Traditional home lighting options, such as recessed lights or track lights, work well in many spaces, but sometimes more flexible options are needed. LED light strips (also called tape lights or LED rope lights) are DC powered, using tape or clips, which can be cut at different intervals for customization.

Many people use LED strips as part of a larger lighting scheme powered by smart devices. The color can be changed according to the command, as well as the speed and style of the chase mode and the overall brightness level. If you are looking for an innovative way to illuminate a specific area of ​​your living space, please read our useful buying guide. Our preferred LED light strips are Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance LightStrip, which are a versatile option, ideal for backlighting TVs or providing additional cabinet lighting.

Precautions for choosing LED strips

Some projects involving LED strips require a single accent color—usually white, blue, or red. LED strips that provide a color option are called monochromatic. For those who do not seek special effects or distortion color schemes, but simple backlight or spotlighting, this may be a cheaper option.

For projects involving custom color schemes or more advanced effects, there are LED strips containing red, green, and blue (RGB) bulbs. These RGB bulbs produce a wide range of colors and tones because a special controller adjusts the intensity of each bulb. RGB light strips are usually more expensive than monochrome light strips, but you have more design options.

LED strips are also classified according to the total number of LED bulbs per full roll. Standard light strips suitable for general household lighting projects or TV backlights usually contain 150 LEDs each. The manufacturer doubled this number to 300 to create "high-density" light strips for decorative lighting and advanced animation effects. The cost difference between standard and high-density LED strips can be quite large.

Installing LED strips does not require special training or electrician license, but some basic electronic soldering knowledge is helpful. Some LED strip kits include special clips and connectors instead of solderable leads, making installation tasks easier. The user can only cut the light strip at certain points, and these points should be clearly marked. Some kits also include a connector for the corner and a remote control for the power supply.

The LED strip uses a 12 volt direct current (DC) power source-a 12 volt power brick AC converter or a series of dry batteries. These power supplies may need to be purchased separately. In order to achieve special effects such as follow-up lights, a controller is usually added to the circuit. For special lighting projects, a remote control with or without special effects is also a good thing.

LED strip lights are produced in long strips, which means they must be firmly connected to the project. Some kits include plastic or metal clips that can be hooked onto the surface and mechanically hold the light strip in place. Others use tape to attach the strips directly to the surface. The bonding quality of these strips varies from brand to brand, so many people use carefully positioned staples or brackets to provide additional support.

The most basic single-color LED rope lights cost as low as $10 per roll, but they usually do not provide high-quality lighting. Premium LED strips with RGB functionality and some effects are priced between $15 and $35, while professional-grade reels with all the controls, effects, and connectors needed for the main lighting project start at $35 per roll.

Q: Will the LED strip overheat? I want to light up a fish tank all night.

A. The LED bulb uses a 12-volt power supply instead of the standard 110-volt household current. They do not generate heat like Christmas tree lights. You can safely place the LED strips where overheating may be the main problem.

Q: Can LED light strips be installed on vehicles?

A. Yes, you can use LED light strips to create lighting effects in cars, boats or other vehicles. The key is to use a 12-volt power source (such as a battery-powered converter brick) to power the display remotely and cautiously. You can connect the light strip to the power block and store the power block in the glove box or center console or luggage compartment.

The best: Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance LightStrip

Our view: Many users like to have multiple color options. These LEDs can produce almost all colors in the spectrum, as well as white for direct lighting.

What we like: Power can be added at any point on the strip. HUE can be used in conjunction with many intelligent control systems. Can be used as the main light source or background lighting.

What we don’t like: limited number of products are expensive. It is not easy to adapt to the corner. The stickiness is not strong.

Great value for money: LE’s 12-volt LED strip

Our view: Considering its length and LED density, the price of this strip is very low. We recommend ordering a 12V AC power adapter at the same time.

What we like: Includes extra parts for custom installation. The color is warm, not dazzling blue and white. Suitable for many types of adhesives or accessories.

What we don’t like: AC power converters are not included and must be ordered separately. Different chains may not be compatible.

Option 3: Elfeland's LED strip

Our view: Since the LEDs in this light strip are very easy to program, they are very suitable for those looking for more advanced lighting displays with animation chasing, color changes and brightness changes.

What we like: LEDs can quickly respond to color, brightness, and speed prompts. It can be cut after three lights. Waterproof strip with strong adhesive. Including power supply and remote control.

What we don’t like: If you don’t have a clear line of sight, you won’t be able to work remotely. Large projects may require multiple power supplies. The power brick is not waterproof.

Michael Pollick is a contributor to BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company whose mission is to help simplify your buying decisions and save you time and money. BestReviews never accepts free products from manufacturers and uses its own funds to purchase every product it reviews.

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