How to Choose the Best LED Strip Lights

LED strip lights have become increasingly popular in Australia for their versatility and ability to create stunning lighting effects in homes and commercial spaces. However, choosing the best LED strip lights involves considering various factors beyond just brightness. The best LED strips may excel in features, durability, and smart integration, while the brightest LED strip lights prioritise raw lumen output.

If you’re unsure how to choose the best LED strip lights for your specific needs, this guide will help you make informed decisions based on your desired outcomes, whether it's for ambient lighting, task lighting, or accent lighting. We'll explore the key factors to consider, such as brightness, colour temperature, power consumption, and smart features, to help you find the top-rated LED strip light for your project.

Matching LED strip lights to your application is crucial for achieving the desired lighting effect and functionality. If you're unsure how to find the best LED strip lights for your needs, consider the key factors below or jump ahead to the "Best LED Strip Lights" section for our top-rated recommendations.

Brightness

Brightness is a crucial factor when choosing LED strip lights. It is measured in lumens per metre, indicating the total light output of the strip. To compare brightness levels effectively, look for the lumens per metre specification in the product description. Higher lumens indicate brighter lights, so choose a strip with a lumen output that meets your needs.

For example, if you need bright task lighting for a workbench, you'll need a strip with higher lumens than if you're using it for ambient lighting in a bedroom. Likewise, if you're using the LED strip lights for accent lighting or decorative purposes, you may not need as high of a lumen output.

Colour Temperature & RGB Options

Consider the desired colour temperature for your application. The best LED strip lights offer options ranging from cool white (higher Kelvin value, around 6500K) to warm white (lower Kelvin value, around 2700K), as well as RGB (Red, Green, Blue) and RGBIC (individually controlled colours) for dynamic colour effects.

Cool white is often preferred for task lighting and workspaces, while warm white is better for creating a cosy and relaxing atmosphere. Meanwhile, RGB and RGBIC strips offer endless possibilities for creating vibrant and dynamic lighting effects.

Power Consumption & Efficiency

It is also important to balance energy efficiency with brightness requirements. More efficient top-rated LED strip lights will consume less power for the same brightness level, leading to cost savings and reduced environmental impact. You should look for LED strip lights with high lumens per watt ratings to ensure you get the most brightness for the least amount of energy consumed.

Voltage & Compatibility

Ensure the LED strip lights are compatible with Australian power standards (220-240V). Some strips operate on 12V or 24V and require a separate power supply, while others can be connected directly to mains voltage. Check the voltage requirements of the LED strip lights before purchasing to ensure compatibility with your power source and avoid potential damage.

Smart Features & Controls

If you are seeking added convenience, consider smart features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, remote controls, and voice assistant integration (Google Home, Alexa) for convenient control and automation of your LED strip lights.

These features allow you to adjust brightness, change colours, set schedules, and control your lights remotely from your smartphone or other devices. Smart LED strip lights can enhance the ambience of your space and provide greater flexibility in lighting control, especially for larger installations or hard-to-reach areas.

Weather Resistance

For outdoor use, choose LED strip lights with an appropriate IP rating (e.g., IP65 or IP67) for waterproofing and protection against the elements. The IP rating indicates the level of protection against dust and water ingress.

Higher IP ratings offer greater protection, ensuring the lights can withstand rain, moisture, and other outdoor conditions. It is best to look for LED strip lights with a rating of at least IP65 for outdoor use to ensure reliable performance and longevity.

Installation & Adhesive Strength

Consider the ease of installation and the durability of the adhesive backing. Look for top-rated LED strip lights with strong adhesives and clear installation instructions for hassle-free setup. Some strips may also offer additional mounting options, such as clips or channels, for more secure installation.

Proper installation is crucial for ensuring the longevity and performance of the LED strip lights, especially in applications where they may be subject to vibration or movement, such as vehicles, machinery, or outdoor signage.

Temperature and Environmental Resistance

If the LED strip lights will be used in demanding environments, such as industrial facilities, outdoor signage, or automotive applications, consider their resistance to extreme temperatures, humidity, and other environmental factors. This is particularly important for industrial applications or outdoor installations where the lights may be exposed to harsh conditions.

