most durable outdoor lights

2021/05/21

Theyre easy to install and provide great accent lighting. Wrap them around tree trunks or use them to decorate your outdoor walls to make them pop.

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. Many of the LEDs were very similar, and many of the incandescent lights were similar. Why limit yourself to white lights when you can add a splash of color to your evenings at home? The Lemontec Commercial Grade Lights are a more substantial offering in the incandescent glass string light category. Wide bulb spacing not ideal for some spaces. Theyre sold in single strands, but you can connect them end-to-end, so your best bet for value is to buy a two-pack. There was no weather sealing around the sockets, and outdoor use would lead to moisture issues. These industrial-style outdoor lights look sleek, plus the metal cages help protect the bulbs if you accidentally drop the wire. Some models allow you to set them to one color or multiple shades, so you can change them up as needed. Copper is not quite as solid as brass, so some manufacturers will make brass fixtures and coat them with copper so you have the best of both worlds, the longevity of brass and the beauty of copper. For a much warmer light quality and softer intensity, Addlon uses the same cord system but offers incandescent bulbs instead of LEDs. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, The Best Generator Accessories for Portable Units, The 10 Best Egg Chairs for Outdoor Lounging, The 9 Best Wood Splitters for Any Size Wood Pile, Don't Miss This Amazon Dorm Essentials Sale, 9 Best Attic Fans for Keeping Your House Cool, 9 Best Paint Rollers for a Perfect Paint Job, The Best Safety Glasses to Protect Your Peepers. Stainless steel is protected from corrosion by a layer of chromium oxide, but this layer is compromised by sand, dirt and other materials. Simple construction and delicate bulbs make this a less durable option but the light is warm and cozy.

They're a customer favorite too, with an average 4.5 stars from nearly 50,000 customers. The two spare replacement bulbs included with the string lights are a nice bonus. gooseneck For far corners of yards, camping trips, or rustic cabins, the Brightech adds a tasteful accent in a self-sufficient package. Choosing long-lasting bulbs helps lights perform longer and reduces maintenance requirements. This set comes from LA-based Brightech, known for their high-quality, affordable designer-style lighting. An excellent bright yet low energy LED string light with weatherproof considerations. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. 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. This yields a very "white" light. gooseneck affordablequalitylighting 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. If theres no accessible outlet and youd rather not deal with an extension cord, your best bet is to go with a solar- or battery-powered set. The plastic bulbs are durable and resist breaking, and the LED filament uses less electricity than the incandescent alternative. The lights were a nice middle range of brightness; they are less bright than their LED comparable and brighter than their globe incandescent neighbors. They have similar brightness to LED, are available in a variety of colors and modes, and are also known for their energy-saving qualities. We also liked the weatherproof consideration given to the male and female plug ends. The bulbs in this light strand are not the standard S14 bulb and socket, and replacing burnt-out lights will entail purchasing proprietary bulbs from the company at a higher price tag. Generally, our testers preferred the warmer incandescent light quality or at least the LEDs that were on the warmer side. A slightly less bulky string light in the LED Edison style. We were impressed by the robust construction of the best-performing lights in this metric. The app promises different "scenes", but ultimately, we used it for the dimmer and remote on/off function. Popular Mechanics participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. The Solatec LED exemplifies this style and has a more elaborate, decorative look. Be gentle with their glass bulbs and try not to handle them too much once they've warmed up, as the incandescent filaments become more fragile when hot. These easy-to-make lights are sure to be a conversation starter at your next gathering. A single LED "filament" is encased in a plastic tube, which is then surrounded by a plastic bulb. Colorful string lights are favorites among kids, teens, and adults. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. For less harsh conditions, these could be a better option. If youre looking for a white glow that feels more festive, LED festoon globe lights offer the right amount of whimsical brightness. She received a bachelor's degree in economics and management from Goucher College in Towson, Maryland. The Sunthin Outdoor LED has its hanging hole at each bulb. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. Stainless steel must be cleaned to keep it looking beautiful and to protect it from corrosion. GearLab is reader-supported. Privacy | Cookies | Terms, We tested a variety of outdoor string lights to find the best and brightest for your space. Each bulb is soft and has low enough power that you can look directly at them without a blinding effect. Solid brass, copper and bronze fixtures can last indefinitely, though these materials may develop a patina over time that can change their appearance. Theyre a functional way to decorate your everyday space while also adding a bit of fun to your special events. 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. Our least favorite installation style was the lights that had the hole right at the bulb. If the wide spacing seems beneficial for your installation needs, we think these are a nice upgrade over your everyday incandescent model. Our least favorite lights were either too bright or too blue. A fun and inexpensive way to illuminate your space. Vivex is not a resin. 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 Brightown Outdoor G40 was a soft, warm light that would be usable out of the box without a dimmer. Brass is a hard metal that holds up well in all environments and is made from a combination of copper and zinc.

Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. Perfect for romantic evenings, just set your festoon lights to the right brightness and let the sparks fly. There are 10 incandescent light fixtures placed 9 inches apart on a 9-foot-long white wire, with an 18-inch lead before the first bulb. The quintessential patio light at an affordable price with warm incandescent bulbs. Consider the size of your space and the atmosphere youre looking to create before buying your string lights. As noted above, there are a slew of features to take into account, and we highlighted the most notable ones for every set we wrote about. There are 50 incandescent G50 bulbs spaced 1 foot apart on the 50-foot, heavy-gauge wire, which can be connected end-to-end with other sets for a 959-watt maximum. With their delicate lights, these outdoor solutions are also a favorite for kids bedrooms or centerpieces. While they are more expensive than others, you can be sure that these weather-resistant lights are among the most durable and reliable solutions. We liked the "T" hanging style for each light and that the thinner cord made the whole assembly less bulky overall. Additionally, we considered "warmer" (lower on the Kelvin scale) color temperature to be more pleasing than "bluer" (higher on the Kelvin scale) color temperature. Overhead in a pergola, they create a curtain of warm light that permeates the space. Our light meter registered the incandescent bulb as three and a half times less bright than the LED Addlon. The warm glow of these handy lights creates a charming mood, so you can enjoy spending more time outdoors all year round. With a protective PVC jacket, rope lights offer tiny lights similar to fairy illumination but are more heavy-duty.

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. Several additional wire colors and lengths are available. Our only real criticism of the Solatec is that the commercial-grade construction may be overkill for some people's desired use. For more guidance, you can check out our deep dive on light bulbs and our primer on LEDs. For the tech-savvy, the XMCOSY will be a cool and clean addition to a variable lighting system and smart home living. 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. The hanging clips make gutter installation a breeze. A built-in Wi-Fi controller allows you to turn on the lights and dim them to the correct brightness from your phone. Light-emitting diodes last from 35,000 to 50,000 hours, while high-pressure sodium lights last 15,000 to 40,000 hours. The Solatec had durable plugs with a weather-sealed connection for stringing multiple strands together. Keep in mind that the bulbs are spaced more than three feet apart and there aren't any spares included. For plug-and-play use without a dimmer, these could be a better choice for those seeking softer ambient lighting. These lights are durable commercial-grade construction with very bright standard S14 LED bulbs. The Lemontec Commercial Grade Lights looked to use the same cord as the Solatec but with incandescent bulbs. The glass bulbs are very delicate, and while we never broke any during testing, we know others haven't been as lucky in their installations. They are much more densely spaced than the larger Edison-style lights, offering 25 bulbs in 25 feet. Maxim Lighting's revolutionary outdoor lighting material, Vivex, is far superior to the polyurethane resin material used in most outdoor lighting. Ultra- romantic fairy lights work best when clustered, or wrapped around things like tree branches and poles. In our head-to-head testing process, we compared quality of light, assessed their features and ease of installation, and tested their durability. The double-stranded cord is easier to handle and will hang more naturally right out of the box. Instead, stick to powder-coated or marine-coated aluminum, which lasts 3.5 to seven years, according to Gambino Landscape Lighting. These irresistible, oh, so summery novelty outdoor string lights are as festive as they come. There are eight options for illumination, from twinkling to waves to flashing, plus theyre solar-powered and have a built-in rechargeable battery. The 18AWG cord has weather-sealed plugs for linking strands. The S14 LED bulbs are replaceable and said to have a 20K-hour lifespan, and although there arent any extras included, the set does comes with a clip and stake to attach to the solar panel. For long-term or permanent installation, we recommend one of the heavier gauge string lights. But most importantly, have fun with them. Whether youre going for a magical aura or a rustic vibe, here are the best heavy-duty outdoor string lights to create a relaxing haven al fresco. We considered different installations and design needs in differentiating between the many options available.

And although a few lights stood out for having extra features, many of the other lights were quite similar. 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 more protected use and softer light, these are a great option. The Brightech Ambience Pro is a solar-powered alternative to the other plug-in lights we tested. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. When purchasing outdoor lighting, it is important to know the differences in the various metals used. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. This set has 100 bright LED bulbs on a 33-foot-long bendable copper wire. Another difference is how each bulb intersects with the main power strand. No extra bulbs are included, but it does come with 10 metal hooks and four plastic clips.

