Anyone who knows me knows that I love a well-kept yard. Nothing makes me happier than seeing my yard and house looking great!
To a layperson, it may seem like maintaining the yard requires using just a couple of power tools. But there is more to it than just trimming the hedges and ensuring the grass is evenly cut.
I love having little decorations here and there to amp up the whole place. If you are looking to give any outdoor space a little bit of spice, string lights are perfect for that.
Hey there! I'm Stacy. And today, I will be reviewing the 5 best LED string lights that will change the way your outdoor space looks. All of the lights are described in great detail to help you make the right decision.
So, without further ado, let's begin!
Top 5 LED String Lights Reviews
1. SunKite Solar Mason Jar Lights
My first recommendation has to be the SunKite Solar Mason Jar Lights. I love mason jar lights because of their versatility - I can use them to decorate any space, indoor or outdoor. But that’s not all there is to it; read on to know all the deets.
Product Highlights
Over the years, I got to know many people who loved putting lights in bottles and jars. But hiding that bulky battery case was always an issue. Don’t worry though, that is not going to be a concern with these lights.
Why? Because they are solar-powered, and the panel is fixed on a rust proof lid. The lid's size is fairly standard and will fit any jar like a Kerr jelly jar.
Additionally, they take 6-8 hours to charge and last for 8 hours at least. But, if there isn’t adequate sunlight or there are clouds trying to rain on your parade, these lights are also battery operated.
Speaking of rain, these are waterproof (IP67), making them ideal for outdoor lighting. Plus, the lights feature a clean design that will enhance the appearance of any space.What's There To Like About It?
It was the beautiful firefly effect of these lights that caught my eye. They come in two colors - cool white and warm white. Although I chose warm white for my yard, either of these colors will brighten up the place.
Plus, the battery case is integrated into the lid and gives it a neat appearance making it easy to place anywhere. Moreover, getting it to work is as easy as it gets. Just turn the switch on, put it in sunlight, and it will automatically come on once it's dark.
Overall, it is an excellent addition to your yard that will make it look even prettier for a long time.
What's There Not To Like About It?
These lights only last for a few hours, even after fully charging them. I prefer the lights to be on only for a few hours before I sleep, but if you are looking for something that will stay on and illuminate the place through the night, this isn't the best option to consider.
Pros and Cons of SunKite Solar Mason Jar Lights
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Cons
![SunKite Solar Mason Jar Lights [Updated], 8 Pack 20 LED Waterproof Fairy Firefly Jar Lids String Lights with Hangers(NO Jars), Patio Yard Garden Wedding Decoration - Cool White](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51L4+0hnXXL._SL160_.jpg)
- 🎁UPDATED MASON JAR LID LIGHTS - Cool White Lights, with 20 micro LED, much brighter than those 10 LED jar lights. Larger solar panel, charge more efficiently. The edge of the lid uses rustproof material instead of cheap alloy, you would find it more durable in humid weather.
- 🎁SOLARPOWERD - Press the button to switch it on and expose them to direct sunlight, a built-in light sensor ensures that it turns on at dusk and turns off by dawn automatically. Generally charge in the sun 6-8h will light up about 8h. If there is not enough sunlight in your area, you can also place one AAA battery to make it work.
- 🎁INDOOR & OUTDOOR - You can use this jar lid light in your bedroom/kitchen/living room to create a comfortable environment, besides, due to the O-shape seal ring design, this jar lid light is 100% waterproof! You can rest assured to put your shinning mason jar in your yard/garden, no need to worry about the rain.
2. Forlivese Outdoor Solar Garden Decorative Lights
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I have these moments where I want to put up garden decorations that are elaborate and eye-catching from afar. If that sounds like something you’d do too, these outdoor lights by Forlivese are the best ones to consider.
Product Highlights
Available in packs of 2 and 4 with three color options, these lights are quite impressive if you have a bit of a creative side like me. These lights have a flexible copper wire, allowing them to be molded in any shape.
After shaping them up into something eye-catching, these lights can be placed outdoors without having to worry about wires and plugs as they are solar-powered. Plus, they are waterproof, so I didn't have to worry if it poured a little.
Moreover, they barely need 4-6 hours to charge and then work all night long. I was impressed after putting these up for the 4th of July because they stayed on all night (at least 10 hours).
Long story short, I can bet that these lights will have you be the talk to the town (I know I was, for a while)!
What's There To Like About It?
The thing that I love the most is the fact that these wires can be molded and shaped into any design.
For the 4th of July decorations, my kids and I reshaped them together. As beautiful as it looked, it was also a fun activity to do as a family. Additionally, I noticed that these wires were not fragile at all.
If there are shrubs and bushes that look a bit bare, reshape the lights, put them in there, and watch your yard come to life.
What's There Not To Like About It?
Shortly after the celebrations were over, I noticed the lights becoming weaker. And while this could be something that only I faced with the lights I purchased, the possibility of these lights having a short life span is worth mentioning.
