Eufy Outdoor String Lights E10 Review: Affordable Ambiance

Eufy’s foray into the smart string light arena with the Outdoor String Lights E10 presents an intriguing proposition: affordability. While the aesthetic execution may not be the most dazzling compared to competitors, the significantly lower price point makes these lights a viable option for those seeking budget-friendly, occasional lighting solutions.

The smart string light market has become increasingly competitive, populated by established players like Enbrighten, Govee, Lifx, and Nanoleaf. As the category matures, price is becoming a crucial differentiator. Eufy’s entry with the Outdoor String Lights E10 aims to capitalize on this trend by offering a cost-effective alternative.

Unlike many competitors who offer various lengths, Eufy simplifies the offering with a single configuration: a 98-foot strand featuring 30 Edison-style bulbs. These bulbs are directly integrated into the wire, eliminating dangling pigtails. Each bulb comes with a plastic clip for easy attachment to guide wires. The package also includes zip ties and screws, providing flexibility in installation methods.

A notable feature is the potential integration with Eufy security cameras. When paired, the string lights can be programmed to react to detected individuals, offering a welcoming ambiance for family members and a potential deterrent for strangers or intruders.

The kit consists of four segments connected by weatherproof, screw-capped connectors, ensuring an IP65 rating for weather resistance. The design minimizes clutter by placing the AC adapter 2.5 feet from a small control box with a manual on/off button. A 14-foot wire then leads to the first bulb. This design avoids the inconvenience of bulky power bricks often found in similar products, such as those from LIFX.

The wiring is segmented, allowing users to detach the final portion to work with a shorter 50-foot strand and 15 bulbs if desired. While Eufy doesn’t specify the system’s power draw, testing revealed a maximum consumption of 30 watts under the most demanding settings.

One of the most distinctive aspects of these lights is the generous spacing between each bulb, exceeding 3 feet. This is the widest separation observed among smart string lights tested. To address this, Eufy includes Velcro cable ties to bundle the wire between bulbs, effectively reducing the gap to approximately one foot. However, this bundled configuration isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing. Removing the Velcro reveals the expansive space, which some might find unappealing.

Each bulb produces a maximum output of 60 lumens, slightly above average for smart string lights. Colors are vibrant, and whites are tunable across a broad color temperature range from 1,500 Kelvin to 9,000K. However, the perceived brightness is diminished unless it’s completely dark. This seems to be related to the bulb’s design. The LED is positioned at the base, covered by a conical, translucent shade. The entire assembly is then encased in a transparent globe.

While conceptually sound, the globe doesn’t fully illuminate like a traditional Edison bulb. Instead, the illuminated cone appears to be the primary light source, leaving the globe feeling somewhat empty. This design choice detracts from the overall aesthetic appeal.

Setup is facilitated through the Eufy Life app, separate from the Eufy Security app. This app focuses on smart lighting and, surprisingly, smart scales. The lights can be configured for Bluetooth or 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connectivity. Notably, the app indicates that WPA3 security is not supported. The onboarding process is quick and straightforward, typically completed in under a minute.

As previously mentioned, the lights can be integrated with Eufy security cameras. This integration enables the lights to respond to detected individuals based on person recognition. This allows for programmed reactions, such as a welcoming display for family members and a warning signal for potential intruders.

The app’s interface and functionality are reminiscent of Govee’s approach to smart lighting. Users can control each bulb individually or utilize one of approximately 80 preset themes. These themes cover a wide range of categories, including emotions, flags, weather conditions, and holidays. The modes are dynamic, with varying levels of intensity and activity.

For those seeking a more spontaneous approach, Eufy offers a "Magic Dice" feature that generates a random lighting configuration. Alternatively, users can describe their desired lighting effect, and Eufy’s AI algorithm will create a custom theme. This feature is similar to Govee’s offering in its Permanent Outdoor Lights 2, but Eufy’s version relies solely on text input rather than allowing photo uploads. All lighting modes, whether preset or AI-generated, can be manually adjusted to fine-tune colors and motion speed.

A built-in calendar system allows users to schedule specific lighting modes for certain times of the year. The system is responsive and operates smoothly in daily use.

Eufy’s smart string lights are user-friendly and provide ample opportunities for experimentation. While Govee’s interface is more powerful, it can be overwhelming. Lifx’s app is less intuitive, and Enbrighten’s appears uninspired. Eufy’s app strikes a balance between functionality and ease of use. However, some features, such as the "Music Flow" mode, which synchronizes lighting with ambient sound, were still in beta and non-functional at the time of testing.

The most compelling aspect of the Eufy Outdoor String Lights E10 is their affordability. With a price of around $90 after applying a coupon on Eufy’s website or through Amazon Prime, these lights are among the most budget-friendly options available.

In conclusion, while the Eufy Outdoor String Lights E10 may not be the most visually stunning or technologically advanced smart string lights on the market, their low cost makes them an attractive choice for users seeking casual, temporary, and affordable lighting.

The article was corrected on November 19, 2024, to reflect that the Eufy Life app, not the Eufy Home app, is used to set up these lights.