With so many LED strips available, finding the right one can be a daunting task. The following steps can help you decide.

• Color-changing (RGB) strips or single color?

Color-changing LED strips display various colors by mixing different amounts of the three primary colors -- red, green, and blue.  These LED strips are fun for parties (especially when used with a controller that supports music features), and can enhance holiday spirits by displaying theme colors.  Selection of static color, dynamic auto color-changing mode/speed, brightness, etc. is by use of a compatible RGB controller.

For applications that do not require changing colors, single/static color LED strips may be a better choice.  Among available colors are: white (5000~6000K), neutral-white (4000~4500K), warm-white (2700~3400K), red, green, blue, amber/yellow.  A compatible PWM dimmer (or dimmable transformer) may be used to adjust/set the brightness.

More specialized LED strips include RGBW and color-temperature (CCT) adjustable.  The advantage of RGBW LED strips over regular RGB is the addition of dedicated white (or warm-white) LEDs, which can display much more pleasant white (or warm-white) light.  A compatible RGBW controller is required for RGBW LED strips.  For those that wish to adjust the color-temperature (CCT) of their white/warm-white light, color-temperature adjustable LED strips (along with a compatible controller) would be best.

• Waterproof or non-waterproof?

Non-waterproof LED strips are easy to work with, especially if one has to cut them into shorter sections and link them back together (or attach wires to cut ends), since their copper pads are readily accessible.

If the LED strips are to be installed in areas that may expose them to moisture, water-resistant LED strips would need to be used.  Water-resistance is typically provided by a gel coating or hollow sleeve.  Due to the water-resistant layer, it may be very difficult (if at all possible) to access their copper pads.

All LED strip types should avoid exposure to direct sunlight.

• 12V or 24V?

• Color of ribbon (PCB, printed circuit board)

Most installations result in LED strips being out of sight.  However, if the LED strips are visible, one may want to best match its PCB color to the color of the surface that they are installed to.  Typical PCB colors are white, black, and copper.

• Brightness

LED strips come in different brightness versions.  It is generally recommended to use brighter LED strips if dimming is desired.

• Wattage

Generally speaking, the brighter the LED strip, the more power it consumes.