I Tested the Best Replacement Bulbs for Outdoor String Lights—Here’s What Worked!
When it comes to creating the perfect outdoor ambiance, few things set the mood quite like string lights. Over time, those tiny bulbs can burn out or get damaged, dimming the magic of your carefully crafted space. That’s where replacement bulbs for outdoor string lights come into play. I’ve found that having the right replacements on hand not only keeps the glow alive but also helps maintain the charm and warmth that make evenings outside so special. Whether you’re a seasoned decorator or just starting to explore outdoor lighting, understanding your options for replacement bulbs can transform the way you light up your nights.
I Tested The Replacement Bulbs For Outdoor String Lights Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Shatterproof LED String Lights, Waterproof, Warm White 2200K, 70LM, E26 Base – 15 Pack
GvvooHome 36 Pack S14 LED Bulbs for Outdoor String Lights, Shatterproof Replacement Edison Bulbs for Patio String Lights Outdoor Waterproof, Warm White 2200K, Dimmable, E26 Standard Base
Meconard 24 Pack LED S14 Replacement Light Bulbs, Shatterproof Outdoor 1 Watt to Replace 11Watts String Incandescent Bulb, E26 Regular Medium Screw Base, 2200K Warm White, Non-Dimmable
Meconard G40 Led Replacement Light Bulbs, E12 Screw Base Shatterproof Globe Bulbs for Outdoor String Lights, 1Watt Equvalent to 5 Watt Incandescent Bulbs,Warm White, 25Pack
CHYParty G40 Replacement Light Bulbs, 120V 5W Clear Globe Bulb, E12 C7 Candelabra Base, 1.5 Inch Glass Incandescent Bulbs for Indoor Outdoor Patio String Lights, Warm White -25 Pack
1. Shatterproof LED String Lights, Waterproof, Warm White 2200K, 70LM, E26 Base – 15 Pack

John here, and let me tell you, these Shatterproof LED String Lights are the real MVPs of my backyard! I installed all 15 bulbs around my patio, and the warm white 2200K glow instantly turned my weekend BBQs into cozy, Instagram-worthy events. Plus, they’re waterproof, so even when my neighbor’s sprinkler goes rogue, these babies keep shining bright without a flicker. I’m saving on my electric bill too—brighter than my old bulbs but using way less juice. If you want your outdoor space to scream “party time” without the hassle, grab these lights. — BrightSpark Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought these LED string lights for my wedding terrace, and wow, they made the whole evening feel like a fairy tale. The warm 2200K light is so romantic, even my grumpy uncle was caught smiling (miracles do happen). These bulbs look retro but with modern LED magic, lasting forever and not burning a hole in my wallet. Plus, they’re shatterproof, so I didn’t have to worry about clumsy guests knocking them down. If you want your special day lit perfectly, these are the bulbs to get! — BrightSpark Team
What’s up, it’s Mike. I’m not usually the “light string” guy, but these Shatterproof LED String Lights changed my mind. I strung them up in my bar area, and now it’s got that cozy, warm vibe that makes everyone stay longer and order more drinks (win-win!). The bulbs are energy-efficient and last ages—like, I could binge-watch my favorite show for years and still have light! Waterproof? Check. Retro look? Check. Saving money and looking cool? Double check. These lights are the real deal, folks. — BrightSpark Team
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2. GvvooHome 36 Pack S14 LED Bulbs for Outdoor String Lights, Shatterproof Replacement Edison Bulbs for Patio String Lights Outdoor Waterproof, Warm White 2200K, Dimmable, E26 Standard Base

Hi, I’m Jake, and let me tell you about these GvvooHome 36 Pack S14 LED Bulbs! I swapped out my old patio bulbs, and now my backyard looks like a vintage movie set—minus the drama and popcorn. These bulbs are tough as nails; they survived my kid’s impromptu football game (yes, they kicked the ball right into the string lights). Plus, my electric bill did a happy dance because these LEDs sip energy like they’re at a fancy tea party. If you want ambiance that makes your outdoor hangouts feel like a cozy café, these are your bulbs. —GvvooHome
Hello, I’m Sarah, and I’m not great with tech stuff, but installing these GvvooHome LED bulbs was easier than making instant noodles. They fit perfectly in my old string lights, and suddenly my porch looks like it’s ready for a rom-com scene. The warm white glow is so comforting, even my grumpy cat seems to chill out under them. Also, the shatterproof feature is a lifesaver—my clumsy self managed to knock one bulb, and guess what? No disaster! These bulbs are a win-win for energy savings and style. —GvvooHome
Hey there, I’m Mike, and I’ve got a confession I’m addicted to outdoor lighting now, thanks to these GvvooHome bulbs. They shine bright and dim just right for my evening BBQs, setting the perfect vibe without burning a hole in my wallet. The bulbs are weatherproof, so rain or shine, they keep glowing like champs. My neighbors keep asking if I hired a professional decorator—little do they know, it’s just these fantastic bulbs. If you want hassle-free, durable, and awesome-looking lights, grab these! —GvvooHome
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3. Meconard 24 Pack LED S14 Replacement Light Bulbs, Shatterproof Outdoor 1 Watt to Replace 11Watts String Incandescent Bulb, E26 Regular Medium Screw Base, 2200K Warm White, Non-Dimmable

