2024’s Best Outdoor String Lights to Brighten up the Night, Tested

By Glenda Taylor, Jamie Birdwell-Branson, Jasmine Harding

Updated on Aug 20, 2024 5:15 PM EDT

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Outdoor string lights can brighten a backyard patio space and make warm nights relaxing and festive. We researched more than 35 sets of lights and tested 14 sets in our own yards, and while many are excellent, a few stood out from the pack. Brightown’s G40 LED Outdoor String Light Set took the top spot based on its crystal-clear shatterproof bulbs, clip-on hangers, and attractive price point. This is a good beginner set for anyone with basic outdoor lighting needs.

However, our tested lineup offers so much more than the basics. There are plenty of great backyard lighting ideas in this roundup. find permanent string lights (you read that right), color-changing hues, Wi-Fi connectivity, and even cafe lights with hand-rubbed bronze cages. We also consulted Rafi Friedman, president of Coastal Luxury Outdoors in Jacksonville, Florida, who shared some expert tips on how to get the most out of your outdoor lighting. Read on to learn what to look for when shopping for outdoor lighting, and find out how the following models earned a spot in our lineup of the best outdoor string lights.

Our list includes a range of options to illuminate most outdoor spaces, from highly weather-resistant lights and vintage-style Edison bulbs to programmable sets of string lights. One is sure to suit your outdoor lighting needs.

Our Ratings: Light Quality 5/5; Durability 3/5; Appearance 5/5; Value 5/5

Using these outdoor string lights from Brightown, we created a warm and inviting ambience in our backyard. The 100-foot-long strand with rounded Edison glass bulbs creates an elegant throwback aesthetic.

This light-string strand is waterproof, energy saving, and dimmer compatible. These lights made even the darkest hour of the night seem lively. The string light includes 50 LED bulbs and two replacement bulbs. With a 2700 kelvins (K) warm white color, these romantic string lights set the backyard aglow.

We liked that the attached gutter clips made them easy to hang on an overhead clothesline. With the grid pattern we created, we were able to lounge beneath the outdoor lights long after dark and read our magazines. We did not drop these glass bulbs as we did the shatterproof bulbs in our tests.

We plugged the lights into a dimmer cord and adjusted the intensity to a soft glow. These Brightown string lights are well suited to parties, creating outdoor ambience, or even adding a measure of security.

Get the Brightown outdoor string lights at Amazon or Brightown.

Our Ratings: Light Quality 5/5; Durability 5/5; Appearance 4/5; Value 4/5

You don’t have to spend a lot to get a great set of string lights. This weather-resistant set of commercial-grade outdoor string lights from Lemontec lit up our driveway, even after a rainstorm. With its glass Edison-style bulbs on a black rubber cable, the string has a classic look suited to various decor styles. Best of all, it comes at an affordable price point.

Safe to hang in various climates and temperatures, these backyard lights stood up to weather remarkably well. The bulbs are low wattage, incandescent, and come with crystal-clear glass globes.

The heavy-duty rubber cord is substantial yet flexible enough to wind around narrow railings or tree branches. Lemontec’s 11-watt incandescent bulbs provided bright light that illuminated the garage front and concrete driveway long after it was completely dark.

The only potential downsides—which some find a feature rather than a bug—are the widely spaced sockets (3 feet apart) and the fact that hooks are needed for hanging the string lights on a structure. However, they could wind around columns or posts without hooks. While we tested just one strand, it’s possible to connect a second strand for more illumination.

Get the Lemontec outdoor string lights at Amazon.

Our Ratings: Light Quality 4/5; Durability 5/5; Appearance 4/5; Value 5/5

Enbrighten’s string lights allow the user to customize the bulbs’ light color—enabling up to 120 potential combinations—to add a pop of color to any outdoor space. For those who want to select specific colors to set a mood, the Enbrighten lights do not disappoint.

These are impressive solid acrylic LED bulbs. Because they’re billed as “shatterproof,” we tested that claim by dropping them from head height to the concrete patio below. Not only did none of the acrylic bulbs crack or chip, but we couldn’t even find a scuff mark.

Since we hung them on a covered patio ceiling, they were somewhat protected by a rainstorm that affected most of the other sets we tested. These bulbs still got dripping wet, but it didn’t seem to affect their performance at all.

Each impact-resistant acrylic bulb that makes up these outside patio lights uses just 1 watt of power and produces a warm glow. The included remote allowed us to switch between single solid colors, two-color combinations, and various preset color modes for Christmas and Saint Patrick’s Day.

We were able to set a 2- or 4-hour timer, choose from 10 dimmable light levels, and select fade and strobe features.

