What Are The Different Types Of LED Strip Lights​?

Are you considering using LED strip lights for your next project? Do you want to learn details about all the types of LED strips? Then this article is for you.

LED strip lights come in a wide range of types, each with unique features. Each has different benefits and can be used in several applications. As they can be customized, you can create one that you require. 

In this article, I have included the types of LED strip lights, their advantages, applications, and more. Let’s dive into the details–

What Are LED Strip Lights?

LED strip lights are flexible circuit boards embedded with multiple surface-mount light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Typically, they are narrow, about half an inch wide, and come in long reels. And you can cut strips into desired lengths on the marking sign. 

Besides, the back of the strips features a strong adhesive and allows easy mounting on various surfaces, like curved or uneven ones. Also, they come with a wide range of colors, brightness levels, and dynamic effects. This way, they become versatile and can be used for functional, decorative, and architectural lighting applications.

15 Different Types Of LED Strip Lights 

01. Classic Single Color LED Strip

Single-color LED strip lights emit one consistent hue, like red, white, green, and blue. As they offer clear brightness, you can use them for task lighting projects like schools, kitchens, offices, and more. Along with effect, they can also be used for highlighting specific areas. 

Besides, they come in different colors, ranging from warm to cool temperatures. Hence, you can choose a certain shade that matches your preferences. Basically, they can be used in commercial, residential, and industrial settings.

02. Tunable White LED Strip

Tunable white LED light strips allow adjustment of color temperature from warm to cool white. This flexibility lets users customize ambiance and lighting quality for different settings, like workspaces or living areas. They enhance comfort and productivity by mimicking natural daylight changes. And they are popular in modern lighting design.

Moreover, their warm tones are best for relaxed settings, whereas the cooler tone offers energetic and lively illuminations. Along with brightness, these strips provide application as task lighting. As they come with an adjustable system, you can ensure perfect illumination for different tasks and times.

03. RGBX Color Changing LED Strip

RGBX LED strips add an extra color channel (X) to the standard red, green, and blue LEDs. They enable a broader color range and richer hues. This allows for dynamic lighting effects and precise color tuning, perfect for mood lighting, entertainment, and creative installations. Basically, you can use them where vibrant, customizable colors are desired.

04. Addressable RGBx LED Strip

Addressable RGBx LED strips feature individually controllable LEDs. They allow complex lighting patterns and animations. Each LED can display different colors independently, enabling stunning visual effects for stage lighting, signage, and interactive displays. They require specialized controllers but offer unparalleled design flexibility.

For this, you can use digital communication protocols like APA102, WS2813, and more. This way, you can change their color, brightness, and more.

05. Dim To Warm LED Strip

Dim to warm LED strips are designed to change their color temperature and brightness as they dim. They create a cozy and inviting environment, which is ideal for hospitality and residential environments. Also, they combine energy efficiency with the nostalgic warmth of traditional lights and increase ambiance during dimming.

06. Constant Current LED Strip

Constant current LED strips regulate the current flowing through each LED to maintain consistent brightness and color across long runs. This way, they overcome voltage drop issues common in constant voltage strips. They allow for extended lengths (up to 100 meters) powered by a single driver. Also, they reduce wiring complexity and improve lifespan and reliability. These strips are ideal for architectural, signage, and decorative lighting where uniform light output is critical.

07. High-Efficiency LED Strip

High high-efficiency strips use power consumption by delivering the precise current needed for each LED. They minimize energy loss and heat generation. As a result, they lower electricity costs and improve environmentally friendly operations. Their design ensures brightness and longer life. Hence, you can use them for commercial and industrial lighting.

08. LED Flex Panel Backlit Sheet

LED flex panel backlit sheets are thin, flexible lighting panels designed to offer uniform illumination behind different surfaces. For instance, you can use them behind displays, signs, and architectural features. Mainly, they combine flexibility with even light distribution and make them ideal for creative lighting solutions.

09. New ErP Regulation LED strip

LED strips compliant with the new ErP regulations meet stringent energy efficiency and environmental standards set by the EU. Basically, these strips are designed to reduce power consumption and carbon footprint while maintaining high light quality.

10. Special Beam Angle LED Strips

Usually, the LED strips come with a 120-degree beam angle. However, if you require any special angles for a specific purpose, these strips are for you. You can either narrow the beam of the strips or widen it. With the narrow beam, you can make the strips shine farther, and good for wall lighting. While wide-angle strips spread light more are soft, dot-free lighting with diffusers. 

Besides, special beam angle LED strips give focused lighting. They work well for places like product displays, signs, task lighting, under cabinets, architectural features, and more.

