Are you looking for a flexible lighting solution but can’t decide between LED strips or rope lights? If yes, you are just at the place!
LED strips are flat and have higher brightness. In contrast, rope lights are tubular in shape and have low brightness levels. Besides these, they have differences in beam angle, bend angle, cut length, energy efficiency, and application. However, comparing the prices, rope lights are cheaper than LED strip lights.
But which one is best for your lighting project? I have brought you an in-depth comparison between LED strips and rope lights to help you make this decision. Why wait any more? Let’s explore:
What Is LED Strip Light?
LED strip lights, also known as ribbon or tape lights, are made of small LED chips arranged in a flexible PCB. You will find scissor icon cut marks throughout their body. These marks allow you to cut the strips to your desired size. You can bend them to different angles to shape the lights and fit them in corners, curves, and edges. LED strips are versatile; you can install them for general, task, and accent lighting.
Pros & Cons Of LED Strip Light
| Pros | Cons |
| – Highly flexible – Customizable – Available in multiple color options – Bright illumination – Longer lifespan – Higher CRI – Energy efficient | – Narrow beam angle – Sensitive to voltage fluctuation – Expensive – Limited horizontal bends |
What Is Rope Light?
Rope lights are tubular transparent light fixtures with tiny LED or incandescent fixtures installed inside. These tubes are made of epoxy, plastic, or similar transparent material. As rope lights are not bright enough, you can’t use them for general lighting purposes. Instead, these fixtures work excellently for decoration purposes. You can use them for soft accent lighting and other holiday or festival decorations. Besides, these are comparatively cheaper and available in different colors.
Pros & Cons Of Rope Light
| Pros | Cons |
| – Cheaper – Longer run length – 360-degree viewing angle | – Low brightness – Low bend angle – Tube gets yellowish overtime – Challenging to install in narrow spaces – No adhesive backing |
Differences Between LED Strip Light & Rope Light
1. Structure and Appearance
LED Strip Light Structure and Appearance
LED strips are flat light fixtures made of LED chips and printed circuit boards. Here, you will find LED chips arranged at different intervals. For high-density LED strips, chips are closely arranged. Meanwhile, in low-density LED strips, chips are arranged far apart. Thus, low-density strips create hotspots when you turn them on. So, you should not use them in applications where visual appearance is crucial.
The outer silicon or epoxy layer is another crucial element of LED strips. This makes the fixture waterproof by preventing the LEDs from directly contacting moisture. You will further get many color variations in these strips, such as:
- Single-color LED strips
- Tunable white LED strips
- RGB LED strips
- Dim-To-Warm LED strips
- Addressable LED strips
Rope Light Structure and Appearance
Rope lights have a transparent tube-like structure. Here, you can see the LED or incandescent bulbs arranged all along the tube. These tubes are either made of frosted PVC or epoxy. These materials allow you to bend and shape them to your needs quickly. Nevertheless, they are available in different monochrome colors. Unlike LED strips, you won’t get multiple color RGB facilities in rope lights.
2. Light Source
LED Strip Lights Light Source
In LED strips, the small LED chips are the source of light. They come in different shapes and sizes. The most interesting fact is you can know the size of these chips by numbers like- SMD2835, SMD3528, and SMD5050. These numbers indicate the length and width of the LED. For example- the SMD2835 LED strip means the width of the LED chips is 2.8 mm, and its length is 3.5mm. The shape of the LEDs and their brightness differ with these SMD sizes. The bigger the chip the brighter the light.
Rope Lights Light Source
The rope lights are powered by either LED or incandescent bulbs. But can you guess which light source is best for rope lights? Undoubtedly, LED rope lights are best as they are highly energy efficient. Incandescent rope lights consume too much energy and generate heat. This makes them less preferable than LED rope lights.
3. Size
LED Strip Light Size
LED strips are available in different PCB widths- 2mm, 10mm, 12mm, 25mm, 28mm, 40mm and more. As per the length, these fixtures usually come in a 5m reel. However, more sizes are available. For example, you can find LED strips as long as 60 meters, depending on the voltage rating. The common lengths of LED strips are as follows-
| Voltage | Length Of The LED Strips Per Reel |
| 12V/24V | 5-meter/reel |
| 24VDC | 20-meter/reel |
| 36VDC | 30-meter/reel |
| 48VDC & 48VAC/110VAC/120VAC/230VAC/240VAC | 50-meter/reel |
| 48V Constant Current | 60-meter/reel |
Rope Light Size
Rope lights are available in different diameters. The most common ones are 10 mm and 13mm. If you want better flexibility, go for 10 mm rope lights. They are more flexible than 13 mm rope lights. You can make signage and use them to light up curved areas.
