RGB (red, green, blue) LED strips are a popular choice for decorative and professional lighting. Because they can change colors autonomously or at will, they are perfect for cove lighting, kitchen countertop accents, and even trade shows and performance stages.
To make the RGB LED tape more versatile, the RGBW (red, green, blue, white) LED strip was developed. This version takes the traditional RGB tape and adds white LEDs into the mix, allowing for true white lighting.
What Is An RGB LED Strip and Where Is It Used?
An RGB LED strip produces a variety of colors by mixing three primary colors: red, green, and blue.
It is used in a wide range of applications, including outdoor decorations, cove lighting, under-cabinet lighting, and LED signs.
The Verbena LED strip, for example, is perfect for indirect cove lighting, bar area lighting, and stage lighting where color changing is desired.
With 120 individual LEDs per meter, this high-density LED tape is ideal for dot-free homogeneous lighting where uniform and shadow-free exposure is preferred.

What Is An RGBW LED Strip and Where Is It Used?
Unlike an RGB LED strip, an RGBW strip is capable of outputting white light, making it the more versatile choice for decorative and professional lighting where true white light is necessary.
The Hibiscus Series RGBW LED strip has a 4-in-1 chip that allows for exceptional color rendering. With the addition of a white LED chip, you can easily switch between white and colored lighting, according to your needs.
This type of LED strip is perfect for bedroom ambient lighting where switching to white lighting provides ample visibility without compromising style.
How To Control RGB and RGBW LED Strips
RGB and RGBW LED strips can be paired with a controller that allows you to adjust the brightness and switch colors. The controller can be operated with a remote or a smartphone app.
The Casambi PWM4 is a great example of an RGB and RGBW LED strip controller. It is a Bluetooth-controllable 4-channel PWM dimmer connected between the LED load and a 12-24 VDC power supply.
wLightbox by blebox is another great RGB and RGBW LED strip controller that can adjust the brightness, color temperature, and color of the LED strip.
You can control wLightbox via the Blebox app that you can install on your smartphone, giving you convenience and accessibility right at your fingertips.
Can I Use An RGB Controller With An RGBW LED Strip?
Using an RGB controller with a RGBW LED strip is possible. With such a controller, you will be able to control the red, green, and blue channels.
However, since an RGB controller does not come with a dedicated channel for the white diode, you won't be able to use your RGBW LED strip's maximum potential.
Can I Use An RGBW Controller With An RGB LED Strip?
You can use an RGBW controller to operate an RGB LED. Since the RGB LED strip does not have a white diode, the white channel on the controller cannot be utilized.
You can still control the brightness and switch the colors of your LED using the red, green, and blue channels.

Can I Use RGB and RGBW Strips Without a Controller?
You can technically use RGB and RGBW LED strips without a controller as long as they are receiving power from a source.
However, without a controller to operate the color channels, you will need to manually adjust the wiring to be able to modify the color of your strips, albeit with limited color options.
For instance, connecting only the blue and red wires results in a purple light. Green and blue will produce a turquoise hue, and mixing all 3 would result in a white light.
Which LED Strip Should I Choose?
There are several considerations you need to look into before you can decide on which LED strip to use.
One, what colors do you require? If your preferred color range is anything between red, green, and blue, then an RGB LED strip should be good enough.
But if you're expecting the LED strip to output clear white light, you will need to use an RGBW LED strip that comes with a dedicated white channel.
Another consideration is brightness. Because RGBW LED strips come with a white diode, they are generally brighter than the usual RGB LED strip.
Next is cost. With the additional white LED diode, the RGBW LED strip is normally a little more expensive.
And lastly, you need to consider what LED strip controller you have.
For example, if you have an RGB controller on hand and you bought an RGBW LED strip, that extra cost for the white diode will be for nothing since you won't be able to control it.
Benefits Of Using RGB LED Strips
- Lower cost than RGBW LED strips
- Vibrant colors
- Simpler color controls
Benefits Of Using RGBW LED Strips
- Brighter than regular RGB LED strips
- More functionality
- Flexibility (wide range of colors)
- Greater CRI (Color Rendering Index)

How To Know You Made The Right Choice
Choosing the right LED strip for your project can make or break your setup.
If you want ambient lighting that does not require the glare of white lighting, then an RGB LED strip will do the job.
If you're looking for more functionality and the brightness of clear white light, an RGBW LED strip is what you're looking for.
Conclusion
Using LED strips is a great way to enhance the ambiance of your space.
Whether for cove lighting, kitchen counter highlighting, or stage and office accent lighting, knowing when to use an RGB or RGBW strip for your project not only gives you the features and flexibility you need but also saves you from unnecessary expenses.
FAQs
Can RGB strips be bad for your eyes?
Yes, RGB strips can be bad for your eyes as they emit a high amount of blue light, which can disrupt your sleep cycle or strain your eyes. Avoid looking directly into your LED strips for prolonged periods of time. Installing a diffuser cover over your strip will also help.
How does an RGB light work?
RGB LED strip lights work by combining light from red, green, and blue chips to output a variety of colors.
How does an RGBW strip light work?
Much like an RGB LED, the RGBW LED strip mixes light from red, green, and blue chips.
The only difference is the addition of a white chip, allowing your LED strip to emit clear white light or mix it up with the red, green, and blue chips to create brighter and a wider range of colors.
Can an RGB strip make a white light?
Yes, an RGB strip, despite not having a white chip, can make white light. This is done by mixing red, green, and blue in equal intensities.
However, the resulting white light is poor and not as clear and bright as that emitted from a dedicated white chip.
Are colorful LED strips harder to install?
LED strips are generally easy to install, but if you want colorful LED strips, you will need to work with more wiring, making installation harder.