Best outdoor string lights

The 10 Best Outdoor String Lights of 2021

1. Brightown 50-Foot Outdoor String Lights, 50 Bulbs

2. Addlon Outdoor String Lights Edison Vintage Bulbs, 24FT

3. LampLust Mini Lantern String Lights 

4. Moobibear 164FT 2 in 1 LED String Lights 

5. SPRKLINLIN Halloween Decorations string lights 

6. Brightever Outdoor Solar String Lights 

7. MZD8391 Halloween Hats String Lights

8. LORRYTE Blue Crystal Globe Solar Lights lights 

9. XMCOSY+ RGB Outdoor String Lights  

10. Magictec 300 LED Curtain String Light

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Outdoor String Lights 

It's good to be well-versed with the features and qualities of string lights. These pointers will help you choose the best ones.
 

1. Type

There are basically four types of string lights, based on their power source. 
LED: These are plastic bulbs of low wattage, that consume lesser power. They remain cool to touch and are shatter-proof. These bulbs can last up to 50,000 hours. 
Incandescent: These bulbs are cheaper than LEDs and consume more electricity. They also have a shorter life span of about 1000 hours. But they are brighter and offer a warmer and wider color range. 
Solar: The solar-power lights are charged by the sun’s heat and do not add to the electricity bill. These lights and the solar panel are better placed outdoors where there is enough sunlight during the day. Most solar panels have a run-time of 6-8 hours.
Battery-operated: These lights also do not need power outlets. They are usually powered with 2 to 6 batteries. They are an easy option to be making designs with the wires. These lights have the lowest run-time amongst the types of string lights.
 

2. Weather Resistance

Since string lights are often used outdoors, they are exposed to external elements and weather conditions like heat, snow, rain, and moisture. The lights and power system need to be weather-proof, or else it could cause short circuits and fire hazards, and also get spoiled easily. 
 

3. Bulb-shape and size

String light bulbs are available in many shapes and styles. 
Globe: The globe shape is decorative. The spherical-shaped bulb comes in a variety of sizes and colors. They have a classic style and go well with bohemian-style patios. 
Edison: These look like the original bulbs invented by Thomas Edison. The incandescent bulbs offer a glowing warmth and have visible filaments. They have an oval shape and provide the ambiance with a vintage look. Some LED bulbs also come in this shape nowadays and are energy-saving.
Lantern: The standard outdoor string light bulbs are covered with lanterns made of paper, tarpaulin, nylon, or plastic. They can come in an array of shapes, patterns, colors, and sizes. The lanterns are usually made of waterproof and durable material. They are great for themed decors like Halloween, Christmas, or any festivities. 
Fairy: These are tiny circular bulbs and offer a feel of fireflies. They give a fairyland feel to the decor and can be quite sweet and romantic. They are like small grains of rice on a thin wire. 
Rope: The string looks like a rope with mini bulbs inside. This protects the bulbs from external elements. The rope cover is transparent and illuminates power. These are good for hanging on fences or in garden areas. 
 

4. Brightness and Color Temperature

The amount of light given out by a bulb is measured in Lumens. The higher the Lumens, the brighter the output. Choose your lights depending on the area you want to light up and how bright you want it. String light bulbs range between 5 to over 100 lumens per bulb. 
The Kelvin temperature scale (K) measures the lighting color temperature. It tells us how warm or cool the lights appear. Lower Kelvins mean warmer, and higher numbers mean cooler light effects. For a warm, cozy, white color with a yellow hue, use bulbs with approximately 2,700K while bulbs with over 5,000 K provide crisp light with a blue hue. 
 

5. Wire Length

String lights typically measure 10, 25, 35, 50, and 100 feet. While buying these lights, consider the area you want covering and the layout you want to use the strings in. You can border gardens with patio string lights and also wrap them around trees and banisters, or suspend them over seating areas. 
To determine the measurement of the wire you need, use a piece of twine and run it along as you would with your lights, including length up to the PowerPoint. Buy a string light of that measured length. 
 

6. Additional Features

String lights come with extra features like remote or app-controlled, color-changing bulbs, flickering and shimmering effects, dimming effects, and also easy assembly.  
 

1. Where are the best places to hang outdoor string lights?
Depending on the length of the wire, the power source, and whether your string lights are weather-proof, there are numerous places you can hang your string lights. They can be wrapped around banisters or fences, border the garden, hung in the patio or over seating areas, they can be hung on doorways, trees, branches, and even indoors. 

2. How can you determine how long of a set you need?
Take a measurement of the space you want to use the light in with a piece of twine. Also, determine if you want to put the string in a straight or zigzag manner. For example, if your area measures 20 feet, it is ideal to pick a string of 60 feet in length. Also take into consideration the length from the power source, if needed. 

3. What’s the best way to hang and secure outdoor string lights?
Cup hooks are a good and easy way to hang string lights and they stay inside the loop. One can also use staple guns or strong adhesive tapes. 

4. Is it safe to leave outdoor string lights on for days or weeks at a time?
No this is not a good idea as bulbs, including LEDs can heat up with continuous long usage. This heat could cause a fire or short circuit. Some lights come with timers which can be used or it is best to switch off the lights, at least at night. 

5. How often do bulbs generally need replacing?
Usage and maintenance determine the life of a bulb. Good LED lights last 6-7 years. Incandescent bulbs need to be replaced within a year.
 

The above article on best outdoor string lights offers you a variety of styles, types, and features of outdoor lighting. Pick from our recommended list and watch your backyard or front porch transform into the neighbor’s envy!