Which is better, LED strip or COB strip?

The decision to use an LED strip or COB strip is ultimately a choice of what type of lighting you are looking for. Let's discuss.

Regular LED strips are made up of separate diodes spaced a few millimeters along a bendable strip. They're adequate for accent lighting, signage, and where the strip does not show. The one negative aspect is that they project discernible dots of light, which appear unbalanced, particularly on reflective surfaces or below cabinets.

Chip-on-board LED strips, however, raise the bar. Rather than individual diodes, COB technology groups dozens of tiny LED chips on a close-by basis in one substrate to create a string of light. This creates a dot-free, more even light that appears more professional and smooth. So if you require even lighting, such as on display shelves, under countertops, or in building architecture, COB strips usually are the solution.

And now, to clarify some related questions:

Is COB LED superior to normal LED?

Yes, in most applications. COB LEDs dissipate heat better, emit more light intensity per watt, and create a softer, diffused light. They're particularly well-suited to applications where the unaided brightness is not as problematic as unaided light quality. But standard SMD LED strips would be upgraded when you need to flex-mount or need to control individual colours (e.g., RGB systems).

Out of the two, which one is better, COB light or panel light?

This depends on the application. COB lights are best when you need concentrated high-intensity light, such as in downlights or spotlights. They give out a powerful, concentrated beam. Panel lights distribute light to a larger area, and this is best for bedrooms, offices, or corridors. In summary, COB lights are best for task lighting and accent lighting, and panel lights are best for general lighting.

What watt COB light do I require?

That will vary depending on the room size and how much light you require. A 10-watt COB light will be sufficient for smaller rooms or as accent lighting. 15 to 30 watts in a living room or a workspace will provide you with bright, clean light. Always look at the lumens output, not the watts, since more efficient COBs will provide you with more light using less power.

Which LED is brighter?

COB LEDs are brighter than comparably wattage standard LEDs since they pack and drive the chips differently. They output more lumens per watt and stay bright with soft light rather than harsh glare. 

What is COB in strip lights?

COB is Chip-on-Board. It's a technology for LEDs in which several extremely tiny pieces of LED are mounted onto one board, then a layer of phosphor is applied. This generates so little light that it will mix into one uniform, even beam, instead of the dotted appearance you get from regular LED strips.

Therefore, in short: if you want to have smooth, good-quality light with no dots to look for, use COB strips. If you need flexibility, RGB effects, or even the price, then the traditional LED strips will do too.