A backyard can have plenty of space and still feel unusable after sunset. The problem is usually not a lack of lighting, but choosing between soft decorative strings, bright task lighting, and solar fixtures that can cover a fence without a power cord.
This guide to the Best outside lights for backyard compares nine real options, including remote-controlled string lights, an extra-long 200-foot set, mounting poles, and two types of solar lights. The right pick depends on whether you want atmosphere, practical illumination, or both.
addlon ST38 Outdoor String Lights are the best all-around choice here, with remote dimming, weather-resistant shatterproof bulbs, timer settings, and the ability to connect multiple strands. The other picks make more sense for very large yards, solar-powered security, fence lighting, or installations without existing supports.
Comparison table
| # | Product | Award | Length or quantity | Controls or light type | Weather rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | addlon ST38 Outdoor String Lights | Best overall | 100 feet, 30 sockets | Remote, dimming, timer, multiple modes | Weather-resistant, shatter-resistant bulbs | Most patios and decks |
| 2 | addlon G40 Outdoor String Lights | Best remote control | 100 feet, 50 sockets | Four brightness levels, timer, three modes | IP65, ETL certified | Adjustable backyard ambience |
| 3 | Tenmiro 200FT Outdoor String Lights | Best for large yards | 200 feet, 60 bulbs | Warm 2700K light | Waterproof, shatterproof bulbs | Long fences, trees, and large patios |
| 4 | AILBTON String Light Poles | Best mounting solution | Four 10-foot poles | Supports compatible string lights | Metal construction | Yards without posts or walls |
| 5 | MGVIH ST38 Outdoor String Lights | Best simple remote set | 100 feet, 37 bulbs | Remote, dimming, timer, three modes | IP65, shatterproof bulbs | Warm decorative lighting |
| 6 | Brightown ST38 Outdoor String Lights | Best for long connections | 100 feet, 32 bulbs | Compatible with most dimmers | IP65, UL certified | Permanent large installations |
| 7 | CLAONER Solar Motion Lights | Best for security lighting | Six lights | Motion sensor, three modes | IP65 | Walkways, garages, and fences |
| 8 | Brightever ST38 String Lights | Best bright string lights | 100 feet, 52 bulbs | Dimmable with compatible dimmer | Weatherproof, shatterproof | Brighter entertaining areas |
| 9 | LIANGLOME Solar Fence Lights | Best fence accent lights | Eight lights | Three color temperatures | IP65 | Steps, fence posts, and paths |
1. addlon ST38 Outdoor String Lights: Best Overall
Pros
- Remote adjusts brightness without walking to the outlet
- Timer and several lighting modes
- Shatter-resistant bulbs are safer around busy patios
- Up to four strands can connect from one plug
Cons
- Remote range is limited to 50 feet
- A dimmer is built in, but the included bulb count is lower than some alternatives
- Requires a power outlet
Best for: most homeowners who want controllable decorative lighting for a patio, deck, or backyard.
The addlon ST38 Outdoor String Lights get the important backyard decisions right without making installation feel like a project. The 100-foot strand has 30 sockets, giving the bulbs enough spacing for a relaxed bistro look rather than a wall of light. The Edison-style ST38 bulbs are shatter-resistant plastic, which is a sensible choice for a deck where a dropped bulb, windblown strand, or children playing nearby could turn glass into a nuisance.
The remote is the main reason this is our top pick. It controls the lights from up to 50 feet away, adjusts brightness, selects timer settings, and changes between steady and flashing modes. That means you can leave the lights at a gentle level during dinner, raise them for a game or cleanup, then let the timer shut them off without reaching behind furniture or walking across the yard. The controls are more useful than a basic plug-in strand, especially when the outlet is tucked behind a planter or outdoor cabinet.
The 100-foot length works for a typical patio perimeter, pergola, or deck railing. For a larger layout, each 50-foot strand can connect with as many as four strands for a maximum of 200 feet, and one remote controls the connected strings. The low-wattage LED bulbs are designed for long use, while the weather-resistant construction is intended for year-round outdoor conditions. It also has a one-year quality support promise, which is useful for an item that will remain exposed to weather.