Avoid twist-lock or press-fit assemblies, as they don't hold up as well as other construction methods. Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. No ads. 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! The incandescent G40 glass globes are roughly 1.5 inches each and will cast soft white light over a dining table or large patio. Aluminum doesnt hold up well around salt and will corrode over time and is not recommended for coastal applications. Replacing dimmed or burned-out bulbs remains one of the most common tasks required to maintain an outdoor lighting system. With a protective PVC jacket, rope lights offer tiny lights similar to fairy illumination but are more heavy-duty. You can never go wrong with pineapples, but the pink flamingos are equally appealing. A warranty period of three to five years is reasonable for outdoor fixtures, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Look for high-quality construction when shopping for exterior light fixtures to improve your chances that the fixtures will hold up over time. A tasteful Edison bulb encases a double filament 2W LED. The nicest lights were the incandescent bulbs in our testing. How Does Changing the Light Bulbs Help the Environment? Cooper? Light quality was most noticeable when comparing LED and incandescent bulbs. Although many of the lights we tested had similar features, a few stood out with unique offerings. A solar-powered string light that can be installed just about anywhere. Wrap them around tree trunks or use them to decorate your outdoor walls to make them pop. XMCOSY provides a substantial length of lights in this package, and the built-in remote dimmer is a nice addition. Emily Beach works in the commercial construction industry in Maryland. Almost any string light can be hung by a hook on the cable. The lights come with a compact solar panel with various mounting options stake it in the ground, screw it to a wall, or clip it to an existing structure. Each bulb screws into a flexible rubber skirt that seals around the bulb, blocking out inclement weather. Most models were standard bulb type with replacements already in the box. This material is expected to withstand even greater temperatures, and is both fire retardant and biodegradable.Excellent for applications near the coast as the material will always maintain it's look and durability. Overall, a heavy-duty cord, plastic bulbs, LED lights, and weatherproof sockets will make the most durable lights. A light detecting feature built into the panel senses darkness and turns the lights on automatically at sunset. Constant cleaning is vital in stainless steel outdoor lighting fixtures to maintain the layer of chromium oxide to prevent corrosion. 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. You can also buy this model in lengths up to 100 feet, and the set is both waterproof and dimmable. Use the clip to hook the lights onto existing gutters or install a hook that the lights can be attached to. The ADDLON LED Dimmable Plastic is another great option in the LED Edison style. 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. Generally, this means a warmer, softer light, with a little less durability and higher energy use. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. 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. The set is dimmable and waterproof, with G40 bulbs that have an E12 base. Expect five to six hours of light if the panel is charged for six hours in direct sunlight, less in indirect light. Stainless Steel looks great in modern applications as it reflects in the sun. Can This Machine Finally Hunt Down Dark Matter? Brightown recommends only connecting up to three strands in a chain to avoid overloading the wiring. This testing allowed us to evaluate and determine which products stood out from the rest and which served specific purposes. Our lead tester, Eric Bissell, examined so many outdoor string lights he's still seeing stars. Overall, it was a softer light than many similar LED bulbs, which may be appreciated by those looking for lower lighting without having to employ a dimmer. With multiple settings, you can use these convenient outdoor string lights as an accent or as your main source of lighting. 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. Keep your exterior lighting fully functional and minimize maintenance with fixtures and lamps designed to hold up to outdoor elements and everyday use.

