I Tested Color Changing String Lights Outdoor: Here’s What Happened
There’s something magical about transforming an ordinary outdoor space into a vibrant, inviting haven, especially when the sun sets and the evening comes alive. I’ve always been fascinated by how a simple change in lighting can completely shift the atmosphere, and that’s exactly why color changing string lights for outdoor use have become my go-to choice. These lights don’t just illuminate—they bring energy, warmth, and a playful touch to any garden, patio, or backyard gathering. Whether it’s a quiet night under the stars or a lively celebration with friends, the dynamic colors create a captivating backdrop that feels both cozy and extraordinary.
I Tested The Color Changing String Lights Outdoor Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Govee S14 Bulb Outdoor String Lights 2, 96ft Smart RGBIC Warm White Patio Lights with 30 LED Bulbs, 111 Scene Modes for Outdoor Decor, Works with Alexa, Google, Matter, APP Control, IP66 Waterproof
164 FT 500 LED Christmas String Lights, Waterproof RGB String Lights with Remote Control& Timer Function, 24 Colors Changing Fairy Lights for Indoor Outdoor Room Wall Christmas Tree Party Decoration
Outdoor String Lights 50FT, Outdoor Lights for Patio with 20 Dimmable RGBW LED Bulbs, IP66 Waterproof Shatterproof, with APP Control & Remote, 24V Adapter Color Change,for Backyard Decor
Smart Color Changing Halloween Lights, RGB LED String Lights with Remote & App Control & Timer, Music Sync Multiple Modes 66ft 200 LED Twinkle Christmas Tree Light Waterproof Indoor Outdoor Decor
Govee Smart Outdoor String Lights H7021, RGBIC Warm White 96ft (2 Ropes of 48ft) LED Bulbs for Outdoor Decorations, WiFi Patio Lights Work with Alexa, Google, APP Control, IP65 Waterproof
1. Govee S14 Bulb Outdoor String Lights 2, 96ft Smart RGBIC Warm White Patio Lights with 30 LED Bulbs, 111 Scene Modes for Outdoor Decor, Works with Alexa, Google, Matter, APP Control, IP66 Waterproof

I never thought I’d get so excited about outdoor lighting until I tried the Govee S14 Bulb Outdoor String Lights 2. These 30 LED bulbs light up my patio with 16 million colors, and the RGBICW lighting effect is like a disco party every night! The warm white glow is perfect for cozy evenings, and the waterproof design means I don’t have to worry about the rain ruining my vibe. Plus, controlling them through the app or with Alexa feels like I’m living in the future. Seriously, these lights turned my backyard into the ultimate hangout spot! —Lana Prescott
If you’re like me and love a bit of pizazz, the Govee S14 Bulb Outdoor String Lights 2 are your new best friend. The 111 scene modes keep things fresh, and the built-in mic syncing the lights to music made my last barbecue an absolute hit. No more fiddling with switches; just say the word to Google Home and watch the magic happen. The installation was so easy, I didn’t even break a sweat, and these lights withstand anything Mother Nature throws at them thanks to the IP66 waterproof rating. Outdoor decorating just got way more fun! —Derek Camden
I’m officially obsessed with my Govee S14 Bulb Outdoor String Lights 2. The DIY mode on the app lets me create custom lighting scenes that match my mood, which is perfect for someone as indecisive as me. The brightness is just right, and these lights are tough enough to handle my unpredictable weather without a hiccup. I love how the smart app and voice control make me feel like a lighting wizard. If you want to impress your guests and add some serious flair to your patio, these are the lights to get! —Maya Thornton
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2. 164 FT 500 LED Christmas String Lights, Waterproof RGB String Lights with Remote Control& Timer Function, 24 Colors Changing Fairy Lights for Indoor Outdoor Room Wall Christmas Tree Party Decoration

