Top 10 Best Outdoor String Lights [ 2022 ] – Reviews And Buying Guide

Outdoor string lights are often used to lighten up and upgrade the overall appearance of outdoor spaces. These string lights can be hanged permanently or temporarily during special events such as birthdays, bash, weddings, etc. Adding a few string lights can brighten up the whole area and give a cozy ambiance that will encourage your family or guests to stay for a little while more for some cozy talks and interactions.

It is important that you choose the best outdoor string lights to liven up your outdoor space. Choosing the best one is quite difficult as there are a lot of outdoor string lights in the market these days. Thus, with this review, we will help you narrow down the choices by highlighting the features and advantages and disadvantages of some of the best string lights available in the market. We will also include a guide and answer some of the most frequently asked questions regarding outdoor string light to help you reach a good buying decision. Here is a rundown of 10 most outstanding outdoor string lights.

Image	Brand	Details
BEST OVERALL	Lemontec	See Price
PREMIUM PICK	SUNTHIN	See Price
BEST VALUE	Lampat	See Price
	FOXLUX	See Price
	Brightech	See Price
	addlon	See Price
	Brightown	See Price
	Minetom	See Price
	Novtech	See Price
	Amico	See Price

Finding the Best Outdoor String Lights: A Quick Rundown

1. Lemontec Commercial Grade Outdoor String Lights

Lemontec Commercial Grade Outdoor String Lights features 15 incandescent bulbs spaced uniformly throughout its 48-feet long heavy-duty industrial strand. Each light bulb only utilizes 11 watts of power but can bring enough light to brighten up any outdoor space. These outdoor string lights are made with durable waterproof materials that will not easily wear or tear even with continuous use all year round. Each bulb has a 3-feet spacing in-between to give even lights throughout the dark space.

In addition, this string light has different lighting modes to easily switch from bright to dimmer mode, whichever suits the user best. This outdoor string light is ETL listed, meaning it has passed the North American safety standards. Plus, it also has a full 3 years’ warranty should anything goes wrong

2. SUNTHIN Pack of 2 48ft String of Lights

SUNTHIN Pack of 2 48ft String of Lights is a perfect way to brighten and liven up a backyard, patio, or outdoor space especially during night time. The package comes with two 48-feet long string lights made from heavy-duty wire and water-proof sockets, making it ideal in an outdoor set-up. The water-proof sockets form a seal around the bulbs to prevent water from going in. These outdoor string lights have 18 incandescent bulbs and 15 E26 sockets standard sockets that fit any bulb with a fitting base so that you are given the freedom to switch the string lights according to your wants or style.

In addition, these outdoor string lights have a commercial-grade which means that it can be used for permanent installation and are appropriate for hard wiring. These outdoor string lights also come with attached female plugs to allow trouble-free string connection from end to end.

No need to worry about the safety of the product as these outdoor string lights are ETL approved, meaning they are safe to use because they have passed the safety standards requirements.

3. Lampat 25Ft G40 Globe String Lights

These Lampat 25Ft G40 Globe String Lights will give an amazing look to the once dull outdoor space, perfect for hosting dinner parties, entertainment, etc. These outdoor string lights are 25 feet long with 25 G40 clear bulbs. It also has a candelabra E12 socket base that is UL listed. These lights have 6 inches’ male plug lead and 6 inches tail female connector. Thus, they can have multiple connections to illuminate a wider outdoor space. There are also appropriate spacing in-between bulbs which are approximately 12 inches to provide uniform and well-spaced illumination on the place.

In addition to that, these quality outdoor string bulbs have a commercial quality appropriate for either indoor or outdoor use. Plus, these are backed up with a 100% satisfaction with all parts except for the bulbs.

4. FOXLUX Outdoor String Lights

This FOXLUX Outdoor String Light uses 16 LED waterproof and shatterproof plastic bulbs along its 48-feet heavy-duty and flexible rubber strand. The bulbs made from plastic materials along with its waterproof sockets ensure that this outdoor string light is more durable and safe to use even in changing weather conditions and prolonged use. Plus, the fact that it won’t easily be broken when blown away or dropped makes this one of the best outdoor string lights that you should check out.

These outdoor string lights use LED filaments that will not easily break or burn out. It can last up to 25000 hours unlike other types of filaments that have a shorter service life. Also, the LED bulbs of this outdoor string light only uses around 1 watt of power per bulb but with a brightness similar to bulbs that use 11 watts of power, making the user save more energy and money from electric bill.

In addition, this string light has multiple connectivity that allows 2 to 40 strands of light to connect to it. The package comes with 48-feet string lights along with 15 E26 sockets, 16 pieces of warm and cold LED bulbs plus 1 spare, and paper instruction for easy and quick set up.

5. Brightech Ambience Pro – Waterproof Outdoor String Lights

Brightech Ambience Pro- Waterproof Outdoor String Lights uses the vintage Edison bulbs in its string light. This outdoor string has a 24-feet strand containing 7 Edison bulbs with 3 feet space in between. Each bulb utilizes around 11 watts of power to give off a bright light.

