RGBW vs. RGB: Which LED Strip is Better?

FACTS CHECKED BY  Bob Smith

About RGBW vs RGB, LED strips are the go-to for lighting and colorful projects. RGB LED strips have been a staple for such applications. Now, there are multiple strip types you can choose from to make even more colors.

One such type is the RGBW, which adds one more color to the regular red, green, and blue. But that’s only the tip of the iceberg.

Read on to find out what you can do with an RGBW strip and how it matches the standard RGB and other types of LED strips.

What is an RGB LED Strip?

RGB

RGB

RGB (Red, Green, and Blue) LED strips are made up of 3-in-1 chips that create more than sixteen million color combinations, though some colors are tricky to produce. They can render different colors from red, green, and blue.

Additionally, there are RGB LED strips that can change colors automatically or by command. These smart strips offer hundreds of color options and a DIY color feature to mix your favorite colors. Plus, you can cut and control these strips with remote control.

What is an RGBW LED Strip?

White LED

White LED

Although the RGB LED strip can produce millions of colors, it can’t generate a 100% white color. At most, you’ll get something close to white. That’s where the RGBW comes in.

RGBW LED strips can feature a 4-in-1 chip (Red, Green, Blue, and White) or an RGB chip with a white chip. Plus, it can generate a white color ranging from 25% warm to 100% bright.

An RGBW strip has features similar to the RGB, which means you can also cut, customize, and enjoy remote control. However, RGBW is a step ahead because you can create more refined and brighter colors.

RGBW vs. RGB: The Differences

RGB LED Reel

RGB LED Reel

RGBW and RGB lights both offer mouth-watering features for decorative and lighting applications. Although they are similar, you must know some key differences before choosing one for your project. Let’s take a closer look at these differences.

RGBW vs RGB: Limitations

RGB LED Strip

RGB LED Strip

No doubt, RGB lights are powerful and can generate several color combinations. But, they have a few limitations.

The first and most noteworthy limitation is the white light limitation. As mentioned earlier, RGB strips can create white light, but they are usually crude and limited.

Usually, you can create this white color by increasing the brightness of the red, green, and blue lights simultaneously, but it’s not as great as using a dedicated white color chip.

Secondly, RGB strips are bad at creating pigment colors. These colors can absorb particular light wavelengths but only reflect one wavelength. Excellent examples of pigment colors are pink and brown.

RGB strips can’t create pigments. They can only create similar colors. For instance, you can create a light red close to pink, but you can’t make colors like brown with RGB lights alone.

Lastly, you’d struggle to create colors outside the RGB triangle with RGB strips. Although the triangle consists of red, green, and blue intersections that generate millions of colors, it doesn’t account for the colors existing beyond it. These colors include bright magentas, various shades of cyan, and intense bright greens.

RGBW Strip

RGBW Strip

On the other hand, RGBW lights improve on some of the limitations of the RGB strips. For one, adding white increases the range of the standard RGBW combinations, giving you access to even more colors. Plus, these lights can generate cleaner shades of white that have more brilliance and accurate color temperature.

There’s a bonus as the RGBW strips make changing colors almost seamless.

RGBW vs RGB: Configuration

RGBW lights have two configurations. First, you can add a white LED inside the RGB node. Alternatively, you can add the white LED as a separate component on the strip.

RGB lights have only one configuration, which includes an RGB node with red, green, and blue chips.

RGBW vs RGB: Control

RGB Control

RGBW and RGB have slightly different controls. You’ll have four outputs on an RGB strip, including power, red, green, and blue. In contrast, the RGBW has five, including the RBG and extra white outputs.

Also, both strips offer wireless switch controls, like Slimline and Armacost lighting’s ProLine. And you can use them with traditional wireless and smart/Wi-Fi controls.

Here’s what makes them different. First, RGBW strips can work with RGB tapes if you don’t connect the white output. RGB, on the other hand, can’t work with RGBW strips.

RGBW vs. RGB: Price

RGBW lights are more expensive than RGB. Why? Because it has a more complex design and offers more color combinations than the RGB. Also, you can use RGBW strips for even more applications.

Other Types of LED Strips

RGBW and RGB LED strips are not the only LED tapes you can buy or make. Here are other types:

RGBWW

The only difference between an RGBWW and an RGBW strip is white intensity. RGBWW (Red, Green, Blue, White, and Warm White) adds an extra white LED that creates a softer white color. It’s the go-to for decorating cozy spaces or projects that require warm lights.

RGB-CCT

RGB-CCT has a correlated color temperature function, which means you can adjust your strips’ color temperature between white and warm white. It’s simply another name for the RGBWW strip.

RGBCW

RGBCW (Red, Green, Blue, Cold, and Warm) adds to the function of the RGBWW. While it can control white warmth, it can also generate cold light that feels like daylight. Thus, it can switch between energetic and cozy moods.

RGBIC

RGBIC features a built-in independent chip that offers a higher level of control. Unlike RGB and RGBW, you can create a rainbow-like effect. However, you can’t cut it, and it’s more expensive than RGB and RGBW.

How to Choose Between RGB and RGBW?

RGB Stripe

RGB Stripe

Choosing between RGB and RGBW depends on your application. If you don’t need the extra white LED to create brighter colors, RGB strips are better and less expensive options. But, if you need lighter and denser colors beyond what is available with an RGB strip, then RGBW is your go-to.

How to Connect an LED Strip to an LED Power Supply?

Check your LED strips’ electrical compatibility before you think of making any connections. Here’s how to connect your strips once you have the correct power supply.

First, check the type of connection your power supply needs. Then, check the connectors of your LED strips to see if it matches.

Second, locate the row and column intersection that fits your setup. For instance, if your power supply has open wires and DC receptacles on LED strips, you’ll need a 1x male DC adapter.

You can click here to learn more details on how to set up your LED strip.

RGBW vs RGB: FAQs

Turned Off LED Strip

Turned Off LED Strip

Are the Controllers Different?

RGBW and RGB have controllers that allow you to mix up your favorite colors. The only difference is the addition of white on an RGBW controller.

Can You use an RGBW Controller on RGB Lights?

Yes, you can. But only if you don’t connect the white output.

Is RGBW more Difficult to Install?

RGBW installation is pretty similar to RGB lights. You only need to connect an additional output.

Why do You Need an Extra White Chip?

An extra white chip allows you to generate brighter white and more radiant colors.

Can RGB make Black?

Since black light is not visible to the human eyes, RGB can’t create color.

Final Words

Green LED Strip

Green LED Strip

We can’t say one strip is better because their use depends on your application. Plus, you can go beyond these two types if your project needs more features and intensity options.

Also, both strips are easy to install, though RGBW is slightly more expensive.

Do you have any questions? Feel free to contact us, and we’ll be happy to help.

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