Transform Your Outdoor Space with Bright and Beautiful Outdoor String Lights (2024)

• Our Picks

• What to Look For

• FAQ

• Why Trust The Spruce

LED lights come in many varieties, and they are popular for many reasons: their longer life span, efficient operation, and cool-to-the-touch exterior. These features make the Pottery Barn LED String Lights our top pick that we tested—and it doesn't hurt that they're beautiful, drape nicely, and even look stylish when they're not on. In short, they are the perfect outdoor lights if you want something you can install once and leave up all year long.

The strands are available in three lengths—12, 24, and 48 feet—and strung with LED bulbs, which use less electricity than standard bulbs and last a lifetime. They're also impact-resistant andUL-listedfor permanent outdoor installation, so there's no need to take them down in the winter. You can link up to 750 feet of these lights to one outlet, giving you enough length to decorate a large outdoor space.

During testing, we left these lights up in one of the rainiest, windiest springs we’ve had in the Pacific Northwest. The lights weren’t under a cover, so they got the full effect of whatever Mother Nature chose to throw at them. On a particularly sunny evening after a nasty week of rain and wind, we turned them on again. Voila, gorgeous lights with no problems.

We found that the lights were heavier than expected, with the setup process requiring more than one person. Once hung, they had a lovely drape effect and exceptional light quality—bright enough to illuminate the space while providing just the right ambiance for watching a movie on an outdoor screen. These string lights are one of the priciest picks on our list, but given that LED bulbs use less electricity, are impact-resistant, and can be left outside year-round, we think they are well worth the investment.

_{Bulb Type: LED | Number of Bulbs: 12 | Cord Length: 24 | Wattage: Not listed | Power Source: Plug-in}

Get the most bang for your buck with the Home Accents Holiday 300-Light Clear Incandescent Light Set. While often used as outdoor Christmas lights or to decorate Christmas trees, these clear white lights can easily be used year-round to decorate your yard.

These inexpensive string lights provide 68 feet of lighted length with 300 mini glass bulbs, all attached to a green wire. They can be used both indoors and outside. And if one bulb burns out, the others stay lit (saving you from having a half-lit strand). You can connect up to three sets of these lights end to end, which is especially convenient for decorating outdoors.

^{Bulb Type: Mini incandescent | Number of Bulbs: 300 | Cord Length: 68 feet | Wattage: 72 | Power Source: Plug-in}

If you're looking to add more ambiance to your outdoor space, check out SUNTHIN's LED Outdoor String Lights that we tested in our own backyard. With shatterproof plastic bulbs and weatherproof construction, these commercial-grade lights are just as practical as your standard set. What sets them apart is their appearance, which will transform your patio or backyard into a cozy space perfect for outdoor dinner parties and other gatherings.

One factor to note is these bulbs are a bit dimmer than the others on this list, but we found this appealing. Each 48-foot-long set gives you 15 bulbs (spaced out appropriately), and you can connect up to 12 strands to cover more space. Opting for multiple sets is a great way to offset the brightness issue, giving you the same warm look with a bit more illumination. You can also purchase a separate dimmer from the brand to further customize the light output.

During testing, these lights withstood storms and installation. The apparent durability went beyond looks; we had no blown bulbs in our two-week testing period despite occasional heavy winds. The bulbs were probably in the most danger during installation when we clinked several on concrete with no damage—an action that would’ve certainly shattered a regular glass bulb.

_{Bulb Type: Edison-style LED | Number of Bulbs: 15 | Cord Length: 48 feet | Wattage: 13.5 | Power Source: Plug-in}

After testing dozens of solar lights, these are our favorite. The 17 vintage-style, Edison bulbs are as practical as they are pretty, and are made of shatterproof plastic. In fact, they held up well during our lab testing, even when we froze, poured water, or dropped a golf ball on the solar panel. Plus, they are backed by a full 2-year warranty and have a 1,000-charge lifespan (around 2.5 years, according to the manufacturer). Although you can't connect multiple strands, they are available in a longer, 48-foot strand.

We love that these string lights don't require electricity, so you can place them just about anywhere. The solar panel has a versatile design and can either be clipped to a fence or balcony, or staked in the ground. We appreciate the "moody lighting" these lights emit, and although they weren't bright enough to read under, we think that they are great for decor or entertaining purposes.

_{Bulb Type: Edison-style LED | Number of Bulbs: 12 | Cord Length: 27 feet | Wattage: 1 per bulb | Power Source: Solar}

If you want to brighten your entire yard with beautiful lights, consider the Addlon Outdoor String Lights. These bistro-style lights are weatherproof, and each strand is 48 feet long with 15 bulbs connected to hanging sockets. Plus, each socket has a hanging hook above it, making it easier to install these lights around your space.

These commercial-grade lights are mounted on a heavy-duty wire and give off a soft white glow—perfect for creating your own little outdoor paradise. You can connect up to five strands for more coverage. And though they’re on the more expensive side, you’ll love how these lights look in your yard.

_{Bulb Type: Incandescent | Number of Bulbs: 15 | Cord Length: 48 feet | Wattage: 11 | Power Source: Plug-in}

Fairy lights have small bulbs on a thin wire, and some of the best outdoor ones are the Zaecany LED String Lights. You can get these lights in warm white, cool white, or blue. Each strand includes 99 feet of lighting with 300 micro LED bulbs—perfect for decorating large outdoor areas.

What gives these lights a fairy-like appearance is the thin wiring that makes them appear as if they're floating. These lights are weatherproof, but because they’re mounted on copper wires, you should avoid hanging them with any type of metal hook. Overall, these fairy lights are a delicate decoration for any space and an unbeatable value.

