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Expert Picks for January 2026

Best Outdoor String Lights

Last updated: January 28, 2026
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Best Overall Our top recommendation
Best Overall
Ambience Pro Waterproof Outdoor String Lights

Brightech

Ambience Pro Waterproof Outdoor String Lights

4.7 (34,567 reviews)

The outdoor lights that actually last. Commercial-grade, weatherproof, with shatterproof bulbs that won't break when the wind blows. Hang them once and enjoy them for years.

Length

48 ft

Bulbs

15 LED

Wattage

2W each

IP Rating

IP65 waterproof

Pros

  • Commercial-grade
  • Heavy-duty cord
  • Shatterproof bulbs

Cons

  • Bulbs not dimmable
  • Single color temperature
  • Heavier wire

Head-to-Head Comparison

ProductRatingPrice Action
Ambience Pro Waterproof Outdoor String Lights
Ambience Pro Waterproof Outdoor String Lights Best
Brightech
4.7
$39 View
96ft LED Outdoor String Lights
96ft LED Outdoor String Lights Value
addlon
4.5
$49 View
Seasons Vintage Café String Lights
Seasons Vintage Café String Lights
Enbrighten
4.8
$69 View
100ft G40 Globe String Lights
100ft G40 Globe String Lights
ALOVECO
4.3
$29 View
Commercial Grade Heavy Duty String Lights
Commercial Grade Heavy Duty String Lights
Lemontec
4.6
$44 View

* Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

All Recommended Products

Best Overall
Ambience Pro Waterproof Outdoor String Lights

Brightech

Ambience Pro Waterproof Outdoor String Lights

4.7 (34,567 reviews)

The outdoor lights that actually last. Commercial-grade, weatherproof, with shatterproof bulbs that won't break when the wind blows. Hang them once and enjoy them for years.

Length

48 ft

Bulbs

15 LED

Wattage

2W each

IP Rating

IP65 waterproof

Pros

  • Commercial-grade
  • Heavy-duty cord
  • Shatterproof bulbs

Cons

  • Bulbs not dimmable
  • Single color temperature
  • Heavier wire
Best Value
96ft LED Outdoor String Lights

addlon

96ft LED Outdoor String Lights

4.5 (28,765 reviews)

Nearly a hundred feet of ambiance for under $50. Enough to wrap your entire patio, string through trees, and still have some left over. The instant backyard upgrade everyone notices.

Length

96 ft (2x48)

Bulbs

30 LED

Color

Warm white 2700K

Dimmable

With smart plug

Pros

  • 96 feet included
  • Shatterproof LEDs
  • Dimmable with smart plugs

Cons

  • Need smart plug for dimming
  • Wire shows in daylight
  • Some bulbs arrive loose
Premium Pick
Seasons Vintage Café String Lights

Enbrighten

Seasons Vintage Café String Lights

4.8 (5,678 reviews)

Party lights that also work for dinner parties. Switch between warm white for ambiance and colors for celebrations. The remote control means you're never climbing a ladder to change the mood.

Length

24 ft

Bulbs

12 LED

Colors

White + color options

Control

Remote included

Pros

  • Color-changing bulbs
  • Remote control
  • 24 ft each strand

Cons

  • Shorter length
  • Premium price
  • Requires remote
Budget Pick
100ft G40 Globe String Lights

ALOVECO

100ft G40 Globe String Lights

4.3 (15,678 reviews)

Old-school bistro vibes at new-school prices. Classic G40 globes provide that warm, traditional look. Yes, they're incandescent—sometimes the original is still the best for ambiance.

Length

100 ft

Bulbs

50 incandescent

Style

G40 globe

Replacement

Bulbs replaceable

Pros

  • 100 feet
  • Classic G40 globes
  • Budget friendly

Cons

  • Incandescent uses more power
  • Bulbs can break
  • Hotter running
Commercial Grade Heavy Duty String Lights

Lemontec

Commercial Grade Heavy Duty String Lights

4.6 (12,345 reviews)

Restaurant patio quality. Heavy-gauge wire that won't sag, hanging sockets that accept standard bulbs, and construction that survives seasons. Buy once, hang once, enjoy forever.

Length

48 ft

Sockets

15

Wire

Commercial 14AWG

Connectable

Up to 4 strands

Pros

  • Heavy-duty wire
  • Hanging sockets
  • Commercial quality

Cons

  • Bulbs sold separately
  • Heavier installation
  • Industrial look

Buying Guide: How to Choose Outdoor String Lights


How to Choose Outdoor String Lights

Nothing transforms outdoor space like string lights. That warm glow turns any patio into a destination, any backyard into an event venue. Here's how to get the look without the fire hazard of your college apartment.

Bulb Types

Edison/Vintage LEDs
The exposed filament look of Edison bulbs, with LED efficiency. Warm, romantic, design-forward. The most popular choice for patios and pergolas.

Globe (G40)
Round bulbs that soften and diffuse light. Classic bistro restaurant look. Available in incandescent (warmer) and LED (efficient).

Mini/Fairy Lights
Tiny bulbs, often on thin wire. Better for trees, bushes, and accent lighting than primary patio illumination.

### LED vs. Incandescent

LED: Lasts longer, uses less power, runs cool, costs more upfront. Slowly improving on the warmth issue.

Incandescent: Warmer light, cheaper to buy, uses more electricity, bulbs burn out and need replacing. That classic glow is hard to replicate.

For permanent installations, LED is practical. For peak ambiance, some people still prefer incandescent.

### Wire Quality Matters

Cheap lights have thin wires that sag, crack, and fail. Commercial-grade lights use heavier gauge wire (14-16 AWG) that stays taut across long spans. Pay attention to IP rating for waterproofing—IP65 or higher handles rain.

### Installation Tips

Measure first: Know your actual span before ordering. Lights look great in photos; running extension cords doesn't.

Support every 8-10 feet: Wire clips, guide wires, or zip ties to poles/hooks. Unsupported spans sag over time.

Leave slack: Tight installations stress connections and don't look as natural. A gentle swoop is both more attractive and more durable.

### Power Planning

Outdoor lights need outdoor outlets (GFCI protected). Timers and smart plugs are your friends—set them once and forget them. Calculate total wattage before connecting multiple strands.

Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor String Lights

Can outdoor string lights stay out in winter?

Quality lights rated IP65 or higher handle rain, snow, and temperature swings. The wire and connections matter more than bulbs. LEDs handle cold better than incandescent. That said, extreme ice storms can damage any light strand—bringing them in for the worst weather extends life.

How many feet of string lights do I need?

Measure your space, then add 20%. For draped looks, add more. Typical patio coverage: 10x10 space needs about 50 feet minimum for a nice effect. Wrap the perimeter, drape across, or create a canopy—more lights = more dramatic impact.

How do I hang string lights without trees?

Dedicated poles (4x4 wood or metal pipe set in concrete), fence posts, house-mounted hooks, pergola or gazebo structures, or freestanding shepherd's hooks for small spans. Plan your anchor points before buying—string lights need solid support every 8-10 feet.

Are outdoor string lights a fire hazard?

LED string lights run cool and are very safe. Incandescent bulbs produce heat—don't let them contact fabric, leaves, or other flammable materials. Use outdoor-rated lights outdoors (they handle moisture safely). The main risk is overloading circuits—follow connection limits.

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