COB vs. SMD – What are the Best LED Lightbulbs?

We all know by now that LED lightbulbs are the most energy-efficient lights – but did you know which type of LEDs is the best? Our lighting specialists who are accredited through the Victorian Energy Efficiency Scheme take a look at Chip On Board (COB) and Surface Mount Diode (SMD) LEDs. Chip On Board (COB) LEDs These LED lightbulbs have a single mounted LED chip, which concentrates all the light’s LEDs into a single area. They can have 9 or more diodes per chip, along with a circuit and two contacts. This extra tech means it needs larger cooling capacity, usually in the form of a larger aluminium heat sink. This addition often means that the bulbs are more expensive to buy. It also means that these bulbs aren’t usually able to change colour, so they are generally used in single colour applications. However, you generally get better quality light from a COB LED – it’s usually cleaner and crisper, making it ideal for rooms with high ceilings, art galleries, and arch...