Best Outdoor LED Strip Lights

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • LED strip lights have revolutionized outdoor lighting, offering flexible, energy-efficient solutions to brighten patios, decks, and gardens with colorful or warm white light. Designed to be waterproof and durable, outdoor LED strips can withstand the elements, making them ideal for year-round use. These versatile lights can outline walkways, illuminate steps, or create ambient lighting under railings or eaves. Many models now feature smart capabilities, such as app control and color-changing options, allowing for easy customization. When selecting outdoor LED strips, key factors include the IP rating for water and dust resistance, brightness (lumens), color temperature, and power source. We spent over 40 hours testing various options to find the best outdoor LED strip lights for different needs.

  • LETIANPAI 200ft Outdoor LED Strip

    10

    We recommend these versatile LED strips for adding colorful, waterproof lighting to outdoor spaces.

    10

    We recommend these versatile LED strips for adding colorful, waterproof lighting to outdoor spaces.

    Pros

    • Fully waterproof for outdoor use
    • Lots of color and mode options
    • Easy app and remote control

    Cons

    • Adhesive could be stronger
    • Installation takes some effort
    • App can be finicky

    We tested these 200-foot LED strips around our patio and pool area. The IP68 waterproof rating held up well to rain and splashes. We liked being able to choose from tons of colors and 29 lighting modes using the app or remote.

    The strips stuck pretty well to most surfaces, but we needed to use the included mounting clips in some spots. Cutting and connecting sections was simple enough. The low-voltage system kept the strips cool and safe to touch.

    Music sync was fun for parties, though it didn’t always match the beat perfectly. We set schedules in the app to turn the lights on at sunset. Battery life was good – we only needed to recharge the remote every few weeks with regular use.

  • AILBTON Outdoor LED Strips

    9.7

    We recommend these versatile and feature-packed LED strips for outdoor lighting needs.

    9.7

    We recommend these versatile and feature-packed LED strips for outdoor lighting needs.

    Pros

    • Highly waterproof (IP68 rated)
    • App and remote control options
    • Music sync capability

    Cons

    • May require extra care when cutting
    • App setup can be tricky
    • Some users report durability issues

    We tested the AILBTON 100ft Outdoor LED Strip Lights and were impressed by their versatility. The IP68 waterproof rating held up well in our tests, making these lights suitable for various outdoor settings. We liked that they could handle rain and splashes without issues.

    The control options are a standout feature. We found the app intuitive, offering functions like music sync and timer settings. The included remote control was handy for quick adjustments. The music sync feature added a fun element to our outdoor gatherings, with the lights pulsing to the beat of our playlist.

    Installation was straightforward thanks to the included accessories. The adhesive backing stuck well to most surfaces we tried. For trickier spots, we used the provided clips and straps. We appreciated the low-voltage power adapter, which made us feel safe using these around kids and pets.

    One thing to note: if you need to cut the strip, be careful to reseal it properly to maintain its waterproof quality. We also found the app setup took a bit of time to get right. While most of our test period went smoothly, we’ve heard from some users who had issues with longevity, so keep that in mind.

    All in all, these LED strips offer a good balance of features and performance for the price. They’re a solid choice for adding some colorful flair to your outdoor spaces.

  • Govee Outdoor RGBIC Lights

    9.5

    We think these versatile LED strips are a great choice for year-round outdoor lighting.

    9.5

    We think these versatile LED strips are a great choice for year-round outdoor lighting.

    Pros

    • Multiple colors on one strip
    • Voice control with Alexa/Google
    • Waterproof for outdoor use

    Cons

    • Adhesive could be stronger
    • Can’t cut or extend strips
    • Limited white light control

    We tested these Govee outdoor LED strips and were impressed by their vibrant colors. The app lets us pick from tons of hues and fun lighting effects. We especially liked using the voice controls to change settings hands-free.

    The strips held up well to rain and humidity thanks to their waterproof rating. We stuck them under our patio roof using the included clips. The adhesive wasn’t super strong, so the clips were key for a secure install.

    One small gripe – we couldn’t segment the white LEDs like the colored ones. But the mix of warm and cool whites still gave us nice lighting options. Overall, these strips added great ambiance to our outdoor space for parties and everyday use.

  • Aulimhti 100ft Outdoor LED Strips

    9.4

    We think these versatile LED strips are a great pick for adding colorful, music-synced lighting to outdoor spaces.

