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Outdoor string lights are a great way to add some extra light to your patio or backyard, especially if you have a large area that needs more illumination.
These outdoor string lights can be used in many ways, including as decorative accents, accent lighting, or even task lighting. The best part about outdoor string lights is that they’re easy to install and use. You don’t need any special skills or tools to get started.
If you want to create an elegant look for your garden or patio, then you should consider adding some outdoor string lights. They offer a beautiful glow at night and will help to brighten up the space.
Below we look at the 12 best outdoor string lights for patios and gazebos that are currently on the market.
Table of Contents
12 BEST OUTDOOR STRING LIGHTS FOR PATIOS AND GAZEBOS
1. BEST SOLAR POWERED: Brightech Ambience Pro Solar-Powered Outdoor String Lights
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Overview
If you are looking to add light to a gazebo and patio but in a way that gives a rustic Italian look, you should consider these solar-powered outdoor lights. The bulbs have visible filaments and give off a gorgeous, warm glow.
This set is perfect for anyone who does not have access to an outdoor power outlet but has a space that receives a lot of sunlight each day. The power box can be attached on top of a wall or on a roof to get the most direct sunlight possible.
The fact these lights are solar-powered there is no need to remember to turn them on or off as they will begin to glow as the sun begins to set.
Pros
- Solar charger can be placed away from strand to get direct sunlight
- Waterproof and Weatherproof
- Shatterproof Bulbs with heat resistance up to 122 degrees Fahrenheit
- 2-year warranty
- 2 lengths available, 27’ or 48’
Cons
- Longest length only has 15 bulbs on a strand
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You can buy these outdoor string lights on Amazon by clicking here or directly from the manufacturer by clicking here.
2. BEST LED: Brightech Ambience Pro LED Outdoor String Lights
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Overview
Brightech makes some of the best outdoor lights and so it is no surprise that this brand has more than one feature on this list. These LED lights feature a black rubber casing which gives an outdoor restaurant holiday feel to your gazebo and patio.
The filaments are visible in the bulbs which give off a lovely nostalgic feeling in the evenings. Often LED lights can be a harsh white color, but these outdoor lights emit a warm glow.
They also feature the patented Brightech WeatherTite technology which makes them safe for outdoor use in any type of weather.
You will need an outdoor power socket for these outdoor lights as they need to be plugged into a socket to be powered.
Pros
- Energy-saving bulbs
- Shatterproof bulbs
- Weatherproof and waterproof
- 3-year warranty
- 2 lengths available, 24’ and 48’
Cons
- Only available with black rubber casing
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You can buy these outdoor string lights on Amazon by clicking here or directly from the manufacturer by clicking here.
3. BEST BATTERY OPERATED: Koopower LED Outdoor Battery Operated Fairy Lights
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Overview
Battery-operated lights can be very useful if you do not have access to a power socket where you wish to hang them and finding a set that is suitable for use outdoors can be even more difficult again. These Koopower fairy lights are perfectly safe for outdoor use and come at an amazing price.
These battery-operated lights come with a remote that allows you to choose from 8 different modes as well as dim the lights. There are 100 fairy lights stretched along the 11-meter string of lights.
These lights are particularly great during the holidays as it gives a magical holiday feel to any outdoor space and the warm light emitted looks stunning against the snow. All you need are three AA batteries to power these lights for multiple hours.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Remote controlled
- 36-foot string
- 8 Modes and Dimmable Settings
- Portable and can be installed anywhere
Cons
- Remote control only works from a short distance
- Lights only provide a subtle glow
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You can buy these outdoor string lights on Amazon by clicking here.
4. BEST SMART OPTION: XMCosy+ LED Outdoor String Lights
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Overview
If you want to transform your gazebo, patio, or outdoor space into a fun party place then these are the lights for you! Adding these lights to any space will instantly give it a party feel and have your friends talking about your set-up or months.
These string lights can connect to Wi-Fi and Alexa giving you the ability to control the lights from anywhere. Choose multicolor, single color, or plain, warm white lights, giving you the ability to change the mood in a space at the push of a button.
They are completely safe for outdoor use and come with a built-in hook and a guide wire to ensure you can hang these lights from gazebos, garden furniture, or trees. You will need access to an outdoor power socket to plug in these lights to operate. An adaptor may be required to plug in the 12V DC output.
