LED strip lights have quickly been becoming a popular option as home and office decoration. LED lighting can add to a cool, modern aesthetics of any desired area. They are efficient, bright, flexible, and also cost-effective in terms of electricity consumption.
LED strip lights highlight areas that are usually overlooked, like behind pieces of furniture and wall fixtures. Also, these lights are compact, easy to install, comes in many different colors, and some are even waterproof. Let us help you choose with our buying guide and a list of excellent products so that you can narrow down your options.
Quick List - Top LED Strip Lights
DingDian LED
The Plug and Play RGB Strip Light to Accent Indoor Ceiling Coves and Cornices
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
Table of Contents
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
LED strip lights are classified using the surface-mounted devices (SMD) code. The number codes refer to the LED chip's physical size. The most recommended is the SMD5050 (measuring 5.0mm x 5.0mm) because it has three to four chips in one LED, resulting in a smooth, glowing effect.
Moreover, SMD5050 contains both single and multi-colored chips that switch and mix to produce different colors or even color-changing features. They are recommended for general lighting applications in corridors, homes, and business establishments to replace fluorescent tube lighting.
Other LED chip types include 3528, 2835, and 3014. SMD3528's brightness is mellowed that works great as feature lighting for coves and plinths, complementing strong ambient lights. SMD2835 and SMD3014 can replace SMD5050 with the same brightness and less wattage, but they do not offer RGB colors.
Depending on their designs, LED strips emit different light colors because of their varying color temperatures. The color temperature, expressed in degrees Kelvin (K), describes how warm or cool the lights are that the human eyes see. Here are some more information about color temperature.
The warm white has a lower Kelvin temperature, radiating a yellowish to orangey hue. The 3000K color temperature's luminosity is the same as an incandescent bulb, while anything below 3000K projects a candlelight effect, giving off a calmer and romantic vibe.
These LED strips are used for low-light areas that need only ambient illumination where you want to relax and enjoy. They are softer to the eyes, so it is ideal for indoor spaces, such as living rooms and bedrooms, as well as for some outdoor spaces like the balcony.
A 4000K color temperature emits a cool white light with a neutral white to bluish tint, which gives a crisper and brighter effect. The brightness can range from 4000K (resembling a full moonlight) to 6500K (mimicking the daylight) that has the ability to bring out the real color of the space or object.
Psychologically, the cool white light suppresses the melatonin levels that can trigger us to be energetic and productive because its glow can even break our sleep routine. Hence, it is ideal for work areas, like the kitchen, garage, makeup space, and offices.
Aside from natural lights, multi-colored lights or RGB are also available. RGB stands for red, blue, and green that can be mixed together to practically form any color, providing a decorative light design to any room or car. Some even feature color-changing, blinking, and running effects, a perfect alternative to Christmas lights.
Other RGB light variants include RGBW (W for white) and RGB+CCT (CCT for correlated color temperature). The RGBW gives more color variety and color mixes than the typical RGB, while the RGB+CCT is the most upgraded version that can adjust the coolness or warmth of the emitted white light aside from producing more hues.
Lumens output directly affects the lighting performance or service lifespan of LED strip lights. The lumens or brightness efficiency for LED strips must be indicated on the product details, so be sure to look it up. The standard brightness is approximately 100 lumens per watt (lm/w).
Alternatively, you can also look for the metric lumens, expressed in lumens per meter (lm/m) or lumens per foot (lm/ft). A good quality LED strip light must have at least 1500 lm/m or 450 lm/ft, which is close to the traditional fluorescent lamp with 1800 lm/m.
Before buying LED strip lights, measure the area you desire to place them on to know the strip length you purchase. The standard size is 5 meters per roll, but there are other available lengths that range from 2 to 10 meters.
If the one you bought is too long for what you need, you can cut it using a pair of scissors along with the cut markers that you can see every one to two inches. For extended lengths, go for LED strip lights that come with connectors, clips, and end caps.
