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Lighting can make or break a space, even an outdoor one. So, when I opened the box of Enbrighten sphere lights and saw those 6-inch color-changing globes, I was instantly obsessed.
I’d never seen outdoor lights quite like these. They can twinkle, flicker, dim, strobe and change to virtually any color. Plus, they come loaded with presets for just about every holiday. Think red, green and white for Christmas, warm orange hues for fall and plenty of options in between.
The moment I plugged them in and started cycling through the presets using the power-cord control box, I knew I had to share. If outdoor lighting is on your wish list, I’m officially putting these on your radar. Here’s how the unboxing and setup went, and why I’m already plotting a more permanent installation so I can keep these glowing year-round.
MARY HENN FOR FAMILY HANDYMANEnbrighten Sphere Outdoor String Lights
These smart sphere lights add a festive glow to your outdoor space all year long
What’s so special about these giant sphere lights?
If you love the look of old-fashioned globe lights as I do (and, apparently, everyone who’s designed the interior of a hip bar, restaurant or cafe in the last decade), these oversized sphere lights bring that same effortlessly cool vibe to your patio or outdoor space. And yes, you can use them indoors, too, if that’s your thing.
These charming globes add a little something extra to the usual outdoor string-light lineup, creating instant ambiance without looking like every other patio on the block.
Each box comes with 12 oversized spheres, spaced a generous five feet apart along 72-1/2 feet of cord, plus a 12-foot lead for a discreet setup and a 2-foot tail. You also get 12 individual cord clips for easy, secure mounting.
Each sphere has a glossy white finish that gives it a glass-like look, while the smart lights are app-compatible for even more control. More on that below.
Smart Features and App Compatibility
First things first: You don’t need the app to enjoy these outdoor globe lights. And honestly, that’s one of my favorite things about them.
The cord has a simple, single-button power box that lets you turn the lights on and off and cycle through a surprisingly wide range of yellow, white, multicolor and holiday presets. So, if apps aren’t your thing, or you’d rather not connect yet another device to Wi-Fi, you can skip the whole process and still get all the color-changing fun.
That said, downloading and pairing the app unlocks a lot more features. And thankfully, it’s easy to set up. I was a little wary when I opened the box and found zero instructions, not even a tiny pamphlet with a QR code. But the Enbrighten app was easy to find, and once I powered on the lights, they connected automatically.
From there, the customization options are easy to access. You can choose from endless colors and a huge range of lighting effects, create custom multicolor scenes, pick from six white-light tones, browse presets and even program different schedules and modes.
The lights are also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can simply say something like, “Alexa, turn on the outdoor lights,” and let the backyard do its thing.
And the holiday presets? I’m already counting down to getting these fully installed and glowing in the backyard for Christmas.
Hanging and Durability
In all honesty, I underestimated both the size of these spheres and the length of the cord. I’d previously had small smart string lights hanging on our deck, but after leaving the cord on the ground for one single night, rabbits decided it was a snack and chewed right through it. So, my original plan was to swap those lights for these, but the spheres are simply too large to tuck underneath our deck railing.
So now I’m pivoting to yard stakes, which will let me suspend the lights up and over the entire deck. It’s become a bit of an undertaking, and, admittedly, I haven’t finished that project yet. I also wanted to get this review out in time for your Halloween parties.
The good news? After using them outdoors in a temporary setup when we’ve had guests over, I’ve been impressed by their durability. The plastic spheres are weatherproof and have survived a few accidental tumbles onto the deck, as well as some less-than-gentle handling from my toddler. They have an IP44 waterproof rating and are designed for year-round outdoor use, including wet conditions.
One thing I’m keeping an eye on is UV exposure. I didn’t see any mention of UV protection on the packaging, so I’d be a little cautious about placing them somewhere that gets constant, direct sun, where fading could potentially become an issue. I’m planning to install mine in an area with at least partial shade.
All that said, I cannot wait to get these up permanently. The twinkling orange setting for fall looks like a string of tiny, glowing pumpkins floating through the air. It’s a vibe.
And if outdoor installation isn’t your thing, I could absolutely see these making a statement indoors, too, especially over a basement bar, game room or anywhere else you tend to host.
Where to Buy
MARY HENN FOR FAMILY HANDYMANEnbrighten Sphere Outdoor String Lights
Bring the ambiance to your next holiday party with these oversized outdoor globe lights
You can shop the Enbrighten Sphere Outdoor String Lights for $180 on Amazon, or find them at Target and Costco. And yes, you’re going to want them before your next get-together.
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