Here are the best umbrella lights around. Read on for details!
Last update on 2024-11-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Umbrella Lights
After many hours of research, examining several of the top patio umbrella lights on the market today, we have determined that the best patio umbrella lights are the Kingso Patio Umbrella LED Light system [Amazon Link]. This system features a built-in Bluetooth speaker, which is a great extra, as well as a rechargeable power bank and RGB color changing light system.
The lights are designed to dance in sync with the music you play! The Kingso light functions well as a task light, and also as a fun party light in conjunction with the Bluetooth speaker system.
As an added bonus, you can even use this light to charge up your phone! Taken as a whole, the Kingso selection is a very feature full offering, and these units are the best umbrella lights available today.
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For a more detailed review of the Kingso Patio Umbrella LED system, please see our product review section below.
Runner-Up: Best Solar Umbrella Lights
The Yescom line of solar umbrella lights is so attractive because of the large array of options offered in this line. Yescom has nine different configurations for this lighting system and two light tone options (warm white and cool white), ensuring that the lights will look just right, no matter the size or configuration of your patio umbrella. The lights are solar powered, pretty, and work well.
Though there are no extras like color changing bulbs and Bluetooth speakers, this is a quality setup that allows for a great deal of customization. These are among the best outdoor umbrella lights available.
Last update on 2024-11-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For more information on this line of LED umbrella lights, please check out our product review section below.
Budget Pick: Best Outdoor Umbrella Lights
The Totobay Patio Umbrella Disc lighting system [Amazon Link] is a simple, useful umbrella lighting design that works well and hits a nice price point. It features 28 LEDs and has two brightness levels. It does not change colors, play music, or charge your phone. But if you’re looking for a simple umbrella lighting system, this is a nice choice at a good price point. It doesn’t need to be charged up very frequently, and it fits a wide variety of umbrella diameters, so it should be useful for many users.
For a detailed review of the Totobay umbrella lighting system, please take a look at our product reviews section below.
Patio Umbrella Light Reviews
In this section, we look at the top five best umbrella lighting systems, review each of these products, and consider the positives and negatives of each product.
If you’re looking for an octagonal patio umbrella that already has lights installed on it, see our article on Patio Umbrellas with Solar Lights. See this article if you’re looking for a rectangular LED umbrella.
Last update on 2024-11-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Kingso Patio LED Umbrella Light with Bluetooth Speaker
The Kingso Patio LED Umbrella Light with built-in Bluetooth speaker is the best umbrella light available. It is a disc-light design, with downward-shining LED bulbs, designed to illuminate your patio table. The light syncs up with the tempo of your music, and it creates an audio/visual light show that is quite cool. It will shine as a light for approximately 6 hours or will play music and light up for about 3 hours. It can even be used to charge your phone!
Key Features at a Glance
- LED Light Number: 64 Bulbs
- LED Shine Lifetime: 10,000 Hours
- 320 lumens (total across 64 bulbs)
- RGB “Party” Mode with swirling color changes that sync to your music!
- Can be used to charge your phone
- Charging time: 4 hours
- Playback Time: 6 hours
- Playback and Lighting Time: 3 Hours
- 1 Year Warranty
Dimensions and Specifications
- Size: 7.8″ x 1.77″
- Umbrella Shaft Clamp dimensions: 0.8″ – 2″
- Fits Umbrella Poles Between 1.02″ to 1.48″
Bluetooth Speaker Attributes
- Bluetooth Version: 3.0
- Bluetooth Range: 33′
- Bluetooth Profiles: HSP, HFP, A2DP, and AVRCP
- Frequency Response: 20hz-20Khz
The Details
This light for an outdoor umbrella gives a pleasant light, and the Bluetooth sound system sounds good! The Kingso Umbrella Light uses a 5V internal rechargeable battery, and the package includes the power cable needed to recharge the battery. Typical recharge time is around 4 hours.
There is a USB charging input that is used to charge the device, as well as to pair your phone to the device for Bluetooth connectivity. As an added bonus, you can even charge your phone using the power from the Kingso!
The sound quality is good, and you use your cell phone to control the volume of the speaker. It will even play the audio of a video watched on your phone through the speaker.
The LED umbrella pole light is water-resistant, but not waterproof, so it’s best not to leave it outside if there is a heavy storm coming.
One factor that may be of concern is that the hole for the umbrella shaft is a little small. For example, 1.5″ umbrella shafts, which are pretty common, are tight on this unit. You may be able to shave down some of the clamp material to make it fit, and getting a proper fit on a 1.5″ umbrella shaft could be difficult, so beware.
