Best Outdoor String Lights: Brighten Up Your Backyard with Style and Durability
Outdoor string lights are one of the easiest ways to transform any outdoor space into a cozy, festive environment. Whether you’re illuminating a backyard patio, decorating your deck, or adding flair to a garden party, string lights provide the perfect combination of practicality and aesthetic appeal. They’re a great solution for creating mood lighting, increasing visibility, and enhancing safety around your home—all while staying energy efficient and easy to install.
From vintage Edison bulbs to smart app-controlled options, outdoor string lights come in many styles to suit your space and preferences. Some are solar-powered and eco-friendly, while others offer long strands and shatterproof bulbs built to withstand all types of weather. This list includes only the top-rated string lights available on Amazon, chosen for their durability, functionality, and visual appeal.
These picks are ideal whether you’re looking to host guests, relax outdoors, or simply add some ambiance to your evening routine. Let’s explore the best outdoor string lights that will keep your space glowing all year round.
Top 10 Best Outdoor String Lights
1. Brightech Ambience Pro Solar Powered Outdoor String Lights
Price: $21.99
About Brightech Ambience Pro: These solar-powered string lights offer the perfect blend of sustainability and charm. The set features 12 LED Edison-style bulbs strung across 27 feet, each enclosed in a shatterproof casing to withstand wind, rain, and snow. A full solar charge provides up to six hours of warm white illumination, making them great for evening relaxation or parties. Their heavy-duty, commercial-grade design ensures they’ll last season after season. Installation is simple with built-in hooks and adjustable panels.
2. addlon 48FT LED Outdoor String Lights
Price: $34.19
About addlon 48FT LED: This durable 48-foot string light set comes with 15 shatterproof LED bulbs and is built to handle tough outdoor conditions. The lights are dimmable and connectable, allowing you to adjust ambiance and expand length for larger setups. The thick, rubberized cord offers additional protection against the elements. It’s ideal for decks, patios, gazebos, and other high-traffic outdoor areas. You’ll get reliable performance and a sleek industrial aesthetic.
3. Brightown Outdoor String Lights 25FT G40 Globe
Price: $21.99
About Brightown G40 Globe Lights: These charming globe lights are perfect for small to medium outdoor spaces, with 12 clear bulbs spaced across 25 feet. Their lightweight design and warm glow create an inviting atmosphere, especially for intimate gatherings. The lights are connectable, waterproof, and easy to hang along fences, railings, or canopies. Though budget-friendly, they provide reliable lighting and a festive look. They’re an excellent choice for renters or seasonal decorators.
4. Govee Smart Outdoor String Lights H7021
Price: $179.99
About Govee Smart H7021: These high-tech string lights offer vibrant RGB colors with individual bulb control via app or voice assistant. The 96-foot strand includes 30 LED bulbs with customizable lighting modes and preset scenes. Built to IP65 waterproof standards, these lights handle rain and splashes with ease. You can sync them with music or schedule timers for hands-free ambiance. They’re perfect for tech-savvy homeowners looking to elevate outdoor entertaining.
5. Feit Electric 48ft LED String Lights
Price: $49.56
About Feit Electric 48ft LED: This classic option offers a robust, industrial-style design with 24 durable LED bulbs spread evenly along a 48-foot cable. The shatterproof bulbs emit a soft white glow and are built to last over 15,000 hours. The heavy-duty cord resists UV exposure and abrasion, making it ideal for year-round outdoor use. These lights are suitable for both commercial and residential setups. They add timeless elegance to outdoor settings.
6. Hampton Bay 24-Light 48 ft. String Light
Price: $45.94
About Hampton Bay 24-Light Set: This 48-foot string of 24 LED bulbs brings vintage flair with clear Edison-style bulbs. The set is weather-resistant and works great in both residential backyards and small business patios. Each bulb is spaced to maximize coverage while maintaining even lighting. It’s a great pick for adding a soft, romantic atmosphere. The style blends beautifully with both rustic and modern décor.
