Best Outdoor String Lights 2023

The best outdoor string lights toe the line between "fashionable" and "functional," providing extra brightness and adding to your backyard décor all at once. "Outdoor string lights are an excellent option for anyone who needs extra lighting near their backyard, porch, patio or balcony and doesn't want to rewire or add built-in lighting," adds Mallory Micetich, a home care expert at Angi. Today's options come in a range of styles and colors, so they’re customizable enough to appeal to just about any homeowner and complement whatever existing patio furniture you’ve got—and the more premium models are durable enough to last for years, too. Our top pick for 2023 is Hampton Bay's Indoor/Outdoor String Light Set, which offers a whopping 48 feet of twinkling beauty.

The best outdoor string lights toe the line between "fashionable" and "functional."

If you’re just beginning your shopping expedition, note that it's important to consider several factors when shopping for outdoor lighting, namely: cord length, number of bulbs, wattage and, of course, the price tag of each model. After all, with so many options available; there's really no need to exceed your personal budget. Ahead, we’ve done most of the tricky work for you, narrowing down the options so you can get started lighting your outdoor space in no time.

The Home Depot

Number of bulbs: 24 | Bulb type: Edison | Cord length: 48 feet | Wattage: 40 lumens | Power source: Electric | Weather-resistant: Yes

Impart a cool, vintage-inspired look to your backyard with these Edison-style string lights. Featuring a whopping 48 feet of string outfitted with 24 lights, they can also be linked together, giving you plenty of coverage—even in larger backyards. The lights are also impact- and water-resistant, so users don't have to stress about them being taken out by a small stray branch during a tough storm. Finally, these bulbs offer 40 lumens of light for a warm—but not too bright—look that won't wear out over time. (There is, however, a limited lifetime LED warranty, just in case you have an issue.)

Amazon

Number of bulbs: 12 | Bulb type: LED | Cord length: 27 feet | Wattage: 1 watt | Power source: Solar | Weather resistant: Yes

Don't have a plug in close proximity to your patio? Just prefer to save on electricity? Brightech's solar-powered string lights are a great option either way. These nifty lights feature 12 LED bulbs that hook up to a solar panel with a simple on/off switch, and you can enjoy up to six hours on one charge (that's plenty for most nighttime uses). The lightbulbs themselves are weatherproof and shatterproof, just in case they get bumped or hit. They can also withstand temperature ranges of -4 to 122° degrees Fahrenheit, making them a good fit for most climates.

Amazon

Number of bulbs: 30 | Bulb type: Edison | Cord length: 96 feet | Wattage: 11 | Power source: Electric | Weather resistant: Yes

The term "waterproof" is a tricky one, particularly when it comes to outdoor string lights. It's unlikely you’ll actually dunk your lights into a pool, for instance, but they do need to be able to hold up in the rain. These long lights are double-insulated and weather-resistant, meaning they’ll be good to go even when it's coming down in buckets. Each bulb features a hanging hook with it for easily installation and they’re compatible with a dimmer switch, too, in case you want to play with the brightness.

Pottery Barn

Number of bulbs: 50 | Bulb type: LED | Cord length: 50 feet | Wattage: 5 | Power source: Electric | Weather resistant: Yes

Today's outdoor string lights have come a long way from their predecessors and, with that, it's unlikely you’ll break a bulb easily. Still, accidents happen and it's good to have a backup if things go south. The Globe outdoor string lights come with two spare bulbs that can easily be swapped out in case of an issue. If you happen to burn through those (which is unlikely), you can swap in type G40 5-watt incandescent bulbs in the future. Connect up to three strings together for 150 feet of lighting if the need strikes. Worth noting: You can also purchase table posts and standing posts if you need someplace to secure your lights.

Amazon

Number of bulbs: 80 | Bulb type: LED | Cord length: 33 feet | Wattage: 5 | Power source: Battery | Weather resistant: Yes

The Metaku string lights pack a lot of bulbs into a small area—80 in 33 feet, to be exact. They’re battery-powered, so they’re an excellent option for those who’d prefer not to see a cord hanging down (or just don't have an outlet within reach). Enjoy features like a built-in timer, 10 brightness adjustments and eight lighting modes. It's all controlled with the help of a petite remote.

The Home Depot

Number of bulbs: 12 | Bulb type: LED | Cord length: 24 feet | Wattage: 85 lumens | Power source: Electric | Weather resistant: Yes

Want more color options than just white and yellow? These Hampton Bay lights let you flip between dozens of shades on an app, so you can switch things up whenever you feel the need. Use built-in color combinations like holiday themes, select warm or cool white or choose something different entirely. Each string set has 12 bulbs on a 24-foot cord, and you can connect up to five of them. The bulbs are also shatter-resistant and all-weather, meaning they can stand up to whatever Mother Nature dishes out. What's more, these lights are compatible with Google Home and Alexa, so you can adjust the brightness or change colors using just your voice.

Amazon

Number of bulbs: 15 | Bulb type: LED | Cord length: 48 feet | Wattage: 70 lumens | Power source: Electric | Weather resistant: Yes

Govee's string lights are packed with features to make controlling your lighting fun. The nifty features can all be managed on the Govee Home app, letting you do things like adjust the brightness, create timers, choose different lighting patterns and even control the lights when you’re not home. Best of all, these shatterproof lights sync up with Alexa and Google Assistant: Flip them on and off or tweak the color with just your voice.

Pottery Barn

Number of bulbs: 6 | Bulb type: LED | Cord length: 12 feet | Wattage: Unspecified | Power source: Electric | Weather resistant: Yes

Featuring commercial-grade construction, it's no surprise Pottery Barn's lights are so popular—they’re a good, durable option for any kind of patio. Created for permanent installation, these lights offer a "set-it-and-forget-it" situation, and each strand features end-to-end connections, allowing you to link up to an impressive 750 feet of lighting (choose from 12-, 24- and 48-inch lengths). The lights themselves feature shatter-resistant acrylic bulbs that won't break if they’re dropped or knocked around in windy conditions.

The Home Depot

Number of bulbs: 15 | Bulb type: LED | Cord length: 48 feet | Wattage: 200 lumens | Power source: Electric | Weather resistant: Yes

Brightech's string lights have a sleek look to infuse extra style into your backyard thanks to cool brass sockets and Edison bulbs. The set features a WeatherTite commercial-grade cord that won't fray or tear over time. Enjoy 15 bulbs across 48 feet for lighting and flair, and note that each bulb has a loop over top, making it easy to hook them onto just about anything. The lights are dimmable and compatible with smart home appliances, but you will need to buy the dimmer and smart home plug separately.