Plug-In Or Solar? Your Helpful Guide To The Best Outdoor String Lights in 2025
So you’re looking to buy our string lights, but which do you choose – solar or plug-in?
We’ve tested them side by side (yes, in real life), and here’s the spoiler: at first glance, there’s not much difference. Both our Solar and Plug-in String Lights give off that same gorgeous warm white glow with the signature Stellar Lighting charm. In this comparison, we tested two of our most popular 10m string light sets, one solar-powered, one plug-in, each with 25 LED bulbs. While this setup is specific, the insights apply to most solar and plug-in string lights in our range. But as always, the magic is in the details…
🌞 Solar String Lights
Eco-friendly and wonderfully fuss-free. Just set them up and let the sun do its thing. Our solar lights automatically turn on at dusk, and there’s no need for plug points, perfect for outdoor setups where power access is limited (hello, garden paths and glamping weekends). Each 10m set comes with 25 LED bulbs and a solar panel with an included clip and stake, so you can get creative with how you install it.
They’re ideal for:
- Gardens and patios
- Off-grid escapes
- Load-shedding-proof lighting
The solar panel stores energy during the day and powers your lights at night, making these a great option if you’re looking to light up a space long-term without adding to your electricity bill.
🔌 Plug-in String Lights
If you’re looking for a little more control, the plug-in version might be your glow-up. It comes with a standard 3-point plug, so you can easily connect it to power and decide exactly when it turns on or off, no waiting for the sun. Plus, they’re connectable! That means you can join multiple sets together for a longer run of lights without needing extra sockets (a real game changer for events, patios, or venues).
They’re perfect for:
- Restaurants and events
- Covered patios or entertainment areas
- Anyone wanting full control over their lighting setup
You’ll get the same 10m length and 25 LED bulbs as the solar version, but with the added reliability of constant power and full timing control.
✨ So, Which One Should You Choose?
It all comes down to how (and where) you’ll use them:
- Want an eco-friendly, off-grid setup that turns on automatically? Solar is your best bet.
- Prefer more control, plug-and-play convenience, and the ability to daisy-chain your lights? Go for plug-in.
Whichever you choose, you’ll be getting high-quality, weather-resistant lights designed to make every space feel magical.
🌿 Bringing It All Together
While comparing our solar and plug-in string lights was the goal, I couldn’t resist styling the space a little more. I added our 20m Solar Fairy Lights along the wall for that delicate, whimsical glow—and topped it off with our Bluetooth Speaker Lantern. Lighting that plays your favourite tunes? Yes, please!
Still not sure? Chat to us anytime – we love helping you find your glow. And if you still can’t decide, why not try both like we did! 😉
