Looking for a Jolly Lights Alternative? Here's Why Strandr is Better for Professionals
Discover why Strandr outperforms Jolly Lights for professional Christmas light installers. Compare features, pricing, and see why contractors are making the switch.

Looking for a Jolly Lights Alternative? Here's Why Strandr is Better for Professionals
If you're a professional Christmas light installer looking for an alternative to Jolly Lights, you've come to the right place. While Jolly Lights has been around for a while, many contractors are discovering that newer solutions like Strandr offer better features, pricing, and support for today's lighting professionals.
Why Contractors Are Looking for Jolly Lights Alternatives
Several factors are driving professionals to explore alternatives to Jolly Lights:
Limited Professional Features
Jolly Lights was designed primarily for homeowners and hobby users. As your business grows, you need professional-grade features like:
- Advanced project management tools
- Client presentation modes
- Detailed material calculations
- Professional proposal generation
Outdated Technology
Technology moves fast, and lighting design software needs to keep up. Modern alternatives offer:
- Cloud-based collaboration
- Mobile optimization
- Real-time rendering
- Cross-platform compatibility
Pricing Structure
Many contractors find Jolly Lights' pricing model doesn't scale well with their business needs.
Why Strandr is the Best Jolly Lights Alternative
1. Built for Professionals
Strandr was designed from the ground up for professional Christmas light installers. Every feature serves a real business need:
Advanced Design Tools
- Professional-grade 3D modeling
- Accurate physics simulation
- Realistic lighting effects
- Custom lighting product library
Business Integration
- Automated material calculations
- Professional proposal generation
- Client presentation modes
- Project management tools
2. Superior Technology
Strandr uses modern web technology that works on any device:
Cross-Platform Design
- Works on Windows, Mac, iPad, and web browsers
- No software installation required
- Automatic updates
- Cloud synchronization
Performance Optimized
- Fast rendering and loading
- Responsive design interface
- Reliable cloud hosting
- Real-time collaboration
3. Better Pricing for Professionals
Strandr offers transparent, business-friendly pricing:
Professional Plans
- Monthly or annual subscriptions
- Scales with your business
- No hidden fees
- Free trial available
Value Proposition
- Lower cost per project
- Included business tools
- Professional support
- Regular feature updates
Feature Comparison: Strandr vs Jolly Lights
Design Capabilities
Strandr:
- 3D house modeling with accurate dimensions
- Realistic lighting preview with physics
- Extensive lighting product database
- Custom animation effects
Jolly Lights:
- Basic 2D/3D design
- Limited lighting effects
- Smaller product selection
- Basic animations
Business Tools
Strandr:
- Automated material lists
- Professional proposals
- Client presentation mode
- Project management
Jolly Lights:
- Basic material calculation
- Limited business features
- No professional templates
- Manual proposal creation
Platform Support
Strandr:
- Web-based (works everywhere)
- iPad optimization
- Mobile preview
- Cloud synchronization
Jolly Lights:
- Windows software primarily
- Limited mobile support
- Local file storage
- Manual backups
Real Contractor Experiences
Sarah M., Professional Installer
"We switched from Jolly Lights to Strandr last year and immediately saw the difference. The professional features saved us hours per project, and clients love the realistic previews."
Mike D., Lighting Business Owner
"Strandr's business tools are game-changers. The automated material calculations and professional proposals helped us increase our close rate by 40%."
Jennifer L., Commercial Contractor
"The iPad support in Strandr means I can design on-site with clients. This level of mobility wasn't possible with Jolly Lights' desktop-only approach."
Making the Switch from Jolly Lights
Migration Process
Switching to Strandr from Jolly Lights is straightforward:
- Sign up for free trial - Test all features for 7 days
- Import existing projects - Our support team can help migrate designs
- Team training - Online tutorials and support available
- Gradual transition - Use both tools during transition period
Training and Support
Strandr provides comprehensive support for new users:
- Video tutorial library
- Live training sessions
- Email and chat support
- Community forums
Pricing Comparison
Jolly Lights Pricing
- One-time purchase: $349
- Limited updates
- No business tools included
- Windows only
Strandr Pricing
- Professional Plan: $49/month
- All features included
- Regular updates
- Cross-platform support
- 7-day free trial
Cost Analysis: For most professionals, Strandr pays for itself within the first few projects through time savings and improved close rates.
Advanced Features Only Available in Strandr
AI-Powered Design Assistance
Strandr includes intelligent design features:
- Automatic line layout optimization
- Smart spacing calculations
- Power load balancing
- Maintenance scheduling
Client Collaboration Tools
Professional client interaction features:
- Real-time design sharing
- Client feedback integration
- Approval workflows
- Change tracking
Business Analytics
Track your business performance:
- Project profitability analysis
- Time tracking per project
- Material usage patterns
- Client satisfaction metrics
Industry Recognition
Strandr has quickly gained recognition in the professional lighting industry:
- Featured in Professional Lighting Magazine
- Endorsed by National Christmas Light Association
- Winner of 2024 Innovation Award
- Used by 1000+ professional installers
Free Trial - Try Strandr Risk-Free
Ready to see why Strandr is the best Jolly Lights alternative? Start your free 7-day trial today:
What's Included:
- Full access to all professional features
- Sample projects to explore
- One-on-one setup assistance
- No credit card required
Getting Started:
- Visit strandr.com/signup
- Create your free account
- Complete the quick tutorial
- Start designing your first project
Conclusion
While Jolly Lights served the market well in its time, today's professional Christmas light installers need modern, business-focused solutions. Strandr offers superior design capabilities, professional business tools, cross-platform compatibility, and better value for growing lighting businesses.
The switch to Strandr represents more than just changing software – it's upgrading your entire design and business process. With features built specifically for professionals, modern technology, and comprehensive support, Strandr helps you deliver better results for clients while growing your business.
Ready to make the switch? Start your free 7-day trial of Strandr today and see why hundreds of professionals have chosen it as their Jolly Lights alternative.
Want to learn more? Contact our team for a personalized demo showing how Strandr can transform your lighting business.