In modern society, COB and SMD led strip are both commonly used. How much do you know about COB led strips and SMD led strips?

In this guide, I will show you elaborate knowledge of COB led strips and SMD led strips, including their definitions, features, technical/connecting/powering/installation comparisons, pros and cons, applications, when to use, and common problems.

1. What is COB LED Strip Light?

(1) Definition

COB (Chip On Board LED Strip) is a type LED lighting technology that uses Chip-on-Board manufacturing processes. The LED chips are placed directly on the circuit board. This eliminates the need for lamp beads and creates a high-density, seamless arrangement of light emitting units.

(2) Features

Simplified structure: replaces traditional packaging processes and reduces costs.

Brightness and Contrast Enhanced: Higher luminance and contrast ratios than conventional LEDs.

Energy Efficiency: Costs Lower Power Consumption for Less Energy Loss and Optimised Thermal Management.

Durability: The compact, lightweight design reduces the chance of damage by external factors such as moisture.

2. What is SMD LED Strip Light?

2.1 Definition

Surface-Mounted device is a term used to describe LED chips that are directly soldered on a flexible printed board (PCB).

2.2 Features

(1) Design and Structure

Each LED is soldered separately onto the PCB.

Modular Layout – Diodes are evenly spaced along the strip to create visible light points.

Flexible PCB: This allows for bending and cutting at marked intervals (for custom installations).

(2) Light Quality

Beam Angle: Typically, 120 deg.

Brightness: High lumen output per Watt.

Color Options: Available as single colors or RGB/RGBW to create dynamic lighting.

(3) Energy Efficiency

High brightness and low power consumption.

3. What is the Difference Between COB and SMD LED Strips?

(1) Structure

COB LED Strip:

Uses chip-on-board technology by embedding the LED chips directly on the substrate.

PCB+LED Chips+Silicone phosphor+epoxy/silicone(If it is waterproof)

SMD LED Strip:

Feature surface-mounted individual diodes with visible lights points.

PCB+SMD LEDs+epoxy/silicone(If it is waterproof)

(2) Optical Performance

Parameter	COB LED Strips	SMD LED Strips
Luminous Efficacy	120–150 lm/W (high-power COB up to 200 lm/W)	80–120 lm/W (standard 5050 SMD)
Brightness Uniformity	Single-chip design minimizes hotspots (±5%)	Multiple SMDs may create visible brightness variations (±15%)
Color Consistency	Integrated phosphor coating ensures tight binning	Discrete SMDs require strict binning for uniformity

(3) Thermal Management

COB Led Strip:

Use low thermal resistance materials to dissipate heat effectively.

SMD Led Strip:

Spread the heat over a larger area of PCB, which will reduce localized heating. Require additional simpler heat sinks.

(4) Flexible Design

COB Led Strips:

The ultra-thin and flexible design (without bulky diodes), allows seamless integration in tight spaces.

There are no exposed gold wires. This reduces the risk of damage or corrosion.

SMD Led Strips:

The individual diodes make the profile thicker, but they offer customizable color temperatures as well as RGB options.

It is easier to cut and re-configure at intervals marked.

(5) Lifespan and Reliability

COB Led Strip:

Light degradation is slower, resulting in a longer lifespan of up to 50,000 hours.

Fewer components make solder joints less prone to failure.

SMD Led Strips:

A lifespan of approximately 50,000 hours is expected (depending on the chip quality).

In densely packed configurations, there is a higher risk of LED failure.

(6) Cost

COB Led Strip:

Costs upfront are higher (complex manufacturing), but maintenance costs over the long term are lower.

Fewer failure points means lower maintenance costs.

SMD Led Strips:

Short runs and temporary installations are cost-effective.

LED replacements can result in long-term costs.

Summary Table
Feature	COB LED Strips	SMD LED Strips
Structure	Use Chip-on-Board technology, embedding LED chips directly onto the substrate.	Feature individual surface-mounted diodes with visible light points.
Light Uniformity	Dotless, seamless beam	Visible light points
Beam Angle	180°	120°
Energy Efficiency	Lower power consumption	Higher lumen/watt efficiency
Durability	Longer lifespan, better heat management	Moderate lifespan, simpler cooling
Flexibility Design	Ultra-thin, ideal for tight spaces	Thicker, but easier to cut/reconfigure
Cost	Higher initial cost	Budget-friendly

4. What are the Advantages of COB LED Strips?

4.1 Advantages:

(1) Superior Light Uniformity

The monolithic design of the chip eliminates all visible light points.

180deg diffusion minimizes shadows.

(2) High brightness and energy efficiency

Due to the reduced energy loss, COB strips produce high lumen output at lower power consumption.

