When we want to create a party atmosphere outdoors, Govee has a range of exterior solutions for exactly this purpose.
Over the past few weeks we had the opportunity to test the Govee Smart Outdoor S14 Bulb String Lights 2 — lights designed for gardens or outdoor spaces that allow fully personalised illumination.
Here is our review and verdict on this product.
Govee Smart Outdoor S14 Bulb String Lights 2 review — Want to create a party atmosphere in your garden?
Transforming a terrace, balcony, or garden into an atmospheric evening space is simpler than it sounds, and smart string lights have become one of the most accessible ways to do it.
The Govee Smart Outdoor S14 Bulb String Lights 2 combine RGBICW technology with over 100 scene modes, a built-in microphone for music synchronisation, AI-generated lighting, and control via app, voice, and Matter.
With IP66 certification for the light string and a rated lifespan of up to 25,000 hours, they are built for permanent outdoor use in temperatures between -20°C and 40°C.
They are available in two configurations: 15 LEDs and 15 metres, or 30 LEDs and 30 metres. The 15-metre version is available for €69.99, while the larger version is available for €119.99.
Design and build quality
The Govee Smart Outdoor S14 Bulb String Lights 2 are an outdoor string light set that stands out for its solid construction and IP66 certification, making it ready to handle adverse conditions such as rain and temperatures between -10°C and 40°C.
The bulbs are made entirely of plastic and are available in 15 or 30-metre lengths.
At one end sits a transformer and a control unit for switching on and off, while at the opposite end there is an expansion connector for adding more lights.
Between the transformer and the control unit there are 2 metres of cable, then 80 centimetres between the control unit and the connector, followed by another 80 centimetres to the first bulb — totalling 1.6 metres. From the transformer to the first bulb, the total cable length is around 3.6 metres plus the control unit itself.
From there, the first five bulbs are spaced 90 centimetres apart, as are the bulbs from the sixth onwards until the final connector — which sits 10 centimetres from the last bulb. The exception is the gap between the fifth and sixth bulb, which is 1.35 metres.
Each bulb delivers 65 lumens of light output, with the full set consuming around 36W.
The bulbs are RGBICW and can be customised across a wide range of colours.
Installation and setup of the Govee Smart Outdoor S14 Bulb String Lights 2
Installation is straightforward.
Start by securing the lights to a surface — either by weaving the cable through a structure or by hanging each bulb using the hook slot integrated at the top.
Once the bulbs are in place, connect the light cable to the control unit via a sealed, weatherproof connector.
Then connect a second connector between the control unit and the transformer.
Once everything is connected, the lights turn on automatically and are ready to pair with a smartphone.
Since the Govee Smart Outdoor S14 Bulb String Lights 2 support the Matter protocol, you may receive a pairing request on your smartphone as soon as they are powered on. If not, simply add them as a standard Bluetooth device or open the Govee app, tap the + in the top right corner, and add a new device.
The Govee app
To control the Govee Smart Outdoor S14 Bulb String Lights 2, Govee provides the Govee app for Android and iOS.
Once connected, all settings can be controlled from the smartphone — via Wi-Fi or, when that is not available, via Bluetooth with a range that can exceed 15 metres in open spaces.
Opening the app shows a home screen with immediate access to the light status (on or off), the power toggle, a timer, and brightness control from 1 to 100%.
Below that are several lighting customisation options. The colour tab allows a single colour to be applied to the entire string, chosen from a set of standard colours or via a colour picker. HTML colour codes are unfortunately not supported for quicker colour selection.
Beyond the whole string, individual bulb customisation is also possible — each bulb can be assigned its own colour independently.
The scene mode offers a range of presets that customise colour selection and animation. While some custom colour gradients are available, the full effect of this mode is best experienced on the Govee Curtain, where patterns and animations can be fully reproduced.
There is also a music mode, where the Govee Smart Outdoor S14 Bulb String Lights 2 use either the smartphone’s microphone or the built-in microphone in the light string to detect the beat and change colour or intensity dynamically. Several themes are available here too, varying the colours and transition speeds.
Community-created presets are also available as a starting point for the lighting effect you want to achieve.
Another standout feature is the ability to use AI to create personalised lighting. Through a natural language chat, you can describe the animations and colours you want, and the AI applies them automatically — without needing to navigate more advanced settings.
Groups of Govee lights can also be created so that common automations apply across devices — or connect to the Govee TV Backlight 3 so the lights react to whatever is on screen.
Integrations with Google Home, Alexa, Homey, and other smart home systems or voice assistants are also available for centralised or voice control.
Lighting performance of the Govee Smart Outdoor S14 Bulb String Lights 2
The Govee Smart Outdoor S14 Bulb String Lights 2 feature bulbs with a matte surface that creates a uniform spread of colour across the whole bulb — unlike filament or clear glass alternatives.
