COB vs SMD: Which LED Strip Is Best for Outdoor Use?

Struggling to choose the right LED strip? Let’s solve this.

COB and SMD strips both work outdoors. Each has strengths in light quality, durability, and cost.

There are big differences. Let’s go through them now.

What are the key differences between COB and SMD LED strips?

Both types look similar, but their structure and light effects are very different.

COB is smooth and dot-free. SMD is bright but can show hotspots.

How they’re built

COB (Chip on Board)¹ places many tiny LED chips directly onto the PCB. These are covered in a layer of phosphor to give smooth, even light. SMD (Surface Mounted Device)² attaches larger LED chips separately with gaps between them.

Feature	COB	SMD
Light Quality	No visible dots	May show dots or gaps
Build Method	Direct chip bonding	Mounted individual LEDs
Appearance	Smooth and clean	Bright but segmented

Why it matters

COB gives a modern, soft look. This is great for upscale projects or where light will be seen up close. SMD offers punchier brightness. That’s better for general area lighting where high lumen output matters most. When choosing for outdoor use, consider how far people will be from the light source.

Which performs better for outdoor brightness?

Outdoor spaces need strong and clear light. Which gives more?

SMD strips usually shine brighter than COB strips per watt.

Raw brightness vs visual effect

SMD strips³ like 5050 and 2835 types can emit more lumens per watt. That makes them better for gardens, signs, and flood-style lighting. COB isn’t as bright, but its glow is even and soft. This matters when you need balanced, low-glare light.

Metric	COB	SMD
Lumens/Watt4	80-100	90-120
Visual Comfort	Excellent	Moderate
Application Zone	Pathways, accent	Wide areas, signage

What I learned on real jobs

One of our clients installed COB⁵ under a hotel canopy. It looked stunning and gentle. Later, they tried SMD for a parking lot — it gave the visibility needed. I now recommend COB for close-range or decorative tasks, and SMD for wide space coverage.

Which LED strip handles water and weather better?

Outdoor LEDs must survive rain, dust, and sun. Which one lasts longer?

Both COB and SMD can be waterproof. But COB needs better sealing.

IP rating and sealing material

COB strips often use silicone extrusion⁶ — a one-piece cover that keeps water out. SMD strips use PU potting or silicone sleeves. Both methods can reach IP67 or IP68⁷, which is great for outdoor use. However, poor sealing⁸ leads to corrosion.

What to check with suppliers

Always ask:

• Is the strip silicone or PU coated?
• Is the connector waterproof?
• Is the strip certified (CE, RoHS)?

Question	Why it matters
What’s the sealing method?	Prevents water damage
Is it UV resistant?	Protects from sun degradation
What’s the IP rating?	Tells how waterproof it is

In one project, a poorly sealed SMD strip failed after three months. We replaced it with a COB strip that had full extrusion. It’s been running for over a year now.

Which LED strip is easier to install outdoors?

Tight curves and tricky spaces need flexible lights. Which bends better?

COB is more flexible and installs faster in tough places.

Why COB bends better

COB’s continuous chips make it slim and bendable. SMD needs more space because of the separate chip layout. If your outdoor design has corners, curves, or circles — COB works best.

What installers say

We work with many contractors. Their feedback:

• "COB sticks better on curves."
• "SMD cracks if bent too hard."
• "COB takes less time to lay out."

Strip Type	Flexibility	Mounting Time	Connector Needed
COB	High	Short	Fewer
SMD	Medium	Long	More

COB simplifies tricky projects. That means fewer returns and happier clients.

What’s more energy-efficient and long-lasting?

Long-term savings matter. Which strip wins?

SMD gives better efficiency, but COB handles heat better.

Heat and efficiency trade-off

SMD chips produce more light per watt. But they also create more heat spots. If not cooled, heat reduces lifespan. COB spreads heat more evenly across the strip. This helps COB maintain color and output longer, especially in enclosed installs.

What you save over time

A client used SMD strips in a billboard — great brightness, but replacements were frequent. On their second project, we used COB with an aluminum channel. It lasted longer and stayed cooler.

Factor	SMD Strip	COB Strip
Lumen Efficiency	Higher	Medium
Heat Resistance	Lower	Better
Avg Lifespan	25,000 hrs	30,000–40,000 hrs

Which offers the best total value?

Budgets are tight. But quality matters too.

COB costs more but saves on labor and upgrades.

How pricing breaks down

SMD costs less per meter. But COB cuts installation time and looks better in high-end spaces. For one-off orders, SMD fits. For long-term clients, COB wins loyalty.

Cost Area	SMD Strip	COB Strip
Material Cost	Lower	Higher
Installation Labor	Higher	Lower
Maintenance Needs	More	Less

What I recommend to clients

I tell distributors: use SMD for competitive projects. But when building a brand or serving designers, go with COB. It’s consistent, beautiful, and earns repeat business.

Conclusion

COB is smooth, durable, and flexible. SMD is bright and affordable. Choose based on your project goals.

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