Imagine animated rays of light dancing across your living room walls synchronized perfectly to the beat of your favorite song. Or subtle ceiling track lighting guiding you down a hallway coated in a gentle warm white glow. With the right LED strip lighting solution, you can make stunning customized lighting effects like these a reality.
The global LED strip lights market is positively booming. According to analysis from MarketsandMarkets, overall strip light demandreached $8.4 billion in 2021 and will surge to over $14 billion by 2026 for a compound annual growth rate of 11.3%. Why this astounding projection? In a word: versatility. Ultra-thin flexible LED strip lights bend to accentuate architectural details, outline spaces with a lively glow, and can even be installed underwater in pools. Plus LED efficiency means lower energy costs over traditional lighting.
But with seemingly endless LED strip light options on the market, how do you choose the perfect match for your unique needs? By the end this comprehensive guide outlining the most exceptional and highest-rated LED strip lights available, you‘ll possess the know-how to select the ideal model to illuminate any residential, commercial, or entertainment space while adding an extra dose of ambiance.
We‘ll uncover top-tier LED strips excelling in categories like:
- Best overall end-to-end performance
- Highest quality colors and brightness
- Most advanced smart features
- Easy installation right out of the box
- Built to last
Let‘s get started shining a light on 5 best-in-class LED strip picks guaranteed to glow up your life!
Best Overall: Govee Wi-Fi RGBIC LED Strip
Boasting nearly 31,000 5-star Amazon ratings, Govee‘s Wi-Fi-compatible RGBIC LED Strip Light takes our best overall spot for its unparalleled combination of vibrant colors, potent brightness, and intuitive app control.
This LED strip model ushers in the innovative RGBIC lighting technology allowing each individual LED module to glow any hue for unbelievable customizable effects. How does it work exactly? Built-in IC chips assign a unique address to each LED, enabling complete independent color blending not possible in standard RGB strips.
Govee RGBIC Strip Light Key Details:
- Footage: 32.8 feet
- Light output: 2,200 lumens
- LED density: 144 LEDs per 16.4 foot
- Color options: 16 million colors
- Lighting effects: 64 scene modes
- Voice control compatbility: Alexa & Google Home
- Warranty: 2 years
With 2200 lumens output, these strips shine brighter than the majority of competitors. And thanks to ample 1440 LEDs per 32.8 foot, colors appear uniform and consistent across the entire vibrant lighting span.
An easy-to-use Govee Home app unlocks this LED strip‘s smart potential for almost limitless customizable control. Switch colors, adjust brightness levels down to 1%, set timers, trigger special effects like flash or fade – all directly from your mobile device whether home or away. Alexa and Google Home voice assistant integration even allows for hands-free voice activated control.
What really makes this LED solution our top overall performer? The immersive lighting experience extending far beyond basic illumination. Activate the sound-activated Music Mode to synchronize spectacular light shows perfectly tuned to songs, videos and other audio. It‘s a party pleaser! We also love the Scene Mode options ranging from cozy candlelight to bouncy rainbows to pulsating rhythm waves.
With best-in-class smart features, near endless dramatic or subtle lighting possibilities, and ENERGY STAR certified efficiency, the Govee Wi-Fi RGBIC Strip Light ticks all the boxes. Let‘s glance at a pros vs cons breakdown:
Pros:
- Vibrant, accurate colors
- Customizable RGBIC technology
- Alexa & Google Assistant voice control
- 64 curated lighting scenes
- Easy peel adhesive backing
- Linkable extensions available
Cons:
- WiFi range could be longer
- Higher price point
Still not convinced this is the cream of the LED strip light crop? Out of over 25,000 customer ratings, this LED strip light scored an outstanding average of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Positive reviews consistently praise the vibrant high quality colors, intuitive app controls, and dazzling visual appeal once installed. Any rare connectivity or adhesive issues are promptly handled by Govee‘s customer service team.
For unmatched lighting versatility combined with truly smart features, this Wi-Fi-compatible RGBIC strip light takes the cake.
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How To Choose the Best LED Strip Lights: A Buyer‘s Guide
Let‘s explore which key factors you should weigh when selecting LED strip lights tailored exactly for your needs and vision. Consider these elements:
Intended use
Are you looking to install LED strips for ambient ceiling or cabinet lighting? Accent your headboard wall with a dreamy backlight? Outline architectural details? Design an outdoor garden path? Determining main lighting purpose and location helps narrow suitable options.
Consider brightness level, lighting angles, and weatherproofing for outdoor strips. For media spaces like home theaters, LEDs offering color-changing ability, sound activation, and bias lighting enhance the experience.
Size of space & strip length
Measure the exact linear footage you intend to illuminate before purchasing LED strips. Kits are sold in set lengths, most commonly between 16 to 33 feet. Consider if extensions may be required depending on your project. Quality LED strips can be cut to length but this will impact output.
Lumens rating & LED density
Brighter strips shining more lumens per foot require higher wattage and LED density. Typical residential LED tape lights offer 600 to 2500 lumens output. For reference, LED strips packed with 144 LEDs per 16.4 feet produce ample illumination. Brighter 5050 size LEDs draw more power but distribute light more evenly.