This unit is still useful, even if it isn’t connected to a patio umbrella. It could be a great portable light and speaker to take camping, to the beach, or to any other outing where you might want to have some music going and an extra light.
The Bottom Line
If you find that you enjoy listening to music while sitting on the patio, this can be a great multi-function device. The Kingso Bluetooth Speaker/LED Patio Umbrella light is a very fun device, and is partly a novelty (the dancing lights), and partly a very useful system (it can charge your phone!).
If the idea of a light show synced to your speaker wirelessly playing music through your cell phone, all taking place under an umbrella is of interest to you (and who wouldn’t be interested in this?!) the Kingso LED Patio Umbrella Light is a great package.
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Blue Star Group Brella Lights – Patio Umbrella Lighting System With Power Pod & 8 Rib, White
The Blue Star Group’s Brella Lights are a nice light set, with two configurations: one for 8 rib umbrellas, and one for 6 rib umbrellas.
Light Quality
These under umbrella lights are pretty, very much like traditional Christmas style lights. They are not LED and cast a warm, soft glow. They are bright enough to read by for a short while, but if you are planning on reading a novel, you probably want additional light. Each strand has 20 lights on it.
Sizing
These light strands are adjustable and can fit any of the standard umbrella sizes. They can be configured to fit 6′, 8′, 9′, even up to an 11′ wide umbrella. This makes ordering simple: just count the number of ribs and you’re good to go.
Power Supply
The Brella Lights have what Blue Star Group calls a Power Pod to supply power to the umbrella lights, as well as two additional sockets for bringing power to other equipment that may need power at the table. Essentially, the Brella Lights plug into a traditional wall outlet with an extension cord, and then the cord splits into a small power strip at the location of the umbrella table.
You can plug whatever you want in these outlets. From there, the wire continues up through the umbrella and supplies power to the lights.
It’s a clever idea, and we like the ability to plug other items (cell phone, laptop, etc.) in at the point where the umbrella shaft meets the table.
However, you still need to have an extension cord running to the umbrella table, which can be awkward, and could be a trip hazard depending on your configuration.
The Bottom Line
The Brella lights are nice and are pretty easy to put together. If you run into trouble, just grab a couple of cable ties and use those to help support the strings.
The ease of ordering these string lights for a patio umbrella, and the flexibility of the adjustable lines, make the Brella Lights an attractive choice. However, they don’t use LED lights and are not as reliable as some of the other products on this list. And you still need to deal with plugging them in, even though that is mitigated by the extra plus of having the Power Block available at the table.
- Universal fits for any 8 rib umbrella.
- Soft, subtle light, on-demand.
- Stays on the umbrella.
- Includes "power Pod"
- U.L. Listed. Not LED / Not Battery Operated
Last update on 2024-11-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
TOTOBAY 28 LEDs Cordless Umbrella Pole Light for Patio Umbrellas, Camping Tents
The Totobay 28 LED Cordless Umbrella Pole lights are the last patio umbrella LED lights on our list. Like the Kingstar lights in our top spot, this umbrella light is a disc light system with multiple LEDs.
Unlike the Kingstar lights, these lights are white LED only, and there is no Bluetooth speaker or anything cool like that. These lights come in two configurations: one that shines down, and another that sits on a table and acts as an LED candle holder.
Key Features at a Glance
- Number of LED Lights: 28
- Number of LED Lights on Dim Mode: 8
- Brightness on Full Mode: 400 Lumens
- Brightness on Dim Mode: 120 Lumens
- Fits on umbrella poles between 0.78″ – 2.04″ in diameter
- Works between 18-54 hours per charge, depending on lighting level
Battery Power Supply
The Totobay LED lights for patio umbrella system uses two rechargeable batteries (included), and like the Kingstar, gets recharged with a USB port input. Typically it takes about 8 hours to charge these solar lights for a patio umbrella, and the light will shine for 18-54 hours depending on whether you’re on full power or dim mode. These patio umbrella lights are battery operated.
Note, you cannot recharge your phone with this USB input, it is only used to recharge the Totobay light.
Setup and Configuration
These LED patio umbrella lights will fit on any pole from 0.78″ to 2.04″ in diameter. The vast majority of umbrella poles are 1.0″-2.0″, so it should work on virtually all umbrella shafts.
The configuration of the light is easy, just plug it in and charge it, and then tighten it around the umbrella shaft at the proper height, and you’re good to go.
The Totobay Umbrella light system is water resistant, but not waterproof, so be sure to take it in when the rain starts coming down heavily.
The Bottom Line
This does not feel like a cheap product, and it supplies plenty of light to do whatever you need to do. It is simple to install and remove, and supplies light for a very long time on each charge (assuming you’re using the Dim mode a good amount of the time!)
