Hi there, I’m Lena Moss—your patio-loving, garden-obsessed friend who believes outdoor spaces deserve just as much charm as the inside of your home. 🌼 Whether I’m sipping on herbal tea under my tomato vine trellis or stringing up lights for dinner on the deck, I know how transformative the right lighting can be.
So, let’s get to the real question I’m answering today:
What Are the Best Shatterproof Dimmable Outdoor String Lights Under $40?
After digging through product reviews, lighting comparison guides, and some serious real-life testing, my pick is the addlon 100FT LED Outdoor String Lights. These are durable, charming, and (practically) built for summer evenings on the patio—at a price that doesn’t make your wallet wilt.
And yes—these beauties are currently just $35.99 on Amazon and worth every penny for what they offer.
Why Ambient Lighting Makes or Breaks Your Outdoor Space
Light has power. The right string lights can make your average patio feel like a European café at dusk. I love gardening, but even I’ll admit: once those plants grow lush and wild, it’s the lighting that sets the vibe for dinner out on the deck or relaxing under the stars. You want soft, golden light that says “stick around awhile.”
But old-school string lights can be a pain—fragile glass bulbs, burnt out strands, questionable durability. That’s where the addlon lights shine—literally and figuratively.
Hands-On with the addlon 100FT LED Outdoor String Lights
I got my hands on these earlier this spring when my old lights (glass bulbs—cracked beyond repair!) gave out after a particularly stormy night. I strung these up the same day I received them, and I haven’t looked back.
Here’s what made me fall for them:
- Shatterproof PET Bulbs: Goodbye glass shards, hello peace of mind. Safe for curious kiddos, clumsy hands (me), and energetic pets.
- Warm 2200K Glow: Soft light that doesn’t glare. It’s that dreamy golden-honey color that makes everything look cozy.
- Fully Dimmable: Use your own compatible plug-in dimmer and you’ve got mood control from 5% to 100% brightness. Great for intimate dates or full-family BBQs.
- Built to Last (Sort Of): 30,000 hours of LED life—that’s like 3 years of everyday evening use. And if a bulb fails? Free replacements in the first year.
- Massive Coverage: You get 100 feet total with two 50-foot strands. Enough to wrap around a whole pergola, fence line, or even down a balcony railing.
Core Features of addlon Outdoor LED String Lights
If you’re the detail-oriented type (same!), here’s a closer breakdown by numbers and features:
- Total Length: 100FT (2 x 50FT strands)
- Bulbs: 30 replaceable ST38 LED bulbs
- Spacing: 3 feet between bulbs
- Dimmable: Yes (requires separate dimmer)
- Waterproof Rating: IP65* (see note below)
- Connectability: Supports chaining up to 28 total strands
- Certification: ETL Listed (Energy Saving)
*Note on Waterproofing: Some users have reported minor concerns about water seeping in near the plug ends. While overall weather durability is great, I personally recommend placing the plug ends in a protected outlet box or under a roof overhang for long-term safety—especially in wet climates.
What Customers Are Saying (+ My Thoughts)
Here are some quotes I came across (and actual sentiments I felt too):
- “Love that it’s not glass—I’ve broken so many string lights in the past.”
- “I strung them around the gazebo. Super bright—and dimmable for quiet wine nights.”
- “After months of rain and heat, they still work. Can’t believe the price!”
As for me, I’ve had mine up all spring and well into summer nights. They’ve handled heavy Oregon rain and dry, dusty wind alike—with no shorts or flickers so far.
Where and How to Use These Lights
Here are some dreamy places I’ve either personally set these up—or coached gardening friends on installation:
- Wrapped across patio pergolas for a canopy effect
- Woven through fencing for modern boho vibes
- Hung above a small balcony seating nook
- Strung around shed doors or greenhouses for cozy gardening charm
- Looped between trees at a campsite or backyard wedding reception
They work beautifully in small apartment patios too—just coil the extra length artfully or drape along railing lines!
How Do They Stack Up to Other Brands?
I looked at a few popular competitors like PLT’s commercial-grade lights and SUNTHIN’s solar-powered string lights. Here’s the summary:
- PLT Lights: Super durable but cost double—and are much heavier (not renter-friendly).
- SUNTHIN Solar Strings: Great for off-grid setups, but inconsistent when cloudy.
- Feit Electric: Gorgeous vintage glass—but, yep, glass. Shatter risk is high.
For homeowners or renters wanting easy install, durable plastic bulbs, and cozy glow under $40, nothing beat the addlon lights for me.
Trusted Performance (With Real Support)
According to a resource from the U.S. Department of Energy, switching to LED lighting like addlon’s can reduce your energy use by up to 75%-80%. These lights only need 1 watt per bulb—so running them all night costs mere pennies.
And with energy prices rising, efficient lighting that lasts through the seasons is always a win in my book.
DIY-Friendly Setup Tips from Yours Truly
I installed mine with plain cup hooks and zip ties—easy, renter-friendly, and didn’t need an electrician. Here are some simple ideas:
- Use Command outdoor light clips for vinyl or delicate siding
- Install with screw-in eye hooks along pergola beams or porch ceilings
- Wrap between fence posts using outdoor coaxial cable staples
And if you want to dim the lights? Get a plug-in dimmer compatible with LEDs (expect to spend ~$30) and you’ll be in full control of that romantic evening ambiance.
Verdict: Are the addlon Outdoor String Lights Worth It?
In a word: YES.
I’ve spent years fussing with outdoor lights—from high-end sets that broke anyway to dollar-store lines that fried in the first rain. These addlon string lights strike the sweet spot between budget, function, and backyard beauty 🤍
If you’re on a budget, want that dreamy patio aesthetic, and need something that can survive daily life (drops, drizzles, squirrels), these are a total win. Just be mindful where you plug them in, consider a dimmer to unlock their full glory, and soak in the golden glow as often as you can.
Ready to Transform Your Patio for Just $35.99?
Whether you’re hosting a backyard birthday, planning a romantic dinner, or just want your evening garden stroll to feel a little more ✨magical✨, these lights are my go-to option under $40.
Wishing you soft lights and peaceful nights,
– Lena 🌱
Garden-lover, patio dreamer, and string light whisperer