Best Outdoor String Lights for 2025: Illuminate Your Balcony, Patio, Backyard and More
Can the lights withstand the elements?
The Vibe Pixie string lights were perfect on a recent camping trip.
As outdoor lighting, the equipment must be well suited to outdoor weather conditions. However, the range of the string lights will play a role in whether or not they will work where you live. IP65, IP67, or IP68 water and dust resistance ratings would be best, but IPX4 could also work. The first three will hold up to wet and dusty conditions better than IPX4, as they are only rated for light humidity.
The other weather factor to consider is temperature ranges. If you live in an area that experiences all four seasons, you need to make sure the lights you buy can withstand the changes from freezing winters to scorching summers. But if you don’t plan to keep the lights on during the most extreme times, your lights will have fewer obstacles to overcome.
Bulb and light style
Like most other light bulbs, outdoor lights come in different bulb types and styles. Many modern outdoor string lights offer LED lighting sources because they increase longevity, reduce energy requirements, and can be much brighter. These lights also don’t produce the heat of more traditional incandescent bulbs. LED bulbs can also offer a seemingly limitless range of colors.
LEDs can also excel in the range of bulb styles available since the light source is so small that it can be adapted to any size or shape of enclosure. Incandescent bulbs come in a wide range of styles, but may be limited in size. This is because the smaller the bulb, the smaller the filament inside, and less filament means less light. And LEDs have gotten hotter and more like their charming incandescent cousins over time.
One final note: Our picks are mostly larger, brighter bulbs designed for durable, year-round outdoor work. This is noticeably different from the little twinkling lights that some people have in mind for enchanting gatherings in the garden. If you’re more interested in these types of lights, check out our recommendations for smart Christmas lights instead.
Light strand length
Outdoor string lights, like those from Nanoleaf, are a great way to have flexible lighting options for your outdoor spaces.
Once you have determined the style and type of light you want, you will need to identify the length of a light strand needed for your space. Outdoor string lights come in many different lengths, and some are even extendable. Measuring the distance between each hanging point from start to finish will give you a good idea of the length needed. Just be sure to add a few extra feet since you will be measuring in a straight line and when the lights are hung there will be some sag between the hanging points. So if you are 25 feet tall, you may want to purchase more than 30 feet of lights.
Smart features
If you want to control your outdoor lights with an app, you’ll need to look for this additional upgrade. App controls typically allow for a lot more customization, color options, scheduling, and preset modes. They may also have music sync options or match a certain color palette.
However, if you want to support a specific smart home platform like Apple Home or Google Home, or a voice assistant like Alexa or Siri, you’ll need to look for lights that mention their support for these features.
