Govee has unveiled its new Outdoor Chromatic String Lights, and they bring something genuinely different to the smart lighting space.
Unlike most outdoor smart string lights that limit each bulb to a single colour, Govee is introducing true per bulb control with multi colour output inside each bulb itself. That means gradients, animations, and layered effects are no longer restricted to the entire strip or string, but can be applied at an individual bulb level.
This is a notable step forward. Even competitors like Philips Hue and Nanoleaf, while offering gradient effects across a string, do not currently support multiple colours within a single bulb. Govee is effectively pushing outdoor decorative lighting into a new category here.
Designed for ambience and actual lighting
Each bulb packs in 55 RGB LEDs, enabling detailed colour blending and smooth animated transitions. On top of that, Govee has included 54 dedicated white LEDs, allowing the lights to switch from decorative to functional when needed.
Brightness comes in at up to 240 lumens per bulb, which is more than enough to properly light a garden space, not just add accent lighting.
The bulbs also feature a dual layer shell design, helping diffuse light more evenly and improve overall colour balance. Combined with an IP67 rating, these are built to handle typical UK weather once they land here.
Smart features and Matter support
Control is handled through the Govee Home app, where you can:
• Customise each bulb individually
• Apply gradients and layered lighting effects
• Choose from preset scenes
• Enable 12 music reactive modes
Importantly, the lights also support Matter, meaning they can integrate into platforms like Apple Home, as well as Alexa and Google Home.
As always with Matter lighting, expect basic control in Apple Home such as on off, brightness, and colour. The more advanced effects and per bulb customisation will remain inside the Govee app.
Pricing and availability
The Govee Outdoor Chromatic String Lights are available now in the US via Amazon:
• 32 foot 10 bulb version priced at $169.99
• 65 foot 20 bulb version priced at $299.99
There is no UK availability just yet, but given Govee’s recent expansion, it is likely only a matter of time.
