Top 12 Outdoor String Lights for 2025: Illuminate Your Space

String lights provide ambient lighting for your patio, deck, or yard. You can use them to enhance your landscaping, illuminate a walkaway, or even create a romantic atmosphere for an outdoor dinner party. The best outdoor string lights are practical since they help increase visibility when entertaining, but they’re also quick to install and easy to maintain, all while helping to upgrade your backyard aesthetic. You’ve chosen the perfect bistro set, outdoor dinnerware, outdoor rug, and weather-proof tablecloth. Now it’s time to make your next dinner party glow.

Top 12 Outdoor String Lights for 2025

1. Brightech Ambience Pro Solar Powered Outdoor String Lights

Brightech’s Ambience Pro Solar Powered Outdoor String Lights snagged best overall on our list because of its impressive customer review scores ¡ª 4.5 stars with over 32,000 reviews on Amazon. These Edison bulb-style lights are what most people are looking for when it comes to solar string lights for their outdoor living spaces, patios, and pergolas. They’re on trend, without being so on trend that they’ll be dated in a few years. The classic look stands the test of time and helps make it a best-selling product. These LED solar string lights are also weather-resistant and good quality. Customer reviews highlight the durability of the wiring, but it doesn’t sacrifice the look. There’s a two-year warranty for these lights, which will stay on for up to 6 hours on a full charge. However, Brightech’s 27-foot length is short, coming with just 12 bulbs. Buy on Amazon

2. Govee Smart Outdoor String Lights H7021

Govee recently released an updated version of its outdoor string lights and after seeing the difference they made to my porch, I got two sets of its new Govee Outdoor String Lights H1 to help me light up my new backyard in style. With an IP65 rating and a 20,000 hour lifespace, I won’t need to replace them anytime soon. The lights have been set up outside on my porch secured in place with screw-in hooks ever since. If you want to set up something similar in your own backyard without spending a lot, Govee’s outdoor string lights (H7021) are the more affordable option since they’re a lot longer at 96 feet as opposed to the newer ones (H1) that are only available in a 50 foot option. They don’t have multi-colored bulbs and the clips Govee includes with its new string lights make it easier to have them all hang at the same length. Buy on Amazon

3. Enbrighten Eternity Outdoor String Lights

Get the Enbrighten Eternity outdoor string lights at Amazon, Costco (100 feet), or Enbrighten. These waterproof, solar-powered string lights from Brightech became one of our favorites. Not only can they be hung anywhere because they don’t require an electrical outlet, but we also found them glowing brightly the next morning. The 27-foot strand on these solar string lights features 12 shatterproof plastic LED bulbs. Each G40 bulb emits a warm 3000K light. These solar LED string lights weathered a rainstorm without any problems and then lit up the following evening. They also survived our drop test without any cracks. Buy on Amazon

4. Brightown Outdoor Solar String Lights

Brightown’s solar globe string lights are the best choice if you’re looking to upgrade your backyard’s ambiance on a budget. They’re cheaper than competitors at just $16.98 for 60 globe lights and 36 feet, and they look great! Just because the price is low doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice features. With eight lighting modes like twinkle, slow flash, or fade, you can choose the exact vibe for your next outdoor hangout. There are also different light color options, so whether you want a warm white light or multicolor globes, you’ll have the perfect aesthetic. What really caught our eye is that the Brightown solar globe lights were certified Climate Neutral by Climate Partner, meaning that the product’s carbon footprint was offset. Buy on Amazon

5. YIQU Ulta-Long LED Solar String Lights

For those looking for twinkling fairy lights, look no further than the YIQU Ulta-Long LED Solar String Lights. Featuring 200 LED bulbs with nine lighting modes strung across 72 feet of copper wire, you’ll have plenty of string length to light large areas. Waterproof and durable, these fairy lights will stand up to the elements, making them perfect for adding magical charm to both indoor and outdoor spaces. The lights last 10 to 12 hours on a single charge, with an eight-hour charging time via solar power. Auto on/off and memory mode settings secured a spot on our list of best solar string lights. Buy on Amazon

6. DAYBETTER Outdoor String Lights

DAYBETTER Outdoor String Lights, 100FT 2200K Shatterproof Waterproof LED Hanging Umbrella Edison Outside Lights provide ambient lighting for your patio, deck, or yard. You can use them to enhance your landscaping, illuminate a walkway, or even create a romantic atmosphere for an outdoor dinner party. Buy on Amazon

7. SUNTHIN Globe Outdoor String Lights

Best for Patios: SUNTHIN Globe Outdoor String Lights provide a classic look with globe-shaped bulbs that emit a soft, warm glow. Ideal for patios, these lights are weather-resistant and easy to install. Buy on Amazon

8. Echosari LED Fairy String Lights

Best for Patio Umbrellas: Echosari LED Fairy String Lights are lightweight and flexible, making them perfect for wrapping around patio umbrellas. They offer a delicate, twinkling effect. Buy on Amazon

9. SUNSGNE Indoor/Outdoor Lantern String Lights

Best for Balconies: SUNSGNE Indoor/Outdoor Lantern String Lights feature lantern-style bulbs that add a cozy, rustic charm to balconies. They are durable and weatherproof. Buy on Amazon

10. Twinkle Star LED Waterproof Curtain Lights

Best for a Curtain Effect: Twinkle Star LED Waterproof Curtain Lights create a stunning curtain-like effect, perfect for backyards or outdoor events. They are easy to hang and waterproof. Buy on Amazon

