10Best.Guide

Lights for outside

Top Picks

Last Updated: October, 2023
Pros
  • Bright and clear lights
  • Good value for the money
  • Lightweight and easy to transport
  • Plastic bulbs are durable
  • Provides a nice glow for evening meals
Cons
  • Time-consuming to screw in bulbs
  • Durability is questionable due to squirrels chewing through wires
Bottom Line
These outdoor string lights are a good value for the money and provide a nice glow for evening meals. However, the durability is questionable due to squirrels chewing through wires and the wire/cord could be thicker.
Pros
  • Bright and provides ample light
  • Easy to hang and minimal tangling
  • Durable and withstands harsh weather conditions
  • Can be strung together
  • Comes with extra bulbs
Cons
  • Strand may come tangled and require time to untangle
  • May blow a fuse when first plugged in
Bottom Line
These lights are a great option for creating a cozy and well-lit outdoor space. They are easy to hang, durable, and provide a romantic ambiance. However, there may be some issues with tangling, blown fuses, and premature lightbulb failure.
Pros
  • Easy to set up and use
  • Can be controlled by phone, remote control, and Alexa
  • Customer support is responsive
  • Well-constructed and provide shadow-free light
  • Sturdy and well-made
Cons
  • Dummy plug/cover doesn't stay put
  • Bulbs are fragile and shatter easily
Bottom Line
These string lights are easy to use and provide a nice glow, but the bulbs are fragile and may not last long. The cord may also be flimsy and the bulbs are farther apart than expected. However, they are well-constructed and provide shadow-free light, making them a good option for outdoor use.
Pros
  • Nice soft warm light
  • Good price
  • Dual lights inside each bulb
  • Durable
  • Quick delivery
Cons
  • Remote not programmable
  • Quality similar to Christmas lights
Bottom Line
These lights are a good option for those looking for a budget-friendly option, but may not be the best choice for those looking for high-quality, weather-resistant lights. The remote is easy to use, but not programmable. The bulbs are spaced 3 feet apart, which may not be ideal for some. The quality is similar to Christmas lights, but they are durable and come with replacement bulbs.
Pros
  • Sturdy and unbreakable bulbs
  • Easy to install and hang
  • Good for outdoor use
  • Durable and long-lasting
  • Good for craft fairs and displays
Cons
  • Circuitry issues with the bulbs
  • Not bright enough for some buyers
Bottom Line
These string lights are a great option for outdoor use, craft fairs, and lighting up a large area. They are durable and easy to install, but may have some issues with circuitry and brightness. Overall, a good value for the price.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Outdoor Lights

Overview

When it comes to creating an inviting and functional outdoor space, lighting plays a crucial role. Whether you want to illuminate your garden, patio, deck, or pathways, finding the right outdoor lights is essential. This buying guide will help you navigate through the various types of outdoor lights, explore key considerations before making a purchase, understand important features to look for, and provide expert tips to make the most of your outdoor lighting setup.

Types

1. Solar Outdoor Lights: Harness the power of the sun to light up your outdoor space. These eco-friendly lights are easy to install and cost-effective in the long run.

2. LED Outdoor Lights: Energy-efficient and long-lasting, LED lights are a popular choice for outdoor lighting. They provide bright illumination while minimizing energy consumption.

3. Motion Sensor Outdoor Lights: Ideal for security purposes, motion sensor lights automatically turn on when they detect movement. They provide added safety and convenience.

4. Landscape Lighting: Enhance the beauty of your landscape with strategically placed lights. These lights highlight focal points, trees, plants, and architectural features.

5. Security Lighting for Outdoors: Keep your property safe with security lights. These bright lights deter potential intruders and improve visibility around your home.

6. Outdoor String Lights: Create a cozy and festive ambiance with outdoor string lights. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or simply adding a touch of charm to your outdoor space.

7. Outdoor Wall Lights: These lights are mounted on exterior walls and provide functional lighting for entryways, patios, and pathways.

Key Considerations

- Purpose and Placement: Determine the specific areas you want to illuminate and choose lights accordingly.

- Power Source: Consider whether you prefer solar-powered, battery-powered, or wired lights.

- Weather Resistance: Ensure the lights are designed to withstand outdoor elements such as rain, snow, and UV exposure.

- Brightness and Lighting Range: Assess the desired brightness level and consider the lighting range required for your outdoor space.

- Style and Aesthetics: Choose lights that complement your outdoor decor and personal style.