The Addlon arrives without the bulbs preinstalled. A fixture with a rating of IP 54 repels virtually all dust and is able to withstand water splashing from all directions. The LED bulb is a different design than many of the others. Digital Trends Media Group may earn a commission when you buy through links on our sites. The exception to too bright was the very dim Brightech Ambience Pro. To use the WiFi functionality, we downloaded the XMCOSY app on our phone. If aluminum fixtures are powder coated, the life will be extended as the paint will seal the aluminum. The heavy-gauge wire is 48 feet long, with 15 elongated incandescent glass bulbs that are fairly bright at 11 watts each. Another light that had a standout feature was the Brightech Ambience Pro. Adding a dimmer to the stronger LED lights would be a worthwhile investment. At only one watt per bulb, they were five times dimmer than our next softest light as measured with our light meter. However, we appreciated this added durability and the fact that they could be set up once and never taken down. 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. The strand is dimmable, and three sets can be connected end-to-end for a maximum of 432 watts. Some were advertised as suitable for commercial use, and they delivered on that promise. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. The male plug was designed to create a weatherproof seal when stringing multiple strands together. On the left are incandescent bulbs and on the right are LED bulbs. The panel charges an internal battery that will power the lights for about five hours. Brass will patina or turn darker over time as it is exposed to the elements, but it will not corrode and is a great option for outdoor and landscape lighting. These lights were solar-powered with a built-in battery, but the lights were five times dimmer than even the lowest powered globe lights. The Brightown Outdoor G40 is the quintessential set of globe-style outdoor string lights. All trademarks property of their respective owners. These Addlon incandescent lights are suitable for year-round outdoor installation. These bulbs, although glass, were much more confidence-inspiring and never broke in our testing process. Light Bulbs Etc. All the strands came with at least one replacement bulb and an extra fuse for the power cable. Nothing amplifies an outdoor celebration like solar LED lantern string lights. The cable is durable and weather resistant and will perform well in difficult outdoor settings. For some cases, this may work well, but we felt it was cleaner to have some separation between the cord and the light. Brass fixtures are great options for coastal environments. It took a little while to download the app and get it all set up and paired with the lights, but once we were connected, we could turn the lights on and off or dim them to our mood-lighting desired brightness. First, youll have to measure the amount of space you need to cover, and then decide whether you want incandescent or LED bulbs. It is a unique synthetic composition of ground marble powder for strength and latex composite for durability, bonded together with an ATP adhesive. We used four metrics durability, light quality, ease of installation, and features to determine the best string lights currently available. While many lights that use LED encase the LED chip in a colored gel to imitate incandescent light, the Brightech LEDs are fully exposed. Lights like the Brightown Outdoor G40 come with a clip built into each bulb that makes for quick no-fuss installation. It took about 15 minutes to complete the whole process and worked satisfactorily from then on. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support. The Solatec LED was very confidence-inspiring and is suited to withstand the full fury of uncovered outdoor installation. ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) is an adhesive that has been tested to temperatures that exceed 130F and as low as -20F. These lights came with a solar panel in place of the standard AC plug, enabling them to be installed almost anywhere. How we test gear. Because the Brightech is our only solar-powered patio light, it is the dimmest of the lights we tested. If its a retro look youre after, these charming, vintage-inspired Edison-style bulbs will add the perfect touch to your outdoor setup. Compact fluorescent bulbs last 6,000 to 20,000 hours, while incandescent bulbs burn out after just 1,000 to 2,000 hours. No sponsored content. LED strip light installation is a breeze. The 27-foot wire has 12 plastic LED bulbs strung 20 inches apart, and they can easily be hung underneath a patio umbrella because there's a 6-inch lead from the first light to the solar panel. The XMCOSY+ Patio Lights included a built-in WiFi controller that connected with our phone. The G40 bulbs are 5 watts each and have an E12 base, but there arent any replacement bulbs included. 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. 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. Although the Styrofoam egg-crate and cardboard packaging kept every bulb safe in transit, our package did come with two replacement bulbs. The lights were quality LED bulbs on a thinner single-strand cord. It has a 48-foot-long cord with 15 Edison glass bulbs strung 3 feet apart, and it can be connected with up to seven additional strands. Look for models that feature steady and twinkling modes for a stylish soiree. As to be expected, the small glass globe style lights were some of the least durable we tested. The Solatec LED represents the best of modern outdoor design and construction. The Edison bulb is larger than its globe-style counterparts, and the heavy wiring between each bulb has much more of a permanent installation feel. Overall, the Lemontec was extremely similar to our best choice, but in an incandescent offering. Each bulb screws into a socket with an extended gasket that seals off exterior moisture from the internal socket connections. Some glass bulbs we tested felt extremely fragile. For some testers, these bulbs were too bright and would do better to be on an LED dimmer. With so many options and models available, its easy to find the right lights that match your sense of style. The lights are designed so that each light hangs below the main strand on a short piece of cord. Other lights have a "T" junction at every bulb so you can affix the cord to rafters or other structures and the bulbs will hang free below.

The waterproof light set is dimmable and features end-to-end connection. 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. has a large variety of aluminum outdoor fixtures as they are an affordable option and are great for applications where customers will not be staying in the residence for a long period of time. Kylee McGuigan is an associate commerce editor for Hearst Magaziness Enthusiast Group.

The first number in the rating ranges from 0 to 6 and reveals how readily the fixture resists dust infiltration. They turn your backyard into a festive space where everyone feels lively and fun.