10 Best Outdoor String Lights

String lights are a staple when it comes to enhancing the ambience of an outdoor space. Their colorful illumination makes them look great at night, and some even have advanced customization options that enable users to take their lighting experience to the next level.

If you want to decorate your yard with outdoor string lights, there are many options to consider. From color changing string lights to uniquely shaped hanging ones that offer a warm glow and lots more.

To help you out, we’ve curated a list of the best outdoor string lights in the market today. So, stick to this post to find out more.

Part 1: What is an Outdoor String Light?

Outdoor string lights are decorative lights that are used to illuminate outdoor areas like backyard and patio to create a cozy atmosphere. These types of lights usually consist of a series of bulbs connected by a flexible wire, and they come in different bulb styles, including LED, incandescent, and solar-powered options.

Part 2: Top 10 Best Outdoor String Lights in 2024

Choosing string lights isn’t difficult with a bit of know-how and clarity. So, let's find out the best outdoor string lights and see what each has to offer.

1. Best Overall - eufy Outdoor String Lights

With over 16 million colors and an adjustable color temperature (ranging from 1500K to 9000k), the eufy Outdoor String Light is a triple LED design string light that blends RGB with dual-tone white LEDs to illuminate three times the brightness of regular string lights. This incredible brightness level allows you to elevate your garden, yard, or any outdoor area with elegance and versatility.

With AI-powered lighting themes, you can effortlessly set the mood for any occasion, from romantic dinners to lively gatherings. Plus, its integration with eufy cameras adds an extra layer of security, welcoming guests with warm lighting while deterring unwanted visitors.

You can also sync this string light with music to create an immersive audiovisual experience for your guests. This feature transforms your outdoor area into an entertainment zone.

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Specifications:

• IP65 weatherproof
• Over 50,000 hours lifespan
• AI-powered lighting
• Integrated with smart home
• App/voice control
• Sync with Music
• Work with eufy cameras and sensors

Pros:

• Greater strength with the dual-layered reinforced cord.
• It can be installed in three different ways.
• The cord can withstand up to 1000 bends.
• Smart lighting features

Cons:

• Higher infront price

2. Best Permanent - eufy Permanent Outdoor Lights

If you want to make your house stand out, the eufy Permanent Outdoor Light is the perfect option. This light has all the smart light features just like the eufy Outdoor string Light, but what makes it different is that it is installed alongside the roofline, which makes your full house look more lively rather than a spot of your outdoor space.

Another thing worth mentioning is that this light can last over 55,000 hours, making it the best decorative LED light. Once installed, you don’t have to remove it. Instead, you could use the AI feature to make the lighting suits any occasion and holiday you want to celebrate. And it can be installed easily, you don’t necessarily need to pay for the quite expensive professional installation fee like others.

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Specifications:

• Adjustable color temperature from 1500k to 9000k.
• Over 16 million colors
• AI-powered lighting
• Integrated with smart home
• App/voice control
• Sync with Music
• Work with eufy cameras and sensors

Pros:

• Easy DIY installation allows for greater flexibility
• Impressive 55,000 hours of runtime
• Smart lighting features

Cons:

• It might be expensive for some users.

3. Best Color-changing - Nanoleaf Matter Smart

When it comes to the best color changing lights, Nanoleaf Matter Smart light is a top choice.

Imagine hosting a summer barbecue where the ambiance shifts seamlessly from a warm sunset glow to a vibrant party atmosphere with just a tap on your smartphone. Feels cool right?

The Nanoleaf Matter Smart outdoor string light allows you to set the mood in your outdoor space. And it can be integrated with the Nanoleaf app, enabling you to fully customize your lighting experience.

Also, the unique faceted bulb design of this strung light adds a touch of modern sophistication to any setting. It doesn't matter whether you’re draping them along a fence, wrapping them around trees, or creating a starry canopy over your patio.

Specifications:

• Color temperature ranging from 2700k to 6500k.
• It can be used with voice controls and smart home system
• Last for up to 25,000 hours.
• IP65 and IP67 waterproof rating

Pros:

• Uniquely shaped bulbs for enhanced decorations.
• RGBWIC color configuration.
• It workswith many popular smart home systems.

Cons:

• Excess cables can be difficult to hide.
• The bulbs can’t be replaced if broken.
• Do not last that long

4. Best Patio - G40 Globe LEDs Patio Lights

These lights are perfect for enhancing the ambiance of patio.

40 Globe LEDs Patio Lights are perfect for enhancing the ambiance of patio. Their vintage-style bulbs add a touch of nostalgia and charm, making your outdoor area feel like a quaint European café or a trendy rooftop bar.

Whether you're enjoying a quiet evening with a book or hosting a lively party, these lights set the perfect mood. Their durability allows you to leave them up year-round, transforming your space into a twinkling wonderland during winter months or a romantic retreat on warm summer nights. Plus, their bulbs are made of plastic, which is more shatterproof than traditional string lights.  

