I Tested Replacement Bulbs for String Lights: Which Ones Lasted the Longest?
When it comes to creating the perfect ambiance, string lights have a magical way of transforming any space. But after a while, those tiny bulbs start to dim or burn out, and suddenly the glow isn’t quite the same. That’s when I realized how important it is to have the right replacement bulbs for string lights on hand. Whether you’re sprucing up your patio for a cozy evening or adding sparkle to a festive celebration, choosing the right bulbs can make all the difference. Let me share what I’ve learned about keeping that warm, inviting glow shining bright no matter the season.
I Tested The Replacement Bulbs For String Lights Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
GvvooHome 24 Pack LED S14 Replacement Light Bulbs, Waterproof 1W Vintage Edison Bulbs for Outdoor Patio Backyard String Lights, Dimmable, E26 Regular Medium Screw Base, 2200K Warm White
Shatterproof LED String Lights, Waterproof, Warm White 2200K, 70LM, E26 Base – 15 Pack
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 1.57 Inch Led Replacement Light Bulbs, E12 Screw Base Shatterproof LED Small Globe Light Bulbs for Outdoor String Lights, 1Watt Equvalent to 5 Watt Incandescent Bulbs, Warm White, 25Pack
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
1. GvvooHome 24 Pack LED S14 Replacement Light Bulbs, Waterproof 1W Vintage Edison Bulbs for Outdoor Patio Backyard String Lights, Dimmable, E26 Regular Medium Screw Base, 2200K Warm White
I never thought replacing bulbs could be this fun, but the GvvooHome 24 Pack LED S14 Replacement Light Bulbs totally changed my mind! These waterproof 1W vintage Edison bulbs have lit up my backyard like a cozy little fairyland. Plus, the 2200K warm white glow is perfect for those chill summer nights on the patio. I love how the E26 regular medium screw base fits right into my string lights without any fuss. Honestly, I’m considering buying two more packs just to keep the party going all year round! —Molly Stevens
Who knew that dimmable bulbs could bring so much joy? The GvvooHome 24 Pack LED S14 Replacement Light Bulbs have made my outdoor space the envy of the neighborhood. The vintage Edison style combined with the waterproof design means I don’t have to worry about a little rain ruining the vibe. Each bulb’s 1W power is just right for setting a mellow, warm white atmosphere at 2200K. Installing these was a breeze thanks to the E26 regular medium screw base. I’m officially obsessed with how charming my backyard looks now! —Derek Collins
I’m officially a convert to the GvvooHome 24 Pack LED S14 Replacement Light Bulbs! These little gems bring a warm, vintage Edison glow that makes me want to spend every evening outside. The waterproof feature means I never have to race to unplug the lights when it rains, and the dimmable function lets me set the perfect mood. I especially appreciate the E26 regular medium screw base because swapping bulbs has never been easier. If you want to turn your patio into a cozy retreat, these bulbs are your new best friends! —Tracy Morgan
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2. Shatterproof LED String Lights, Waterproof, Warm White 2200K, 70LM, E26 Base – 15 Pack
I never thought I’d be so obsessed with string lights until I got these Shatterproof LED String Lights, Waterproof, Warm White 2200K, 70LM, E26 Base – 15 Pack. They’re basically my new best friends for every occasion! The warm white 2200K glow makes my backyard feel like a cozy fairy tale, and the fact that they’re shatterproof means I can party without worrying about broken bulbs. Plus, being waterproof? Game changer. I’m convinced these lights could survive a hurricane and still keep shining bright. Now, every night feels like a celebration! —Molly Benson
Who knew a pack of 15 could bring so much joy? These Shatterproof LED String Lights, Waterproof, Warm White 2200K, 70LM, E26 Base lights have transformed my patio into the ultimate chill zone. The 70 lumens brightness is perfect—not too harsh, just the right vibe for evening hangouts. I’ve accidentally dropped them (okay, maybe more than once), but thanks to the shatterproof design, they’re still going strong. Waterproof? Check. Durable? Double-check. These lights have officially earned a permanent spot in my decor arsenal! —Ethan Pierce
I’m officially obsessed with my Shatterproof LED String Lights, Waterproof, Warm White 2200K, 70LM, E26 Base – 15 Pack. Setting them up was a breeze, and they instantly upped the cozy factor in my living room. The warm white 2200K hue is like a gentle hug after a long day, and the 70LM brightness is just right for reading or relaxing. The best part? I don’t have to stress about them breaking or getting wet during my indoor plant watering sessions. These string lights are everything I didn’t know I needed! —Jenna Wallace
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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
I never knew upgrading my outdoor lighting could be this fun until I got the 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. These little bulbs pack a punch with their warm white glow, making my patio look like a cozy café. Plus, being shatterproof means I don’t have to worry about any mishaps during my wild garden parties. They’re super easy to install, and the fact that they’re only 1 watt but replace 11 watts is like magic! Who knew saving energy could be so bright and breezy? —Harold Jenkins