(3) Durability and Longevity

Extended lifespan: COB strips have a lifespan of more than 50,000 hours. This is longer than many SMD alternatives.

Less failure points: Reduced Solder Joints Lower the Risk of Single-Component Failure

(4) Space-Saving Design

Ultra-Thin, highly flexible profile: 1.6mm rigid pcb allows flush mounting in restricted spaces. Installation in tight areas such as curved surfaces and corners is possible.

No exposed components: The gold wires embedded in the product prevent corrosion even in harsh environments.

5) Wide Voltage Compatibility

The majority of COB strips accept 5V, 24V or 12V power inputs.

4.2 Disadvantages:

(1) Higher Upfront Cost

Due to the complexity of manufacturing, COB strips tend to be more expensive.

(2) Heat Condensation

Thermal management is important to ensure longevity.

(3) Limited Customization

Design flexibility is limited by fixed color temperatures (e.g. warm white or cool white).

(4) Fragility During Installation

Thin and flexible designs are easily damaged when handled.

(5) Repair Challenges

COB strips are more difficult to repair than SMD strips because of their integrated design. Individual LED replacements are not possible due to the COB’s integrated structure.

5. What are the Benefits and Disadvantages of SMD LED Strips?

5.1 Advantages:

(1) Cost-Effective

The cost of SMD strips is lower to purchase and produce.

Reduce component costs by simplifying manufacturing.

(2) Wide Range of Color Options

The LEDs can be adjusted for spacing and color.

Ideal for curved surfaces and confined spaces. Bendable to a radius of 5mm.

(3) Repairability

Modular LED Replacement: An individual SMD LED may be de-soldered and changed.

Quick and Easy Cutting: The pre-marked segments make it easy to adjust the length of the circuit without damaging it.

(4) High Brightness with Good Efficiency

High lumen output and energy efficiency are achieved with SMD LED strips.

(5) Simplified Heat Dissipation

The heat is spread across the PCB surface and reduces the chance of overheating. It works well with heat sinks or basic aluminum channels.

(6) Diverse Applications

Versatile lighting: Commonly used in automotive lighting, home decor and signage.

High Colour Rendering: There are several options for accurate color reproduction.

5.2 Disadvantages:

(1) Visible Light Dots

The uneven distribution of light caused by individual LEDs is most noticeable in reflective surfaces.

(2) Shorter Lifespan

It lasts about 45,000 to 50,000 hours. Prolonged high-temperature use accelerates degradation.

(3) Narrower Beam Angle

A standard 120deg beam angle limits coverage, requiring more strips for wide-area illumination.

(4) Less Durable in Harsh Conditions

If not properly sealed, diodes or solder points exposed to the air are susceptible to damage by moisture, dust, and physical impacts.

(5) Complex Repairs and Higher Maintenance

Soldering skills are often required to fix a defective section, and mismatched batches may cause temperature/color inconsistencies.

A defective SMD can require the replacement of an entire segment.

Double-sided tapes lose their adhesion more quickly in high temperature settings.

(6) Power Limitations

Lower brightness: Maximum of 170 lm/W, unsuitable for environments with high-lux.

Voltage drop risks: Long strips may require an additional power injection in order to prevent voltage drops and dimming of the strip at its end.

6. What are the Differences Between COB and SMD LED Strips?

6.1 Residential Lighting

1) COB LED Strips

Best for:

Ambient Lighting with No Glare: Accents such as stair accents, where uniform illumination without glare is essential.

High End Decor: Modern Interiors, such as luxury bathroom require a clean and dotless look.

Indirect lighting: Behind televisions or mirrors to create a smooth, even backlighting with no visible hot spots.

2) SMD LED Strips

Best for:

Decorative accents: Color changing RGB strips for gaming or holiday decorations.

Task lighting: Under cabinet lighting in workshops, where uniformity is more important than brightness.

DIY Projects: Customized installations like bookshelves which can be easily cut and reconfigured

6.2 Retail and Commercial Spaces

1) COB LED Strips

Best for:

Premium Displays: Museum displays and jewelry cases that require shadow-free, flawless lighting.

Architectural Highlighting: Accent lighting for Curved Surfaces and Columns with a Seamless Glow

Hospitality: Hotels and restaurants that aim to create a luxurious atmosphere with hidden lighting sources.

2) SMD LED Strips

Best for:

Signage that is Cost-Effective: Backlit menu boards or signs where visible light points can be used.

General illumination: Office or warehouse task lighting that is brighter and more affordable.

Event Lighting: Concerts and weddings with RGB strips to create dynamic color effects.

6.3 Automotive and Transportation

1) COB LED Strips

Best for:

Interior mood lighting: Car or yacht cabins, where thin, durable strips of light with smooth illumination enhance aesthetics.

