MGVIH Patio String Lights: Picking the Right Length

The MGVIH Outdoor String Led Patio Lights in the 65-foot (20 meter) length have the most complete listing in the lineup. The strand carries 37 ST38 bulbs plus 2 spare bulbs, each on an E12 base, which is the small candelabra-style screw base. Each bulb measures 1.5 x 3.2 inches and glows at 2700K, a warm white similar to a traditional incandescent bulb. One feature heading calls the product “100FT Patio String Lights” while the text below it says 65 feet, so trust the 65-foot figure in the title and description.

The remote lets you choose 25%, 50%, 75% or 100% brightness, three modes (steady lighting, a slow breathing fade and flash), and 3-hour or 5-hour timers so the lights switch off on their own. The remote needs 2 AAA batteries. The bulbs are thick PET plastic that the listing says will not break if dropped, and built-in hooks make hanging easier. The strand has an IP65 rating, a code meaning it is dust tight and protected against water jets, and the listing says it can handle rain, wind, snow and temperatures up to 158°F. The LEDs are described as using up to 98% less electricity than incandescent bulbs, and the title says the strand is connectable, so you can plug another strand into it.

This is the pick for a small patio, a porch, a balcony or a gazebo, and the best choice if you want every detail spelled out before you buy. If you are also dressing the space with seating, our guide to an outdoor patio furniture set pairs nicely with it. For bigger spaces, move up to the 85- or 115-foot strands.

The MGVIH Outdoor String Lights Led Patio set in the 115-foot (35 meter) length is the longest option. Its listing is short: the title names ST38 shatterproof bulbs, a waterproof design, a remote control, dimming and a timer. The specifications add an IP65 rating, warm white color, corded electric power and an ABS plastic material, a tough, common plastic.

The listing does not specify how many bulbs the strand carries, how far apart they are, which brightness levels or timer lengths the remote offers, whether spare bulbs are included or whether it is connectable. It is reasonable to expect a similar remote to the 65-foot set, but we cannot confirm the details from this listing, so check the product page or the box before relying on a specific feature.

Choose the 115-foot strand for a large backyard, a long fence line or a zigzag canopy over a dining area, where several back-and-forth runs eat up length quickly. For a smaller space it will leave a lot of extra cord to hide.

The MGVIH Outdoor String Lights Led Patio set in the 85-foot (25 meter) length sits in the middle. The title promises ST38 shatterproof bulbs, an outdoor waterproof design, a remote control, dimming and a timer. The specifications list warm white color, LED light, corded electric power, weather resistance and ABS plastic.

Unlike the other two, this listing does not give an IP rating, even though the title calls it waterproof. It also does not specify bulb count, spacing, remote brightness steps, timer lengths or spare bulbs. If year-round weather exposure is a priority, the 65-foot set’s documented IP65 rating and 158°F tolerance give you more certainty.

This length fits a mid-size deck, a pergola or a patio where one strand needs to go around the edge and across once. It is a sensible middle ground if the 65-foot strand feels too short and the 115-foot strand too long.

Start by deciding where the plug end sits so the cord reaches an outdoor outlet. Screw sturdy hooks into fascia boards, fence posts or pergola beams every few feet. For long spans with no support, many people run a steel guide wire between two points and clip the lights to it, which takes strain off the cord. The 65-foot strand has built-in hooks on the cord to make this easier. Leave a gentle sag between points, test the lights before the final hang, and keep connections off the ground.