11 best LED strip manufacturers

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

LED strip is a solution not only for visual accent on something, but also for full illumination of the room. Unlike traditional lamps, it uses a minimum of energy, but still provides a bright light – which is also customizable.

Especially for those who want to make the room brighter, we have compiled a rating of the 11 best LED strips – from simple to multifunctional, from budget to premium.

How to choose an LED strip

When choosing an LED strip, you should pay attention to the following parameters:

1. Chroma (monochrome 'white', color, RGB);
2. Brightness and power;
3. Power supply type;
4. Availability of protection.

The color of the LED strip is one of the most important parameters that determine the scope of the device. Distinguish between 'white', color and RGB-tapes. The first ones shine like an ordinary lamp and therefore are suitable for creating the main lighting in the room – either accent in the closet, in the kitchen, and so on.

Colored LED strips are painted in the corresponding color and only shine with them. So, on the market you can find red, blue, yellow, green devices. In principle, the assortment of colored LED strips is not limited by anything other than the imagination of manufacturers or sellers. Such devices are also suitable for creating main or accent lighting.

RGB strips are equipped with LEDs in three colors – red, green and blue. The controller of such devices allows you to adjust the intensity of the glow of each of them. Thanks to this, RGB strips can glow in absolutely any color and shade (in the best models up to 16 million shades are supported), including dynamically changing it during operation.

RGB strips are mainly used for accent lighting and decorative purposes. However, in terms of brightness, they are almost in no way inferior to their monochrome counterparts, so they are suitable for basic lighting.

The brightness and power of LED strips directly depend on the LEDs used, as well as their number. However, these two parameters determine the scope of the device. So, LED strips with a power of up to 10 W / m are suitable only for local or accent lighting – for example, lighting a cabinet or a desktop in a kitchen. For the main lighting, it is advisable to use devices with a power of 14 W / m – only they provide sufficient brightness.

The type of power source determines how easy it is to connect the device. The vast majority of LED strips operate from 12 volts. And finding a suitable power supply for them will not be difficult.

If the selected LED strip requires 5 Volts or some more exotic voltage, then you should look at some other model.

When choosing an LED strip, you should pay attention to the power consumption per meter. Then multiply it by the length of the tape – and you get the required power supply.

Suppose you have chosen SMD 5050 LED strip with 120 diodes per meter. Its power consumption is 25 W per meter, the power consumption is 12 Volts. The length of the tape is 5 meters. Accordingly, you need a 25W x 5m = 125W power supply.

Protection is very important for LED strips used as accent lighting or outdoors. So, if you plan to install the device under the kitchen counter for decorative purposes or hang it on the balcony, it is advisable to choose models with IP65 or even IP67 moisture protection. Such LED strips are not afraid of water ingress.

But for the backlighting of the cabinet or the main lighting in the room, protection, in fact, is not required. Water droplets will still not fall on such a tape. So you can save money.

Types of LED strips

In addition to technical characteristics, LED strips differ in the type of LEDs used. Three types are most common:

1. SMD 3528;
2. SMD 5050;
3. SMD 5630.

The numbers in the LED marking indicate its physical size in millimeters. So, for 3528 it is 35 mm wide and 28 mm long. And in 5050 – 50 millimeters, respectively.

They differ not only in size, but also in the intensity of the glow. So:

1. SMD 3528 – about 5 Lumens each;
2. SMD 5050 – about 10 Lumens each;
3. SMD 5630 – about 18 Lumens each.

It is worth choosing based on your needs. If you need bright lighting, and there is not enough space, you can take SMD 5050 or SMD 5630. If there is a lot of space, and you need decorative or accent lighting, SMD 3528 will do.

Rating of the best manufacturers of LED strips

Nomination	a place	manufacturer	rating
Rating of the best manufacturers of LED strips	1	Osram	4.9
	2	Cree	4.9
	3	Geniled	4.8
	4	Sveteco	4.7
	5	Joliet Technology	4.7
	6	Gauss	4.7
	7	Navigator	4.6
	8	Ledcraft	4.6
	9	Elektrostandard	4.5
	10	Feron	4.4
	11	Jazzway	4.4

Osram

Rating: 4.9

Why it is: Many high-end solutions including professional LED strips.

The German company Osram is one of the leaders in the lighting market in general and LED equipment in particular. And its solutions are distinguished not only by high quality, but also by versatility. For example, consumer-oriented solutions are usually multi-color (RGB) but bright.

But the company produces its best solutions in the LinearLight Flex series. These are professional LED strips that are mainly focused on industrial applications. They are made in various versions, maintain a warm, cold and neutral white light, and are distinguished by optimal energy consumption.

For home use, the company launches the flagship Value Flex series. They differ in the minimum energy consumption of 4-5 watts per meter, but at the same time provide powerful light output up to 80 lumens per watt – even a meter strip can replace a conventional incandescent lamp.

