LED strip lights are one of the latest and best lighting innovations. They have individual LED emitters placed on a narrow circuit board that is flexible. Moreover, they use low-voltage DC power and come either with fixed or different colors and brightness levels. With these attributes, they are being patronized as great options for decorative lighting since they can also be fashioned and placed even on unconventional and uneven surfaces.
Best LED Strip Lights Comparison & Rating
What Makes the Best LED Strip Lights
When installed the right way, they can establish a beautiful aura anywhere. However, do you just go to your local store, pick a strip of light, and then simply install it? Well, it’s not as simple as that given that there are lots of things to consider first. According to Christoph of Lepro channel, here are some of them.
Brightness
There are factors that affect the brightness of the LED strip light: the LED emitter, the power draw, and the number of LEDs per foot.
Moreover, LED lights are generally using less energy resulting in a lower watt rating. With this, watt won’t really help in determining the brightness of the LED light. Instead, their brightness is being expressed in lumens per foot.
Ideally, to have decent brightness, an LED strip light should at least have 450 lumens per foot. To give you a better idea about this, a 40 W incandescent bulb equates to one foot of LED strip lights with 450 lumens.
That said, to determine the brightness, it is always a must to check the metric lumens of the LED strip lights.
Density
Dark spots between LED emitters sometimes occur if there is a low density of LEDs per foot. This means the higher the number, the less the chance of these dark spots occurring. To get the reasonable and even brightness distribution of the LED strips, there should be at least 36 LEDs per foot. If you would manage to get LED strip lights with the right density, it would somehow just be like experiencing the performance of a T8 fluorescent lamp.
Color
Compared to traditional lights, LED strip lights are more versatile in terms of color and shades. You have a wide variety of options in terms of color with LED lights. They are even available in infrared! You can also enjoy the benefit of all these colors through the color-changing LED lights. They usually come in RBG in order to mix and achieve the desired colors.
On the other hand, LED strip lights with single fixed colors have a more straightforward system and excel in their very own ways, as well. White, being the leading color for household and general setups, come in different shades. The color temperature is one of the main factors that will determine the light’s virtual appearance.
Here, the light’s temperature can either be warm or cool. Lower color temperatures like 2400 K appear yellowish in color which gives it a soft glow. Conversely, the 6500 K color temperature that is too high virtually appears white like the natural daylight. If you need the right balance between the two extreme temperatures, 3000 K or 4200 K would be some of the greatest choices.
5 Best LED Strip Lights
There are lots of options you can choose from on the market. However, your decision should always be based on the points that would fit both your needs and preference to assure you’ll enjoy the LED strip light of your choice.
Some of them include the brightness and color of the lights. LED strip lights could range from fixed conventional colors (e.g. white) to color-changing models that are ideal for lively lighting decor ideas. The latter often comes with 16 million colors which allow the projection of all kinds of modes and scenes. This type is the most versatile as it can be set to a particular fixed color of your choice or to perform color-changing abilities.
Having a LED strip light that offers great controls is also advised. Far from the conventional models that can only be controlled by the built-in control box of the strip itself, there are models now that come with remote control and can even connect to Bluetooth, WiFi, and even Alexa-supported devices. One great example is VOLIVO 65.6’ which basically gives you all the possible ways to control the brightness of the lights to colors and modes.
Nevertheless, if the mainstream colors do not appeal to your taste, you can try the famous UV lights of Onforu 32.8’ which are really powerful at allowing the neon and intense colors to stand out.
Besides the models mentioned, there are still other options worth exploring, especially if you want something more subtle and simpler designs. Here they are...
1. VOLIVO 65.6’ WiFi Smart LED Strip Lights
Brand | VOLIVO |
Length | 65.6’ |
Type | Color-changing |
Controls | Remote, Alexa, and Google Assistant |
This VOLIVO 65.6’ LED strip light is one of the best choices out there mainly because of one reason: smart features. It supports Alexa and Google Assistant which is the greatest highlight you will certainly love. With this, you would have the versatility you need in controlling the strip’s system with ABSOLUTE ease! Just say your commands and in a matter of seconds, the lights would be set according to your specific preferences. Nonetheless, it also allows the use of the remote control and the designated smart app to activate the strip and to change the color of the lights. You can even tweak it to give it a scheduled activation. Sweet!
To make things even better, the lights can jive and sync with the music playing and ambient sounds! This makes it a true gem for those looking for extremely advanced LED strip lights for modern lighting decors and designs.
The lights are stunning, as well. It comes with more than 16 million colors and the brightness can be adjusted easily. The colors are vibrant in a very appropriate manner and the transition from one color to another is phenomenal! What else can we say, but this is the true winner in this game!
2. WYZworks Adjustable Temperature LED Strip Lights
Brand | WYZworks |
Length | Available in 50- and 100-foot lengths |
Type | Fixed Color (Adjustable Color Temperature) |
Controls | Remote Control |
Some might find single-color LEDs with fixed temperatures too plain and incapable of establishing a variety of moods. Well, if that’s your case, this WYZworks 100’ LED light strip is for you. It boasts an adjustable temperature feature which allows user to switch from warm to cool white temperature. It offers 4 temperature variations (3000 K, 4000K, 5000 K, and 6000K) that allow you to adjust the lights depending on your preference. A very excellent feature to establish the mood want for your bedroom and living room.
It comes with a remote control that also allows the temperature adjustment up to 8 levels and a timer for the lights. Very flexible. Furthermore, it is a PVC rope-type LED light strip that allows it to pass the IP67-waterproof rating. This means that compared to the other sensitive options you have, this UL-certified light is basically a tough set of lights that can be installed… OUTDOORS! No more problems from moisture! Lovely! Most of all, it has a long lifespan of about 50,000 hours!
