Test result preview
Product description from the manufacturer
The Circlio Outdoor Ice Rain String Lights are versatile LED string lights with 200 LEDs over a length of five meters, specially designed for indoor and outdoor Christmas lighting. They are ideal for decorating trees, balconies, windows, or gardens and create a festive atmosphere with customizable lighting effects. The product comes with a five-meter connection cable, hooks, and cable ties, which makes installation easy.
In testing, the LED Christmas lights impressed with their smart DIY control via the Surplife app, which allows for individual color adjustments, as well as the two-color light change with warm and RGB light. Advantages include the bright and radiant LEDs, 17 lighting modes with adjustable flashing speed, and adjustable brightness in four levels (25%, 50%, 75%, 100%) including a memory function. The waterproof design makes them robust for outdoor use.
However, the limited remote control, which only includes eleven modes, was a negative point—for more, the app must be used.
Overall, the outdoor string lights offer good value for money for creative Christmas decorations, but could be more robust in terms of operation.
Advantages
- Intelligent app control
- Waterproof
- Many lighting modes
- Adjustable brightness
- Integrated memory function
Disadvantages
- Limited remote control
- App required to use all modes
First impression
Packaging and contents
Here, we take a closer look at the packaging. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor. In addition, adequate protection of the product must of course be ensured. Is the contents of the packaging complete and does the manufacturer make it as easy as possible for me to use the product straight away?
Here, we take a closer look at the packaging. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor. In addition, adequate protection of the product must of course be ensured. Is the packaging complete and does the manufacturer make it as easy as possible for me to use the product straight away?
show moreCriterion
Comment
Score achieved*
Product protection
Cardboard is sturdy, product adequately protected
Points
Sustainability of packaging
No unnecessary packaging waste, plastic film protects product components
Points
Package contents & scope
Complete
Points
Instructions
The product is well explained in the instructions for use
Points
TOTAL
95
Points
Weighting: 20%
*The maximum number of points is 100
The outer cardboard box is sturdy and provides sufficient protection for the product, making transport damage unlikely. The plastic film used specifically protects the internal components such as LEDs and cables without wasting excessive amounts of material. This underscores a sustainable approach that conserves resources. The package contents are complete and include the five-meter LED light chain with 200 LEDs, a controller, a remote control, a plug, ten hooks, ten cable ties, and an instruction manual. The latter is clearly structured, complete, and easy to understand, with detailed illustrations and steps for installation and use. Overall, the packaging conveys professionalism and reliability, which makes it easier to start using the Christmas lights. End consumers benefit from an uncomplicated unpacking experience that allows for immediate use without frustration due to missing parts or unclear instructions.
First time in hand
Product workmanship and appearance
Before we move on to the practical test, we take a close look at the workmanship of the products. How high-quality are the materials used? Are the feel and appearance satisfactory?
Before we put the products to the test, we take a close look at their workmanship. How high-quality are the materials used? Are the feel and appearance satisfactory?
show moreCriterion
Comment
Score achieved*
Visual appearance
Appealing color selection and positioning of LEDs
Points
Workmanship
Very good workmanship
Points
Stability
Appears robust
Points
Sustainability of the product
No information provided, but durable materials are used (also for outdoor use)
Points
OVERALL
95
Points
Weighting: 20%
*The maximum score is 100 points
In our opinion, Circlio’s Eisregen string lights impress from the moment you first handle them thanks to their attractive appearance. The color selection—with warm white and RGB options—and the even positioning of the 200 LEDs create an aesthetically pleasing presence that blends seamlessly into festive decorations, whether indoors or outdoors. The overall workmanship is very good: the cables are flexible but durable, and the LEDs appear to be precisely embedded, with no loose parts or visible defects. In terms of stability, the product appears robust, thanks to silver-plated components that prevent rust and make it suitable for outdoor use. There is no explicit information from the manufacturer about the sustainability of the product, but the use of durable materials such as waterproof coatings (IP65 for the string lights, IP44 for the controller) indicates longevity. Overall, the LED Christmas lights feel high-quality and inspire confidence in their durability. For end consumers, this means a reliable string of lights that not only looks good but is also easy to use.
This is what our practical test revealed
Does the manufacturer deliver on its advertising promises?
Our practical test is the most relevant and therefore carries the highest weighting. Here, the product must undergo a wide range of criteria and tests. We check the functions and product promises of the test item.
Our practical test is the most relevant and therefore carries the most weight. Here, the product must undergo a wide range of criteria and tests. We check the functions and product promises of the test item.
show moreCriterion
Comment
Score achieved*
Lighting function
All LEDs light up evenly, no failures
Points
Cable length
Length corresponds exactly to the specified length
Points
Water resistance
No malfunctions during and after the test
Points
Plug connections
Plug connection shows slight wear but still functions properly
Points
Remote control function
Remote control functions are intact, but the string of lights occasionally does not respond
Points
OVERALL
94
Points
Weighting: 45%
*The maximum score is 100 points
Practical testing has shown that Circlio’s Eisregen string lights largely live up to the manufacturer’s advertising promises, albeit with slight limitations. The lighting functions flawlessly: all 200 LEDs shine evenly and brightly, without failures or flickering, confirming the promised brightness and luminosity. The cable length corresponds exactly to the specified five meters plus connection cable, which allows for flexible outdoor installation. The water resistance was particularly impressive: no malfunctions occurred during and after a simulated rain and splash test – however, the plug must remain dry. The plug connections showed slight wear after repeated plugging and unplugging, but continued to function perfectly. The remote control functions work reliably, including mode changes and brightness adjustment, but there were sporadic delays or lack of response from the LED light chain, which makes the app control a recommended alternative. Overall, Circlio delivers on its promises for Christmas lighting, with a focus on versatility and robustness, and is well suited for discerning users looking for smart Christmas decorations.
Test plan
A detailed insight into the evaluation criteria for the practical part of the test and the distribution of points can be found here. If you are also interested in the evaluation of our other test criteria, please read our document on the evaluation process.
Price/performance ratio
and consumer reviews
Finally, we examine how the product compares to the competition. Can it compete with the competition in terms of price and quality? Would we generally recommend it for purchase?
Finally, we examine how the product compares to the competition. Can it compete with the competition in terms of price and quality? Would we generally recommend it for purchase?
show moreCriterion
Comment
Score achieved*
Price/performance ratio
Good performance in the mid-price segment
Points
TOTAL
60
Points
Weighting: 15%
*The maximum score is 100 points
Prices of up to €34.99 are charged for equivalent products on the internet. Very inexpensive products are available from as little as €16.00 . The Circlio string of lights is currently in the mid-price range at €25.99. The price/performance ratio is rated as good . This rating takes into account both the average quality and performance as well as the mid-range price, resulting in a good overall ratio.
Overall result
Weight
Score achieved*
1. Packaging & contents
20
Points
2. Product processing & appearance
20
Points
3. Practical test
45
Points
4. Price/performance ratio
15
Points
TOTAL
89 points
*The maximum score is 100 points
