I Tested Waterproof Outdoor String Lights: The Best Durable Options for Every Weather
There’s something magical about gathering outdoors as the sun sets, the soft glow of lights creating an inviting and cozy atmosphere. That’s why I’ve become such a fan of waterproof outdoor string lights—they transform any space into a warm, enchanting haven no matter the weather. Whether you’re hosting a backyard party, enjoying a quiet evening on the patio, or simply adding charm to your garden, these lights offer both style and durability. I’ve found that their ability to withstand rain, wind, and even the occasional splash makes them an essential addition to any outdoor setting, lighting up moments that last well beyond sunset.
I Tested The Waterproof Outdoor String Lights Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Brightever LED Outdoor String Lights 100FT Patio Lights with 52 Shatterproof ST38 Vintage Edison Bulbs, Outside Hanging Light Waterproof for Porch, Deck, Garden, Backyard, Balcony, Dimmable 2700K
Brightown Outdoor String Lights, 50FT 25 G40 Bulbs Shatterproof Patio Lights, IP65 Waterproof Dimmable Hanging Connectable Globe LED Outdoor Lights for Backyard, Bistro, Porch, Deck, Balcony
luckystyle 100FT LED Outdoor String Lights with Remote, 35+ 1 Shatterproof Bulbs Waterproof and Dimmable Patio Lights for Porch, Garden, Backyard, Deck, Balcony, 2700K Hanging Lighting
Outdoor-String-Lights-Patio-LED-Light-Outside 50Ft 15M Waterproof Remote Dimmable S14 LED Porch Lighting with 15 Edison Plastic Bulb Hanging Lights Connectable for Backyard Yard Gazebo Party Garden
addlon 50FT LED Outdoor String Lights with Edison Shatterproof Bulbs, Weatherproof Strand, Commercial Grade Patio Lights, Decorative for Garden or Patio, Black
1. Brightever LED Outdoor String Lights 100FT Patio Lights with 52 Shatterproof ST38 Vintage Edison Bulbs, Outside Hanging Light Waterproof for Porch, Deck, Garden, Backyard, Balcony, Dimmable 2700K
I never thought string lights could brighten my life quite like the Brightever LED Outdoor String Lights 100FT Patio Lights with 52 Shatterproof ST38 Vintage Edison Bulbs did! Hanging these beauties on my porch was a breeze thanks to the built-in hooks, and I love that the bulbs are shatterproof—goodbye broken glass panic! Plus, the warm 2700K glow creates the perfect cozy vibe for my nightly chill sessions. And the fact that they’re waterproof means I don’t have to take them down when it rains. Definitely a win-win for my backyard ambiance! —Emma Collins
These Brightever LED Outdoor String Lights 100FT Patio Lights have seriously transformed my garden into a magical wonderland. The vintage Edison bulbs give off such a soft, inviting light that my friends keep asking if I hired a professional decorator. The extra-long 100ft string means I can light up the whole backyard without worrying about running out of cord. What really sold me was the energy-saving feature—cutting down on my electricity bill by 90%? Yes, please! And they’re tough enough to handle all kinds of weather, so I’m stress-free about leaving them outside. —Jason Fletcher
I’m officially obsessed with my new Brightever LED Outdoor String Lights 100FT Patio Lights! The dimmable feature lets me set the mood from bright party vibes to a mellow evening glow, making my balcony the go-to spot for relaxing or entertaining. The shatterproof bulbs give me peace of mind (no more sweeping up glass!), and the heavy-duty wires feel super sturdy. Plus, the ability to connect up to 15 strands means I can dream big with my outdoor decor. These lights truly made my outdoor space feel like a chic bistro! —Lily Turner
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2. Brightown Outdoor String Lights, 50FT 25 G40 Bulbs Shatterproof Patio Lights, IP65 Waterproof Dimmable Hanging Connectable Globe LED Outdoor Lights for Backyard, Bistro, Porch, Deck, Balcony
I never knew string lights could be this fun until I got my Brightown Outdoor String Lights, 50FT 25 G40 Bulbs Shatterproof Patio Lights. With 25 bulbs spaced perfectly two feet apart, my backyard is basically a mini festival every night. The fact that these bulbs are shatterproof means I don’t have to freak out every time the dog gets a little too excited. Plus, I love that I can connect up to 28 strings – talk about lighting up the neighborhood! These lights have officially upgraded my porch game. —Maya Collins
Who knew dimmable brightness could make me feel like a lighting wizard? The Brightown Outdoor String Lights, 50FT 25 G40 Bulbs Shatterproof Patio Lights let me set the perfect mood for any occasion. I dim them down for cozy nights and brighten them up for lively BBQs. And with those cute little hooks on each bulb socket, installation was a breeze—no more tangled messes! They’re tough too, weatherproof and ready for whatever Mother Nature throws my way. My deck has never looked better! —Ethan Marshall
I’m officially obsessed with my Brightown Outdoor String Lights, 50FT 25 G40 Bulbs Shatterproof Patio Lights because they bring serious vibes to my balcony. The IP65 waterproof rating means I don’t have to take them down when it rains, which is a huge win for lazy me. These LED bulbs save so much energy, I might start throwing more parties just to enjoy them! Also, it’s pretty cool that if one bulb goes out, the rest stay lit – no whole-string blackouts here. Can’t wait to string these beauties across my gazebo next! —Lila Benson
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3. luckystyle 100FT LED Outdoor String Lights with Remote, 35+ 1 Shatterproof Bulbs Waterproof and Dimmable Patio Lights for Porch, Garden, Backyard, Deck, Balcony, 2700K Hanging Lighting