Pros and Cons of Forlivese Outdoor Solar Garden Decorative Lights
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Cons
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3. Starry Octopus Solar String Lights
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I remember seeing lights like these as I drove past someone's house and instantly knew I had to get them. These outdoor string lights are great if you have gazebos or little branches that need a little bit of sparkle!
Product Highlights
The ones I purchased are solar-powered, but they have battery-operated variants for the same price. If you love doing DIY projects with lights, as I do from time to time, these are a great buy. The wires are soft and can be molded into any shape or around plants and trees.
One great feature is that they are waterproof (IP 65) and will withstand all weather conditions, making them ideal for outdoor use.
Additionally, my neighbors and their little kids often come over, so it helps to know that they have a low voltage output, making them safe if the kids do accidentally touch them.
And another significant advantage, which wasn't available in the last two lights I reviewed, is the remote that comes with these. I can easily change the effects with just a click of a button.
What's There To Like About It?
I chose to decorate these out of a watering can, placed them the way I wanted to, and gave them about 6 hours to charge. I was stunned at how gorgeous they looked!
I loved the can's waterfall effect that was created, which was only possible because of the lights' long strands, which are about 6.5 ft.
Plus, with 8 lighting modes to choose from, I could experiment with which effect looks the best.
What's There Not To Like About It?
These lights are quite soft and easy to reshape, but they come coiled up in a box, and detangling them can be time-consuming. Moreover, they do tend to tangle up even while you are trying to use them for decoration since the strands are long. That’s why it will help to have a few extra hands to put these up.
Pros and Cons of Starry Octopus Solar String Lights
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Cons
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4. TDA Curtain String Light
The next light that I am reviewing is curtain lights by TDA. If you have a fence or a wall in the yard that looks a bit bare, you might want to consider putting these on. Read on to know what makes these lights tick!
Product Highlights
When it comes to these lights, what really stood out for me was that there were hooks incorporated in the design that make them easy to hang. Another great thing is that these lights are 9.8 x 9.8 ft, making them adequately large to decorate a decent amount of space.
Furthermore, these lights come in three different colors so you can style your outdoor space accordingly. I chose to go with multicolor as I wanted to try something other than white and yellow lights.
Unlike most of the lights I reviewed so far, these lights are powered by USB and can be plugged into any device or charger.
Additionally, they come with a remote that has multiple functions, including a timer, brightness adjustment, and music control mode. The remote range is 16 ft and can be used to operate the lights from a considerable distance.
What's There To Like About It?
I was quite impressed with the variety of functions, especially the brightness control. At my age, bright lights can often hurt the eyes, so I am glad I had control over that. Another significant aspect was how easy this was to put up. I had these installed on a wall in my yard, next to a socket, and they brought the whole place to life.
Plus, the fact that these lights are waterproof put me at ease and I didn't have to worry about placing them outdoors.
What's There Not To Like About It?
I could put these up outdoors because I had a power source next to the spot where they’d go up, which might not be the case for everyone. If finding a power source is a struggle, I would suggest using a charger and extension board so it is easy to reach a socket or you can use a heavy duty power bank.
Pros and Cons of TDA Curtain String Light
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Cons
- 17 KEY REMOTE CONTROL & TIMER FUNCTION - Wireless remote control, effective receiving range is 16ft, including 4 music control modes, 8 lighting modes, 2 brightness adjustment keys (+/-), Switch keys (ON/OFF), Timer key (6 hours on and 18 hours off automatically once TIMER activated).
- 8 LIGHTING MODES - Gorgeous lighting modes including combination, in waves, sequential, chasing (slow speed, half of lights on), chasing/ flash, fireflies flashing, twinkle/ flash, and steady on. Just one button to get your favorite light mode.
- IDEAL DECORATION - 9.8 x 9.8Ft, 300 LED String Light for Christmas, wedding, party, home, window, and festival.
5. Oulin's Icicle Lights Curtain String Lights
The last string lights that I will be reviewing are the ones by Oulin. Just like the TDA ones, these are also curtain lights. With a 3.2m length, the lights are great to decorate walls, fences, sheds, and gazebos.
Product Highlights
One of the best things about these lights is that there are 96 bulbs to provide ample lighting. Apart from being bright, they are also safe, as they guarantee a low voltage output to minimize the risk of shocks.
Furthermore, these lights are far less complicated as there is just one button for all lighting modes. Additionally, they are powered by a plug and just need to be plugged in to switch on.
Another great feature is the memory function these string lights have. The lights have 8 different lighting modes, and after selecting one, it will remain that way till it is changed (even if the lights are plugged out).
Overall, these lights work rather well if you want to use them to decorate a space for festivities and special occasions. Also, they have an IP 44 waterproof rating, which makes them fit to be used outdoors.
What's There To Like About It?
My favorite thing about these lights is how bright and warm they are. When I used these to decorate the roof of my little shed in the yard, it looked magical, as though it was out of a Disney movie.
I did not have much trouble setting these lights up as they just needed a power socket to be plugged into. Plus, with the multiple lighting modes, they made the whole appearance even better.
What's There Not To Like About It?
