Buying guide for best permanent outdoor lights
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There are plenty of ways to dress up your home’s exterior, but permanent outdoor lights can make one of the biggest differences. These easy-to-customize lights let you choose the color and brightness, so you can change them up for holidays, parties, special occasions or just when the mood strikes. Many are easy to install, too, and even allow you to cut the strands to fit your home perfectly.
Our favorite set, the Lumary Smart Permanent Outdoor Lights 3, is one of the easiest to install, thanks to its slide track mount that lets you click the lights in place or detach them in seconds. These lights are perfect for holidays, too, because they offer 16 million colors, 150 preset scene modes and over 10,000 lighting combinations that let you customize their look via a user-friendly app.
Editors' picks
Lumary Smart Permanent Outdoor Lights 3 with Remote & Slide Track
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.
FBZ Outdoor LED Strip Lights
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.
Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Pro, 100-foot, 60 RGBIC LED Lights, White
Best True White for Everyday Use
Weather-resistance: Lights are IP67 waterproof; adapter is IP65 water-resistant; work in temperatures between -4 and 140 degrees | LED Technology: Smart RGBIC LED lights, cuttable | Brightness & Color: 26 lumens, adjustable | Installation: DIY-friendly with included glue and clips
The Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Pro can help add a festive look to your home for the holidays, but they’re also an excellent option if you’re looking for everyday exterior or accent lighting. They offer enhanced warm-white and cold-white hues, providing a color temperature between 2700K and 6500K. For holiday lighting, you can choose from 16 million colors and 75 scene modes, so your home looks perfect for every occasion.
These Govee lights are also easy to install, thanks to the included VHB glue and clips. Installation is flexible, too, because you can cut and connect the lights according to the instructions in the user manual. That means you can extend the lights up to 200 feet to fully cover your home.
We especially appreciate how easy the lights are to operate. The Govee Home app lets you adjust the color and brightness of the lights, plus create schedules for when they turn on and off. You can also use your smart-home assistant, including Alexa and Google Assistant, for voice control over your display.
Enbrighten Vibe Eternity Permanent Outdoor Lights
Best for Small Homes
Weather-resistance: All-weather-rated and waterproof; suitable for temperatures between -4 and 131 degrees | LED Technology: Smart RGBWIC LED technology; cuttable | Brightness & Color: 33 lumens; adjustable | Installation: DIY-friendly with mounting brackets, adhesive tape, screws and cord clips
The Enbrighten Vibe Eternity Permanent Outdoor Lights offer the perfect combo of brightness, color options and durability. Their fully weatherproof design means they are built to last through every season, including temperatures between -4 and 131 degrees.
Installation is straightforward, too, because they come with mounting brackets, adhesive tape, screws and cord clips. You can link strands for a total of 200 feet and even cut the strands for a custom fit, so you can outline eaves, pergolas, balconies and more.
The lights feature RGBWIC LED technology, so you can access millions of colors and adjustable white light options. You can adjust each LED puck individually for color and brightness, too, so you can create custom patterns for every holiday and occasion.
Controlling the lights couldn’t be easier, either. The Enbrighten app lets you adjust the color and brightness of the lights, plus choose lighting effects to create unique, festive displays. You can also schedule the lights via the app, and they’re compatible with smart-home assistants, like Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use voice commands to turn the lights on and off.
AHAWILL Smart RGB Fence Lights
Best for Fences and Walls
Weather-resistance: IP67 waterproof; suitable for temperatures between -4 and 104 degrees | LED Technology: RGB LED | Brightness & Color: 110 lumens; adjustable | Installation: DIY-friendly with screws
The AHAWILL Smart RGB Fence Lights may seem pretty simple, but they offer a wide range of customization options that make a big impression for your exterior. They support 16 million colors, so you can easily switch up your display for any holiday or occasion. Each light delivers up to 110 lumens, and the system offers seven solid color options and RGB lighting effects. You can also choose from six sound-activated rhythm modes, 44 dynamic modes and DIY scene modes that let you create custom lighting displays.
It’s easy to adjust these AHAWILL fence lights, too. You can use either the connected app or the remote control to choose the brightness level and color. The lights have a built-in half-hour timer switch, so they can automatically turn on and off according to your preferred schedule.
You don’t have to worry about installing these lights outdoors, even in more extreme climates. They are made of durable ABS+PC material and IP67 waterproof-rated, so they can withstand heavy rain and snow. They’re heat-resistant, too, and won’t melt in temperatures up to 104 degrees. In other words, you can expect these to last a long time.
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.
