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10 Best Outdoor String Lights 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights 2, 100ft RGBIC Outdoor Lights with 72 LED Lights, IP67 Waterproof, 100 Scene Modes with 40lm White for Outdoor Decorations, Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, White

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,114
Length
Weather Resistance
Brightness

Most important from
1551 reviews

Length
The 100-foot length and vibrant colors provide a unique and bright lighting experience that transforms outdoor spaces beautifully.
Weather Resistance
The lights boast excellent weather resistance, maintaining brightness and performance through rain, snow, and humidity without flickering or dimming.
Brightness
The brightness is well-balanced—powerful enough to illuminate the area without being harsh—and adjustable via the app for any mood or time of day.

The Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights 2 offers a long 100-foot string featuring 72 LED bulbs that provide bright, colorful lighting, including a 40-lumen white option at a neutral 4000K color temperature. These lights utilize advanced RGBIC technology for smooth, vibrant color changes from 16 million shades and 100 preset scene modes, along with AI-driven effects that create a personalized atmosphere.

Designed for year-round outdoor use, the lights have a strong IP67 waterproof rating to protect against rain and snow, complemented by an IP65-rated control box and adapter. This ensures reliability across a wide range of weather conditions and temperatures, from -4°F to 140°F. Powered by AC/DC with no need for batteries, the lights support smart home integration, allowing control via an app or voice commands through Alexa and Google Assistant.

Installation is straightforward with included glue and clips; however, the string cannot be cut, so planning your setup is important. These lights are ideal for anyone seeking durable, energy-efficient outdoor lighting with flexible colors and smart features—perfect for decorating yards during holidays, parties, or enhancing everyday outdoor spaces. Those needing to shorten the lights or preferring simpler, single-color options might want to consider alternatives.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,114
Length
Weather Resistance
Brightness

Most important from
1551 reviews

Length
The 100-foot length and vibrant colors provide a unique and bright lighting experience that transforms outdoor spaces beautifully.
Weather Resistance
The lights boast excellent weather resistance, maintaining brightness and performance through rain, snow, and humidity without flickering or dimming.
Brightness
The brightness is well-balanced—powerful enough to illuminate the area without being harsh—and adjustable via the app for any mood or time of day.
#2

Brightever LED Outdoor String Lights 100FT Patio Lights with 52 Shatterproof ST38 Vintage Edison Bulbs, Outside Hanging Light Waterproof for Porch, Deck, Garden, Backyard, Balcony, 2700K Dimmable

Rating
8.8
Bulb Type
Weather Resistance
Power Source

Most important from
8569 reviews

Bulb Type
The vintage Edison bulbs create a warm, inviting glow that perfectly enhances any outdoor space, making evening gatherings or quiet nights more enjoyable.
Weather Resistance
Shatterproof bulbs are a game changer, providing peace of mind as they withstand various outdoor conditions, including wind and rain.
Power Source
Energy efficiency is a standout feature, with the LED lights consuming minimal power even when left on for extended periods.
Brightness
The dimmable feature adds versatility, allowing for adjustable brightness to suit different occasions, from outdoor dining to relaxing nights.
Color Temperature
The 2700K warm light temperature creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere, striking a perfect balance between brightness and softness.

The Brightever LED Outdoor String Lights are designed for outdoor use, making them ideal for anyone looking to enhance their patio, garden, or backyard with charming lighting. At 100 feet long with 52 shatterproof Edison bulbs, they offer ample length for larger spaces and can connect up to 15 strands for even more coverage. Notably, their energy-efficient design can save you money on electricity bills when compared to traditional incandescent lights.

One of the key strengths of these lights is their durability. They are weather resistant and can withstand various elements like rain and snow, making them suitable for year-round outdoor use. The bulbs are shatterproof, alleviating concerns about broken glass, which is particularly beneficial when used in areas where safety is a priority.

The warm white color temperature of 2700K gives off a soft, inviting glow, perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere during gatherings or romantic evenings. They also support dimming, allowing for adjustable brightness to suit different occasions, though dimmers need to be purchased separately. There are a few considerations to keep in mind. While the lights are designed to be easy to hang with built-in hooks and zip ties, some users may find installation tricky depending on the setup of their outdoor space. Additionally, while the bulbs are LED and energy-efficient, they still require an AC power source, which may limit placement options if outdoor outlets are scarce.

The Brightever LED Outdoor String Lights stand out as a solid choice for anyone looking to enhance their outdoor space with stylish and functional lighting. They cater well to casual gatherings, festive occasions, or simply creating a lovely ambiance in your garden or patio. Just ensure you have the necessary power source and feel confident in your installation approach for the best experience.