The weakness is that the remote is not a substitute for a smart-home system. Its stated range is 50 feet, and there is no app or voice control listed. The 30-socket layout also gives less bulb coverage than addlon's G40 option, which uses 50 sockets over the same 100-foot length. Pick the addlon ST38 Outdoor String Lights when straightforward remote control and a classic warm patio appearance matter more than the densest illumination.
2. addlon G40 Outdoor String Lights: Best Remote Control
Pros
- Four brightness levels from 25% to 100%
- Timer offers 2, 4, 6, and 8 hour settings
- Three lighting modes include steady, breath, and flash
- Connects up to 200 feet
- Includes four spare bulbs
Cons
- G40 bulbs are smaller than the S11 bulbs on the Tenmiro set
- Requires an outdoor power connection
- Heavier than the Brightown strand
Best for: people who want the most granular control over the mood and schedule of their backyard lights.
The addlon G40 Outdoor String Lights are the pick for a backyard where the lighting needs to change often. Their 100-foot strand uses 50 sockets and includes 54 G40 LED bulbs, with four held back as spares. The closer socket spacing creates a more continuous line of light than the ST38 strands with 30 or 32 bulbs, although the smaller G40 format has a less pronounced Edison silhouette.
This model stands out for its four brightness levels: 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%. That is more practical than a simple bright or dim switch. A low setting can keep a seating area comfortable without washing out the yard, while full brightness is better when people are carrying food, playing games, or clearing the patio. The remote also adds steady, breath, and flash modes, so it can shift from everyday lighting to a party or holiday setting.
Timer choices run from two to eight hours. That range is broad enough for an early dinner, a late gathering, or a full evening outside without leaving the lights on until morning. The IP65 waterproof rating and ETL certification give this strand a stronger documented outdoor-safety profile than products that only make a general weather-resistant claim. It is also designed to withstand rain, snow, and routine outdoor exposure.
The trade-off is physical rather than functional. At 3.11 pounds, this 100-foot set is heavier than Brightown's listed one-pound strand, so a long overhead run deserves secure mounting points. The G40 bulbs also spread light differently from the larger S11 bulbs on Tenmiro. Choose this addlon model when control and even socket coverage matter most, and choose the addlon ST38 if you prefer larger-looking bulbs and a slightly simpler arrangement.
3. Tenmiro 200FT Outdoor String Lights: Best for Large Yards
Pros
- Full 200-foot length in one string
- Large S11 bulbs create broad warm illumination
- Includes two spare bulbs
- 2700K light has a soft, warm appearance
- Useful for fences, trees, patios, and garden areas
Cons
- No remote or timer is listed
- A 200-foot strand needs more careful support
- Less flexible for a small patio
Best for: covering a large backyard, long fence, garden, or tree without joining several shorter strings.
The Tenmiro 200FT Outdoor String Lights solve a specific problem: a big yard can require more cable than a standard patio strand provides. This is a single 200-foot set rather than two separate 100-foot products, so it can run along a long fence, loop around a tree, or span a medium-sized garden without a connection in the middle. Fewer joins can make the layout cleaner and reduce the need to hide extra plugs and cable.
The strand includes 60 S11 shatterproof bulbs and two spares. S11 bulbs are larger than the G40 bulbs on the addlon G40 set, so they make a more visible feature when hung over a seating area or along a perimeter. Their 2700K color temperature produces the warm, soft glow most people expect from patio string lights. The product is intended for rainy, foggy, and humid conditions, and the bulbs use hard plastic shells rather than fragile glass.
There is a useful distinction between this and the addlon ST38. The addlon gives you a remote, timer, dimming, and lighting modes, while Tenmiro gives you uninterrupted reach and larger bulbs. For a compact deck, the addlon's control is more valuable. For a long property line where the main challenge is coverage, the Tenmiro strand is the more direct answer. If you are also planning music for outdoor gatherings, how much coverage a backyard speaker needs is worth considering before deciding where this long run should go.
The lack of listed remote control or timer is the real limitation. You will need to operate it from the plug or use a compatible external control, and the entire 200-foot run needs well-spaced supports so its weight does not pull on individual sockets. The 365-day warranty is a useful safeguard, but this is still a specialist pick. Buy the Tenmiro 200FT Outdoor String Lights when one long warm strand matters more than built-in automation.
