10Best.Guide

Strip Lighting

Top Picks

Last Updated: April, 2023
Pros
  • Wide range of colors and custom shades.
  • Flash and fade feature adds a fun atmosphere.
  • Comes with a remote.
  • Easy to install.
  • Great for light-up shadow boxes.
Cons
  • Does not produce a true white light.
  • Remote controllers may be defective.
Bottom Line
Minger LED lights offer a wide range of colors and custom shades, making them perfect for adding a fun atmosphere to any room. They are easy to install and stick well to walls and cabinets. However, they may not produce a true white light and some remote controllers may be defective.
Pros
  • Easy to install and pair two sets to one remote.
  • 4000 degree light temp is just right.
  • Super thin and incognito under cabinet light.
  • Easy to install and make lots of configurations.
  • Super easy to install and easy connections.
Cons
  • Adhesive backing doesn’t hold well.
  • Plug is bulky.
Bottom Line
The LED strip lights are easy to install and provide the right amount of light. However, the adhesive backing doesn't hold well and the plug is bulky. The specific cut pieces need to be used and the remotes can be temperamental.
Pros
  • Durable and long-lasting.
  • Easy to install and work with.
  • Provides natural and bright light.
  • Replaces fluorescent lights with uniform warm illumination.
  • Helps light up kitchen counters under cabinets.
Cons
  • The plug burns out quickly.
  • May flicker or dim after 8-10 months.
Bottom Line
These LED under-cabinet lights are a great value for the price and provide natural, bright, and uniform illumination. They are easy to install and work with, but the plug may burn out quickly, and the adapter may be faulty.
Pros
  • Bright and colorful lights
  • Easy to install and stick well to the wall
  • Bluetooth app control with many diverse programs and color options
  • Good quality construction, packaging, and instructions
  • All lights work and none defective
Cons
  • No instructions on how to extend the strip
  • Remote is cheap and limited to 16 colors and 5 modes
Bottom Line
These LED strip lights are a great addition to any room for ambiance and entertainment purposes. They are easy to install and control with Bluetooth app, but the remote is limited. However, some customers experienced issues with the lights after several months of use.
Pros
  • 1) Kasa control app and features
  • 2) True white with dedicated white LEDs
  • 3) Bright and visible
  • 4) Easy to mount and install
  • 5) Smart controls with Google devices
Cons
  • 1) Slightly more expensive than competitors
  • 2) Weak adhesive
Bottom Line
The TP-Link Kasa KL430 LED light strip is a quality product with a great control app and true white LEDs, but it is slightly more expensive than competitors and has weak adhesive. It is easy to install and has smart controls with Google devices, but may not produce suitable colors for food and has short strips.

The Ultimate Guide to Buying Strip Lighting: LED, RGB, Flexible, Outdoor, and More

Overview

Strip lighting is a versatile and stylish way to add ambient or accent lighting to any space. Whether you're looking to enhance your home decor, highlight your business, or create a unique lighting effect, strip lights come in a wide range of types, sizes, and colors to suit your needs. In this guide, we'll explore the different types of strip lighting available, key considerations when choosing strip lights, important features to look for, prices, tips, and FAQs.

Types

1. LED Strip Lights: These are the most popular type of strip lighting, offering energy efficiency, long lifespan, and a range of color temperatures. They are available in different brightness levels and come in both waterproof and non-waterproof options.

2. RGB Strip Lights: These strip lights offer a full spectrum of colors, allowing you to create custom lighting effects. They are often used for accent lighting, parties, or special events.

3. Flexible Strip Lights: These strip lights are flexible and can be bent or shaped to fit any surface. They are ideal for curved or irregular surfaces and come in both cuttable and non-cuttable options.

4. Outdoor Strip Lights: These strip lights are designed to withstand weather conditions and are ideal for outdoor lighting, such as patios, decks, and gardens. They come in waterproof and non-waterproof options.

5. Dimmable Strip Lights: These strip lights allow you to adjust the brightness level to suit your needs. They are ideal for creating ambiance or mood lighting in any space.

6. Smart Strip Lights: These strip lights can be controlled through a smartphone app or voice assistant, allowing you to customize your lighting experience. They often come with additional features like timers and color-changing options.

7. Under Cabinet Strip Lights: These strip lights are designed to be installed under cabinets or shelves, providing task lighting for kitchens, bathrooms, or workspaces.

8. Tape Lights: These strip lights come with adhesive tape on the back, making them easy to install on any surface. They are ideal for DIY projects and can be cut to size.

9. Kitchen Strip Lights: These strip lights are specifically designed for use in kitchens, providing bright and even lighting for food preparation or cooking.

10. Accent Lighting: These strip lights are ideal for highlighting artwork, architectural features, or decorative elements in any space.

11. Cove Lighting: These strip lights are installed in a recessed area or ledge, providing indirect lighting for a soft and subtle effect.

12. Backlighting: These strip lights are installed behind a TV or monitor, providing a soft and even glow that reduces eye strain and enhances the viewing experience.

13. SMD LED Strip Lights: These strip lights use surface-mounted LEDs for a brighter and more even lighting effect.

14. High CRI Strip Lights: These strip lights have a high color rendering index (CRI), which means they can accurately reproduce colors and are ideal for use in photography or art studios.