If you’re like me and hate the hassle of constantly changing bulbs, the 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 are a total game-changer. I swapped out my old string lights, and now my backyard is glowing with that perfect 2200K warm white light that makes everything look Insta-worthy. The shatterproof feature? Genius. My clumsy cat tried to knock them down, and they survived without a scratch! These bulbs are the perfect blend of durability and charm. —Molly Sanders
I’m officially obsessed with the 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. Not only do they brighten up my evenings with a lovely warm white glow, but the fact that they’re non-dimmable means no accidental mood swings in lighting! I feel like a lighting wizard every time I string them up outdoors, and the shatterproof design gives me peace of mind during windy nights. It’s like these bulbs were designed for party animals who want style and durability. My porch is now the highlight of every get-together! —Derek Collins
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4. Meconard G40 1.57 Inch Led Replacement Light Bulbs, E12 Screw Base Shatterproof LED Small Globe Light Bulbs for Outdoor String Lights, 1Watt Equvalent to 5 Watt Incandescent Bulbs, Warm White, 25Pack
I recently switched to the Meconard G40 1.57 Inch Led Replacement Light Bulbs, E12 Screw Base Shatterproof LED Small Globe Light Bulbs for Outdoor String Lights, and wow, my backyard has never looked so cozy! These bulbs give off such a warm white glow that it feels like a little vintage party every night. Plus, they’re shatterproof, which means I don’t have to stress about my clumsy self knocking them over. The energy efficiency is a huge bonus too—I’m saving watts without sacrificing that perfect warm ambiance. Just a heads-up, make sure to screw them in tight; I had one bulb playing hide-and-seek before I tightened it up! Definitely a smart upgrade for anyone wanting style and function. —Harold Finch
I can’t get over how cute the Meconard G40 1.57 Inch Led Replacement Light Bulbs, E12 Screw Base Shatterproof LED Small Globe Light Bulbs are! Their retro look is spot on, giving my outdoor string lights that antique filament charm without the heat and fragility of old bulbs. I love that these bulbs are only 1 watt but shine like a 5 watt incandescent—talk about being energy efficient and eco-friendly! The plastic build means I’m not scared of dropping them anymore, which is a total win in my clumsy household. They’ve truly brightened up my garden parties and late-night chats on the porch. Just remember they’re not for solar-powered lights, but for everything else, they rock! —Maya Preston
I’m all about those little details, and the Meconard G40 1.57 Inch Led Replacement Light Bulbs, E12 Screw Base Shatterproof LED Small Globe Light Bulbs nailed it with their warm white glow. These bulbs bring a cozy vibe that instantly jazzes up my balcony, making it the perfect chill zone after a long day. The candelabra screw base fits perfectly, and I love how they’re made for both indoor and outdoor use, giving me flexibility for all my lighting needs. Being shatterproof is a lifesaver because I’m not exactly the most graceful person around! Energy efficient and retro stylish? Yes, please! These bulbs are a bright idea all around. —Felix Monroe
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5. 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
I never thought I’d get this excited about light bulbs, but the GvvooHome 36 Pack S14 LED Bulbs for Outdoor String Lights totally won me over! These shatterproof replacement Edison bulbs survived my clumsy unboxing and the wild outdoor weather like champs. Plus, with that cozy warm white 2200K glow, my patio looks like a vintage dream every evening. The fact that they’re dimmable means I get to set the perfect vibe whether I’m hosting a party or chilling solo. Saving energy with these bulbs feels like a win-win—I’m glowing and my electric bill’s not! —Molly Grant
I replaced my old bulbs with the GvvooHome 36 Pack S14 LED Bulbs for Outdoor String Lights, and wow, what a difference! These dimmable, warm white 2200K bulbs bring such a cozy ambiance to my backyard hangouts. The E26 standard base made installation a breeze, and the weatherproof design means I don’t have to stress about rain or shine ruining my lighting. Plus, knowing these bulbs last up to 20,000 hours means I’m set for many, many barbecues and bonfires. Talk about lighting up my life without burning through energy! —Jason Blake
I have to admit, I was skeptical about switching to the GvvooHome 36 Pack S14 LED Bulbs for Outdoor String Lights, but now I’m a total convert. These shatterproof, dimmable Edison bulbs bring out the vivid colors of my garden like never before thanks to their high CRI of 85+. They’re super easy to install with the standard E26 base, and they’re tough enough to handle my crazy weather swings. Plus, using 85% less energy than my old incandescent bulbs makes me feel like an eco-hero. Honestly, these bulbs are lighting up my world—and my mood! —Tina Harper
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Why Replacement Bulbs For String Lights Is Necessary
From my experience, having replacement bulbs for string lights is a must because these lights tend to burn out over time, especially when used frequently. I’ve found that even a single burnt-out bulb can affect the entire string, causing sections to go dark and ruining the overall ambiance I’m trying to create. Keeping spare bulbs handy means I can quickly fix the problem without having to replace the whole set.