4. AILBTON String Light Poles: Best Mounting Solution
Pros
- Four metal poles provide dedicated hanging points
- Each pole is 10 feet according to the product title
- Can work with fences, walls, eaves, and other supported locations
- Integrated design does not require a separate base
- Takes up little floor space
Cons
- Poles do not include string lights
- Stability depends on the mounting surface
- The listing provides limited detail about installation hardware
Best for: creating a planned overhead light layout when the backyard lacks trees, walls, or other high anchor points.
The AILBTON String Light Poles are not lights themselves, and that is exactly why they deserve a separate place in this roundup. A string light can be perfectly good and still be difficult to install when a patio has no suitable posts. This four-pack creates a framework for hanging compatible strands over a deck, seating area, or open section of yard.
The product title identifies the poles as 10 feet, while the features describe metal construction intended to resist bending or wobbling and support placement on fences and walls. The poles are designed to use vertical space without taking up much floor area. That is helpful around a small deck, where freestanding bases could interfere with chairs, foot traffic, or mowing.
Installation is described as a matter of securing the integrated bottom in a location with enough support, with no additional assembly or base required. The poles can also be used with banners, lanterns, and wind chimes, so they are not limited to one lighting arrangement. Pair them with the addlon ST38 for remote-controlled lighting, the Tenmiro set for long runs, or Brightown if you are building a more permanent connected layout.
The important caveat is that the poles cannot compensate for a weak anchor point. The listing does not specify a load rating, and the actual stability will depend on where and how each pole is fixed. They also add no bulbs, wiring, dimming, or weather controls. Choose the AILBTON String Light Poles when mounting is the obstacle, and skip them if your yard already has strong trees, fence posts, or walls at the right height.
5. MGVIH ST38 Outdoor String Lights: Best Simple Remote Set
Pros
- Remote offers four brightness levels
- Three modes and timer settings are included
- 2700K warm light suits patios and entertaining
- IP65 waterproof rating
- Built-in hooks simplify hanging
Cons
- Only 37 bulbs illuminate the 100-foot run
- Listed timer settings are shorter than some competitors
- Requires a powered outlet
Best for: a traditional warm-white string-light look with remote control and simple hanging hardware.
The MGVIH ST38 Outdoor String Lights are a straightforward decorative set with a useful control package. The 100-foot cable carries 37 ST38 bulbs and includes two spares. Those bulbs have a classic tear-drop shape, built-in hooks, and a warm 2700K color temperature that works well above a porch, around a gazebo, or along a backyard fence.
The remote adjusts brightness to 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100%, and it also selects lighting, breath, or flash modes. A timer is included with three- and five-hour settings. That combination gives you more control than a basic plug-in strand, although it is not as broad as the two, four, six, and eight-hour choices on the addlon G40. The remote approach is particularly convenient when the outlet is not within easy reach.
The bulb shells are made from PET impact-resistant material, and the product claims an IP65 waterproof degree for rain, wind, snow, and temperatures up to 158 degrees Fahrenheit. The built-in hooks should make the physical installation easier than relying entirely on separate clips or zip ties. The E12 base and 1.5 by 3.2-inch bulb dimensions also give the strand a recognizable decorative profile without using glass.
Compared with Brightown, MGVIH gives you a remote in the package, while Brightown supports more extensive end-to-end linking but requires a separate compatible dimmer. Compared with addlon ST38, MGVIH has seven more bulbs across the same length but fewer timer options. The MGVIH ST38 Outdoor String Lights fit anyone who wants warm decorative lighting and remote adjustment without needing a more elaborate setup.
6. Brightown ST38 Outdoor String Lights: Best for Long Connections
Pros
- Supports connection of up to 24 strings
- Commercial-grade wire
- IP65 waterproof rating and UL certification
- Bulbs operate independently
- Built-in hooks on each socket
Cons
- No remote control is included
- Dimmer is not included
- Only 32 bulbs are supplied for 100 feet
Best for: a larger or more permanent installation where extensive strand connections matter more than remote controls.