Take into consideration the power source the LED strip lights have. Some run on batteries with a limited amount of power, while several others connect via USB port. However, if you are going to decorate your entire room, it is better to opt for strip lights that you can plug to an outlet, either with or without LED drivers.
LED drivers transform and regulate the power supply from an alternating current to a constant, lower voltage and direct current that most LED strip lights require. They are usually available in 12 and 24 volts, and you must ensure that the voltage matches the LED strip light tape's output voltage, for instance, a 12-v driver for a 12-v tape.
A 24-v driver connected to a 12-v strip can emit brighter lights but might burn the LED strip. Likewise, get a driver with at least 10% higher wattage than the LED strip for a longer lifespan. You can also look into other features like water resistance, dimming capabilities, or plug-and-play installation.
An LED driver helps the strip light tapes to be more robust, preventing thermal runaway and easy breakage of the tapes caused by electric fluctuations. However, its output quality will suffer a loss on long distances of LED strip lights unless you buy more drivers; plus, its installation can be challenging.
A few manufacturers produce LED strip lights that can be directed to AC. They have better performance than the DC ones in terms of lighting up at least 100-m strip lights on big establishments and areas. In addition, they are easier to install and connect, and they simplify the use of transformers to lower down the voltage needed.
However, you need to exert extra precaution when using them because they are prone to bust during voltage fluctuations and are more expensive than those with drivers. Nonetheless, they work wonders to have fascinating light effects on buildings, hotels, and large houses.
LED strip lights can come with different controllers, and several of them offer multiple devices as controllers to make things more convenient for you. These control methods include on-and-off switches, brightness adjustments, color changing and mixing, and light effects like blinking and chasing.
Some strip lights have switch controllers attached to them. The simple ones can have buttons for the power and for changing the brightness level, while others have preset color-switching features. Meanwhile, the most common strip lights use a remote control to do the basic tasks, plus you can create pre-programmed lighting effects too!
The advanced controllers incorporate a WiFi connection to manipulate the LED strip lights. For instance, some LED strips come with a phone app that you need to download and install to program the lights wherever you are in the house, while others use voice-command devices like Alexa and Google Assistant.
The International Protection or IP code classifies and rates the degree of protection provided by mechanical casings and electrical enclosures to avoid damages or electrocution—including LED strip lights. The value indicates the protection level: the first digit (0-6) from solid objects, while the second digit (0-9) from water. A higher value means the device is more protected.
Some examples include IP33 for dry indoors only, such as bedrooms and cabinets, and IP55 for potentially damp areas like bathrooms and kitchens. The most common for outdoor spaces is IP65—it can get wet from the rain but not submerged in water. Lastly, IP67 can be used as a swimming pool light decoration.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | DingDian LED LED RGB Strip Lights | ![]() | The Plug and Play RGB Strip Light to Accent Indoor Ceiling Coves and Cornices | |
2 | Original DIY More LED Strip Light | ![]() | An LED Strip Light Controllable Via a Mobile Device | |
3 | LED Lighting Ribbon | ![]() | A Fancy RGB LED Strip That Enhances Any Indoor Commercial Space | |
4 | Ookas LED Strip Light | ![]() | The Perfect LED Strip Light for Your Mini Bar or Lanai | |
5 | LED String Strip Light RGB | ![]() | The Value for Money Choice for a Budget-Conscious Household | |
6 | Automobile Atmosphere LED Strip | ![]() | Accentuate Your Car's Interior With These Ornate LED Strip Lights | |
7 | RGB Strip Light Backlighting | ![]() | Save Energy and Highlight Areas Around Your Kitchen Space at the Same Time | |
8 | Epistar LED Strip Light | ![]() | Sync This LED Strip Light to Your Party Music and Liven Up the Moment | |
9 | LED Strip Light | ![]() | A Longer-Lasting Strip Light for Contour Lighting, Concealed Illumination, or Decorative Lighting | |
10 | Xiaomi Yeelight LED Strip Light | ![]() | The Best LED Strip Light for Smart Homes |
Dingdian's LED strip light is safe and stable; its pre-connected light is an all-in-one kit with a plug. It is easy to install—make sure to have it near a socket, and you are good to go. It offers an 8-mode luminescence selection that showcases different color combinations to suit your mood or the occasion.