Rating
8.8
Bulb Type
Weather Resistance
Power Source

Most important from
8569 reviews

Bulb Type
The vintage Edison bulbs create a warm, inviting glow that perfectly enhances any outdoor space, making evening gatherings or quiet nights more enjoyable.
Weather Resistance
Shatterproof bulbs are a game changer, providing peace of mind as they withstand various outdoor conditions, including wind and rain.
Power Source
Energy efficiency is a standout feature, with the LED lights consuming minimal power even when left on for extended periods.
Brightness
The dimmable feature adds versatility, allowing for adjustable brightness to suit different occasions, from outdoor dining to relaxing nights.
Color Temperature
The 2700K warm light temperature creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere, striking a perfect balance between brightness and softness.
#3

Govee Smart Outdoor String Lights 2, 96ft RGBIC Outdoor Lights with Dimmable Warm White LED Bulbs, 47 Scene Modes for Patio, Backyard, IP65 Waterproof, Works with Alexa, App Control

Rating
7.6
Weather Resistance
Brightness

Most important from
1311 reviews

Weather Resistance
The lights hold up well under light rain, reflecting solid build quality and durability.
Brightness
Brightness strikes a perfect balance—illuminating the patio warmly without overwhelming the space.

The Govee Smart Outdoor String Lights offer 96 feet of colorful, customizable lighting that’s ideal for patios, backyards, or parties. These LED bulbs use RGBIC technology to display multiple colors simultaneously, enabling vibrant and unique light shows with 47 different scene modes and 16 million color options. Featuring a warm color temperature of 2700K and brightness up to 100 lumens per bulb, they emit a pleasant glow suited for mood or decorative lighting rather than intense brightness.

Control is very convenient through a smartphone app or voice commands via Alexa and Google Assistant, making adjustments simple and enjoyable. Designed for outdoor use, the lights are IP65 waterproof, capable of withstanding rain and snow, and have a shatterproof build to endure impacts. The power source is corded electric, requiring access to an outlet, and it is recommended not to connect more than 144 feet to prevent overloading.

Though not the brightest option for functional lighting, the combination of flexibility, weather resistance, and customizable effects makes these lights an excellent choice for enhancing the ambiance and style of outdoor spaces.

Rating
7.6
Weather Resistance
Brightness

Most important from
1311 reviews

Weather Resistance
The lights hold up well under light rain, reflecting solid build quality and durability.
Brightness
Brightness strikes a perfect balance—illuminating the patio warmly without overwhelming the space.

Buying Guide for the Best Outdoor String Lights

Outdoor string lights can transform your outdoor space into a magical and inviting area. Whether you're looking to create a cozy ambiance for your patio, light up a garden party, or add a festive touch to your backyard, choosing the right outdoor string lights is essential. To make the best choice, consider the following key specifications and how they align with your needs.
LengthThe length of the string lights determines how much area you can cover. This is important because you want to ensure that the lights can reach all the areas you intend to illuminate. String lights come in various lengths, typically ranging from 10 feet to 100 feet or more. For small patios or balconies, shorter lengths (10-25 feet) may suffice. For larger areas like gardens or backyards, you might need longer strings (50-100 feet). Measure the space you want to decorate and choose a length that provides adequate coverage without leaving gaps.
Bulb TypeThe type of bulb used in string lights affects the brightness, energy efficiency, and overall look. Common bulb types include incandescent, LED, and solar-powered. Incandescent bulbs offer a warm, classic glow but consume more energy and have a shorter lifespan. LED bulbs are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and come in various colors and brightness levels. Solar-powered bulbs are eco-friendly and ideal for areas without easy access to electrical outlets. Consider the ambiance you want to create and the energy efficiency you desire when choosing the bulb type.
Weather ResistanceSince outdoor string lights are exposed to the elements, weather resistance is crucial. Look for lights that are rated for outdoor use and have features like waterproof or water-resistant coatings. This ensures that the lights can withstand rain, snow, and other weather conditions without getting damaged. Check the IP (Ingress Protection) rating, where a higher number indicates better protection. For example, IP65-rated lights are highly resistant to dust and water. Choose lights with a suitable weather resistance rating based on your local climate and the level of exposure to the elements.
Power SourceOutdoor string lights can be powered in different ways, including plug-in, battery-operated, and solar-powered. Plug-in lights require an electrical outlet and are ideal for permanent installations where you have easy access to power. Battery-operated lights offer flexibility and portability, making them great for temporary setups or areas without outlets. Solar-powered lights are eco-friendly and cost-effective, as they charge during the day and light up at night. Consider the availability of power sources in your outdoor space and choose the type that best fits your setup and convenience.
BrightnessThe brightness of the string lights affects the overall ambiance and functionality. Brightness is measured in lumens, with higher lumens indicating brighter light. For a soft, cozy atmosphere, choose lights with lower lumens (around 10-50 lumens per bulb). For task lighting or areas where you need more visibility, opt for higher lumens (50-100 lumens per bulb or more). Think about the purpose of the lights and the mood you want to create. If you're using the lights for decorative purposes, softer, dimmer lights may be ideal. For functional lighting, brighter options are better.
Color TemperatureColor temperature refers to the hue of the light emitted by the bulbs, measured in Kelvin (K). It ranges from warm white (2000-3000K) to cool white (4000-5000K) and daylight (5000-6500K). Warm white lights create a cozy, inviting atmosphere, making them perfect for relaxing and socializing. Cool white lights are brighter and more energizing, suitable for task lighting or highlighting specific areas. Daylight bulbs provide a natural, bright light that is ideal for security or work areas. Choose the color temperature based on the ambiance you want to create and the specific use of the lights.

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