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This Christmas lights long term review looks at build details you can check before you buy, like wire gauge, stay lit circuits and water ratings. We cannot tell you how many seasons a set will last, but we can point out the features its maker lists.
We did not own or test these lights. Every score is editorial and comes from each product’s own listing. Read more in our editorial policy, or see our main best christmas lights guide for more choices.
Top 3 Picks for Sturdy Build Details
YULETIME 100 Multicolor LED Christmas Lights, 33 Ft Green Wire
- Commercial grade 22 AWG wire with a pure copper core
- Stay lit circuit keeps the string on if a bulb fails
- End-to-end plugs at 4.8 watts per string
BrightChristmasLighting 600 LED 196 Ft Multicolor Christmas Lights
- 600 LEDs across 196 ft
- IP67 waterproof rating
- Storage wheel with remote, timer and memory
TWSHINE 100 Count Incandescent Christmas Mini Lights, White Wire
- Each bulb works on its own if one fails
- Built-in 3A fuse
- Connects up to 5 sets end to end
How We Score
| Criterion | Weight | What we look at |
|---|---|---|
| Wire build | 30 | Listed wire gauge, core and coating |
| Bulb protection | 25 | Stay lit circuits, replaceable bulbs, fuses or housings |
| Weather rating | 25 | Listed IP rating for the lights and the case |
| Storage and setup | 20 | Reels, linking plugs, remotes and timers |
How the Build Details Stack Up
| Product | Best For | Score | Type | Key spec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 YULETIME 100 Multicolor LED Christmas Lights, 33 Ft Green Wire | Best Heavy Gauge Wire | 8.4 | Plug-in mini lights | 22 AWG, 33 ft | View |
 BrightChristmasLighting 600 LED 196 Ft Multicolor Christmas Lights | Best IP67 Strand | 7.1 | LED string | 600 LEDs, 196 ft | View |
 TWSHINE 100 Count Incandescent Christmas Mini Lights, White Wire | Best Incandescent Set | 6.4 | Plug-in mini lights | 100 bulbs, 20 ft | View |
 Uptotop 100 Count Multicolor LED String Light, 20 Ft Plug-In | Best Bulb Housing | 6.0 | Plug-in string | 100 LEDs, 20 ft | View |
 FairyGlim 2 Pack Battery Christmas Lights, 33 Ft 100 LED | Best Two Pack | 6.0 | Battery string | 100 LEDs, 33 ft | View |
 Ineximun 24 Pack Battery Fairy Lights, 7 Ft Warm White | Best 24 Strand Pack | 5.7 | Battery fairy lights | 7 ft, 20 LEDs | View |
YULETIME 100 Multicolor LED Christmas Lights, 33 Ft Green Wire
- 22 AWG commercial grade wire with a pure copper core
- Series-parallel circuit keeps the rest lit if bulbs fail
- Male and female plugs connect strings end to end
- 4 in spacing with a 5 in lead and tail
- Specs list it for indoor use with an IP44 rating
- No modes or timer in the listing
- Needs an outlet within reach
| Length | 33 ft |
|---|---|
| LEDs | 100 multicolor |
| Wire | 22 AWG copper core |
| Power | 4.8 W per string |
YULETIME builds this 33 ft green wire string with 100 multicolor LEDs in red, orange, green, blue and purple. The wire is commercial grade 22 AWG with a pure copper core, and bulbs sit 4 in apart with a 5 in lead and 5 in tail. Stackable male and female plugs let you join strings end to end.
A series-parallel circuit lets bulbs work on their own, so one damaged or missing bulb does not take the string down. Each string draws 4.8 watts. Specs list IP44 water resistance and indoor use. Score: Wire build 10, Bulb protection 9, Weather rating 7, Storage and setup 7.
Who the YULETIME 100 LED fits best
Pick it if you want a sturdy multicolor strand you can link into a bigger indoor display.
Who should skip the YULETIME 100 LED
Skip it if you need a higher water rating for exposed outdoor spots.
