COB Tape Light vs. Traditional DIODES Tape Light

When it comes to illuminating your space, LED tape lighting offers incredible versatility and aesthetic appeal. At Denver LED Direct, we specialize in providing cutting-edge lighting solutions, and two popular options in LED tape lighting are COB (Chip-on-Board) and traditional diode LED tape. Let's explore the differences and benefits of each to help you make an informed decision for your next project.COB LED Tape Lighting: Seamless Glow and High Density

COB LED tape lighting is characterized by its high-density chip placement, where multiple LED chips are directly mounted onto a single circuit board. This design creates a continuous, dot-free line of light, eliminating the individual "hot spots" or visible diodes often associated with traditional LED strips.

Benefits of COB LED Tape Lighting:

  • Uniform Illumination: The primary advantage of COB tape is its incredibly smooth and even light output. This makes it ideal for applications where a flawless glow is desired, such as under cabinet lighting, cove lighting, or in retail displays where reflections might otherwise highlight individual diodes.

  • Wider Beam Angle: COB LEDs typically offer a wider beam angle, often up to 170 degrees, ensuring a broad and consistent spread of light.

  • Compact Design: The high density of chips allows for a narrower ribbon design, which can be beneficial in installations with limited space. Melissa from Newsmart-LED has mentioned they have super slim COB strips available in 3mm, 4mm, and 5mm widths.

  • Increased Brightness: Due to the higher concentration of LEDs per foot, COB tape can often achieve higher lumen output for brighter illumination. For example, Newsmart-LED offers a 480 chips/meter COB LED strip with lumen outputs up to 630LM/meter.

  • Excellent Color Rendering: Many COB LED tapes boast a high Color Rendering Index (CRI) of 90+, meaning they accurately display colors.

Traditional Diode LED Tape Lighting: Versatility and Cost-Effectiveness

Traditional diode LED tape lighting features individual LED chips spaced along a flexible circuit board. These are the more commonly recognized LED strips and offer a wide range of options in terms of brightness, color, and density.

Benefits of Traditional Diode LED Tape Lighting:

  • Cost-Effective: Generally, traditional diode LED tape can be a more budget-friendly option, making it suitable for larger installations or projects where cost is a significant factor.

  • Variety of Options: There's a vast selection of traditional LED tape available, including different chip sizes, densities, and color options (e.g., RGBW).

  • Customization: Depending on the product, traditional LED tape can be cut at specific intervals, allowing for precise customization of lengths. 

  • Proven Technology: Traditional LED tape has been a staple in lighting design for years, offering reliable performance.

Choosing the Right LED Tape for Your Project

The best choice between COB and traditional diode LED tape lighting depends on your specific needs and priorities:

  • For a seamless, dot-free line of light and premium aesthetic, COB LED tape is an excellent choice. It's perfect for high-end residential, commercial, or artistic installations where light quality and uniformity are paramount.

  • For versatile, cost-effective lighting solutions where visible individual diodes are not a concern, traditional diode LED tape remains a strong contender. It's widely used for accent lighting, task lighting, and general illumination in various settings.

At Denver LED Direct, we can help you assess your project requirements and recommend the ideal LED tape lighting solution. We work with high-quality products, including options that are dimmable with various systems like ELV, MLV, and TRIAC, and are designed for dry and damp locations.

Contact us today to discuss your lighting needs and let us illuminate your vision!

ryan meissner