Best battery-operated string lights

No plug? No problem, when you've come prepared with the best battery-operated string lights for any occasion. Patterned flashing, multiple colors, and generous length are some features that electric, wired lights generally have and battery-operated ones likely lack. Our best overall battery-operated string lights come in a 12-pack and are made by Brightown. These LED "fairy lights" are offered in two solids, cool white and a multipack of varied hues. Also provided are decorative, large-bulbed holiday lights, strip lights, and classic string lights with a modern, LED-powered twist. Check out my faves below, and see which strand catches your eye.

Fairy lights like this battery-operated 12-pack from Brightown are popular. They got their cute name and mass appeal because each LED is hardly more than a blip along a flexible wire, giving these lights an airy feel. Don't discount these hovering light motes, however. They'll cast a surprisingly bright glow per string and are sufficient to see by in dark rooms. Unfortunately, despite these lights' comparatively low energy consumption, the single CR2023 coin battery per strand will only last you 48 hours. That said, they're fantastic for small-scale lighting needs, like garlanding around a  large houseplant or along a windowsill. 

If you're planning to use string lights outdoors, and there's rain on the horizon, consider Bebrant's decorative rope light two-pack. Again, there are no bulbs on these lights, but there are 120 multicolor LEDs spread over their 40-foot length. Bebrant's lights are more reliable than most waterproofed lights, thanks to a slim vinyl tube surrounding the wire and diodes. Within a 16-foot span, you can control these lights with a remote—shuffle between eight modes and ten brightness levels to truly customize your atmosphere. If you're worried about draining the AAA batteries too early, don't sweat it; these lights are on a timer with 6 hours on, 18 hours off. 

Solid shades can truly shine if you choose Joomer's battery-operated string lights. Bold primary and secondary colors are offered, along with cool and warm white. The purple I chose has a moody luminosity, and I was surprised to find emerald green as a choice too. The flattened, shallow LED bulbs help each point of light look uniform, and because they're plastic, they won't shatter if you've dropped them. Previously Joomer made these lights with a white wire but recently changed it to green; this is likely because of outdoor use on shrubs, trees, and other plants. Don't let that limit you, though—indoor use is acceptable too, and their widely spaced bulbs on a 66-foot strand help to diffuse the jewel-like glow they give off.

Triple-strand wire and a remote control chock-full of settings are just the first things I noticed about Homestarry's fairy lights. They're affordable yet packed with features. You can choose from 16 different colors (double what most fairy lights offer) and eight modes via an upgraded remote control. Homestarry also included the option to power each string via three AAA batteries or a USB port. So if you're out of batteries, just plug the USB into a computer, wall charger, USB socket, or power bank. The entire light string, including the battery pack, is rated IP67 waterproof. This rating also keeps any dust and sand from damaging the wiring. Of course, you should avoid fully submerging the battery case in water; IP protection only goes so far.

For those of us that love old-timey holiday lights, Twinkle Star's C6 "strawberry" LED lights nails that design. The C6 bulb got its nickname because of its faceted appearance that resembles the texture and shape of that small, crimson fruit. These facets cast a more diffused glow, making these battery-operated string lights somewhat dimmer when compared to other LED lights. Twinkle Star's lights are a bit more retro when it comes to operation and switching modes as well. You won't find a remote control in the box, just a battery case with a button meant to switch through all the lighting patterns. Each strand is on the short side, too, at just 16 feet in length.

Bottom line

The takeaway from my search for the best battery-operated string lights is pretty clear—pick waterproof ones with a timer to save battery. Battery-operated string lights tend to drain their power source quickly, with an average continuous lifespan of 24 hours. If that's too short a period for your needs, then our best overall string lights from Brightown are your solution. Their 48-hour battery life gives you more time and more light, and a timer helps conserve the juice even further. Brightown even offers these lights in a 12-pack, so you won't run out of length.

For an even more reliable choice, our best value pick by Bebrant is really the way to go; the wiring and diodes are enclosed safely within a clear tube. This flexible vinyl casing keeps water out, and you get two 40-foot strands in one package. If you prefer multicolor lights, Bebrant's will do the job; but if you want solid colors or even just basic warm or cool white, look elsewhere.

Why trust us?

At GardeningEtc, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.