Features to consider when choosing patio umbrella lights
When shopping for patio umbrella lights, you need to pay attention to a multitude of details, including the type of lights you want to install, the power source they use, the number of lights, LED count, brightness rating, voltage, and more. You should also look at various accessories the lights might come with, such as a remote control, for example, as they may make the entire experience more enjoyable.
Type
The two main types of patio umbrella lights you can find on the market are string lights and umbrella disc lights. Both of them come with pros and cons, but before deciding which type would work best for you, think about why you need the lights in the first place.
If you're looking to create a calming or relaxing atmosphere in your backyard, then string lights are an excellent choice, as they are able to create that kind of "magical" ambience. On the other hand, if you want to be able to complete your tasks after the sun sets, disc-style lights are a more suitable solution, mostly because they can provide more intense illumination.
String lights are similar to Christmas-style lights and they generally go through the umbrella's shaft and then spread out into the ribs. With this style of lightning, you can spread the lights across the entire umbrella. While these lights are great for creating a very welcoming ambience, they might not provide enough light for reading or serving food.
Disc lights are generally designed to connect to the shaft and generate light downwards. As such, the light is more focused and allows you to continue to do any task you want even after sunset.
Power source
You can choose from three types of power sources for patio umbrella lights. These include solar powered umbrella lights, battery-operated umbrella lights and patio umbrella lights that you can plug into mains.
Solar powered lights, such as the Etercycle Outdoor Solar Patio Umbrella String Light, are a green alternative to electric and battery-operated lights. They use power from the sun to power your lights. They are a great option for summer because they can recharge during the day, being ready to use in the evening, without any effort from your part. Nevertheless, if you live in an area with lots of cloudy days, they might not be a great option.
Patio umbrella lights that work with rechargeable batteries, such as the OYOCO Patio Umbrella Light, for example, are an energy-efficient and cost-effective way to illuminate your outdoor area. Many models use regular AA rechargeable or single-use batteries, and some models, like the Sunlitec Solar String Lights, feature built-in batteries for solar recharging, while also allowing users to use AA batteries as needed.
Finally, so patio umbrella lights are powered by a standard plug connected to the mains electricity supply. While these are not the most environmentally-friendly options, they are generally the least expensive. Keep in mind, however, that they will come with a wire, which might be both unattractive and a tripping hazard at the same time.
Voltage
The voltage of patio umbrella lights differs from one model to another, but generally you should expect it to be at least 5V. Some models, like The Texsens LED Umbrella Light, for example, have a voltage that's higher at the average at 100-240V.
The higher the voltage, the more powerful the light generated will be, so make sure you choose a model that works for your particular needs.
Number of lights
The number of lights you get with patio umbrella lights vary from one model to another, with The Texsens LED Umbrella Light having 48 lights, for example. The Ywhomal Patio Umbrella Lights has 104 lights, which is more than enough to light up a party. If you're looking for patio umbrella lights with lots of bulbs, strand models are generally your best bet.
Modes
Many patio umbrella lights have different modes, which work well for different purposes. The Etercycle Outdoor Solar Patio Umbrella String Light, for example, has eight modes, including fading and twinkle, to create a magical atmosphere that's perfect for a romantic dinner. Other models have different modes, some of them suitable for regular use and others ideal for parties.
Patio umbrella construction
When shopping for patio umbrella lights, make sure the model you choose is a suitable choice for the type of umbrella you have. For example, if you're opting for a string-style model, make sure your umbrella has enough room to accommodate them. The pole of the umbrella should also be easy to unscrew in the center so you can take it off easily for installation.
Dimensions
The dimensions of the patio umbrella lights are important not only when it comes to the amount of light you're going to get from your device, but also for the installation process.
To find the best lights for your umbrella, start by measuring the diameter of the umbrella to make sure the model you want to purchase is a good fit. If opting for strand lights, measure the diameter of the umbrella and divide it by two, which will give you the maximum length you should have for each of the strands.
Extras
Many patio umbrella lights come with additional features, such as dimmable lights to create a special ambience with the click of a button, like in the case of the Etercycle Outdoor Solar Patio Umbrella String Light, for example. Others, like the Ywhomal Patio Umbrella Lights, come complete with a remote control so you can easily change the settings without having to get up.
Warranty
Most of the patio umbrella lights we reviewed come with warranty, and you should expect to get at least one year of warranty for most models. This general covers replacements if something goes wrong with the lights, provided they have been used according to the instructions of the manufacturer.
Price
The price of patio umbrella lights varies from one model to another, according to the features they include and the manufacturer that products them. You should expect to pay anything between $25 and $100 for quality patio umbrella lights, keeping in mind that models with lots of features and strand models with numerous bulbs may be even more expensive.
