collectionsetc Kylee McGuigan is an associate commerce editor for Hearst Magaziness Enthusiast Group. Some were powered by standard outlets, while some were solar-powered or WiFi controllable. The panel charges an internal battery that will power the lights for about five hours. Brass fixtures are more expensive that some of the other metals used, but is the best quality and most durable metal that will last the longest. For some testers, these bulbs were too bright and would do better to be on an LED dimmer. The tight, one-foot spacing of the bulbs (25 in 25 feet), warm and cozy incandescent light, and easy hanging clips make this the tried-and-true outdoor lighting staple. As to be expected, the small glass globe style lights were some of the least durable we tested. A warranty period of three to five years is reasonable for outdoor fixtures, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.

It took about 15 minutes to complete the whole process and worked satisfactorily from then on. We did dock the Sunthin Outdoor LED because the bulbs weren't standard socket type, which means when it's time to replace the burnt-out LEDs, you'll need to get your replacements specifically from Sunthin. This set has a weather-resistant wire thats 24 feet long, with 25 incandescent glass Edison bulbs spaced 1 foot apart. Compact fluorescent bulbs last 6,000 to 20,000 hours, while incandescent bulbs burn out after just 1,000 to 2,000 hours. We tested brightness with a light meter at a fixed distance away from a single bulb to get an idea of the brightest and dimmest bulbs. Theyre strung 5.5 inches apart on the water-resistant wire, which can be connected with additional sets end-to-end with a 216-watt max. Our selection includes all the most popular outdoor string light styles and all of our picks have average user ratings of four stars or more. The set is dimmable and waterproof, with G40 bulbs that have an E12 base. For more great ways to brighten up your outdoor space, check out our picks for the best outdoor solar lights, solar pathway lights, and garden lights! With their delicate lights, these outdoor solutions are also a favorite for kids bedrooms or centerpieces. Almost any string light can be hung by a hook on the cable. These irresistible, oh, so summery novelty outdoor string lights are as festive as they come. Perfect for romantic evenings, just set your festoon lights to the right brightness and let the sparks fly. They were certainly not the brightest lights, but for an outdoor accent light, they were a fun option. gooseneck affordablequalitylighting When a single set wont do the job, youll want the option for end-to-end connection, though it's important to pay attention to the maximum wattage and how many sets can be strung together. When the sun sets, its time to turn on your string lights and step into your, For a retro look that feels like your favorite gastro pub, vintage, Homes with large trees or lush gardens look magical with fairy string light decor. 21OAK may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. The Brightech Ambience Pro is a solar-powered alternative to the other plug-in lights we tested. The Lampat is outdoor rated, but the wiring is not as weather-sealed as some of the others. These lights were solar-powered with a built-in battery, but the lights were five times dimmer than even the lowest powered globe lights. This 2022 update of our home security camera review draws To aid in making your home smarter, we purchased and Our team purchased the best key finders on the market and the most in-depth and scientific tech reviews. These lights are durable commercial-grade construction with very bright standard S14 LED bulbs.

