Updated on 22 September 2022
This comparison is certified 100% impartial and follows our selection process.
Guirled Air Control
Ideal for decorating a room as well as a vase, this 1.6m light garland features a handy remote control, multiple functions and modes, and USB ports.
It is available in a wide range of colours and three sizes. The balls are made of finely woven cotton and are of good quality. It is powered by a plug that contains 2 USB ports to charge several devices at the same time. It is an A+++ energy class model, so it does not consume a lot of energy and does not overheat. We think the lighting provides a cosy and dim atmosphere, and the 4 light levels allow you to vary the intensity of the light to suit your environment. The switch is very useful when the remote control doesn’t work, but it is the remote control that allows you to control the garland from a distance (up to 50m). What did we like the most when we tested it? Its ease of use and wide range of functions (night light for the baby, light intensity changes, etc.).
A must-have for the festive season, light ribbons and garlands can also be used as annual decorations. Easy to install, this type of lighting can be placed around a tree or on a railing, for example. For indoor models, a socket or batteries will do the trick. LED bulbs are energy efficient, but traditional ones give a retro look. Some models include a remote control to change the colour of the lights and the flashing. Some lights offer connected features via an app or verbally (Alexa, Siri...).
Litogo Fairy Lights
Its ease of use, water resistance, excellent energy efficiency rating and subtle light make this 5m fixture a great low-cost option for decorating a room.
This waterproof garland is 5 m long and runs on 3 AA batteries (not included in delivery). Thanks to its energy class A+++, the batteries last a long time, although it is less environmentally friendly. Its 50 LEDs offer a total power of 0.5 W. During our test, we found the light to be beautiful, subtle and discreet for decorating a small space (table, room, vase, etc.). Moreover, we did not notice any overheating. However, it also has its weaknesses: its copper cable is a bit stiff and tends to get tangled. On the other hand, it is a simple model, with no functions or modes, and you can only use the small switch to turn it on or off. Therefore, it is very easy to use.
LE Lighting EVER
Despite the lack of options, this 10-metre model relies on simplicity and design to provide a pleasing appearance in an indoor or outdoor environment.
This light garland has an A+ energy rating and includes 100 white LED lights for subtle and pleasant illumination. It can be easily placed in a vase or around a tree e.g… The copper wire has a length of 10 m (with an additional 2 m for the power supply). It is a bit stiff and often got tangled during our test. The switch makes it easy to use, but a remote control would have been better. The lack of functions or modes is also to be regretted. It is recommended for indoors (office, bed, etc.) and outdoors use (terrace, balcony, etc.).
Our selection
| Our choice, Best high-end | Best budget | Best mid-range |
|---|---|---|
| | | |
| Guirled Air Control | Litogo Fairy Lights | LE Lighting EVER |
| Ideal for decorating a room as well as a vase, this 1.6m light garland features a handy remote control, multiple functions and modes, and USB ports. | Its ease of use, water resistance, excellent energy efficiency rating and subtle light make this 5m fixture a great low-cost option for decorating a room. | Despite the lack of options, this 10-metre model relies on simplicity and design to provide a pleasing appearance in an indoor or outdoor environment. |
| £ 35.99 on Amazon | £ 6.99 on Amazon | See the price on Amazon |
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How did we test?
To test these lighting garlands, we placed them in different indoor and outdoor environments (around a tree, on a piece of furniture, on a terrace, on the balcony, on a vase, etc.). In this way, it was possible to evaluate the length and solidity of the string, the overheating and the luminous effect.
Subsequently, we tested every single feature of each model. We also checked the type of power supply and estimated the lifespan of the AA cells-operated lights (we left them on for hours and even several days). Finally, we placed the waterproof models in the rain to test their endurance.
How to choose a light garland?
The light garland is a must-have for the festive season, but it can also be used as decoration 365 days a year. From the bedroom to the living room, it can be placed in every room at home to add a touch of warmth to every room.
To choose the model that best suits your needs or requirements, you should consider several criteria before purchasing.
First of all, you should know that there are several types of lighting garlands:
- The rope garland: is extremely easy to install, it can be placed around a railing or on the branches of a Christmas tree. It has two different ends, and its bulbs can be integrated directly into a light tube.
- The circular garland: is more stylish but also more challenging to install. In addition, unlike its traditional counterpart, it cannot be made longer by extensions.
- The curtain garland: consists of a main light cable to which several other cables run vertically. It is particularly recommended for delimiting a terrace or dressing a wall.
Once you have determined which of these variants is most likely to meet your needs, you should then consider:
- Power supply and electrical standards: you should consider the type of connection depending on where you are going to install the lights. For indoors, models that plug into a wall socket are ideal, while for outdoors a solar-powered one is recommended.
- The type of bulb: while an LED bulb stands out for its energy-saving nature, the classic one is distinguished by its retro look. Unfortunately, the latter is fragile and very energy consuming.
- The features: in addition to being able to present several lighting options (flashing or changing colours), some garlands now offer a connected function. In other words, you can control them either via a dedicated application or verbally via Amazon’s Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri.
Other light garlands we recommend
Uping 200 LED (£16.99 upon publication): has a significant energy consumption. This lighting garland is 22 m long, making it ideal for decorating a tree, a room or a terrace. The cable can get tangled, but the connector allows you to connect other garlands to it. With its 200 LEDs, it provides good brightness in warmer tones. We tested its 8 operating modes and found it very easy to use with its single switch (although a remote control would have been more convenient). The plug gets slightly hot, but not the cable thanks to its multiple protections. Nevertheless, we regret the low energy rating (G).
Other light garland tested
Lights4fun Fairy Lights (£3.33 upon publication): an attractive price/quality ratio. This model is a bit stiff and far too short (1 m), at least to decorate a tree. It requires three batteries (not included) and is quite power hungry. The lighting is subtle and pretty, but don’t expect to light up a large room with its 20 micro LEDs. While it is easy to use, there are no functions or modes, and it is less suitable for outdoor use.
Translated by Ramsés El Hajje