Pros
- UV-Resistant, Waterproof, Windproof, and Snowproof
- Easy to install
- Can be controlled via Wi-Fi or Alexa from anywhere
- Bulbs are shatterproof
Cons
- Power lead doesn’t have a plug, ends with a 12V DC output
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You can buy these outdoor string lights on Amazon by clicking here.
5. BEST DIMMABLE: Newhouse Lighting LED String Lights
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Overview
Create the perfect romantic atmosphere with these dimmable outdoor string lights. These high-quality LED bulbs give off a lovely warm glow similar to candlelight. Make your gazebo the perfect date space with these lights.
The lights are fully controlled by remote control and can be dimmed to four different levels of brightness as well as being able to adjust the light temperature. Install these lights to any space using cup hooks or zip ties within minutes.
The lights have been specifically designed to endure any weather conditions and built with durable materials to ensure they last.
The bulbs are energy efficient, helping to save money on your home electricity bill. Consider that these bulbs will need to be hung in an area that has access to an electrical socket to plug in to operate.
Pros
- Snowproof, Waterproof, Windproof, and Sunproof
- Remote control operated
- Easy installation
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- Remote control only works within a limited range
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You can buy these outdoor string lights on Amazon by clicking here.
6. BEST FAIRY LIGHTS: Sanjicha Solar Fairy String Lights
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Overview
If you want to create a starry night sky under your gazebo then look no further than these solar-operated fairy lights made by SANJICHA. These lights have 200 LEDs creating the perfect starry night effect.
Choose from 8 operating modes and colors and watch as your fairy lights power on each evening when dusk settles in. These lights are powered by a solar charger which can be installed in the ground or on a roof, wherever it is guaranteed the most sunlight.
The lights have been built for outdoor use and can last in stormy conditions, as long as they are properly attached to something solid. The lights are sold for a great price making them perfect for any budget.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Easy installation
- 72 feet long with 200 fairy lights
- 8 lighting modes to choose from
- Solar operated, no need for access to power outlets
Cons
- Need to be attached to furniture or trees rather than left free-hanging
- Must be powered on to charge
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You can buy these outdoor string lights on Amazon by clicking here.
7. BEST EDISON-STYLE: Lemontec Commercial Grade Outdoor String Lights
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Overview
Edison style lights are expected to look a certain way and the key feature is the exposed filament inside the bulb. These outdoor string lights have a gorgeous big, twisting filament giving a lovely vintage look to any outdoor space that they are hanging in.
The lights give off a warm glow and are quite bright, fueled by 11-watt, with 15 bulbs stretched across a 48-foot industrial standard strand.
This set of string lights have been built to last using durable, waterproof materials, making them ideal for year-round use.
Choose from different lighting modes to create the perfect ambience for you. These lights must be plugged into a power outlet for operation.
Pros
- 3-year Warranty
- Fully Weatherproof
- Easy to install
- Shatterproof bulbs
Cons
- Must be hung near a power outlet
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You can buy these outdoor string lights on Amazon by clicking here or directly from Walmart by clicking here.
8. BEST GLOBE: Brightown Outdoor String Lights
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Overview
If you prefer rounded bulbs than these globe shaped outdoor string lights could be exactly what you are looking for. These bulbs are a steal and there are often discounts on Amazon allowing you to get what you want for less money.
The bulbs give off a warm white color and can be dimmed. Unlike most string lights, these globe bulbs are replaceable.
They are also energy saving, helping you to save money on your household bills. If one bulb blows the rest of the bulbs are left unaffected and continue to glow until they too blow out.
These lights are perfect for use all year round as they are built to last in any weather condition. Plug them into your outdoor power socket for use.
Pros
- Bulbs are replaceable, comes with 1 spare
- Built using weatherproof materials
- Can attach extra strands and still only require one power source
Cons
- No warranty
- Must be hung near power outlet
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You can buy these outdoor string lights on Amazon by clicking here or directly from Walmart by clicking here.
9. BEST BUDGET: Coah Outdoor String Lights
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Overview
If you are looking for something that looks great, but that will suit a tight budget then the Coah Outdoor String Lights have our vote for the best budget choice.
