living area? Well, we’ve got just the thing for you!

String lights are a brilliant, easy, and fun way to jazz up your home. They’re available in a variety of different models, styles, and configurations, providing you with an array of options to choose from. You can get really creative while setting them up, too, and can wrap them around trees or simply hook them up on walls or fences.

These lights are, therefore, the perfect accessory to decorate your outdoors and make them a warm and ambient space to spend time with your friends and family. What’s more? They’re also super affordable, making them the ideal budget-friendly additions to brighten up your life.

Now, the only question that remains is, how do you choose the right kind of lights for your home? Our comprehensive guide, reviewing 11 of the best outdoor string lights will help you decide just that!

Best Outdoor String Lights

Whether you’re planning a party, a romantic dinner, or simply want to relax under the stars, these string lights will add warmth and charm to your outdoor space. So, without further ado, here’s the list of the 9 best outdoor string lights.

1. Brightown ‎GYPC-O255AU – Best for Budget-friendly Quality

Brightown is a reputed home lighting company known to manufacture modern yet creative decorative lights for both indoor and outdoor use. Its outdoor string lights that we are reviewing for you today are available in 3 cord length options and 3 distinct colors. This review, however, focuses specifically on the 25-foot white corded variant of this string light.

This globe string light is one of the most affordable and popular string light models on our guide. Constructed with high-quality weatherproof technology, these lights can withstand a variety of extreme weather conditions. They are also UL-certified and naturally long-lasting, wherein if one light bulb stops working it does not affect the performance of the rest.

Additionally, these string lights come equipped with dimming compatibility and a male and female connector on either of its extremes. These connectors make this light convenient to hang outdoors without an electrical socket nearby. It also facilitates attaching up to 3 strings of lights.

What’s more? These lights are incredibly energy-efficient and consume only 5 Watts of electricity per bulb. They’re packaged with 2 extra light bulbs and an extra built-in fuse for easy repair and replacement in case of any damage. Other than that, these lights also have a compact size and shape, making them incredibly portable and easy to store. 

The bulbs on these string lights tend to go out when placed against another surface, be it a fence or a railing. Hence, to ensure optimum and long-lasting performance, it is recommended to suspend the lights from hooks instead of placing them on surfaces.

2. Addlon ‎ZY-Bulb String – Best for Elegance and Durability 

Addlon is a brand devoted to exploring the various kinds of high-performance LED lighting available on the market. Since their inception, they have worked with the very best professionals and manufacturers to provide the most innovative and modern lighting solutions for your home. Its outdoor LED string lights in the model ZY-bulb string-02 are proof of its reputation and excellence.

This LED string light by Addlon is a highly recommended product amongst its peers for both indoor and outdoor use. The cord of this string light is constructed of durable insulated copper wires, making it more lightweight, flexible, and thick than the traditional lighting wire.

Other than that, the bulbs of this string light are made of high-grade plastic, making them virtually shatter-proof. Hence, the heavy-duty structure of this product is designed to withstand all kinds of extreme weather changes, facilitating year-round outdoor use.

But that’s not all, because these lights are also UL-verified and dimmer compatible. This means that they can be attached to separately purchased dimmer mechanisms which allow you to customize brightness according to your requirements.

The best feature of this product, however, is its grounded plugs. These can not only be plugged into any standard outlet but also have facilitated connecting up to 30 strands of lights to form one big light installation. 

While this is an incredibly popular outdoor string light model, it is also one of the most expensive recommendations on our list. So, if you’re on a tight budget for home décor this year, it may not be the ideal option to invest in.

3. Brightech FBA_PROLED – Best for Energy Efficiency

Brightech is a Los Angeles-based company that has made its name by curating designer lighting solutions at relatively reasonable prices. This brand has received glowing reviews from some of the country’s top media outlets, further increasing its popularity. Hence, it is no surprise that its Ambience Pro LED lights have made their way to our top recommendations.

These beautiful LED string lights are constructed with Edison filament bulbs that lend them a unique vintage Italian bistro ambiance. Additionally, this string light is dimmer compatible and emits a soft, warm glow that can be customized according to the ambiance you seek.

