The 11 Best Outdoor String Lights of 2024
One of the easiest ways to spruce up the look of any outdoor space is to hang string lights around the exterior. Not only do string lights, like other types of outdoor lights, illuminate outdoor spaces during the night, but they also add a warm and cozy ambiance to your patio, deck, or yard.
“The main benefit we see of adding string lights is ambient light that is functional, but also elegant,” adds Skeets Fish, owner of L&L Outdoor Lighting Co. “String lights provide good coverage without the annoying feeling of glare from more conventional lighting applications.”
To find the best outdoor string lights on the market, we researched options in a wide variety of styles, shapes, and price ranges. In addition to Fish, we also spoke to Kevin Leary, sales manager at Carolina Outdoor Lighting Professionals, for their expert insight on finding the best outdoor string lights for your space.
Brightech Ambiance Pro Solar String Lights at Amazon
$48
$26
Better Homes & Gardens Clear Glass Globe String Lights at Walmart
$14
The Holiday Aisle Nessie Outdoor Fairy String Light at Wayfair
$22
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These lights are solar-powered and stylish.
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They’re not as bright as some other options.
For the very best outdoor string lights, check out this option from Brightech. These beautiful ambient lights feature vintage Edison-style bulbs that emit an ultra-warm glow, all strung on a black cable cord. The lights are solar powered, so you don’t have to worry about changing the batteries after lots of use, and they’re also weather resistant, so they can withstand rain and snow during the winter.
Because these lights are solar powered, they’re more sustainable than traditional lights, as they use less electricity, and they also turn on automatically once the sun sets. And they turn off once sunrise occurs, saving you the time and hassle of having to remember to flip a switch every morning.
Price-wise, these lights are just about average, and they’re durable enough to last a long time. Just keep in mind that they’re a bit dimmer than some other string lights out there if you’re looking for the utmost brightness. Also, the bulbs come spaced fairly far apart on the cable, but you can adjust the looks of the lights to your preference fairly easily if that’s an issue for you.
Bulb Type: LED | Cord Length: 27 or 48 feet | Power Source: 1-watt solar panel for outdoor use | Weather-Resistance Rating: IP65
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These lights include hangers for easy installation.
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They aren’t the most weather-resistant option on our list.
If you’re looking to stay under a tight budget in your search for string lights, we recommend taking a look at this low-priced option from the Better Homes & Gardens collection (Better Homes & Gardens is owned by Wade Review’s parent company, Dotdash Meredith). The lights come in a set of 20 and feature glass globe bulbs strung together on a deep brown wire. You can use these lights both indoors and outdoors, but they’ll look especially nice when emitting their warm, white glow in your backyard or patio space.
These string lights can connect to two other sets for nearly 60 feet in length if you’re looking to light up a larger space and come with two extra bulbs in case any of the main ones break or die out. Each lamp holder also features a tiny hanger so you can put them up easily, such as on a fence or tree.
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