If you’re researching COB LED strips, you’re probably wondering what they are, how they work, and why they’re better than traditional LED strips such as 5050 or 2835 SMD. This guide covers everything you need to know, from lifespan and energy efficiency to where COB strips can be used indoors and outdoors.
What is a COB LED Strip Light?
COB stands for Chip on Board, a lighting technology where hundreds of LED chips are mounted close together on a circuit board and coated with phosphor. This creates a continuous line of light with no visible dots.
In comparison, traditional SMD LED strips (like 5050 or 2835 LEDs) place chips further apart, often showing hotspots or uneven brightness. That’s why many professionals now recommend COB LED strips for a modern, professional finish.
Why Choose COB LED Strips Instead of SMD?
Smooth, dot-free light The biggest advantage of COB LED strip lights is the seamless, dotless glow. They look cleaner in kitchens, retail displays, and signage, and you don’t need a diffuser to hide hotspots.
Better heat management and lifespan
With COB technology, heat is distributed more evenly across the strip. This improves performance and allows COB strips to last 30,000 to 50,000 hours, far longer than most SMD strips.
Higher efficiency
COB strips offer more lumens per watt, meaning brighter light while consuming less energy.
Flexible cutting options
Many COB strips feature free-cut technology, allowing you to cut anywhere along the strip rather than at fixed points. This gives more flexibility during installation.
Indoor and outdoor use COB LED strips are available in multiple waterproof ratings:
- IP20 – indoor use (kitchens, bedrooms, living rooms)
- IP67 and IP68 – outdoor use (gardens, pergolas, decking, façades)
COB vs SMD LED Strips: Key Differences
- Appearance: COB = smooth and dot-free, SMD = visible hotspots
- Lifespan: COB lasts longer (up to 50,000 hours)
- Efficiency: COB delivers more light per watt
- Heat management: COB handles heat better, improving reliability
- Price: COB is slightly more expensive but offers superior results
Where Can COB LED Strips Be Used?
- Homes: kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, under-cabinet lighting
- Commercial spaces: hotels, restaurants, shops, signage
- Outdoors: decking, pergolas, gardens, façades
- Vehicles: cars, caravans, motorhomes, yachts (12V and 24V DC options)
Voltage Options for COB LED Strips
- 12V COB LED strips – ideal for cars and caravans, shorter runs up to 5 metres
- 24V COB LED strips – better for home and commercial projects, up to 10 metres
- 48V COB LED strips – professional installations with continuous runs of up to 30 metres, perfect for large projects
FAQs About COB LED Strips
Are COB LED strips better than SMD? Yes. COB strips are brighter, more efficient, and provide a dot-free finish compared to SMD strips.
Do COB LED strips last longer? Yes. With proper installation, they typically last between 30,000 and 50,000 hours.
Can COB LED strips be cut? Yes. Most COB strips can be cut at marked points, and free-cut versions can be cut anywhere.
Are COB LED strips waterproof? Yes. Choose IP20 for indoors, or IP67/IP68 for outdoor projects such as decking and pergolas.
Are COB LED strips energy-efficient? Yes. COB strips provide high brightness per watt, making them more efficient than many older LED strips.
Final Thoughts
COB LED strips are the future of strip lighting. They provide smooth, professional illumination, higher efficiency, and a longer lifespan than SMD LED strips. Whether you are upgrading your home, lighting a commercial space, or installing outdoor decking or pergola lighting, COB LED strip lights deliver the best results.
If you’re looking for premium-quality options, explore our COB LED strip light collection available in 12V, 24V, and 48V, with both indoor and waterproof outdoor ratings.
For more information regarding COB LED Strip please email us at sales@atomled.co.uk
