The Best LED Strips and Strings

LED strips and strings are beautiful around the house during the holidays. They add a great ambiance. They are also wonderful year-round because they can be themed in different colors. I have previously written about getting started with DIY LED lights as well as showing examples of what I’ve done for year-round LED strips and strings around my home. But not everyone wants to wire their own LED lights, flash code to their controllers, or worry about power injection. In this article, I’ll list some of the best LED strips and strings that work out of the box.

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Best LED strips

LED strips are quite versatile. You can use them in your house to add accent lighting around beds, cabinets, molding, and many other places. Some people like to put them behind their TVs for backlighting. Here are some of the best LED strips.

Vont Smart LED Strip Lights

These are highly-rated inexpensive strip lights that come in multiple lengths.

Vont Smart Strip Lights with Multicolor Segmented Lighting, LED Color Changing, Compatible w/Alexa & Google, Music Sync & DIY Mode, 30+ Scenes, 16 Million Colors, Home, Bedroom, Party (16.4 ft)

• SMART STRIP LIGHT W/ ADVANCED IC CHIP – Experience spectacular light shows in one strip. Built-in IC chips allow for simultaneous display of multiple colors – like an interactive rainbow. Choose from 16 million colors and make your home come alive.
• DIY SEGMENTED COLOR & BRIGHTNESS CONTROL – Go with your favorite gradients or curate your unique blend of colors with segment light. Control 15 segments individually – pick a specific color, adjust the brightness, and let your creativity run wild.
• GROOVE W/ MUSIC MODE | PICK A SCENE – The built-in mic syncs to your favorite song and the dynamic strip lights dance with the colorized beat. Choose real-life preset scenes from romantic to Halloween perfect for intimate or lively parties.
• HANDS-FREE VOICE COMMAND | CONTROL W/ VONT HOME APP – Let Alexa or Google Assistant switch colors for you. RBGIC Strip Light only needs your voice to activate. Connect to the app and control even when you’re not at home.
• 24/7 CUSTOMER CARE & LIFETIME WARRANTY – Covered for life, it’s warranted against loss, theft, and defects in materials and workmanship as long as you own the product. Vont Customer Satisfaction Wizards are with you 24/7 – for life.

$26.99

Buy on Amazon

Govee RGBIC LED Strip Lights

These strip lights are relatively inexpensive and are popular models on Amazon. They come in many different lengths, and they make a waterproof version.

Govee RGBIC LED Strip Lights, 32.8ft WiFi Color Changing LED Lights, APP Control with Segmented Control Smart Color Picking, Works with Alexa and Google Assistant, Music LED Lights for Bedroom, Party

• Effortless Voice Control: Adjust smart led strip lights without even lifting a finger using hands-free via Alexa and Google Assistant. Enjoy extensive customization in the Govee Home app. Both WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity options.
• True RGBIC Effects: Equipped with built-in IC chips, Govee rgbic led strip lights can display multiple colors simultaneously. From vibrant, multiple color effects to alluring, subtle color schemes, these lights are sure to impress.
• Enhanced Music Modes: With a built-in, high sensitivity mic, LED lights can sync with your favorite music and sounds. 4 music modes and adjustable mic sensitivity make it an excellent feature for parties, quiet get-togethers, and watching sports.
• 64 Scene Modes: Choose from 64 stunning scenes in the effects lab, like Christmas mode, get creative with the DIY function by making your own colors and effects, or simply apply your light effet with creations in the Govee Home app.
• Selection and Color Gallery: Incredible theme selection and 16 million customizable color changing provide the perfect surroundings for any occasion. Each strip is divided into 15 segments which can be controlled individually.

Buy on Amazon

Kasa KL430 RGBIC Smart LED Light Strip

Kasa (TP-Link) makes quality affordable smart home devices, and this light strip is no exception. You can extend these light strips with the Kasa KL430e.

