SMD3528 vs SMD2835 vs SMD5050：商業照明と建築照明に最適なLEDストリップライトは？

When selecting LED strip lights for commercial or architectural use, many professionals encounter terms like SMD3528, 2835, or 5050—yet few fully understand what these numbers mean. Far from being just model codes, they define the chip’s size, light output, efficiency, and application suitability. Misinterpreting them can result in suboptimal lighting performance or over-specification. In this guide, we break down what these codes truly represent and how to choose wisely.

What Is an SMD LED Strip Light and What Do the Numbers Mean?

SMD stands for Surface-Mounted Device, referring to the technology used to mount LED chips directly onto the surface of a printed circuit board (PCB). In the context of LED strip lights, SMD LEDs are compact, highly efficient, and capable of delivering powerful light output from a small footprint. These strips are widely used in commercial, industrial, and architectural applications due to their flexibility, reliability, and customization options.

The numbers that follow the term “SMD”—such as 3528, 2835, and 5050—indicate the physical dimensions of the LED chip in tenths of a millimeter. For example:

SMD3528: 3.5mm × 2.8mm

SMD2835: 2.8mm × 3.5mm (newer, flatter design for better heat dissipation)

SMD5050: 5.0mm × 5.0mm

These numbers are not just about size—they have a direct impact on performance:

明るさ： Larger chips (like 5050) can house more diodes or RGB functionality, offering higher lumen output.

消費電力： Chip size influences how much power it draws and how efficiently it operates.

Heat management: Newer designs like 2835 improve thermal efficiency compared to older types.

Functionality: 5050 chips can support RGB, RGBW and RGBIC, while 3528 and 2835 are typically single-color.

Understanding these numeric codes helps buyers and project engineers make informed choices. Instead of guessing based on price or appearance, professionals can evaluate LED strips based on their light output, efficiency, thermal performance, and application fit—all of which are influenced by the SMD chip type.

What Is SMD3528 LED Strip Light?

SMD3528 is one of the earliest and most widely used LED chips in the strip lighting industry. The number 3528 refers to the dimensions of the chip—3.5mm x 2.8mm—making it compact and cost-effective. Although newer chips like SMD2835 have surpassed it in performance, SMD3528 remains a popular choice for many low- to mid-power lighting applications due to its affordability and reliability.

Technical Features and Power

Chip size: 3.5mm × 2.8mm

Lumen output: 6–8 lumens per LED

消費電力： 0.08W per LED

Typical density: 60 to 120 LEDs per meter

Working voltage: Usually 12V or 24V DC

Color options: Single-color (e.g., warm white, cool white, red, green, blue)

CRI： Typically 70–80, but high-CRI versions are available for premium applications

Applications of SMD3528 LED Strip Lights

Due to its low power consumption and compact size, SMD3528 is ideal for projects where soft ambient lighting or accent lighting is more important than high brightness. Common Applications Include:

Cove lighting in ceilings or under shelves

Accent lighting in retail displays, cabinets, or signage

Background lighting in hospitality and residential environments

Indirect lighting in furniture, showcases, and staircases

Small-scale architectural features where lower brightness is preferred

Because of its relatively low heat output, SMD3528 strips can also be installed in tight or enclosed spaces without heavy-duty heat sinking. They are often paired with aluminum profiles or diffusers to create smooth, continuous light lines in decorative installations.

What Is SMD2835 LED Strip Light?

SMD2835 is an upgraded LED chip design that has largely replaced SMD3528 in many professional and commercial lighting applications. The number 2835 refers to its dimensions—2.8mm x 3.5mm—but despite its similar size to 3528, the internal structure and light-emitting efficiency of the 2835 chip are significantly improved.

Technical Features and Power

Chip size: 2.8mm × 3.5mm

Lumen output: 20–80 lumens per LED (varies by current and CRI)

消費電力： 0.2W to 1W per LED

Typical density: 60 to 240 LEDs per meter

Working voltage: 12V or 24V DC

Color options: Wide range, including mono color like warm white or red, and RGB due to new techonology.

