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10 Best Patio String Lights 2026 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

Svater Outdoor String Lights Led 105FT, Commercial Grade Patio Light with 1W Dimmable S14 Shatterproof Bulbs, ETL Listed Heavy-Duty Outside Waterproof Cafe Bistro Market Lighting Warm White

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,284
Brightness
Connectivity and Control
Length of the String

Most important from
2520 reviews

Brightness
These lights create a perfect patio ambiance, providing soft yet sufficient brightness to comfortably see around the outdoor space at night.
Connectivity and Control
Setting up multiple strands and controlling them with a smart switch adds a great vibe and flexibility to backyard lighting.
Length of the String
They offer excellent coverage for larger areas, making them ideal for patios and backyards where extended length is needed.
Weather Resistance
The price point is fair, delivering strong value for durable, weather-resistant outdoor lighting.

The Svater Outdoor String Lights offer a generous 105-foot length with 33 durable S14-shaped LED bulbs plus 2 spares, making them ideal for lighting up patios, backyards, or outdoor events. These commercial-grade bulbs are shatterproof and energy-efficient, using only 1 watt each but still providing brightness similar to traditional 11-watt bulbs, which helps save on electricity costs. The warm white color (2700K) creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for relaxing or social gatherings.

Weather resistance is strong with an IP65 rating, so these lights can handle rain, wind, snow, and sun exposure without trouble. They’re also ETL certified, ensuring safety and quality. You can dim the lights using a compatible dimmer (note that a remote isn’t included), allowing you to adjust brightness to fit the mood. One useful feature is that if one bulb fails, the rest stay lit, which is great for consistent lighting. The lights have built-in loops for easy hanging and can link up to 12 strands for larger areas.

The product requires a power outlet since it’s corded electric and not solar-powered, so placement depends on access to power. Also, while the bulbs are replaceable, you need to make sure each bulb is tightly screwed in for optimal performance and waterproofing. These lights are suitable for anyone wanting a reliable, bright, and stylish string light setup for outdoor spaces that lasts through all seasons.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,284
Brightness
Connectivity and Control
Length of the String

Most important from
2520 reviews

Brightness
These lights create a perfect patio ambiance, providing soft yet sufficient brightness to comfortably see around the outdoor space at night.
Connectivity and Control
Setting up multiple strands and controlling them with a smart switch adds a great vibe and flexibility to backyard lighting.
Length of the String
They offer excellent coverage for larger areas, making them ideal for patios and backyards where extended length is needed.
Weather Resistance
The price point is fair, delivering strong value for durable, weather-resistant outdoor lighting.
#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
9.7
Bulb Type
Weather Resistance
Brightness

Most important from
74143 reviews

Bulb Type
Great quality and longevity, with bulbs lasting for a considerable time.
Weather Resistance
The waterproof design ensures durability even in unpredictable weather conditions.
Brightness
Perfect ambient glow, not overly bright or harsh, ideal for creating a cozy atmosphere.
Color Temperature
Significantly enhanced the ambiance of outdoor spaces with a warm, inviting glow.

The Brightown LED Outdoor String Light is a 100-foot long patio string light featuring 52 shatterproof Edison bulbs, making it a robust choice for outdoor use. The warm white LED bulbs are energy-efficient, consuming only 1 watt each, and are dimmable, which can help save on electricity bills while providing customizable lighting. The string lights are weatherproof, capable of withstanding rain, wind, and extreme temperatures, adding to their durability and safety for year-round outdoor use.

Additionally, they are easy to install with built-in hanging hooks and can be connected end-to-end with up to 14 strands, offering flexibility for larger spaces or complex layouts. However, the primary control method is touch-based, which might not offer the convenience of remote or app-based controls that some other models provide. The lights have a warm color temperature of 2700 Kelvin, ideal for creating a cozy atmosphere but may not be suitable for those looking for brighter or cooler lighting options.

The included E12 base bulbs are common and easy to replace, and the product comes with a one-year warranty for added peace of mind. Ideal for a variety of occasions and settings, such as backyards, balconies, and parties, this product is a reliable option for those looking to enhance their outdoor spaces with decorative lighting.

Rating
9.7
Bulb Type
Weather Resistance
Brightness

Most important from
74143 reviews

Bulb Type
Great quality and longevity, with bulbs lasting for a considerable time.
Weather Resistance
The waterproof design ensures durability even in unpredictable weather conditions.
Brightness
Perfect ambient glow, not overly bright or harsh, ideal for creating a cozy atmosphere.
Color Temperature
Significantly enhanced the ambiance of outdoor spaces with a warm, inviting glow.
#3

Brightown Outdoor String Lights, 100FT 50+2 G40 Bulbs Shatterproof Patio Lights, IP65 Waterproof Dimmable Hanging Connectable Globe LED Outdoor Lights for Backyard, Bistro, Porch, Deck, Balcony

Rating
8.5
Bulb Type
Weather Resistance
Brightness

Most important from
3618 reviews

Bulb Type
The shatterproof bulb design offers peace of mind, especially around families and pets, combining safety with durability.
Weather Resistance
Waterproof construction means the lights withstand rain without any worry or need for constant maintenance.
Brightness
The bulbs provide the perfect balance of brightness—not too harsh or dim—making evenings outdoors truly enjoyable.
Color Temperature
The soft, warm glow creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere that transforms outdoor spaces into comfortable extensions of the home.