Specifications:

• Comes with an IP rating of 65
• RGB lights
• Power the lights via solar energy or a power outlet

Pros:

• Comes with a handy remote for better control
• Music activated
• Great design for versatility
• Easy to customize

Cons:

• Plug features can be problematic for some households
• Limited range with the remote control

💡Related Reading:  15 Creative Patio Lighting Ideas 

5. Best Solar - Holiday Aisle Nessie Outdoor Fairy Lights

The Holiday Aisle Solar Flower String Lights bring a touch of whimsical enchantment to any outdoor space, transforming it into a magical garden oasis.

These charming cherry blossom-shaped lights create a soft, ethereal glow that can turn an ordinary patio or lawn into a captivating wonderland. Imagine hosting a romantic outdoor dinner where the delicate floral lights cast a warm, inviting ambiance.

The solar-powered feature means you can effortlessly illuminate your space night after night without worrying about energy costs or complex wiring.

Also, The versatility of these lights makes them ideal for various occasions, from everyday relaxation to special events like weddings or holiday celebrations. And with their 23-foot length, you can easily drape them around trees, along fences, or across pergolas to create a mesmerizing canopy of twinkling blossoms.

Specifications:

• 50 LEDs shaped into flowers
• The solar-powered controller has a mode feature
• 12-volt and fully integrated LEDs

Pros:

• Weatherproof to suit harsh climate conditions
• Solar-powered with a built-in rechargeable battery
• Integrated LEDs for sharper colors
• Simple designs for longevity

Cons:

• The spike and stand can be somewhat shaky
• Limited cable length

6. Best Battery-Operated - Koo Power 100 LED

Next on our list is the Koo Power 100 LED Outdoor battery powered string lights.

This outdoor string light is very similar to the traditional string lights, but it only illuminates a warm white light that can create the right ambiance for your occasion. You can even adjust this string light’s blinking settings to fit your decorative demand - it offers eight different blinking settings to suit your decoration style.

Also,  Koo Power 100 LED Outdoor battery powered string light is built with an IP65 level of dust and waterproofing, making it usable in outdoor areas under any weather condition, including rain, fog, snow, etc.

Specifications:

• Requires 2 x AAA batteries
• IP65 dust and waterproof rating.
• Has 4.5 volts and weather resistant
• Auto on and off feature

Pros:

• The lights are fully dimmable and shatterproof
• Can preset the lights for your convenience
• Customize the lights with the easy-to-use remote control
• Rust resistant

Cons:

• Limited to white lights
• Can cost extra to replace the bulbs every few weeks or months

7. Best LED String Lights - Solatec LEDS

The Solatec LEDs are modern, sleek, and sassy. These outdoor string lights will enhance the natural appeal of your home and make it stand out for all the right reasons. The Edison-inspired bulb design looks smart and offers a beautiful warm white light for comfort and cozy winter nights. Of course, the Solatec is suitable for any season.

The cable is incredibly durable and weather-resistant too which makes it perfect for any household. Whether you want to light up those gray corners in your yard or liven up the garage or trees on your property, the Solatec is perfect. It also comes with easy installation so you shouldn’t struggle with them.  

Specifications:

• 2W double filament LED
• Automatic light modes
• 15 bulbs stretched over 48 feet of cable

Pros:

• Great Edison bulb design
• Affordable for households
• Low energy consumption
• Comes with shatterproof bulbs for better durability

Cons:

• The bulbs do not come preinstalled
• The cord is heavy

8. Best Budget - LIGHTNUM ST38 LED Outdoor String Lights

Transforming your outdoor space into a cozy oasis doesn't have to break the bank, thanks to LIGHTNUM ST38 LED Outdoor String Lights.

These affordable outdoor string lights bring a touch of magic to any setting without compromising on quality or style. You can use them to create an enchanting atmosphere in your backyard, patio, or balcony.

LIGHTNUM ST38 outdoor string lights come with a gorgeous vintage style that looks appealing and is simplistic. And it’s also worth mentioning that it’s built with shatterproof plastic bulbs which are convenient and safer for users.

Specifications:

• 5W bulbs
• LED plastic-encase bulbs
• 50ft cable for better coverage

Pros:

• Offers an impressive 30,000-hour lifespan
• Strong bulbs to prevent smashing
• Great retro feel
• Sharp colors

Cons:

• Widely spaced
• No on/off controls

9. Best Waterproof - Magic Pro String Waterproof Lights

When it comes to all-weather outdoor lighting, Magic Pro String Waterproof Lights reign supreme, offering unparalleled durability and peace of mind. These string lights robust waterproof design means you can install them once and forget about them, saving you the hassle of taking down and storing lights with each change of season. They’re perfect for coastal homes battling salty sea breezes or mountain cabins facing harsh winters.

You can use the Magic Pro Sting Waterproof Lights to decorate trees, fences, and outdoor structures, and it supports four lighting modes, which allows you to switch from  steady lights to slow flash, quick flash, and pulsating lights .