4. Run Length
LED Strip Light Run Length
Don’t end up mixing up LED strip length and run length- the two are different concepts. By length, the physical length of the strip is defined. But run lengths mean, with one power supply, how long an LED strip can run without facing any voltage drop issues. The higher the voltage, the longer the run length. However, run length also depends on other factors like LED density, type of LED stripe, input current, etc. Below, I am adding LED strip run lengths for varying voltage ratings-
| Voltage | Run Length (Max) |
| 12V DC | 5 meters |
| 24V DC | 10 meters |
| 24V Constant Current (CC) | 20 meters |
| 24V RGB & RGBW | 7 meters |
| 24V RGBCC & RGBWCC | 20 meters |
| 120V | 50 meters |
Rope Light Run Length
The run length of rope lights depends on the power supply. You will find rope lights with both AC and DC options. The run lengths of DC rope lights are usually more than those of AC ones. The chart below will clear this up:
| Current Input | Run Length (Max) |
| AC | 250 feet or 76.2 meters |
| DC | 50 feet or 15.24 meters |
5. Flexibility
LED Strip Light Flexibility
Are you worried about installing a light in the narrowest place of your room or on the corners or edges? Let me unlock another mind-blowing feature of LED strip lights. You can bend these super flexible strips to multiple angles and fold them up. The popular corner folding method of LED strip includes:
- 90-degree or the corner fold
- 90-degree pitch or the ribbon bend
- Accordion folds, etc.
All these folding facilities make LED strips ideal for creative lighting that needs extended flexibility.
Rope Light Flexibility
Rope lights are flexible, but not as much as LED strips. You won’t be able to make a 90-degree angle with this tubular rope light while installing them in corners. They always end up forming a 3-4 inches (or more) curved radius. Thus, rope lights don’t give a perfect light outline through edges or corners. You can, however, use them for simple curves or straight-line lighting.
6. Customization
LED Strip Light Customization
LED strips offer you an extended customization facility; wanna know how? These lights come in a standard 5-meter reel, but you can easily cut them to your needed size. The cut length of LED strips is very short, which helps you with accurate sizing.
You will find the cut marks after every three LED strips. However, this can vary depending on the density of the LED strips. The most common cut lengths are 25mm, 50mm, or 100mm; this may differ from brand to brand. Besides, some manufacturers, like LEDYi, also offer you a cut-length customization facility.
Rope Light Customization
The rope lights are also cuttable, but the sizing flexibility could be better than LED strips. The major hassle you will face sizing them is their longer cut lengths. The cutting points are placed far apart, typically after every 18 -24″ (457.2 mm-609.6 mm). So, you can’t cut them to accurate sizing.
7. Brightness
Brightness Of LED Strip Light
These fixtures come in different brightness levels. For example- you can use high-lumen LED strips for general and task lighting. Whereas for decorative and accent lighting, go for low-lumen LED strips. These varying brightness levels make them suitable for multipurpose applications.
However, the brightness depends on the size of the LED chips, LED density, wattage, and more. For instance, SMD5050 LED strips emit 3 times brighter light than SMD3528 LED strips.
Brightness Of Rope Light
LED rope lights are usually less bright than LED strip lights. One of the main reasons is the thick outer PVC covering, which hinders light passage. Again, with time, this plastic cover tends to get yellow. You will mostly face these issues while using incandescent rope lights. These incandescent bulbs overheat, making the PVC yellowish. This directly impacts the brightness level.
8. Energy Efficiency
Energy Efficiency of LED Strip Light
LED technology makes LED strips highly energy efficient. They convert 80% of consumed energy to light, and only 20% is wasted as heat. Compared to traditional lighting, these fixtures can produce more light while consuming less energy. This makes them eco-friendly and also saves you electricity bills.
Energy Efficiency of Rope Light
Before judging the energy efficiency of rope lights, first consider which technology they use. Rope lights with LED bulbs are energy efficient due to their LED technology. The major concern here arises with incandescent rope lights. These traditional bulbs convert 80% of their consumed energy to heat. Only 20% is emitted as light, which could be more efficient. So, using an incandescent rope light will cut your pocket with electric bills.
9. Installation
LED Strip Light Installation
Are you a newbie and don’t know how to install or mount fixtures? No worries with LED strips; they come with adhesive backing! So, installing these fixtures is as easy as drinking water. You only need to peel off the adhesive tape and paste it on the surface. Besides, you can also use other mounting techniques with LED strip; such as clip or channel mounting. Such flexibility of these lights makes them suitable for installation in tight spaces.
Rope Light Installation
Rope lights don’t come with adhesive backing. Therefore, you need to use mounting hardware to ensure they remain stable on the surface. However, the process is not as hard as it sounds. You can simply clip them up to the surface. But the point to remember is rope lights won’t give you pleasant results for tight or narrow space lighting. For example- if you are planning cove lighting with rope lights, I will never suggest that. Instead, go for LED strips to get a professional-level cove lighting effect.
10. Beam Angle
Beam Angle of LED Strip Light
LED strip lights usually have a beam angle of 120 degrees. These narrow lighting features make them ideal for accent lighting. However, if you need a wider beam angle for backlighting or wall washing, LEDYi has solutions, too! Check out our Special Beam Angle LED Strips available in 160-degree and 60-degree beam angles.
