If you've been searching for outdoor string lights that actually survive the elements without babying, the addlon 100FT LED Outdoor String Lights deserve a serious look. This is a full-length, 100-foot strand designed specifically for permanent or semi-permanent outdoor installation — covering serious ground for large patios, pergolas, backyards, and even commercial event spaces.
Here's what the setup gives you: 36 shatterproof ST38 bulb sockets spread across 100 feet of weatherproof cord, a wireless remote for dimming and on/off control, and a connectable design that lets you link multiple strands end-to-end. It's a practical package aimed at homeowners who want ambiance without the fragility of traditional glass bulb strings.
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Brightness & Color Options
The ST38 LED bulbs produce a warm white glow — typically in the 2700K range — which hits that sweet spot between cozy and functional. This isn't floodlight-level brightness, but strung at a standard 8-to-10-foot hang height, the 36 bulbs across 100 feet provide enough illumination to navigate a patio comfortably after dark without squinting at your phone screen to find your drink.
The dimmable functionality is genuinely useful here, not a checkbox feature. Using the included remote, you can dial brightness down for a relaxed dinner vibe or push it up when you need working light for an outdoor gathering. The range of dimming is smooth across the spectrum, without the flickering that plagues cheaper dimmers.
Color options are limited to warm white — there's no color-changing or tunable white mode on these lights. If you need RGB or adjustable color temperature, this isn't your product. For most backyard and porch applications, warm white is exactly right, but it's worth knowing upfront.
Each ST38 bulb is rated for roughly 15,000 to 25,000 hours of use, meaning even at four hours per evening, you're looking at a decade or more before bulb replacements become a real concern. And because the bulbs are individually replaceable, one burnout doesn't strand the whole set.
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Smart Features & Compatibility
These lights are not a smart home product in the Philips Hue or Govee sense — they don't connect to Wi-Fi, work with Alexa, or integrate with Google Home. The "smart" here is a straightforward RF or IR remote control, which handles dimming and power from a reasonable distance.
For homeowners deep in a smart home ecosystem, that's a limitation worth acknowledging. You'll need a smart plug (like a Kasa EP25 or similar) if you want voice control or scheduling baked in. On the upside, that also means zero app setup, no router dependency, and no firmware updates — the remote just works.
If you're shopping for plug-and-play simplicity with basic remote convenience, these deliver exactly that. If you want full automation, plan to pair them with a smart plug.
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Installation & Setup
Setup is one of the more straightforward processes in outdoor lighting. The strand arrives with the bulbs pre-attached, so your main tasks are: plan your layout, anchor your hooks or cable guides, and run the cord. For a standard 20x30-foot patio in a crisscross or perimeter pattern, budget 45 minutes to an hour including hardware mounting.
The cord is rated IP65 waterproof, meaning it handles rain, splashing, and humidity reliably — consistent with the kind of weather resistance you'd expect from a product designed for permanent outdoor use. Always verify that your outlet or extension cord connection point has a weatherproof cover, since the strand's rating doesn't protect against a submerged socket.
The connectable design supports linking multiple strands end-to-end, which is ideal for covering larger spaces without visible gaps. Check the manufacturer's maximum connection limits before daisy-chaining several sets — exceeding the rated load can trip breakers or, more seriously, create a fire hazard. Per
UL guidelines, it's critical to respect the rated wattage and connection limits on any outdoor electrical product.
No professional installation is required, but if you're mounting to masonry, eaves, or overhead structures, have the right anchors on hand before you start. A basic hook-and-lag-screw setup on wood structures takes minimal effort. One important note: keep the power connection indoors or under a weatherproof cover — don't leave a standard plug exposed to standing water.
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Best Uses
These lights are best suited for homeowners with larger outdoor spaces — 100 feet covers substantial ground, and this is not a strand you'd string across a small apartment balcony. The ideal scenarios:
- Backyard pergolas and overhead patio covers — the long run length means you can crisscross a 20x20 foot space multiple times for full canopy coverage
- Fence perimeters — a 100-foot run covers a lot of fence line for ambient border lighting
- Event spaces and large decks — the connectable design means you can scale up for larger gatherings
- Covered porches — the waterproof rating handles humidity and splashing, though covered installations extend the bulb life
For small patios under 300 square feet, a 50-foot strand would likely serve better. This product shines when there's real estate to cover.
Child safety consideration: string lights strung low enough to be within reach of young children present a minor tangle or pull hazard. Mount strands at a minimum of 7 to 8 feet off the ground in family-use areas.
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Worth the Investment?
At the 100-foot length, these lights compete in a segment that ranges from budget no-name imports to premium brands like Brightech or Feit Electric. The shatterproof ST38 bulbs and individual replaceability give addlon a practical durability edge over strands with fused, non-replaceable bulbs.
The remote-controlled dimming adds genuine everyday usability — it's a feature you'll actually use, not just during setup. The lack of smart home integration keeps the price accessible and the setup simple, which is the right tradeoff for most buyers.
The bottom line: if you need 100 feet of reliable, dimmable, weather-resistant outdoor lighting with minimal fuss, addlon delivers a well-rounded package at a fair price point. The absence of smart home connectivity is the main gap, but pairing with a $15 smart plug closes that for most use cases.
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