Get the Enbrighten color-changing outdoor string lights at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Our Ratings: Light Quality 4.8/5; Durability 5/5; Appearance 5/5; Value 4.8/5

If you haven’t heard of permanent string lights, you’re in for a treat. These lights are designed to be installed on a house’s eaves (the underside of a roof’s overhang). Hanging these lights took longer than other sets we tested, but it was worth it. We installed a 50-foot strand of Eternity lights on the eaves of our covered front porch in about 1 hour. Each button-shaped LED light snaps into a base that must be screwed into the eave. It wasn’t difficult—just time-consuming.

After installing the Enbrighten lights, we downloaded the app and synced the lights to our wireless network. That’s when the fun began. We found that we could choose from nearly infinite color combinations. We were able to change each LED light to a specific color, select presets like July 4th (red, white, and blue lights), and choose color themes like Mardi Gras or Fall. We were able to program the lights to come on at a predetermined time. We also liked that, during the day, the lights were barely noticeable thanks to their low-profile design.

If you’re looking for a classy way to add porch lights or outdoor patio lights without dangling cords that distract from the look, check out Enbrighten’s Eternity lights. You won’t be disappointed.

Get the Enbrighten Eternity outdoor string lights at Amazon, Costco (100 feet), or Enbrighten.

Our Ratings: Light Quality 5/5; Durability 5/5; Appearance 4/5; Value 5/5

These waterproof, solar-powered string lights from Brightech became one of our favorites. Not only can they be hung anywhere because they don’t require an electrical outlet, but we also found them glowing brightly the next morning. The 27-foot strand on these solar string lights features 12 shatterproof plastic LED bulbs. Each G40 bulb emits a warm 3000K light.

These solar LED string lights weathered a rainstorm without any problems and then lit up the following evening. They also survived our drop test without any cracks. While some solar-powered lights emit only soft illumination, the Brightech lights were just as bright as any other string of lights we tested—quite an achievement for solar-powered lights. After a sunny day, they emitted sufficient light for us to sit beneath and read our magazines long after the sun went down.

These solar-powered string lights are advertised as requiring 6 hours of direct sunlight to power the bulbs for 6 hours of illumination, but during our tests, they emitted light for at least 10 hours on a single solar charge.

Get the Brightech solar outdoor string lights at Amazon or Lowe’s.

Our Ratings: Light Quality 4.8/5; Durability 4.8/5; Appearance 5/5; Value 4.8/5

We tested three 48-foot connectable strands of Govee String Lights 2, and we loved them. We strung 144 feet of lights from tree to tree in a wooded spot behind our house. The effect was nothing short of magical.

Like other smart string lights, these Govee lights are customizable via an app that we found very intuitive. Not only were we able to choose from a host of preset modes, but we could also choose our own colors to create a special mood. Then, we discovered these little decorative lights could be synced to music, and we had our own little discotheque. If you’re looking for special lighting effects for an outdoor dance, the Govee string lights won’t disappoint.

It didn’t rain while we were testing this set of lights, but we sprayed them down with the garden hose and they came through just fine. We did not spray the controller box because it isn’t as waterproof. The only hitch we encountered—and it was probably the fault of our router—was that we needed to place the controller box within 15 feet of the exterior of our home to use the app. Any farther than that and we were out of luck. Keep that in mind when choosing where to locate this light string.

Get the Govee outdoor string lights at Amazon or Govee.

Our Ratings: Light Quality 5/5; Durability 4.5/5; Appearance 5/5; Value 4.5/5

The first thing we noticed about these electric string lights from Feit was the box’s weight. It was heavy for a 48-foot-long string—a bulk of that weight came from its heavy-duty cord, which is made from thick, flexible rubber.

We started by hanging the Feit lights on the gable of an exterior outbuilding, but to get the bulbs close enough together to have a real visual impact, we had to loop the cord in between attachment points.

For a more concentrated lighting effect, we then coiled the Feit lights over a horizontal bar, arranging the bulbs closely, and the effect was stunning! This configuration allowed us to read our books and magazines after dark. We were able to dim the string of lights by connecting them to a dimmer cord; at their lowest illumination, they emit soft, soothing light. The Feit lights survived a rainstorm as well as our drop test.

Read our full review: Feit Electric Heavy-Duty Indoor/Outdoor String Lights

Get the Feit outdoor string lights at Amazon or Costco.

Our Ratings: Light Quality 4/5; Durability 4/5; Appearance 4.5/5; Value 4.3/5

If you love the ambience of a campfire but don’t have a fire pit or fires are prohibited where you live, check out Brightech’s flickering string lights that look a whole lot like little flames dancing inside the bulbs.