What’s more? This string light is equipped with industrial-grade WeatherTite technology and thick rubbery wires that enhance durability to withstand winds up to 50 MPH. Moreover, this commercial-grade weatherproof product is UL-certified and has a 3-year warrant, enabling it to last for years at a stretch.

If that wasn’t enough, each of the light bulbs on this strand only consumes 2 watts of electricity, making it very energy efficient. Last but not least, 8 of these string lights can be linked to one another via their connectors to form beautiful canopies and other suspended lighting. 

The bulbs on this string light are not shatterproof and hence not recommended for regular outdoor usage. While the bulbs can be replaced by some others whose wattage is similar to or less than the bulbs used, the replacement process tends to be expensive.

4. Lampat SYNCHKG102088 – Best for Versatile Use

Lampat is devoted to creating mood lighting for all your indoor and outdoor lighting needs. Their durable and enchanting bulb string lights can be set up in various places, including your bedroom, living room, patio, and backyard. These lights hence, provide character and a personal touch to any space you want to spruce up.

If you’re looking for a UL-listed versatile string light option that can be used for multiple purposes, then this is the product to consider. Constructed of high-quality plastic and glass, this light is considerably durable. It is 25 feet long and comes equipped with 25 bulbs and one spare bulb for backup.

Each strand of this light has an end-to-end male and female connector that is compatible with all standard wall sockets. These connectors also facilitate linking up to 3 strands of light to each other. By doing this, you are able to elongate the string lights and set them up over larger areas to decorate them more effectively.

The soft ambient glow emitted by these lights creates an intimate, and relaxing environment that can help you wind down at the end of a stressful day. Moreover, the easy installation process and 1-year satisfaction guarantee provided by this product make it an ideal product to invest in. 

A few customers have reported that the bulbs on this string light are very fragile and tend to break easily. This can be dangerous because the breaking causes glass shards to be sprayed around the area it is set up in. In some other cases, customers received the package with already broken or damaged bulbs.

5. Banord Outdoor LED String Lights – Best for Extended Length

Banord is a considerably well-renowned manufacturer of lighting solutions in the USA. The string lights developed by this company are the perfect vintage LED lights to create an ambient and tranquil atmosphere. These lights are strong and long-lasting and are structurally the perfect patio lights for weddings and a wide range of other outdoor celebrations.

This 51-feet LED string light by Banord is one of the longest outdoor lighting solutions in our guide today. The warm ambiance provided by it is further enhanced by its dimming compatibility, making it the perfect decoration for your outdoor living or dining space.

Constructed with tough shatterproof plastic lightbulbs and thick durable wires, these string lights are waterproof and weather-resistant. This durable build makes it ideal for year-round outdoor usage and can successfully withstand a wide range of climatic conditions.

What’s more? Each of the bulbs on this string light consumes only 1 watt of electricity, making it highly energy-efficient and an ideal purchase for environment-conscious consumers. Therefore, this UL-listed light is not only stylish and functional but also decreases your electricity expenses by 90% when compared to traditional incandescent bulb string lights. 

A few customers have complained about receiving damaged or inferior quality products with a busted fuse that has been taped over. Others noted that these lights are not as durable as they claim to be, making them less ideal for long-term usage.

6. Minetom ‎8542006631

Minetom specializes in manufacturing high-quality commercial-grade lighting and hanging solutions for everyday use. Its outdoor string light in the model ‎8542006631 is one of their most widely used and top-rated products ideal for decorating both indoor and outdoor environments.

This heavy-duty string light has unique inbuilt loops on either end of the strand to facilitate convenient and straightforward installation. These loops allow you to hang the lights from a multitude of places, including but not limited to trees, cup hooks, screw nails, zip ties, etc.

Furthermore, the string lights are connectible and can link up to 5 strands extending the overall length of the light to an astounding 240 feet. This feature makes it long enough to hang across most rooms and outdoor areas without worrying about requiring too many power outlets to plug them into.

Constructed with durable 18AWG SJTW wires, commercial-grade materials, and WeatherTite technology, this outdoor hanging light is entirely weatherproof and UL-listed. This means that the wires and bulbs of this light are equipped to withstand drastic climatic conditions, including rain, wind, and extreme temperatures.

What’s more, these string lights are also dimmer compatible and come packaged with a spare fuse for replacement in case of future damage. 