11. Ariceleo LED Battery-Operated Fairy Lights

Best for Decorating: Ariceleo LED Battery-Operated Fairy Lights are versatile and battery-operated, making them ideal for decorating without worrying about power sources. Buy on Amazon

12. Newhouse Lighting 48 ft. 11-Watt Outdoor Weatherproof String Light

This sturdy, lengthy string of Edison-style glass bulbs is the best we’ve found to illuminate (and dress up) any outdoor space. The Newhouse Lighting 48 ft. 11-Watt Outdoor Weatherproof String Light is the perfect mix of country and city, style and durability, whimsy and utility. Whether you’re having a backyard BBQ, a garden party, or just dressing up an outdoor patio, this sturdy string of Edison-style bulbs can add a dash of class to any outdoor space¡ªin a way that even our favorite outdoor Christmas lights cannot. Buy on Amazon

Comparison Table of Top Outdoor String Lights

Pros and Cons of Top Picks

Brightech Ambience Pro

• Pros: High customer satisfaction, durable wiring, weather-resistant, 2-year warranty.
• Cons: Short 27-foot length, only 12 bulbs, limited brightness for larger areas.

Govee Smart H7021

• Pros: Long 96-foot length, smart controls via app/Alexa, durable with IP65 rating.
• Cons: No multi-colored bulbs, requires plug-in power, higher price point.

Brightown Solar

• Pros: Budget-friendly, eight lighting modes, Climate Neutral certified.
• Cons: Wiring quality could be better, bulbs may be too small for some.

Testing Scenarios and Results

We tested more than a dozen of the best outdoor string lights for this review. Add ambience to your space with one of these top picks. To line one side of an average balcony or small porch, a 10-foot string of outdoor patio lights may do the trick. A small 8-foot-long by 6-foot-wide patio space typically requires 25 to 50 feet of string lighting. A medium 12-foot-square outdoor space may need 50 to 100 feet of string lighting, depending on the desired layout. For more spacious areas or to illuminate a large event, more than 100 feet of string lighting is usually necessary.
These bulbs topped out at nearly 200 lumens each, about 15% and 30% more light output than the second and third-place bulbs, respectively. At 15 bulbs, it gives you close to 3,000 lumens for one light strand. The included LED bulbs are made of glass — so they feel durable with a nice weight to them, but they aren’t shatterproof like some of the other models. That means you’ll have to string them up carefully and keep them well out of range of waving hands, thrown toys and any kind of heavy wind.
Over the past two years, we’ve tested 62 different outdoor lights including solar pathway, smart, spotlights, lanterns, wall-mounted, and string lights. We became solar light experts, if we do say so ourselves. We put outdoor solar lights to the test in The Lab, where we simulated hail storms and filmed the lights overnight to see if they truly stayed on from dusk until dawn. We also conducted some at-home testing across the country. We did our homework¡ªeach light was evaluated for its ease of assembly, brightness, features, design, value, and durability.

Buying Guide for Outdoor String Lights

When shopping for the best outdoor string lights, there are a few details to consider, from style to durability. Every pick on this list is weather-proof, meaning the lights can withstand elements like heat, humidity, wind, and rain. 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.

• Bulb Type: LED bulbs are the most common because they are long-lasting and emit plenty of light but very little heat, making them a safe choice for many settings.
• Power Source: Solar-powered lights are eco-friendly and don’t require an outlet, but they need ample sunlight. Plug-in lights are brighter but need a power source nearby.
• Weather Resistance: Look for an IP65 or higher rating to ensure the lights can handle rain, wind, and extreme temperatures.
• Length and Bulb Count: Measure your space to determine the length needed. More bulbs typically mean brighter illumination.
• Smart Features: Some lights offer app control, dimming, or color-changing options, ideal for tech-savvy users.

Installation Tips

• Many people like to use cup hooks to hold up string lights, as it’s easy to place the wire inside the loop yet it still holds the strand in place.
• You can also use a staple gun to anchor string lights into place¡ªjust be extra careful not to pierce the wire.
• No matter how you’re hanging your lights, it’s best to remove glass bulbs during installation, as there’s always a chance they’ll be bumped or even dropped.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best power source for outdoor string lights?

Solar-powered lights are ideal for eco-conscious users and areas without easy access to outlets, but they require sufficient sunlight. Plug-in lights offer consistent brightness but need a nearby power source. Battery-operated lights are versatile for temporary setups but require battery replacements.

How do I maintain outdoor string lights?

Regularly clean the bulbs and check for debris on solar panels to ensure optimal performance. Store lights indoors during harsh winters to prolong their lifespan. Inspect wiring for damage before each season.

Can outdoor string lights be used indoors?

Yes, many outdoor string lights are safe for indoor use, especially LED models that emit low heat. Always check the product specifications to confirm indoor compatibility.

How bright should outdoor string lights be?

Brightness depends on the purpose. For ambient lighting, 100-200 lumens per strand is sufficient. For task lighting, aim for 500 lumens or more. Check the lumens rating or customer reviews for brightness details.

Conclusion

The best outdoor string lights for 2025 combine style, durability, and functionality to transform your outdoor space. Whether you prefer the eco-friendly Brightech Ambience Pro, the smart Govee H7021, or the budget-friendly Brightown Solar, there’s a perfect option for every backyard, patio, or balcony. Use this guide to choose the right lights and create a glowing oasis for your next gathering. For more outdoor lighting ideas, check out HGTV’s outdoor lighting guide.