Look for top-rated LED strip lights with a wide operating temperature range and resistance to UV radiation, moisture, and chemicals to ensure reliable performance in challenging environments.

Brand Reputation & Warranty

Choose LED strip lights from reputable brands with good warranty coverage to ensure quality, reliability, and peace of mind. Look for top-rated brands with a proven track record of producing high-quality LED lighting products and offering good customer support.

When looking for the brightest LED strip lights, prioritise lumens per metre. Lumens measure the total light output of the LED strip, while lux measures the illuminance or light intensity at a specific point. Therefore, lumens give you an idea of the overall brightness of the strip, while lux tells you how bright the light is at a particular distance from the strip.

In essence, if you want to illuminate a larger area, prioritise lumens per metre to ensure sufficient overall brightness. For example, if you're lighting a large room or a long hallway, you'll need a strip with higher lumens per metre to ensure adequate illumination throughout the space. Here are some of the brightest LED strips available at RS:

Intelligent LED Solutions 81 to 105V White LED Strip, 3000K Colour Temp

• 1.1m LED strips
• 15 to 30 white LEDs
• OSRAM OSLON SSL 80 LEDs
• Viewing angle: 80°
• Up to 100,000 hour lifetime to 70% of original brightness
• Mounting holes for M3 screws allow easy installation
• Can be linked together to form longer chains

Intelligent LED Solutions Red LED Strip

• Each Oslon+ 80 17 LED Flood contains 17 Ooslon SSL 80 ThinGan (UX:3) LEDs
• Beam angle: ±40°
• LED drive current: up to 1,000mA
• Up to 70,000 hour lifetime to 70% of original brightness (L70/B50)
• 16 LEDs in main light section, 1 in separate section - emergency LED
• PowerFlood board size 215x194x7.1max mm (including connectors)
• 5mm clearance mounting holes allows installation with screws
• Connection with JST PH type connectors

Intelligent LED Solutions Yellow LED Strip Light

• Oslon80 16+ PowerClusters contain 16 Oslon SSL 80 LEDs with integral 80° silicon resin lenses
• Up to 100,000 hour lifetime to 70% of original brightness
• PowerCluster LED arrays can be linked together to produce longer chains
• Current range 100 to 1,000mA
• Mounting holes using M3 screws for ease of installation
• PowerCluster size (L x W x H): 30mm x 30mm x 3.95mm
• Pre-wired with 200mm connecting wires

Intelligent LED Solutions White LED Strip Light, 5700K Colour Temp

• Oslon Square 6+ Strips contain Oslon SSL Square LED with integral 120° silicone resin lenses
• Lifetime up to 100,000 hours to 70% of original brightness
• Mounting holes (3mm diametre) allows easy installation with screws
• PCB dimensions (L x W x H): 300mm x 20mm x 1.6mm
• Brightness adjustable by external dimming gear
• Single input voltage, each board has own regulation built-in
• 24VDC operation
• Up to 5 Oslon Square 6+ Strips can be linked together to form longer chains

When choosing LED strip lights, consider the specific applications where brightness is paramount, such as garages, workspaces, or photography setups. For these applications, it is recommended to prioritise a high lumen output and ensure the LED strip lights have adequate heat dissipation capabilities to prevent overheating and maintain longevity. Also, consider the power requirements of high-brightness LEDs and ensure your power supply can handle the increased load.

Choosing the best LED strip lights involves considering various factors, including brightness, colour temperature, power consumption, smart features, and environmental resistance. You should always assess your specific requirements and environment to make an informed decision. For example, if you need the brightest LED strip lights for a workspace, prioritise high lumens per metre and consider factors like heat dissipation.

Looking for the best LED strip lights in Australia? RS offers a wide selection of top-rated LED strip lights from leading brands, making it easy to find the perfect solution for your needs. We also provide efficient delivery services to ensure you receive your order promptly and hassle-free.