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BrightChristmasLighting 600 LED 196 Ft Multicolor Christmas Lights
- IP67 waterproof rating
- Storage wheel for tangle-free setup and takedown
- 8 modes and 4 brightness levels
- 3 timer functions and memory
- Listing gives no wire gauge
- Maker lists no stay lit circuit, unlike the YULETIME 100 LED pick here
- Timer hours are not spelled out
| LEDs | 600 |
|---|---|
| Length | 196 ft |
| Modes | 8 |
| Water rating | IP67 |
This multicolor set spreads 600 LEDs across 196 feet, and it comes on a storage wheel so setup and takedown go without tangles. The maker calls it bright enough to cover a large area. It is listed for outdoor use with an IP67 waterproof rating, and the listing names Christmas trees and holiday decor.
Eight modes include steady on, sequential, twinkle flash and combination, and 4 brightness levels let you dim it. A remote is included, there are 3 timer functions, and memory keeps your last setting. The listing gives no wire gauge. Score: Wire build 5, Bulb protection 5, Weather rating 10, Storage and setup 9.
Who the Bright 600 LED fits best
Pick it if you want a long outdoor strand that winds back onto its own wheel each season.
Who should skip the Bright 600 LED
Skip it if you care most about wire gauge or bulb outage details.
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TWSHINE 100 Count Incandescent Christmas Mini Lights, White Wire
- Bulbs work on their own, so one bad bulb does not darken the rest
- Faulty bulbs can be swapped for a spare
- Built-in 3A fuse
- Connects up to 5 sets end to end
- Incandescent bulbs, not LED
- Water rating listed only as IPX4
- Wire gauge is not given
| Lit length | 18.5 ft |
|---|---|
| Lead wire | 1.5 ft |
| Bulb spacing | 2.25 in |
| Bulb | 2.5V, 0.42W |
TWSHINE sells a 100 count incandescent mini light set with multi-colored bulbs on white wire. The lit section runs 18.5 ft with a 1.5 ft lead wire, and bulbs sit 2.25 in apart. Each bulb runs at 2.5V and 0.42W. Male and female plugs connect up to 5 sets end to end.
Each bulb works on its own, so a defective bulb does not darken the rest, and the listing says to swap it for a spare. The set has a built-in 3A fuse. Specs list IPX4, and the listing names homes, porches, roofs, gardens and trees. Score: Wire build 5, Bulb protection 9, Weather rating 5, Storage and setup 7.
Who the TWSHINE Incandescent fits best
Pick it if you like the classic incandescent look and want bulbs you can replace.
Who should skip the TWSHINE Incandescent
Skip it if you want LED bulbs.
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Uptotop 100 Count Multicolor LED String Light, 20 Ft Plug-In
- 100 multicolor LEDs on 20 ft
- Polycarbonate housing protects the lights
- Connects up to 6 strings
- Listed for indoor or outdoor use
- Water rating listed only as IPX4
- No modes or timer in the listing
- Maker lists no stay lit circuit, unlike the YULETIME 100 LED pick here
| LEDs | 100 multicolor |
|---|---|
| Length | 20 ft |
| Links | Up to 6 strings |
| Water rating | IPX4 |
Uptotop makes a 20 ft plug-in string with 100 multi-colored LEDs on soft wire that wraps around trees and walls. A polycarbonate housing protects the lights from damage. You can connect up to 6 strings for a larger setup, and the listing names gardens, patios and porches as places to use it.
The set is listed as waterproof for indoor or outdoor use, with an IPX4 rating in the specs. The listing also names Halloween, Christmas, weddings and parties. No wire gauge, modes or timer are given. Score: Wire build 6, Bulb protection 6, Weather rating 5, Storage and setup 7.
Who the Uptotop 100 Count fits best
Pick it if you want a short multicolor strand you can link with more of the same.
Who should skip the Uptotop 100 Count
Skip it if you need a long single run.