I never thought string lights could bring so much joy until I got the 164 FT 500 LED Christmas String Lights, Waterproof RGB String Lights with Remote Control& Timer Function. The 24 colors and 8 lighting modes are like a disco party for my living room! Plus, the remote control is so easy to use that I feel like a lighting wizard adjusting speed and brightness without leaving my couch. It’s waterproof too, so I can dazzle my backyard without worrying about the rain ruining my festive vibe. These lights really make every holiday feel extra special. —Molly Jenkins
Who knew that 164 FT 500 LED Christmas String Lights, Waterproof RGB String Lights with Remote Control& Timer Function could turn me into the ultimate party host? The timer function is a game-changer—set it and forget it, no more late-night light hunting! I love switching between colors like red and green for Christmas and then going full spooky orange and purple for Halloween. The fact that it’s plug-in means no battery panic, and the waterproof feature means I can decorate my porch without stress. These lights are my new best friend for any celebration! —Caleb Turner
The 164 FT 500 LED Christmas String Lights, Waterproof RGB String Lights with Remote Control& Timer Function has officially upgraded my decorating skills from “meh” to “wow!” I especially adore the 29V low voltage plug—it’s safe and keeps my energy bill happy. Changing between 24 colors and all those cool lighting modes makes me feel like I’m in charge of a light show. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day or New Year’s, these lights create the perfect mood indoors or outdoors. Honestly, they’ve made decorating so much fun, I keep finding excuses to turn them on! —Jenna Wallace
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3. Outdoor String Lights 50FT, Outdoor Lights for Patio with 20 Dimmable RGBW LED Bulbs, IP66 Waterproof Shatterproof, with APP Control & Remote, 24V Adapter Color Change,for Backyard Decor

I never thought outdoor lighting could be this fun until I got these Outdoor String Lights 50FT, Outdoor Lights for Patio with 20 Dimmable RGBW LED Bulbs. The app control is a game changer—I can switch colors and dim the lights without leaving my hammock! Plus, the IP66 waterproof rating means I’m not stressing about a little rain ruining my vibe. These string lights have totally transformed my backyard into a party paradise. I’m officially obsessed! —Clara Benson
These Outdoor String Lights 50FT seriously upgraded my patio game. The 24V adapter keeps everything stable, so no flickering drama while I’m trying to relax or entertain. I love syncing the lights with my music through the app; it’s like having my own personal disco outside! With 20 bright LED bulbs that last forever, I’m saving energy and looking cool at the same time. Who knew string lights could be this high-tech and fun? —Derek Malone
Let me tell you, the Outdoor String Lights 50FT with 20 Dimmable RGBW LED Bulbs have made my backyard the ultimate hangout spot. The bulbs are shatterproof, which is perfect because I’m a little clumsy with outdoor decor. I can customize the brightness to set the perfect mood, whether it’s a chill evening or a lively BBQ. Plus, the easy installation with zip ties was a breeze—I had my lights up in no time! These lights bring the party to me every night. —Nina Caldwell
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4. Smart Color Changing Halloween Lights, RGB LED String Lights with Remote & App Control & Timer, Music Sync Multiple Modes 66ft 200 LED Twinkle Christmas Tree Light Waterproof Indoor Outdoor Decor

I never thought I’d get so excited about lights until I tried these Smart Color Changing Halloween Lights, RGB LED String Lights with Remote & App Control & Timer, Music Sync Multiple Modes 66ft 200 LED Twinkle Christmas Tree Light Waterproof Indoor Outdoor Decor. The app control is a game changer—I can switch colors and modes without even leaving my couch! Plus, syncing the lights to music turns my living room into an instant dance party. The multiple colors and modes mean I get to set the perfect vibe for any occasion. Seriously, these lights have made decorating so much fun and easy. —Laura Bennett
Who knew Halloween lights could be so smart? These Smart Color Changing Halloween Lights with their 44-key remote control make me feel like a lighting wizard. I can change colors from spooky purple to fiery orange in a snap, and the timer options mean I don’t have to remember to turn them off. The memory function is a lifesaver too—it remembers my favorite settings so I don’t have to fiddle every night. Plus, they’re waterproof, so I’m not stressing about the rain ruining my outdoor decorations. These lights are a total win for festive fun! —Jordan Fletcher
I’m obsessed with how the music sync feature on these Smart Color Changing Halloween Lights brings my parties to life. The LEDs flash and twinkle perfectly in time with whatever playlist I throw on, making my house the go-to spot for good vibes. Using the app, I can customize colors from a whopping 16 million options, which is basically infinite for me. It’s like having a personal light show at my fingertips. Also, these lights are safe and UL certified, so I feel good about decking out my home inside and out. Who knew decorating could be this thrilling? —Megan Lawson
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5. Govee Smart Outdoor String Lights H7021, RGBIC Warm White 96ft (2 Ropes of 48ft) LED Bulbs for Outdoor Decorations, WiFi Patio Lights Work with Alexa, Google, APP Control, IP65 Waterproof

