12 Best Outdoor String Lights of 2023

Create a glowing backyard oasis with our list of solar-powered sets, hanging lanterns, and more.

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There's something magical about an outdoor space draped in twinkling string lights. Outdoor string lights are practical since they help increase visibility when grilling or entertaining, but they're also quick to install, easy to maintain, and affordable, all while helping to instantly upgrade your backyard aesthetic.

Before you rush to your nearest home store, there are a few details to consider when deciding on the best outdoor string lights, from style to durability. Every pick on this list is weather-proof, meaning the lights can withstand elements like heat, humidity, wind, and rain. Many of these picks also offer tech-powered features like smart app functionality, voice control, and scheduled timers. Some string lights are even equipped with custom color-changing abilities and brightness modes to set the vibe.

Using tested insights and thorough market research, we found the best outdoor string lights for any setup. So whether you're grilling a weeknight meal or having guests over for a cozy bonfire, get your backyard ready for entertaining with these top picks.

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Pros: These string lights are sleek, easy to set up, and completely solar-powered.

Cons: Lights cannot be connected, so you’re limited to each string.

These Brightech outdoor string lights can be easily installed, with illuminating Edison bulbs that can last up to six hours on a full charge of sunlight. Our testers noted that the lights remained on for nearly eight consecutive hours before shutting off automatically.

Design-wise, they were impressed with the bulbs’ simple and sleek construction and durability. The shells are made of clear plastic, though you’d never know unless you tap them, and the flexible, strong cord can handle years of use. Heat-resistant up to 122°F, the lights can also withstand wind, rain, and snow.

Scoring almost a perfect score across the board, our testers would have awarded Brightech a perfect rating if the lights could be connected and strung together.

Price at time of publish: $30

Amazon

Pros: Available in a pack of two, this affordable pick is ideal for outdoor landscape lighting.

Cons: These string lights provide low ambient lighting versus bright light.

Upgrade the traditional string lights setup with the Brightown Outdoor Solar String Lights. With eight lighting modes (including fading, fireflies, and twinkle), these fairy-style lights are a great outdoor option because they're fully solar-powered and IP65 water-resistant.

During testing, we noted that these lights were very easy to install and performed well during durability testing. Designed to provide a pure, white glow in every direction for up to 10 hours, the lights’ copper wire is flexible and shapeable, so you can wrap them around plants, flowers, and shrubs.

Price at time of publish: $20

Amazon

Pros: Whether you hang them up or place them on a table, these solar-powered lanterns are a great low-lighting option.

Cons: The words "good luck" are labeled on the jar, and the lighting is very low, so these may not be the best if you’re looking for a plain, bright light.

An alternative to traditional string lights, these hanging lanterns are a unique way to bring some extra light into your indoor or outdoor space, whether you hang them up or simply place them on a table. They can last up to eight hours with a full charge and are designed to withstand rain and snow.

If you’re looking for an ambient lighting option, our testers note this pick is a great choice. They arrive preassembled and automatically light up at dusk, so long as they’re charged.

Price at time of publish: $46

Amazon

Pros: These lights provide significant value, costing under $15 for a 33-foot string and 100 LED bulbs.

Cons: This pick doesn't emit enough light for reading or security purposes.

For a romantic, dainty lighting setup, the AMIR Upgraded Solar String Lights deliver in every category. Emitting a nice, warm glow, these lights are designed to be decorative, not provide substantial light for reading or security, according to our experts. The copper wiring adds a nice touch, as it blends in seamlessly with the surroundings so the LED lights are only in view.

During testing, we noted that these lights are water-resistant, and the strand is conveniently long enough to wrap around a small tree or patio beam, offering better value compared to similar string light options.

Price at time of publish: $12

Amazon

Pros: These fairy lights are an affordable and stylish option that offers 80 crystal-inspired globes per strand with ten levels of brightness and eight distinct modes.

Cons: Battery-operated lights may require frequent replacements.

The most affordable pick on our list, the Metaku Globe String Lights Fairy Lights provide a glowing ambiance. This stylish alternative to traditional Edison string lights includes 80 crystal-inspired globes per strand, which emit a warm white light and are fully battery-operated.

The lights are equipped with ten levels of brightness and eight distinct modes, including flash, twinkle, slow fade, and steady on. They're suitable for indoor and outdoor use and can withstand elements like heat, wind, water, moisture, and snow. A remote control is included for easy operation.

Price at time of publish: $25

Amazon

Pros: These energy-saving string lights are waterproof and feature a 10,000-hour lifespan.

Cons: They don't include a dimmable function.

A step up from traditional string lights, these elegant Novtech lights are also a great choice, emitting a soft, warm light similar to a candle. Shaped like a globe with LED beads inside, each light features a 10,000-hour lifespan and is completely waterproof.

Because they're low voltage, they're considered energy-saving compared to others and won't overheat or turn yellow when used for long periods. The only downside is there is no option to add a dimmable function.

Price at time of publish: $60

Amazon

Pros: These dimmable string lights are shatter-resistant and connectable.

Cons: There are only 10 bulbs per strand whereas comparable options may offer more.

If you're looking for an option similar to the Brightech string lights minus the solar-powered feature, go for these Baxstel string lights. Made from shatterproof plastic with vintage-inspired Edison bulbs, these lights provide a warm hue, and they're designed to withstand the elements.