Features

- Adjustable Brightness: Some outdoor lights offer adjustable brightness settings to cater to different lighting needs.

- Timer and Remote Control: Certain lights come with timers or remote controls, allowing you to easily control their operation.

- Dusk-to-Dawn Sensors: Lights with built-in sensors automatically turn on at dusk and turn off at dawn, providing effortless convenience.

- Multiple Lighting Modes: Some lights offer various lighting modes such as steady, flashing, or color-changing options.

Prices

- Solar Outdoor Lights: Prices range from $20 to $100 depending on the brand, quality, and features.

- LED Outdoor Lights: Prices vary between $30 and $200, depending on the brightness, brand, and design.

- Motion Sensor Outdoor Lights: Prices range from $20 to $150, depending on the sensitivity, range, and additional features.

- Landscape Lighting: Prices vary widely, starting from $50 for basic kits and going up to several hundred dollars for professional-grade systems.

- Security Lighting for Outdoors: Prices range from $30 to $200, depending on the brightness, range, and additional features.

- Outdoor String Lights: Prices range from $15 to $100, depending on the length, design, and quality.

- Outdoor Wall Lights: Prices vary between $30 and $150, depending on the style, material, and features.

Tips

1. Consider the overall ambiance you want to create before selecting the type and style of outdoor lights.

2. Opt for energy-efficient options like LED lights to reduce electricity consumption and save on energy bills.

3. Install lights at different heights and angles to create depth and visual interest in your outdoor space.

4. Regularly clean and maintain your outdoor lights to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

5. Experiment with different lighting techniques, such as uplighting, downlighting, and spotlighting, to highlight specific areas or features.

FAQs

Q: Are solar outdoor lights suitable for all weather conditions?

Q: How long do LED outdoor lights typically last?

Q: Can motion sensor lights be adjusted for sensitivity?

Q: What type of bulbs are commonly used in outdoor string lights?

Q: Do outdoor wall lights require professional installation?

A: By following this comprehensive buying guide, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and information needed to choose the perfect outdoor lights that meet your specific needs and preferences. Illuminate your outdoor space and create a warm and inviting atmosphere for all to enjoy.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Durable and weather resistant
  • Comes with extra bulbs
  • Provides ample lighting for large areas
  • Bulbs are made from hard plastic and seem durable
  • Good quality and value
Cons
  • No switch on the cord or remote control
  • Female end of power cord does not have a cover
Bottom Line
These string lights are durable, weather resistant, and provide ample lighting for large areas. However, they lack some convenient features like a switch or remote control, and may be prone to tangling and squirrel damage. Overall, they offer good quality and value for their price.
Pros
  • Great value for the price
  • Durable and pretty "crystal" pattern
  • Holds up well in bad weather
  • Soft and pleasant lighting
  • Fast shipping and easy assembly
Cons
  • Smaller than expected
  • Not very bright
Bottom Line
These lights offer great value and durability with a pretty design, but they may be smaller and less bright than expected, and have a shorter battery life.
Pros
  • Adds a nice dim light to the deck.
  • Very bright and captures motion well.
  • Perfect for lighting up large areas.
  • Easy to set up and install.
  • Has three options: always on bright, always on dim, and motion sensor.
Cons
  • Has limitations and may not meet all expectations.
  • Solar panel angle not adjustable.
Bottom Line
These outdoor motion lights are easy to install and provide a nice dim light for decks and other outdoor areas. They are very bright and capture motion well, making them perfect for lighting up large areas. However, they have some limitations and may not meet all expectations.
Pros
  • Beautiful and easy to hang
  • Lights reach the floor with ease
  • Fairly and evenly spread out
  • Settings work great
  • Easily accessible button to change light pattern
Cons
  • Some LEDs didn't work
  • Inconsistent length of the strand
Bottom Line
These lights are beautiful and easy to hang, with a perfect hue and great settings. However, there are some issues with faulty LEDs, inconsistent length, and tangling problems.
Pros
  • Good value
  • Nice soft warm light
  • 7 bulbs on a 25’ string which is plenty in the evenings
  • Use for ambiance, safety lighting, decorative
  • Comes with spare bulb and hooks
Cons
  • One light not working out of the box
  • Wires snapped easily for outdoor use
Bottom Line
These lights are a good value for ambiance, safety lighting, and decorative purposes. They are sturdy, bright, and well-built, but may not be suitable for outdoor use due to thin wires and cheap plug quality. Some customers experienced issues with faulty bulbs and non-linkable strands.
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