With 65 lumens per bulb, the output is sufficient for creating soft ambient lighting in leisure spaces or illuminating an outdoor dinner or activity — capable of recreating a festive atmosphere.
In terms of output, white produces the highest brightness, followed by neutral white.
Colour modes are more suited to setting an atmosphere, with somewhat lower brightness output.
The overall light output is more than sufficient to replace a standard exterior light and to serve as the primary illumination for an outdoor space.
We also tested them in a party setting, mounted along a bar counter, using the music sensor with the device’s built-in microphone. The lights followed the beat faithfully, helping to build the party atmosphere.
Who are the Govee Smart Outdoor S14 Bulb String Lights 2 for?
The Govee Smart Outdoor S14 Bulb String Lights 2 are for anyone who wants to transform an outdoor space — a garden, balcony, terrace, or patio — into a personalised atmosphere without complex installation.
They are a strong option for those who entertain regularly and want lighting that adapts to different occasions, from a relaxed dinner to a party with music.
Matter, Alexa, and Google Home compatibility makes them particularly well suited to those who already have a smart home setup and want to bring outdoor lighting into the same ecosystem.
Music sync mode and over 100 available scenes are meaningful features for those who value personalisation and the ability to create different atmospheres depending on the occasion.
For those simply looking for functional outdoor lighting with no interest in customisation or app control, simpler and more affordable alternatives exist. At €119.99 for the 30-metre version, the investment makes most sense for those who will actually make use of the smart features.
Verdict on the Govee Smart Outdoor S14 Bulb String Lights 2
The Govee Smart Outdoor S14 Bulb String Lights 2 deliver on what they promise. Installation is genuinely simple and the build quality inspires confidence for permanent outdoor use — the IP66 certification means the lights can be left in place without concern about rain or temperature changes.
The Govee app is one of the most comprehensive in this category, with per-bulb customisation, scene modes, music synchronisation, and AI integration for creating lighting setups from natural language descriptions. Matter support is a positive for those with an existing smart home ecosystem.
In terms of lighting, white and neutral white provide functional brightness suited to outdoor dinners and activities, while colour modes create more festive or cosy atmospheres depending on preference. Music sync in a party setting works well and is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the product.
The irregular spacing between the fifth and sixth bulb — 1.35 metres versus the usual 90 centimetres — is a construction detail worth bearing in mind when planning installation in smaller spaces. The absence of HTML, CMYK, or RGB code input for colour selection in the app is also a minor limitation for those who prefer precision when choosing specific colours.
At €119.99 for the 30-metre version, the Govee Smart Outdoor S14 Bulb String Lights 2 are a competitive proposition for anyone who wants smart outdoor lighting with genuine customisation and build quality suited to long-term use.
Techbit thanks Govee for providing the Govee Smart Outdoor S14 Bulb String Lights 2 for review.
- IP66 certification for permanent outdoor use in any weather condition
- Expandable with additional lights via the end connector
- Suited to a wide range of uses, from ambient lighting to party settings
- No HTML colour code support for precise colour selection in the app
- The €119.99 price is only justified for those who make use of the smart features
Govee Smart Outdoor S14 Bulb String Lights 2 FAQ
What are the Govee Smart Outdoor S14 Bulb String Lights 2?
They are smart outdoor string lights with RGBICW technology supporting over 16 million colours, more than 100 scene modes, music synchronisation via built-in microphone, and control through the Govee app, voice, and the Matter protocol. Available in a 15-metre version with 15 bulbs and a 30-metre version with 30 bulbs.
Are the Govee Smart Outdoor S14 Bulb String Lights 2 weatherproof?
Yes. The light string has IP66 certification, the control box IP65, and the power adapter IP44 — making them suitable for permanent outdoor use in rain and temperatures between -20°C and 40°C.
How do you install the Govee Smart Outdoor S14 Bulb String Lights 2?
Installation is simple. The bulbs have an integrated hook slot at the top for attaching to surfaces or threading through structures. Once positioned, the connectors between the cable, control unit, and transformer click together in a sealed, weatherproof fit. Setup in the app is done via Bluetooth or Matter.
Do the lights sync with music?
Yes. Music mode uses the built-in microphone in the light string or the smartphone’s microphone to detect the beat and adjust colours and effects in real time.
Can each bulb be customised individually?
Yes. The Govee app allows you to choose the colour of each bulb individually, as well as applying effects and scenes to the full string or creating custom modes.
What is the price of the Govee Smart Outdoor S14 Bulb String Lights 2?
The 30-metre version with 30 bulbs is available for €119.99. The 15-metre version with 15 bulbs has a lower price of €69.99.
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