RGB vs Free RGB&RGBW COB LED Strip: Which One Should You Choose in 2026?
- 2026-09-09 09:00
- /
- Arraystar
Quick Answer: RGB vs Free
Choose RGB for high-performance applications requiring superior brightness. Choose Free for budget-friendly projects where standard voltage is sufficient.
What is RGB?
Model Voltage Power LED Type CCT/Color LED Qty/m Cut Size IP Rating RGB COB Light Strip DC 12V 15 W/m COB LED RGB 450 LEDs/m 20 mm IP20/IP54/IP65/IP67 RGB COB Light Strip DC 24V 15 W/m COB LED RGB
What is Free?
Free Cut COB Strip Light Voltage Power LED Type CCT/Color LED Qty/m Cut Size IP Rating CRI Lumen(lm/w) ART-COB08F-528-SWW-12 DC 12V 13W/m COB LED 2700K 528 LEDs/m Cut Free IP20/IP54/IP65/IP67 >90
Side-by-Side Comparison
Feature | RGB | Free |
|---|---|---|
RGB COB Strip Light | Voltage | - |
ART-COB10-450-RGB-12 | DC 12V | - |
ART-COB10-450-RGB-24 | DC 24V | - |
Free Cut COB Light Strip | - | Voltage |
ART-COB08F-528-SWW-12 | - | DC 12V |
ART-COB08F-528-WW-12 | - | DC 12V |
ART-COB08F-528-NW-12 | - | DC 12V |
ART-COB08F-528-W-12 | - | DC 12V |
When to Choose RGB
High-brightness projects: When you need maximum lumens per meter for commercial spaces.
Premium architectural lighting: Where light quality and uniformity are top priorities.
Outdoor applications: Suitable for environments requiring higher protection.
When to Choose Free
Budget-conscious projects: Excellent value for large-scale installations.
Standard indoor lighting: Perfect for cove lighting, under-cabinet, and display cases.
DIY and custom projects: Widely compatible with standard controllers and power supplies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What power supply do I need for rgb&rgbw cob led strip?
A: Choose a power supply matching your strip's voltage (12V/24V/48V) with wattage at least 20% higher than the strip's total power consumption. For example, a 5m 14.4W/m strip needs at least 72W + 20% = 86.4W, so a 100W power supply is recommended.
Q: Can rgb&rgbw cob led strip be cut to custom lengths?
A: Yes, most rgb&rgbw cob led strip can be cut at designated cut points (typically every 5cm or 10cm). Always cut at the marked copper pads and solder or use connectors for reliable connections. COB strips offer mini-cut options with 2.5mm cut intervals.
Q: Are rgb&rgbw cob led strip dimmable?
A: Yes, rgb&rgbw cob led strip support multiple dimming methods including 0-10V, PWM, TRIAC, and DALI when used with compatible dimmers and drivers. COB strips dim especially smoothly due to their uniform light output.
Q: Do you offer OEM/ODM services for rgb&rgbw cob led strip?
A: Yes, Arraystar LED provides comprehensive OEM/ODM services including custom PCB design, specific LED binning, custom color temperatures, private labeling, and custom packaging. Our factory has 15+ years of experience serving clients in 80+ countries.
Q: What certifications do your rgb&rgbw cob led strip have?
A: All Arraystar LED rgb&rgbw cob led strip are CE, RoHS, and ERP certified. We also offer LM-80 tested LEDs, IEC reports, and can provide custom certification support for specific market requirements.
Conclusion
Both RGB and Free offer excellent performance for rgb&rgbw cob led strip applications. Your choice depends on project requirements, budget, and environmental conditions. At Arraystar LED, we manufacture a complete range of rgb&rgbw cob led strip products with OEM/ODM capabilities, CE/RoHS certification, and 3-year warranty. Contact our team for a free consultation and custom quote.
About the Manufacturer
ArrayStar LED is a professional LED strip manufacturer in Shenzhen, China since 2010, serving 80+ countries. We support custom OEM/ODM projects (custom CCT, CRI, PCB, logo, packaging) and wholesale supply for distributors and contractors worldwide.
