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Outdoor LED strip lights are incredibly easy to install, and with the right placement, they can transform outdoor spaces. These lights are affordable and versatile; there’s no need to hire an electrician or add extra wiring to set them up. As long as there’s an outlet nearby, they can be hung almost anywhere.
We spoke with Taylor Petrik, an electrical engineer at Professional Engineering Consultants, with offices in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Colorado, about these lights, and he told us that build quality is important, especially when it comes to outdoor installations. “Look for LED strip lights from companies with a track record of making quality products they stand behind,” he says, “and look for fixtures rated for outdoor use with a weatherproof coating and an IP65 rating or greater.” Terry McGowan, the director of engineering at the American Lighting Association, a trade association located in Dallas, Texas, that represents the residential lighting industry, says that it’s important for consumers to look for safety certifications that apply to fire and electrical shock, especially when LED strip lights and wiring are exposed to weather. “Look for stickers or markings on the LED strip products that indicate the products have been tested and meet the requirements of Underwriters Laboratories (UL),” he advises.
We took this information into account when choosing the top outdoor LED light strips. Read on for the best outdoor LED strip lights to set outdoor areas aglow safely.
- BEST OVERALL: Govee Wi-Fi RGBIC Outdoor LED Strip Lights
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Nexillumi Waterproof LED Strip Lights
- BEST SHORT: Geeni Prisma Plus Smart Wi-Fi LED Strip Light Kit
- BEST LONG: Surnie 150-Foot Waterproof Dimmable LED Strip Light
- BEST WEATHERPROOF: Rxment 100-Foot Outdoor Waterproof LED Strip Lights
- BEST WHITE: HitLights Outdoor Single-Color LED Strip Lights
- BEST ADDRESSABLE: Alitove RGB Addressable 12V LED Strip Lights
How We Chose the Best Outdoor LED Strip Lights
One of the reasons outdoor LED strip lights are so popular is that they’re packed with convenient features. Nowadays, many of the top models are “smart,” which gives the user a range of control features at their fingertips. A majority of our picks have smart control features that let users change the brightness and color of the lights as well.
Of course, the best outdoor LED strip lights will withstand outdoor conditions; thus, we included several options with IP65 ratings. (For more on IP, or Ingress Protection, ratings, please see the Waterproofing section after the product descriptions.) We were careful to select varying lengths to suit different applications and prioritize lights that are both easy to install and use.
Our Top Picks
Add easy-to-install, customizable, and entertaining lighting to any outdoor space with any of these top outdoor LED strip lights.
Product Specs
- Length: 32.8, 65.6, or 98.4 feet
- IP rating: IP65
- Connectivity: 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Pros
- Users can choose from either 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity
- Supports Alexa and Google Assistant for convenient voice control
- Music mode uses a built-in mic to sync lighting to ambient music
Cons
- Many reviewers mentioned the mounting adhesive was not very sticky and required additional support
The lights from Govee are our top pick because their mix of reliability and user-friendly features is exactly what many shoppers want in an outdoor LED strip light. This smart light strip is Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled, so it’s controllable directly through its app, Alexa, or Google Assistant.
With the Govee Home app, users can choose from over 16 million color options and 64 preset modes that play dynamic light scenes. Each strip can display up to 15 colors at a time. For even more excitement, users can try music mode, which flashes the lights according to ambient music by listening with its built-in mic. Suitable for outdoor use, this light strand is rated IP65.
Get the Govee outdoor LED strip lights at Amazon or Govee.
Product Specs
- Length: 65.6 or 100 feet (two or three 32.8-foot strands)
- IP rating: IP65
- Connectivity: Remote control, Bluetooth
Pros
- Affordable per-foot price for users looking for a lot of light coverage
- Has many desirable features of pricier lights, including smart control and adjustable brightness and color
- Includes a remote control, which is great for less tech-savvy users
Cons
- Does not come as 1 continuous strand; size options include multiple 32.8-foot strands
One thing that makes LED strip lights so accessible is that they are reasonably priced, and this set from Nexillumi is even more economical than most. Available in two sizes, the 100-foot string (which comes as three 32.8-foot strands) is the best value. That and the 65.6-foot size have an IP65 rating, so they’re suitable in outdoor areas where they might get splashed.
These smart lights come with a remote, and via that or the Nexillumi app, users can change the lights’ colors and brightness, set timers, and activate music mode, which flashes the lights along to music it hears over the built-in microphone. Installing these lights is easy since they come with 3M double-sided tape.
Get the Nexillumi outdoor LED strip lights at Amazon.