Exterior Accents: License Plate Lighting or Underbody Accents that require weather-resistant and compact designs.

2) SMD LED Strips

Custom Car Mods: Underglow Lighting or DIY automotive projects using RGB stripe for vibrant effects.

Trucks/Buses: Functional Lighting like Step Lights where durability and affordability are more important than uniformity.

6.4 Outdoor and Industrial Use

1) COB LED Strips

Best for:

Architectural Landscaping: Pathways and water features that require waterproof, seamless illumination.

Industrial Displays: High-precision environments like labs requires consistent, durable illumination.

2) SMD LED Strips

Best for:

Outdoor Festivals: Temporary Installations like Christmas lights and party tents using waterproof RGB stripe.

Garages and Workshops: Task Lighting with high brightness. Replaceable sections in case of damage.

6.5 Specialized Applications 6.5

1) COB LED Strips

Best for:

Medical Equipment: Diagnostic or surgical equipment that requires flicker-free high-CRI lighting.

Aviation/Transport: Ultra-thin and vibration-resistant aircraft cabin lighting.

2) SMD LED Strips

Best for:

Entertainment: Themed attractions, such as escape rooms and theaters that use RGB to create immersive effects.

Agriculture: Plant growth lights with tunable spectrum (using SMD chips).

7. What is the Difference Between COB and SMD LED Strips?

7.1 When to Choose COB LED Strips?

7.2 When to Choose SMD LED Strip?

8. What are the Differences Between COB LED Strips and SMD LED Strips When Connecting/Powering/Installing?

8.1 COB LED Strips

(1) Pre-Installation preparation: Measure the area, clean the surface, and test your strip.

(2) Cutting COB LED Strips at Marked Intervals.

(3) Wiring & Connections

Option A: Soldering

The wire ends can be trimmed to 1-2 mm.

Solder the tiny copper pads of the COB strip.

Solder the wires to pads.

Insulate joints by covering them with heat shrink tubing.

(4) Solderless Connectors Option B

Connectors specific to COBs are used for easy installation without the need for tools.

Slide the strip in the connector, and then clamp it tightly.

The adhesive backing should be removed and the strip should be pressed firmly on the surface.

Install aluminum channels

Secure channels using screws or adhesive.

(5) Powering the COB LED strip

Use a constant current driver to match voltage and wattage of the strip.

Connect multiple strips in parallel to get long runs.

Install waterproof (IP65/IP67)

(6) Testing

Check that the light is uniformly bright and connected securely.

8.2 SMD LED Strip

(1) Pre-Installation preparation: Measure the area, clean the surface, and test your strip

(2) Cutting the SMD LED strip:

Cut at intervals marked (scissor icon).

To cleanly cut the copper pads, use sharp scissors.

(3) Wiring & Connections

Option A: Soldering

The wire ends should be trimmed to 1-2mm and soldered.

The copper pads exposed on the SMD strips can be tin.

Solder the wires on to the pads matching the polarity.

Insulate the connections using heat shrink tubing, electrical tape or both.

Option B: Solderless Connectors

Snap-on connectors are the best option.

Close the connector after aligning the copper pads.

(4) Mounting the Strip

Peel off the backing and press firmly the strip onto the surface. (For curved surfaces use mounting clips or flexible aluminium channels).

Use aluminum channels(optional)

Secure channels using screws or adhesive.

(5) Powering SMD LED Strip

Use a constant-voltage driver.

Avoid voltage drop

Connect the controller to the strip and power supply for RGB/RGBW.

(6) Testing

Check for:

Consistent brightness

The RGB model will produce the correct color output.

COB vs SMD Installation Differences
Aspect	COB LED Strip	SMD LED Strip
Cutting Flexibility	Limited to marked intervals (5–10 cm)	Cut every 3 LEDs or 5 cm
Heat Management	Mandatory aluminum channels	Optional aluminum channels for high-power
Wiring	Tiny pads, challenging soldering	Larger solder pads, easier connections
Adhesive Strength	Weak adhesive, often needs extra clips	Strong 3M backing holds well
Voltage Drop	Less prone due to integrated design	Common in long runs (requires injection)

9. COB LED Strip/SMD LED Strips FAQs

10. You Can Read More about it Here

The LED lighting industry is evolving, as it continues to be driven by the demand for energy efficiency, aesthetic versatility and high performance. The market trends show parallel growth. COB adoption is booming in environments that require high brightness and precision, while SMD remains dominant in applications that demand volume. Miniaturization and hybrid design innovations blur the traditional boundaries. This suggests a future in which both technologies will coexist and address divergent budgetary and performance requirements.