5 Best Outdoor String Lights for 2025 - Top Outdoor String Lights

Select from a variety of weatherproof LEDs in different styles.

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Outdoor string lights are a staple of summer decor—I see them at my favorite breweries and restaurants with outdoor seating as soon as the weather begins to warm up every spring. If you're hosting a summer barbecue, having friends over to roast marshmallows over the fire pit, or simply adding some sparkle to your outdoor decor, string lights are one of the most convenient ways to bring a glow to your space through lighting—all without the bulk of outdoor lighting pieces like tiki torches.

In my search for the perfect string lights to use at home, I looked for durable, waterproof options that bring style and you can hang up at the beginning of spring (and keep them year-round). I've also found that, regardless of your space or budget, there's no reason to buy a string less than 30 feet long, as this length makes it easy to install and personalize your lighting setup.

Discover how easy it is to install and personalize your lighting setup, and learn about the different ways you can incorporate string lights into your outdoor decor.

For a small patio or deck space, a longer cord may not be necessary. Measure your space to see what works best for you, but be aware that the sets I looked at are all between 30 and 100 feet long.

If you like a certain set’s style, but it’s not quite long enough for your liking, pick an option with end-to-end connection so you can attach multiple strings together. Similar to how Christmas tree lights work, end-to-end connections have a plug at the end of one strand that will plug directly into another strand, allowing for a continuous, longer string of lights.

Another important note: Take a look at where the outdoor outlets are in your space to ensure that your lights have access to electricity. Go with a solar-powered set like the Brightown Crystal Globe Solar String Lights if you are lacking in the outdoor outlet department. Solar light sets will charge in the sunlight during the daytime and will glow through the night, you have to place them in an area with ample sunlight to maintain a charge.

After measuring your space, think about what style of bulbs you would prefer. String lights can come in a wide variety of colors and bulb types like globe-style, lantern lights, or fairy lights. A globe-style light set will provide a sophisticated, urban look, while fairy lights are more whimsical. The aesthetic style won’t impact the functionality of the lights, it’s all up to your personal preference.

Some strings have color changing features or are available in seasonal colors for holiday decor as well. Consider if the color and style are important to you, as well as the placement of the lights. For a railing, any kind of bulb will likely be sufficient, but in a tighter space like under an umbrella, smaller bulbs like a fairy light on a flexible cord will be the best option for you.

Generally, most string lights are relatively straightforward and come with some form of weatherproofing features or water-resistance, indicated by an IP rating that measures how effective the bulbs are at resisting dust and water (high numbers indicate better resistance). But if you want more control, we suggest the Nanoleaf smart string light set, which syncs with music, changes color, and functions through an app.

Other string light sets come with convenient features like the remote control offered with the Minetom Fairy lights or the shatterproof plastic bulb included with the Brightever LED String Lights. Some brands sell remote controls separately (which increases overall cost), but Minetom includes the remote with your purchase, saving you some dollars. Plastic bulbs are the standard for LED lights, so adding the shatterproof and weatherproof features are a durability bonus.

I’ve curated a collection of outdoor string lights based on factors such as cord length, durability, smart features, and more. I chose the models based on user reviews and ratings, as well as retailers best-selling statistics. When evaluating these, I stuck to cords that were 30 feet or longer, but didn’t venture beyond 100 feet strings. I also took into account extra features such a smart compatibility which helps you program lights to play music, change color, and turn on/off via an app.

Each of these light sets glows with LEDs. We searched for string lights with LEDs specifically because they are about 25 percent more efficient than traditional iridescent lightbulbs and cool to the touch, which is important if you hang the lights anywhere within reach.

Our selection also includes a variety of styles and price points, ensuring you’ll find the best option to brighten up your next patio gathering or backyard barbecue.

This light set from Brightever is our Best Overall because it has everything you need for a summer vibe—it’s affordable, shatterproof, long, and easy-to-use. Heavy-duty wires and 52 shatterproof Edison bulbs make up this 100-foot strand. These lights are weatherproof and can withstand rain, snow, and temperatures up to 158 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing you to leave them outside year-round.

These lights have a lifespan of over 30,000 hours, and provide a yellow glow that’s standard with LED lighting. The bulbs provide a yellow glow with standard LED lighting. The set has built-in hooks and zip ties but does not come with an app or remote control.

For an affordable option, this outdoor light set from Brightown comes with 25 LED globe bulbs plus two extra bulbs, all for less than $30. Each bulb is two feet apart for a total length of 50 feet on the string, and comes equipped with a hook socket for easy hanging and decorating. Moreover, they're made from sturdy plastic that's shatter and waterproof.

This globe light set is also available on a white string and in multiple different lengths if something longer is more useful for your outdoor space. The only drawback is that the dimmer for these lights is sold separately.

The Nanoleaf Essentials Matter Smart Multicolor Outdoor String Lights offer a pricey, yet customizable smart lighting experience for both indoor and outdoor spaces. Featuring 20 LED bulbs, the string is 49 feet long and the lights are Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-enabled for easy control via the Nanoleaf app or voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Home. These lights are a more expensive option, but come with music and alarm settings, too.

In addition to their smart capabilities, these lights provide white and color-changing options with over 16 million color combinations. The light design is also water-resistant, making them safe for outdoor year-round use. You can purchase extenders for this product if you need the extra length, which might be necessary as this string light is only 49 feet long.

Brightown's Solar String Lights feature crystal globe bulbs for a touch of style with the sustainable function of solar power. We liked this pick compared to other sustainable models due to the various features it came with, such as eight different lighting modes, an adjustable solar panel, and a USB charging option for days when there’s insufficient sunlight. Generally, you can expect about 16 hours of illumination with these lights after about four to eight hours of solar charging.

The waterproof LED lights are made from plastic and come in numerous colors from classic yellow to green, orange, purple, multicolored and more. The string is a modest 72 feet long with a total of 120 bulbs. The only thing we wish is that there was a remote control or app-compatibility to enhance the experience.

Minetom's fairy lights are USB-powered and come with a remote that controls mode and brightness adjustments, offering eight different light modes, including a shiny twinkle and a solid, steady on. The remote controller allows you to change colors, set timers, and click your lights on and off at the touch of a button.

The color-changing capability includes 16 different options, making this light set convenient for every season—you can change the color to a festive red for Christmas or orange for Halloween or just leave them on plain yellow for the summer. Though this string is only 33 feet long, it is also waterproof and safe for both cold and warm weather use.

Sarah Connor is a Reviews Editor for Popular Mechanics. She also contributes to Runner’s World, Bicycling, Best Products, and Biography.com. Before joining the Hearst Magazines team, Sarah was a National Content Editor for Hearst Television. She holds a master's in Journalism from Syracuse University and a dual bachelor's in English and Communications from the University of Pittsburgh. When she isn’t writing up a review of the newest gadgets, you can find her heading to the nearest rink for a figure skating session or enjoying the outdoors with her beloved Australian Shepherd, Rosie.

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