RGB vs. RGBW vs. RGBIC vs. RGBWW vs. RGBCCT LED Strip Lights

Updated: December 15, 2021

What are the differences between RGB, RGBIC, RGBW, RGBWW, and RGBCCT strip lights? Here is an all-included strip lights comparison guide for you to learn the types of LED strip lights.



RGB LED Strip Lights

To understand what RGB LED strip light is, you should learn the meaning of RGB first. RGB is the process of rendering colors by using red, green, and blue. RGB has a range of 0-255 for red, green, and blue separately. It means RGB color mixing can create 16,777,216 colors (255*255*255).

RGB LED strip lights use 3-in-1 chips (red, green, and blue), which generate over 16 million colors theoretically. But RGB LED strip lights are difficult to produce some colors. 

Smart RGB LED strips, also known as color-changing strip lights, offer hundreds of color options. For more color options, RGB LED strip lights have a DIY color feature for choosing your preferred color.

Summary: RGB LED strip lights are universal because people can cut, change colors, and remote control the LED strips.


RGBIC LED Strip Lights

RGBIC (RGB + a built-in Independent Chip) strip light is a higher level of the RGB strip light. It has the same color options, over 16 million colors, like RGB and RGBW strip light. RGBIC LED strip lights' built-in independent chip could display a rainbow-like lighting effect.

Summary: RGBIC LED strip light is a utility home improvement. It can display various colors simultaneously. However, it cannot be cut like regular RGB strip lights. And RGBIC strip light is more expensive than RGB and RGBW strip light.


RGBW LED Strip Lights

RGBW (RGB + White) LED strip uses a 4-in-1 LED chip made up of red, green, blue, and white. RGBW strip light adds an extra white chip into the color mix. RGBW strip light has the same features as RGB strip light, such as customize colors, can be cut, remote control, etc.

Why do some people want an extra white chip? They desire a purer white tone and brighter color. RGBW LED strips are expensive since they contain a different chip and provide more refined colors.


RGBWW LED Strip Lights

RGBWW (RGB + White + Warm White) LED strip uses either a 5-in-1 LED chip with red, green, blue, white, and warm white for color mixing. The only difference between RGBW and RGBWW is the intensity of the white color. 

RGB light strip with extra warm white will create more of a softer yellow-white. It is suitable for decorating a cozy space like a bedroom.


RGBCCT LED Strip Lights

The term RGBCCT consists of RGB and CCT. CCT (Correlated Color Temperature) means that the color temperature of the led strip light can be adjusted to change between warm white and white. Thus, RGBWW strip light is another name of RGBCCT strip. Please go to the RGBWW strip light part whenever you want to get to know the features.


RGBCW LED Strip Lights

RGBCW is the acronym for Red, Green, Blue, Cold, and Warm. These 5-in-1 chips are used in supper bright smart LED lighting products, including LED light strips, color-changing lamps, smart LED bulbs, and outdoor smart lights.

RGBCW strip light can control not only the color but also the warmth of the white light. A cold light might be good for replicating daylight, while a softer, warmer light creates a cozy mood.

Related: How to Install LED Strip Lights


RGB vs. RGBW vs. RGBIC LED Strip Light

RGB, RGBW, and RGBIC are commonly discussed on the internet. You can refer to the simple comparison between the strip lights if you are finding their differences.

Features                    

RGB Strip Lights          

RGBW Strip Lights        

RGBIC Strip Lights

Chip

3-in-1 chip

4-in-1 chip

3-in-1 chip + built-in IC

Color changing

Single

Single

Multiple

Brightness

Bright

Ultra-Bright

Ultra-Bright

Price

Normal

Medium

Expensive

RGBIC strip can display multiple colors on a strip light at the same time. RGB, on the other hand, can only display one color at a time.


Wrap up

You may be considering which strip light you should buy. That depends on your budget and lighting requirement. RGB and RGBW LED strips are cheaper and can meet most lighting requirements. If you have enough budget and require special color effects, RGBIC strip is the best option.