Plug-In, Solar or App-Controlled: Best Outdoor String Lights for Decks and Porches

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The best outdoor string lights match your power source and the space you want to cover. A plug-in strand of shatterproof bistro bulbs can run along a deck rail all season, a solar set can light a fence far from any outlet, and an app-controlled string can change color for a party.

We compared seven sets that were in stock and sold by the brand’s own store: four plug-in strings (one of them smart) and three solar sets, from 29 to 200 feet. For each, we quote what the listing states about length, bulb type and count, shatterproof bulbs, dimming, IP rating, UL or ETL marks, and how many strands you can connect end to end. If a listing doesn’t state something, we say so.

Plug-in lights also bring electrical basics: outdoor-rated strands, GFCI-protected outlets, and never connecting more strands than the maker allows. The safety section covers those points with sources.

Our Top Outdoor String Lights Picks at a Glance

Price key: $ under $50 · $$ $50–$100 · $$$ $100–$175 · $$$$ $175+. Prices change often; check Amazon for today’s price.

1. Svater 50 ft S14 Outdoor String Lights: Best Overall Plug-In String Lights

Svater’s 50-foot set is a plug-in string of S14 Edison-style LED bulbs, the shape most people picture for café or bistro lighting. It comes with 15 bulbs plus a spare, each a 1-watt LED on a standard E26 base, and Svater says each bulb’s brightness is equivalent to an 11-watt traditional bulb.

Hanging it is straightforward: built-in loops let you hook or mount the string along a rail, fence or pergola. Svater says each bulb works individually, so one burned-out bulb doesn’t take the strand down, and it advises checking that every bulb is screwed in tightly before use for better water resistance. The string works with most dimmers, which you buy separately.

The listing describes an IP65 rating and says the lights are ETL certified and ETL-listed, with heavy-duty cable and layers of insulation. It says you can connect up to 20 strands of the 50-foot lights end to end. The warranty field states a one-year warranty from the purchase date.

It suits decks, patios, gazebos and balconies where you want warm-white bulbs that stay up through the season and may want to add strands later; Svater also names cafés, parties and weddings among its uses. A remote, timer or app isn’t part of the package, so pair it with a dimmer or a timer-equipped outdoor outlet if you want that control.

Why we like it

• Stated ETL listing
• Up to 20 strands connectable
• Shatterproof E26 bulbs

Watch out for

Tighten every bulb before hanging, as Svater advises, and add your own dimmer if you want to lower the brightness.

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2. Govee S14 Outdoor String Lights 2 (H702B): Best Smart Outdoor String Lights

Govee’s S14 Outdoor String Lights 2 is a smart, plug-in string of 30 LED bulbs over 96 feet. Each bulb can show color from a range Govee puts at 16 million colors, or a dimmable warm white the brand rates at 65 lumens per light, so the same strand can serve as everyday patio lighting or party lighting.

Control runs through the Govee Home app, where you can choose from 111 scene modes, build your own effects in a DIY mode and set timers. A built-in mic syncs the lights to music. The listing adds voice control with Alexa and Google Home, Matter support and an AI lighting feature that turns a description into an effect.

The lights carry an IP66 rating, and Govee lists an operating range of -4°F to 104°F and a lifespan up to 25,000 hours. Govee is clear about one limit: the adapter is not waterproof, so it should be used indoors or plugged into an IP65-rated waterproof socket box. The product also does not support extension or splicing. The warranty field reads “12 months,” and the specs list 5.07 pounds.

It suits households that already use a smart home app or voice assistant and want lights that do more than glow warm white.

Why we like it

• Color, scenes and music sync
• Matter and voice control
• IP66 lights

Watch out for

Keep the adapter indoors or in a weatherproof socket box, as Govee advises, and plan the layout around one fixed 96-foot run.

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3. Brightown 29 ft G40 LED String Lights: Best Budget G40 String Lights

Brightown’s 29-foot string uses G40 globe bulbs, the small round shape common on patio railings. The set includes 12 shatterproof plastic bulbs plus a spare, each a 1-watt LED on a 1.5-inch E12 base with a 2200K warm white glow. Brightown claims more than 20,000 hours of life.

