You have more than 50 feet to cover. The standard 48-foot strand hits the far corner of your pergola and stops 15 feet short of the patio edge. Here's what 100-foot options actually look like.
The 48-foot outdoor string light is the category default — most listings, most reviews, most comparisons assume that length. But a 20×20-foot patio, a full-length pergola, an L-shaped outdoor dining and lounge setup, or any backyard where the outlet is not at the midpoint of the run will immediately exceed 48 feet. The 100-foot category exists precisely for those spaces. This page compares three options ranked by use case: one with the most proven review record, one at the best value price point, and one with an included remote control — a feature almost no other 100-foot option offers. All review counts and prices are estimates and may vary.
Why 100 Feet Matters for Real Outdoor Spaces
A standard 20×20-foot patio run in a simple grid pattern — four parallel lines spaced two feet apart, plus the connecting runs along the edges — adds up to roughly 200 feet of wire. That is two 100-foot strands connected end-to-end, or four 48-foot strands run separately. Running four separate strands from the same outlet means four outlet plugs, four cords to manage, and four places where the run can come apart. Running two 100-foot strands means half the connections and a cleaner installation.
The length calculation also changes for non-square spaces. An L-shaped patio with one arm running 30 feet and another running 25 feet, plus an overlap at the corner, can easily reach 80–100 feet in a single run. A pergola spanning the full width of a house — 40 feet plus overhang — plus a return run and the lead wire to the outlet can push 90–110 feet before you have covered anything in a grid. The 100-foot format prevents the mid-run splicing and cord management that makes shorter strands a frustrating substitute.
All three products on this list are also connectable, meaning you can chain multiple 100-foot strands end-to-end for decks, event venues, or long driveways where even 100 feet is not enough. The practical limit is always your circuit's amperage rather than the product's maximum strand count — calculate wattage before chaining and leave room below the breaker rating.
Quick Comparison: All 3 Products
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brightown 100FT G40 Outdoor String Lights | Best Overall | ★★★★½4.8(~3,200) | $35–$55 |
| Ollny 100FT Outdoor String Lights | Best Value | ★★★★4.4(~2,100) | $25–$40 |
| MGVIH 100FT ST38 Outdoor String Lights with Remote | Best with Remote | ★★★★4.2(~500+) | $25–$35 |
#1 Best Overall: Brightown 100FT G40 Outdoor String Lights
Brightown 100FT G40 Outdoor String Lights
Specs: 100ft · 52 G40 shatterproof bulbs + 2 spare · 2200K · IP65 · connectable up to 14 strands
Price range: $35–$55Check Amazon for live price
Check Price on Amazon- 4.8 stars across 3,200+ verified reviews is the strongest quality signal in the 100-foot category
- 52 G40 globe bulbs at 2200K produces deep, warm-amber bistro ambiance — the gold standard for patio string lighting
- IP65 waterproof and connectable up to 14 strands — works for a single patio or a 1,400-foot venue setup
- Shatterproof LED bulbs handle drops during installation and stay cool enough to touch after hours of use
The Brightown 100FT G40 is the default recommendation in the 100-foot outdoor string light category because it has earned it. The 4.8-star average across over 3,200 reviews is not a marketing claim — it is the accumulated signal of a large buyer pool who are satisfied with the product. The 2200K color temperature is slightly warmer and more amber than the standard 2700K warm white, which is exactly what creates the restaurant-patio glow that makes string lights worth buying in the first place. At full brightness, the 52 G40 globe bulbs create even, warm overhead light. On a compatible dimmer, turned down to 40–50%, the space transforms into something genuinely atmospheric. The shatterproof bulbs matter: glass G40 bulbs break during installation, especially at height. The Brightown bulbs are plastic and LED — they handle drops without shattering and produce almost no heat, which means no burned fingers when you reach up to adjust placement.
Who should skip it: The Brightown does not include a remote — dimming requires a separate compatible outdoor dimmer switch (sold separately). If remote control is essential to how you use your patio, look at the MGVIH below.
