Strip lights, tape lights and ribbon lights are three ways of describing the same thing. LED bulbs (called emitters) are mounted on a flexible circuit board with an adhesive back. Strip lights are a popular choice for accent lighting in hard-to-fit places like behind a bathroom mirror.
On the other hand, LEDs fitted inside of a plastic tube are called rope lights. Rope lights are often used to illuminate aisles and walkways. Because rope lighting is bulkier and more rigid than strip lighting, it doesn't corner well (and may create a tripping hazard).
The brightness of any strip light or a rope light depends on how many lumens each bulb emits and how many emitters are packed into a meter of tape.
An IP65 rating indicates that a strip light is weatherproof. These silicone-encased lights can be splashed (e.g. used under a bar or counter top), but not submerged (e.g. run along the edges of a patio). IP68 is as close to "waterproof" as LED lighting comes.
LED tape lights are usually dimmable. There are even smart LED strip lights (like Philips Hue Lightstrip Plus) that can be dimmed and colorized like a smart light bulb. These ambient lights are designed to work with Alexa, Apple Homekit and Google Home, but they cost significantly more than traditional tape lights. Alternatively, some mid-priced LED kits have special effects that are controlled by an included remote.
What Are TikTok Lights?
TikTok lights are color-changing light strips that "dance" to the beat of music by using a built-in microphone that syncs to a control app via Bluetooth or WiFi. Some of the best TikTok lights on Amazon include: Govee, Govee (Alexa), Minger, Vegasigns and Sanwo. On average, these smart LED light strips cost $1.87 per foot (whereas "dumb" LED light strips cost around $1.00 per foot).
When it comes to lighting design, creativity and attention to detail matter more than a light's price: Cheap LED strip lights have been used in award-winning lighting displays.
For example, lighting-designer Andreas Schulz took home the Radiance Award, top prize at the 35th Annual International Lighting Design Awards, for his work on the Germany Ivory Museum. The display-case lighting was done a shoestring budget, using warm- and cool-LED ribbon lights for illumination.
A year prior, the Illuminating Engineering Society awarded Schuler Shook in recognition of the firm's work on the Chicago Riverwalk. The functional outdoor lighting concept used waterproof LED tape lights.
Just because strip lights can be placed almost anywhere doesn't mean they should be. LEDs get hotter than people realize and cheap power supplies can melt or explode. Tape lights are safest when they are powered with a UL-listed adapter and placed in a well-ventilated area.
Here are the best cheap LED strip lights (16.4ft) for the money:
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1. Minger DreamColor LED Strip Lights With Smart Music Sync
Good Value: $25 | Great Deal: $20
Check Current Price on: Amazon
Minger's music-sync LED strip lights are bright, customizable and very responsive to sound, according to several online customers. Reviewers warn that this tape has a poor adhesive and isn't cuttable/extendable.
2. HitLights Warm White LED Strip Lights With UL Power Supply
Good Value: $16 | Great Deal: $13
Check Current Price on: Amazon | Walmart
Hitlight's "Warm White" LED strip lights are bright, dimmable and easy on the eyes, according to several online customers. Reviewers say that the remote has a short range and the tape's adhesive backing is weak.
3. WenTop Led Strip Lights, 16.4ft With Remote
Check Current Price on: Amazon
Good Value: $18 | Great Deal: $11
WenTop's inexpensive LED strip lighting kit is bright, colorful and easy to control, according to several online customers. Many reviewers warn that the adhesive is weak and the included remote control is finicky.
4. My Beauty Light Color-Changing LED Strip Lights
Good Value: $18 | Great Deal: $12
Check Current Price on: Amazon
MBL's strip lights are bright, vibrant and easy to install, according to several customers. Some reviewers say the remote control is cheaply made; others say that their package didn't include the "five adhesive clips."
5. Pangton Villa Color-Changing LED Strip Light Kit
Good Value: $18 | Great Deal: $13
Check Current Price on: Amazon
These budget LED strip lights are bright and have excellent colors, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say the adhesive backing is weak and the remote control has a short operating range.
6. Govee 16.4ft RGB Color Changing Light Strip Kit with Remote
Good Value: $19 | Great Deal $12
Check Current Price on: Amazon
Govee's strip lights are fun, colorful and bright, according to several online customers. Many reviewers say that the included remote and adhesive strip do not work well; others caution against cutting these strips.
7. Ustellar Dimmable LED Light Strip Kit (3000K Warm White)
Good Value: $17 | Great Deal: $12
Check Current Price on: Amazon | Overstock
Ustellar's LED strip lights are bright and the dimmer works well, according to several online customers. Many reviewers report that the adhesive backing is a 3M knock-off. Some reviewers caution that these lights don't work well when connected as an extension; others say there is a delay when they turn on.