Additionally, I’ve learned that replacement bulbs save me money in the long run. Instead of buying new string lights every time a few bulbs fail, swapping out just the burnt ones is far more cost-effective. It also saves time and hassle, allowing me to maintain a warm, inviting atmosphere whether it’s for a party, holiday decoration, or everyday use.
Finally, having replacement bulbs gives me peace of mind. I never have to worry about the lights suddenly going dark at an important moment because I know I can easily fix them. This small preparation makes all the difference in keeping my space beautifully lit and welcoming.
My Buying Guides on Replacement Bulbs For String Lights
When it comes to keeping my outdoor and indoor string lights glowing beautifully, having the right replacement bulbs is key. Over time, bulbs burn out or get damaged, and finding the perfect replacements can be a bit tricky. Here’s what I’ve learned from my own experience to help you choose the best replacement bulbs for your string lights.
1. Identify Your String Light Type
Before buying any replacement bulbs, I always check what type of string lights I have. Are they LED or incandescent? What bulb base do they use—E12 candelabra, E26 medium base, G40, G50, or something else? Knowing this helps me avoid buying bulbs that don’t fit. I usually refer to the original packaging or the manufacturer’s website for specs.
2. Choose Between LED and Incandescent Bulbs
In my experience, LED bulbs are more energy-efficient and last much longer than incandescent ones. They also stay cooler, which is safer for outdoor use. However, if you want to maintain the warm, classic glow of incandescent lights, you can find LED bulbs designed to mimic that color temperature. I prefer LEDs for durability and savings, but it depends on your aesthetic preference.
3. Match the Bulb Size and Base
Replacement bulbs come in various sizes and base types. It’s important to match the diameter and base style exactly. For example, a G40 bulb is about 40mm in diameter, and it won’t fit in a socket designed for a smaller G30 bulb. I always measure or check the bulb size and base type before ordering replacements.
4. Check the Voltage and Wattage Requirements
I’ve learned that using bulbs with the wrong voltage or wattage can cause performance issues or even damage your string lights. Most string light sets operate on low voltage, like 12V or 24V, but some use standard 120V household current. I make sure my replacement bulbs match these specifications exactly.
5. Consider Color and Brightness
Depending on the ambiance I want, I pick bulbs that emit the right color temperature—warm white, cool white, or even colored bulbs. Also, brightness matters; too bright bulbs can be harsh, while dimmer ones create a cozy feel. I like to test a few bulbs to see which brightness and color suit my space best.
6. Look for Weatherproof and Durable Options
Since many string lights are used outdoors, I always choose bulbs that are rated for outdoor use. Weatherproof bulbs resist rain, wind, and temperature changes, extending their lifespan. I also look for shatter-resistant materials like plastic or coated glass for extra durability.
7. Verify Compatibility with Your String Light Set
Some string light brands have proprietary bulbs or connectors. I make sure the replacement bulbs are compatible with my specific brand and model. Sometimes, the manufacturer sells official replacement bulbs, which I trust for the best fit and performance.
8. Purchase from Reputable Sellers
To avoid low-quality or counterfeit bulbs, I buy replacements from trusted retailers or directly from the manufacturer’s website. Reading customer reviews also helps me gauge the quality and reliability of the bulbs.
9. Keep Spare Bulbs Handy
From my experience, it’s smart to keep a few spare bulbs on hand. That way, if a bulb burns out during a party or event, I can replace it quickly without scrambling to find one last minute.
Final Thoughts
Replacing bulbs in string lights doesn’t have to be complicated. By knowing your string light type, matching bulb specifications, and choosing quality, weatherproof bulbs, you can keep your lights shining beautifully year-round. I hope my tips help you find the perfect replacement bulbs to brighten your space just like mine!
Author Profile
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Alvin Rath spent years in the world of prototyping and mechanical design, where precision and practicality had to go hand in hand. With a background in engineering and a lifelong curiosity for how things work, Alvin built his career around testing, tweaking, and improving tools and equipment for real-life use. His hands-on experience in workshops, combined with a no-nonsense approach to gear, shaped how he sees products not just by their features, but by how well they actually perform when put to the test.
In 2025, Alvin launched colab-factory.com to share that perspective with a wider audience. Now, he focuses on writing product reviews grounded in first-hand use, real-world conditions, and long-term value. Whether he’s comparing cordless drills or exploring lesser-known brands, Alvin’s mission is simple: cut through the noise and help readers find tools they can truly rely on.
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