Beam Angle of Rope Light
You will get a wider beam angle of 360 degrees using Rope lights. The tubular shape of these lights spreads the illuminations equally in all directions. If you need a more diffused and wider angle beam, rope lights are a good option to choose. However, the point to be noted is that they are not ideal for focused lighting like LED strips.
11. Casting Material & IP Rating
LED Strip Light Casting Material & IP Rating
Whether you are lighting up your bedroom or swimming pool, LED strip lights are set to go. But what makes these lights so versatile and waterproof? The secret here is that the PCB of the LED strip is coated with casting materials like- silicone, epoxy, or polyurethane. This makes them highly durable and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. But it doesn’t mean all LED strips are waterproof. To ensure their water resistance capability, you must check the IP rating. A higher IP rating means better water resistance.
Rope Light Casting Material
The casting coating of rope lights is much thicker and more durable than LED strip lights. It is formed of a thick PVC tube. Such robust types make them highly water-resistant and suitable for outdoor use. They usually have an IP65 rating, but lower ratings like IP44 are also available.
12. Application
LED Strip Light Application
LED strips are suitable for versatile applications like- cove lighting, staircase lighting, under-cabinet lighting, etc. To sum up, you can use them for all types of residential and commercial lighting purposes. They are also an excellent lighting option for automotive use. For example- you can install LED strips beneath the car or under the car seats for accent lighting. Amazingly, you can also use the higher IP-rated LED strips for fountains, swimming pools, or lighting areas that come in contact with water.
Rope Light Application
If you ask me about the best rope light application, my answer will surely be decorative lighting. They look amazing when used for Christmas, Halloween, or other festive lighting purposes. You can also use them to highlight architectural features and artworks. Again, try experimenting with rope lights if you want to glow your pathway, walkways, rooftops, or porches.
13. Cost-Effectiveness
Cost Effectiveness Of LED Strip Light
Though LED strips are expensive compared to rope lights, they can be profitable for you in the long run. You may need to go through higher initial costs while purchasing and installing LED strips. But trust me, you will be amazed at your electricity bills as you replace these fixtures with traditional light solutions! Besides, they require no maintenance cost. So, considering all these factors, LED strips are a cost-effective solution.
Cost Effectiveness Of Rope Light
Rope lights are somehow cheaper than LED strip lights. Therefore, you will need to invest less as an initial cost. However, if you consider the cost in the long run, using incandescent rope lights can become a major headache. They consume more electricity and have a shorter lifespan. So eventually, they will eat up more electricity and increase your bills.
Moreover, you will also need to replace them frequently. Thus, the low initial investment is not a positive factor for incandescent rope lights as it gradually requires more investment in maintenance. But if you are using LED rope lights, you won’t need to go through these issues.
Quick Differentiating Chart: LED Strip Lights Vs. Rope Lights
| Criteria | LED Strip Lights | Rope Lights |
| Light Source | LED chip | LED or incandescent bulb |
| Shape | Tubular | Flat-like tape |
| Beam Angle | Wide; 360 degree | Narrow; 120 degree |
| Brightness | High | Less intense |
| Flexibility | Flexible, but not as much as LED strips | Highly flexible, can be bent at 90 degrees |
| Cutting Facility | It can be cut, but the cut lengths are too long; you won’t get many sizing options. | Have printed cut marks; the cut lengths are very short, so you can cut them to any needed lengths. |
| Energy Efficiency | The rope lights with LED bulbs are energy efficient, but the ones with incandescent bulbs are not. | Highly energy efficient |
| Installation | Mounted using clips | Have adhesive backing for easy installation, also supports clips or channels. |
| Application | Decorative and soft accent lighting | General, task, accent, and decorative lighting |
Which Is Better – LED Strip Lights Vs. Rope Lights?
You must consider your application to decide which is better, LED strip light or rope light. LED strips are the best choice for general, task, and bright accent lighting. However, if you need soft accent lighting, you can also choose rope lights.
Another factor to consider when choosing between rope and strip lights is the installation area. Remember that rope lights are not suitable for corners and edges that require 90-degree bending. Therefore, LED strips are recommended for such lighting requirements. Again, an LED strip is the ultimate solution if you are looking for an advanced light color-changing option. Rope lights can’t beat The RGB, programable, tunable white variants of LED strips.
Considering all these factors, LED strips are absolutely the better option. But yet, if you indeed have a quick, cheaper solution, you may go for rope lights. But I warn you not to choose incandescent ones. Instead, purchase LED rope lights for energy effectiveness.
FAQs
Wrapping Up
LED strips and rope lights are cuttable and bendable lighting solutions but have a number of visible differences. The major difference is in their shape, beam angle, and installation. However, while picking one for your project, never forget to consider its application. Rope lights are suitable for decorative lighting, whereas LED strips are very versatile. Besides, LED strips also offer better flexibility and customization options.
Have you already decided to go for LED strips? Sure, you did. Check out our premium LED strip light collections for extended customization. We offer ODM and OEM facilities with voltage, cut length, IP rating, and other tailoring options. So, whether it’s an indoor or outdoor application, our LED strips will stand out; order ASAP!