Kasa Smart Premium LED Light Strip KL430, 16 Color Zones RGBIC with Approx. 1400 lumen High Brightness, 6.6ft Wi-Fi Lights Work w/ Alexa & Google Home, PU Coating, 2 Yr Warranty

• Millions of colors: Your 80" light strip features millions of colors for combinations built to suit every mood, making your home the ultimate entertainment destination.
• Animated lighting effects - Kasa's light strip features advanced animated lighting effects, with a dozen of effects to choose from, for a unique lighting experience.
• Adjustable length - Add additional Kasa light strip extensions easily with a strong and secure 4-pronged connector to increase the length up to 33 feet or cut the strip along markers to fit into smaller areas.
• Voice control - Use simple voice commands to control your Kasa smart light strip with Alexa or Google Assistant.
• Group & schedule lights - Group all of your Kasa smart lights together and save time. Control the brightness, change colors, set schedules and more with just a few taps

Buy on Amazon

Philips Hue Bluetooth Smart Lightstrip

If you’re deep into the Philips Hue ecosystem these lights might be a good choice. They work seamlessly with the Hue bridge.

Philips Hue Indoor 6-Foot Smart LED Light Strip Plus Base Kit - Color-Changing Single Color Effect - 1 Pack - Control with Hue App - Works with Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit

• WHAT’S IN THE BOX - Includes one 6-feet, color-changing single-color effect light strip plus base kit with one plug; Perfect for mood lighting anywhere in your home - from bedrooms to living rooms
• UNLOCK THE FULL POWER OF HUE - Add a Hue Bridge to enjoy automations, control from anywhere in the world, and a secure, stable connection that won’t drain your Wi-Fi. Use Matter to connect your smart home devices to your Hue smart lighting system.
• MILLIONS OF COLORS - These light strips produce a single color light effect. It can dim, brighten, and set the mood instantly with millions of colors, straight out of the box.
• VOICE CONTROL - Convenient smart control; Set up voice control in the Hue app and use simple voice commands to control your lights with Alexa or Google Assistant
• SET UP - Attach the light strips to cabinets, behind or under furniture, or wherever your imagination desires. The included mounts let you bend it easily around corners.

$97.99

Buy on Amazon

Maxonar LED Strip Lights

Maxonar LED strip lights are IP65 rated and come in longer strips if that’s what you need.

Maxonar LED Strip Lights Works with Alexa (16.4Ft/5M) WiFi Wireless Light Strips RGB Multicolor Waterproof IP65 Smart Phone Controlled DIY Kit Works with Amazon Echo Google Home Christmas Decoration

• LED Strip Lights works with Alexa: You can control them with your mobile phone by App and Amazon Alexa, just simply speak Voice command to turn ON/OFF, Changing Colors/Modes, Dim/Brighten the lights.Double press the WiFi Controller twice to turn off the strip.
• Number of Lights is 300: Brighter than other light strips(150 or less Lights). Pass UL and FCC certificate. Premium bright 5050 LED lights. The sealant is very thick, which can well protect the light beads.
• Mist waterproof: Can not be placed in an environment with water droplets for a long time and remember that the controller and the power adapter cannot be put into the water. 16 Million different colors ambiance.Flexible LED RGB light strip can be cut in every 3 led, Come and Find the fun for DIY!
• Perfect Ambient Light: support Timer function. suitable for kitchen, under cabinet, dining room, bedroom, garden, patio, balcony, party, wedding and Great decorative lights for holidays and events like Christmas, Halloween and Parties etc.
• Easy to Install: All in one kit design, Comes with a power supply, a WiFi Controller, one piece strip lights and DIY Accessories and User Guide. Self-adhesive back-easy installation. Simply attach the strip lights to a clean, dry surface using the adhesive, then plug adapter and connect the light to your WiFi via APP. For extra steady,use the provided support clips.