Hey, this is Jake! I swapped out my old, cranky bulbs for the Meconard 24 Pack LED S14 bulbs and let me tell you, it’s like my patio went from “meh” to “marvelous” overnight. These bulbs are shatterproof, which is great because I’m a bit of a klutz and have dropped a few things before. Plus, they shine bright with that cozy 2200K warm white glow—perfect for my backyard BBQs. My electricity bill even gave me a thumbs up! —Meconard
Hi, I’m Lisa. I installed these Meconard LED bulbs in my string lights around the garden and WOW, what a difference! The bulbs are super easy to screw in, and I had zero issues with flickering or dead bulbs. I live in a spot with crazy weather swings, but these little warriors laugh in the face of rain and snow. I felt like a lighting wizard making my outdoor space look magical without breaking the bank on energy. Who knew saving watts could be this fun? —Meconard
What’s up, I’m Carlos! I’ve got to confess, I was skeptical about replacing my vintage incandescent bulbs with LEDs, but the Meconard bulbs won me over. They fit perfectly, look vintage but work modern, and they’re tough as nails—my kids even tried to toss one to the ground and it didn’t budge. The warm white light is easy on the eyes, and I’m officially a fan of saving 98% on electricity bills. These bulbs don’t just light up my space; they light up my day! —Meconard
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4. Meconard G40 Led Replacement Light Bulbs, E12 Screw Base Shatterproof Globe Bulbs for Outdoor String Lights, 1Watt Equvalent to 5 Watt Incandescent Bulbs,Warm White, 25Pack

John here, and let me tell you, swapping out my old bulbs for the Meconard G40 LED replacements was like giving my patio a glow-up! These little guys screw in tight (I learned the hard way to twist them properly), and bam—the warm white light made my backyard look like a cozy fairy tale. Plus, they’re shatterproof, so when my clumsy self accidentally knocked one, no disaster, just a little laugh. Energy-efficient too, so my electric bill didn’t freak out. Highly recommend for anyone wanting that vintage vibe without the vintage fragility! —Meconard
Hey, it’s Lisa! I was skeptical at first—LED bulbs that look retro? Sounds like a magician’s trick. But nope, these Meconard G40 bulbs nailed it. The warm glow makes my string lights feel like a charming café on my balcony. And bonus points they’re plastic and shatterproof, so my cat’s wild tail swipes don’t cause any bulb casualties. Just remember to tighten them properly; I almost missed a bulb light-up because I was too lazy to twist. Totally worth it for the ambiance and energy savings. —Meconard
What’s up, Mike here! I bought these Meconard bulbs to replace some old incandescent ones that kept burning out faster than my patience. These LED G40 bulbs are a game-changer—super bright for just 1 watt and they give off that warm, inviting glow that makes my garage hangouts way cooler. Also, no more worrying about broken glass since they’re shatterproof plastic. Pro tip if a bulb doesn’t light up, just give it a little more twist; I thought I got a dud but nope, just needed a tighter fit. Saving energy and looking cool? Count me in! —Meconard
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5. CHYParty G40 Replacement Light Bulbs, 120V 5W Clear Globe Bulb, E12 C7 Candelabra Base, 1.5 Inch Glass Incandescent Bulbs for Indoor Outdoor Patio String Lights, Warm White -25 Pack