#2 Best Value: Ollny 100FT Outdoor String Lights
Ollny 100FT Outdoor String Lights
Specs: 100ft · shatterproof bulbs · IP65 · multiple lighting modes · dimmable
Price range: $25–$40Check Amazon for live price
Check Price on Amazon- 4.4 stars across 2,100+ reviews — a strong showing for a newer brand, and the review count is large enough to be meaningful
- Priced at the lower end of the 100-foot category, making it the best entry point for buyers who want length without premium pricing
- IP65 waterproof matches the Brightown's weather protection at a lower price point
- Multiple lighting modes and dimmable operation add flexibility without the cost premium of the remote-equipped MGVIH
The Ollny 100FT earns its Best Value position by delivering the core requirements of a 100-foot outdoor string light — shatterproof bulbs, IP65 waterproofing, dimmable operation — at a price point that undercuts the Brightown by $10–15 in most cases. The tradeoff is a lower rating (4.4 vs. 4.8 stars) and fewer review-proven credentials. For a buyer who primarily needs length and all-season outdoor durability without paying for brand recognition, the Ollny is a credible pick. The Ollny also offers multiple lighting modes, giving it more versatility than a single-mode warm-white-only option. If you have a space that sometimes calls for a different look — a party mode, a slower pulse, a color temperature change — the Ollny handles that without an additional purchase.
Who should skip it: If the 0.4-star gap vs. the Brightown matters to you — and across 2,100 reviews, a gap that size is statistically meaningful — pay the extra $10–15 for the Brightown. The Ollny is a value play, not a performance play.
#3 Best with Remote: MGVIH 100FT ST38 Outdoor String Lights with Remote
MGVIH 100FT ST38 Outdoor String Lights with Remote
Specs: 100ft · 37 ST38 shatterproof bulbs + 2 spare · 2700K · IP65 · remote with 4-level dimming · -4°F to 158°F
Price range: $25–$35Check Amazon for live price
Check Price on Amazon- Includes a remote control in the box — genuinely rare in the 100-foot outdoor string light category
- 4-level dimming (25%/50%/75%/100%) via remote means you can adjust from your chair without getting up
- ST38 Edison vintage shape offers a different aesthetic from G40 globe bulbs — better fit for industrial or farmhouse-style pergolas
- Wide temperature range (-4°F to 158°F) is rated for year-round use in most North American climates
The MGVIH earns the Best with Remote badge because it solves a real problem: most 100-foot string lights require a separate dimmer purchase and a trip to the outlet every time you want to adjust brightness. The included remote handles on/off and four discrete brightness levels, which changes how you actually use the lights in practice. Dimming string lights to 25–50% during an evening gathering versus running them at full brightness for a work session on the patio is the difference between atmospheric and functional — and having that control from your seat makes it a decision you actually make rather than skipping because the adjustment is inconvenient. The tradeoff is the lowest rating of the three (4.2 stars), and the smallest review base (~500+ reviews). This is a newer ASIN, and its current bestseller ranking reflects sales velocity rather than a long proven track record. The feature set at this price is unusual, but the risk profile is higher than the Brightown.
Who should skip it: Skip the MGVIH if remote control is not a priority and you want the lowest-risk purchase in the category. The Brightown at 4.8 stars and 3,200+ reviews is the better choice if you are simply looking for excellent 100-foot bistro lighting and are fine buying a separate dimmer.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in 100-Foot Outdoor String Lights
Bulb Style
The two dominant bulb shapes in the 100-foot category are G40 globe and ST38 Edison tube. G40 bulbs are round, approximately 1.6 inches in diameter, and give a full café-lamp appearance — the bistro look most people picture when they think “patio string lights.” ST38 bulbs are narrower and tubular, with a vintage-incandescent Edison filament silhouette that reads as more industrial or farmhouse in style. Color temperature also matters: 2200K is deep amber and candlelike; 2700K is warm white, slightly cleaner, closer to standard residential interior lighting. Both are warm; the choice between them depends on whether you want maximum atmosphere or maximum versatility.
