10 Best Outdoor String Lights 2026 in the United States

The Govee Smart Outdoor String Lights offer a long 144-foot length, making them suitable for decorating larger patios, backyards, or balconies. These lights use LED bulbs with a warm white color temperature of 2700K, which gives a cozy, inviting glow perfect for outdoor gatherings. One standout feature is the RGBICW lighting effect, allowing each bulb to show different colors, which adds versatility and fun through 47 preset scene modes and 16 million color options via a smart app or voice control. This makes them great for parties or just setting a relaxing mood.

The lights are IP65 waterproof, meaning they resist rain and splashes well, though the adapter is IP44 rated, so it should be shielded from direct water exposure. Their shatterproof design adds durability, and they work in a wide temperature range (-20 °C to 60 °C), so you can leave them outside in varying weather without worry. Powered by a corded electric source, they don’t require batteries, which is convenient for continuous use but means you need nearby outlets.

At about 100 lumens per bulb, the brightness is enough to create ambient lighting but not to brightly illuminate a large area; keep this in mind if you want strong task lighting. The ability to sync lights with music adds a lively touch, enhancing parties or events. These string lights are a vibrant, customizable lighting setup with smart control and strong weather resistance. If you need very bright lights or full water immersion protection, you might want to consider other options.

The Govee Smart Outdoor String Lights offer 96 feet of colorful, customizable lighting that’s ideal for patios, backyards, or parties. These LED bulbs use RGBIC technology to display multiple colors simultaneously, enabling vibrant and unique light shows with 47 different scene modes and 16 million color options. Featuring a warm color temperature of 2700K and brightness up to 100 lumens per bulb, they emit a pleasant glow suited for mood or decorative lighting rather than intense brightness.

Control is very convenient through a smartphone app or voice commands via Alexa and Google Assistant, making adjustments simple and enjoyable. Designed for outdoor use, the lights are IP65 waterproof, capable of withstanding rain and snow, and have a shatterproof build to endure impacts. The power source is corded electric, requiring access to an outlet, and it is recommended not to connect more than 144 feet to prevent overloading.

Though not the brightest option for functional lighting, the combination of flexibility, weather resistance, and customizable effects makes these lights an excellent choice for enhancing the ambiance and style of outdoor spaces.

The addlon 100FT LED Outdoor String Lights offer a generous length of 100 feet, making them suitable for lighting up larger outdoor spaces like patios, gardens, or backyards. These lights use energy-efficient LED bulbs with a warm white color temperature, creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere without driving up your electricity bill. The bulbs are shatterproof, adding durability and safety, especially important for outdoor use where accidents or weather conditions could cause breakage. Weather resistance is strong here, with an IP65 rating that protects the lights from rain, snow, wind, and humidity, so they should hold up well through different seasons.

The lights are powered by a corded electric source, which means you’ll need an outlet nearby, but you won’t have to worry about batteries. They also support dimmer switches (sold separately), allowing you to adjust brightness for different moods or occasions. The black wire blends well into outdoor environments, maintaining a neat look. With over 8,000 reviews and a strong rating of 4.6 stars, these lights seem to satisfy many users and are backed by a 3-year product support guarantee.

These string lights are a solid choice if you want durable, energy-saving, and weatherproof illumination that adds charm to outdoor spaces, though you’ll need to be near a power outlet and might want to check if their brightness fits your specific needs.