CRI： Typically 80+, with high-CRI (90–95) options available

SDCM (color consistency): Usually <3 for professional-grade strips

The 2835 chip uses a more efficient thermal path and a flatter structure than 3528, which enables better heat dissipation and higher brightness with the same or even lower power consumption.

Applications of SMD2835 LEDストリップライト

Thanks to its excellent lumen-per-watt ratio, the SMD2835 LED strip is widely adopted in environments where both brightness and energy efficiency are required. Common Applications Include:

General ambient lighting in commercial spaces, offices, and supermarkets

Task lighting under cabinets, workstations, or industrial benches

Linear architectural lighting in ceilings, walls, or coves

Retail shelving and product displays where color rendering and brightness matter

Sign lighting and lightboxes requiring uniform brightness over large surfaces

2835 LED strips are available in a wide range of configurations—such as high-density, high-CRI, ultra-narrow PCB, and waterproof versions—making them a versatile option for many types of professional lighting projects.

What Is SMD5050 LED Strip Light?

SMD5050 is a high-output, multi-functional LED chip widely used in commercial, decorative, and dynamic lighting applications. The number 5050 refers to its 5.0mm × 5.0mm dimensions, which makes it significantly larger than both 3528 and 2835 chips. This extra space allows it to house three individual diodes in one chip, enabling advanced lighting functions such as RGB, RGBW, and multi-white configurations.

Technical Features and Power

Chip size: 5.0mm × 5.0mm

Lumen output: 15–22 lumens per diode (single color); up to 60+ lumens in white-only versions

消費電力： 0.24W to 1W per LED (can vary depending on color and configuration)

Typical density: 30, 60, 72, 84, 96, 120 LEDs per meter

電圧： Usually 12V or 24V DC

Color options: RGB, RGBW, tunable white (CCT adjustable), static white

CRI： 80+ in white-only versions

With triple-diode structure, SMD5050 is ideal for color-mixing and dynamic lighting effects, offering both high brightness and versatility.

Applications of SMD5050 LEDストリップライト

SMD5050 strips are not just for decoration—they are powerful lighting tools for projects that require impactful visuals, color control, or higher lumen output. Common Applications Include:

RGB or RGBW mood lighting in bars, hotels, entertainment venues

Architectural feature lighting for dynamic facade or wall wash effects

Retail displays with changing colors or high visual contrast

Event and stage lighting where DMX or pixel control is needed

High-brightness task or indirect lighting when using white-only 5050 versions

Some 5050 LED strips come in 5-in-1 or COB-style versions, combining multiple white tones and RGB chips in a single diode, making them ideal for tunable white or RGB+CCT lighting systems.

SMD3528 vs SMD2835 vs SMD5050: Which Should You Choose?

Choosing the right SMD LED strip depends on several factors: brightness requirements, power efficiency, color functionality, application scenarios, and of course, budget. Below is a comprehensive comparison of SMD3528, SMD2835, and SMD5050, helping you make an informed choice for your commercial or architectural lighting projects.

Comparison Table

特徴	SMD 3528	SMD 2835	SMD 5050
Chip Size	3.5mm x 2.8mm	2.8mm x 3.5mm	5.0mm x 5.0mm
Brightness (lm/LED)	6–8 lm	Up to 80 lm @ 1W	60+ lm @white
Power per LED	0.08W	0.2W to 1W	0.24W to 1W
Type of Chip	Single-chip	Single-chip or Multiple-chip	Single-chip or Multiple-chip
効率性	低い	高い	ミディアム
Color Opitions	Single color only	Mono, tunable, RGB	Mono, tunable, RGB, RGBIC
コントロール・オプション	on/off, dimming	on/off, dimming, color changing	on/off, dimming, color changing, DMX, pixel
アプリケーション	Accent & indirect	General & task lighting	Decorative, RGB, dynamic lighting
コスト	$0.5-1.5 (mono)	$0.8-2.0 (mono)	$1.2-2.1 (RGB)

Performance and Use Case Analysis

Brightness and Efficiency

If you need basic, low-output lighting, SMD3528 is enough for simple ambient or decorative uses.

For energy-efficient yet powerful lighting, SMD2835 offers a great balance of high brightness and low power consumption.

SMD5050 provides more lumen output per chip in RGB/white formats, especially useful for visually impactful or color-dynamic projects.

