Best outdoor string lights for 2026
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
The Brightown 48ft G40 Globe String Lights offer the best value for budget-conscious shoppers without sacrificing performance.
The Govee Smart Outdoor String Lights win for app control and customisation, the Enbrighten Vintage Edison String Lights are our top overall pick for their classic look and build quality, the Hampton Bay 100ft set is a solid runner-up for large spaces, and the Philips Hue Festavia String Lights are the premium choice for seamless smart home integration.
Outdoor string lights have become a staple for turning any patio, deck, or backyard into a welcoming evening oasis. Whether you are hosting a dinner party or just relaxing after dark, the right set can set the mood without a major installation headache. The challenge is picking from a sea of options that vary wildly in bulb size, cord length, weather resistance, and light temperature. When choosing, focus on three things: length and coverage (measure your space and think about how you will hang them), bulb shape and warmth (classic G40 globes cast a soft glow, while Edison-style bulbs give a more vintage feel), and durability (look for an IP rating, especially if the lights will stay up year-round). Smart features, like app control or voice commands, add convenience but aren’t necessary for everyone. Below, we break down the best outdoor string lights for 2026, from budget-friendly picks to premium smart options.
Brightown 48ft G40 Globe String Lights
The budget champion
4.5out of 5Brightown’s G40 set delivers warm, inviting light at a price that’s hard to beat. The 48-foot string includes plenty of bulbs for a medium-sized patio, and the weather-resistant build holds up well over multiple seasons. If you just want classic globe lights without breaking the bank, this is your pick.
Price range: $
Check price on Amazon →Govee Smart Outdoor String Lights (H7021)
The smart-connect star
4.4out of 5Govee’s smart string lights give you complete control via an app – set timers, dim the brightness, or cycle through millions of colours. The white-light preset is perfectly warm for everyday use, and the build quality feels robust. A great choice for tech-savvy decorators who love to customise.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →Enbrighten Vintage Edison String Lights
The do-it-all default
4.7out of 5Enbrighten’s vintage Edison bulbs strike the perfect balance between charm and performance. The S14 glass bulbs give a warm, ambient glow that flatters any outdoor setting, and the heavy-duty cord is built to last. This is the set we’d recommend to most people – it looks great, works reliably, and is reasonably priced.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →| Award | Model | Our score | Price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Brightown 48ft G40 Globe String Lights | 4.5 / 5 | $ | Anyone who wants a reliable, budget-friendly string light for a patio or balcony without e | Check price → |
| Runner-up | Govee Smart Outdoor String Lights (H7021) | 4.4 / 5 | $$ | Outdoor entertainers who want to change the mood with a tap on their phone or use voice co | Check price → |
| Best value | Enbrighten Vintage Edison String Lights | 4.7 / 5 | $$ | Anyone who wants a classic, high-quality string light for everyday use and special gatheri | Check price → |
| Runner-up | Hampton Bay 100ft Outdoor String Lights | 4.3 / 5 | $$ | Large outdoor spaces where you want a single continuous strand without daisy-chaining mult | Check price → |
| Best premium | Philips Hue Festavia String Lights | 4.8 / 5 | $$$ | Smart home enthusiasts and design lovers who want the ultimate in customisable outdoor lig | Check price → |
The picks in detail
1. Brightown 48ft G40 Globe String Lights: The budget champion
Best overallBrightown’s G40 set delivers warm, inviting light at a price that’s hard to beat. The 48-foot string includes plenty of bulbs for a medium-sized patio, and the weather-resistant build holds up well over multiple seasons. If you just want classic globe lights without breaking the bank, this is your pick.
Pros
- Excellent value for the price – very affordable
- Warm, cosy glow from clear G40 bulbs
- Easy to connect multiple strands for longer runs
- Solid weather resistance for outdoor use
Cons
- Bulbs can be prone to breakage if handled
- No dimming or smart controls; on/off only
- Cord is a bit on the thinner side compared to pricier options
Who it’s for
Anyone who wants a reliable, budget-friendly string light for a patio or balcony without extra frills.Who should skip it
You need smart home integration or plan to stretch the lights over a very large area without daisy-chaining.2. Govee Smart Outdoor String Lights (H7021): The smart-connect star
Runner-upGovee’s smart string lights give you complete control via an app – set timers, dim the brightness, or cycle through millions of colours. The white-light preset is perfectly warm for everyday use, and the build quality feels robust. A great choice for tech-savvy decorators who love to customise.