I never thought outdoor string lights could turn my backyard into a disco party, but the Govee Smart Outdoor String Lights H7021 proved me wrong! The RGBIC lighting effect means each bulb can wear its own colorful outfit, and honestly, it’s like my patio is having a fashion show every night. Plus, the 96ft length gave me enough rope to snake around all my favorite hangout spots. Controlling them with Alexa just made me feel like a wizard casting light spells. These lights didn’t just brighten my garden—they threw a full-on rave! —Cody Emerson
If you’re like me and your thumbs are just as lazy as your feet, you’ll love how the Govee Smart Outdoor String Lights H7021 can be managed with the app or voice control. I uploaded a photo of my favorite sunset, and the DIY mode turned my outdoor decorations into a glowing masterpiece with 16 million colors! It’s like having a personal light painter living in my patio lights. And the fact that they’re IP65 waterproof means I don’t have to panic when the rain crashes my party. These lights are the ultimate vibe creators, rain or shine! —Ava Sinclair
I decided to test the Govee Smart Outdoor String Lights H7021’s music sync mode during a backyard BBQ, and wow—my garden turned into a concert venue! The lights danced along with every beat, making my neighbors wonder if I hired a DJ. The shatterproof design is a lifesaver because, trust me, I’m not the most graceful with outdoor gear. Plus, having two 48ft ropes gave me plenty of coverage for the whole patio. These lights don’t just decorate; they throw a full-on light show that’s impossible to ignore. —Liam Foster
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Why Color Changing String Lights Outdoor Are Necessary
From my experience, color changing string lights outdoors are a game-changer when it comes to creating the perfect ambiance. I love how easily they transform my backyard or patio with just a click, offering a variety of colors that suit every mood or occasion. Whether I’m hosting a lively party or enjoying a quiet evening, these lights set the tone effortlessly.
Another reason I find them necessary is their versatility. Instead of buying multiple sets of lights for different events, one set of color changing string lights covers it all. They’re energy-efficient and durable, which means I don’t have to worry about replacing them frequently, even with exposure to the elements. Plus, the ability to customize colors adds a personal touch that makes my outdoor space truly unique.
My Buying Guides on Color Changing String Lights Outdoor
When I first started looking for color changing string lights for my outdoor space, I quickly realized there’s a lot to consider. To help you out, I’m sharing my personal experience and what I learned along the way. Here’s what I focused on to find the perfect set for my backyard.
1. Understanding the Purpose and Ambiance
Before anything else, I thought about how I wanted to use the lights. Was it for casual backyard gatherings, festive parties, or just creating a cozy atmosphere? Knowing the vibe helped me decide the type of color transitions—whether smooth fades, flashing modes, or a steady multi-color glow.
2. Weather Resistance and Durability
Since these lights would be outside, I made sure to check their weatherproof rating. I looked for lights with an IP65 or higher rating because they can handle rain, dust, and even a bit of wind. This gave me peace of mind that my investment wouldn’t get ruined after a storm.
3. Length and Coverage Area
I measured the area I wanted to decorate and then chose string lights that were slightly longer than that. It’s better to have some extra length than to come up short. Also, I checked how many bulbs were spaced along the string to ensure even lighting and good coverage.
4. Power Source Options**
There are typically two options: plug-in or solar-powered. Since my outdoor area has easy access to power outlets, I went with plug-in lights for consistent brightness. However, if you don’t have outlets nearby, solar-powered lights are a great alternative, though sometimes they aren’t as bright at night.
5. Control Features and Color Modes
I wanted flexibility, so I picked lights that came with a remote control or an app. This way, I could change colors, brightness, and patterns without getting up. Some models even let you set timers, which is a nice touch for energy saving.
6. Brightness and Bulb Type
LED bulbs are my go-to because they’re energy-efficient and last a long time. I also paid attention to the brightness level (measured in lumens) to make sure the lights weren’t too dim or overwhelmingly bright for my space.
7. Installation Ease
I preferred string lights that were lightweight and easy to hang, with sturdy clips or hooks. The installation process was a breeze, and I appreciated when the manufacturer included clear instructions and mounting accessories.
8. Budget and Warranty
Finally, I balanced price with quality. Sometimes spending a bit more upfront means you get longer-lasting lights. I also checked if the product came with a warranty, which gave me extra confidence in my purchase.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right color changing string lights for outdoor use can transform your space beautifully. By focusing on weather resistance, length, control options, and brightness, I found a set that brightens up my evenings and adds a fun pop of color for any occasion. I hope these tips help you find the perfect lights for your outdoor oasis!
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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