There’s a lot more to buying outdoor string lights than you may think. The outdoor domestic decorative lighting field is gradually growing, with more homeowners shopping for these dazzling lights. LED lighting products keep coming in different shapes, designs, and prices on the market as manufacturers look to be more creative and competitive. The varieties of LED lightings available can make finding the best outdoor string lights for special occasions a very daunting experience. However, it doesn’t have to be all that bad. With a little help from our buying guide, you should be on your way to making the best string light buy decision.
Our team considered all the metrics used to determine the best outdoor string lights that suit all your preferences. The metrics we used should guide and better inform you of what to look for when shopping for outdoor string lights. Here are some of the metrics we used to reach out top ten decision:
- Price
- Power type
- Product dimensions
- Incandescent or LED bulbs
These features should significantly impact on the type and model of outdoor string lights that you purchase. They will guide you towards making the right buy decision. That said, here is a list of some of the best outdoor string lights that we compiled for you.
Criteria we used to determine the best outdoor string lights for this list
When looking to buy outdoor string lights, it is crucial that you, first, educate yourself on and use to make the right buy decision. Our team compiled a detailed list of some of the most common features to look into to find the string lights that fulfill all your needs. Here are some of them:
LED bulbs vs. incandescent bulbs
By now, you may have noticed that the different outdoor string lights come in different lighting options. Some in LED bulbs while others are incandescent bulbs. This, therefore, significantly impacts the type of light that you get. It also depends on your buying budget. Incandescent bulbs are a more budget-friendly option. Incandescent bulbs produce a warm, soft glow but use a lot of electricity. This means that incandescent bulbs heat up more than their LED counterparts.
LED bulbs, on the other hand, are eco-friendlier as they don’t use as much electricity. Thus, don’t heat up like incandescent lights. This makes them a better option for indoor usage. But you can also use them in most outdoor spaces. LEDs are also much brighter and last a lot longer compared to incandescent bulbs.
Indoor or outdoor use
Generally, all string lights work perfectly for indoor use. However, the same cannot be said for outdoor use. You must, therefore, ensure that the lights you intend to buy are fit and safe for use outside. Look for lights that have been rated and cleared for outdoor use and can withstand weather elements around you, and still function to a reasonable extent. Quality outdoor string lights can withstand even the harshest weather elements and still make your outdoor space glow and look amazing.
Power type
Most outdoor string lights are powered using three different sources. These include batteries, mains, and solar energy.
The mains powered versions must always be plugged into a stable electrical outlet to function. If, therefore, you intend to use them outside, then you need to invest in long extension cords. This makes them an inconvenient outdoor accessory if you don’t have working electrical outlets nearby.
The battery powered lights come equipped with battery cases near the end of the strings. They are more versatile. You can also use them virtually anywhere being as they work even without being plugged in.
Lastly, the solar string lights harness energy from the sun to operate. They, therefore, need to be placed in places where their solar panels can get maximum sunlight to convert to solar energy. Also, most of these outdoor string lights have automatic on/off features. Thus, turn on automatically at dusk and off at dawn.
