When selecting a White COB LED Strip, chip density is one of the key factors that affects lighting performance.

The most common COB LED Strip options are 320 Chips/m, 480 Chips/m, and 528 Chips/m. Although all three use COB technology to provide a smooth and dot-free lighting effect, they are designed for different brightness requirements and applications.

A higher chip density does not always mean a better choice. The right option depends on the required brightness, installation environment, and project budget.

What Does Chips/m Mean in COB LED Strip?

Chips/m (chips per meter) refers to the number of LED chips integrated into every meter of a COB LED Strip. It is an important factor that affects the strip’s light density, uniformity, and brightness performance. Generally, a higher chips-per-meter value means more LED light sources are arranged on the strip, resulting in a smoother illumination effect, better light consistency, and higher brightness potential. For example, 320 Chips/m, 480 Chips/m, and 528 Chips/m COB LED Strips all use COB technology, but their different chip densities allow them to meet different lighting requirements, from decorative and ambient lighting to professional high-brightness applications.

Comparison of 320 Chips/m, 480 Chips/m and 528 Chips/m COB LED Strip

The difference between these three products is mainly related to:

• LED chip quantity
• Power consumption
• Light output
• Production cost

Generally, more chips provide higher brightness and better light consistency, but also increase power consumption and product cost.

320 Chips/m COB LED Strip: A Flexible and Cost-Effective Choice

The 320 Chips/m COB LED Strip is suitable for projects that require smooth illumination with moderate brightness.

The standard version provides:

• Power: 8W/m
• Brightness: 848lm/m

It is commonly used for:

• Decorative lighting
• Ambient lighting
• Furniture lighting
• Wardrobe lighting
• Residential projects

For many indoor applications, 848lm/m is already sufficient.

However, some projects may require lower brightness, such as decorative lighting or low-power applications.

In this case, instead of changing to a lower chip density, we recommend customizing the power output of the 320 Chips/m COB LED Strip.

For example:

This allows customers to achieve the required brightness while keeping the same COB technology and light quality.

480 Chips/m COB LED Strip: The Balance Between Brightness and Efficiency

The 480 Chips/m COB LED Strip is one of the most widely selected options for professional lighting projects.

Standard specification:

• Power: 10.5W/m
• Brightness: 1113lm/m

Compared with 320 Chips/m, the higher chip density provides:

• Higher lumen output
• More uniform light appearance
• Better performance for visible installations

It is commonly used in:

• Kitchen cabinet lighting
• Display shelves
• Commercial interiors
• Hotel and retail projects

For customers looking for a balance between brightness, performance, and cost, 480 Chips/m is usually the most practical choice.

528 Chips/m COB LED Strip: High Brightness Solution

The 528 Chips/m COB LED Strip is designed for applications requiring stronger illumination.

Standard specification:

• Power: 14W/m
• Brightness: 1484lm/m

With higher chip density, it provides:

• Higher brightness output
• More intensive light distribution
• Premium lighting performance

Typical applications include:

• Commercial display lighting
• Architectural lighting
• High-end interior projects
• Professional lighting installations

For projects where brightness and visual impact are important, 528 Chips/m provides a higher-performance solution.

How Should B2B Buyers Choose?

For professional buyers, the selection usually depends on the project requirements rather than simply choosing the highest specification.

1）If the required brightness is below 848lm/m

A customized power solution is usually more suitable.

For example:

2.4W/m → 252lm/m

4.8W/m → 504lm/m

This is commonly used for:

Decorative lighting

Furniture lighting

Energy-saving projects

2）If the required brightness is around 800-1200lm/m

320 Chips/m standard version or 480 Chips/m COB LED Strip can meet most indoor lighting requirements.

3）If higher brightness is required

480 Chips/m and 528 Chips/m COB LED Strip are more suitable for:

• Commercial lighting
• Display applications
• Architectural projects

Final Thoughts

The choice between 320 Chips/m, 480 Chips/m and 528 Chips/m White COB LED Strip depends on the balance between brightness, application requirements, and project cost.

320 Chips/m is a practical choice for general indoor and decorative lighting.

480 Chips/m provides the best balance between brightness and efficiency.

528 Chips/m is suitable for high brightness and professional lighting applications.

For projects requiring lower brightness than the standard 848lm/m output, customized wattage COB LED Strip solutions provide a more flexible option.

Working with an experienced COB LED Strip manufacturer allows buyers to select the right combination of chip density, power, and brightness for each project.