There are meaningful differences between different strip-light models, especially when it comes to the quality of lighting and attractive features.
Know your acronyms. Strip lights are made using a few technologies.
- RGB strips can emit just one color at a time. They have red, green, and blue LEDs that can be mixed to create pretty much any other color you want in a room (except black, because smart lights can’t do that).
- RGBW strips are the same as RGB strips, but they add white LED for a range of white colors.
- RGBIC strips create the fun stuff. These light strips have the same LEDs, but they also have a chip that enables independent control of all the different segments of the strips. This is what allows one light strip to be red, green, and blue all at the same time, or to flash in patterns independently.
Don’t skimp on length. Most smart strip lights can be cut to fit, so you don’t have to worry about having one that’s too long (more on that below). However, you want to make sure a strip is long enough, so that your lights don’t just end in the middle of a wall. Most models come in a variety of lengths, so measure your space before you buy. For instance, the Govee Strip Light 2 Pro is available in three lengths: 6.56 feet, 16.4 feet, and 32.8 feet. It also works with a 3.28-foot extension kit. Consider padding your estimate to account for bends and curves.
Plan for a power cord and controller. Strip lights have a power cord, which can vary in length. So add that and the distance to the nearest outlet to your calculations. Otherwise you’ll be stuck running ugly extension cords. Also, most smart strip lights have a control unit that’s wired to the power cord, and it will need to be mounted (or hidden). Note that if you leave the controller unit hanging, the weight of the controller may pull down your entire strip-light setup.
Don’t be fooled by rope lights. Strip lights aren’t interchangeable with rope lights, which are a flexible, moldable, plastic tube encasing LED lights. Although rope lights are bendy, there are more product options for strip lights, which are generally brighter and easier to install. Also, even though both options can yellow over time, rope lighting may be dimmed as a result.
