Installing string lights to your outdoor add a zing to your festive season or event. But you need something that lasts from several festive seasons. Then you must install Brightech Ambience Proat your premises. These lights go with patio, yard, porch, deck, camper, living room, RV. They are weather-proof and durable. But in case you lose one or more of them, you have ten extra bulbs to replace them. If you want longer cable with high number of lights Outdoor Lighting Store 50ft Black String Lights has 50 ft long cable and 50 bulbs.
Top Pick
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Top 7 Outdoor String Lights For Patio
1. Brightech Ambience Pro – Best For Patio
Our team instantly fell in love with the Brightech Ambience Pro. They are LED lights but in shape for retro Edison bulbs which adds to the décor of the area. Another thing not many outdoor string lights have is the dimmer switch. This gives the user the control of over the intensity of light he or she wants. However, dimmer is not included in the package. You will have to install a compatible dimmer separately.
LEDs never heat up, but we still left them overnight to see if the heavy any effect. They were cool after more than 10 hours of use. The company offers three years of warranty on this light which more than any other such light manufacturer can offer. However, we suggest you check with the seller about what is included in the warranty.
- Uses LED lights.
- Does not heat up after hours of use.
- Weatherproof.
- Can withstand strong winds.
- All connection are well sealed.
- None.
Bottom Line
LED lights are known to be more durable and energy savers. And when you throw a party or use it for commercial premises, you often require many lights which may add up to 1000 watts. So much power consumption will cost you thousands of dollars over a year. But with LED light you can 80 percent of the money.
2. Outdoor Lighting Store 50ft Black – Best For All Weather
Out of all the string lights we had for testing, the Outdoor Lighting Store 50ft Black String Lights secured some great numbers for ambiance, durability, and service. With the package, you get 60 neatly packed G40 bulbs and 50 ft. Cable with 50 sockets. Yes, ten bulbs are extra in case you lose few in the future. In addition to extra bulbs, you get one extra fuse too.
The cable is also durable and doesn’t get damaged with twists and turns during rough usage. We tried bundling the cable in a rough manner to see the impact on the cable and sockets. Every connection well designed. Each socket is 12 inches apart, hence whenever the wind blows, the bulbs do not touch each other. Another thing we did to test its durability, is left it overnight in dew. Next day light still worked perfectly.
- Bulbs and Cable are weatherproof.
- Cable can withstand rough handling.
- Extra ten bulbs and a fuse included in the package.
- Offers warm white light but not intense.
- Light hardly gets hot.
- Bulbs are not included in the two-year warranty.
Bottom Line
In terms of durability hardly any other outdoor string can compete with the Outdoor Lighting Store 50ft Black String Lights. However, only weak links are bulbs. They require extra care. However, because of the durability it is the best outdoor string lights for pergola.
3. Globe – Best For Budget Conscious Users
The price range of outdoor string lights vary. You will always have to compromise on the features and quality of the premium range lights if you go for the cheaper lights. But the Globe Strings Lights gives is light with features of premium lights with the price of cheaper lights. It has features like remote control and timer. And the quality is good, not great compared to the other outdoor string lights for patio out there, but you take care of the lights you can make it last few seasons.
The biggest flaw that we consider for this light is the build quality. Compared to other lights on this list. It is not weatherproof. And not even think about using the light when there dew or strong breeze. However, when used indoor light has a lot to offer. This could also make a best outdoor string lights for pergola that is well covered from the top.
- Using control, you change to 8 different color modes.
- You can set a timer for a different mode.
- LEDs have 3000 hours of life span.
- Inbuilt transformer.
- Not weatherproof.
- Not suitable for outdoors.
Bottom Line
We only recommend this light only if you are on a budget—below $20. You will have some great features to use, but in the end, the light has a short life span compared to others. It is also the best outdoor fairy lights.
4. Brightech Ambience Pro Solar – Best For Saving Energy
Installing any outdoor string lights always require a safe and secure supply. And our experts believe supply connection is the weakest point of any outdoor string light. But with Brightech Ambience Pro you get waterproof solar-powered outdoor lights. With such a great energy saving option, commercial-grade lights which are suitable for the backyard, roof, patio, terrace, indoor parties, etc.
