They're lovely. I bought three strings, put them up in cold winter weather, and they work fine outside. I cannot get any of the remotes to work, but maybe that's my fault. I haven't figured it out yet because it doesn't really matter - except it means 4 instead of 5 stars. They're much brighter than I thought they'd be, rather hard to look at directly, but nice at a distance. The 8 functions are fun and the lights automatically run through them all unless you stop at one. I especially like the length of the cord that is without lights so the lights start right at the ceiling instead of from the outlet or halfway to the ceiling. They're well-made and look like they'll last. The little plastic buckets they came in are a bonus. I would suggest to the manufacturer that a tiny hole be put in one of the sides at the top of the bucket so the string can come through and the bucket can be used to protect an outside outlet. I am very happy with this purchase.