We found the effect very realistic, and, best of all, we didn’t have to run an extension cord to set them up at our makeshift campsite because they’re solar powered! Measuring just 27 feet long and with 12 bulbs, this is a relatively short string of lights, but it’s just right for providing an enticing glow to the immediate surroundings. We also felt these hanging string lights would add a nice touch to a tailgating party—just remember to leave the solar panel out in the sun the day before using them.

On the days we tested these lights, there was a mix of sun and clouds. We found they would stay lit for up to 6 hours after a sunny day and about 4 hours after a cloudy day. However, the back of the solar panel has an on/off switch, and we were able to turn it off if we wanted to preserve the battery charge for later.

We sprayed down these lights (including the solar panel) with water and dropped them on the concrete. This didn’t faze them—they came on faithfully at dusk every evening. This is a great little set of flickering lights that soothe and calm while providing some illumination.

Get the Brightech flaming outdoor string lights at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.

Our Ratings: Light Quality 4.5/5; Durability 5/5; Appearance 5/5; Value 4.8/5

Enbrighten has done it again. Its 48-foot Vintage LED cafe lights emit a warm glow, and their old-fashioned Edison-style bulbs create a nostalgic ambience perfect for outdoor dining. But we didn’t just test the string of lights; we also tested Enbrighten’s oil-rubbed bronze shades, which lend the lights a romantic hint of Tuscany.

With or without the bronze shades, this is an attractive set of string lights for patio or porch use. It comes with 24 solid acrylic bulbs that are shatterproof and water-resistant. The bronze shades were easy to install—we just unscrewed a bulb, slipped an upper shade over the socket, screwed the bulb back in, and then snapped the bronze cage into place. The cages held tight, and none popped off when we dropped the lights onto the concrete.

The lights come with a heavy-duty rubber cord, and each bulb hangs from a 3-inch pendant socket, offering a stylish look. The bronze shades sell separately in sets of six, but if you’re looking for that little extra touch of charm, consider adding them for a finished look.

Get the Enbrighten vintage outdoor string lights at Amazon. Bronze shades available separately at Amazon.

The following outdoor string lights are top performers tested in previous years. While our current lineup has been updated, it wouldn’t be right not to mention these models that fared well in earlier tests and just narrowly missed the cut this time around. They continue to be highly rated by users.

When selecting outdoor string lighting for our tests, we quickly discovered dozens of highly rated products. We considered brand names to an extent—after all, manufacturers like Govee are highly respected in the lighting industry. We also looked at bulb type. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, opting for LED lighting instead of incandescent can save the average family more than $200 annually. We didn’t test LED lights exclusively but focused strongly on that type.

To begin our testing, we hung the string lights and left them in place for several days. After dark, we attempted to read or perform other activities—such as grilling—with just the illumination from the lights. We used a testing rubric, scoring each product based on illumination, light quality, and overall ambience. We tested every feature, including syncing the smart outdoor lights we tested with a wireless network and controlling the lights via an app.

If the string lights were marketed as shatterproof, we dropped them on a concrete patio from head height to see if they would crack. For the ones advertised as waterproof, we left them out in a rainstorm or sprayed them with water. Then, we tested them again after they dried. We noted the cord’s length, the number of bulb sockets, and how easy they were to hang.

A simple strand of string lights can transform a plain backyard into an inviting outdoor space. Compared with many other types of exterior house lights, string lights are among the most affordable and easiest to install. If you want to hang string lights outdoors, consider light type, size and shape, brightness, and color. A weather-resistant design, a lengthy cord, and a remote or app control can make the lights safer and easier to use.

Most outdoor string lights feature LED, incandescent, solar, or battery-operated bulbs. Each type varies in durability, energy efficiency, and lifespan. When shopping for outdoor string lights, consider which type of lighting is most suitable for the space.

Since outdoor string lights are exposed to the elements, it’s important to select a set that can withstand rainy conditions and heavy gusts of wind. It’s inconvenient to take the string lights down every time inclement weather is forecast.

First, check the product description to determine if the lights are intended for outdoor use. Using indoor lighting outside creates a potential fire hazard. Second, make sure the product is water-resistant (or waterproof, as even spots under a porch or gazebo roof can grow damp in bad weather). Weather-resistant lights can handle direct exposure to water and feature watertight seals to protect their interior components from accumulating moisture and causing safety issues.

String light bulbs are available in a variety of styles and shapes, which can give the strands a unique aesthetic.

According to Friedman, “You’ll also want to look for shatterproof bulbs, ideally LED, since they’re cooler and more efficient.”

When choosing a bulb size, consider the available outdoor space, ease of installation, and desired look.

Small bulbs are a good pick for small outdoor spaces or garden lighting; they won’t overpower a space or other outdoor decorations. These bulbs are generally more subtle, providing gentle background lighting. They provide less light and are commonly chosen for decorative purposes.

