Buying guide for best permanent outdoor lights
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Have you ever looked at your home’s exterior at night and felt like there’s something missing? Permanent outdoor lights can add a nice touch to your home as well as illuminate it at night for safety. They’re easy to install, and many offer endless customization options, so you can choose the colors and level of brightness you want.
The best permanent outdoor lights can cover a large portion of your home, patio or pool area and have a durable design that’s built to withstand the elements. Plus, many outdoor lights now come with premium features, such as smart-home compatibility and music sync, which creates a unique light show to the beat of your favorite tunes.
The feature-packed Lumary Smart Permanent Outdoor Lights are our favorite, but we also have recommendations below to suit every need and budget.
Editors' picks
Weather-resistance: Waterproof (IP68) | LED Technology: LED strip with RGB technology, cuttable and DIY design | Brightness & Color: Adjustable brightness, multiple RGB colors, 29 dynamic modes | Installation: Easy installation with fixing clips and screws
The Lumary Smart Permanent Outdoor Lights are designed to add vibrant color to your home while keeping things practical and easy to manage. The upgraded slide-base uses strong 3M adhesive with optional screw mounts, so installation is hassle-free, and the detachable design makes it simple to take them down and store them after the holidays.
The Lumary app lets you choose from more than 110 preset scenes or create your own, and the built-in timer lets the lights automatically turn on at dusk and off at dawn.
You also get multiple control options. Voice control with Alexa and Google Assistant makes it easy to adjust your lighting without reaching for your phone, and the included remote gives you another convenient way to change settings. Some users report that the deep customization options can feel a bit overwhelming at first, and while the app is generally responsive, the initial setup can be a little tricky.
Once everything is up and running, though, the ability to tailor your lighting scenes makes these lights a strong choice for enhancing your outdoor decor.
Weather-resistance: Durable build with IP65 weatherproof light strings | LED Technology: Triple-LED design incorporating RGB, warm, and cool white LEDs | Brightness & Color: Offers 90 lumens of brightness with an adjustable color temperature range | Installation: DIY-friendly with adhesive tape and screw holes
The FBZ 100-Foot Outdoor LED Strip Lights offer a bright splash of color to your outdoor spaces, and they have adjustable RGB settings and a music sync feature that makes them light up to the beat for parties and get-togethers.
We love that they are easy to install using fixing clips and screws. The intelligent app lets you preset on/off times, control color changes and even use a 44-key remote or three-button switch for flexibility. Though several users have reported remotes that stop working after installation, this isn't a common complaint.
If you're in the market for user-friendly permanent lights these strips are an awesome choice.
Durability and Weather Resistance: Lights are IP67 waterproof; adapter is IP65 water-resistant; can withstand -4 to 140 degrees | Expandability: Yes | Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | Energy Efficiency: NA | Brightness and Adjustability: 26 lumens, multicolor
Not only do these Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights offer a plethora of lighting modes, but they are also incredibly bright if you need them to be. The provided clips and glue allow each light to be installed in under eight seconds, and their lens design gives them a unique triangular lighting effect.
They come with all the features you could want. You can adjust the brightness and colors through Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and they’re also smart-enabled, allowing you to manage them with voice assistants, such as Google Assistant and Alexa. Their IP67 protection rating gives them superior water resistance, and the anti-UV material encasing them protects them against the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Although these lights are pricey, they’re among the most durable and have a lifespan of approximately 50,000 hours. The additional smart features add a layer of convenience that you won’t get with other permanent outdoor lights. And that’s just the kind of attention to detail we’d expect from Govee, which impressed us at CES.
Durability and Weather Resistance: Lights are IP65 water-resistant, UV-resistant; adapter is IP67 waterproof; can withstand -4 to 140 degrees | Expandability: NA | Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, app control | Energy Efficiency: NA | Brightness and Adjustability: 90 lumens, 1500K to 9000K
Whether you want a stunning holiday light show or simple mood lighting for a party, the Eufy Permanent Outdoor Lights can dress up your home for any occasion. And with 16 million colors and a handful of AI-powered features, there’s no shortage of ways to express your creativity.
These lights are among the best because of their brightness and color options. At 90 lumens, they're incredibly bright, and their color temperature ranges from 1500K to 9000K, making them the best choice for rave parties and holiday decorations.
Eufy, which also makes outdoor security cameras, is known for its products that can withstand the elements. These have an IP65 protection rating that makes them highly water-resistant, so they work well in wet or snowy conditions. Plus, the UV resistance protects them from melting or damage under the sun’s powerful rays.
Operation is simple, thanks to its smart features. These Bluetooth- and Wi-Fi-enabled lights let you control the light color, power and brightness through the Eufy Life app. You can even choose from a variety of themes, such as Halloween or Independence Day. The app can also sync with Eufy cameras and be programmed to change to preset themes when specific people are detected.
Best for Large Homes
Durability and Weather Resistance: IP67 waterproof | Expandability: Yes | Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, app control | Energy Efficiency: Low energy consumption | Brightness and Adjustability: Multicolor
If you have a large area to light up and need outdoor lights with an endless amount of customization, look no further than the Sinley 400-Foot Permanent Outdoor Lights. Though these lights may sound pricey at $400, you get a lot for your money with this set.
Its Lotus Lantern app is easy to use. You can adjust the RGB color to options ranging from warm amber to cool blue and activate any of the preloaded 58 lighting modes for colorful patterns. The app also lets you program them to turn on and off whenever you choose. There’s even a music-sync feature that adjusts the colors according to the sounds.