In addition, these outdoor string lights have industrial-grade WeatherTite technology that makes it durable and long-lasting. Plus, these are waterproof, making it ideal for outdoor installation and use. These outdoor string lights are ETL qualified which means that these are safe to use.

These string lights also have a dimmable feature, ideal to set the mood right. Plus, these can be plugged in with other string lights as long as the wattage power does not go over 1200 watts. The user can also change or use an upgraded LED bulb, as long as the bulbs have the same or less than wattage levels as the previous Edison bulbs. And because Brightect stands behind their product 100%, they offer 3 years’ warranty, excluding light bulbs which only have 3 months warranty.

6. Addlon 48 FT Outdoor String Lights

Addlon Outdoor String Lights are made of weatherproof insulation materials that protect it from changing weather conditions. These outdoor string lights have a 48- feet flexible heavy-duty cord that can withstand the wear of both indoor and outdoor use. Each strand has 15 E26 waterproof hanging sockets with 14 incandescent bulbs. Each bulb is separated with a 1.11 feet distance and uses 11 watts of power that can equally brighten and illuminate any outdoor space. Plus, it has a switch that allows the user to switch it to a dimmer light whichever suits the user best.

For easy installation of these string lights, each socket contains a hanging hook above to make it a whole lot easier to hang it with zip ties, guide wires, or hooks. Plus, these outdoor string lights can connect another 5 sets of strands for a much wider coverage.

7. Brightown Outdoor String Lights

If you need excellent outdoor string lights without sacrificing your budget, then this one from Brightown is for you. Cost-efficient and cost-effective, these lights run through the use of solar power. This makes it possible to save even more on your monthly electricity bills.

Apart from that, you can easily program the lights’ sequence, thus giving you a very good atmosphere in whatever place you install them on. One of the lights’ main feature is a waterproof battery pack and lights that make them ideal for use outdoors. You don’t have to worry about rain damaging your lights at all.

The lights are also fairly bright that you can use them even during daylight. Lastly, each of the lights has wide spacing between them to add to their cool and lovely appearance. You can also enjoy a warranty cover in the event that any of the components no longer function properly.

8. Minetom 25FT Globe Outdoor String Lights

The Minetom outdoor string lights come with a much broader coverage due to its 25-feet length. It features 26 clear G40 bulbs along with 1 spare bulb to provide you with a warm light in a wide outdoor space such as your decks, patios, and tents. You can even use it in your bedroom for that warmer ambiance.

Most outdoor string lights you can find on the market tend to consume a lot of power. As a result, they overheat pretty quickly, causing damage to the bulbs and sockets. However, these lights only use very little energy which makes them perfect for continuous use. This also means that you can save a lot of your electricity bills.

Additionally, you can use the lights for a long time due to their durable build quality which can withstand pressure from the environment and continuous usage. Lastly, the lights are designed to be waterproof, making them fully functional even during rains.

Overall, these Minetom lights are a perfect choice if you need outdoor string lights that don’t consume a lot of energy.

9. Novtech LED Outdoor String Lights

If you’re looking for that Italian feel in your bistro or perhaps your outdoor space, then these LED outdoor string lights from Novtech are for you. Once you have these lights installed, you can easily transform your backyard into a beautiful spot as you enjoy lounging around with your friends and/or family.

Safety is the main thing to watch out for when it comes to LED outdoor string lights, and these Novtech lights surely won’t disappoint. They have a UL-listed G40 certification to ensure quality and safety. Moreover, each of the bulbs come with a 20AWG fire to prevent any overheating issues from occurring. This makes them an excellent choice if you want a safe lighting alternative.

Aside from that, these Novtech lights only consume 3.3 watts, so you can surely save a lot of money on your electricity bills while enjoying the amazing lighting they provide. You can even leave them on throughout the year!\

The only downside, however, is that they’re not linkable or dimmable.

10. Amico 48FT LED Outdoor String Lights

Last on the list is the Amico outdoor string lights. As far as features go, these lights are designed to be completely weatherproof, not to mention they have UL-listed certification as well. This means that you can rely on these lights when it comes to overall durability and safety. The bulbs are also marketed as shatterproof, so you can expect to be somehow resistant to breaking and shattering.

The high-quality lighting that the lights provide makes them perfect for use during outdoor parties and celebrations. They give off that romantic and relaxed atmosphere which can surely enhance your outdoor experience.

To enjoy better ambient lighting, the lights are designed to be dimmable. They can be adjusted with a dimmer switch that allows you to change the brightness according to suit your activities. However, you have to keep in mind that the dimmer is not included in the package.

Comprehensive Outdoor String Lights Buying Guide

Now that you have an idea of what the best outdoor string lights in the market are, let’s now talk about how you can find the right string lights for your needs and preferences. Keep in mind that each of the string lights we featured in the reviews has its own unique features. Therefore, you can’t really expect them all to suit your needs.

