COB VS SMD LED Strip Lights: Which Is Better for Your Outdoor Lighting Project?

When it comes to outdoor lighting, especially for accent, pathway, or architectural illumination, choosing the right type of LED strip light makes all the difference. Two of the most popular technologies in today’s market are SMD (Surface Mounted Diode) and COB (Chip on Board) strip lights. But what exactly is the difference, and which one is right for your project?

Let’s break down the key differences, advantages, and best-use scenarios for both COB and SMD strip lights.

What is SMD LED Strip Lighting?

SMD (Surface-Mounted Diode) is the most common type of LED used in strip lights. These diodes are mounted onto a flexible strip and spaced evenly. You’ll typically see options like SMD 3528, 5050, or 2835, which refer to the diode size in millimeters.

Pros of SMD Strip Lights:

• Widely Available & Cost-Effective: Easier to source and usually more budget-friendly.

• Flexible Use: Available in single-color, RGB, RGBW, and even tunable white variants.

• Replaceable Components: Easier to repair or replace specific segments.

• Brightness: High-lumen output, especially from models like 5050 or 2835 chips.

Cons of SMD Strip Lights:

• Dotting Effect: Individual LEDs are visible, especially when the strip is exposed or not diffused.

• Lower Uniformity: The light spread may not be as smooth.

• Heavier Power Consumption in higher-density variants.

What is COB LED Strip Lighting?

COB (Chip on Board) technology integrates hundreds of LED chips directly onto the strip, forming a continuous, uniform line of light. The result is an ultra-smooth glow with no visible “dots” — even without a diffuser.

Pros of COB Strip Lights:

• Dot-Free Illumination: Seamless light output makes it ideal for exposed applications.

• Better Color Consistency: More uniform light across the entire length.

• Slim and Flexible: Can fit in narrow spaces or tight architectural designs.

• Energy Efficient: Lower power draw compared to SMD for comparable brightness.

Cons of COB Strip Lights:

• Higher Cost: Typically more expensive due to advanced manufacturing.

• Difficult to Repair: Integrated chips make segment replacement challenging.

• Limited Options: Fewer RGB or RGBW variants compared to SMD strips.

Which One Should You Choose?