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LED light strips are long circuit boards with surface-mount device light-emitting diodes (SMD LEDs) that bring illumination to any room. The strips are also known as LED tape or ribbon lights and usually have an adhesive backing for easy installation.
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Some of the best LED strip lighting options can be used for many different interior design projects, including recessed lighting, television backlighting, smart-home connections, and kitchen countertop illumination with under cabinet lighting.
We tested each of the light strips on this list to see how they performed. Each one was selected based on quality, functionality, and attractive design. In addition to evaluating how well the light strips worked, we looked at the strength of adhesives, app functionality, brightness, and installation ease. Keep reading to see which lights shone above the rest and find out some of the best LED light brands.
First, we researched LED strip light reviews to compose a list of a variety of products to try. We tested the light strips according to an established rubric that included criteria for illumination, installation, performance, and durability. After rating the lights on a scale of 0 to 4, we calculated their rating.
Light strips were installed in a kitchen, office, onto a TV, or in a car based on the design. We followed manufacturer installation and operation instructions. Testing took place over a 2½-week period, with individual light strips being tested for 3 to 7 days within that period, to give us a more accurate view of the light strips’ functionality and adhesive strength. We connected the lights to their accompanying apps and tested the features to find out not only their usefulness but also their functionality in everyday life.
According to each product’s features, we set lighting schedules, created lighting themes, and varied how and when the lights were used. By installing the lights in real-life situations, we were able to get an idea of how well they functioned overall as well as which individual settings worked best.
No matter what type of LED light strip someone needs, a common goal is to find a high-quality product. To make the search easier, we tested a variety of LED light strips, and based on our testing, we chose the following options as some of the best available in terms of price, effectiveness, and reputation. Organized by type, one of these may be what you need to light up your home.
We also tested the Philips Hue Bluetooth Smart Lightstrip and the Monster 6.5-Foot Multicolor LED Light, but neither passed testing. The Philips Hue offered the brightest and highest-quality lights we tested. Unfortunately, this product had serious Bluetooth connectivity issues that made it unusable. Check out our full review here.
The Monster light strip had adhesive problems. The backing only partially came off the strip, rendering a quarter of the light strip nonsticky. When we installed the part of the light strip that did have adhesive, it fell down within 24 hours. A light strip that won’t stick cannot make the cut.
There are many features to consider when shopping for the best LED strip lights, from color and size to intended use and brightness. Before shoppers purchase an LED light strip, they will want to keep the following factors in mind to ensure their choice meets or exceeds their expectations for the intended application.
It’s essential to determine where the LED light strip will be installed before deciding which product to purchase. Some designs meet specific purposes, such as stair lighting or television backlighting. This specialization differentiates those products from standard LED light strips. For example, a product intended for backlighting a TV may come with four precut pieces and television-specific syncing options that change color to mimic the colors on the screen.
Other location considerations are water resistance for patios, dimmer compatibility for bedrooms, or motion sensing for a hall, bathroom, or stairway. Even a more generic installation of LED strip lights for ceilings or walls warrants some consideration before purchasing so buyers don’t end up with a specialty product that isn’t meant for where they intend to place it.
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Light strips are available in a variety of lengths, typically from 1 to 32 feet, though there are some strips that are up to 50 feet long. The brightness and intended purpose usually correlate to their length. For example, LED light strips intended for television backlighting or use on stairs tend to be shorter for easier installation.
Low-brightness LED light strips can be up to 32 feet long with about 300 LED lights. High-brightness LED light strips may have the same number of LED modules, but they’ll usually only be about 16 feet long. However, most flexible LED strip lights can be cut using scissors to accommodate small areas. If longer LED tape is needed, pieces can often be connected to customize to the desired length.
Most light strips feature a flexible circuit board that can bend around corners or run over curved surfaces. Some LED light strips are so flexible that they can be bent up to 90 degrees without damaging the circuit board.