Specifications:

• Solar-powered
• 5 volts with 3W bulbs
• Extended solar panel to recharge internal batteries.
• IPX5 rating of waterproof.

Pros:

• Heavy duty feel for longevity
• Waterproof for a longer lifespan
• Easy to install and use
• Energy efficient for long-term use

Cons:

• Extended cable look messy
• Lights are widely spaced

10. Best for Outdoor Camping - ENO Twilight Camp Lights

The ENO Twilights Camp Lights are a camper's best friend. This outdoor string light can help you transform the atmosphere from ordinary to magical. It doesn't matter if you're nestled in your tent, lounging in a hammock, or gathered around the campfire. You can easily strung these string lights between trees, along tent poles, or even inside shelters, providing essential illumination for late-night activities or early morning preparations.

Moreover, this string light’s lightweight design and compact carrying case make them an easy addition to your camping gear, and it can last up to 72 hours of continuous lighting on a single set of batteries, ensuring your campsite remains a beacon of comfort throughout your trip.

 Specifications:

• IPX4 rated
• It can runfor 72 hours
• It has multicolored light modes, including 6-Color Fade Cycle, 100% Red, 100% Green, and 100% Blue.

Pros:

• Comes with good battery life
• Foldable and easy storage.
• Comes with different light modes
• Easy to pack away for convenience

Cons:

• No rechargeable features
• The lights can be easily tangled

Part 3: How We Selected the Best Outdoor String Lights

Outdoor string lights come in many shapes, sizes, and colors, and picking just one can be tricky, to say the least. Fortunately, we’ve made it easier for everyone. So, let’s take a closer look at how we determined the best outdoor string lights.

● Ease of Installation

This is often overlooked, but the truth is one of the most critical aspects of any light has to be its ease of installation. So, the first thing we do is take a very close look at how easy string lights will be installed and ultimately use.

● Brightness

Outdoor lighting can be different from indoor lighting. So, we look at the type of bulbs used and their brightness levels. Remember, some bulbs tend to be brighter than others and produce different types of light.

● Durability

Good durability often determines a light will likely last longer than an inferior model. This matters a lot because poor durability means the lights will have to be replaced more frequently and that can add the overall cost.

● Smart Features

We also consider the type of features a light has to offer. For instance, we consider whether it has different light modes or smart home system abilities. We look out for outdoor string lights that have features that are important for modern living.

● Value

Above all else, we ensure the lights on our list are excellent value for money. We ensure our selection of the best string lights are reliable, reflect the cost, and last a lifetime. This ensures a trustworthy product from start to finish.

Part 4: How to Hang Outdoor String Lights Perfectly

Learning how to hang outdoor string lights can be a lot more complicated than you think. If you don’t plan the lights out properly, you could fall short in the design you want to achieve. Find out how you can hang your outdoor lights perfectly below. 

● Plot the Layout of the Lights

You know where you want to hang the lights, but do they work for that area? How will you lay them out? Do you have a specific design or pattern you want to follow? Answering these questions can help you plot the layout of the lights. It’ll also save you from having to rehang them.

● Use the Right Tools for the Job  

Most outdoor string lights come with hanging kits which can make the entire process easier. Of course, if your string lights down come with kits then use your head and find the right tool for the job. For example, use wall brackets to mount larger lights.

● Be Close to a Power Source

Before you hang the lights, ensure the cable is close to a power outlet. It is essential to position the plug close to a power source. This will make it easier to plug the lights in once they’re hung. You don’t want to hang them only to find out you are nowhere near a power source. Do this first to save yourself time and effort.

When it comes to solar lights, position them somewhere that is guaranteed to get good access to sunlight throughout the daytime.

💡Related Reading:   How to Make String Lights: Detailed Guide

Conclusion

String lights offer an easy way to enhance and improve the outdoor areas of your home. They jazz up decking and patios, make your balcony railings look good, and illuminate seating areas perfectly.

The best outdoor string lights we’ve recommended above offer a unique lighting experience that can make a difference to your outdoor areas. If you need outdoor string lights that integrate advanced technology, the eufy Outdoor String Lights and eufy Permanent Outdoor Lights are the best choice.

FAQs

What is the Longest Lasting Outdoor String Lighting?

Permanent string lights, like the eufy permanent outdoor lights are among the best options to consider. They are long-lasting and can be a great solution for those who want outdoor string lights that last a lifetime.

What Type of Outdoor String Light is the Best?

LEDs are often best for any outdoor area. In terms of style, Edison and circular globe lights are great for offering maximum lighting in enclosed spaces. Smaller fairy lights are good for decorative purposes.

How Many Lumens Should Outdoor String Lights Have?

It all depends on the type of atmosphere you want to create outside. For instance, large patios could give a cozy ambiance with 650-700 lumens. On the other hand, decking areas should have 80-120 lumens. Any outdoor string lights, however, should have a minimum of 50 lumens.