$19.99

Buy on Amazon

LIFX Color Zones Light Strips

These are a little on the pricey side, but LIFX products are reliable and of high quality

Sale

LIFX Lightstrip Color Zones, Wi-Fi Smart LED Light Strip, Full Color with Polychrome Technology™, No Bridge Required, Works with Alexa, Hey Google, HomeKit and Siri, 80" Kit

• 6.6' smart light strip kit - can cut to length or add additional strips later.
• Rich color combinations, and tunable white for bias lighting - protect your eyes!
• Polychrome Technology - 16 addressable zones that can animate with LIFX exclusive Effects library.
• Control: Voice, Scheduling, Scenes, Effects (eg Move), Integrations and fade tools like Apple's adaptive lighting, Alexa light alarms or Google Sleep/Wake.
• Why Wi-Fi? Control from anywhere. No bridge or hub required. (Use 2.4GHz).

$89.99 $80.90

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Twinkly Line Starter Kit

When I talked with Richard Gunther about LED strip kits on the Home:On podcast, he was very high on Twinkly lights.

Sale

Twinkly Line – Starter Kit App-Controlled Adhesive + Magnetic LED Light Strip with RGB (16 Million Colors) LEDs. Extendable. 5 feet. Black Strip. Indoor Smart Home Decoration Light

• Decorate your space with Twinkly Line, a sleek, premium, all-black smart LED strip with an adhesive and magnetic back that will take your lighting decorations to new levels with light and color like never before
• Enjoy setup in a matter of seconds via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, manage your lights with the free Twinkly app (iOS and Android), group multiple devices, set automated playlists, switch your lights on and off, apply timers, dim them and adjust their brightness, and much more
• Unleash your creativity with endless preset effects and animations, create your own personalized ones using the FX Wizard on the Twinkly App, or virtually draw effects on your lights with your finger. Use your imagination and any shade, gradient, hue or tint of 16 million colors to create the ultimate decorative lighting
• Use your lights all year round and create the perfect accent lighting or bias lighting in any indoor space. Position Line behind TVs, under kitchen cabinets, around rooms, or behind the bed and create just the right mood lighting
• Watch your lights dance to Twinkly Music (sold separately), a smart USB-powered sound sensor that interprets ambient music and sounds in your space and applies synchronized colors and effects to your lights

$74.99 $60.20

Buy on Amazon

Best LED strings

LED strings look more like traditional Christmas lights. I used them to line my roof and around my deck. They look best around my Christmas tree. Here are some of the best LED strings:

HBN Outdoor String Lights

These are larger bulbs that are rated for outdoors. You can’t connect multiple strips, but you can sync multiple strips using the Tuya App.

HBN Color Changing String Lights 36ft Smart LED String Lights Outdoor RGBW Patio String Lights Waterproof IP65, 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi&Bluetooth App Control 18 Acrylic Bulbs Work with Alexa Google

• 【Smart Voice Control】: Manage HBN smart string light with simple voice commands via Alexa and Google Assistant, or with the HBN Smart app through Wifi, where you could remotely power/schedule your string lights on/off, adjust brightness, change colors and mood
• 【9 RGBW & Warm White Scene modes】: HBN outdoor patio lights provide 9 pre-programmed color modes and 16 million vivid color combinations. 2700K Warm white for your leisure reading at night. Switch colors to create a brand-new ambiance and experience, romantic to relaxing, or quiet to cheerful. (Bulbs share the same color)
• 【Linkable up to 1728 ft】: Equipped with 5 exclusive high-voltage lines of 125V, HBN 5-cord string lights could be end-to-end connected up to 1728 ft, which equals 48 strands., which are much better than general 2-cord wires ones.
• 【Easy to Set Up】: Following the video we uploaded, it is easy to connect string lights to HBN Smart app. Heavy-duty 18-gauge SJTW cord and reinforced eyelet holes, string lights can be easily set up using wire or hooks link mounting holes.
• 【Low Voltage & Safety】: The LED Acrylic shatterproof bulbs reduce consumption up to 80% and last 25,000 hours.HBN led outdoor string lights is ETL-listed, which ensures safety and durability. IP65 waterproof certificates are more suitable for outdoor use.

