Features to consider when choosing LED rope lights

LED rope lights can differ greatly. In order to find one that meets your needs, be sure to understand all the available features.
Ropes or… strips maybe?
LED rope lights are long. Some are up to 150 feet in length. But what if you want to wrap your rope light around a gazebo and at the end find yourself with 20 feet of light just hanging there? If you bought the right product, you could actually cut the rope light and not suffer any negative repercussions.
There are many products that are cuttable, including Shine Decor Dimmable LED Strip Lights and GuoTonG LED Rope Lights can be cut, either at 0.5 meters or 1 meter intervals. Just be sure to only cut at these pre-marked lines.
Length
LED rope lights really vary in length. The smallest rope light on our list is the L8star LED Color Changing Rope which only measures 32.8 feet. The longest rope lights on our list are the Shine Decor Dimmable LED Strip Lights and the Ainfox LED Rope Lights. Both measure 150 feet. The rest of the products fall within this range.
If you are looking for a more high-end LED rope light, one that has multiple color options and even Bluetooth capability, you will have to sacrifice on length. If, however, you just want a durable rope light, then a long length can be found.
Color
Color is perhaps the most important feature of LED rope lights. The right color will make or break your intended vision for your home or yard. Generally speaking, the most common color choice is a warm white light. This is meant to mimic the white lights from traditional light bulbs. A warm white will add a lot of charm to your yard and will instantly add a bit of sophistication to it.
A bright, or daytime white is also a popular choice. If you plan on using your LED rope light in the winter, this can create a whimsical frozen ice scene.
Colors are also popular and many products come in an RGB, or red, green, blue configuration. If you are very particular about your color choice, then the best product for you is the L8star LED Color Changing Rope. With the use of Bluetooth technology and an accompanying app, you can actually use a color wheel to decide on a specific color shade.
If it’s designed for indoor or outdoor use
Almost all the LED rope lights on our list can be used both indoors and outdoors. The exception is the L8star LED Color Changing Rope. Unfortunately, this product is not waterproof and therefore is only meant to be used inside.
You might take it for granted that LED rope lights are meant for both indoor and outdoor use. However, there are a few exceptions so always pay attention to the fine print. If it doesn’t say explicitly what the use is for, then check to see if the product is waterproof or not.
LEDs per meter

LED rope lights will usually have between 20 to 36 lights per meter. This varies by product. If you want brighter lights, then choose a rope light with a higher ratio of lights to meters. More spacing means more dark spots and less light.
If it’s dimmable
LED lights are amazing but the one drawback they seem to have is that it can be hard to make them dimmable. It’s more common to have other lighting options, such as twinkling or alternating lights. The IMAGE 8 Modes Solar Rope Lights do have a slow fade option, so if you really want a dimmable feature, this might be the best product to choose.
Power source
LED rope lights have two power sources. The most traditional is electrical. You will need to connect the rope light either directly into a power outlet or via an extension cord. While extension cords allow you to place the rope light where you want it to be, it does provide a tripping hazard or even a bit of an eyesore. However, if you are placing your rope light on a balcony or around your house, then an electrical outlet should be close enough that this won’t be an issue.
The second power source option is solar. Solar power has come along way and is now being used with LED lights, thanks to the fact they need very little power to work. Solar power lights, like the IMAGE 8 Modes Solar Rope Lights, allow you to place the rope light wherever you want it to be. So, if you have a lower deck that isn’t close to a power outlet, you can simply place the solar panel in full sun, either by mounting it or steaking it, and not have to worry.
Solar power lights are also great if you want to bring your lights camping. You can set them up anywhere in the wilderness and instantly turn your campsite into a little oasis.
Other features
As with most products, there really is no shortage as to what manufacturers can come up with. The L8star LED Color Changing Rope can be fully customizable from your smartphone, allowing you to pick the perfect color and light sequence to really get the party started.
If you’re worried about wrapping an arbor or even a tree with just the right amount of lights, then find a set that can be cut, such as Shine Decor Dimmable LED Strip Lights and GuoTonG LED Rope Lights.
As for warranties, one year is standard. However, if you are still a bit nervous about this innovative technology, try a product like L8star LED Color Changing Rope which has a 90-day satisfaction guarantee.