Save Money on Outdoor String Lights with These Prime Day Deals

Outdoor string lights make a great addition to any porch, patio, or campsite. Whether you want to string them up bistro style, attach them along deck railing, or take them on-the-go for a campsite light source, the options of where to hang string lights are endless. But before you take the plunge and buy some, you'll want to know what the best outdoor string lights for you are, and we're here to help. We'll discuss everything you need to consider before clicking buy, but here's a glance at what made our best outdoor string lights list.

What to Look for When Buying Outdoor String Lights

Power Source

There are a few different power sources that outdoor string lights can use and you definitely don't want to get stuck with the wrong type. Most outdoor string lights plug into an electrical outlet, meaning they can only be used where an exterior outlet is present or if you run an extension cord from an indoor outlet. The pros to plug-in lights are that they are usually connectable, meaning you can connect many strands of lights together if you're trying to cover a large area.

If you don't have access to a power outlet, then you'll want to purchase either solar-powered string lights or rechargeable string lights. Solar-powered lights connect to a small solar charging panel that has to be exposed to sunlight, whereas rechargeable string lights connect to a portable power bank through a USB charging cord. These are both great options for camping or if you live in an older home or apartment that doesn't have exterior power outlets. The downside? Many aren't connectable to other strands, and, if they are, it'll most likely be only a few. They're not designed to cover extremely large areas, but they're vital if you're without a power source.

Style

Do you want large bulbs that will light your entire patio or are you going for the ambiance of delicate fairy lights? Edison or globe bulb string lights provide enough light that you shouldn't need an additional light source when you use them, and while they are very pretty, they don't put off super delicate or gentle light, so a dimmer might be necessary. Curtain and fairy lights won't be enough light to do some evening reading, but they set an intimate tone for your outdoor space.

Weatherproofing

Since you're planning on using your string lights outdoors and especially if they'll be exposed to the elements, you need to be positive they have some sort of weatherproofing. Every light we've included on this list is weatherproofed to last through most seasons, but the top tier of durability is UL Listing or Certification. UL stands for Underwriters' Laboratories, a century-old organization that has strict product standards and testing to ensure the highest quality, efficiency, and durability.

Wattage/Energy Usage

Finally, you'll want to consider the overall energy use of your string lights, as this can affect your power bill. Obviously, solar-powered lights and rechargeable won't have any affect on your home's energy usage, but wattage is important for determining how long your string lights can last on a single charge. Generally, you'll want to look for a low wattage, but be cautious, because sometimes this can mean little brightness. LED bulbs have the best light payout for smallest energy usage.