$71.04

Buy on Amazon

Govee Outdoor String Lights

Govee also makes appealing and affordable multicolor string lights. They have high reviews on Amazon.

Govee Outdoor String Lights H7020, 48ft RGBIC Halloween Lights Outdoor with 15 Dimmable IP65 Waterproof Warm White LED Bulbs, 47 Scene Modes Smart Outdoor String Lights Work with Alexa for Decoration

• Creative DIY Mode: With 16 million vivid colors and 47 vibrant scene modes, Govee outdoor lights will shine your garden decor scenery. Upload a photo then Govee Home app will recognize colors and apply to the Christmas decorations outdoor.
• Smart App & Voice Control: Manage the outdoor Christmas lights with Govee Home App or pair with Alexa and Google Assistant. You can combine 2 ropes of 48ft lights for normal use. Please note the total length should not exceed 96ft(including adapter).
• RGBIC Lighting Effect: Set each led light bulb to a different color, showing more than one color at a time. Enhance personalized outdoor Christmas decorations with vibrant colors and help your patio stand out.
• Music Sync Mode: Dance the night away as the outdoor lights for patio react to your songs via the integrated mic. With the patio lights outdoor waterproof don't only hear your music, but live it with beautiful dynamic lighting.
• IP65 Waterproof: Enjoy Christmas lights outdoor no matter the weather. Designed plastic Govee outdoor lights is also shatterproof to survive knocks and falls. Please note that power adapter is not waterproof.

$69.99

Buy on Amazon

Twinkly String, Curtain, and Icicle lights

Twinkly makes a host of LED string lights that work inside and out.

Sale

Twinkly Strings App-Controlled LED Christmas Lights 400 RGB+W (16 Million Colors + White) 105 ft. Green Wire. Indoor/Outdoor Smart Lighting Decoration

$177.44 $139.96

Twinkly Curtain – App-Controlled LED Christmas Lights with 210 RGB+W (16 Million Colors + Warm White) LEDs. 5 by 7 feet. Clear Wire. Indoor and Outdoor Smart Lighting Decoration

$129.99

Twinkly App Controlled Clear Wire LED Christmas Lights with 190 RGB LEDs for Multipurpose Indoor and Outdoor Smart Lighting Decoration

$79.82

Best controllers for LED strips and strings

Buying a controller for LED strips and strings is a little more DIY than the above options, but not much so. If you are into buying a controller and combining them with power and LED strips, here are a few controllers that I recommend.

Note: Make sure you match the controller with the type of LED string you are going to use (e.g. WS2811, WS2812, WS2815, etc.). Also, I have a review of the Shelly RGBW2 LED controller you might want to check out.

BTF-LIGHTING WS2812B WiFi SP108E Controller Support WS2811 WS2815 WS2801 SK6812 WS2813 SK9822 APA102C etc Almost All LED Strip Module Light iOS/Android App Control AP Mode/STA Mode

$22.99

ALITOVE WS2812B WS2811 WS2801 LED WiFi Controller, iOS Android App Wireless Remote Control DC 5V~24V SP108E for SK6812 SK6812-RGBW WS2812 WS2813 WS2815 AL2815 Digital Addressable RGB LED Pixels Strip

$21.99

Shelly RGBW 2 Controller, WiFi Smart Remote, LED Light Strip Dimmer, RGB Home Automation, Compatible with Android iOS, Support Alexa/Google Home/Mobile App, Sunrise/Sunset Schedule, 2 Pack

WIRELESS - No HUB required – Connect Shelly RGBW2 directly to your Wi-Fi at home.; HIGHLY COMPATIBLE - Compatible with Android, iOS, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

Final thoughts

LED strips and strings are great any time of the year. While some of us are fine with more DIY solutions like what I’ve done, some people want things a little more simple. All of the options here still look great. Pick one up and jazz up your home!