11. Narrow LED Strip

Narrow LED strips are slim, flexible light strips typically less than 1 inch wide. Mainly, they are designed for installation in tight or confined spaces. Their small size enables creative lighting designs and easy installation with adhesive backing. Hence, you can use them for accents, under cabinets, and more lighting. 

12. S Shape (Zig-Zag) Bendable LED Strip

S-shaped or Zig-Zag bendable LED strips are designed to flex in multiple directions. This allows installation on curved or irregular surfaces. This flexibility makes them perfect for creative lighting applications where straight strips won’t fit, such as decorative accents or signage. They maintain consistent light output even when bent in zig-zag patterns.

13. Mini Cutting Neon Flex LED Strip

These strips can be cut at short intervals, allowing precise customization for signage, decorative outlines, or ambient lighting. Their neon-like glow is energy-efficient, durable, and safe for indoor and outdoor use. This way, mini-cutting neon flexes provide a modern alternative to glass neon tubes.

14. Side Emitting LED Strip

Side emitting LED strips direct light from the edge of the strip instead of straight up. Mainly, the LED chips are placed sideways, not upright like in regular LED strips. This sideways design gives smooth and even lighting along edges or curved areas. They’re great for edge lighting, signs, or soft indirect lighting.

15. 220V Driverless AC LED Strip Lights

220V driverless AC LED strips operate directly from high-voltage AC mains without needing an external driver. They simplify installation and reduce costs. These strips are suitable for long runs and large-scale lighting projects. They offer robust performance and are commonly used in many environments where direct AC power is available.

Advantages Of LED Strip Lights​

LED strip lights offer several advantages, so they have become a popular choice for homes and businesses at the same time. They are highly energy efficient and consume over 80 to 90% less power than traditional lighting. As a result, you can save on electricity bills in the long run. 

With a lifespan of up to 50,000 hours, they require less frequent replacement and reduced maintenance. Their flexibility allows for easy installation in tight or unconventional spaces. And they are available in various colors and brightness levels to suit any mood or decor. Also, LED strips are environmentally friendly and contain no toxic materials. 

Application Of LED Strip Lights​

LED strip lights are highly versatile and can be used in a wide range of applications. For instance, you can use them in homes for accent lighting, under-cabinet illumination, bedroom lighting, and more. 

In commercial places, they can highlight products in stores, illuminate signage, and add a cozy atmosphere in hotels and restaurants. At the same time, you can use them outdoors to enhance landscapes, light up patios, and offer security lighting. 

Similarly, LED strips can be used in industrial settings to improve visibility and workflow efficiency. Plus, you can use them in vehicles for accent and safety lighting, in agriculture for plant growth, and more.

How To Choose LED Strip Lights?

To choose the right LED strip lights, start by identifying the installation location and purpose. Whether for ambient, task, or accent lighting, as this affects color temperature and brightness needs. Then select the appropriate brightness by considering the number of LEDs per meter; higher density yields smoother, brighter light. 

Also, check the IP rating to ensure suitability for moisture exposure (e.g., IP65 for damp areas). After that, you have to ensure compatibility with your power supply, dimmer, and controls to avoid damage. Don’t forget to verify quality by looking for good thermal management, consistent color, safety certifications, and warranty. This approach ensures efficient, durable, and visually pleasing LED strip lighting.

Conclusion

LED strip light types are best for many different applications. Therefore, you can choose one that matches your project needs. From single-color to multiple-color ranges, you can use them for residential or decorative purposes. 

However, if you want high-quality LED strip lights, contact Mylikeled. We offer several types of strips with customized requirements. If you have any queries, email us, and our team will respond as soon as possible. 

FAQs

Which LED strip is the best?

To get the best LED strip lights, you can choose Mylikeled. This is a well-known company in China that has years of experience in producing and supplying LEDs all over the world. They manufacture LED strips with high-quality materials to ensure international standards. As their strip lights can be customized, consumers can find their best match. 

Are LED strips safe for the eyes?

LED strips are generally safe for the eyes when used responsibly. They do not emit significant UV radiation or cause irreversible damage. But excessive brightness or prolonged exposure, especially to blue light, can cause eye strain. Using warmer colors, adjusting brightness, and avoiding direct eye contact helps minimize risks.

Can you cut LED strip lights?

Absolutely, you can cut LED strip lights. They are designated with cut points marked on the strip, usually every few inches. This way, you can customize the length without damaging the rest of the strip. However, you have to always cut only at these points to maintain functionality.

Are LED strips waterproof? 

Yes, LED strips come with a waterproof feature. Basically, waterproof LED strips are coated with protective materials like silicone or polyurethane. And their IP ratings are IP65, IP67, or IP68; each one has different uses. For instance, IP65 strips resist water jets and splashes, suitable for bathrooms or kitchens. While IP67 and IP68-rated strips can be submerged in water for short or extended periods, and ideal for outdoor use or pools.