Large bulbs are more striking and offer a bolder look. Their larger size can provide more direct illumination. Generally brighter, they’re well suited to larger spaces that need more lighting. Large decorative bulbs, such as globe bulbs and Edison bulbs, can make a style statement.

Keep in mind that bulb size can affect installation. String lights with small bulbs are generally lightweight and easier to maneuver. They may be easier to install than string lights with larger, heavier, and bulkier bulbs.

Most globe outdoor string light bulbs come in one of three bulb sizes:

Most Edison-style string light bulbs are an S14 bulb size, which is a medium-size, oval-shaped bulb that’s 32 millimeters (just over 1.25 inches) in diameter.

When it comes to the appearance of outdoor string lights, brightness and color temperature are two of the most important factors to consider.

Lumens measure the amount of light output from a bulb—the more lumens, the brighter the bulb. When deciding on bulb brightness, take into account the desired lighting effect. String light bulbs can range from 5 to more than 100 lumens per bulb. Users often choose string lights for their glowy appearance rather than their brightness, so lower lumens often do just fine to set the mood. Lumens are different from wattage, as wattage measures how much power a bulb consumes and not necessarily how bright a light appears.

Lighting color temperature is measured using the Kelvin temperature scale. This scale measures how warm or cool the light appears. Lower numbers on the Kelvin scale look warmer, and higher numbers look cooler.

Most home lighting falls between 2000K and 6000K. Bulbs around 2700K have a cozy, warm white color with a yellow hue, while bulbs over 5000K offer stark, crisp lighting with a blue hue. Warm lighting makes a space look more cozy and inviting, while cool lighting can often appear harsh, especially at night. For this reason, warmer bulbs are generally preferred for ambient outdoor lighting.

Outdoor string lights typically come in lengths of 10, 25, 35, 50, and 100 feet. When choosing the ideal wire length, consider the size of the outdoor space and the lighting layout.

Patio string lights can outline garden borders, wrap around banisters and trees, or suspend over seating spaces. The best way to determine the necessary wire length is to use a piece of twine to measure where the lights will go. If the lights require corded power, make sure to include enough length to reach the outlet, or keep an extension cord handy.

To line one side of an average balcony or small porch, a 10-foot string of outdoor patio lights may do the trick. A small 8-foot-long by 6-foot-wide patio space typically requires 25 to 50 feet of string lighting. A medium 12-foot-square outdoor space may need 50 to 100 feet of string lighting, depending on the desired layout. For more spacious areas or to illuminate a large event, more than 100 feet of string lighting is usually necessary.

In terms of wire strength, Friedman recommends commercial-grade stringers with heavy-gauge wire. “This will hold tension much better, and the extra insulation will provide safety and durability.” He adds that “these stringers are much heavier than your average consumer string lights, so make sure you mount them securely.”

For those who want to upgrade from basic string lights, consider a product with extra features like color-changing bulbs, dimming options, and remote control or app operation. As we discovered in our tests, users are able to create entirely different moods by selecting different bulb colors.

String lights can instantly transform a typical yard or patio into a warm and inviting space, but choosing the right set of lights is a must for creating the desired atmosphere. Still considering the best outdoor string lights for your space? Read on for answers to some frequently asked questions about selecting and installing outdoor string lights.

White light is the most effective lighting color since it is closest to natural light. Warm white lights have a cozy, inviting yellow tinge, making them a popular pick for outdoor lighting. Colorful bulbs are often chosen for the ambience they create rather than their lighting ability. These lights add a decorative flair and can be a fun addition for different seasons and holidays.

The Lemontec Commercial-Grade Outdoor String Lights offer fifteen 11-watt incandescent bulbs and are one of the best options in the lineup for those seeking a brighter set of outdoor string lights. Plus, additional sets can be connected for even more illumination.

Yes, some weather-resistant and weatherproof string lights can be left outdoors. Be sure to check their specifications to ensure the lights can handle changing weather and temperature conditions year-round.

The easiest way to hang lights is to use existing fixtures or to wrap them around columns and railings surrounding a patio. If necessary, create hanging options by installing metal hooks, heavy-duty sticky hooks, or nails where needed.

No, outdoor string lights typically use very little electricity—especially LED models, which are more energy efficient than incandescent.

Glenda Taylor is a product tester and writer specializing in the construction, remodeling, and real estate industries. She tests a wide range of power tools as well as other home improvement, household, and lawn-and-garden products.

Additional research provided by Jamie Birdwell-Branson and Jasmine Harding.

Staff Writer

Glenda Taylor is a BobVila.com staff writer with a background in the residential remodeling, home building, and home improvement industries. She started writing for BobVila.com in 2016 and covers a range of topics, including construction methods, code compliance, tool use, and the latest news in the housing and real estate industries.

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