The Brightown Outdoor String Lights are a solid choice for anyone looking to add charm and functional lighting to an outdoor space like a backyard, porch, or patio. The 100-foot length with 50 plus 2 G40 LED bulbs spaced 2 feet apart offers ample coverage and flexibility. You can connect up to 14 strings end-to-end, which is great if you want even longer lighting setups.

These bulbs are shatterproof plastic, making them safer around families and pets compared to traditional glass bulbs. They are energy-efficient LEDs with a long life of about 30,000 hours, so you won’t have to replace them often. The warm white light at 2200 Kelvin creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere ideal for relaxing or entertaining. You can dim the lights, but you’ll need to buy a compatible dimmer separately. Weather resistance is strong with an IP65 waterproof rating, so these lights can handle rain, snow, and humidity without damage, making them dependable for year-round outdoor use. Installation is straightforward thanks to hooks on each bulb socket, letting you hang them easily in various locations.

On the downside, the product uses a corded power source, so you’ll need to be near an outlet or use an extension. The control method is touch-based, but there’s no remote or smart connectivity, which some users might miss. Also, while the bulbs are durable, the plastic material may not have the same premium feel as glass. These patio string lights perform well for creating a warm and flexible outdoor lighting setup, especially if you want durability and weather resistance without complex controls.

Rating
8.5
Bulb Type
Weather Resistance
Brightness

Most important from
3618 reviews

Bulb Type
The shatterproof bulb design offers peace of mind, especially around families and pets, combining safety with durability.
Weather Resistance
Waterproof construction means the lights withstand rain without any worry or need for constant maintenance.
Brightness
The bulbs provide the perfect balance of brightness—not too harsh or dim—making evenings outdoors truly enjoyable.
Color Temperature
The soft, warm glow creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere that transforms outdoor spaces into comfortable extensions of the home.

Buying Guide for the Best Patio String Lights

Choosing the right patio string lights can transform your outdoor space into a cozy and inviting area. Whether you're looking to create a festive atmosphere for parties or a relaxing ambiance for quiet evenings, there are several key specifications to consider. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision and find the perfect lights for your needs.
Bulb TypeThe bulb type is important because it affects the brightness, energy efficiency, and overall look of your patio lights. Common types include incandescent, LED, and solar-powered bulbs. Incandescent bulbs give a warm, classic glow but consume more energy. LED bulbs are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and come in various colors and brightness levels. Solar-powered bulbs are eco-friendly and cost-effective in the long run but depend on sunlight for charging. Choose incandescent for a vintage feel, LED for energy savings and versatility, and solar if you want an eco-friendly option.
Length of the StringThe length of the string determines how much area you can cover with your lights. Strings can range from a few feet to over 100 feet. Shorter strings (10-25 feet) are ideal for small patios or accent lighting. Medium strings (25-50 feet) work well for average-sized patios or decks. Longer strings (50+ feet) are suitable for large areas or if you want to create a more elaborate lighting design. Measure your space and consider how you want to arrange the lights to determine the right length for your needs.
Weather ResistanceWeather resistance is crucial for outdoor lights as they need to withstand various weather conditions. Look for lights with an IP (Ingress Protection) rating, which indicates their resistance to dust and water. An IP44 rating is generally sufficient for most outdoor settings, offering protection against splashing water and solid objects. For areas with harsher weather conditions, consider lights with a higher rating like IP65, which provides protection against low-pressure water jets. Choose lights with appropriate weather resistance based on your local climate and where you plan to install them.
BrightnessBrightness is measured in lumens and affects the overall ambiance of your patio. Lower lumens (10-50) provide a soft, subtle glow suitable for intimate settings. Medium lumens (50-100) offer a balanced light that works well for general outdoor use. Higher lumens (100+) are ideal for task lighting or if you need to illuminate a large area. Consider the purpose of your lighting—whether you want a cozy, dim atmosphere or a well-lit space for activities—to determine the right brightness level.
Color TemperatureColor temperature, measured in Kelvin (K), affects the mood and appearance of your lighting. Warm white (2000-3000K) creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere, perfect for relaxing evenings. Neutral white (3000-4500K) offers a balanced, natural light suitable for general use. Cool white (4500-6500K) provides a bright, energetic light ideal for task-oriented areas. Choose the color temperature based on the ambiance you want to create in your patio space.
Connectivity and ControlConnectivity and control options can enhance the convenience and functionality of your patio lights. Basic plug-in lights are straightforward and easy to use. Battery-operated lights offer flexibility in placement but require regular battery changes. Smart lights can be controlled via apps, voice assistants, or remote controls, allowing you to adjust brightness, color, and timing. Consider how much control and convenience you want when selecting your lights.

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