Setup is simple. There are 12 hanging sockets with 24-inch spacing between bulbs and an 18-inch lead wire, and Brightown suggests a cable tie or cup hook to fix the string to a fence, pergola or railing. One bulb burning out doesn’t affect the rest, and bulbs are replaceable. The lights are fully dimmable with a compatible dimmer, sold separately.

The listing says the string is “UL588 certified for year round outdoor use,” rated IP65 and built with a thickened cord that resists cold cracking. A spare fuse is built in for easy replacement. Brightown says strands connect end to end, up to 60 strands. It is powered by a 120-volt plug, not solar or battery. The warranty field reads “1 year manufacturer,” and the specs give 0.84 pounds.

It suits apartments, balconies, fence lines and small patios where a short, inexpensive string with a stated UL mark is all you need. Brightown says replacement bulbs are easy to find under its own listing, which helps keep the string complete over several seasons.

Why we like it

• Stated UL588 certification
• Spare fuse built in
• Up to 60 strands connectable

Watch out for

At 29 feet with 12 bulbs, plan on connecting more than one strand for larger spaces.

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4. MGVIH 100 ft ST38 LED String Lights: Best Remote-Control Plug-In Lights

MGVIH’s 100-foot string packs 37 ST38 bulbs, a slim Edison shape, plus two spares into one long run. Each bulb uses an E12 base, measures 1.5 x 3.2 inches and glows a 2700K warm white. The bulbs are made of PET plastic that MGVIH says is impact-resistant and won’t break if dropped.

The included remote is what sets the day-to-day experience. You can set brightness to 25, 50, 75 or 100 percent, switch between steady, breathing and flashing modes, and use a 3- or 5-hour timer so the lights shut off on their own. Built-in hooks on the sockets make hanging easier.

For weather, the listing describes an IP65 rating and says the lights handle rain, wind, snow and temperatures up to 158°F, so they can stay out year-round. MGVIH says the LEDs can cut your lighting bill by up to 98% compared with incandescent bulbs. The listing doesn’t name a UL or ETL mark or say how many strands can be connected, and the warranty field holds only “1.”

It suits larger decks, backyards, gazebos and pergolas where one 100-foot run covers the space and a remote saves trips to the outlet. The timer is handy if you tend to forget the lights at bedtime.

Why we like it

• Remote dimming and timer
• 100 ft in one run
• Two spare bulbs

Watch out for

The listing doesn’t say whether strands can be connected or name a safety mark, so run it as a single strand on a GFCI-protected outlet.

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5. addlon 100 ft Solar G40 String Lights: Best Solar Bistro String Lights

addlon’s solar set covers 100 feet with two 50-foot strings of G40 globe bulbs, plus a 6-foot lead to the solar panel. It comes with 50 shatterproof LED bulbs and four spares on E17 pin-type bases, with 2-foot spacing that addlon says gives wider, more even light.

Day to day, you switch on the panel once and a light sensor does the rest: the battery charges in sunlight, the lights turn on at dusk and off at dawn. The 180-degree adjustable panel helps catch the sun. After a run of cloudy days, you can detach the panel and fully recharge it by USB in about 4 hours, per the listing. To use the lights in daytime, you cover the panel.

addlon lists an upgraded 5000mAh battery and up to 28 hours of light. The remote sets three brightness levels, timers of 2, 4, 6 or 8 hours, and steady, breathing or flashing modes. The listing describes the lights as built for everyday outdoor weather but doesn’t state an IP rating. The warranty field reads “1 year product support,” and the specs list 3.55 pounds.

It suits fences, gardens and backyards with good sun exposure and no outlet nearby, for people who want bistro bulbs without wiring.

Why we like it

• No outlet needed
• USB backup charging
• Four spare bulbs

Watch out for

No IP rating is stated, and solar output depends on sun, so place the panel where it gets direct light.

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6. Amzrap 200 ft Solar String Lights: Best Long Solar String Lights

Amzrap’s 200-foot solar set is built for scale: one continuous string with 72 LED bulbs and two spares, aimed at extra-large backyards and commercial patios. Amzrap says its heavy-duty plastic bulbs resist drops and changing weather.