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FairyGlim 2 Pack Battery Christmas Lights, 33 Ft 100 LED
- Two strands of 100 LEDs on 33 ft of dark green cable
- IP65 lights with an IP44 battery box
- Timer runs 6 hours on and 18 off
- 8 modes from a button on the box
- Needs 3 AA batteries, not included
- Specs list it as indoor even though the title says outdoor
- Listing gives no wire gauge or bulb outage details
| Pack | 2 strands |
|---|---|
| Per strand | 100 LEDs, 33 ft |
| Lead wire | 1 ft |
| LED spacing | 4 in |
FairyGlim packs two warm white strands, each with 100 LEDs along 33 ft of dark green cable, plus a 1 ft lead wire. LEDs sit 4 in apart. Each set runs on 3 AA batteries, which are not included. The listing names roofs, gardens, trees, patios, porches, fences and balconies among many uses.
The lights carry an IP65 rating and the battery box IP44. A built-in timer keeps them on for 6 hours and off for 18, and a button on the box steps through 8 modes. Specs list indoor use even though the title says outdoor. Score: Wire build 5, Bulb protection 5, Weather rating 8, Storage and setup 6.
Who the FairyGlim 2 Pack fits best
Pick it if you want two matching battery strands with a timer for a porch or fence.
Who should skip the FairyGlim 2 Pack
Skip it if you want to avoid buying AA batteries.
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Ineximun 24 Pack Battery Fairy Lights, 7 Ft Warm White
- 24 strands of 7 ft with 20 LEDs each
- Silver plated copper wire bends to shape
- IP65 string with CR2032 batteries included
- Screwdriver included for battery changes
- Battery case is not waterproof, per the listing
- Specs list indoor use
- Maker lists no timer, unlike the FairyGlim 2 Pack pick here
| Pack | 24 strands |
|---|---|
| Strand | 7 ft, 20 LEDs |
| LED spacing | 4 in |
| Water rating | IP65 string |
Ineximun packs 24 warm white fairy light strands, each 7 ft of silver plated copper wire with 20 mini LEDs spaced 4 in apart. The soft wire bends into any shape for mason jars, wreaths, flowers and trees. The listing names weddings, parties, Christmas trees, gardens and patios as uses.
CR2032 batteries and a screwdriver come in the box, and the listing gives 48 hours of battery life. The string is IP65, but the battery case is not waterproof. Specs list indoor use. Score: Wire build 7, Bulb protection 5, Weather rating 7, Storage and setup 3.
Who the Ineximun 24 Pack fits best
Pick it if you are decorating many jars, wreaths or centerpieces at once.
Who should skip the Ineximun 24 Pack
Skip it if the battery boxes will sit out in the rain.
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Build Details to Check Before You Buy
Look for a wire gauge
A listed gauge like 22 AWG tells you more than a vague word like durable. Many listings skip it, so treat a stated gauge as a plus.
Ask what happens when a bulb fails
Stay lit circuits and independent bulbs keep the rest of a string on when one bulb goes out. Some sets also take spare bulbs or have a fuse.
Separate string and case ratings
A string can carry IP65 while its battery box is IP44 or not waterproof at all. Place the weaker part where it stays dry.
Plan for storage
A reel or storage wheel makes it easier to wind lights up after the season. Loose strands are harder to keep neat in a bin.
Check how many sets link
Most plug-in strings here list how many sets you can connect end to end. Stay within that number when you build a bigger display.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a christmas lights long term review look at?
It looks at listed build details like wire gauge, bulb outage features and water ratings. We do not claim how many years any set will last.
Which of these Christmas lights uses incandescent bulbs?
The TWSHINE Incandescent is the only incandescent pick, and its listing says a faulty bulb can be swapped for a spare.
Do any of these string lights have an IP65 or IP67 rating?
Yes. The Bright 600 LED lists IP67, while the Ineximun 24 Pack and FairyGlim 2 Pack list IP65 for the strings.
Do LED Christmas lights stay on if one bulb goes out?
It depends on the set. The YULETIME 100 LED lists a stay lit circuit, so the rest of the string keeps working when a bulb is damaged.
Final Verdict
For this Christmas lights long term review, the YULETIME 100 LED leads with 22 AWG copper core wire and a stay lit circuit. The Bright 600 LED adds an IP67 rating and a storage wheel, and the TWSHINE Incandescent lets you swap out a faulty bulb.
Looking for something else? Explore more holiday decor guides.
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