The Best Outdoor String Lights To Illuminate Your Patio Or Backyard (2024)

The best outdoor string lights are both fashionable and functional, delivering illumination and enhancing the décor of your outdoor spaces all at once. “Outdoor string lights are an excellent option for anyone who needs extra lighting near their backyard, porch, patio or balcony and doesn’t want to rewire or add built-in lighting,” says Mallory Micetich, a home care expert at Angi. Outdoor string lights come in a range of styles and colors, so they’re varied enough to complement any outdoor space and style of patio furniture. The more premium models are durable enough to last for years, too. Our top pick for 2023 is Hampton Bay’s Indoor/Outdoor String Light Set, which offers a whopping 48 feet of twinkling beauty.

If you’re just beginning to shop for outdoor lights, it’s important to consider several factors, namely: cord length, number of bulbs, wattage and, of course, the price tag of each product. Indeed, with so many options available, there’s an option for every budget. Ahead, we’ve done most of the tricky work for you, narrowing down the options so you can get started lighting your outdoor space in no time.

• Best Outdoor String Lights Overall: Hampton Bay 24-Light 48 Foot Indoor/Outdoor String Light Set
• Best Outdoor Solar String Lights: Brightech Ambience Pro Solar Powered Outdoor String Lights
• Best Waterproof Outdoor String Lights: Addlon 96-Foot Outdoor String Lights
• Best Outdoor String Lights With Replaceable Bulbs: Globe Outdoor String Lights
• Best Battery-Powered Outdoor String Lights: Metaku Globe String Lights
• Best Color-Changing Outdoor String Lights: Hampton Bay Indoor/Outdoor Color Changing LED String Light
• Best Smart Outdoor String Lights: Govee Outdoor String Lights
• Best Commercial-Grade Outdoor String Lights: Pottery Barn Enbrighten Café Lights
• Best Outdoor String Lights For Design Lovers: Brightech 15-Light 48 Foot Indoor/Outdoor Lights

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

The Forbes Vetted editors, like all consumers, want products that work efficiently, hold up and help make daily chores a little bit easier. To find the best outdoor string lights, we took our own backyards and patios into consideration. When we evaluate products like best outdoor string lights, we look at all the bells, whistles and functions that make these an ideal addition to an outdoor gathering space. In addition to articles about outdoor products that hold up to weather best, we also written, researched and in some cases, tested a slew of content related to outdoor spaces. This includes input on the best outdoor rugs and the best outdoor speakers for music and ambiance.

We refresh this story regularly and it was last updated August 2023.

How We Chose The Best Outdoor String Lights

We consulted with two home experts to learn about the important features to consider when shopping for outdoor string lights, as well as which elements make certain brands stand out from the rest. We then looked at the most popular models on the market and narrowed the field based on elements like durable construction, style and brightness. Reviews from real owners were also factored in to make sure we had the best understanding of how these lights perform across a range of households.

How To Choose Outdoor String Lights

Experts say that outdoor string lights can be an excellent fit for most outdoor situations. “String lights are great for anyone who plans to entertain outside because they can make any outdoor space feel more cozy,” Micetich says. Here’s what you look for when you shop.

Power Source

You have options for power in your outdoor string lights. “Typically, outdoor string lights need to be powered by an outlet, but there are some string lights that are available that run off of a battery,” says Aaron Wilson, home appliance expert at JustAnswer. Some outdoor string lights even run on solar power. Just keep in mind that your lighting may not be as consistent or last as long if you use a battery or solar power vs. an outlet.

Bulb Type

The vast majority of outdoor string lights have an LED bulb. These bulbs tend to last a long time, making them an excellent choice for most homes. However, there is some variation in the shape of the bulb. In many cases, you’ll have your choice of a rounder “globe” bulb or an Edison bulb, although some lights have a unique elongated shape. The right bulb for you is really a matter of personal choice.

Weather Resistance

Weather resistance is important for outdoor string lights, given that these sets will be exposed to things like wind, rain, heat and cold. In general, outdoor string lights are designed to be weather resistant. That typically means they can make it through heavy rain and storms with no issues. Another feature to look for is shatter-resistant bulbs—this will come in handy if your lights are tossed around in high winds.

Brightness

There is variability with brightness for outdoor string lights, with bulb capacity being measured in either lumens or watts. Typically these aren’t the brightest lights you’ll find for your backyard, but outdoor string lights should provide enough illumination for you to see clearly when they’re on. If you want variability with your brightness, consider investing in a smart set like the Govee Outdoor String Lights. They allow you to easily adjust the brightness from your phone or smart home devices.

Length

You’ll find a lot of options in length for outdoor string lights, running from around 12 feet to nearly 100 feet. Many outdoor string lights can be linked together to form larger chains. However, companies will often recommend that you only link a certain number of strings together. Ultimately, you’ll want to measure the space where you plan to use the lights and take things from there.

Assembly

The string lights themselves usually don’t require much, if any, assembly. But putting them up can take time. Some lights have features like built-in hooks on the bulbs to make it easy to hang them, while others come with hooks you can hang on your wall. Others require you to install your own hooks or poles to place the lights where you want them to go. Consider what you feel comfortable with assembly-wise before deciding on a set and read the fine print.

What Are The Best Type of String Lights For Outdoor Parties?

It really depends on your needs and what type of parties you like to throw. If you like to create a certain mood, consider investing in smart string lights that let you adjust the brightness, pattern and even color. One good option is the Hampton Bay Indoor/Outdoor Color Changing LED String Light, which allows you to choose from millions of colors via an app on your phone. However, more classic outdoor string lights like our top choice, the Hampton Bay 24-Light 48 Foot Indoor/Outdoor String Light, can set a warm ambiance that’s great for dinner parties and other gatherings.

What Is The Best Wattage For Outdoor String Lights?

Outdoor string lights typically aren’t designed to work light spotlights. Meaning, the lighting is often dimmer than what you’d get with a lamp. However, you can still get a decent amount of light given off by these lights. The best wattage ultimately depends on your personal needs. Many bulbs are 2 watts or less, and some are adjustable. Don’t be alarmed if you’re interested in a set of lights with 1 watt bulbs—they’ll create more light than you think, especially since there are several strung togethre.

What Is The Difference Between Fairy Lights And String Lights?

On a basic level, string lights are just what they sound like—a string of lights. Fairy lights are a type of string lights, but have some variation. Fairy lights tend to be smaller than standard string lights, and there are often more lights on a string than sets with more conventional-sized bulbs. While you can string fairy lights across your patio and pergola, they’re typically more for setting a mood or ambiance than providing actual lighting.

How Do You Install String Lights In Your Backyard?

It’s not as hard as it may seem, Micetich says. “Installing string lights is a fairly easy project, so you can either install them yourself or bring in a pro to do it for you,” she says. “If you rent your home or only want the string lights for a short amount of time, you can install them using a temporary tool like Command strips. If you want the string lights to be a permanent part of your outdoor space, I recommend installing them with small cup hooks, using natural features in your yard like trees or even stringing them along a fence line.” Some string lights have built-in loops on the bulbs, giving you options for how to arrange them around your backyard.