Outdoor patio string lights
Patio string lights add warmth and ambiance to your outdoor space, and the right lights can transform your aesthetic and set the mood for seasonal entertaining. When choosing the set that’s best for you, you’ll want to consider the bulb size and style, energy-saving features, lighting color, strand length and more.
Below, you’ll find a breakdown on all these features to help guide your decision, plus we’ve included a few of our top picks for the 2021 season at the end.
Patio string light features
Water resistance
Whether they’re on your patio pergola or strung along the fence, outdoor string lights are naturally exposed to the elements, so be sure to purchase lights that have been tested to withstand weather conditions including rain and wind. Look for a product that’s specifically listed for outdoor use. Keep in mind that it’s not safe to use indoor lights outdoors. You can also check the product for water resistance. Most outdoor lights are suited for light rain, but “wet-rated” lights have specially designed waterproof seals and are best for withstanding heavy rain and snow and other weather events.
Bulb style
When purchasing patio lights, you’ll find a variety of different bulb styles. Choose a style that fits your patio aesthetic and provides an adequate amount of light for your space.
Globe lights are simple round-shaped bulbs and come in three sizes: G30 (1.25-inch diameter), G40 (1.5 inches), and G50 (2 inches). These patio lights are by far the most popular choice.
Edison bulbs resemble the original Edison lightbulb and have a warm, soft glow that provide some vintage appeal.
Fairy lights are thinly wired strands of tiny light bulbs that add a sense of magic to your patio and can be draped over bushes, trees or fence lines.
Lantern lights are globe lights that are designed to be covered with a thin paper or canvas lantern to add some softness and style.
Energy-saving features
LED bulbs use less electricity than incandescent bulbs, which both saves you money and lowers your carbon footprint. These lights are often made up of plastic in lieu of glass, which makes them less breakable when dropped.
Solar-powered lights can function solely by the light of the sun, meaning they don’t require a plug and won’t add money to your electricity bill. These lights come with an included solar panel to charge during the day. This option is best for sunny locales that get plenty of light throughout the day.
Wire length
Outdoor string lights come in lengths from 10-100 feet and many sizes in between. Choose string lights that are long enough to accommodate your space. A small patio should need no more than 20-50 feet. But if you’re lighting a large patio or draping lights along a long fence, you might want to look for lights with at least 50-100-foot strands.
Color
Patio string lights come in all sorts of colors, from the more classic white or soft yellow bulbs to red, blue, or rainbow. A clear bulb gives off bright light, while an opaque bulb will add more of a gentle glow. You might also choose a set with color-changing bulbs, dim settings and customizable programs.
Patio string lights cost
A set of outdoor string lights will range in price from under $30 to upward of $100. Lower-priced lights include smaller strands of plug-in string lights and battery-powered LED lights. You’ll find longer string lights between 50 and 100 feet in the under $100 range. The most expensive string lights are those with extra-long strands and some fancier bells and whistles like dimmer settings and programs. Depending on how complicated your setup is, you may also need to pay for an electrician or handyman to install your lights, so you’ll want to consider that as part of your overall budget.
Best patio string lights for 2021
Best of the best patio string lights
Brightech Ambience Pro Waterproof LED Lights: available at Amazon
Our take: Mid-priced commercial-grade outdoor string lights with rugged construction and an attractive industrial feel.
What we like: Heavy-duty cable withstands weather conditions; bulbs give off a soft natural light.
What we dislike: While otherwise durable, the bulbs themselves are fragile.
Best bang for your buck patio string lights
Brightown Solar String Lights: available at Amazon
Our take: Waterproof solar-powered lights that provide warm, cozy light with eight different lighting modes.
What we like: Solar power doesn’t add to the electric bill; lights come with adjustable solar panel and rechargeable battery; classic design in multiple colors matches any decor; 35-foot strand can accommodate a medium-sized patio.
What we dislike: the wiring is somewhat delicate and needs to be carefully handled
Best fairy lights
Zaecany LED Fairy Lights: available at Amazon
Our take: High-quality fairy lights with a delicate aesthetic and a 99-foot strand that’s perfect for decorating a large outdoor space.
What we like: Weather-proof design can be used year-round; comes in three bulb colors including warm white, cool white, and blue.
What we dislike: Though weatherproof, the wiring is made from copper and should not be hung on metal hooks.
Best curtain lights
Lighting EVER LED Curtain Lights: available at Amazon
Our take: Curtains of tiny LED lights provide a subtle glow and romantic ambiance that can be hung from a pergola or gazebo.
What we like: Multiple lighting effects including tinkling and fading; memory function remembers your preferred settings.
What we dislike: Can easily be tangled and should not be used in doorways.
Katy Severson is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
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