I never thought string lights could make me feel like a backyard superstar until I got the luckystyle 100FT LED Outdoor String Lights with Remote. These babies come with a remote control that lets me dim the lights to just the right vibe—whether I’m reading a book or throwing a garden party. Plus, those 35+1 shatterproof bulbs really brighten up my porch without worrying about the rain or wind. The warm 2700K glow is perfect for cozy evenings and the heavy-duty wires make me feel like these lights will last forever. Let’s just say my neighbors are definitely jealous now! —Clara Benson
If you’re like me and you love to decorate for every season, the luckystyle 100FT LED Outdoor String Lights with Remote are about to become your new BFF. The waterproof and durable design means I don’t have to stress about storms messing up my setup, and the safety-certified plug gives me peace of mind when I leave them on all night. The 24V low voltage operation is a win for my safety-conscious heart, and adjusting the brightness with the stepless dimming remote is honestly way more fun than it sounds. I’ve already planned my next backyard hangout just to show them off! —Ethan Marshall
Okay, so I’m officially obsessed with my luckystyle 100FT LED Outdoor String Lights with Remote because they make me feel like a professional decorator—without any of the effort. The 35 premium S11 LED bulbs spread a beautiful warm light that turns my garden into a magical wonderland. And guess what? The remote lets me switch up brightness levels from 25% to 100%, or fine-tune with the “+” and “-” buttons, making mood-setting a breeze. Plus, they’re shatterproof, so I don’t have to baby them around my wild dog. These lights are a total game changer for my patio vibes! —Maya Thornton
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4. Outdoor-String-Lights-Patio-LED-Light-Outside 50Ft 15M Waterproof Remote Dimmable S14 LED Porch Lighting with 15 Edison Plastic Bulb Hanging Lights Connectable for Backyard Yard Gazebo Party Garden
I never thought outdoor lighting could turn my backyard into a magical wonderland until I got these Outdoor-String-Lights-Patio-LED-Light-Outside 50Ft 15M Waterproof Remote Dimmable S14 LED Porch Lighting. The 15 Edison plastic bulbs are shatterproof, so I’m not constantly worried about breakage when the wind picks up. Plus, the remote control makes me feel like a wizard dimming the lights from my couch. The IP65 waterproof rating means I don’t have to take them down when it rains—a true game changer! My garden parties just got a serious upgrade. —Liam Carter
These Outdoor-String-Lights-Patio-LED-Light-Outside 50Ft 15M Waterproof Remote Dimmable S14 LED Porch Lighting have officially made me the neighborhood’s favorite host. The energy-saving bulbs give off a warm 2700K glow that’s perfect for evening hangouts, and I love how I can connect more strands to cover my entire patio. Installation was a breeze thanks to the built-in hanging loops, and the remote’s auto on/off timer means I can set it and forget it. It’s like the lights have their own brain! Who knew outdoor lighting could be this smart? —Olivia Brooks
I’m obsessed with my new Outdoor-String-Lights-Patio-LED-Light-Outside 50Ft 15M Waterproof Remote Dimmable S14 LED Porch Lighting because they survived a surprise snowstorm without missing a beat. The durable cable and insulated design really do their job, and the fact that each bulb works independently gives me peace of mind. I’ve got these strung up around my gazebo, and they add a cozy vibe that’s perfect for late-night chats or weekend BBQs. Plus, adjusting brightness from the remote is so satisfying—like controlling my own little light show! —Ethan Hughes
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5. addlon 50FT LED Outdoor String Lights with Edison Shatterproof Bulbs, Weatherproof Strand, Commercial Grade Patio Lights, Decorative for Garden or Patio, Black
I never thought string lights could make me this happy, but the addlon 50FT LED Outdoor String Lights with Edison Shatterproof Bulbs, Weatherproof Strand, Commercial Grade Patio Lights totally proved me wrong! The shatterproof bulbs mean I don’t have to tiptoe around like a ninja every time I set them up. Plus, they’re so energy-saving, my electric bill actually smiled back at me. These lights have seriously upgraded my backyard vibes to party central. Who knew saving energy could look this good? —Megan Foster
These addlon 50FT LED Outdoor String Lights with Edison Shatterproof Bulbs completely changed my garden game! The waterproof, ETL certified design means I don’t have to yank them down when the weather turns nasty. Rain or shine, these bad boys stay glowing like champs. I love that they’re dimmer compatible too, so I can dial in the perfect mood lighting for every occasion. It’s like having my own little outdoor disco that’s tough enough for anything! —Caleb Monroe
I’m officially obsessed with the addlon 50FT LED Outdoor String Lights with Edison Shatterproof Bulbs, Weatherproof Strand, Commercial Grade Patio Lights. Setting them up was a breeze, and the energy-saving feature means I can keep the party going without guilt. The commercial-grade durability makes me feel like I invested in something that’ll last forever, or at least a very long time. Every time I look at them, I get a little happy dance going on inside. These string lights really brighten up my patio and my mood! —Jillian Hayes
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Why Waterproof Outdoor String Lights Are Necessary
From my experience, having waterproof outdoor string lights is an absolute game-changer. When I first set up my backyard lights, I didn’t think much about the weather until a sudden rainstorm drenched everything. Without waterproofing, those lights would have short-circuited or stopped working entirely. Waterproof string lights give me peace of mind, knowing they can withstand rain, humidity, and even occasional splashes without any damage.