Made from premium quality materials, it has received the European Commission, Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive, and Underwriters Laboratories certifications. This means that it passed the standards of health, safety, and environmental protection by using non-hazardous materials.
This light alleviates eye strain generated by different brightness levels and produces artistic lighting while watching TV or playing video games. It even has a 2-year warranty, but note that it isn't waterproof, so make sure to use them in dry areas.
This LED strip light is simple to install because it comes with adhesive tape, so you can display it on any surface. Its bright lights are high-intensity, color-changing and reliable LED chips that can produce up to 16 million different shades, perfect to set up on holidays like Christmas, New Year, and Halloween!
This wireless Bluetooth-controlled product can be set up without necessary settings or network management. You can also sync the lights to your music because it has a built-in high-sensitivity mic. With its USB port, you can glow it up by connecting it to a power bank, a tablet, or a computer!
To connect your smartphone and the strip light via Bluetooth, download the app from the AppStore for iOS and Play Store for Android. Then, scan the QR code provided inside, and you may start controlling it at the touch of your fingertips.
These festive light colors are further enhanced with the lighting modes that will surely capture attention and release a cheerful mood to lookers. The lights can flicker in four different modes using a wireless remote control for the program.
Since it is non-waterproof, you may use this as decoration in covered areas like home and hotel stairs, hallways, clubhouses, events centers, covered canopies, trails, and bridges. It is also ideal for concealed advertising signage to avoid damage from rain.
With its SMD5050 tri-chip technology that can mix natural and rainbow-colored lights, the brightness is doubled than other typical LED lights. The strip itself is soft-textured, bendable, and uses adhesive tape for hassle-free installation, even on bumpy areas.
This product is guaranteed to have a longer lifespan due to its adopted FPC circuit board that dissipates heat. Take this stay-at-home period to create your own at-home mini bar, and use this strip light as decoration. You can also use it as a perfect mood-setter and ambiance maker on your covered lanai and your Christmas tree!
This LED light uses up a very low amount of power, and it is dustproof and shock-resistant. Aside from home, office, and car use, it can also highlight things during exhibits. It works well as desktop and motorcycle decorations too! Not to mention, it has a long service life—at least 100,000 hours!
The strip has 8 light modes that can shift depending on the settings, and the brightness levels are changeable. However, it cannot create a combination of colors in one instance; you have to give it some time to create the color. During installation, make sure that the pins are properly connected to light up.
Create a charming, relaxed, or lively ambiance inside your car with this highly recommended LED strip for vehicles. You don't have to worry about water spills, for they are water-resistant! This product has 4 strips connected to a power cable, perfect for decoration in your car while chilling out and enjoying!
It comes with a music control mode and remote control to change colors. The strip itself has anti-collision and anti-corrosion features. Made with PVC rubber material, it is soft and bendable; hence, it is easy to install without damaging its wire circuits. It also comes with a USB port to connect to the power source.
Enhance the visual appeal of your TV and other home furniture like shelves, cupboards, your dining table, or your makeup vanity by placing this LED backlight. It is also suitable for computer monitors and other technology gadgets with a USB port for the power source.
It has high intensity, long service life, and is reliable. The lights are super bright and evenly spread, yet it operates at a low temperature. Its light is soft and gentle to the eyes. However, it is not waterproof, so avoid putting liquids near it and make sure to use it indoors.
The timing mode brightens up the room gradually and slowly dims down after the set time is over to prevent eye strain. You may use its infrared remote, the Wifi-connected smartphone, or the Alexa app to control it, and it is available in waterproof or non-waterproof variants to suit the area that you want to light up.
