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The Best Outdoor Rope Lights

Last updated on June 1, 2023
Best Outdoor Rope Lights

Our Review Process

Don't Waste Your Money is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to. Learn more.

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Our Picks For The Top Outdoor Rope Lights

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Product Overview
Key Takeaway
 Top Pick

Homestarry Decorative Outdoor Rope String Lights, 33-Foot

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

Homestarry

Decorative Outdoor Rope String Lights, 33-Foot

These outdoor rope lights offer a lot of décor flexibility because they can switch to 16 different colors at the touch of a button. They are ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. The remote provides easy control to colors and lighting modes.

Overall Take

Budget-Friendly PickThese stunning outdoor rope lights can switch to different colors to match your event décor.

 Runner Up

ICRGB Battery Powered Blinking Outdoor Rope Lights, 72-Foot

ICRGB

Battery Powered Blinking Outdoor Rope Lights, 72-Foot

Whether you're celebrating an anniversary or decorating for Christmas, these outdoor rope lights have you covered. The strand measures a full 72 feet, so you'll be able to decorate a large area. Since the lights are waterproof and weather-resistant, you'll also be able to use them year-round.

Overall Take

Extremely VersatileWith this outdoor rope lights set, you'll enjoy eight lighting modes, four brightness levels and the ability to set the lights on a timer.

 Strong Contender

Areful Energy Saving Art Deco Outdoor Rope Lights, 16-Foot

Areful

Energy Saving Art Deco Outdoor Rope Lights, 16-Foot

Thanks to the flexible PVC jacket surrounding these top-quality outdoor rope lights, you won't have any trouble installing them along a window, draping them across the rafters or wrapping them around a staircase banister. The lights can be used both indoors and outdoors and come in a strand that measures 16 feet.

Overall Take

Easy to InstallThese energy-saving outdoor rope lights come in a choice of blue, green, red, warm white or natural white.

 We Also Like

Minetom LED Replaceable Battery Outdoor Rope Lights, 33-Foot

Minetom

LED Replaceable Battery Outdoor Rope Lights, 33-Foot

Whether you're decorating for Christmas or a Sweet 16 party, these outdoor rope lights have you covered. Each strand measures 33 feet in length and comes with a handy remote. The lights are easy to install, and once they're up, they can be put on a timer.

Overall Take

Many Different Hues These outdoor rope lights come with the ability to switch between 16 different colors.

Buying Guide

Outdoor rope lights are not just a functional accessory. They help create a magical atmosphere while lighting up your space. When choosing your outdoor rope lights, first consider how you want to use them. This will help you determine the best type of lights for your space. For example, do you want the rope lights for a temporary installation for a special event like a wedding, or are you thinking of installing a permanent installation around your deck? A rope light kit is ideal for temporary setups, while a spool is best for more permanent installations.

If you plan on installing your rope lights in a location where they will be shielded from moisture, you can opt for a 120 voltage. If your rope lights will be fully outside and run the risk of getting wet, then go with a low voltage such as 12 volts. This is the safest option.

Outdoor rope lights are available in different lengths. Be sure to measure your space to determine the length you require. Some outdoor rope light spools can be hooked together to extend their length, while others can actually be cut to the desired length you need. You can find outdoor rope lights in varying lengths such as 33 feet to 80 feet.

What to Look For

  • The color of the outdoor rope lights helps to create the ambiance and atmosphere of your space. Warm colors like yellow are inviting and whimsical, while cool colors like blue and white create a more modern feel. You can also find outdoor rope lights that come in multiple colors in one spool. In addition, some rope lights have the option to change colors, which provides more flexibility for your décor.
  • If you are stringing outdoor rope lights together to extend their length, be sure to read the instructions to see whether there is a maximum number of sets you can attach. Do not exceed this number as that can result in safety issues.
  • Check to see how easy the outdoor rope lights are to install. Many options are plug and play, where all you have to do is plug the lights into an outlet and you’re ready to go. Some more complex options require hardwiring.
  • For permanent installations, opt for outdoor rope lights which have a timer. That way, you set them to turn off at a specific time each day or after a certain number of hours to preserve energy.

More to Explore

There are many ways you can use outdoor rope lights in your backyard. Make it easy to see the steps on your deck by lighting up the banister and railings with the rope lights. You can also use the rope lights along the edges of the steps themselves. If you want to highlight your landscaping, you can use rope lights to outline the flower beds. Rope lights are also a great way to specify a walkway so that guests stay off your lawn and flowers.

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