Advantages

• High quality tapes;
• Five-year warranty;
• A wide range of accessories – controllers, channels, diffusers, extension cords and other necessary devices.

disadvantages

• Quite a lot of 24 Volt solutions;
• It is difficult to find in the free sale packaging for short lengths.

Cree

Rating: 4.9

Why it is: Heavy duty LEDs.

Cree is primarily a manufacturer of LEDs directly. But she also produces tapes. And these devices retain the main advantage – ultra-high brightness.

LEDs of the Cree Xlamp series, with a power consumption rating similar to other models, provide a brightness of approximately 80-100 Lumens per Watt. Due to this, tapes based on them can well be used as the main source of lighting in a room. In addition, the heat removal system has been developed – the basis for the devices is a flexible aluminum radiator. Thanks to this, the belts work for a long time and retain their performance even after five years.

Another important advantage of Cree LED strips is a high level of color rendering, which is more than 90 units. Thanks to this, the light does not distort natural shades, is safe for the eyes and does not create the feeling of 'dusk'. The ribbons can also be used in shop window lighting.

Advantages

• High brightness at 'standard' power consumption;
• Excellent color rendering;
• Quite a wide range.

disadvantages

• Difficult to find on sale;
• No branded installation accessories.

Geniled

Rating: 4.8

Why it is: There are models with excellent moisture protection.

If you need to install LED strip in the kitchen, bathroom or similar rooms with a high level of humidity, then it is recommended to pay attention to the models from Geniled. Unlike other manufacturers in the rating, waterproof solutions from this one are made with epoxy resin insulation (not silicone), which guarantees excellent strength properties and resistance to aggressive environments. All this is complemented by waterproof power supplies, controllers and other peripheral devices.

Of course, Geniled's assortment includes not only waterproof LED strips, but also quite standard solutions. And even they are also different from devices from other manufacturers. So, thanks to the special geometry, cutting the tape will be as simple and safe as possible, and connecting the plugs and the power supply will not require effort or any special knowledge.

Advantages

• Ease of cutting;
• Wide range of solutions;
• Excellent protection against moisture for the respective models.

disadvantages

• The vast majority of tapes are made on SMD3528 LEDs, solutions for larger light sources are extremely few;
• Relatively high price.

Sveteco

Rating: 4.7

Why it is: Relatively low price, minimal heating of the tape.

Sveteco LED strips are recommended for applications requiring continuous lighting (backlighting). They are suitable for installation in residential premises as the main light source. This is due to the fact that these devices heat up minimally during operation.

So, according to the manufacturer, LED strips during operation do not heat up to temperatures above +30 degrees Celsius. This eliminates the need for radiators, and the risk of burnout due to melted conductors is minimized. The tapes can shine for hours – and at the same time, their operational period will still be more than one year.

In addition, Sveteco LED strips are distinguished by their low price. At the same time, the performance characteristics are not much inferior to other models – the devices provide brightness up to 200-300 lumens per meter.

Advantages

• No overheating, so no radiator is required;
• Relatively low price;
• There are solutions for a variety of LEDs.

disadvantages

• Difficult to find on sale;
• No RGB tapes.

Joliet Technology

Rating: 4.7

Why it is: Highest quality LED strips.

The European company Joliet Technology is little known in the domestic market of LED strips – but primarily because of the relatively high price of such equipment. However, the high cost of the devices is perfectly explained by their quality.

For example, the company uses high-quality LEDs that provide uniform light without flicker and with accurate color temperature retention. The sophisticated multilayer substrate simultaneously acts as a heat sink that removes and dissipates heat. Thus, Joliet Technology LED strips are not only practical, but also durable.

However, they are extremely rare on store shelves. You will have to order such tapes directly from Europe, often directly from the manufacturer, which means that buying several meters for one room will be difficult and not always advisable.

Advantages

• High durability of LED strips;
• Excellent performance and technical characteristics;
• The most modern technologies are used in production.

disadvantages

• High price;
• Rarely found in the domestic market.

Gauss

Rating: 4.7

Why it is: High build quality, reliability and durability, a wide range.

The German company Gauss is one of the largest 'players' in the modern lighting equipment market. Its products are of high quality, which is largely due to the accurate and reliable assembly.

Gauss is so confident in the quality of its solutions that it gives them a 3-5 year warranty – this is one of the largest indicators in the ranking. Thanks to a neat, precise assembly and a well-designed radiator base, the tapes serve for a long time and retain their quality of work throughout the entire period of operation.

The assortment of the company includes a variety of models of LED strips – monochrome, RGB, for household use, professional. There are also the necessary controllers, power supplies, channels, diffusers and any other necessary equipment. Thanks to this, you can purchase everything you need for lighting in one single store and from one manufacturer.

Advantages

• High quality LED strips;
• A large assortment;
• On sale there are power supplies, controllers and other necessary equipment.

disadvantages

• Relatively high price.