However, as the power of an LED light strip increases, the flexibility decreases, with some light strips being completely rigid in design. These inflexible products tend to be much shorter, sometimes only 1 foot long, and significantly brighter than the average light strip. They can also feature motion-sensing technology, making them ideal for lighting stairs.
The brightness of an LED light strip is measured in LM and is dictated by the density of the LED lights within 1 meter.
Ideal brightness can be challenging to figure out, and some manufacturers don’t include this information. By taking note of the LED density, the average brightness of the light strip can be found. Average light strips come in two densities: standard density (SD) of 30 LEDs per meter (9.1 LEDs/foot) or high density (HD) of 60 LEDs per meter (18.3 LEDs/foot).
SD light strips produce an average of 540 LM and need 27 watts of power. They can be up to 32.8 feet long. HD light strips provide an average of 1,080 LM, need 40 watts of power, and come in a maximum length of 16.4 feet.
The color of a light strip is critical to keep in mind. Some light strips come in only one color, while others can have color selections that range in the millions. The color option chosen is entirely dependent on personal preference.
Color temperature is measured in degrees Kelvin (K) and describes how warm or cool a light’s color appears; lower numbers indicate warmer color temperatures. The soft glow of an average incandescent light bulb is a warm temperature of 2,700K, while natural daylight is much cooler, averaging 6,500K.
Wattage is a measure of how much energy the light strip requires to function at its optimal brightness. If a light strip requires more energy than the power source is capable of providing, it won’t work correctly, often producing a much weaker light. LED light strips operate using batteries, power adapters plugged into wall outlets, or being hardwired directly into the home’s electrical system.
LED light strips with lower brightness requirements, such as a 540-LM strip, will also have reduced wattage requirements. As brightness demands increase, power demands also rise, with a 16.4-foot SD light strip requiring 27 watts of power and a 16.4-foot HD LED light strip requiring 40 watts.
In years past, LED light strips were hardwired into the electrical system to work with a light switch or plugged into a power outlet and controlled with a button. However, LED light strips have come a long way from their original design.
Light strips are available that connect to Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, remotes, or mobile phone apps. With these controls, the brightness and color can be adjusted, the lights can be programmed to sync with music, or schedules can be set for waking up, arriving home from work, or going to sleep.
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LED light strips that connect with smart-home ecosystems like Amazon Alexa or Google Home can even be controlled using voice commands, while more straightforward options with just one color may only have a remote to turn the light on or off.
LED light strips come with many pros and a few cons. Whether you’re looking for LED strip lights for bedrooms, LED strip lights for kitchen cabinets, or bedroom LED light strips, the answers to these common questions may help.
LED light strips are safe as long as they’re installed and operated according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For example, indoor lights shouldn’t be installed outside, and some lights should not be installed where they can get wet.
LED light strips can run for hours on end without being shut off. They get warm, but they’re designed to underdrive the LEDs, which means they don’t overheat.
Yes, you must plug in most LED light strips. We did test one battery-operated cordless model, but it was a short 16-inch strip.
Almost every LED strip is compatible with a dimmer switch. In order to make an LED light strip dimmable, its input wire must first be connected to a dimmer unit; then connect the unit to the power supply.
To create ambient light in your home with LED strip lights, the optimal locations are under or above cabinets and counters in the kitchen, behind mirrors in the bathroom, or even around large pieces of furniture like bookshelves and home entertainment units.
LED strip lights can be disposed of by taking them to a local recycling center.
Most LED light strips are built to last for up to 50,000 hours of use, which is roughly 10 to 20 years of runtime.
Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series including “This Old House” and “Bob Vila’s Home Again,” he popularized and became synonymous with “do-it-yourself” home improvement.
Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice. The Bob Vila team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.
Stacey L. Nash is a writer and product tester with a background in home and garden products. She’s researched and tested home products for over 5 years. That research is coupled with the practical experience that comes from living life with four kids and a DIY husband on 12 acres that require clearing and upkeep. Now she tests and writes about home appliances, kitchen tools, lighting, cleaning products, and garden tools.
Additional research provided by Timothy Dale.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
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