The Brightown ST38 Outdoor String Lights take a different approach from the remote-equipped products above. This 100-foot strand uses commercial-grade wire, 32 shatterproof LED bulbs, and two spares. Its strongest feature is expandability: the manufacturer says up to 24 strings can link together, making it the most suitable option here for a long run across a pergola, commercial-style patio, or broad backyard entertaining area.
The ST38 bulbs use E12 bases and are made from shatterproof PET. Each socket has two built-in hooks, which helps distribute the installation work and gives you more options for attaching the strand to cable, hooks, or a fence structure. The bulbs operate independently, so one failed bulb does not turn off the rest of the strand. That is a small but meaningful advantage for a fixture that may be difficult to reach once it is installed overhead.
Brightown lists an IP65 waterproof rating and UL certification, with construction intended to handle rain, snow, wind, and sun. The strand is also designed to use compatible dimmers, but the dimmer is not supplied. That makes it less convenient out of the box than addlon ST38 or MGVIH, both of which include remote controls with brightness adjustment.
The main weakness is the absence of built-in control. There is no included remote, timer, or lighting-mode selector, and the product is not rechargeable. The 32-bulb layout is also relatively open across 100 feet, so it creates a spaced decorative glow rather than dense illumination. Choose Brightown ST38 Outdoor String Lights when you are building a connected system and can provide your own dimmer or switching method.
7. CLAONER Solar Motion Lights: Best for Security Lighting
Pros
- Six lights in one set
- 800 lumens and coverage up to 322 square feet
- 120-degree motion detection with a 26-foot range
- Three lighting modes
- No power cable required
Cons
- Cool white light is less atmospheric than warm string lights
- Performance depends on sunlight reaching the panel
- Motion mode turns off after 20 seconds in the listed strong-light setting
Best for: illuminating paths, stairs, fences, garage approaches, and other places where motion-triggered brightness matters.
The CLAONER Solar Motion Lights are the practical security choice in a group dominated by decorative string lights. The six-light pack uses 149 SMD LED beads per light and is rated at 800 lumens, with coverage up to 322 square feet. That is the kind of output intended to reveal a walkway or side yard, not simply add a warm glow above a dinner table.
Its 120-degree motion sensor can detect movement up to 26 feet away. Three modes let you choose between medium constant light at 30 percent, dim light that rises to full brightness when motion is detected, and strong light that activates at full brightness and switches off after 20 seconds. The choice matters because constant illumination and motion-triggered security serve different purposes. A fence line may benefit from the dim standby mode, while a garage approach may be better with the strong sensor mode.
A 22 percent efficiency solar panel charges the lights without a wired power connection, and the ABS construction is rated IP65 for outdoor weather. Installation options include screws, double-sided tape, and rope, giving you more flexibility than a fixed wired fixture. The claimed 26-foot detection range is also considerably more useful for a path or driveway edge than a light that only reacts when someone is already close.
This set is not a replacement for the warm ambience of addlon ST38 or Brightever. Its cool white light and high output are chosen for visibility, and solar performance will vary with placement, shade, and daily sun. If lighting is only one part of a broader security plan, how motion lighting fits beside outdoor camera coverage is a useful next consideration. Choose CLAONER for movement and visibility, not for a relaxed dinner-party atmosphere.
8. Brightever ST38 String Lights: Best Bright String Lights
Pros
- 52 shatterproof ST38 bulbs
- 120V design is intended for brighter illumination
- Pure copper wiring
- Can connect up to 15 strands
- Dimmable with a compatible dimmer
Cons
- Dimmer is not included
- No remote control or timer is listed
- More bulbs mean more visual density and a busier appearance
Best for: a large entertaining area where bright, dense string lighting is more important than built-in automation.
The Brightever ST38 String Lights are designed for readers who find ordinary decorative strings too subdued. The 100-foot strand has 52 shatterproof Edison-style bulbs, creating a denser line of light than Brightown's 32 bulbs or addlon ST38's 30 sockets. The bulbs produce a soft yellow 2700K glow, so the result remains decorative even though the product is aimed at higher illumination.