Bokali features high-intensity and ultra-bright LED strip lights that will surely make any room or area glow. Don't worry. They run at a lower temperature and lower power consumption. Available in cool and warm white lights, you can achieve contour lighting to brighten up windows, railings, and hallways!
You can also use them for outdoor decoration on a roof-covered canopy or Bridgeway. It spreads the light evenly is due to its silica gel diffuser and its IP65 rating. Lastly, it absorbs the moisture from the air to protect the LED strip light from damages. Hence, a service life of 50,000 hours is possible.
Brighten up dim and gloomy spaces such as cabinets, shelves, walls, and your garage using Xiaomi's Yeelight LED strip lights. The standout feature of this fantastic product is you can control it using either a smartphone or a voice-recognition assistant, so switching on and off is more convenient—just download the app, and voila!
It can produce millions of colors, ranging from the warm white color temperature that gives you a warm and cozy feeling to multi-colored lights for a festive mood during the holidays! Lastly, it has a long-lasting lifespan, and you know that the quality will be good since it is made by none other than Xiaomi!
Below are few of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team about LED strip lights.
Setting up LED strip lights on a bigger scale or in a pool might need professional help, but installing them on a smaller scale like in your work area or bedroom is easy. First, wash the installation area with a clean, damp cloth and warm water to remove scuff marks, stubborn stains, and debris.
Air-dry the area for at least 30 minutes, and while waiting, you can clip together or cut off the LED strips to fit on the designated place. Next, peel off the adhesive tape cover at the back of the strip lights a little at a time, and press them flat to stick on the surface. Finally, connect them to the power source and switch them on.
On average, LED strip lights can last up to 50,000 hours or roughly six years. Those with excellent quality can ideally reach up to 100,000 hours, while others can only go up to 30,000 hours depending on the manufacturing process, operating principles, and environment.
To extend the LED strip lights' lifespan, you must opt for the ones that incorporate encapsulation technology, which offers better lumens quality, and choose those with LEDs having bigger gaps with one another (about 25 mm). Also, maintain an area temperature at most 45-degrees Celsius and fix up a fan near the lights to radiate the heat away.
There are two major ways to hide the cords of LED strip lights. The first method is to use concealing materials, such as panel end caps and double-sided wall tapes, Hizze plates, wire nails, and the traditional wire trays. Plastic molding and wood trays won't really hide them, but they can transform them into decorative pieces.
The second is to strategically install them on areas not exposed to regular room lights to provide a different ambiance to your room or working space. You can place them under the counter table and bed or along the sides of cabinets. You can also put them on top of the floor trim molding and hide them using a skirting board.
Make your home a a little more stylish and a more comfortable place to stay. Take time to check our other product reviews of other household items.
10 Best Moon Lamps in the Philippines 2022
10 Best Mosquito Killers in the Philippines 2022 | Dowell, Akari, Baygon, and More
8 Best Portable Air Purifier in the Philippines 2022 | Dyson, Aviche, TruSense and More
10 Best Portable Aircons in the Philippines 2022 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Mechanical Engineer
Author: Roel Pillas Malubay
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: DingDian LED|LED RGB Strip Lights
No. 2: |Original DIY More LED Strip Light
No. 3: |LED Lighting Ribbon
No. 4: Ookas|LED Strip Light
No. 5: |LED String Strip Light RGB
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Beauty
Health
Household goods
PCs and laptops
Home appliances and electronics
Cameras
Food and drinks
Kitchen supplies
Clothing
Shoes
Accessories
Mom and baby
Interior and furniture
Hobbies
Outdoor
DIY and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Books, CDs, and DVDs
Games
Cars and motorcycles
Gifts
Home improvement and tools
Smartphones and tablets
Banking and finance
Insurance
Audio
Smartphone applications
Others