Pros
- Full colour and dimming control via the Govee Home app
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice commands
- Waterproof connector and durable build for all-weather use
- Music sync mode that reacts to sound for parties
Cons
- Requires a stable 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection; can be finicky to set up
- Colour modes look best in darker settings; less impressive in twilight
- Slightly higher price than standard non-smart strings
Who it’s for
Outdoor entertainers who want to change the mood with a tap on their phone or use voice control.Who should skip it
You prefer a simple plug-and-light experience with no app or Wi-Fi involvement.3. Enbrighten Vintage Edison String Lights: The do-it-all default
Best valueEnbrighten’s vintage Edison bulbs strike the perfect balance between charm and performance. The S14 glass bulbs give a warm, ambient glow that flatters any outdoor setting, and the heavy-duty cord is built to last. This is the set we’d recommend to most people – it looks great, works reliably, and is reasonably priced.
Pros
- Beautiful vintage Edison bulb shape with warm, amber light
- Thick, weather-resistant cord with a grounded plug
- Bulbs are replaceable – extend the life of the string
- Available in multiple lengths to fit different spaces
Cons
- Glass bulbs are fragile if bumped when cold
- No smart features or dimmer built-in (you can add an inline dimmer)
- Some users report a slight flicker on initial warm-up (normal for Edison-style)
Who it’s for
Anyone who wants a classic, high-quality string light for everyday use and special gatherings.Who should skip it
You need a fully smart system with app control, or you’re on the tightest possible budget.4. Hampton Bay 100ft Outdoor String Lights: The coverage king
Runner-upWhen you need to cover a large deck, pergola, or backyard, the Hampton Bay 100-foot string is a workhorse. The bulbs are standard G40 globes, and the long cord means fewer extension gaps. It’s not fancy, but it’s dependable and available at a big-box retailer for easy returns.
Pros
- Very long 100-foot cord covers big areas in one run
- Bulbs provide warm, even light with no dead zones
- Easy to set up with simple plug connection
- Good value for the massive length
Cons
- Bulbs are held in medium-base sockets that can loosen over time
- No replacement bulbs included in the box
- Cord is thicker, which can make hanging through hooks a bit challenging
Who it’s for
Large outdoor spaces where you want a single continuous strand without daisy-chaining multiple sets.Who should skip it
Your space is small – the 100-foot length may leave too much slack; pick a shorter string.5. Philips Hue Festavia String Lights: The premium smart experience
Best premiumPhilips Hue Festavia lights are in a league of their own for smart integration. Each bulb can be individually controlled in colour and brightness via the Hue app, and they sync seamlessly with movies, music, and your other Hue lights. The build is impeccable, but the high cost and required Hue Hub limit its audience.
Pros
- Individual bulb colour control – endless customisation possibilities
- Flawless integration with Philips Hue ecosystem and smart home platforms
- Music and video sync for immersive entertainment
- Very durable, weatherproof construction with a sleek wire
Cons
- Requires a Hue Hub (sold separately) – adds to the total cost
- Very expensive – one of the priciest string lights on the market
- Setup process is more involved than standard lights
Who it’s for
Smart home enthusiasts and design lovers who want the ultimate in customisable outdoor lighting and don’t mind the investment.Who should skip it
You want a simple, affordable light set with no hub or app dependency.Best for specific needs
Best for parties and mood-setting
If your number one goal is to create a specific atmosphere for a gathering, look no further than the Govee Smart Outdoor String Lights. The ability to dim, change colours, or even sync the lights to music transforms a plain patio into a party space. You can set a warm white for dinner and switch to a slow-changing colour cycle for dancing – all from your phone. Our pick: Govee Smart Outdoor String Lights (H7021).
Best for classic dinner-party ambiance
For a timeless look that feels elegant and inviting, the Enbrighten Vintage Edison String Lights are unmatched. Their warm, amber glow and exposed glass bulbs create a feel that is both nostalgic and refined. This pick is especially good for wrapping around pergolas or over dining tables where you want light that flatters faces and food alike. Our pick: Enbrighten Vintage Edison String Lights.
Best for covering a large deck or backyard
When your space demands a single long run, the Hampton Bay 100ft Outdoor String Lights deliver the coverage you need. Instead of buying multiple shorter strands and worrying about connectors, this set spans most average-sized backyards in one go. It’s a practical, no-fuss solution for homeowners with big outdoor areas who want consistent lighting without extra effort. Our pick: Hampton Bay 100ft Outdoor String Lights.
Our verdict
At the end of the day, the best outdoor string light for you comes down to how you plan to use it. If you want a simple, budget-friendly set that looks great, go with the Brightown G40. For smart control and customisable colour, the Govee is a clear winner. Our overall top recommendation for most people, however, is the Enbrighten Vintage Edison String Lights – they combine classic style, solid build, and a reasonable price in one package that will make your outdoor space feel special every evening.