Currently, on the market, there are mainly two kinds of light strips, one is SMD light strip, and the other cob light strip, SMD light strip is widely used and recognized by consumers, but the SMD light strip itself is insufficient. Cob light strip is launched in recent years and is currently the most popular light strip in the global lighting industry, Cob led light strip manufacturers are numerous, but the quality is uneven, how to choose the most suitable cob light strip? As a professional light strip manufacturer, follow my lead, in-depth understanding of the light strip. First of all, understand the difference between cob led light strip and SMD light strip, and then understand the key parameters that affect and determine the COB light strip.

The main differences between a COB LED strip and an SMD (Surface Mounted Device) LED strip are the distance between chips and the level of light density the strips give off. In an SMD LED light strip, the chips are soldered onto the circuit board and placed with space in between them. This space between chips means that SMD strips have a lower light density, while a COB strip light is considered to have a higher light density. The COB LED strip, also called a dotless LED strip. the individual cob led diodes are encapsulated directly onto the circuit board. These diodes are placed close together and covered with a phosphor gel. The tight placement combined with the phosphor coating creates a continuous illumination effect.

The parameters that affect the quality of COB led strip light are mainly these, such as voltage, power, the quantity of leds, color temperature, color rendering index, luminous efficacy, strip sheet width, service life, and so on.

Working Voltage

The common voltage of the light strip is 5v,12v,24v，

5V, could be used on any USB device

12V, usually car power is 12V

24V, suggested for long strips, there will be less voltage drop.

Power

5W/m, less bright, the light more even for long strips

10W/m, balance between brightness and even light

15W/m, most bright, far power end could be a little dim, compared to the 5W/m version.

LED quantity

60LEDs/m,100LEDs/m,160LEDs/m, 320LEDs/m, 480LEDs/m,

576LEDs/m,720LEDs/m,810LEDs/m,840LEDs/m,

More LED will provide more uniform light.

For RGB 840LEDs/m, it is 280 red+ 280 green + 280 blue LEDs per meter

Strip FPCB Width

The PCB width is 2.7mm 3mm 4mm 5mm 8mm 10mm 12mm,16mm, and 20mm, choose one suitable for installation.

Usually the wider the PCB is, the better the strip would be.

Wider PCB provide less power loss, higher current, better heat dissipation

Narrow FPCB can be applied in different occasions and narrow circuit boards can save installation space.

CRI Color Rendering Index

Higher CRI provides more real color than the item itself . And high CRI is also good for human eyes.

If you use it for a picture, you definitely want it shows its original color.

Ra95 better than Ra90, then Ra 80, Ra70

Waterproof Level

IP20, not water proof

IP65, rainproof, but not underwater

IP68, could be used underwater

The size of LED chipset

As the chipset is sealed with glue, people care only the density of LEDs. As a professional manufacturer, we must say this is not enough. High quality COB uses branded chipset with large luminous surface, brings more light. For example, our product uses 9*22mil chip set. Other may use 6*20mil. That is about 30% difference.

Interface

It depends on the interface of the LED controller

For static color, 2 wires, DC male/female plug

For CCT strip, 3 wires, or flat 4 Pin

For RGB strip, 4 wires, or flat 4 Pin

For RGBW strip, 5 wires, or flat 5 Pin

For RGBWC strip, 6 wires

The thickness of FPCB

Common thicknesses of boards are 2oz, 2.5oz,3oz,

Seller may declaim 2oz copper or 35um double-deck PCB,

Thick PCB has Better heat dissipation, a longer life span.

Minimum cut length

Short cut length will provide more installation flexiblity. Imagine your profile is 42.5cm, there will be a dark part if the cut length is 5cm

Dimmable Adjustment

The dimmable strip you could adjust the brightness 

View our collection of strip lighting or browse our COB Strip Light Series. For more help choosing the best LED strip light for you.