These lights look great and truly elevate any outdoor space they are hung in. Take your choice from three colors, brown, black or white to make them suit your space. The lights are fully weatherproof and emit a dim background light.
The bulbs give off a low, warm glow and should be used as decorative lighting rather than a light source. Simply plug the power cord into an outdoor power outlet to operate.
Pros
- Weather resistant, built with commercial-strength casing
- Easy to install
- Available in three colors & different lengths
- Energy saving bulbs
Cons
- Bulbs are not shatterproof
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You can buy these outdoor string lights on Amazon by clicking here.
10. BEST MID-RANGE: Pottery Barn Outdoor String Lights
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Overview
These lights are light and portable and perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. Hang these lights around your gazebo and patio to give a gorgeous glow to your outside space.
These lights are built to last, featuring durable materials and acrylic bulbs that won’t break or shatter should they drop or be blown in the wind.
You can connect multiple strands as there are ends to end connections meaning these lights can be adjusted to decorate any sized space.
The LED bulbs reduce energy usage and last a lifetime. These lights are UL listed for outdoor use and feature commercial grade construction. You will need to have an outdoor power outlet to plug these lights in.
Pros
- Weatherproof
- UL listed
- Can link multiple strands together
- Available in three different lengths
Cons
- Only available in black
- Mounting hardware not included
- No warranty details specified
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You can buy these outdoor string lights on Amazon by clicking here or directly from Pottery Barn by clicking here.
11. BEST LUXURY: Banord Dimmable LED Outdoor String Lights
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Overview
If you want to create a relaxing ambience over a large space these long outdoor string lights can help you do exactly that! These lights are available in two different lengths, 51-foot and 102-foot, meaning they can cover a huge range of space.
The bulbs are shatterproof and dimmable, emitting a warm, white light. The unique look to these lights is due to the LEDs that power them. These LEDs also help to reduce energy bills. These lights are easy to install, then simply plug these lights into an outdoor power outlet to operate.
Pros
- Waterproof & Weatherproof
- Shatterproof bulbs
- UL listed
- Dimmable Lights
- Perfect for large spaces
Cons
- Only create ambience lighting
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You can buy these outdoor string lights on Amazon by clicking here.
12. BEST OVERALL: Adlon Outdoor String Lights
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Overview
These lights feature everything you could want for your outdoor string lights. They are a gorgeous, vintage Edison style, weatherproof, easy to install and also have LED bulbs, meaning they are energy efficient.
These bulbs emit a beautiful warm yellow glow and are 48-foot. Once you hang these lights up you can leave them all year round as they have a thick cord that can endure any type of weather.
You will need to have access to an outdoor power source to operate these lights, but you can also connect multiple strands together, giving you the ability to light even more space.
Pros
- Commercial-Graded Weatherproof Lights
- UL Listed
- Shatterproof bulbs
- Satisfaction Guaranteed
Cons
- No warranty
- Only dimmable with a dimmer switch which is not included
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You can buy these outdoor string lights on Amazon by clicking here or directly from Walmart by clicking here.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF OUTDOOR LIGHTS
Lighting is a big part of our lives. We use it every day, but we don’t always think about how important it is to us. When we’re not thinking about lighting, we might forget to pay attention to it.
Lighting has the ability to make both our indoor and outdoor spaces feel cozy and warm, especially during the winter months.
But did you know that there are many types of lighting out there? Below we look at the different types of outdoor lights available on the market today.
INCANDESCENT BULBS
These are probably the most common kind of bulbs used today. They’re inexpensive, easy to install, and very energy efficient. They’re also quite fragile and can emit a lot of heat. This can cause problems like melting snow or heating water pipes when using this type of bulb outdoors.
FLUORESCENT BULBS
Fluorescent bulbs are much safer than incandescent ones because they produce less heat. They’re also more durable. So, they’re perfect for use in places where people spend lots of time. Fluorescent bulbs are more expensive than incandescent bulbs, but they last longer, so over time, they save money.
LEDs
The next type of lighting is LED (light emitting diode). LEDs are becoming increasingly popular because they’re extremely energy-efficient. They also last a long time. LEDs come in several sizes and the size of an LED determines its brightness. Smaller LEDs are brighter than larger ones.