Controllability and Smart Options
Determine if app, remote, voice, or smart home automation control options align with your needs and lifestyle. Wi-Fi connected strips compatible with Alexa, Google Home and apps ranked highest in the 2022 Consumer Reports LED strip light testing for their advanced level of personalization, convenience, and innovative capabilities.
Special features
Consider fun features that lend added flair like RGB color mixing for customizable shades, sound activation modes to auto sync lighting effects to music, adjustable timers, preset modes that simulates fire or lightning effects. These perks amp up ambiance and transform spaces.
Color accuracy
For vibrant, true-to-hue illumination instead of washed out or dull tones, assess customer reviews reporting on color quality. High CRI ratings closer to 100 indicate excellent color rendering ability.
Ease of installation
Opt for LED strip light models with peel and stick adhesive backing for straightforward mounting. Look for enough adhesive coverage across the full strip length. Carefully read manufacturer guidelines for surface prep and installation.
Safety certifications
Reputable LED strip brands tested to UL safety regulations carry a certified mark, reassuring top quality. Waterproof IP65 and IP67 ratings signify models able to withstand splash, moisture, and outdoor exposure.
Warranty
Multi-year warranties spanning 3 to 5 years provide peace of mind and demonstrate manufacturer faith in product lifespan and quality. Govee, Philips Hue, and other reputable smart LED strip producers typically offer at least a 2 year warranty.
How To Install LED Strip Lights
Installing peel and stick LED strip lights is a straightforward do-it-yourself project with these step-by-step instructions:
1. Plan placement
Determine exact mounting location and measure linear length required allowing for power supply access. Purchase LED strip kit a few feet longer to allow a margin of error. Also check strip can reach a suitable and accessible electric outlet.
2. Prep surface
Thoroughly clean and dry the mounting area. Remove any dust, debris, grease or moisture compromising adhesive grip. Wipe down with isopropyl alcohol.
3. Measure, cut & connect
For custom sizing, carefully measure and cut the strip to desired length using sturdy scissors. Each cut exposes copper conductor contacts. Cap and seal each new strip endpoint. Connect extensions if applicable.
4. Remove backing & mount
One section at a time, peel off adhesive tape backing and firmly press strip lights in place by applying pressure for 30 seconds. Continue pressing periodically. Solid contact ensures lighting stays put.
5. Hide wires
Neatly run low voltage cable along installation surface to power outlet. Use cable routing tracks, clips or hooks to conceal. Ensure wires do not crisscross LED strip or pose tripping hazard.
6. Activate light show
Connect LED strip to power supply matched for strip wattage and voltage. Switch on lights via inline switch or app/remote to test. Adjust controls until desired ambiance achieved!
Follow manufacturer guidance for best practices unique to each LED strip light brand and model. Now let‘s spotlight 5 exceptional LED strip solutions worth glowing about!
The 5 Best LED Strip Lights on Earth Today
| Best Overall | Govee Wi-Fi RGBIC Strip |
| Brightest | Luminoodle Pro LED Strip |
| Most Color Options | Daybetter Flexible RGB LED Strip |
| Best Plug & Play | Brilliant Smart Wi-Fi LED Strip |
| Most Durable | Oz-Light Waterproof RGB LED Strip |
Let‘s explore why each model stands out.
Best Overall: Govee Wi-Fi RGBIC LED Strip
We already spotlighted RGBIC technology advantages and Govee app features. This LED strip is simply unrivaled in customizable lighting effects capabilities and cuts cost up to 70% over legacy lighting.
Brightest: Luminoodle Pro LED Strip
Video content creators favor the Luminoodle Pro for its ultra bright 6000K daylight white and high 95+ CRI rating ideal for studio lighting. With 1600 lumens per foot output, it‘s 5 times brighter than average LED strips! Weatherproof for outdoor use. Link up to 300 feet max.
Most Color Options: Daybetter Flexible RGB LED Strip
These LED tape lights span an exceptional color spectrum – literally any hue imaginable via built-in chip controller. Adjustable brightness from 1 to 300 lumens/ft. Sync changes to music. 🎶
Best Plug & Play: Brilliant Smart Wi-Fi LED Strip
Simply connect Brilliant‘s plugin LED strip to outlet and wifi to start controlling via app or voice instantly. No hub required! Alexa & Google Home compatible.
Most Durable: Oz-Light Waterproof RGB LED Strip
Boasting an IP67 rating, industrial-grade Oz-Light strips are waterproof, dust-tight, corrosion and rust resistant – perfect for outdoor landscape lighting projects. Five year warranty provides peace of mind. Remote and timer functionality.
Bottom Line
Our LED strip lighting buying guide and glowing reviews spotlight outstanding picks to take your lighting to the next level. All featured models earned high marks for delivering dazzling visual appeal, specialized functionality, quality craftsmanship, and intuitive controls.
Empower yourself to design a stunning customized glow up powered by slim, versatile LED tape lighting. With market growth projections predicting a steep rise in LED strip light demand over the next few years, forward-thinking homeowners, businesses, and architects worldwide recognize tape lighting as an artistic yet efficient lighting medium full of possibility.
The lighting experts at History Computer will continue reviewing and recommending next generation LED innovations like flexible neon rope variants as the lighting technology evolves. Feel free to reach out with any LED-related questions in comments below!
