LED lights have become increasingly popular over the past decade due to their energy efficiency, long lifespan, and durability. With so many types of LED lights on the market, it can be tricky determining which option is best suited for your needs.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the 11 most common types of LED lights, their key features and benefits, and ideal applications to help you find the perfect LED lighting solution.
Importance of Choosing the Right LED Lights
When selecting LED lights, it is critical to consider your intended use case and requirements. Key factors to evaluate include:
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Brightness: Measured in lumens, brightness determines if the LED light produces adequate illumination for the space. High-lumen LEDs are best for large rooms and outdoor areas.
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Color Temperature: The color appearance of the LED light, ranging from soft white (2700K-3000K) to bright white (3500K-5000K) and daylight (5000K-6500K).
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Beam Angle: The angle at which the LED emits light. Wider angles like 120-degrees are better for general ambient lighting.
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Energy Efficiency: Choose LEDs with high lumens per watt for maximum energy savings.
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Size and Shape: Consider the available space and aesthetic you want to achieve.
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Special Features: Such as dimmable, color changing, or smart connectivity.
Choosing the right LED ensures ideal light quality, energy efficiency, and lifespan longevity.
Overview of 11 Common LED Light Types
Without further ado, here is a comprehensive overview of the 11 most popular types of LED lights and their distinguishing characteristics:
#1. Standard LED Light Bulbs
The most ubiquitous type of LED light is the standard LED bulb designed to replace traditional incandescent or CFL bulbs. They feature a classic A-shape design and standard E26/E27 screw-in base.
Pros:
- Energy efficient – uses at least 75% less energy
- Long lifespan (25,000-50,000 hours)
- Low heat output
- Dimmable models available
Cons
- Not as bright as other LED types
- Higher upfront costs
Best For
General purpose lighting in homes, offices, restaurants and stores. Good for table lamps, ceiling fixtures, and more.
#2. LED Panel Lights
LED panel lights, also known as LED flat panels or LED ceiling lights, are designed to replace standard fluorescent ceiling panels. They are ultra-slim, surface mounted fixtures.
Pros:
- Uniform, glare-free distribution of light
- Energy efficient and long-lasting
- Sleek, stylish appearance
- Easy installation
Cons:
- Difficult to retrofit existing fluorescent fixtures
- On the expensive side
Best For Lighting offices, warehouses, workshops, retail stores, schools and homes. Work well in dropped ceilings.
#3. LED Downlights & Recessed Ceiling Lights
LED downlights feature compact, recessed housings designed to spotlight and accent architectural details indoors.
Pros:
- Focused, directional beam
- Energy-efficient
- Dimming abilities
- Modern, low-profile design
- Long lifespan (30,000 hours+)
Cons:
- Beam spread cannot be adjusted
- Retrofitting existing housings can be tricky
Best For Accent and task lighting applications. Good for kitchens, hallways, bathrooms, living rooms.
#4. LED Spotlights & Track Lights
LED track lighting systems allow for fully adjustable, directional accent lighting. Individual spotlights can be freely positioned and angled along an electrified track.
Pros:
- Fully adjustable spotlights
- Install multiple lights on single track
- Contemporary appearance
- Focus intense light on specific areas
Cons:
- More complex installation
- Individual spots not very bright
Best For: Accent lighting in retail stores, art galleries, museums, upscale offices and modern homes.
#5. LED Floodlights & Security Lights
Powerful, outdoor LED security lights feature motion sensors and extremely high lumen output. LED floodlights bathe large areas in bright, uniform light.
Pros:
- Super energy efficient
- Extremely high lumen output
- Long lifespan
- Motion sensor activation
- Durable and weatherproof
Cons:
- Expensive upfront cost
- Harsh light and glare
Best For Outdoor lighting applications including building exteriors, warehouses, sporting fields, driveways, pathways and more.
#6. LED Tube Lights
LED tube lights are designed to replace traditional fluorescent tubes in commercial fixtures. Models with external drivers work with existing ballasts.
Pros:
- Very energy-efficient lighting
- Light weight and low profile
- Durable and impact resistant
- Instant on/off with no flickering or hum
Cons:
- Limited light spread
- Retrofitting can be tricky
Best For Warehouses, garage workshops, basements, laundromats and convenience stores. Useful in any location still using fluorescent tubes.
#7. LED High/Low Bay Lights
Engineered for high mounting heights, LED high bay and low bay warehouse lights deliver focused illumination ideal for retail stores, gymnasiums, commercial facilities and more.
Pros:
- Energy efficient withmotion sensors
- Wide coveragefrom height
- Programmable controls
- Extremely long lifespan
- Retrofit or new fixtures
Cons:
- Glare can be an issue
- Higher upfront investment
Best For: Warehouses, factories, gymnasiums, retail stores, exhibition halls and more. Both new construction and retrofit applications.