That said, here are the important things you want to consider when buying outdoor string lights:

LED vs. Incandescent Bulbs

Incandescent bulbs tend to be the cheaper option when it comes to outdoor string lights. They’re capable of producing a warm and soft glow which can greatly enhance the ambiance of your outdoor space. The issue, however, is that they use up a lot of energy, making them not as eco-friendly as their LED counterparts.

Apart from that, they can easily overheat when used for longer periods of time. Due to that, they’re not really great for indoor use and are only limited outdoors.

On the other hand, outdoor string lights made of LED bulbs are the more energy-efficient option. They only consume less energy than incandescent bulbs, making them quite popular in recent years. Apart from that, they’re also known to work efficiently and can produce even brighter lights. Lastly, they also remain cool to the touch which makes them safe for indoor use.

Perhaps the only downside with LED bulbs is that they cost higher than the traditional incandescent bulbs. However, due to their energy-efficient nature, they will allow you to save more electricity bills over time.

String Configuration

The string configuration refers to the number of bulbs in an outdoor string light, the length of each string, the type of string, and the distance between each bulb. Knowing these factors will allow you to know how illuminated your outdoor space can get and the total area coverage of the lights.

When looking for outdoor string lights, you have two options to pick from: classic string and rope string. The classic string setup includes individual bulbs all hanging from a central stand. These strands can also be linked to other strands to create longer stands for more lighting coverage.

On the other hand, the rope string setup comes with bulbs that are held within a rubber tubing, either colored or transparent. This setup makes it perfect for use as an outline for your doors, pathway, or patio lights.

Aside from the setup, you should also consider the distances required in your outdoor space between the anchoring points for the lights before buying.

Power Type

Outdoor string lights are powered by three different sources: mains, battery, and solar.

Lights that are mains powered means that you have to plug them into a nearby electrical outlet. Therefore, before you plan to install them outdoors, you should have a long enough extension cord ready.

Battery-powered lights, on the other hand, are powered by a battery that is inserted into a battery case that’s located at the end of the string. Since they don’t rely on a nearby electrical source, you can use them anywhere you want as long as you have enough batteries to keep them running.

Lastly, solar-powered lights obtain their energy from the sun which is gathered via a solar sensor. They are fitted with an automatic function that automatically turns them on and off. You don’t need any electrical outlet or battery to keep them running.

Out of the three, solar-powered lights are the most popular choice due to how energy-efficient they are. However, they do cost a lot higher than the other types initially, but then it comes to long-term usage, they can prove to be the most cost-efficient.

Here’s an example of a typical solar-powered string light:

Heavy-Duty and Waterproof Construction

Since outdoor string lights are installed outdoors, you have to make sure that the lights you choose are made to be waterproof. Aside from that, they should also be made using only heavy-duty materials.

This is because external elements, particularly rain, can shorten the lifespan of your outdoor lights if they’re not waterproof. Going for a waterproof option can help you save a lot of money in the long run.

Ease of Installation

Lastly, you want to opt for outdoor string lights that are quite easy to install. Doing so will allow you to save even more money since you don’t have to call for professional help just to do the installation work for you.

FAQs

Q: Can outdoor lights withstand bad weather?

A: This actually depends on the product you choose. Typically, outdoor string lights are designed to have some sort of weather resistance to allow them to withstand multiple weather conditions. However, not all lights are built the same. Some might only have minimal weather resistance while some are designed to be completely waterproof, even weatherproof.

To ensure that your lights can withstand bad weather, check the weatherproof rating of an outdoor light first before buying. This rating is normally provided by manufacturers in accordance with the IPXY standards. X refers to the level of protection against particles that can get inside the product while Y refers to the level of protection it has against water.

Outdoor string lights that are solar-powered, for example, normally have an IP65 waterproof rating to make sure they are well-protected against rain and dust.

Q: Is it okay to use my outdoor lights inside?

A: Outdoor string lights are generally designed for outdoor use. However, most of them can also be used indoors. But before you install your outdoor lights inside your house, you have to check its packaging first. Some outdoor lights will have a disclaimer stating if they can be only used outdoors or both.

Q: How many bulbs are there on a string light on average?

A: This will actually depend on the product you choose. The ones we’ve listed above have a varying number of bulbs. Some contain around 25 lights while some can go even higher.

Q: Are outdoor string lights even worth it?

A: While outdoor string lights are indeed an additional expense, the benefits they give can easily offset the initial cost you spent. Apart from making your outdoor space more ambient and welcoming during outdoor activities, these lights can also increase the overall value of your property.

Apart from that, they can also improve the overall safety and security of your house. With proper lighting placement, you will be able to deter intruders and prevent them from entering your premises.

Conclusion

In order to achieve the best appearance by using the best outdoor string lights, you have to think about how you’re using the lights. For example, if you want to install your lights on your patio, you might want to think about how you can hang them to provide the best lighting effect.

With the many products to choose from, looking for the best lights for your outdoor setup can be complicated. Fortunately, our reviews can help narrow down your choices so you can look for the one that suits your needs and preferences.

The products we’ve included are all capable of transforming your outdoor space with ease. Everything just boils down to how much you can shell out, how many lights you want, or what type of lighting you prefer.