The Totobay is one of the best umbrella lights, and also works well on camping trips for tents, in chicken coops, or in other places where bright light is occasionally needed, but where electric cords can be difficult to reach.
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Yescom LED Solar String Light
The Yescom LED Solar String Light line has a thorough selection of options ensuring it to fit properly with most any patio or cantilever umbrella on the market.
Light Quality
There are two light frequencies available, a cool white light and a warm white light. Generally, the warm white lights look better, so we lean in that direction.
This outdoor umbrella light kit is reasonably bright, and allow those sitting underneath to see each other from across the table, and are barely bright enough to eat by, without being glaring or garish. They are quite romantic. The Yescom solar umbrella light design is not bright enough to play cards with.
Size Options and Design Configurations
This line of solar umbrella string lights is available in a wide variety of sizes and configurations. It can be used with half umbrellas (awning umbrellas), full sized umbrellas from 8-10′ in size, cantilever umbrellas, and both wooden and metal umbrellas. Here is a chart that shows the options available. Note: some of the units have different prices associated.
| Number of Ribs | Umbrella Diameter | Half or Full Configuration | Wooden, Metal, or Cantilever | Number of LED Lights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Ribs | 9' | Half | Metal | 25 |
| 5 Ribs | 10' | Half | Metal | 30 |
| 6 Ribs | 8'-9' | Full | Metal | 30 |
| 6 Ribs | 8'-9' | Full | Wooden | 30 |
| 8 Ribs | 8'-9' | Full | Cantilever | 40 |
| 8 Ribs | 8'-9' | Full | Metal | 40 |
| 8 Ribs | 8'-9' | Full | Wooden | 40 |
| 8 Ribs | 10' | Full | Metal | 48 |
| 8 Ribs | 10' | Full | Cantilever | 48 |
If you have a square ribbed umbrella, you need to order the type that fits a wooden umbrella, regardless of whether it is wooden or not.
Power and Battery
These outdoor umbrella lighting kits are powered by the sun! Included with the solar umbrella lights is an efficient solar panel, which is attached to the top of the umbrella, and supplies the rechargeable umbrella light with power when the sun goes down. The solar panel feeds through the umbrella shaft, and screws on the top to replace the top cap of the umbrella.
The solar panel charges an internal battery, which powers the lights throughout the evening. There is a 5′ line with an on/off switch for when you don’t need the light, or for when you shut the umbrella up for the night.
Assuming they get some good sun during the day, they can last for up to seven hours once the sun goes down. The battery is pretty good, and will keep things glowing until you’re ready for bed!
It is generally suggested to shut the lights off when not needed. This will keep the battery in good working order, and give light when you need it.
Solar Umbrella lights and Umbrella Covers
If you use a patio umbrella cover, which you typically should do, there is a conflict between the umbrella cover and the solar light. Placing the cover on the umbrella canvas results in the cover preventing the solar panel from collecting sunlight. If you have a Sunbrella umbrella canvas, or just don’t really care about umbrella covers, then go with a solar charger. If you do use a cover, go with a rechargeable light or plugin system.
Or you could consider placing the solar panel in a separate location when the umbrella is covered.
Installation
Before you start your installation of these outdoor umbrella LED lights, put the solar panel out in the sun for a few hours, and then plug in the lights to ensure that the lights all work. Much easier to find that out before you start rather than after you have it all installed!
Take your time, and don’t be afraid to get creative if you the clips are not the right size for the ribs on your umbrella.
The Bottom Line
Given the wide selection of options available for the Yescom light set, it can be tailored exactly to your needs. The light this set casts is attractive, and the solar panel charging system is efficient and environmentally friendly. When properly installed, these lights look great and can be a valuable addition to your patio or backyard environment.
Just keep in mind the conflict between patio umbrella covers and solar panels.
- Fits for 9ft 8-rib Offset Aluminum Umbrella; Shape of umbrella ribs:...
- Powered by the sun, energy-efficient, low power consumption and energy...
- Latest improved solar panel, high conversion rate and long usage time
- Red button for turning on/off the LED lights; Creates romantic...
- Easy to install, 42 all-weather plastic clips for fixing strands onto...
Last update on 2024-11-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Grasslands Road Umbrella Lights, 1-Piece
The Grasslands Road Umbrella Lights are attractive umbrella string lights at a very aggressive price. They do not have any sizing options, so if your umbrella doesn’t fit the 8 rib configuration of their string lights, these will not work for you. Additionally, this is a plugin light set, so if you don’t have power nearby, these are a poor choice.
