Best LED strips buying guide
LED strips have become very popular in recent years thanks to their flexibility and versatility. They are used to illuminate the interiors of homes, shop windows, bars and restaurants, but also to create special effects during concerts and events.
However, with so many options available on the market, it can be difficult to choose the best LED strip for your needs. In this article, we will guide you through the factors to consider when choosing an LED strip and provide you with some recommendations on the best products available.
What are LED strips?
LED strips are made up of a printed circuit board that contains a series of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). These LEDs can be of different colors and luminous intensities. LED strips are available in different lengths and widths and can be cut or connected together to fit any space.
Most LED strips have an adhesive backing that allows them to be easily attached to any flat surface. Some LED strips come with a remote control or controller that allows you to adjust the brightness, color, and lighting effects.
Factors to consider when choosing an LED strip
- Length: The length of the LED strip depends on the size of the area you want to illuminate. It is important to choose an LED strip that is long enough to cover the entire space without having to cut or connect multiple strips.
- Color: LED strips are available in different colors, including warm white, cool white, and RGB (red, green, and blue). Choose the color that best suits your needs.
- Luminous intensity: The luminous intensity of LED strips is measured in lumens per square meter (lm/m²). The higher the number of lumens, the brighter the LED strip will be.
- Controller: Some LED strips come with a controller that allows you to adjust the brightness, color, and lighting effects. Make sure the controller is easy to use and has all the features you need.
- Adhesive backing: Check that the LED strip has a strong and reliable adhesive backing to easily attach it to any flat surface.
Now that we have seen the factors to consider when choosing an LED strip, let's take a look at the best products available on the market.
Features to consider before purchasing
Before purchasing the best LED strips for your home or office, there are some important features you should consider:
- Length: The length of the LED strips can vary from a few centimeters to several meters. Before purchasing, measure the area where you want to place the strips and choose the one with the right length.
- Type of LED: There are different types of LEDs on the market, but the most common are SMD (Surface Mounted Device) and COB (Chip on Board). SMD LEDs are smaller and can be used to create more detailed lighting effects, while COB LEDs are larger and produce a more uniform light.
Taking these characteristics into consideration, you will be able to choose the best LED strips for your specific needs.
The best LED strip brands on the market
When it comes to choosing the best LED strips, there are many options to choose from. However, some brands stand out for their quality and reliability. Here are some of the best LED strip brands on the market:
1. Philips Hue
Philips Hue is one of the best LED strip brands available on the market. Its LED strips offer a wide range of colors and are controllable via a mobile application. Additionally, these strips can be integrated with other Philips Hue products, such as smart lamps.
2. LIFX
LIFX also offers high-quality LED strips that can be controlled via a mobile application or through voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. These strips are also compatible with IFTTT (If This Then That), which means you can create custom rules to automate your smart home.
3. Govee
Govee is a great choice for those looking for high-quality LED strips at affordable prices. Its LED strips offer a wide range of colors and lighting modes, and can be controlled via a mobile application or the included remote control.
4. Nexillumi
Nexillumi is another brand that offers excellent LED strips at affordable prices. Its LED strips are controllable via a mobile application and offer a wide range of colors and lighting modes. Additionally, these strips are easy to install thanks to the included adhesive tape.
- Philips Hue
- LIFX
- Govee
- Nexillumi
In summary, choosing the best LED strip brand depends on your needs and budget. However, the brands listed above all offer high-quality products that can greatly improve the lighting in your home.
How to install LED strips: practical tips
LED strips are a great solution for illuminating any environment in an original and personalized way. But how do you install them? Here are some practical tips:
Choose the right type of LED strip
First of all, it is important to choose the right type of LED strip for your needs. There are several options to choose from, such as:
- Low voltage LED strips (12V or 24V)
- RGB LED strips (which allow you to change color)
- Motion sensor LED strips
You will need to choose the most suitable type based on your needs.
Measure the length of your room
Once you have chosen the type of LED strip, you will need to measure the length of the room where you intend to install it. This way, you can buy the right amount of LED strip and cut it to the desired length.
Clean the surface well before installing the LED strip
To make sure that the LED strip adheres well to the surface it will be installed on, it is important that this surface is clean and free of dust or dirt. Use a damp cloth to clean the surface well before installation.
Cut the LED strip to the desired length
After measuring the length of the room, you will need to cut the LED strip to the desired length. The LED strips are equipped with cutting marks, so it will be easy to understand where to make the cut.
Connect the LED strip to the power supply
Now you will need to connect the LED strip to the power supply. Insert the wires of the LED strip into the connectors of the power supply and make sure they are securely attached.
Installation of the LED strip
At this point, you can finally install your LED strip in the room. Remove the adhesive film from the back of the LED strip and position it on the clean surface. Press firmly to make it adhere completely.
By following these simple practical tips, you will be able to install your LED strips easily and quickly!
Conclusions and final recommendations
After seeing the main features of the best LED strips on the market, we can draw some conclusions and provide some recommendations for purchase.
Choice of length
The choice of length depends on the size of the area where you want to install the LED strip. It is important to measure the available space accurately to avoid buying a strip that is too short or too long.
Type of power supply
Based on your needs, you can choose between an LED strip powered by batteries or by electricity. Battery-powered strips are more versatile but last less, while those powered by electricity are more stable but require continuous power.
Brightness and color
The brightness and color of LED strips can vary considerably. If you want to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, it is advisable to opt for warm tones such as warm white or yellow. If instead you want to create a more modern and technological atmosphere, you can opt for cool colors such as cool white or blue.
Quality of materials
It is important to choose an LED strip made with high-quality materials to ensure greater durability over time. Check that the strip is water and dust resistant so that it can also be used outdoors.
Reliable brands
Finally, it is advisable to opt for reliable and well-known brands on the market to avoid unpleasant surprises. Brands like Philips, Osram or Samsung are a guarantee of quality and durability over time.
- Choose the length based on the size of the area where you want to install it
- Evaluate the type of power supply according to your needs
- Select brightness and color based on the atmosphere you want to create
- Check the quality of materials to ensure greater durability over time
- Opt for reliable and well-known brands on the market
In conclusion, choosing the best LED strip depends on your needs and the purpose for which you intend to use it. It is important to carefully evaluate the main features such as length, power supply, brightness and color, quality of materials, and brand. By following these simple recommendations, it will be possible to create a unique and original atmosphere in every room of your home or office.
Michael Anderson - Software Engineer
My name is Michael Anderson, and I work as a computer engineer in Midland, Texas.
My passion is sharing my knowledge in various areas, and my purpose is to make education accessible to everyone. I believe it is essential to explain complex concepts in a simple and interesting way.
With GlobalHowTo, I aim to motivate and enrich the minds of those who want to learn.