Power comes from what the brand calls an upgraded, high-efficiency large solar panel. In long rainy spells, you can charge the battery with the included USB cable in about 4 hours. A built-in light sensor handles automatic operation, and Amzrap notes the panel shouldn’t sit under strong light at night or it won’t switch the lights on.

The remote works from up to 25 feet away and offers steady, breathing and flashing modes, adjustable brightness and a timer of 2, 4, 6 or 8 hours. The listing rates the lights IP65 and describes reinforced, commercial-grade wire and waterproof sockets. Amzrap offers one year of product support, and the warranty field reads “1 year.” The listing doesn’t state a runtime per charge, a weight or a size.

It suits large yards, long fences, gardens and pergolas where outlets are scarce and a single long run is simpler than linking strings. Because it is cord-free and needs no outlet, Amzrap says it adds no energy cost to run.

Why we like it

• 200 ft in one run
• IP65 rating stated
• Timer and remote

Watch out for

Without a stated runtime, expect performance to vary with the season and sun, and keep the panel away from porch lights at night.

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7. Joomer Solar Fairy Lights, 2-Pack: Best Solar Fairy Lights

Joomer’s 2-pack covers trees and shrubs rather than a patio ceiling. Each strand carries tiny LEDs on 39 feet of ultra-thin silver wire, for 240 LEDs across both strings. The wire bends to any shape, so you can wrap it around branches, railings or a trellis.

Operation is automatic. The light sensor charges the battery during the day and switches the lights on at night, with no batteries to replace or cost to run, per the listing. You pick from eight modes, including steady on, twinkle, waves and slow fade, and a memory chip keeps your last choice so you don’t reset it every evening.

Joomer lists an IP65 rating and says the lights suit indoor and outdoor use, through rain and snow. The specs list a weight of 0.55 pounds and a size of 6.73 x 5.55 x 0.75 inches, which reflects the compact panel and coil rather than the lit length. The warranty field is empty, and the model field is a code string rather than a model number. The listing doesn’t give a runtime.

It suits trees, bushes, fences, lawns and holiday décor where a soft sparkle matters more than usable light for dining. Joomer names Halloween, Christmas and weddings among its uses, and the two-pack lets you light two areas at once.

Why we like it

• Two strands per pack
• Bendable wire
• Mode memory

Watch out for

Fairy lights add glow, not task lighting, and there is no remote, timer or stated runtime.

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How We Chose the Best Outdoor String Lights

We limited our picks to in-stock sets sold by the brand’s own store, then compared each listing on:

• Length and bulbs: total run, bulb shape (S14, ST38, G40 or fairy LEDs), bulb count and spares.
• Power: plug-in 120V or solar with USB backup.
• Durability claims: shatterproof bulbs and IP rating, quoted as listed.
• Safety marks and connectable runs: UL or ETL only where named, and the maximum strands the maker allows.
• Controls and listing data: dimming, remote, timer or app, plus warranty field, seller and sales rank.

Outdoor String Lights Buying Guide

Best LED Patio String Lights: Bulb Shape and Brightness

All seven picks use LEDs. S14 bulbs (Svater, Govee) are the classic café look; ST38 bulbs (MGVIH) are slimmer Edison shapes; G40 globes (Brightown, addlon) are smaller rounds; and Joomer’s fairy lights are tiny points on wire. Color temperature is stated on two: Brightown at 2200K and MGVIH at 2700K; the others say warm white without a number. For brightness, the Govee lists 65 lumens per warm-white light and Svater compares each 1W bulb to an 11W traditional bulb.

Best Commercial Grade String Lights and Connectable Runs

“Commercial grade” isn’t a standard, so look for the details behind it: heavier cable, a stated safety mark and a maximum connectable count. Svater lists ETL certification and up to 20 strands; Brightown lists UL588 certification and up to 60 strands. Govee says its string does not support extension or splicing, and the MGVIH listing doesn’t state a maximum. The U.S. Fire Administration’s holiday fire safety page says to read the manufacturer’s instructions for the number of light strands to connect.

Best Shatterproof String Lights

Plastic bulbs survive drops and hail better than glass. Svater, Brightown, MGVIH, addlon and Amzrap all describe shatterproof or impact-resistant plastic bulbs. Govee’s listing calls its bulbs lightweight and durable but doesn’t use the word shatterproof, and Joomer’s fairy lights have no glass bulbs at all. Spares help too: addlon includes four, MGVIH and Amzrap two each, and Svater and Brightown one.