#8. LED Strip Lights
Flexible LED tape lighting or LED strip lights feature super thin, adhesive-backing for installation under cabinets, on cove ceilings, staircase risers and more.
Pros:
- Extremely versatile mounting
- Variety of lengths available
- Can be cut to custom size
- Affordable price point
- Low voltage for safety
Cons:
- Visible hotspots possible
- Requires reasonable care when handling
Best For: Under cabinet task lighting, architectural cove lighting, display cases, indoor accent lighting.
#9. LED Landscape & Pathway Lights
LED landscape lights illuminate gardens, patios and walkways with attractive, energy-efficient fixtures available in variety of styles.
Pros:
- Low voltage for safe DIY installs
- Dramatic uplighting and spotlighting
- Energy efficient savings
- Variety of styles to enhance landscapes
Cons:
- Higher upfront investment
- Light spread cannot be adjusted
Best For: Gardens, patios, pools, driveways, pathways and general landscape accent illumination.
#10. LED Decorative & String Lights
Decorative LED string light strands and fairy lights add ornamental lighting for holiday decor, gazebos, bedrooms and more.
Pros:
- Ultra low voltage operation
- Energy efficient
- Variety of shapes and colors
- Lightweight and easy to install
Cons:
- Not very bright
- Can be considered seasonal
Best For Indoor and covered outdoor decorative displays including holiday lighting, dorm rooms, bedrooms, gazebos and patios.
#11. Smart LED Light Bulbs
Smart LED light bulbs can be controlled remotely via smartphone, tablet, voice control or smart home hub. Settings like color, brightness and on/off status are all programmable.
Pros:
- Automated, remote controllability
- Schedule custom lighting scenes
- Voice command capabilities
- Fun accent lighting options
Cons:
- Requires smart home integration
- Prone to connectivity issues
- Expensive per bulb
Best For: Tech enthusiasts who want the added features and functionality of connected smart lighting. Useful throughout homes and businesses.
Key Considerations When Selecting LED Lights
Now that we have covered the most popular LED lighting options available, let’s discuss the key factors to consider when determining which is best suited for your specific lighting application and priorities:
Brightness Requirements
As mentioned earlier in the article, brightness is a crucial consideration. Determine how much illumination you need by taking into account size of space, task types, and activities taking place in the area to light. Compare lumen outputs when choosing LED fixtures and bulbs.
Beam Angle & Light Distribution
Fixtures with focused, narrow beams are best for accent lighting. If general ambient illumination is the goal, wide flood beams in the 120-degree range produce even wash of light. High bays lights typically max out around 90-degrees since they are mounted so high.
Location Rating – Indoor vs. Outdoor
Make sure any outdoor LED lights and fixtures you install are rated for exterior use with waterproof housings and UV-resistant components. Similarly, indoor models should have safety markings indicating suitability for covered installation.
Energy Efficiency Goals
All LED lights provide significant efficiency improvements over outdated lighting technologies. However, you can future maximize energy savings by selecting LED products with the highest possible lumens per watt ratios which indicate exceptional electrical efficiency.
Smart Lighting Integration
Determine if smart lighting capabilities like schedule-based on/off settings, dimming, color tuning and voice controls are on your wish list. Smart LED require compatible dimmers and network connectivity support like WiFi pairing.
Budget Limitations
While LED lighting remains a premium product compared to standard lighting fixtures, costs continue to decrease while performance increases. Set a firm budget and look for rebates to find affordable options with suitable quality and features.
Ease of Installation
Some LED products like LED tube lights may require new compatible ballasts and retrofitting existing fixtures which can be complicated. Others like LED bulbs simply screw or plug right into sockets like traditional lighting for easy upgrading.
By carefully weighing all of these critical considerations against application requirements and budget constraints, selecting the ideal LED lighting solution becomes more clear. Reputable manufacturers like Philips, Cree, Soraa and more offer exceptional performance and quality.
Final Takeaways on LED Lighting Solutions
This guide explored 11 of today’s most popular LED lighting options spanning from standard LED light bulbs to smart LEDs and everything in between.
Key takeaways include:
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Match LED brightness, beam angle and features to the lighting application
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Evaluate indoor vs. outdoor location to ensure suitable product selection
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Prioritize LED energy efficiency as measured in lumens per watt
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Determine if smart lighting integration is beneficial
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Set budget constraints while reviewing available rebates
By carefully weighing critical factors like we discussed above against your lighting environment needs and goals, selecting awesome LED solutions becomes much easier. Quality LED lights not only reduce energy consumption by up to 85%, but also last years with minimal maintenance compared outdated lighting. Just make sure to deal with reputable, established LED manufacturers for best results and longest product lifespans.
