# Best Outdoor String Lights Source: https://balconygardenpicks.com/best/best-outdoor-string-lights Updated: 2026-09-15 Publisher: Balcony Garden Picks. Our score is an editorial rating out of 10 (fit 35%, features 25%, build 20%, value 20%), not a customer rating. Method: https://balconygardenpicks.com/how-we-research#our-score String lights are sold on length and bulb count, but the choices that affect how the balcony feels are bulb shape and colour temperature. G40 is the round globe, roughly golf-ball sized, giving an even glow that reads as festive; ST38 is the small Edison shape with a visible filament, which looks more restrained and throws a slightly warmer pool of light. Colour temperature matters more than either: 2200K is the deep amber of a filament bulb and is what makes an outdoor space feel warm at night, while anything approaching 3000K starts to look like indoor lighting moved outside. Insist on shatterproof plastic bulbs rather than glass for a balcony, since one dropped glass bulb over a railing is a problem for whoever is below. Length should be measured as a route, not a distance, because you lose a surprising amount to the sag between fixing points and the run back to a socket; a 50 foot set covers a typical balcony perimeter with sag to spare, and the 100 to 300 foot sets are for wrapping a larger terrace or running along a fence. Check the weather rating explicitly and note that many sets rate the string but not the plug, which then needs to sit under cover. Dimmability and a remote are genuinely useful rather than gimmicks here, and if you want the lights to come on by themselves, confirm whether a timer is built in or expects a separate smart plug. ## Picks ### 1. 50FT LED Outdoor String Lights with Remote, Waterproof Edison Bulbs, 3 Modes Our score: 8.4/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10) A 50FT LED outdoor string light set with remote, waterproof Edison bulbs and 3 Modes. Pros: - Remote control turns lights on without reaching the plug - 50FT length is right for most apartment balconies - 3 Modes add variety for different occasions Cons: - Remote batteries need occasional replacement - Fewer modes than some smart light strings Details: https://balconygardenpicks.com/product/B0CSW4KNSS ### 2. OHLUX 55FT Outdoor String Lights, 26 Dimmable G40 Bulbs, 2200K Waterproof Our score: 8.4/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) OHLUX's 55FT outdoor string lights with 26 dimmable G40 bulbs at a warm 2200K, waterproof. Pros: - 2200K warm light gives a cozy candle-like glow - 26 Dimmable G40 bulbs spread light evenly - 55FT length fits a typical balcony perimeter Cons: - Very warm tone is less bright for reading or cooking tasks outdoors - Dimmer may need to be purchased separately Details: https://balconygardenpicks.com/product/B09SFV8QZD ### 3. 100ft LED Outdoor String Lights, Waterproof ST38 Shatterproof Edison Bulbs, Dimmable Our score: 8.0/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) A 100ft LED outdoor string light set with waterproof, shatterproof ST38 Edison bulbs and dimming. Pros: - Shatterproof ST38 bulbs survive knocks and drops outdoors - Dimmable lights set a soft mood for evening dinners - 100ft length can wrap around railings and ceilings Cons: - 100ft is more than a small balcony needs - Check dimmer compatibility if you plan to dim these lights Details: https://balconygardenpicks.com/product/B0DCHHBJM6 ### 4. Brightever 100FT LED Outdoor String Lights, 52 ST38 Edison Bulbs, 2700K Dimmable Our score: 8.0/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) Brightever's 100FT LED outdoor string lights with 52 ST38 Edison bulbs at 2700K, dimmable. Pros: - 52 ST38 Edison Bulbs give a bright vintage look - 2700K warm white balances coziness and visibility - Dimmable bulbs adjust from bright party light to a soft evening glow Cons: - 100FT length requires planning to avoid clutter - Many bulbs mean more to check for failures Details: https://balconygardenpicks.com/product/B0B4NT4J28 ### 5. DAMAING 300FT Outdoor Globe String Lights, G40 Shatterproof LED, 2-Pack x 150FT Our score: 7.6/10 (Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) DAMAING's 300FT outdoor globe string lights with shatterproof G40 LEDs in a 2-Pack x 150FT. Pros: - G40 globe bulbs create a classic cafe-style glow - 2-Pack x 150FT lets you run two separate strands - Shatterproof LEDs are safe on busy balconies Cons: - 300FT total length is excessive for small spaces - Long strands need multiple mounting points Details: https://balconygardenpicks.com/product/B09TDJCJFH As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.