The Details
This light system has 8 strands, with 48″ per strand. They will fit an umbrella that is at least 8′ in diameter. The total number of lights on the whole umbrella light strand is 100.
These lights are mini white globe lights and are designed with parallel circuitry (if one light goes out, the rest of the lights on the strand stay lit). These lights are traditional incandescent and are not energy efficient LED lights (they are old school Christmas light style lights). The Grasslands Road lights are attractive and cast a pleasant glow.
The cord to power these lights runs through the umbrella shaft and is about 8′ long.
The Bottom Line
The Grasslands Roads umbrella string lights can look great on an umbrella, and also can look outstanding on tree branches. They are a great budget choice.
However, the bottom line is that you need to have a way to power them up. Having extension cords running around the patio is awkward, so unless you have a solution to the cord problem, we would suggest looking elsewhere.
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Patio Umbrella Lights: Buyer’s Guide
Here we will examine the basic aspects found on market umbrella lights, and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these features. This will give context to the full product reviews, found below.
Type of Lighting Need
If you are primarily looking to light up your umbrella solely for accent purposes, to give a delightful little extra style as the sun goes down, or to create a soft glow in the evening, strand lights may be the way to go.
If you are looking to accomplish tasks like serving food, reading, or playing cards, then a disc light may be more helpful to you than strand lights, as these offer more concentrated illumination in a pointed area.
Lighting Design Styles
There are two basic designs found in umbrella lighting. One is the strand design, and the other the disc.
Strand Lights
The strand design is a lighting octopus (or maybe hexopus, depending on your system!). Umbrella light strands work like other outdoor string lights, with a central trunk line (that usually goes inside the umbrella shaft) spreading out into eight, or six, (depending on the number of ribs on the umbrella) individual strands that run along each rib. Light is spread out through the whole umbrella.
Strand lights tend to supply ambient lighting, and can be quite soothing, but it may be difficult to read or accomplish tasks on a table below this style of lighting.
Strand Light Setup
In order to determine the proper strand light setup you need, you will need to get a bit of information about your current patio umbrella.
Style of Umbrella
If you have a cantilever or offset umbrella, you will need a strand light system specifically designed around these umbrellas. If you have a standard patio or market umbrella, virtually all umbrella strand light systems will work with your umbrella.
Number of Ribs
to count the number of ribs on your patio umbrella. Typically, patio umbrellas have 8 ribs, but there are several different designs out there, and some come with 6 ribs, nine ribs, etc. Certain strand light systems come in a different number of strands, and this number should correspond with the number of ribs on the umbrella.
Umbrella Diameter
For example, a 6′ diameter umbrella would have a 3′ radius. The maximum length of each strand would be 36″, or 3′.
Disc Lights
Disc lights are hockey puck shaped lights that latch onto the central shaft of the umbrella and project light downward from the central shaft. The light is more concentrated around the shaft and serves to illuminate the objects below.
This light tends to be more task-oriented and is generally not very beautiful looking. For reading, eating, or other tasks that one may be doing at a patio table, this type of light can be quite helpful.
The only parameter needed when purchasing a disc light is the diameter of the umbrella shaft. Typically these shafts are between 1.5″-2″, and virtually all of the umbrella disc lights are adjustable in this range. If your umbrella shaft happens to be unusually sized, you may need a more specialized disc light to fit your umbrella pole.
Lighting Power Sources
There are four main power sources for lights under a patio umbrella: solar power, rechargeable batteries, regular batteries, and electric plugs.
Solar Power
Solar power is a nice system, but if you frequently have cloudy days, or want long-lasting illumination, solar power may not be for you.
Also, if you use an umbrella cover, you run into compatibility issues with solar lights.
Rechargeable Battery
Rechargeable batteries are a very functional way to power umbrella lights. Some of these systems use regular AA style rechargeable batteries, while other ones have a built-in battery that gets recharged via a plug, or even through a USB cable. These are more environmentally friendly than regular batteries, and in the long run cheaper too.
These designs are nice because they can charge, even if the patio umbrella is covered.
Regular Batteries
Regular batteries are easy, and everyone is familiar with the system. Typically these are not the most environmentally friendly option, but there is no worry about forgetting to recharge them, and (at least to begin with) the cost is pretty low. If the umbrella light is used long-term, it may be wise to purchase rechargeable batteries.
Electric Plugs
Some of the umbrella lights on this list use a standard 120v plug for power. This means a power cord running from the umbrella shaft to an outlet, which may be unsightly or a trip hazard, depending on the setup of your patio. It is generally not an ideal solution, but often these lights are the least expensive.
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