We researched over 40 sets of outdoor string lights before purchasing the best nine. Our least favorite installation style was the lights that had the hole right at the bulb. While many lights that use LED encase the LED chip in a colored gel to imitate incandescent light, the Brightech LEDs are fully exposed. Replacing dimmed or burned-out bulbs remains one of the most common tasks required to maintain an outdoor lighting system. These elegant models give your most important celebrations a laid-back ambiance that makes guests feel comfortable. The XMCOSY+ Patio Lights are a unique model with an integrated WiFi interface that allows you to dim and control the lights from your phone. The bulb to socket junction is sealed nicely, and the plug is weather sealed like the Solatec. She received her LEED accreditation from the U.S. Green Building Council in 2008 and is in the process of working towards an Architectural Hardware Consultant certification from the Door and Hardware Institute. We liked the "T" hanging style for each light and that the thinner cord made the whole assembly less bulky overall. Constant cleaning is vital in stainless steel outdoor lighting fixtures to maintain the layer of chromium oxide to prevent corrosion. The ADDLON LED Dimmable Plastic is another great option in the LED Edison style. For more guidance, you can check out our deep dive on light bulbs and our primer on LEDs. Although many of the lights we tested had similar features, a few stood out with unique offerings. The 18AWG cord has weather-sealed plugs for linking strands. And although a few lights stood out for having extra features, many of the other lights were quite similar. We measured the relative light output of an individual bulb on each string light using a multimeter with a built-in Lux meter. If you've ever stayed late at an outdoor beer garden or enjoyed a caf meal at dusk, there's a good chance string lights provided the soft overhead ambiance. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. XMCOSY provides a substantial length of lights in this package, and the built-in remote dimmer is a nice addition. With a protective PVC jacket, rope lights offer tiny lights similar to fairy illumination but are more heavy-duty. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. The lights are designed so that each light hangs below the main strand on a short piece of cord. Failed fixtures and burned-out bulbs in your landscape lighting system leave your home in the dark, making it more enticing to burglars and leading to potential safety hazards for family members and visitors. They have similar brightness to LED, are available in a variety of colors and modes, and are also known for their energy-saving qualities. Many electrical products, including exterior lighting fixtures, list an ingress protection rating within the product specification. Our set only arrived with one spare bulb, but since the bulbs themselves are made of durable plastic, we expect the extra to sit on the shelf for a long time before being put to use. One of the main considerations with this model is whether you will need more than 75 feet of overall length. Additionally, aftermarket bulbs can be an option to change the color temperature. Because the Brightech is our only solar-powered patio light, it is the dimmest of the lights we tested. Our only real criticism of the Solatec is that the commercial-grade construction may be overkill for some people's desired use. A built-in Wi-Fi controller allows you to turn on the lights and dim them to the correct brightness from your phone. The best outdoor solar string lights stay on for up to 20 hours. The bulbs need to be installed one at a time, which adds a little overall time to installation. No ads. While induction-based fixtures are relatively uncommon in residential applications, these bulbs offer the longest lifespan of any technology, lasting an average of 100,000 hours, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Two sets are included, priced at a mere $16 at the time of this writing. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. Each bulb screws into a flexible rubber skirt that seals around the bulb, blocking out inclement weather. For a much warmer light quality and softer intensity, Addlon uses the same cord system but offers incandescent bulbs instead of LEDs. If its a retro look youre after, these charming, vintage-inspired Edison-style bulbs will add the perfect touch to your outdoor setup. With a protective PVC jacket, rope lights offer tiny lights similar to fairy illumination but are more heavy-duty. Most models were standard bulb type with replacements already in the box. The second effect of the higher energy use per bulb is that the overall number of cords that can be strung together is reduced. We considered different installations and design needs in differentiating between the many options available. Look for models that feature steady and twinkling modes for a stylish soiree. For less harsh conditions, these could be a better option. A single set of string lights can give your outdoor space a boostwhether you attach them to the railing of your deck or balcony, or hang them underneath your cantilever umbrella or new pergola. For some installations, a cabled string light will be a better option, but for some niche uses in a garden or an off-the-grid cabin, these will be a fun accessory. Colorful string lights are favorites among kids, teens, and adults. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. You can spend long relaxing evenings underneath string lights with friends and family enjoying meals and roasting marshmallows over the fire pit. When purchasing outdoor lighting, it is important to know the differences in the various metals used. There was no weather sealing around the sockets, and outdoor use would lead to moisture issues. The heavy-gauge wire is 48 feet long, with 15 elongated incandescent glass bulbs that are fairly bright at 11 watts each. Outdoor string lights are generally inexpensive, but we covered options across a range of price points and chose a few value-added picks, including sets with longer wire lengths, more lights for less, and string lights sold in two-packs. All trademarks property of their respective owners. Home Design's New Address21 Oak presents the best content from around the world of home design, delivered with style, wit and a friendly touch. The plastic bulbs are durable and resist breaking, and the LED filament uses less electricity than the incandescent alternative. These dreamy accessories resemble starry skies that inspire you to lie on the ground and enjoy the evening atmosphere. This classic outdoor string light set features 10 mini white lanterns strung on a 9.8-foot-long wire. Over time, the aluminum will oxidize and the paint will fade quite a bit. Got feedback? One big concern is that individual bulbs are not replaceable the LED is built into the socket, and only its plastic surrounding bulb is removable.

Expect five to six hours of light if the panel is charged for six hours in direct sunlight, less in indirect light. While they are more expensive than others, you can be sure that these weather-resistant lights are among the most durable and reliable solutions. The main advantages of using LED outdoor lights is that theyre energy-saving and dont need to be replaced as often. The warm glow of these handy lights creates a charming mood, so you can enjoy spending more time outdoors all year round. This set of attractive Edison-style bulbs is an excellent dealwith 50 bulbs spanning 50 feet for less than $40 at the time of this writing. The length of the warranty period on an outdoor light fixture gives you an idea of how long the fixture may hold up. Light Bulbs Etc. This string offers compact lighting in an affordable package. Stainless Steel looks great in modern applications as it reflects in the sun. The cable is durable and weather resistant and will perform well in difficult outdoor settings. Many people want the low, warm glow of the incandescent and the familiar diffraction of the glass bulb, which these lights offer for a low price. A slightly less bulky string light in the LED Edison style. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Solid brass, copper and bronze fixtures can last indefinitely, though these materials may develop a patina over time that can change their appearance.

Once downloaded, we entered our WiFi network and password to connect the lights to the same WiFi as our phone, and then paired the lights to our phone. If youre looking for a white glow that feels more festive, LED festoon globe lights offer the right amount of whimsical brightness. They are much more densely spaced than the larger Edison-style lights, offering 25 bulbs in 25 feet. The lanterns are roughly 3 inches in diameter and made from nylon to hold up in the rain.

Bulbs have an E12 base and an estimated 1,000-hour lifespan, and they're spaced 12 inches apart on the wire, with a 6-inch lead. The strand is dimmable, and three sets can be connected end-to-end for a maximum of 432 watts. Some were commercial grade permanent outdoor installation worthy, while others were better suited to indoor use. We tested multiple lights in the LED Edison style, and the SUNTHIN Outdoor LED was a great alternative to the bulkier competition. A tasteful Edison bulb encases a double filament 2W LED. Brass fixtures are great options for coastal environments. A solar-powered string light that can be installed just about anywhere. The cord is long enough to string across large spaces, but the spacing is a bit wider, too, with three feet of spacing between bulbs. An excellent bright yet low energy LED string light with weatherproof considerations. We were impressed by the robust construction of the best-performing lights in this metric. Avoid twist-lock or press-fit assemblies, as they don't hold up as well as other construction methods. And if youre feeling crafty, you can even make these yourself with fairy lights and your own mason jars or wine bottles. However, we appreciated this added durability and the fact that they could be set up once and never taken down. With multiple settings, you can use these convenient outdoor string lights as an accent or as your main source of lighting. Consider the size of your space and the atmosphere youre looking to create before buying your string lights.

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