As far as the quality of light bulbs is concerned, the LED bulbs produce 3000 K warm white light. The warm light is perfect for party ambiance. And the life of the lights bulb is around 20,000 hours and us plastic material which is better than glass. In addition to durable bulbs, the cable and all the connections are very good. For durability, we tested it against 40 mph winds; the cable was able to hold the lights perfectly. And also lights were operational in damp conditions.
- Uses solar panel as a power source.
- Waterproof.
- LED lights.
- Bulbs are made of plastic.
- Uses a clip or stand for the solar panel.
- Runs only for 5 hours with full charge.
Bottom Line
If you struggle with supply for your outdoor lights, the Brightech Ambience Pro gives you solar power as a source. However, solar power has its limitation so keep that in mind while buying these lights.
5. SUNTHIN 48ft LED – Best For Pergola
If you want an outdoor string light that can work year round, the Sunthin 48ft LED Lights is very good outdoor lights. Why is it true for this light? The Sunshine 48ft LED Light uses shatterproof LED bulbs, saves 90 percent energy compared to halogen bulbs and linkable. Looking at the design and the built quality it is well suitable for commercial operations. However, you can use it for home as well.
With other lights that we had for testing, had a limitation if you want to link two lights. With this light, you link almost 12 strands one end to other. Even with 12 strands operation, the power consumed is only 132 watts. For commercial operations, energy consumption of 132 watts costs almost nothing.
- Shatterproof and durable bulbs.
- Sealed connections.
- Highly energy efficient lights.
- Linkable.
- Dimmable.
- Too bright without a dimmer switch.
Bottom Line
If you are need of outdoor string lights for your commercial premises, we would recommend SUNTHIN 48ft LED String of Lights as they can run for years without much maintenance.
6. Mpow 49ft Outdoor – Best For Commercial Use
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When you have a much bigger area to cover, you need power lights as well as long string. With such requirements lights like Mpow 49ft Outdoor String Lights is a much better option. The light uses 1.5 W bulbs and has 49 ft. long cable to cover a much larger area. Also, the light is linkable and can accommodate up to 23 similar lights which gives you the option to cover a much larger area.
The LED bulbs produce 2700K warm white light creating an ambiance of incandescent lights. However, we thought the lights were too bright. Its good thing the lights are dimmable. With a dimmer switch, light works even better. But the dimmer switch is not included in the package; you will have to buy it separately.
- Very easy to install.
- Durable bulbs.
- Lights do not get hot.
- Dimmable.
- Can connect up to 23 strands.
- Expensive compared to other outdoor lights.
- Too bright without a dimmer switch.
Bottom Line
With appropriate warm, soft lights, you can create an ambiance for your home or commercial premises. And you can use the light for year around as it withstands all weather conditions.
7. Fule Advanced Weatherproof Color Lights- Best For Wet Conditions
Most of the lights we have tested had warm color light. But if you seek color lights for your backyard or patio, Fule Advanced Outdoor Color Lights is the best option. With Fule, you get everything to require for the outdoor lights—durability, and weatherproof, but with color lights.
You get four colors with these lights—pink, blue, orange and yellow. Bulbs are LED. Hence you get a more efficient way to make your premises colorful. As far as the power is concerned, the bulbs use 1W. And for 48ft strand, 15 bulbs are installed with 3 ft of distance between each light. This distance helps keep the lights safe during strong winds. We tested these lights against 50 mph winds. The bulbs did sway, but they never bumped into each other.
- Colorful lights.
- Durable and waterproof lights.
- Strong cable.
- Can connect up to 70 strands.
- Not dimmable.
Bottom Line
There are no other color outdoor string lights, that can come close to Fule Advanced Weatherproof Color Lights.
Buyer’s Guide- What to Consider While Buying?
With so many kinds of outdoor light out there, it is hard to choose the right lights for your home or commercial property. So it’s important for you to understand that there are several factors that influence your purchase of lights. These factors include, built quality, waterproof, linkability, light, and warranty. Let’s look at these factors one by one.
1. Built Quality
As the lights are for outdoor use, the material used for making the lights and cable is durable. It must be able to withstand dirt, snow, water, and heavy winds. Most importantly, the connections are the weakest point. These connections include the bulb socket and supply. Whenever you buy any outdoor string light make sure the connections are sealed properly.