Brightever describes the strand as a 120V design with pure copper wiring and heavy-duty wires. It can connect up to 15 strands without the stated voltage drop or dimming issue. That makes it a strong candidate for a large pergola, long patio, or event-style backyard arrangement where a single 100-foot line is only the beginning. Built-in hooks and zip ties are supported for hanging, and the manufacturer says the sockets and cords have been improved to resist breakage.
The bulbs are rated for weather exposure including rain, wind, snow, and temperatures up to 158 degrees Fahrenheit. Their hard anti-drop plastic construction avoids the safety concern of hanging glass bulbs over a seating area. Brightown is lighter at a listed one pound, but Brightever offers considerably more bulbs and a longer maximum connected system. The trade-off is that Brightever needs a compatible dimmer for brightness adjustment, while addlon includes remote control hardware.
That missing dimmer and timer are the clearest drawbacks. The lights may be bright enough for many patios, but you cannot change them from a chair unless you add compatible control equipment. The denser bulb spacing can also look crowded on a small balcony or narrow porch. Pick Brightever ST38 String Lights when broad, bright coverage is the goal and you are comfortable supplying the switching or dimming method separately.
9. LIANGLOME Solar Fence Lights: Best Fence Accent Lights
Pros
- Eight compact solar lights
- Three selectable color temperatures
- Listed runtime of at least 10 hours when fully charged
- IP65 waterproof construction
- Screw and adhesive mounting options
Cons
- 20-lumen output is for accent and path lighting, not broad security coverage
- Requires direct enough sunlight for charging
- No motion sensor is listed
Best for: low-profile lighting along fence posts, steps, paths, and doorways.
The LIANGLOME Solar Fence Lights are the subtle alternative to CLAONER's bright motion fixtures. This eight-pack is made for placing small lights along a fence, stair edge, path, or doorway rather than flooding a whole section of the yard. The compact housings measure 5.55 inches long, 1.89 inches wide, and 1.46 inches high, so they can add a regular line of light without dominating the fence.
Three color modes let you choose warm white, neutral white, or cool white. The product information lists 3000K, 4000K, and 6000K settings, covering a warmer decorative appearance through a more clinical cool-white look. The reflective lens focuses the output, and each light is rated at up to 20 lumens. That is modest beside the 800-lumen CLAONER set, but suitable for marking changes in level and making a boundary easier to see.
The solar panel charges automatically, and the product claims at least 10 hours of illumination after a full charge. IP65 weather resistance is intended to protect the ABS housing from rain, snow, and temperature changes. Mounting can use the included screws or 3M adhesive, which makes the set easier to place on a fence or wall where wiring would be inconvenient.
There is no motion sensor, so these lights are about consistent accent lighting rather than a sudden security response. Their output is also too focused for a large seating area. For fence definition and gentle path lighting, though, they are more appropriate than a string of Edison bulbs. Choose LIANGLOME Solar Fence Lights when you want eight independent points of light and the freedom to change color temperature.
How to choose best outside lights for backyard
The right outdoor lighting starts with the job each fixture must do. Decorative strings make a patio inviting, while solar motion lights improve visibility and fence fixtures mark edges. These are the factors that separate a useful installation from a strand that looks good in the box but does not suit the yard.
Light purpose
Decide whether the lights are for ambience, task lighting, security, or wayfinding. Warm 2700K string lights from Tenmiro, MGVIH, and Brightever are designed to create a soft patio atmosphere. CLAONER's 800-lumen solar fixtures are much better for seeing movement near a garage or walkway. LIANGLOME's 20-lumen lights sit between decoration and path marking.
Do not use a soft decorative string where you need to see a step, and do not use a security fixture where you want relaxed dinner lighting.
Length and coverage
Measure the route before choosing a string. A 100-foot strand is suited to many patios, but a long fence or large garden may be easier to cover with Tenmiro's single 200-foot run. The addlon and Brightown sets can also expand, though their maximum connected lengths differ. Remember to allow extra cable for dips, corners, and the distance to the outlet.
For solar lights, count the places that need illumination rather than measuring a continuous line. Six CLAONER fixtures can cover separate problem areas, while LIANGLOME's eight compact lights make sense when you want regular spacing along a fence or steps.