The Sinley lights have been tested rigorously for quality and performance. They have a robust IP67 water-resistance rating and can withstand temperatures as low as -4 degrees. The low-voltage 24-volt system makes them safe for use around children and ensures low energy consumption. And they are easy to install anywhere, thanks to the self-adhesive backing and screw-in fixings. If you need a lot of lights, Sinley is a great choice.
Key features to consider
Types of outdoor lights
String lights
String lights are excellent for decorating various parts of your home, including your patios, decks or gardens. They can provide a warm, inviting atmosphere with options for dimmable or color-changing lights. They can also create a festive ambience for parties and get-togethers.
Wall-mounted lights
Wall-mounted lights are typically used for entryways, porches or garages and offer targeted illumination. For example, you can illuminate the border of your garage door for improved nighttime visibility. Wall-mounted lights can also enhance your home’s exterior design, making them a solid choice for holiday decorations.
Pathway lights
Pathway lights are designed to illuminate walkways and driveways. They add aesthetic appeal to some degree but are primarily for safety in low-light situations.
Spotlights and floodlights
Spotlights and floodlights provide bright, focused light for large areas and are typically used for security and highlighting architectural features.
Recessed or in-ground lights
Recessed and in-ground lights are similar to pathway lights in that they are primarily meant to serve as an aesthetic enhancement and increase safety at night or in dimly lit environments. Plus, they can help create a contemporary look.
String-integrated systems
These are permanently mounted lighting strips or systems designed for year-round use. They're an excellent option for decorating your home’s exterior for Halloween or Christmas and can also serve as illumination for a pool area.
Material and build quality
Weather-resistant materials
It’s crucial to ensure your permanent outdoor lights are made of weather-resistant materials like stainless steel, aluminum or heavy-duty plastic. If they’re not, then you run the risk of not only damaging your lights but potentially causing a short circuit. Also, look for UV-resistant and rustproof coatings for protection against sun, rain and snow.
Durability
If you live somewhere with a harsh winter season, it’s a good idea to choose lights that can withstand extreme temperatures and environmental wear. You’ll want lights that can stay lit and undamaged even when the temperature is frigid or there’s heavy snowfall or strong winds.
Lighting technology
LED lights
Most LED lights don’t consume too much power, so you don’t have to worry about them significantly running up your electric bill. These lights are often available in a range of brightness levels and colors and are cost-effective in the long term due to reduced energy consumption. All high-quality LED lights have a lifespan of at least 50,000 hours.
Solar lights
If you’re eco-conscious or don’t want to add an additional source of power consumption in your home, you should consider solar-powered permanent lights. They’re also an ideal choice if you want to install them where electrical wiring is unavailable or impractical.
Smart lighting
Many permanent outdoor lights can be considered smart devices as many have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing remote control through your smartphone. Through dedicated smartphone apps, you can create schedules, program your favorite color and brightness settings and even manage your lights with voice assistants, such as Google Assistant and Alexa.
Brightness and color temperature
Brightness (measured in lumens)
Brightness is measured in lumens, and the higher the lumens the brighter the permanent outdoor lights will appear in dark environments. Some lights are designed to be brighter than others, so it depends what you want your outdoor lights for. For example, decorative lights typically offer 100 too 200 lumens for a soft, ambient glow, while pathway lights are much brighter with 300 to 500 lumens for safety and visibility. Spotlights and floodlights are the brightest at 700 to 1,500 lumens for focused or wide-area illumination.
Color temperature (measured in Kelvin)
Permanent outdoor lights allow you to adjust the color temperature to suit your preference. Warm whites can create a cozy, inviting ambience, while neutral lights offer balanced lighting suitable for most outdoor areas. Cool whites, on the other hand, are best for security lighting.
Power source
Hardwired lights
Hardwired lights are permanently connected to your home’s electrical system for consistent, reliable power. This setup is ideal for high-demand areas, such as driveways or security zones, and provides the convenience of never having to recharge or replace batteries.
Battery-powered lights
These lights are relatively easy to install and require little to no maintenance. However, there is the inconvenience of occasionally having to replace depleted batteries. Generally, they’re the best option for installing lights in an area with minimal or unsuitable electrical wiring.
Solar-powered lights
Solar-powered lights are the most eco-friendly and require no wiring or external power source. That means installation is super easy, and unlike with battery-powered lights, you don’t have to worry about replacing dead batteries. Solar-powered lights work best in environments with strong direct sunlight, but they can also function well in shaded areas or cloudy climates.
Control options
Manual switches
Manual switches are the easiest to operate because of the simple on-off functionality, making them ideal for basic lighting needs. If you’re not tech-savvy, using lights with a manual switch is best.
Motion sensors
This is a fantastic feature that alerts you when someone walks by your lights. Motion sensors detect movement and activate lights for security or energy savings. Most lights with this feature let you adjust sensitivity and range, which can be essential to helping you minimize any false alarm triggers.
Timers
Many permanent outdoor lights have the ability to be programmed by an internal timer. Through a smartphone app, you can program your lights to turn on or off when you want.
Smart controls
Smart controls let you control your lights from virtually anywhere in the world as long as you have Wi-Fi and the corresponding app on your phone. You can manage scheduling, dimming, and color adjustments and even integrate your lighting with your smart-home network.
How we analyzed
After spending hours researching dozens of permanent outdoor lights, we narrowed down our list to the five high-quality options above. We based our choices on which lights had the best customer reviews, specs, features and functionality. We focused on lights that offer weatherproofing (IP65 and IP67 ratings only), good brightness and an easy-to-use app with customization options. The cost and whether the brand has a good customer-service reputation also played a part in our final decision.
