Free shipping on orders over $350 T&C apply

All You Need To Know About COB LED Strips

RGB LED COB strip on dark background with the blog title

Bradley Pudney |

Looking for a game-changing lighting option that outshines traditional LED strips? 

COB LED strip lights are sleek, high-performance lighting solutions for professionals and DIYers that deliver smooth, consistent illumination with zero hotspots. Whether you’re illuminating your home, upgrading your workspace, or adding flair to a commercial project, these strips can be a game changer!

Let’s dive into what makes these lights so special and why they’re worth considering over standard LED strips.

What Does COB Stand For?

To understand what COB Lights are, we first need to define the COB LED meaning. 

COB stands for Chip on Board, a technology that packages multiple LED (light emitting diode) chips together on a single circuit board.

LED COB Strip with diodes, diffuser cover, and solder pads in view

Unlike traditional LED strips, which place individual bulbs apart on a strip, COB LEDs are tightly packed, allowing for a much smoother and more consistent light output with no visible hotspots or gaps. 

Regular Strips vs COB Strips - What’s the difference?

The main difference between LED and COB LED comes from how the light emits. Standard LEDs (SMD LEDs) space apart on a strip, often producing visible hotspots or gaps. In contrast, COB LEDs have tightly packed chips that create a smooth, continuous line of light. COB LEDs also provide better brightness, energy efficiency, and heat management compared to standard LED strips.

The White Lily is one of the most popular COB strips on the market:

[product=continuous-led-lighting-strip-white-lilly-series|variants=2700K Ultra Warm White / 5m (16.4ft),2700K Ultra Warm White / Per foot,2700K Ultra Warm White / 100m (328ft),3000K Warm White / 5m (16.4ft),3000K Warm White / Per foot,4000K Natural White / 5m (16.4ft),4000K Natural White / Per foot,4000K Natural White / 100m (328ft),6000K Cool White / 5m (16.4ft),6000K Cool White / Per foot,3000K Warm White / 100m (328ft)]

[/product]

There are waterproof and non-waterproof versions, as well as 12 and 24V variants!

Pros

Seamless Lighting: Thanks to the densely packed LED chips, COB strip lights provide uniform illumination without the visible individual points of light that traditional LED strips often produce.

Energy Efficient: COB LEDs are highly energy-efficient, consuming less power while delivering brighter, more effective lighting than standard LEDs.

Excellent Heat Dissipation: COB technology ensures better heat management, allowing these strips to run cooler and last longer, even in enclosed spaces.

High Brightness: The densely packed LED chips produce higher lumen output, making COB LED strip lights ideal for task lighting and spaces that require bright illumination.

Cons 

Higher Cost: While they do offer superior lighting, they also come at a premium compared to standard LED strips.

Installation Complexity: Due to the specialized nature of COB LED strips, installation may require additional expertise or accessories, especially for customized applications.

Limited Color Options: While COB LED strips are great for white or warm white lighting, they’re not as readily available in multi-color or RGB options compared to traditional LEDs.

COB vs LED Light Strips

When comparing COB LED strip lights to standard LED strip lights, the differences are clear:

SMD and COB LED strips side by side to show the key differences

Lighting Quality: Standard LED strips often produce visible hotspots and uneven lighting due to the spacing between individual LED bulbs. In contrast, COB LED strip lights create a continuous, seamless line of light with no breaks or gaps, offering smooth and even illumination. This makes them the perfect choice for spaces where aesthetic lighting is key, such as architectural accents or under-cabinet lighting in modern interiors.

Brightness: With their densely packed LED chips, COB LEDs deliver superior brightness levels, providing more light output per watt compared to traditional SMD LED strips. This enhanced brightness not only makes them more energy-efficient but also allows them to illuminate larger areas with fewer strips, making them a top choice for demanding lighting projects like retail displays or workspaces.

Heat Management: One of the standout advantages of COB LED strip lights is their excellent heat dissipation. The Chip on Board design allows for better heat distribution across the surface, reducing the risk of overheating and making the lights more durable over extended periods. This makes them a better choice for enclosed spaces or high-temperature environments where heat management is crucial.

Application Versatility: What is COB light used for? While both COB LED strips and standard LED strips offer versatility in various settings, COB LEDs excel in professional-grade installations or areas where aesthetics play a major role. High-end retail displays, workstations, and architectural projects favor their sleek, uninterrupted light flow, where both form and function are essential. 

Final Thoughts

COB strip on a table with the LEDs on

COB LED strip lights are the next-level solution for anyone looking for smooth, bright, and energy-efficient lighting. While they may be a bit pricier upfront, their superior performance, better heat dissipation, and clean light output make them a worthwhile investment for both residential and commercial lighting projects. 

Whether you’re comparing COB LED lights vs. traditional LED strip lights, the differences are clear—if you want professional-quality lighting with minimal hassle, COB LEDs are the way to go.

If you’re ready to upgrade your lighting game, send us a message today!

FAQs

Let’s answer some of the most common things people get confused about COB LED Strip Lights:

Are COB LED strips waterproof? 

Yes, COB LED strips are available in waterproof versions. Look for products with an IP65 rating or higher, as this rating indicates protection against dust and water exposure, making them suitable for outdoor or damp locations.

What are the best brands? 

When it comes to reliability and quality, Wired4Signs USA is one of the top names in the market for COB LED strip lights. Other reputable brands include Lumilum and HitLights, known for delivering consistent performance and durable designs.

What Are the Unique Uses of COB Lights?

COB LED strip lights are perfect for applications that require smooth, continuous lighting. They excel in architectural projects, under-cabinet lighting, display case illumination, and workstations where seamless, high-brightness lighting is critical. Their even light output also makes them ideal for photography and videography setups, reducing the need for external diffusers.

Bradley Pudney

Content Creator

Lighting can make or break a space, and I'm here to make sure it doesn’t break yours, hopefully. From choosing the right LED profiles to finally understanding what “IP65” actually means, I aim to create guides that strip away the fluff and get straight to the solutions.

No nonsense. No jargon-filled nightmares. Just useful lighting advice delivered with a straight face. Because good lighting shouldn’t be complicated – it should just work.