COB vs. SMD LED Strips: Which Offers Better Light Output and Projection?

Thu, 19 Jun 2025

 

While COB (Chip on Board) LED strips are often promoted as cutting-edge technology, they are not always the superior choice for every lighting application. COB strips excel in delivering a continuous, dot-free line of light, making them ideal for decorative and direct-view installations. However, when it comes to brightness, projection, and overall intensity, well-engineered SMD LED strips still hold a clear advantage.

Understanding Light Output and Projection

COB LED Strips:

COB strips achieve their dot-free appearance by densely packing hundreds of miniature LED chips under a phosphor coating. While this gives a smooth, seamless glow, the design restricts heat dissipation and current handling, often limiting their maximum brightness. In practical terms, COB strips typically offer moderate brightness—best suited for accent or decorative lighting where uniformity is more important than raw light output.

SMD LED Strips (30, 60, 120 LEDs/m):

By contrast, high-quality SMD (Surface Mounted Device) LED strips feature larger individual LED packages that can operate at higher currents with better heat management. This allows them to achieve greater intensity and superior light projection—making them ideal for task lighting, architectural features, and installations where brightness matters.

Independent testing by SA LED demonstrated that a 120 LED/m SMD strip (14.4W, 1012 lumens) outperformed a COB strip (10W, 1050 lumens) in brightness—even though the COB had more LED chips per meter. This proves that LED density doesn’t always equal brightness—power management and LED quality matter more.

---

Why Choose Litewave® Architectural LED Strips?

At Litewave, we engineer our Architectural LED Strips to outperform generic 30, 60, or 120 LED/m strips found elsewhere.

Many suppliers lower the drive current of their LEDs to extend claimed lifespan—sacrificing brightness in the process. We don’t believe in that compromise. Our LED strips feature true constant current regulation, ensuring each LED operates at its optimum brightness and efficiency without sacrificing reliability or lifespan.

✔ Superior Brightness
✔ Consistent Light Across Entire Lengths
✔ Engineered for Long-Term, Professional Installations

It’s why Litewave® LED strips are trusted by luxury homes, hotels, yachts, and even the BBC.

---

Industry Insights Confirm the Advantage of SMD

Industry sources including HitLights and MiBoxer confirm what professionals already know:

COB strips provide uniformity; SMD strips provide power.

If your project demands strong illumination—whether for feature walls, retail spaces, or architectural lighting—SMD LED strips, particularly high-quality designs like Litewave® Architectural LED Strips, are the superior choice.

---

Summary Comparison Table