These lights are also quick to install and can be connected if one strand is not quite large enough for your backyard. You can attach up to 40 individual cords, making these a great choice for larger venues like parks or restaurant spaces.

Price at time of publish: $28

Amazon

Pros: Equipped with a handy remote, you can control these lights with ease.

Cons: Taking into consideration the price, these string lights don't look as high-end as other picks.

Add some color to your backyard with the tech-forward HBN Color Changing String Lights. Not only are they durable and weather-proof, but they also feature a handy remote, so you can control them with ease.

Lasting up to 25,000 hours, HBN's lights also include nine pre-programmed color modes with 16 million color combinations, from warm white for a relaxed ambiance to vibrant green and purple hues. Depending on your space, stick with one strand or link up to 48 together.

Price at time of publish: $49

Amazon

Pros: Featuring smart voice controls, you can remotely power these lights via an app, Alexa, or Google Assistant.

Cons: These lights don't offer color-changing capabilities.

This popular smart outdoor string light setup includes many of the same benefits as the HBN lights except for the color-changing feature. You can remotely or automatically control these lights via an app, Alexa, or Google Assistant and even coordinate time settings to create a lighting schedule.

As with most of the picks on this list, they're durable, energy-saving, shatterproof, and weather-resistant. You can also take advantage of the light's dimmable function, which allows you to manipulate the brightness depending on the desired ambiance.

Price at time of publish: $40

Amazon

Pros: These heavy-duty bulbs can be programmed with a dimmer.

Cons: They’re not the most attractive Edison-style string lights.

Consider this Addlon pick a triple threat, thanks to its heavy-duty construction, bright lights, and adaptable design. With an insulated exterior and durable cord, these lights are weather-proof, which means they’re resistant to high heat, wind, water and humidity, and snow, so you won't have to worry about leaving them outside all year long.

The cord length runs 48 feet, with a 96-foot option available for larger spaces. They can be programmed with a dimmer if you’re looking to create even more of a mood.

Price at time of publish: $50

Pros: This linkable string light setup includes 300 twinkling lights.

Cons: Lights can easily get tangled, so handle them with care.

Create a glowing canopy or background light wall with these Magictec curtain lights. Running more than six feet when suspended horizontally or nearly 10 feet vertically, this is a great option to illuminate a standard window curtain or create a backyard light display for special occasions.

Each strand includes 30 warm, white starry lights with a single-touch controller that allows users to choose between eight different modes. These lights are waterproof and linkable, so you can connect multiple strands for larger spaces.

Price at time of publish: $17

Amazon

Pros: Bring your memories to life with these light-up clip string lights, which offer just enough light to highlight each photo.

Cons: Be careful not to clip on something too heavy, as you may damage the string.

Ideal for a memorable occasion like an engagement party or anniversary celebration, the Romandle String Lights include clips to hang photos, art, keepsakes, and more. The small, golden light bulbs offer just enough light to highlight your feature wall, creating a warm, cozy atmosphere without cluttering the space. Plus, you can light up your photos anywhere because they're wireless and battery-operated.

Price at time of publish: $14

Most string lights are made with LED bulbs. They're energy-efficient, low-voltage, and offer a longer lifespan compared to other bulb types. If you're planning to hang string lights outside, especially in direct sunlight, LED bulbs are the best option.

String length is an important factor if you're looking for enough light to drape across a large space. Many of the best string lights offer at least six feet in length, though that may not be enough if you plan to hang them across a large backyard or event space. Most of the picks on our list can be connected to extend their overall length.

Between batteries, plugs, USB, and solar-powered options, many different power sources are available for the best string lights. It all depends on where you plan to use them. If they are hung outside, solar-powered lights are the easiest, most energy-efficient choice. However, if you want the flexibility to hang them indoors, consider battery-operated picks. Note that USB and plug-in options require the most planning, as you'll need a nearby outlet or extension cord.

Many of the string lights on this list are equipped with added effects like dimming capabilities, color-changing features, and various lighting modes that flicker, twinkle, and fade. Decide which extras are most important to you, and look for string lights that support them.

The amount of time string lights last can depend on various factors, including where the string lights are displayed and stored, what material they’re made from, and whether or not they’ve been subjected to elements like rain, snow, or wind. In ideal conditions, string lights should withstand multiple years.

The best outdoor lights for a patio are a question of personal preference. Solar-powered lights may be best for those who only intend to use them outside, while battery-powered or plug-in options may suit users who want the flexibility to move them between indoors and outdoors. If you have a large outdoor space, look for lights that can be extended by linking two or more strings together.

Outdoor string lights can be placed almost anywhere outside. Hang them from the ceiling or along the wall, wrap them around a tree or shrub, or layer them across a large patio or pool area.

As with any light source, the best practice is to turn it off when not in use. Some string lights, especially solar-powered options, will automatically shut off when the battery runs out, which is typically in a matter of hours. However, plug-in or battery-powered string lights may stay on indefinitely, so keep a close eye to make sure you turn them off properly.

Clarissa Buch Zilberman is a writer and editor based in Miami. Specializing in lifestyle, business, and travel, her work has appeared in Food & Wine, Realtor.com, Travel + Leisure, and Bon Appétit, among other print and digital titles.