"Weatherproofing. Every model needs a weatherproof rating to survive outside, so if you don't see one, don't buy it. There's usually a lower rating for the control box compared to the rest of the lights, so be sure you can put that somewhere that's a little less exposed to the elements. (As mentioned above, make sure you have an outdoor outlet, and check if there's only one on a certain side of your home in case it limits your installation options.)"
"A range of installation options. You'll want a set that comes with plenty of options for your own installation, including adhesive and drilled mounting options. What you need will vary based on your home design and materials; e.g. you'll want adhesive for homes you can't drill into. WIRED reviewer Kat Merck, who tested a couple different permanent lights, especially liked sets that had holders you screw onto your home that the puck-style permanent lights can slide onto."
"Controls for individual lights. This should be a no-brainer, but some cheaper lights won't give you this ability or have more roadblocks for customized control. Make sure you'll have easy individual controls or you might find yourself frustrated with the design results of these lights. It's similar to design controls that you'd see on smart bulbs and smart string lights."
Permanent outdoor lights require weatherproof ratings and careful placement of control boxes because control enclosures often have lower ratings. Choose kits with multiple mounting options, including adhesive and drilled hardware, to match varied home materials and installation constraints. Prioritize individual-light controls to enable precise design and avoid frustration from limited customization. Select systems with well-designed companion apps that offer accessible individual controls and preloaded designs. Established tech brands tend to provide better app experiences, while some lower-cost options may require extra setup or have less usable apps.
Read at WIRED
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