7. Enbrighten Vintage Seasons LED String Lights
Price: $187.65
About Enbrighten Vintage Seasons: These premium lights stand out for their impact-resistant bulbs and customizable color settings. Each 48-foot strand includes 24 acrylic Edison bulbs that won’t shatter under pressure. The lights offer a range of color modes—including warm white and multi-color—controlled via a remote. It’s ideal for creating mood-specific lighting at parties or holidays. These lights are built to handle harsh weather with IP65 waterproofing.
8. Brightever LED Outdoor String Lights
Price: $29.99
About Brightever Basics Burroughs: These string lights deliver excellent performance and style with their 15 LED Edison bulbs and sturdy rubber-coated cable. Designed to handle outdoor exposure, they’re weather-resistant and shatterproof. The vintage look adds sophistication to any outdoor lounge area. They’re easy to hang with hooks or clips and provide a warm glow that’s both functional and decorative. Great for patios or trellises.
9. IPStank Solar Outdoor String Lights
Price: $59.99
About Better Homes & Gardens Globe Lights: Select your favorite light color from red, green, blue, warm white, daylight white, light blue, purple, ; adjust the lighting modes from fade, jump, auto, flash; control the speed of color transform or adjust the brightness of the bulb just by a simple press on the remote controller.
10. addlon 100FT Solar String Lights Outdoor
Price: $39.99
About addlon 100FT Solar Lights: These long solar string lights offer an eco-conscious solution for large backyards or garden areas. With 54 LED bulbs and multiple lighting modes, they provide extended coverage and customizable ambiance. The lights include a remote control and automatic dusk-to-dawn activation. Shatterproof bulbs and waterproof housing ensure year-round durability. It’s a smart choice for sustainable outdoor design.
Our Editor’s Choices for the Best Outdoor String Lights
Best Overall: Brightech Ambience Pro Solar Powered Outdoor String Lights
A perfect balance of style, durability, and eco-friendliness, ideal for daily use in any backyard or patio space.
Best Budget Option: Brightown Outdoor String Lights 25FT G40 Globe
Affordable, attractive, and easy to install—these globe lights are perfect for anyone on a budget looking for charming ambiance.
Best Smart Lighting: Govee Smart Outdoor String Lights H7021
Packed with features, these app-controlled string lights are perfect for tech lovers who want customizable color and automation.
Best Deal on Outdoor String Lights
Better Homes & Gardens Clear Glass Globe String Lights
At a great price point, these lights offer timeless beauty and soft illumination that work equally well indoors or outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor String Lights
What should I consider before buying outdoor string lights?
Look at the length, bulb type, weather resistance, and power source. Also, consider whether you prefer solar or plug-in models depending on access to electricity.
Can I leave outdoor string lights up all year?
Yes, most outdoor-rated lights are designed for year-round use. Just make sure they’re weatherproof and rated for outdoor conditions.
Are solar-powered string lights reliable?
Solar string lights work well in areas with consistent sunlight. They may not be as bright or long-lasting in shaded or rainy environments.
Do LED bulbs work better than incandescent ones?
LED bulbs are more energy-efficient, last longer, and generate less heat than traditional incandescent bulbs—making them ideal for outdoor use.
How do I hang string lights securely outdoors?
Use hooks, guide wires, or zip ties to secure string lights. Always test your layout before permanent installation and avoid overstretching the wire.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Outdoor String Lights
Outdoor string lights bring warmth, beauty, and personality to any outdoor space. From cozy patios to festive gardens, the right lighting can transform the mood and utility of your yard. Whether you go for high-tech smart lights, energy-saving solar strands, or vintage-style Edison bulbs, these string lights provide both form and function.
Investing in quality outdoor string lights means you’ll enjoy countless nights under the stars with the perfect glow. Choose the set that fits your space, budget, and style—your backyard will thank you.