Navigator

Rating: 4.6

Why him: Good combination of price and quality.

The Russian-Chinese brand Navigator has existed on the lighting equipment market for a relatively short time – about 8-10 years. But during this time he has already managed to strengthen. This is due primarily to the high quality of the product at its relatively low price.

So, in terms of reliability and durability, Navigator products are quite capable of competing with solutions from more premium manufacturers in the ranking (such as Gauss or Osram). A lot of attention is paid to quality control – from the actual LEDs to the assembly of the tapes themselves. Thanks to this, the devices work for a long time and maintain their performance for a long time.

At the same time, the price for LED strips is quite adequate. And their assortment is very large – the company produces monochrome solutions, RGB, as well as specialized ones, designed for accent lighting of certain zones and rooms.

Advantages

• Adequate combination of price and quality;
• A large assortment;
• Easy accessibility – available in almost all stores.

disadvantages

• Few related devices (power supplies, controllers, and so on);
• Comparative high cost of some configurations.

Ledcraft

Rating: 4.6

Why him: Large assortment and low prices.

The Russian company LEDcraft is one of the largest domestic manufacturers of LED equipment. And its products are of good quality while maintaining a low price. So, its main advantage is cheap protected LED strips.

In particular, waterproof LEDcraft LED strips in a silicone casing (IP65 degree, suitable for kitchens, bathrooms and rooms with high humidity) are 1.5-2 times cheaper than competitors. IP67 models – epoxy filled and housed in a silicone tube, suitable for outdoor use – also 1.2-1.5 times.

At the same time, the build quality remains quite high. The strips are suitable for temporary and permanent lighting, and with a wide range of over 100 models, you can find the right solution for any situation.

Advantages

• Large assortment (there are models for 12 V, 220 V, RGB, smart tapes);
• Low price – cheaper than most manufacturers;
• Adequate quality.

disadvantages

• Expensive RGB and smart tapes;
• Small assortment of power supplies, adapters and other accessories;
• Build quality varies between batches.

Elektrostandard

Rating: 4.5

Why him: One of the largest and oldest manufacturers of LED strips.

The Chinese company Elektrostandard is the real standard in the LED equipment market. The LED strips developed by her are of the highest quality. In addition, she regularly uses the latest technologies in production, so that the range is often replenished with completely unique solutions.

So, it was she who was one of the first to start producing the so-called 'flexible neon' – LED strips for 220 volts, imitating neon lamps. And now it offers the widest range of such devices that differ in color, brightness and other technical characteristics.

The assortment of the company includes dozens of models of various LED strips. There are both monochrome and RGB, as well as unique 'multicolor', providing a completely unusual multicolor glow. The build quality is always high, and the price is quite adequate.

Advantages

• Many unique solutions;
• Always high build quality;
• Adequate price.

disadvantages

• Few accessories – usually power supplies and controllers are sold with a ribbon in a set;
• Most models do not have a reinforced radiator, so they are not designed for long-term (more than several hours in a row) glow.

Feron

Rating: 4.4

Why it is: Low price, adequate quality.

The products of the Chinese company Feron are distinguished by a very low price. In fact, its LED strips are one of the cheapest in the rating, a model about five meters long without protection can be purchased for 700-800 rubles. But at the same time, in terms of quality and other performance characteristics, they differ little from more expensive configurations.

Like many other Chinese manufacturers, Feron offers a fairly wide range of unusual solutions. It includes, for example, 'flexible neon', duralight strings, 220-volt configurations and much, much more. But, of course, the bulk of the range is represented by 12-volt solutions.

Among the 12-volt solutions, there are many ready-made configurations based on RGB strips. They are suitable for home use as both main and accent lighting. The sets include not only CD tapes, but also controllers, remotes and much more.

Advantages

• Many kits for quick deployment of the lighting system;
• A large number of non-standard solutions ('flexible neon', duralight);
• Adequate quality.

disadvantages

• Not always well-developed radiators;
• Build quality varies from batch to batch.

Jazzway

Rating: 4.4

Why him: The products have passed certification, which guarantees high quality.

Jazzway is another young Chinese brand. The company was initially focused on the production of CD products, due to which its solutions are distinguished by their reliability and high quality. At the same time, the price is more than adequate, even lower than that of some other Chinese manufacturers in the ranking.

But the range of the company is quite wide. It includes not only standard LED strips, but also relatively unusual solutions – for example, RGB LED mains voltage, which act as a modern replacement for duralight (and at the same time offer a multi-color glow). The company also manufactures 'flexible neon', ready-made kits for quick installation, power supplies and controllers. You can also purchase aluminum profiles from it, which are suitable for installing devices that are focused on long-term operation – and acting as a radiator for high temperatures.

Advantages

• A wide range of;
• Low price;
• There are ready-made kits for quick installation.

disadvantages

• Not always uniform quality;
• The controllers do not provide full color RGB, often limited to 20 shades.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.