LEDs are also very safe. Unlike traditional bulbs, they won’t burn down if they fall on the ground. They’re also waterproof. However, LEDs aren’t as bright as other types of lighting. If you want something really bright, you’ll need to go with another type of lighting.
SOLAR POWERED LIGHTS
Now, let’s take a look at solar-powered lights. Solar-powered lights are ideal for outdoor spaces as they don’t require any wiring. All you have to do is place them somewhere sunny to allow them to charge up.
Solar-powered lights are also incredibly versatile. Because they’re powered by sunlight, they work well in both indoor and outdoor spaces. Usually, solar-powered lights are made of plastic meaning that they are weatherproof. So, you can leave them outside all year round.
BATTERY OPERATED LIGHTS
Finally, let’s talk about battery-operated lights. Battery-operated lights are similar to solar-powered lights but they use batteries. Battery-operated lights are great for outdoor spaces because they don’t require power lines.
And they’re very portable. You can move them from one area to another without worrying about running wires. Battery-operated lights are also very affordable. You can find them at your local hardware store.
Now that you understand the huge variety of lights available let’s take a look at other considerations you should keep in mind when shopping for outdoor string lights.
BUYERS GUIDE
Outdoor string lights are available in various styles and sizes, allowing you to choose one that matches your home decor perfectly. Below we look at the considerations you should keep in mind when shopping for outdoor string lights.
CHOOSE YOUR STYLE
There are several types of outdoor string lights available, the type that you need will depend on the use you are buying the lights for. For example, do you want it to illuminate a pathway? Or would you rather use it to highlight a garden bed? If you want to create a path, you should select a string light with a higher wattage rating.
A higher wattage rating allows you to get better visibility. If you want to highlight a garden bed, you should buy a string light with a lower wattage rating. That way, you won’t overpower the plants.
Another thing to think about is whether you’d prefer a motion sensor or manual control. Motion sensors allow you to turn your lights on or off automatically. If you prefer to manually control your lights, that’s fine too.
Just make sure you know how to operate your lights properly or look for lights that allow you to set them on a timer.
When considering the style of outdoor string lights that you want, you should also consider the type of bulbs that would be best for you.
LED bulbs last longer than incandescent bulbs, which means they require less maintenance. However, they cost more than their traditional counterparts. If you plan to use your outdoor string lights for a long period of time, it makes sense to invest in LEDs.
DECIDE ON LENGTH NEEDED
Before you begin hanging your outdoor string lights, measure the space you are hoping to hang the lights. You will need to work out the length of string you will need and also if you will need multiple strands.
When shopping for outdoor string lights, think about how many lights you need. You may want to add lights as a gentle accent, or you may be looking to cover an area with lights. This will impact the number of lights you would need on a strand and also how many lengths of lights you would need.
DECIDE WHERE YOU WILL INSTALL THEM
It’s important to know where you will be placing your outdoor string lights before purchasing them. Ensure that the strands are long enough to hang in the area you wish to place them while also being able to reach power outlets if needed.
Once you’re ready to install your outdoor string lights, you will need to prepare the space, making sure that you have hung nails or hooks to hang the lights from if necessary.
POWER OPERATION
As we have spoken about above, there are many types of lights that operate using different power sources. If you do not have power outlets in the outdoor space you are hoping to light then you should consider buying solar-powered or battery-operated lights.
If you are considering solar-powered lights, make sure that you are putting the lights in a place where they will be able to collect enough sunlight to charge them during the day.
BUDGET
If you have a certain budget that you are hoping to stick to it can pay off to shop around. Sometimes lights will be stocked in both online and physical stores and by taking time to shop around you could end up saving money.
It should be possible to find the perfect lights that you are looking for for a price that suits your budget due to the huge variety of brands that make outdoor string lights.
FINAL THOUGHTS
We hope that you have found the perfect lights for you and your outdoor lighting needs for our list above.
If you haven’t found the perfect lights on our list then make sure to check out our in depth guide to the different types of lights available for outdoor purposes as well as our buyers guide with useful considerations to keep in mind next time you are shopping for outdoor string lights.
Outdoor string lights are a great way of elevating an outdoor space, while also creating the perfect romantic or party atmosphere. If you want to change your space, but within a budget, outdoor string lights are a great way of doing just that.