What are the different between COB led strips and SMD led strip lights?

Continuous light line · high uniformity · premium look · smoother beam.

Individual light points · versatile · cost-effective · wide applications.

Multiple LED chips are directly mounted and encapsulated on a single board with a protective layer — no individual packaging, giving a continuous light-emitting surface.

Individual LED packages are mounted on a flexible PCB. Each LED has its own casing and is spaced apart from the others.

More uniform light spread — light comes from a continuous surface with no distinct gaps between LEDs.

Still even, but slight gaps between individual LEDs can be noticeable on close inspection.

Often better heat dissipation thanks to the larger surface area of the board.

Individual LEDs may need more spacing between them for adequate heat dissipation in high-density applications.

More robust — fewer points of failure since there are no gaps between chips.

Reliable, but the higher number of individual LED units means a slightly higher chance of failure.

More expensive to produce, which often means a higher cost for consumers.

Generally more cost-effective due to the maturity and wide use of the technology.

Ideal for smooth, uninterrupted light — backlighting for signage and general illumination.

Versatile — from residential lighting to automotive and decorative lighting.

More challenging to repair — replacing a single failed LED is not practical; the whole section may need replacing.

Easier maintenance — individual LEDs can be replaced if they fail.

Appears as one continuous line of light with no visible dots — a clean, premium look.

Individual light points are visible, which some designs intentionally use for effect.

Can provide a wider beam angle and more intense light output thanks to the chip configuration.

A more defined and sometimes narrower beam angle, depending on the LED package type.