We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›
I spent 3 weeks testing Govee’s latest smart outdoor lights in my backyard, and I was surprised by how easily they transformed the space. From warm evening glows to party-ready color shows, I was able to create any mood I wanted with just a tap on my phone.
These aren’t your typical string lights. Each product features fully adjustable RGB color scenes and dimming options, so you can go from soft and subtle to bold and vibrant in seconds.
I tested three of Govee’s newest releases: the Smart Post Lamp Light, a two-pack of Garden Lights, and a 48-foot strand of Smart String Lights. Read on to learn how they performed, as well as why I’ll be keeping them up long after summer’s over.
Best Post
Govee Smart Outdoor Lamp Post Light
Best for Garden
Govee Smart Garden Lights
Best String
Govee Smart Outdoor String Lights
How do Govee smart lights compare to cheaper options?
There’s no shortage of budget-friendly outdoor lights online, but most of them fall short when it comes to durability, app reliability, and customization. Govee’s smart outdoor lineup is on the pricier side, but the value is there. From the moment I opened the boxes, I could tell these weren’t flimsy. The materials feel solid, the construction is excellent, and every piece performed exactly as expected.
What really sets Govee apart is the level of customization. I was able to create scenes using any combination of colors and brightness levels, whether I wanted a soft amber glow for relaxing or a multicolor setup for hosting friends. These aren’t cookie-cutter lights—they’re adaptable, polished, and fun to use.
How easy are they to install and use?
Setup was a breeze. The Smart Post Light required minor assembly, but it was straightforward: just stack the included poles to your preferred height and lock them into place. I used all the poles for the full effect. The Smart String Lights were even easier; I draped them around the lower limbs of my backyard pear tree and plugged them in. That’s it.
The Garden Lights snapped together quickly and were ready to go in minutes. Everything connected to the Govee Home app, which I already had on my phone from previous reviews—but this time, the experience felt even smoother. I programmed the lights to turn on at sunset and off at dawn, all with just a few taps. They even sync to music for a party-ready vibe (though I preferred a more mellow look over the disco-style flashes).
Where’s the best place to use Govee smart lights?
Anywhere within range of your Wi-Fi. My router is upstairs in the house, and all three Govee lights synced easily from my backyard courtyard. Once connected, I could control them remotely—whether across the house or across the state. That’s the beauty of true Wi-Fi-connected smart lighting.
These lights work well in gardens, patios, walkways, balconies, and even large planters. I placed the garden lights in pots, the string lights overhead in a tree, and the post light near a walkway. Wherever you use them, the result is the same: a completely transformed outdoor space that’s ready for anything from quiet evenings to festive get-togethers.
Are Govee smart lights worth it?
If you love hosting friends, spending time outdoors after dark, or adding a personal touch to your garden or patio, Govee’s smart outdoor lights are absolutely worth it. The ability to change colors, set schedules, and sync everything through one app makes them ideal for anyone who wants to elevate their outdoor space without hiring an electrician.
That said, if you’re just looking for something basic—like simple white string lights or inexpensive solar stakes—there are much cheaper options out there that can still do the job. But you won’t get the same build quality, customization, or smart features. For me, Govee hit the sweet spot between performance and visual appeal.
Where to Buy the Gove Smart Outdoor Lights