Another thing that you have to keep in mind is the built quality of the bulbs. Usually, they are either made of plastic or glass. Glass may look good and authentic but can break easily in the heavy wind. The shatterproof plastic glasses are the best. Brightech Ambience Pro is one of the few lights on our list that uses the shatterproof plastic bulbs.
2. Waterproof
Even if it, not autumn or fall, dew is always there. You want your light to be waterproof. Not just waterproof, function in the wet conditions. Most of the good outdoor lights manufacturers will mention about the waterproof grade. The best grade is IP67, but with outdoor lights, IP65 will also work. Most of the lights on our list are waterproof with minimum IP65 grade.
3. Linkability
Usually, outdoor areas like a patio, roof, garden, etc. require more than one strand of outdoor string light. Hence, any outdoor string light you use must be able to connect with other outdoor lights. Not just connect, but you must be able to control the light. For most of the lights, users like to use the dimmer switch. In such a case, you want only one dimmer switch for all the string lights. Fule Advanced Weatherproof Color Lightsis one of the most linkable lights. You can connect up to 70 lights which are the highest among the lights we had for our research. Due to its linkability. It could be the best outdoor string lights for pergola like living areas.
4. Light
Another important of any outdoor lights is the color of light itself. You want to either create ambiance for romance, Christmas or New Year. Whatever may be the occasion, the color of the light makes a huge impact. Traditional warm, soft white light is perfect for any ambiance. However, too bright light can spoil the mood. You want it to be of perfect intensity. When you are buying any outdoor light that produces warm white light make sure the temperature of light must be between 3000K and 2700K. And if you feel the light is still too bright for your event, use the light that uses the dimmer switch.
5. Warranty
Outdoor lights are many vulnerable issues like wind, dirt, water, etc. Even if the lights are of good quality, some or other way, it will malfunction. If the lights are in warranty, you will be able to get it fixed without even spending a dollar. The good thing is that reputed brands offer 1-2 years of the warrant on their string lights.
How We Conduct Tests?
We began our test by selecting bestselling outdoor string lights. We acquired 17 highest selling outdoor string lights. Next our we determined the parameters that are necessary for good outdoor string lights. The experts we hired were a great help in determining the parameters. After we had determined the parameters, we designed the tests for all the parameters.
During the test process, we made sure that we simulate the entire necessary environment for the outdoor lights. We used wind tunnels to create the natural 40-50 mph winds to test the strength of the cable and bulbs. We used specialized equipment to create dewy conditions so that we determine how all the light function in wet conditions. Even the tools that we used to measure the intensity of light were well calibrated and accurate. In addition to tests, we also contacted the existing users that already own outdoor lights we had for testing. Their view on the light helped us to understand how the lights perform after months or year of purchase.
After we had all the tests results, customer reviews, and expert views, we asked our team members to score each light based on three important factors ambiance, linkability, and durability. After calculating the overall score, we sorted out the seven outdoor string lights for patio. Here is the scorecard of the list:
| Product | Ambiance | Linkability | Durability | Overall | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brightech Ambience Pro | 96.4 | 96.7 | 96.3 | 96.4 | CheckPrice |
| Outdoor Lighting Store | 96.7 | 96.1 | 96.2 | 96.3 | CheckPrice |
| Globe String Lights | 95.8 | 96.6 | 95.4 | 95.9 | CheckPrice |
| Brightech Ambience Pro Solar | 96.3 | 95.3 | 95.2 | 95.6 | Check Price |
| SUNTHINLED String Lights | 95.1 | 96.2 | 95.5 | 95.6 | CheckPrice |
| Mpow Outdoor String Lights | 94.8 | 95.3 | 94.7 | 94.9 | No products found. |
| Fule Advanced | 94.6 | 94.9 | 95.3 | 94.9 | CheckPrice |
Final Thought
We created this list after consulting several experts, consider user reviews and test results. But that doesn’t mean that the highest performing light is the best for you. It is possible that second is the right for or the fourth. The big reason for that is as a user you may have certain requirement and budget. And each light has its advantage over the other. Rather than looking at the best performing light, you must look for the lights that suit your requirement. That is why we also categorized each light that tell in which aspect the light is best.
Brightech Ambience Pro- Editor's Choice
Summary
LED lights are known to be more durable and energy savers. And when you throw a party or use it for commercial premises, you often require many lights which may add up to 1000 watts. So much power consumption will cost you thousands of dollars over a year. But with LED light you can 80 percent of the money.
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