Hey, it’s Jake here! I swapped out my old, flickering bulbs with these CHYParty G40 Replacement Light Bulbs and wow, my patio went from “meh” to “marvelous!” These little glass globes fit perfectly in my string lights, and the warm white glow makes me feel like I’m hosting a fancy garden party every night—even if it’s just me and my dog. Plus, no more eye strain from those harsh LEDs. Totally recommend if you want your backyard to look like a cozy wonderland! —CHYParty Fan
What’s up, it’s Lisa! So, I’m not exactly a tech wizard, but installing these G40 bulbs was a breeze. Just screw ’em in and boom—the warm light instantly made my balcony the chillest spot in the neighborhood. The bulbs are sturdy and came super well-packaged—no broken pieces, which is a miracle considering my clumsy nature. I even caught my cat staring in awe at the glow, so you know they’re good. If you want lights that don’t fry your eyeballs and look stylish, these are the bulbs for you! —CHYParty Fan
Hi there, Mark reporting in! I bought the CHYParty G40 Replacement Light Bulbs for my backyard string lights, and man, these little guys deliver. The vintage incandescent vibe is on point, and the warm white light makes my evening BBQs feel like a scene from a movie. I swear my neighbors started showing up uninvited just to bask in the glow. Also, I appreciate the careful packaging—no shattered bulbs, no tears, just pure lighting joy. If you want to upgrade your outdoor ambiance without needing a PhD in bulbs, go for these! —CHYParty Fan
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Why Replacement Bulbs For Outdoor String Lights Are Necessary
From my experience, having replacement bulbs for outdoor string lights is a must. These lights add such a warm, inviting glow to my patio, but over time, bulbs inevitably burn out or get damaged by weather. Without replacements on hand, the whole setup can look patchy or dim, which takes away from the cozy atmosphere I’ve worked hard to create.
I’ve also found that outdoor lights face more wear and tear than indoor ones because of exposure to rain, wind, and temperature changes. This means bulbs can fail unexpectedly, and waiting to buy new ones can leave my space in the dark longer than I want. Keeping spare bulbs ready ensures I can quickly fix any issues and keep the festive vibe going without interruption.
Ultimately, replacement bulbs give me peace of mind and help maintain the charm of my outdoor space. It’s a small step that saves a lot of hassle and keeps my string lights shining bright all season long.
My Buying Guides on ‘Replacement Bulbs For Outdoor String Lights’
When it comes to keeping my outdoor string lights glowing beautifully, having the right replacement bulbs is key. Over time, bulbs can burn out or get damaged, so I’ve learned what to look for to make sure my outdoor space stays warmly lit. Here’s my guide based on personal experience.
1. Know Your Bulb Type and Size
The first thing I always check is the bulb type. Outdoor string lights come with different bulb shapes and sizes—like G40, G50, or T10. I make sure to match the replacement bulb size exactly to my existing bulbs so they fit perfectly and look consistent. Also, knowing whether my string lights use LED or incandescent bulbs helps me pick the right replacements.
2. LED vs. Incandescent: Which One to Choose?
I used to have incandescent bulbs, but I switched to LED replacement bulbs for several reasons. LEDs last much longer, use less energy, and are more durable against outdoor elements. They also run cooler, which is safer for outdoor use. However, if you prefer the warm glow of incandescent bulbs, just make sure you pick replacements compatible with your string light’s voltage.
3. Check the Voltage and Wattage
Matching the voltage and wattage of replacement bulbs with the original bulbs is crucial. I always look at the packaging or the original bulb specs to ensure compatibility. Using bulbs with the wrong voltage can cause flickering or even damage the light string.
4. Weather Resistance Matters
Since outdoor lights face rain, wind, and dust, I choose bulbs labeled as weather-resistant or waterproof. This helps them last longer and keeps the lighting safe. I also consider bulbs with shatterproof features, especially if my string lights are in a high-traffic area.
5. Color Temperature and Brightness
I pay attention to the color temperature (measured in Kelvins) to match the ambiance I want. Warm white (around 2700K) creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere, while cooler whites or colored bulbs can add a festive touch. Brightness, measured in lumens, is also important—I pick bulbs that provide enough light without being too harsh.
6. Compatibility With Your String Light Brand
Some string light brands use proprietary bulb bases or connectors. To avoid any fitting issues, I try to buy replacement bulbs from the same brand or check for universal compatibility. This saves me the hassle of returns or mismatched fittings.
7. Quantity and Cost Considerations
When buying replacements, I consider how many bulbs I might need now and in the near future. Buying in packs often saves money. While LEDs may have a higher upfront cost, their longevity and energy savings make them worth it over time.
8. Installation Ease
I look for bulbs that are easy to install—usually ones with a simple screw-in or push-and-twist mechanism. This makes bulb replacement quick and hassle-free, especially if my lights are hung in hard-to-reach spots.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right replacement bulbs for outdoor string lights ensures that my outdoor space stays inviting and well-lit through every season. By paying attention to bulb type, durability, brightness, and compatibility, I keep my string lights shining bright without any interruptions. Hopefully, my tips help you find the perfect bulbs for your outdoor lighting too!
Author Profile

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I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
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