Product Specs
- Length: 9.8 feet
- IP rating: IP44
- Connectivity: 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
Pros
- Shorter length is great for smaller applications; no need to cut the strand
- Reviewers note the light is very bright at its full brightness level
- Setup is easy, with self-adhesive backing and quick Wi-Fi connection
Cons
- Lower water-resistance rating (IP44) than many other outdoor LED strip lights
While it’s possible to cut outdoor LED light strips to fit smaller areas, the open end means the strip is no longer water-resistant and would require resealing for outdoor use. An easier option is to get a light strip that’s the right length in the first place. For lighting smaller spaces, consider this Geeni Prisma Plus strip light kit. This strip measures 9.8 feet long and comes with a self-adhesive backing that makes it simple to put up.
This light kit is Wi-Fi enabled and compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant. Users can change the brightness and color from the app, plus set schedules. With its IP44 rating, this strand is a little less water-resistant than some of the other picks on our list. It can handle splashes of water, though, so it’s still suitable for certain outdoor locations.
Get the Geeni outdoor LED strip lights at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Geeni.
Product Specs
- Length: 150 feet
- IP rating: IP65
- Connectivity: None
Pros
- Very long strand measures 150 feet for larger outdoor applications
- Can be used as outdoor dimmable LED strip lights with the addition of a light dimmer (not included)
- Includes 2 power adapters; strand can be cut in half and turned into 2 light strips
Cons
- No smart-connectivity options and no color-changing settings
While linking multiple light strands using connectors or soldering is possible, buying the right length in the first place is easier. At 150 feet in length, these LED lights from Surnie are perfect for users wanting to cover a lot of ground.
With a thick PVC jacket, these are more like flat rope lights than LED strip lights, which are a bit thinner. Their thick coating helps with water resistance, giving the lights an IP65 rating, and they still function like regular LED strip lights since they’re flexible and cuttable.
The light is daylight white, though blue and warm white are also available. This strand isn’t smart enabled, so it can’t change color, but it is dimmable with the addition of a light dimmer (not included). It comes with an extra power adapter, which can be useful as a backup or to create a second light strand after cutting.
Get the Surnie outdoor LED strip lights at Amazon.
Product Specs
- Length: 100 feet (four 25-foot strands)
- IP rating: IP67
- Connectivity: Remote control, 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Pros
- Great water-resistance rating at IP67 (can handle temporary submersion)
- Includes a remote control for easier settings and also connects via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- 2 strands can connect directly to the control box for more flexible placements
Cons
- Only includes 8 mounting clips, which some reviewers felt wasn’t enough
With an IP67 rating, the Rxment 100-foot outdoor LED strip lights can handle most inclement weather—they can even handle being submerged for short periods. This means a bit of rain or snow won’t faze these lights, making them the best weatherproof outdoor LED strip lights on our list. Like the other lights we included, this strip is feature-filled, too.
The Rxment smart strand connects to phones using Bluetooth, allowing users to control the light brightness and color from an app. It also comes with a remote control. This set includes 100 feet of lighting in four rolls of 25-foot lighting strips, with double-sided adhesive on each one for installation.
Get the Rxment outdoor LED strip lights at Amazon.
Product Specs
- Length: 16.4 feet
- IP rating: IP67
- Connectivity: None
Pros
- IP67 waterproof rating is one of the highest levels available
- Bright and dense lighting strip with 600 LEDs on the 16.4-foot length
- Brand offers several similar options with different densities for users wanting more or less brightness
Cons
- Does not come with the power adapter; must be purchased separately
For shoppers in search of white lights, it doesn’t make sense to fuss with a color-changing strand. Instead, these single-color lights from HitLights can just be set up and left alone. They come in a warm white color, though the brand also manufactures it in bright white for those who prefer that hue.
This strip light measures 16.4 feet long and has a weather-resistance rating of IP67 (so it can be submerged for short periods). There are 600 LEDs per 16.4-foot strip, which is relatively dense for an overall bright look. This strand isn’t smart enabled; it’s the simpler type that users can turn on and off as needed. A remote (not included) can be added for easier control, and users will likely also need to purchase a power supply since this set doesn’t come with one.
Get the HitLights outdoor LED strip lights at Amazon.
Product Specs
- Length: 16.4 feet
- IP rating: IP65
- Connectivity: Depends on controller
Pros
- Excellent for those who want flexibility; users can program a range of static and dynamic light settings
- LEDs are organized in groups of 3, and each group can be controlled independently
- Includes heavy-duty 3M tape backing for easier installation
Cons
- Does not connect directly to a smartphone; requires a controller
Addressable lights allow users more flexibility to set lighting colors and scenes. Instead of assigning a color to the whole strand, they make it possible for the user to control individual or small groups of lights independently. The Alitove RGB addressable 12V outdoor LED strip lights group three LEDs together in each section, and each section is individually controllable.
To operate, users will need to connect the strip light to a compatible LED light controller (not included), such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi, FadeCandy, T1000S, and more. This strip light does not connect directly to a smartphone like some others on the market, so it does require more setup effort. The strand measures 16.4 feet long and has an IP65 rating.
