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10 Best Outdoor String Lights 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

addlon 100FT LED Outdoor String Lights with Edison Shatterproof Bulbs, Heavy-Duty and Weatherproof Strand, Commercial Grade Patio Lights, Decorative for Garden or Patio, Black

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,168
Length
Bulb Type
Weather Resistance

Most important from
8253 reviews

Length
The generous 100-foot length covers large areas well, with multiple sets often used to brighten expansive yards or decks.
Bulb Type
Durability stands out with shatterproof plastic housings and strong weather resistance, designed to withstand freezing winters, rain, snow, and hot humid summers.
Weather Resistance
Durability stands out with shatterproof plastic housings and strong weather resistance, designed to withstand freezing winters, rain, snow, and hot humid summers.
Power Source
Using a dusk-to-dawn timer or remote switch enhances usability and automates outdoor lighting effortlessly.
Brightness
The lights create a cozy, elegant ambiance without being overpoweringly bright, perfect for backyard gatherings or relaxing evenings.

The addlon 100FT LED Outdoor String Lights offer a generous length of 100 feet, making them suitable for lighting up larger outdoor spaces like patios, gardens, or backyards. These lights use energy-efficient LED bulbs with a warm white color temperature, creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere without driving up your electricity bill. The bulbs are shatterproof, adding durability and safety, especially important for outdoor use where accidents or weather conditions could cause breakage. Weather resistance is strong here, with an IP65 rating that protects the lights from rain, snow, wind, and humidity, so they should hold up well through different seasons.

The lights are powered by a corded electric source, which means you’ll need an outlet nearby, but you won’t have to worry about batteries. They also support dimmer switches (sold separately), allowing you to adjust brightness for different moods or occasions. The black wire blends well into outdoor environments, maintaining a neat look. With over 8,000 reviews and a strong rating of 4.6 stars, these lights seem to satisfy many users and are backed by a 3-year product support guarantee.

These string lights are a solid choice if you want durable, energy-saving, and weatherproof illumination that adds charm to outdoor spaces, though you’ll need to be near a power outlet and might want to check if their brightness fits your specific needs.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,168
Length
Bulb Type
Weather Resistance

Most important from
8253 reviews

Length
The generous 100-foot length covers large areas well, with multiple sets often used to brighten expansive yards or decks.
Bulb Type
Durability stands out with shatterproof plastic housings and strong weather resistance, designed to withstand freezing winters, rain, snow, and hot humid summers.
Weather Resistance
Durability stands out with shatterproof plastic housings and strong weather resistance, designed to withstand freezing winters, rain, snow, and hot humid summers.
Power Source
Using a dusk-to-dawn timer or remote switch enhances usability and automates outdoor lighting effortlessly.
Brightness
The lights create a cozy, elegant ambiance without being overpoweringly bright, perfect for backyard gatherings or relaxing evenings.
#2

Brightown LED Outdoor String Light, 100 Feet Patio Lights with 52 Edison Shatterproof Bulbs(2 Spare), UL Listed Waterproof Outside Lights for Backyard Balcony Party Xmas Decor, E12 Base, Connectable

Rating
7.9
Weather Resistance
Brightness
Color Temperature

Most important from
74044 reviews

Weather Resistance
They've endured extreme weather conditions like Texas heat and cold fronts without any issues.
Brightness
These lights give off the perfect ambient glow and aren't overly bright or harsh.
Color Temperature
The soft white/light yellow color is perfect for creating a warm atmosphere on a balcony.

The Brightown LED Outdoor String Light is a great option for anyone looking to enhance their outdoor spaces with charming lighting. Measuring 100 feet long with 52 shatterproof Edison bulbs, it offers good coverage for patios, gardens, and event decorations. One of its standout features is the energy-efficient LED bulbs, which are dimmable and help save on electricity costs. The warm white color temperature (2700K) creates a cozy atmosphere, perfect for parties or outdoor gatherings.

This string light is designed for durability and is weather-resistant, meaning it can withstand various outdoor conditions, including rain and extreme temperatures. The flexibility to connect up to 14 strands end-to-end increases its versatility, allowing you to customize your lighting layout depending on your space. Installation is straightforward; you can easily hang the lights using hooks or cable ties. This user-friendly aspect is a big plus for those who may not be particularly handy. The ability for one faulty bulb to not disrupt the entire string is another practical feature that adds to its reliability.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. The lights require a power source, which may not be ideal for all outdoor settings, especially if access to an electrical outlet is limited. Additionally, while the shatterproof bulbs are an excellent feature, the plastic material may not have the same aesthetic appeal as glass options for some users.

Rating
7.9
Weather Resistance
Brightness
Color Temperature

Most important from
74044 reviews

Weather Resistance
They've endured extreme weather conditions like Texas heat and cold fronts without any issues.
Brightness
These lights give off the perfect ambient glow and aren't overly bright or harsh.
Color Temperature
The soft white/light yellow color is perfect for creating a warm atmosphere on a balcony.
#3

addlon 100FT(50FT*2) LED Outdoor String Lights Waterproof Patio Lights with Shatterproof ST38 Replaceable Bulbs, Dimmable Outside Hanging Light Connectable for Porch, Backyard, 2200K

Rating
7.3
Weather Resistance
Brightness
Color Temperature

Most important from
2862 reviews

Weather Resistance
These lights are long-lasting and of good quality, holding up well in rain, cold, and snow.
Brightness
The brightness is perfect, making it not just a decorative element but also useful for safety at night.
Color Temperature
The design and durability stand out, with strong bulbs that emit a pleasant light, making them great for outdoor use.

The addlon 100FT LED Outdoor String Lights offer a substantial length of two 50FT strands, making them versatile for various outdoor settings like patios, backyards, and events. The lights come with 32 shatterproof ST38 LED bulbs, known for their energy efficiency and durability, helping you save on electricity costs and reduce the frequency of bulb replacements.

The warm yellow light at 2200K provides a cozy ambiance, perfect for evening gatherings. Additionally, the lights are dimmable, allowing you to adjust the brightness according to your mood or occasion. The IP65 waterproof rating and shatterproof bulbs ensure the lights can withstand outdoor weather conditions, adding to their durability and safety.

These lights are powered by a corded electric source, which may limit placement flexibility but ensures reliable power without the need for batteries. One of the standout features is their ability to connect up to 28 strands, offering extensive coverage for large areas. These string lights are ideal for those who need durable, energy-efficient lighting for outdoor spaces with the added benefit of adjustable brightness.

Rating
7.3
Weather Resistance
Brightness
Color Temperature

Most important from
2862 reviews

Weather Resistance
These lights are long-lasting and of good quality, holding up well in rain, cold, and snow.
Brightness
The brightness is perfect, making it not just a decorative element but also useful for safety at night.
Color Temperature
The design and durability stand out, with strong bulbs that emit a pleasant light, making them great for outdoor use.

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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