_{Bulb Type: Micro LED | Number of Bulbs: 300 | Cord Length: 99 feet | Wattage: Not listed | Power Source: Plug-in}

No electrical outlet nearby? No problem! The Koopower LED Outdoor Battery Fairy Lights are powered by three AA batteries (not included), allowing you to display them anywhere—inside or out. These battery-operated string lights are 36 feet long with 100 LED bulbs, and the control box allows you to select between eight modes for different lighting effects.

The battery console for the Koopower lights is water- and dust-proof, allowing you to place it outdoors. Also, the strand comes with a remote control, so you can easily turn the lights on and off. Or, if you want to make things even easier for yourself, you can use the unit’s built-in timer, which automatically shuts the lights off after six hours.

_{Bulb Type: LED | Number of Bulbs: 100 | Cord Length: 36 feet | Wattage: 4.5 | Power Source: 3 AA batteries}

The Hampton Bay 24-Light Indoor/Outdoor String Lights feature pretty Edison-style LED bulbs that will illuminate your outdoor space, turning it into your favorite nighttime lounge spot. The light set has 24 bulbs on a 48-foot string, and you can connect up to 11 strands end to end to decorate a larger area.

There’s so much to love about these outdoor string lights. First, they give off a warm white glow that’s comfortable and welcoming, and the LED bulbs are long-lasting. Additionally, the bulbs are impact-resistant, so they won’t shatter if they’re ever dropped. The whole string is also weather-resistant, so you can use it to decorate your deck, pergola, fence, and more. They are also covered by a 2-year warranty in case any bulbs are damaged or broken.

_{Bulb Type: Edison-style LED | Number of Bulbs: 24 | Cord Length: 48 feet | Wattage: 3 | Power Source: Plug-in}

Final Verdict

The best outdoor string lights are the Pottery Barn LED String Lights. These indoor/outdoor lights give off a warm glow that’s comfortable and welcoming, and the acrylic bulbs are impact-resistant. If you’re looking for a less expensive strand, go with the Home Accents 300-Light Clear Incandescent Set, which gives you almost 68 feet of length at an incredibly affordable price.

FAQ

• Where are the best places to hang outdoor string lights?

  There are many different places where you can display outdoor string lights, or rope lights, but you’ll want to take into account their length, safety rating, and power source to find the best location. Be sure to check whether your lights are weather-proof before hanging them—some lights can withstand rain, snow, and more, while others should be kept out of direct exposure to the weather. You’ll also want to make sure your lights will be able to reach an outlet if needed.
  

  With those logistics out of the way, you might want to hang outdoor string lights between trees or posts in your yard. Other popular options include wrapping lights around deck railings or tree branches or using them to decorate the beams of a deck or pergola.

• How can you determine how long of a set you need?

  It’s best to figure out how long your string lights should be before you purchase them—after all, it’s frustrating to realize your lights aren’t long enough when you’re midway through installation. You can avoid this by taking rough measurements of the location where you want your lights. For instance, if your patio is 20 feet wide and you want the lights to zigzag across it three times, you’ll need at least 60 feet of light. In general, it’s always best to give yourself an additional 5-foot buffer if possible.

• What’s the best way to hang and secure outdoor string lights?

  When putting up your string lights, there are several ways to anchor them. Many people like to use cup hooks to hold up string lights, as it’s easy to place the wire inside the loop yet it still holds the strand in place. However, you can also use a staple gun to anchor string lights into place—just be extra careful not to pierce the wire. No matter how you’re hanging your lights, it’s best to remove glass bulbs during installation, as there’s always a chance they’ll be bumped or even dropped.

• Is it safe to leave outdoor string lights on overnight?

  Unfortunately, it’s not a good idea to leave any lights on around the clock for the simple reason that all light bulbs, even LEDs, can heat up with extended use. This can become a fire hazard if they’re located near any flammable object. We recommend turning off your string lights when they’re not in use or at least overnight. If you don’t want to do it by hand, a light timer or smart plug can do it automatically.

  Freda continues that leaving your string lights on overnight will also shorten their life span. "We usually recommend around a 3-5 hour window from sunset until whatever time the person chooses.The string light timers help make this process very automatic," she says.
  

• How long do outdoor LED string lights last?

  The lifespan of your outdoor lights will depend on how often you use them and whether they’re properly maintained. In general, high-end LED string lights will last for around six to seven seasons—or two to three years if you use them year-round. Lower-quality products and incandescent bulbs will need to be replaced more frequently.

  "Outdoor string lights or bistro style lighting is made with thicker insulation and components to better withstand the prolonged exposure to the elements. When using a guide wire to support the weight of the lights, we can extend the useful life of the lighting system as well," says Hadley Hirt, president and founder of Patio Lights of Houston, who recommends consulting a professional when installing your lights to ensure they have the longest lifespan possible.

• How bright should outdoor string lights be?

  Because string lights are normally low-voltage, they won't become bright enough to be harsh or irritating, says Freda. Luckily, many outdoor string lights come with a dimmer or a compatible app so you can choose the perfect brightness for your space.

  Hirt also recommends looking for string lights that come with a timer and an automatic shut-off feature. "Most of our customers elect to go with our dimmer that also has timer functions to effortlessly turn the lights off without mind after each evening of enjoyment," he shares.

• Do outdoor string lights use a lot of electricity?

  According to Freda, "String lights are low-voltage and do not use much electricity, similar to a strand of Christmas lights." Therefore, they are meant to not use a lot of electricity, but you can double-check the voltage of your lights before purchasing if looking for an option that won't use up too much.

  Many modern string light options also use LED lights, according to Hirt. "Most bulbs compatible with string lights are 2-3 watts each," which is much less than incandescent bulbs that used to be much more popular.
  

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