Shop COB LED strip lights for smooth, continuous illumination without visible LED dots or hotspots. Also sold as dotless LED strip lights and COB LED tape lights, choose from white, tunable white, RGB, RGBW, RGBCCT, addressable, waterproof, ultra-narrow and long-run designs in 12V and 24V for cabinets, displays, coves, furniture, retail spaces and professional lighting projects.
COB LED strip lights use Chip-on-Board technology, with a high density of LED chips mounted directly onto a flexible circuit board and covered by a continuous light-diffusing layer. This creates a smooth line of light with fewer visible hotspots than traditional SMD LED strips. Also called dotless LED strip lights or COB LED tape lights, they are especially useful when the strip or its reflection stays visible.
COB strips are a strong choice for under-cabinet lighting, mirrors, glossy countertops, open shelves, display cases, ceiling coves, toe kicks and architectural details. Their continuous appearance also suits hotels, restaurants, retail displays and custom furniture.
Select fixed white for everyday task or accent lighting, tunable white for adjustable warm-to-cool light, RGB or RGBW for synchronized color-changing effects, or addressable COB for chasing and pixel effects. RGB, CCT and addressable products require a compatible controller.
5V COB strips are generally used for short USB-powered projects. 12V COB models suit shorter installations and vehicles, while 24V COB strips are commonly chosen for cabinets, coves and longer professional runs. High-voltage and constant-current products are available for specialized long-run projects. Always match the strip, controller and power supply voltage.
Confirm strip width, cutting interval, lumens per foot or meter, wattage and CRI before ordering. Use IP20 in dry indoor locations and an appropriate IP-rated waterproof model for damp, wet or outdoor environments. Cut ends and connections must be sealed correctly to maintain water protection.
| Feature | COB LED Strips | SMD LED Strips |
|---|---|---|
| Light appearance | Smooth and continuous | Individual LED points may be visible |
| Best use | Visible and reflective installations | General accent or concealed lighting |
| LED layout | Dense chips mounted directly on the board | Packaged LEDs spaced along the board |
| Options | White, CCT, RGB, RGBW and addressable | Broad white and color selection |
Install COB tape on a clean, dry surface and cut only at marked cutting points. Aluminum channels can improve mounting, protection and heat management. Calculate total wattage before choosing a power supply and allow suitable capacity for the full installation. For long runs, outdoor systems and line-voltage products, follow the product specifications and applicable electrical requirements.
COB strips are usually better when a smooth, continuous line of light is the priority, especially near mirrors, counters and exposed channels. SMD strips can still be preferable for concealed installations, specific chip configurations or budget-focused projects.
Most COB strips can be cut at marked intervals, and many are dimmable with a compatible dimmer, controller or power supply. Outdoor use depends on the stated IP rating and on correctly sealing all connections and cut ends.
24V COB strips are a common choice for kitchen and under-cabinet runs because they hold brightness over longer lengths with less voltage drop. 12V COB tape is fine for short individual cabinets or vehicle projects.
Compare related options in Tunable White LED Strip Lights, Addressable LED Strip Lights and Outdoor & Waterproof LED Strip Lights.