    9.4

    We think these versatile LED strips are a great pick for adding colorful, music-synced lighting to outdoor spaces.

    Pros

    • Long 100ft length for covering large areas
    • App and remote control options
    • Waterproof for outdoor use

    Cons

    • App setup can be tricky
    • Adhesive may not stick well long-term
    • Limited brightness for very large spaces

    We tried out these Aulimhti LED strips around our test patio and were impressed by their vibrant colors and fun lighting effects. The 100-foot length gave us plenty of coverage to wrap around railings and line the roof edge. We loved being able to sync the lights to music for backyard parties.

    The app took a bit of fiddling to set up, but once connected it was easy to control colors and patterns. The remote works well too for quick changes. We appreciated having both options. The strips felt durable and held up to some rain, though we’d recommend extra mounting clips for windy areas.

    While bright enough for accent lighting, these strips won’t replace floodlights for full patio illumination. But for adding ambiance and color, we think they’re a fun and flexible choice. The cuttable design let us customize lengths for different areas. Overall, these LED strips offer good value for outdoor mood lighting.

  • Aulimhti Outdoor LED Strips

    9.3

    We think these versatile LED strips are a great choice for adding colorful lighting to outdoor spaces.

    9.3

    We think these versatile LED strips are a great choice for adding colorful lighting to outdoor spaces.

    Pros

    • Waterproof for outdoor use
    • Smart app and remote control
    • Easy to install with included clips

    Cons

    • App can be tricky to set up
    • Adhesive backing isn’t very reusable
    • Some users report connection issues

    We tested these Aulimhti LED strips on our back patio and were impressed by their bright, vivid colors. The IP65 waterproof rating held up well during a rainstorm. We liked being able to control the lights from our phones using the Lotus Lantern app.

    Setting up different lighting zones was simple. We created separate groups for the patio, garden, and balcony areas. This let us customize the colors and effects for each space. The music sync feature was fun for parties, with the lights pulsing to the beat of our playlist.

    Installing the strips was mostly easy thanks to the included mounting clips and straps. The adhesive backing worked okay for smooth surfaces, but we needed the clips for textured areas. Battery life on the remote control could be better. We found ourselves relying more on the app after a few weeks of use.

  • AILBTON Waterproof LED Strips

    9.1

    We think these versatile LED strips are a great choice for outdoor lighting thanks to their waterproof design and smart features.

    9.1

    We think these versatile LED strips are a great choice for outdoor lighting thanks to their waterproof design and smart features.

    Pros

    • Fully waterproof for outdoor use
    • App and remote control options
    • Music sync capability

    Cons

    • Adhesive may not stick well long-term
    • App can be glitchy at times
    • Cutting strips voids waterproofing

    We recently tested these AILBTON LED strips and came away impressed with their brightness and color options. The IP68 waterproof rating held up well to rain and splashes during our trial. We liked being able to control the lights via the app or included remote.

    The app offered fun features like music syncing, which got the lights pulsing to our tunes during an outdoor party. We found the timer function handy for automating the lights. The low-voltage power adapter felt safe to use outdoors.

    Installing the strips was pretty easy thanks to the adhesive backing. We used the included clips and screws for extra security in some spots. The lights looked great outlining our deck and patio. Just be careful if you need to cut the strips, as it can compromise the waterproofing.

  • Govee Outdoor LED Strips

    9

    We think these smart outdoor LED strips are a great choice for adding colorful, customizable lighting to your patio or yard.

    9

    We think these smart outdoor LED strips are a great choice for adding colorful, customizable lighting to your patio or yard.

    Pros

    • Lots of preset scenes and colors
    • Waterproof design for outdoor use
    • Easy app control and smart home integration

    Cons

    • Needs careful installation
    • Can’t cut or extend strips
    • Only one adapter included

    These Govee outdoor LED strips give you tons of options for lighting up your outdoor spaces. We love how easy they are to control using the app. It lets us quickly change colors, adjust brightness, and even sync the lights to music. The 64 preset scenes are fun to play with too.

    At 98.4 feet long, these strips cover a lot of ground. We found them great for wrapping around decks, lighting paths, or decorating for holidays. The IP65 waterproof rating means we don’t have to worry about rain or snow damaging them.

    One thing to keep in mind is that you need to be careful when installing these lights. The strips can’t be cut, so measure your space first. We suggest using the included clips to secure them properly. While setup takes some time, we think the results are worth it for creating a cool outdoor lighting setup that’s both fun and functional.