3. Onforu 32.8’ LED UV Black Strip Lights
Brand | Onforu |
Length | 32.8’ |
Type | Fixed Color (UV Lights) |
Controls | Built-in Switch |
These Onforu 32.8’ LED strip lights have the rarest glow that would satisfy the specific taste of some people: UV. It has 600 units of ultraviolet LEDs with wavelengths of 385 - 400 NM. The result gives you the perfect sight to complement UV paints and black light-reactive pigments. This also makes it ideal to be used as stage lights, special light effects, and photo emulsion exposure!
However, keep in mind that is not completely a black light as it comes with 385 to 400 NM. It is just a bit dimmer compared to typical LED strip lights. The color of these UV LEDs, nonetheless, creates great highlights to neon colors and brings the superior glow of dark and intense colors!
On the other hand, the strips also offer great qualities that will certainly please you with the purchase. Compared to the 20,000 to 30,000 product life of cheaper models, its 50,000-hour product life is truly promising and means a great overall value. Also, it only utilizes 12 V which, compared to those using 24 V, produces low heat. It is safe and there is a great heat dissipation which contributes to its long product life. Great buy!
4. Govee 32.8’ Color-Changing LED Strip Lights
Brand | Govee |
Length | 32.8’ |
Type | Color-changing |
Controls | In-line Controls, Bluetooth, and Remote Control |
If you don’t fancy the Alexa-supporting feature of VOLIVO 65.6’, Govee has something for you. Instead of a more complex connection that needs a WiFi connection at all times, this LED light stip would allow you to control it anytime using Bluetooth.
This 32.8’ LED light strip (2 rolls of 16.4’) has a color-changing feature that can be controlled through an app. Using Bluetooth, in-line controls, or the provided control box, you have the freedom over the 64 different light scenes that can dance with the beat of the music, its activation, and the brightness.
It has a 10-meter control range which is wide enough, especially if you just intend to use the lights inside your room. The built-in mic is sensitive and responsive enough to recognize the beats and the overall sound of the music which results in lively, continuously changing light activity.
5. Govee 16.4’ 6500K White Dimmable LED Strip Lights
Brand | Govee |
Length | 16.4’ |
Type | Fixed Color (Dimmable) |
Controls | In-line Control |
If the color-changing LED strip lights are a bit too much to you and you just want LEDs that are practical, simple this Govee 16.4’ LED strip light is a good choice. It is a good upgrade if you want to change those conventional T8 fluorescent tube lights at home.
The strips can be hidden easily behind or under the beds or use them as an alternative for undercabinet lighting! There is also no need to worry about its safety as the heat being generated by the lights is very low and it only uses 12 V. Very touchable.
It can be easily cut, shaped, and rearranged even at the most uneven surfaces which makes it perfect for DIY projects such as lamps. It comes with strong adhesives and clips which will make your installation process easier.
The illumination of the LEDs is bright and what’s interesting about this is that 6 levels of adjustable brightness! With just a few button-pushings on the provided control box (The controls are straightforward, BTW!), you will achieve your brightness preference in seconds.
The Level 6 brightness must be overkill for some, yes, but if you would use it to replace your lighting tubes at home, you’ll really appreciate how bright this light is. The reach of the brightness is enough to light an entire room which is a total lure. Moreover, with the right placement and creative installation, these white LEDs would make glorious beauty at your home.
Best LED Strip Lights - Buyer's Guide
The models of LED strip lights come in great variety, especially in terms of controls. There are those that can be controlled through the built-in control box, those that can be controlled through remote control, and those that can be accessed with the use of wireless connections like Bluetooth and WiFi. If you would ask us, we would certainly suggest the one that combines most of those capabilities like VOLIVO 65.6’. It costs a bit higher than other models but given its capabilities and the convenience it offers, we say that it is worth it.
Decide the purpose of your LED strip lights. If you intend to use it as a replacement for everyday lights you use at night, we would suggest opting for fixed colors like white with varying color temperatures. The WYZworks’ LED strip lights are definitely your top choice for this. It will complement the aura of all homes due to its ability to give you 3000 K, 4000K, 5000 K, and 6000K color temperatures. On the other hand, if you want lights that will serve as your personal light decor in rooms, color-changing LEDs are the best and even those that come with UV lights.
Most LED strip lights come in thin flexible circuit boards. These models are very easy to install as they can easily adapt to the shapes of uneven surfaces. With the use of the right adhesives, they can stick to walls for a long time. However, the peeling of paints can be a common issue with this kind of installation. On the other hand, there are kinds of LED strips from brands like WYZworks that use a tube-type strip that is thick (13 mm width and 7 mm height). This means using adhesives on them is almost impossible and mounting brackets are more ideal.
Always check for the LED life rating of the strip light before purchasing one. Apparently, you would want to have the one that can last years. Some brands that can offer them are Onforu and WYZworks with LEDs that can last up to 50,000 hours. This would not only mean that you’d enjoy their lights longer, but it would also mean that you’d get your money’s worth.
Best LED Strip Lights - FAQs
Yes, you can cut LED strip lights. They come with their own cutline with copper ovals that serve as electrical connection points. As long as you cut them appropriately, you’ll be able to connect them with no problems.
To get the same brightness of the 40 W incandescent bulb, the LED strip light should at least have 450 lumens.
The color temperature of 6500 K can be compared to the color of a cloudy day. It gives the appearance of the light a hint of a very faint blue color.
Yes, LED strip lights are very energy efficient since they only require a small amount of power to function. They consume 70% less energy than halogen bulbs and 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs.