Color Capabilities

SMD3528 and 2835 are generally single-color; 2835 offers better color consistency (SDCM <3) and CRI options.

SMD5050 supports full RGB and RGBW control, ideal for dynamic scenes and mood lighting.

Thermal and Long-Term Stability

SMD2835 is designed with superior heat dissipation compared to 3528, making it more reliable for continuous operation.

5050 generates more heat and should be paired with aluminum channels or heatsinks in high-power installations.

Cost Consideration

Choose SMD3528 for budget-sensitive decorative applications.

Go with SMD2835 for mainstream commercial lighting that requires high efficiency and good CRI.

Invest in SMD5050 when your project calls for color flexibility, dimming, or programmable effects.

What Are the Other SMD LED Strip Types?

In addition to 3528, 2835, and 5050, there are several other SMD LED chips commonly used in strip lights, each designed for specific lighting needs such as ultra-fine light lines, tight spaces, or maximum brightness.

SMD2216: Ultra-small and dense chip (2.2×1.6mm), ideal for dot-free linear lighting in high-end architectural applications.

SMD3014: Slim and efficient, used in ultra-narrow strip designs or edge lighting where uniform brightness is required.

SMD5630/5730: High-output chips for powerful general lighting, often used in commercial or industrial spaces needing maximum brightness.

These alternative SMD chips help meet various project goals—from decorative detail to professional-grade illumination—by offering more options in size, output, and efficiency.

Beyond LED Type: What Other Factors Matter When Choosing an SMD LED Strip?

While many customers focus on the type of SMD chip—such as 2835, 5050, or 3528—they often overlook other key technical specifications that greatly affect lighting quality and project success. Choosing the right LED strip involves more than just chip size. Factors like LED density (LEDs per meter), brightness (lumens per meter), and color temperature (CCT) are often considered.

However, two critical but frequently underestimated parameters deserve special attention in professional lighting applications: CRI (Color Rendering Index) and SDCM (Standard Deviation of Color Matching).

CRI – Color Rendering Index

CRI measures how accurately a light source reproduces colors compared to natural daylight. It is rated on a scale from 0 to 100. For commercial and architectural lighting, a CRI of 90+ is often required, especially in:

Retail environments where product colors must appear vibrant and true-to-life

Workspaces or showrooms where visual clarity is important

Art galleries, restaurants, or hotels where ambiance and color quality matter

A higher CRI means colors look more natural, skin tones are more realistic, and materials reflect their true hues—directly influencing customer experience and brand perception.

For more infomation, read this article High CRI LED Strip Lights Benefits, Applications, and How to Choose

SDCM – Color Consistency

SDCM (Standard Deviation of Color Matching) measures the color consistency between LEDs. A lower SDCM value means less visible variation in color tone from one LED to another.

SDCM ≤ 3 is considered professional-grade, ensuring uniformity across long LED strips and between batches.

Strips with poor SDCM ratings can produce unwanted “banding” or color shifts, especially visible in cove lighting or backlighting large surfaces.

This is especially critical for hospitality, commercial retail, museums, and architectural lighting, where even minor inconsistencies can ruin the visual experience.

For more infomation, read this article LEDストリップライト用SDCMのすべて

Conclusion: Choosing the Right SMD LED Strip for Your Project

Whether you’re designing a high-end retail space, upgrading office lighting, or planning architectural accents, understanding the differences between SMD3528, SMD2835, and SMD5050 is the first step. Each chip type offers unique strengths in brightness, color control, and energy efficiency—but it’s the full picture that truly defines lighting quality.

Beyond the LED type, professional-grade lighting requires attention to details like LED density, CRI, and SDCM. High CRI ensures your products and spaces look their best, while tight SDCM control guarantees seamless color consistency throughout your installation.

If you’re looking for reliable, customizable SMD LED strip solutions with high color quality and performance, feel free to contact us. At サインライト, we always make high class strip lights with SDCM<3, provide Ra95 options for customer, we can also make strips with brand led chips for your specific commercial or architectural needs, brand like Philips (Lumiled), Samsung, Bridgelux, Cree, Osram, etc.