You Installed String Lights. You Still Have to Remember to Turn Them On Every Night.
Most patio string lights have exactly one problem after installation: they require someone to remember them. Walk outside after dark to find you forgot — again. The Ollny 100ft Outdoor String Lights solve that with a built-in dusk-to-dawn sensor that turns the lights on at sunset and off at sunrise automatically, plus a remote control for when you want manual override. 100ft of coverage, 48 G40 LED bulbs, IP45 waterproof, dimmable, with three lighting modes for ambiance or party use. Based on approximately 2,100 customer ratings averaging 4.4 stars. All prices and review counts are estimates and may vary.
Ollny 100ft — Remote Control, Dusk-to-Dawn, 3 Modes
4.4★ · ~2,100 reviews · Check Amazon for current pricing
The string light you don't have to remember. Auto-on at dusk, off at dawn. Remote dims and switches modes from across the yard.
Are the Ollny 100ft String Lights Right for You?
Good fit if you…
- ✓Want lights that turn on automatically at dusk without remembering a switch or scheduling anything in an app
- ✓Like having a remote to dim the lights or switch modes from your seat without going to an outlet
- ✓Host occasional events where a party flash mode is useful beyond everyday ambiance lighting
Not the best fit if you…
- ✗Need maximum weather resistance — IP45 vs IP65 matters if your installation is fully exposed in a high-rain climate
- ✗Want the premium vintage Edison aesthetic — the Enbrighten Vintage with oil-rubbed bronze lens is the better-looking option
- ✗Want to connect many strands in a long run — check max connectable count before planning a 200ft+ installation
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Dusk-to-dawn auto function — turns on and off without any intervention
- Remote control lets you dim or switch modes without going to the outlet
- 3 modes: steady-on, slow fade, flash — covers ambiance and party use cases
- 100ft covers most patio/pergola setups without needing a second strand
- 2 spare bulbs included
- IP45 waterproof — handles rain and typical outdoor exposure
Cons
- IP45 is lower than IP65 — less margin in heavy rain or direct spray
- Newer ASIN — review count is lower than longer-established competitors
- No smart home integration — remote only, no app or voice control
- Plug-in only — requires outdoor outlet access
The Case for Dusk-to-Dawn Auto Control
The single most underrated feature in the outdoor string light category is automatic on/off control. Most patio string lights require you to either run them through a smart plug, connect them to a wall timer, or walk to the outlet every evening and every morning. The Ollny's built-in light sensor eliminates that entirely — the lights respond to natural light conditions without any setup, scheduling, or remembered action on your part.
For a patio that you want consistently lit every evening, this is the difference between a string light installation you use and one you forget about. The dusk sensor calibration is fixed — not adjustable by the user — but for most residential applications the automatic threshold works well across seasons as the sunset time shifts.
The remote control adds meaningful convenience on top of the auto function. From a seated position on the patio, you can dim the lights to a lower level when conversation winds down, switch to a more festive mode when people arrive, or turn them off entirely without getting up. For a permanent overhead installation on a pergola, where reaching the outlet means moving furniture or climbing past your guests, this matters practically.
The three modes — steady, fade, and flash — cover the main use cases. Steady-on is the default for everyday ambiance and is what you'll use 90% of the time. The slow fade creates a breathing effect that some people find more interesting than static lighting for dinner settings. Flash mode is explicitly for festive use — it's visually busy for an everyday patio but appropriate for a party setup where you want the lights to actively signal celebration.
Specifications
| Total Length | 100ft |
| Bulb Count | 48 G40 LED bulbs + 2 spare |
| Waterproof Rating | IP45 |
| Control | Remote control + dusk-to-dawn auto sensor |
| Lighting Modes | 3 (steady, fade, flash) |
| Dimmable | Yes (via remote) |
| Connectable | Yes (end-to-end) |
| Power | Plug-in |
| ASIN | B0DQ3ZPJ32 |
Patio lights that just work — every evening, automatically.
Check Amazon for current pricing on the Ollny 100ft. Remote and spare bulbs included.
Check Price on Amazon →Prices and review counts are estimates and may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the dusk-to-dawn function work on the Ollny string lights?
A built-in light sensor detects when natural light drops at dusk and turns the lights on automatically. At sunrise, they shut off. No scheduling, no app, no remembering. For a patio you want lit every evening, it's the most convenient feature on the product.
What are the 3 lighting modes?
Steady-on (standard ambiance), slow fade (breathing brightness effect), and flash (festive/party mode). For everyday patio use, steady-on is the right choice — the other modes are for special occasions where you want the lights to call attention.
What does IP45 mean — can I leave these outside?
IP45 covers water splashing from any direction — rain and typical outdoor exposure are fine. It's lower than IP65, so avoid positions where water can spray directly and repeatedly at the socket bases. For a covered pergola or overhead patio installation, IP45 is generally sufficient.
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