Connectable Strands
Connectivity — the ability to plug the end of one strand into the beginning of the next — is essential for any space that might ever exceed 100 feet. All three products on this list are connectable. The important detail is the manufacturer's stated maximum (typically 6–14 strands) and the actual circuit limit, which is determined by your breaker and the total wattage of all connected bulbs. Calculate total draw before connecting more than 3–4 strands in series, and always use a GFCI-protected outlet for outdoor string lights.
Dimming and Control
Most plug-in outdoor string lights are not dimmable out of the box — they plug in, they glow at full brightness, and that is the extent of the control. Dimming requires either a compatible outdoor inline dimmer switch (sold separately, works with the Brightown G40 and most LED string lights) or a product that includes its own remote, like the MGVIH. The remote approach is more convenient because you do not need a separate purchase and the control is wireless. The dimmer-switch approach gives you more precise control and works with any dimmable LED string light. If dimming is important to how you use your outdoor space, factor this into your purchase decision before you install and discover you are running lights at full brightness every night because adjusting them requires a ladder.
IP Rating
IP65 is the standard for outdoor string lights that can stay installed through a rainy season. The “6” in IP65 means complete dust protection; the “5” means protection against water jets from any direction. That covers rain, sprinklers, and garden hose splashes. IP65 does not mean submersible — avoid positions where water can pool around socket bases. IP44 or IP45, found on some cheaper options, offers less water protection and is more appropriate for covered outdoor areas or temporary installations where you bring the lights in during heavy weather. All three products on this list carry IP65.
Shatterproof vs. Glass Bulbs
Glass bulbs look slightly better in direct sunlight — the optical clarity of real glass catches light in ways that PET plastic does not. But outdoor string light installations at height drop bulbs. A glass bulb dropped from a pergola onto concrete shatters; a PET plastic bulb bounces. At night with the lights on, the difference between glass and plastic is invisible — both produce the same warm glow. For any installation where people are moving under the lights (events, children, pets), shatterproof plastic is a meaningful safety improvement over glass. All three products on this list use shatterproof plastic bulbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many 100-foot string lights do I need for a 20×20 patio?
A single 100-foot strand covers a 20×20-foot space in a simple zigzag or diagonal pattern. For a full grid with parallel lines spaced 18–24 inches apart, you will need 2–3 strands of 100 feet. Most people find that one strand in a zigzag or drape pattern from corner post to corner post gives sufficient coverage for a single outdoor seating area without the complexity of managing multiple strands.
What is the difference between G40 and ST38 string light bulbs?
G40 bulbs are round globe-shaped at about 1.6 inches in diameter — the full café-lamp appearance most associated with patio string lights. ST38 bulbs are straight-tubular, narrower, and tapered at the top for a vintage Edison bar look. G40 suits modern or contemporary patios; ST38 suits farmhouse, rustic, or industrial outdoor spaces. Both are equally weather-resistant and produce similar light output in LED form.
Can you connect multiple 100-foot string lights end-to-end?
Yes — all three products on this list are connectable. The practical limit is your circuit's amperage. On a standard 15-amp household circuit, calculate total wattage (bulbs × watts per bulb × number of strands) and leave 20% headroom below the 1,440-watt circuit limit. Always use a GFCI-protected outdoor outlet.
Do outdoor string lights work in rain?
All three products on this list carry IP65 waterproof ratings, meaning they are protected against water jets from any direction — rain, sprinklers, and garden hose spray are all fine. They are not submersible. Avoid positions where water pools around socket bases, but for typical outdoor use including full rainy seasons, IP65 string lights are designed to stay up without issue.
Bottom Line
For most buyers, the Brightown 100FT G40 is the right choice — 4.8 stars across 3,200+ reviews is one of the strongest quality signals in the outdoor string light category, and the 2200K G40 globe aesthetic is exactly what the “bistro patio” look calls for. If budget is the primary constraint, the Ollny delivers the core features at a lower price point. If remote control is a priority — and for large-space hosting it is a genuine quality-of-life improvement — the MGVIH is the only 100-foot option that includes one in the box. Any of the three will cover a large patio in a single run. The choice between them comes down to how much review depth you need and which one specific feature matters most to you.
See the Brightown 100FT G40 on Amazon →More Outdoor String Light Guides
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