Get the Alitove outdoor LED strip lights at Amazon or Alitove.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing Outdoor LED Strip Lights
There are plenty of LED strip lights out there, but how do you find the best option for your needs—especially for outdoor use? For safe and effective lighting, pay attention to the features ahead. When shopping for outdoor LED light strips, consider waterproofing, color, brightness, size, ease of installation, and lighting controls.
Waterproofing
Outdoor LED strip lights are designed for use in the great outdoors, which means they have some level of water resistance. Many outdoor LED strip lights have a silicone casing, which allows them to partially or completely resist water. This makes them a bit less flexible than their interior counterparts (which often don’t have a casing), but they can still be used in a range of installation settings.
To measure their level of water resistance, outdoor LED strip lights have an IP (Ingress Protection) rating, expressed as IP and then a two-digit number (for example, IP65). The first number refers to the protection against solid materials, like dust, on a scale up to 6. The second refers to the protection against liquids on a scale up to 9. Most outdoor LED strip lights are dust-tight (a 6 rating). Common water-resistance ratings can range from a 5, which means the light can handle jets of water, to an 8, which can handle immersion in water. Look for a rating depending on the planned installation location (for example, lights in a covered outdoor area can have a lower IP rating than those meant to be used underwater).
Brightness and Color and Color Temperature
Many of the best outdoor LED strip lights are smart lights, and like the best smart outdoor lights, they have brightness and color controls. These dimmable and color-changing options are typically not significantly more expensive, so the flexibility is well worth it for most shoppers.
Lights that include a remote or link to a free smartphone app give users simple access to adjusting warm or cooler lighting, light brightness, and an array of colors—sometimes millions on a color wheel. This feature is great for setting the atmosphere, whether warm and dim lighting for an outdoor dinner party or flashing colorful lights for a holiday display. According to McGowan, the color of the LED strip can be “tunable,” or changed by electronic controls, and that red, green, and blue LEDs can be dimmed by color so a “multitude of colors” results. Petrik agrees, saying that color-temperature tuning and color changing are great for creating dynamic lighting scenes.
Size
Just like their indoor counterparts, outdoor LED light strips come in varying lengths. Consider the planned installation area to choose a size. Remember that LED strip lights must plug into a weather-resistant outlet, so account for the distance to the outlet in the measurements.
Unlike the best string lights, many outdoor LED strip lights can’t easily connect to another strand, so users will want to plan their setup accordingly. Outdoor LED strip lights also lose their weather resistance if they’re cut. Cutting the string opens the casing and breaks the seal at the cut point, so it’s important for users to pay attention to the manufacturer’s directions when cutting outdoor light strips. McGowan says that cuts need to be made at certain points between the LEDs to match the circuitry and wiring components used.
Ease of Installation
One of the biggest draws of outdoor LED strip lights is that they’re easy to install. Placement options include along roofs, railings, and fences and around gazebos, trellises, or outdoor cabinetry. As long as the lights are within reach of an outlet, users can likely install outdoor LED strip lights just about anywhere!
LED strip lights are typically lightweight and often include adhesive backing (3M adhesive backing is common) for easy installation. Even though they’re designed to be non-damaging, some adhesives can cause wood or paint to peel. Traditional mounting clips can also be used for those who prefer to avoid adhesives. In areas exposed to lots of water, mounting clips might also be more reliable.
Controls
While simple plug-in outdoor LED strip lights are available, many of today’s top options are smart. That means they connect to a smartphone using Wi-Fi and are controllable through an app. Some also include small remote controls. A remote is a great option for less tech-savvy users, though it likely means the lights have fewer settings. Petrik mentions that it’s important for users to make sure the desired functionality pairs with the controls and that options with smart-home integration allow for on-demand control and remote access via Bluetooth or a home’s Wi-Fi through a smart hub.
Just like with other smart lights, this functionality brings many additional control options. Beyond just switching the lights on and off (which users can do from anywhere with some apps), the app can also set timers, schedules, or color-changing lighting scenes—and some have the option to create lighting scenes to music for holiday displays.
FAQs
Installing and using the best LED light strip is fairly straightforward, even in outdoor settings. The finished display is often beautiful and flexible, with many lights offering brightness and color-changing settings. However, there might still be some questions about this popular lighting type. Read on for answers to frequently asked questions about outdoor LED strip lighting.
Q. Do LED strips use a lot of electricity?
No. Just like LED bulbs, LED light strips are energy efficient and don’t use a lot of electricity.
Q. Is LED strip lighting waterproof?
It depends. Some LED light strips are—look for a rating of IP68 or higher if using them in wet areas.
Q. How long do LED strip lights last outside?
LED strip lights have an average lifespan of around 50,000 hours. They should last for at least a few years, depending on usage frequency.
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