Which is better, LED or COB?

What is COB LED Lighting?

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COB LED, or Chip-on-Board LED, integrates multiple LED chips mounted directly onto a circuit board, resulting in a compact and highly efficient light source that outperforms traditional LEDs.

What is SMD LED Lighting?

SMD LED, standing for Surface-Mount Device LED, is soldered directly onto the printed circuit board (PCB). This design makes them smaller and easier to manufacture than traditional LED packages.

How much brighter is COB over SMD?

COB LEDs are known to be significantly brighter than SMD LEDs, capable of producing nearly three times more light. Since COBs have multiple LED chips on a circuit board, they maximize light output efficiently.

Here is a quick comparison of brightness:

SMD COB
5W LED Strip Lights 480 Lumens 576 Lumens
10W LED Strip Lights 960 Lumens ??? Lumens
15W LED Strip Lights ??? Lumens ??? Lumens

Clearly, COB LEDs exhibit a better lumens per watt ratio than SMDs, making them an energy-efficient choice.

Does COB output smoother light than SMD?

Yes, COB LEDs deliver a smoother light since their multiple chips spread evenly across the board reduces shadows and hotspots, offering better light quality compared to SMDs, which can create uneven distributions.

Does COB have a wider angle than SMD?

Indeed, COB LEDs feature a wider beam angle due to their chip configuration, allowing them to distribute light more broadly than SMDs.

Are COB and SMD Strip Lights installed the same way?

Installation is quite similar, with slight differences concerning their structural design. Here's a brief overview:

COB Strip Lights Installation:

1. Clean the surface using alcohol or rubbing alcohol.
2. Measure and cut to the right length at designated points.
3. Connect the power supply while ensuring correct polarity.
4. Adhere the strip to the surface, utilizing mounting clips if needed.
5. Test the lights to confirm proper functioning.

SMD Strip Lights Installation:

1. Clean the surface thoroughly.
2. Measure and cut accordingly.
3. Attach end caps for exposed circuit protection.
4. Connect the power supply, checking for correct polarity.
5. Adhere the strip and test the lights.

Key Difference: COBs are directly installable without soldering, while SMD may require that for certain setups.

How much energy does COB LED strip lights use compared to SMD LED Strip Lights?

In terms of energy efficiency, COB LED strip lights outperform SMDs, producing more lumens per watt:

Type of LED Strip Light:
COB LED Strip Lights: 80-120 Lumens per Watt
SMD LED Strip Lights: 50-80 Lumens per Watt

This signifies that fewer COB strips are required for the same brightness level, thus resulting in cost savings over time.

Do COB LED Strip Lights cost more than SMD LED Strip Lights?

Typically, COB LED strip lights are about 20-30% more expensive due to their compact configuration and manufacturing complexity. However, the benefits of energy efficiency, uniformity, and durability might justify the higher cost.

Will COB LED Strip Lights last as long as SMD LED Strip Lights?

Both types enjoy long operational lifetimes, averaging 50,000 to 100,000 hours. However, COB LEDs may last slightly longer because they manage heat better. Factors affecting lifespan include the quality of components, operating temperature, and humidity.

Will COB LED Strip Lights get hotter when running compared to SMD LED Strip Lights?

COB LEDs generally run hotter due to their dense configuration, where SMDs are better spaced to facilitate heat dissipation.

Do COB LED Strip Lights use the same wattage as SMD LED Strip Lights?

Generally, COB LED strip lights consume more wattage compared to SMDs due to their compact nature allowing more LED output and power consumption.

What are the cut points on COB LED Strip Lights?

COB LED strip lights feature multiple color options such as RGB, RGBW, single-color variants, and adjustable white temperatures, offering versatility in design.

Can COB LED Strip Lights change color?

Yes, with the addition of a controller, COB LED strip lights can change colors among various options.

Can COB LED Strip Lights be controlled using DMX?

COB LED strip lights are DMX-compatible, with a required DMX decoder to translate the DMX signals into a controllable format.

Do COB LED Strip Lights need a different controller than SMD LED Strip Lights?

Yes, they require unique controllers due to different power consumption and electrical characteristics.

When is it best to use COB LED over SMD LED?

Choose COB for high brightness, uniformity, wide angles, and effective heat management. Opt for SMD when cost-effectiveness, compactness, and versatility are key considerations.

Ultimately, assess specific application needs to determine the ideal choice, balancing aspects like brightness, cost, compactness, and durability.