Best Solar String Lights Outdoor

Solar sets need no outlet or cord. The addlon claims up to 28 hours from a 5000mAh battery and recharges by USB in about 4 hours; the Amzrap runs 200 feet and also charges by USB, though it states no runtime; and the Joomer fairy lights switch on at dusk automatically. Solar output depends on sun, so mount the panel where it gets direct light and away from porch lights that could fool its sensor. For security lighting rather than ambiance, see our motion sensor light guide.

Best Smart Outdoor String Lights

The Govee is the only app-controlled pick, with scenes, music sync, Alexa, Google Home and Matter support. The MGVIH, addlon and Amzrap sets offer remotes with dimming and timers instead. Govee notes its adapter is not waterproof and should be used indoors or in an IP65-rated socket box, a detail worth planning around before you buy.

IP Ratings and Weather

IP ratings describe resistance to dust and water. Six listings state one: IP66 for the Govee lights and IP65 for Svater, Brightown, MGVIH, Amzrap and Joomer. The addlon solar listing doesn’t state an IP rating. A rating on the bulbs doesn’t cover the plug or adapter, so keep connections off the ground and out of standing water.

String Light Electrical Safety

Plug-in strings are low-wattage, but the outlet and connections still matter. NFPA’s electrical safety page says all outdoor receptacles should be GFCI protected, that GFCIs should be tested once a month, and that extension cords are intended for temporary use. A plug-in outlet tester with a GFCI test button can confirm your outdoor outlet trips as it should, and our surge protector guide covers indoor power strips.

SafeElectricity.org’s holiday light safety guide adds practical rules that apply to patio lights too: use only strands rated for outdoor use, plug outdoor lights into GFCI-protected outlets (a portable GFCI if needed), connect only the number of strands the manufacturer recommends, secure lights with plastic clips or hooks rather than nails or staples, keep cords out of walkways, and stay at least 10 feet from overhead power lines. USFA also says to inspect lights each year and throw away strands with frayed or pinched wires. If you’ll hang lights near a patio heater, keep them well outside the heater’s clearance zone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best outdoor string lights for a patio?

The Svater 50 ft S14 set is our top plug-in pick. Its listing states ETL certification and an IP65 rating, includes 15 shatterproof E26 bulbs plus a spare, and allows up to 20 strands connected end to end.

How many outdoor string lights can I connect together?

Only as many as the maker allows. Svater lists up to 20 of its 50 ft strands and Brightown up to 60 of its 29 ft strands, while Govee says its string can’t be extended. USFA says to read the manufacturer’s instructions for the number of strands to connect.

Do outdoor string lights need a GFCI outlet?

NFPA says all outdoor receptacles should be GFCI protected, and SafeElectricity.org says to plug outdoor lights into GFCI-protected outlets, using a portable GFCI if needed. Test GFCIs monthly.

Are solar string lights bright enough for a patio?

Solar bistro sets like the addlon and Amzrap use full-size bulbs and remote dimming, but output depends on sun. addlon claims up to 28 hours on a charge; Amzrap doesn’t state a runtime. Both add USB charging for cloudy stretches.

Can I leave outdoor string lights up all year?

Several listings say so: MGVIH and Brightown describe year-round use. Even so, inspect strands each season and replace any with frayed or pinched wires, as USFA advises, and turn lights off when you go to bed or leave home.

The Bottom Line

For most decks and patios, the Svater 50 ft S14 set is the best outdoor string lights pick: shatterproof bistro bulbs, a stated ETL listing and up to 20 connectable strands. The Govee brings app and voice control, the Brightown 29 ft covers small spaces with a stated UL588 mark, and the MGVIH runs 100 feet with remote dimming. Away from outlets, the addlon and Amzrap solar sets light fences and big yards, and the Joomer fairy lights dress up trees. Whatever you hang, use a GFCI-protected outlet and never connect more strands than the maker allows.

Curious how your policy treats an electrical fire outdoors? Ask your agent. Call Jeff Smith’s State Farm office at (740) 354-7747 or get a free coverage review, and see our Ohio homeowners insurance guide.