While these lights are waterproof, they have a low resistance to water. I would advise not to use them outdoors if you see a lot of heavy rainfall in the area or extreme weather conditions like heavy wind. In those cases, it’ll be best to opt for any other product from this list that is rated IP 65 or above.
Pros and Cons of Oulin's Icicle Lights Curtain String Lights
Pros
Cons
- oulin's Icicle string lights has 96 LED bulbs,8 different lighting modes,30V human safety low voltage output,UL listed.
- 8 different lighting modes: Combination, Waves, Sequential, Slo-glo, Chasing/Flash, Slow Fade, Twinkle/Flash, Steady On. You can use it anywhere you want in any mode and it has a memory function.
- Easy to use:Plug in or unplug the cord for easy power on and pff.With one button for switching between 8 modes.
Buyers Guide
I am an avid home decor supplies shopper and absolutely love putting them out in the yard as well as inside the house. But, there was a lot of trial and error before I finally knew exactly what to look for while buying string lights.
Since I now know a lot more than I did the first time my son gave me my first set of string lights, I would love to share some tips with you. And I hope that it can help steer you in the right direction and make a quicker decision.
Here are a few things you need to keep in mind while buying string lights.
1. Power Source
The first thing to keep in mind is where exactly you plan on putting the lights up. Whether it is indoor or outdoor lights, having an accessible and consistent power source is necessary. If you live in an area that witnesses power failures a lot, I suggest battery-operated or solar-powered string lights.
USB powered lights are also worth considering as long as you plug them into a power bank, but that raises some serious questions on how long that might last.
2. Durability
I am sure, like me, you too want to buy things that are going to last for a while. That is why it is essential to assess their durability. One way to go about that, especially for outdoor solar-powered lights, is to ensure that they are waterproof with a rating of IP 65 and above so they can withstand any weather conditions.
There are waterproof lights that are IP 44 as well, but they are not as strong as the ones that are IP 65 and above. However, IP 44 is suitable for outdoor use if you plan on keeping the lights protected, like under a shed.
Another great way of checking for durability is by reading customer reviews!
3. Lighting Modes
Most lights come with multiple strobe lighting modes but without an option to keep them steady.
When I buy lights for regular use, I prefer to have them steady and not constantly flashing. However, when I buy lights for a special occasion or the festive season, I believe the flashier, the better. But that's just me!
It is important to keep in mind what you prefer while buying lights like these. A great way to maintain a balance is to ensure the lighting modes include all types of effects as well as a steady effect.
4. Safety
I do not need to elaborate on this. Anyone with kids in the house would know how important it is to buy things that are safe for your babies. Having raised two kids, I have developed a habit to ensure every light I buy is safe to put up for me and anyone visiting.
If you intend to keep the lights on all night, they might be exposed to rain, fluctuating voltages, or extreme weather conditions. So, make sure that they have a low voltage output and do not heat up when they stay on for long.
Whether or not you have kids in the house, safety should always be your topmost priority!
5. Design and Make
Another essential thing is the overall design and material of the string lights. Keep in mind where the lights are going to be placed and how you want to decorate the outdoor space. Most string lights these days are copper wire-based as opposed to plastic and are more durable as well.
If you are looking to bend, shape, fold, or wrap the lights around something, then copper wires are the best. They are soft and are usually waterproof, making them suitable for outdoor use.
However, if you want the light to cover a wide space like the patio, a wall, or a fence, I suggest curtain string lights with long strands. Curtain string lights are available in both copper and plastic-based wires, so it is up to you to see what looks better and will suit the space.
6. Energy-Efficiency
Every time I go on the internet to buy new lights, I am pleasantly surprised to see some options with newer technology that help conserve energy. Lights are being made to be as user-friendly and efficient as possible, and it is the best time to take advantage of that.
Many solar string lights automatically turn on as soon as it becomes dark and turn off at dawn. At the same time, other lights have remotes with timers that perform the same function.
Decorating your home can be environment-friendly as long as you keep an eye out for features that help do that.
Frequently Asked Questions
LED lights are a great energy-saving alternative to incandescent lights. With their growing popularity, many types of LED lights are available for you to decorate your space. They are long-lasting, do not waste energy, and are quite bright as well.
Warm white colors have a yellowish tinge to them. They are similar to yellow bulbs and give an overall warm and soft tone to any decorated space.
In contrast, cool white lights have an icy tone. It gives out a clean and clear light that is a mix of blue and white and is a lot brighter than warm white lights.
As LEDs are more durable, they will last longer than a regular incandescent bulb. Most LEDs have a lifespan of about 50,000 to 200,000 hours. With proper care and maintenance, they can easily last for more than 5 years, to say the least.
Our Final Recommendation
And there you have it! I have come to the end of my review on some of the best string lights available out there today.
LED string lights have always managed to help make my yard and my house stand out. Plus, they are so affordable that it’s hard not to buy them for décor purposes.
Before I say goodbye, I would like to reiterate that I love the TDA Curtain String Lights. However, if finding a socket or power bank is an issue, I recommend the No products found..
Let me know which one you picked and if I missed out on any other top-notch string lights that I must review.
See you next time!