Bulb spacing and shape
Bulb size affects both appearance and the spread of light. G40 bulbs create a smaller, more closely spaced look on the addlon G40 strand. ST38 bulbs have the familiar vintage Edison profile, while Tenmiro's S11 bulbs are larger and visually stronger. More bulbs do not automatically mean better lighting, but they usually create a denser line across the same cable length.
Controls and automation
Remote dimming is valuable when the outlet is far away or the yard serves several purposes. addlon ST38 and MGVIH offer brightness adjustment, timers, and lighting modes. addlon G40 adds four specific brightness levels and timer choices from two to eight hours. Brightown and Brightever support dimming with compatible equipment, but their dimmers are not included. The solar products use automatic dusk operation, with CLAONER adding motion sensing and LIANGLOME focusing on steady fence illumination.
Weather protection and construction
Look for a stated weather rating when lights will remain outside. IP65 appears on the addlon G40, MGVIH, Brightown, CLAONER, and LIANGLOME products, while Tenmiro and Brightever describe waterproof or weatherproof use. Shatter-resistant PET or plastic bulbs are safer around patios than glass, especially when the strand hangs over people or sits near trees.
Mounting and support
String lights need secure anchor points. Trees, fences, walls, pergolas, and eaves can provide support, but an open yard may need dedicated poles. AILBTON's four 10-foot poles are intended for that situation. Solar wall and fence lights are simpler to mount, but their panels need enough sunlight and their surfaces must support screws, adhesive, or another supplied mounting method.
Frequently asked questions
Are string lights or solar lights better for a backyard?
String lights are better for a continuous decorative line across a patio, deck, or pergola. Solar lights are more convenient where there is no nearby outlet, especially along fences, paths, and garage approaches. They serve different purposes, so many backyards benefit from using both.
What color temperature is best for outdoor patio lights?
Warm light around 2700K to 3000K generally creates the most comfortable patio atmosphere. Tenmiro, MGVIH, and Brightever use or list 2700K warm light. LIANGLOME provides warmer, neutral, and cool settings when you want to change the appearance of fence or path lighting.
Can these string lights stay outside in rain?
Several products list IP65 protection or describe waterproof, weather-resistant use. That includes addlon G40, MGVIH, Brightown, CLAONER, and LIANGLOME. Even weather-rated lights should be installed with connections protected from standing water and according to the included instructions.
How many feet of string lights do I need?
Measure the path around the area, then add enough length for corners and a gentle hanging curve. A 100-foot strand commonly suits a patio or deck perimeter. Tenmiro's 200-foot string is better for long fences, trees, and broad garden spaces, while connectable addlon, Brightown, and Brightever systems can be expanded when the layout is larger.
Do outdoor string lights need a dimmer?
Not always. addlon ST38, addlon G40, and MGVIH include remote brightness controls, so no separate dimmer is needed for those functions. Brightown and Brightever are compatible with dimmers, but the dimmer must be supplied separately.
Which outdoor lights are best for security?
CLAONER's solar motion lights are the strongest security-oriented option here because they provide 800 lumens, a 120-degree detection angle, and a detection range up to 26 feet. LIANGLOME is better for low-level visibility along steps and fences, but its 20-lumen output and lack of motion detection are not intended for broad security coverage.
How do I hang string lights without trees?
Use a pergola, fence, wall, or eave if one is available. In an open backyard, AILBTON's string light poles provide four dedicated mounting points. Make sure every anchor is stable and that the cable is not carrying more tension than the support can handle.
The bottom line
The Best outside lights for backyard spaces are usually the addlon ST38 Outdoor String Lights because they balance a useful 100-foot length, remote dimming, timers, lighting modes, and shatter-resistant bulbs. They suit a typical patio or deck and are easier to control than Brightown or Brightever.
For a large yard, the Tenmiro 200FT Outdoor String Lights cover more ground in one run, while the CLAONER Solar Motion Lights are the clear choice for walkways, fences, and security-focused illumination. LIANGLOME is better for subtle fence and step accents, and AILBTON solves the separate problem of finding reliable mounting points.
If you are undecided, choose addlon ST38 for a normal patio, Tenmiro for long coverage, or CLAONER when seeing movement matters more than creating a warm glow.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.