A handful of customers have complained that the sockets of the light bulbs were wrongly sized or ill-fitted for the bulbs they came with. Hence, when set up, most of the lights ended up not lighting up at all, which can be really disappointing.

7. Govee Outdoor String Lights

The brand Govee aims to push the boundaries of traditional lighting to create new and innovative products for illuminating all your favorite household spaces. It is committed to providing intelligent and high-quality home-lighting solutions at reasonably affordable prices.

Govee has come up with a one-of-a-kind innovative string light that is battery-operated and comes equipped with a multi-function remote control. This eliminates the need for an electrical power source and enables you to carry the lights around and set them up anywhere you wish. Moreover, the remote control it comes with lets you comfortably operate it from a distance of up to 30 meters.

But that’s not all the stellar features this product has. The remote control of this string light is also equipped with a mode changer, dimmer, and timer function. The 6 different modes and dimming features that this provides let you pick the ambiance most suited to your mood. Alternatively, the timer has 4 settings to choose from, eliminating the need to worry about wasting energy.

Coming to the build, this string light is made of shatterproof plastic and IP65 water-resistant LED lights that protect it from all extreme weather conditions and fall. It’s extremely reasonably priced for the powerful features it packs and hence is without a doubt one of our top recommendations. 

Although rated rather high, customer reviews mention that there’s a handful of lights in every other batch that stop working sooner than anticipated. Since this product does not have a warranty attached to it, it’s challenging for customers to return the faulty ones.

8. XMCOSY+ ‎YJ-SW30A

XMCOZY+ is a brand that envisions providing cozy and smart lighting solutions that brighten up your everyday home life. Most of the products from this company are affordable and app-controlled thereby compatible with intelligent voice assistants like Alexa.

It is a smart, unique yet simple LED string light that is ETL-listed and commercial grade. Constructed with harmless ABS material and IP65 waterproof technology, this light is safe to install both indoors and outdoors. Not to mention, these are exclusively built with 12-V DC output and are therefore incredibly pet and children-friendly even when they come in contact with the lit-up bulbs.

The top-notch weatherproof design of this string light enables it to withstand various extreme weather conditions, eliminating the need to remove them during bad weather. Moreover, the inbuilt loops, flexible wire, and vintage Edison bulbs make it very easy to install and last 5 times longer than regular incandescent bulbs.

The icing on the cake, however, is its XMCOZY app-based remote control that lets you operate the lights even when you’re not at home. The app also includes a variety of other features, including brightness control, modes, timers, and scheduling that let you customize the time and ambiance according to your mood. 

Some users faced an issue while connecting the lights to the app on their phones, which thereby made it difficult to operate. This light is also comparatively on the expensive side and hence might not make the budget for many people.

9. Feit Electric 72041

Feit Electric is reputed for designing high-quality string lights for both residential as well as commercial use. With over 40 years of experience in the field, this company has created a heavy-duty yet classic string light that is wet-location and UL-certified.

One of the crowning qualities of this string light is its versatile bulb compatibility. While the product arrives pre-fitted with 10 incandescent light bulbs, the socket is also compatible with separately purchased CFL and LED light bulbs. Additionally, this product comes packaged with 5 extra bulbs in case of damage, which is a somewhat proactive and thoughtful gesture.

Equipped with a heavy-duty 16/3 SJTW cord and an improved waterproof socket design, these are safe to install outdoors and can easily withstand unruly weather changes. The end-to-end connectors featured on this string light facilitate linking up to 13 more strands of light to create a larger installation or canopy.

This string light is good for both indoor and outdoor use and can be set up for occasions and personal home ambiance purposes. The classic and sturdy design ensures long-lasting performance, wherein if one bulb stops working it does not affect the performance of the others. 

A few customers have complained about receiving dead lights upon arrival, meaning that none of them lit up. In most cases, however, this is a manufacturing fixture problem and can be simply fixed by re-screwing the lights in the socket to make sure it comes in contact with the bulb.

Best Outdoor String Light Comparison Table

Buying Guide for the Best Outdoor String Light

Are you still confused about which string lights to buy? We have compiled a list of essential factors you should consider. These will throw more light on how this product functions and help you make the right decision for yourself.