Key Considerations

1. Brightness: Consider the brightness level of the strip lights and how it will affect the overall lighting in your space.

2. Color Temperature: Consider the color temperature of the strip lights and how it will affect the mood and ambiance of your space.

3. Waterproofing: Consider whether you need waterproof or non-waterproof strip lights, especially if you plan to use them outdoors or in damp areas.

4. Power Supply: Consider the power supply needed for the strip lights and whether it is compatible with your existing electrical system.

5. Length: Consider the length of the strip lights and whether they can be cut to size or if you need to purchase multiple lengths to fit your space.

6. Installation: Consider the installation process and whether you have the necessary tools and skills to install the strip lights yourself or if you need to hire a professional.

Features

1. Remote Control: Some strip lights come with a remote control for easy operation and customization.

2. Timer: Some strip lights come with a timer function, allowing you to set the lights to turn on or off at a specific time.

3. Color Changing: Some strip lights offer color-changing options, allowing you to create custom lighting effects.

4. Motion Sensor: Some strip lights come with a motion sensor, which can turn the lights on or off when someone enters or leaves the room.

5. Voice Control: Some strip lights can be controlled through voice assistants like Alexa or Google Home.

Prices

Strip lighting prices vary depending on the type, length, and features. LED strip lights can range from $10 to $50 per meter, while RGB strip lights can range from $15 to $60 per meter. Outdoor strip lights and smart strip lights can be more expensive, ranging from $30 to $100 per meter.

Tips

1. Measure your space carefully before purchasing strip lights to ensure you get the right length.

2. Consider the color temperature and brightness level of the strip lights to create the desired mood and ambiance.

3. Use waterproof strip lights for outdoor or damp areas.

4. Consider hiring a professional to install your strip lights if you are not confident in your DIY skills.

5. Use a timer function to save energy and extend the lifespan of your strip lights.

FAQs

Q: Can strip lights be cut to size?

A: Yes, many strip lights can be cut to size using scissors or a knife.

Q: Can strip lights be connected together?

A: Yes, many strip lights can be connected together using connectors or extension cables.

Q: How long do strip lights last?

A: Strip lights can last up to 50,000 hours or more, depending on the type and quality.

Q: Can strip lights be used outdoors?

A: Yes, outdoor strip lights are designed to withstand weather conditions and can be used in outdoor spaces.

Q: Do strip lights require a power source?

A: Yes, strip lights require a power source, which can be a plug, battery, or hardwired connection.

Q: Can strip lights be dimmed?

A: Yes, many strip lights can be dimmed using a remote control or a dimmer switch.

Q: Can strip lights be controlled through a smartphone app?

A: Yes, smart strip lights can be controlled through a smartphone app, allowing you to customize your lighting experience.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Long-lasting and durable.
  • Convenient remote control.
  • Easy to install.
  • Customizable colors.
  • Good adhesive.
Cons
  • May tear paint off the wall when removed.
  • White light is more of an icy blue.
Bottom Line
These LED strip lights are a good choice for those looking for customizable and easy-to-install lighting. However, buyers should be aware of the potential for paint damage and color issues.
Pros
  • Long enough to cover a whole room
  • Amazing spectrum of color and brightness
  • Customizable buttons on the remote
  • Easy to use app
  • Adhesive is strong
Cons
  • Instructions are not very clear
  • App is not as versatile as hoped
Bottom Line
The Keepsmile 100ft LED Strip Lights offer a great spectrum of color and brightness, customizable buttons on the remote, and an easy-to-use app. However, there are some issues with the product such as one strip of lights dying, unclear instructions, and a loud electrical buzzing from the power block. Overall, these lights are a good option for those looking to add some pizzazz to their home, but may require some additional tape or glue to keep them in place.
Pros
  • Bright and nice lights
  • Remote control and app work well
  • Good price for the length
  • Many colors and modes to choose from
  • Easy to use and cut
Cons
  • Adhesive not strong enough
  • Different colors on different strips
Bottom Line
These LED strip lights are a good option for those looking for bright and colorful lights at a good price. However, the adhesive may not be strong enough and there may be some issues with different colors on different strips.
Pros
  • Great light output
  • Cheap price
  • Easy to use
  • Bluetooth feature
  • Bright
Cons
  • Adhesive is too strong and can pull off paint
  • Limited adhesive strip
Bottom Line
These LED strip lights are a great option for those looking for a cheap and easy-to-use lighting solution. However, the adhesive can be too strong and the control panel can't be scheduled.
Pros
  • Easy to connect to Kasa app and Alexa
  • Bright and high-quality compared to cheap alternatives
  • Vast color palette and adjustable brightness
  • Works well for backlighting TVs and improving workspace lighting
  • Good for providing under-cabinet lighting
Cons
  • Expensive for longer lengths
  • Not accurate when selecting colors
Bottom Line
Kasa LED strips are a high-quality and easy-to-use option for those looking to improve their lighting setup. While they are more expensive than some alternatives, they offer a vast color palette and adjustable brightness. However, the build quality and accuracy when selecting colors could be improved.
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