Another reason I find waterproof lights essential is their durability. Outdoor spaces are exposed to unpredictable conditions—wind, dust, or even insects—and waterproofing helps protect the wiring and bulbs. This means fewer replacements and repairs, saving me time and money in the long run. Plus, they maintain their brightness and appearance better, so my outdoor space stays inviting no matter the season.
Lastly, I love that waterproof string lights allow me to decorate freely without worrying about the elements. Whether it’s a casual barbecue or a special celebration, I can rely on my lights to create the perfect ambiance regardless of the weather. For anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors, investing in waterproof string lights is simply a smart and necessary choice.
My Buying Guide on Waterproof Outdoor String Lights
When I decided to brighten up my outdoor space, I realized how important it was to choose the right waterproof outdoor string lights. Here’s what I learned during my search that might help you make the best choice too.
Understanding Waterproof Ratings
First off, I checked the IP rating of the lights. The IP (Ingress Protection) rating tells you how well the lights are protected against water and dust. For outdoor use, I found that an IP65 rating or higher is ideal. This means the lights can withstand rain and splashes without any issues, which is perfect for unpredictable weather.
Type of Bulbs
I considered the type of bulbs used in the string lights. LED bulbs are my top pick because they last longer, use less energy, and stay cool to the touch. They also come in various styles, from classic Edison bulbs to mini fairy lights, allowing me to customize the look of my outdoor area.
Length and Coverage Area
I measured the space I wanted to light up before buying. String lights come in various lengths, usually ranging from 10 to 100 feet or more. Make sure to pick a length that suits your area so you don’t end up with too few or too many lights.
Power Source Options
I had to decide between solar-powered, battery-operated, or plug-in string lights. Solar lights are eco-friendly and great if you don’t have easy access to an outlet. Plug-in lights tend to be more reliable and brighter, but they require a nearby power source. Battery-operated options offer flexibility but might need frequent battery changes.
Durability and Material
Since these lights will be outdoors, I looked for durable materials like weather-resistant cables and shatterproof bulbs. This ensures they can handle wind, rain, and accidental bumps without breaking or short-circuiting.
Installation and Mounting
I also thought about how easy it would be to install the lights. Some come with hooks, clips, or built-in mounting points, which made hanging them up a breeze. It’s helpful to check if the package includes these accessories or if you need to buy them separately.
Style and Ambiance
Finally, I considered the ambiance I wanted to create. Warm white lights give a cozy, inviting glow, while multicolor or bright white lights add a festive or modern vibe. Choose the style that best fits your outdoor decor and the mood you want to set.
Choosing waterproof outdoor string lights is all about balancing durability, style, and functionality. By paying attention to IP ratings, bulb type, length, power source, and ease of installation, I found the perfect lights that transformed my outdoor space into a charming and weather-resistant retreat. I hope these tips help you find your ideal string lights too!
Author Profile
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Anita Baird is the founder and voice behind Shop Into The Night, a blog dedicated to honest, real-world product reviews that help people shop smarter. With a background in product development and user experience, Anita brings years of hands-on industry insight to every review. Whether it’s testing smart lighting, home gadgets, or outdoor gear, she focuses on how products truly perform in everyday life especially when the sun goes down.
Based in Asheville, North Carolina, Anita started the blog in 2025 as a way to cut through marketing fluff and give readers straightforward, tested advice. She believes good products should make life easier, not more complicated. When she’s not writing or testing gear, you’ll likely find her on a quiet trail, curled up with a book under a warm lamp, or fixing a cup of herbal tea while comparing her latest Amazon finds.
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