1. Type of Bulb

There’s an array of bulbs to choose from that differ according to shape, size, and energy usage. Bulbs go a long way in optimizing ambiance, so if you are looking for a vintage feel you should go for the Edison filament type. Alternatively, if you’re more drawn towards soft light, you should go for a globe light instead.

There’s also the option between LED and incandescent light bulbs. While the former is more energy-efficient, the latter is more inexpensive and freely available. Apart from that, there is also a variety of bulb sizes to choose from. Hence depending on your personal preferences and area specifications, you can settle on a bulb type that meets the requirements.

2. Weather Resistance

This is a crucial factor to consider when you are planning to install your string lights outdoors. Depending on the weather conditions of your location, you need to decide how weather-resistant the lights need to be.

For example, if you live somewhere that experiences frequent rain, snow, or thunderstorms, it’s safer to invest in windproof, waterproof, and snowproof lights with plastic bulbs, making them shatterproof.

3. Size and Extendibility

The size of your string lights will depend on the length of the wire and the number of bulbs attached to it. If you are planning to decorate a vast area or create lighting fixtures and canopies, you will need either a longer string light or one that is connector-compatible. Lights with inbuilt connectors enable you to extend your lights and thereby optimally illuminate outdoor areas.

4. Additional Features

Certain lights come equipped with extra facilities such as remote-control operation, mode or style changing lights, and dimming features. However, purchasing lights with such features is entirely dependent on your personal preference and not a requirement.

Can outdoor string lights be left up year-round?

While outdoor string lights are designed to be weather-resistant, it’s generally recommended to take them down during harsh winter conditions to prevent damage and prolong their lifespan. However, if you live in a mild climate, it may be possible to leave your outdoor string lights up year-round with proper care and maintenance.

How long do outdoor string lights last?

The lifespan of outdoor string lights can vary depending on factors such as the quality of the lights, how often they are used, and the specific outdoor conditions they are exposed to. As a general rule of thumb, high-quality outdoor string lights can last anywhere from 3-10 years or more with proper care and maintenance.

Are outdoor string lights energy-efficient?

Outdoor string lights can vary in their energy efficiency depending on the type of bulbs they use and how they are powered. LED outdoor string lights are generally considered to be the most energy-efficient option, while solar-powered outdoor string lights are also a popular eco-friendly option.

How many outdoor string lights do I need?

The number of outdoor string lights you will need will depend on the size of the outdoor space you are lighting and the level of illumination you want to achieve. As a general rule of thumb, it’s recommended to have 10-15 outdoor string lights for every 100 square feet of outdoor space.

Can outdoor string lights be used for commercial applications?

Yes, outdoor string lights can be used for commercial applications such as restaurants, cafes, and event venues to create a festive and inviting atmosphere. Look for commercial-grade outdoor string lights that are designed to withstand heavy use and are UL-listed for safety.

Conclusion

Thank you for reading our article on the best outdoor string lights. We hope that it brought to light (pun intended) some fantastic lighting options that will elevate your outdoor spaces.

We believe that the right outdoor lighting can set the stage for memorable gatherings, cozy sunsets, and other cherished moments. Out of these 9 best outdoor string lights, here are the top three expert recommendations:

1. For those seeking versatile and affordable options, the Brightown ‎GYPC-O255AU is an ideal option. With its weatherproof technology, energy efficiency, and connectable design, these lights offer excellent performance without breaking the bank.
2. If you’re looking for elegance and durability in a weather-resistant package, the Addlon ‎ZY-Bulb String is a good option. These shatterproof and dimmable LED lights provide an exquisite vintage ambiance, perfect for setting the mood in your outdoor spaces.
3. For those who prioritize energy efficiency and weather resistance, the Brightech FBA_PROLED is the right choice. Emitting a soft, warm glow while consuming minimal electricity, these string lights assure lasting performance.

The best outdoor string lights offer an inviting ambiance, making a simple backyard or a vast outdoor space enchanting and magical, and we believe that the above recommendations cater to different tastes and preferences.

So, whether you are hosting a romantic dinner or simply enjoying a quiet evening on your deck or balcony, our selection will surely add charm to the occasion. May all of your outdoor moments be illuminated and memorable from here on out!

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