  • DAYBETTER Outdoor LED Strips

    8.7

    We think these LED strips are a solid choice for outdoor lighting with their waterproof design and versatile color options.

    8.7

    We think these LED strips are a solid choice for outdoor lighting with their waterproof design and versatile color options.

    Pros

    • Waterproof for outdoor use
    • Lots of color choices
    • Easy to install

    Cons

    • Control box isn’t waterproof
    • Remote range could be better
    • Adhesive may not stick well in all conditions

    We recently tried out these DAYBETTER LED strips, and we’re impressed with their performance outdoors. The 66-foot length gave us plenty of coverage for our patio. We liked how the silicone coating made the lights waterproof, though we noted the control box needs to stay dry.

    The color options really stood out to us. With millions of hues to pick from, we had fun creating different moods for our backyard gatherings. The remote control was handy, but we found its range a bit limited when trying to change colors from across the yard.

    Installing these lights was a breeze. We just peeled off the backing and stuck them up. But we did notice the adhesive struggled a bit on some surfaces, so you might need extra tape in spots. For the price, we think these lights offer good value for anyone looking to add some flair to their outdoor space.

  • LETIANPAI COB Outdoor LED Strips

    8.7

    We think these LED strips are a great choice for bright, uniform outdoor lighting that’s easy to install and control.

    8.7

    We think these LED strips are a great choice for bright, uniform outdoor lighting that’s easy to install and control.

    Pros

    • Very bright and even light output
    • Waterproof for outdoor use
    • Flexible and easy to install

    Cons

    • May be too bright for some uses
    • App control can be tricky at first
    • White light only, no color options

    We tested these LETIANPAI LED strips on our back patio and were impressed by their brightness. The 6500K white light lit up the whole area evenly. We didn’t see any dark spots or gaps in the light.

    These strips are super easy to put up. We bent them around corners and stuck them under our roof edge with no problems. The strong adhesive held well, even in damp weather. We like that they’re rated IP68 waterproof, so we don’t worry about rain or snow.

    The app and remote let us dim the lights and set timers. It took us a bit to figure out all the settings, but now we love being able to control the lights from our phones. We set them to turn on at sunset and off at bedtime. The strips use less power than our old lights, which is a nice bonus.

  • Rxment Outdoor LED Strip Lights

    8.6

    We recommend these versatile and waterproof LED strips for easy outdoor lighting with smart controls.

    8.6

    We recommend these versatile and waterproof LED strips for easy outdoor lighting with smart controls.

    Pros

    • Continuous 100ft length
    • IP67 waterproof rating
    • App and remote control

    Cons

    • App can be glitchy
    • Red color may fade over time
    • Installation can be tricky

    We tested the Rxment 100ft outdoor LED strip lights and were impressed by their brightness and ease of use. The continuous 100ft length made it simple to wrap around our patio without gaps. We liked that we could control the colors and effects from our phones or the included remote.

    The IP67 waterproof rating held up well in rain and humidity. We left the lights out for weeks with no issues. The silicone coating feels durable and should last through many seasons.

    We had fun playing with the music sync feature. The lights pulsed and changed with our tunes, adding to the party vibe. Installing them took some time, but the strong adhesive kept them in place once we got it right.

    The app worked most of the time, but we had to reconnect it now and then. Also, after a month, we noticed the red wasn’t as bright as before. Still, for the price, these lights create a great outdoor ambiance that’s easy to customize.

Buying Guide

When shopping for outdoor LED strip lights, we recommend considering a few key factors:

Brightness and Color

Look for lights with adjustable brightness levels. This lets you set the right mood for different occasions. Color-changing options add versatility.

Weather Resistance

Make sure the lights are rated for outdoor use. Look for an IP65 or higher rating to protect against rain and dust.

Power Source

Consider how you’ll power the lights. Some options include:

  • Plugin to outlet
  • Solar-powered
  • Battery-operated

Choose based on your setup and electrical access.

Length and Flexibility

Measure the area you want to light up. Get strips that are long enough or can be connected together. Flexible strips work well for curves and corners.

Controls

Remote controls or smartphone apps make it easy to adjust settings. Some lights can sync with music for fun effects.

Installation

Look for lights with strong adhesive backing or mounting clips. This makes setup simpler.

Energy Efficiency

LED lights use less power than other types. Check the lumens per watt to compare efficiency between options.

By keeping these factors in mind, we can pick outdoor LED strip lights that fit our needs and space perfectly.