The latest trend in LED strip is using Chip-On-Board (COB) technology. COB LED strip allows seamless dotless lighting effect as compared to Surface Mounted Diodes (SMD) LED strip. 

             Chip-on-Board (COB) LED Strip                                                                                                Surface Mounted Diodes (SMD) LED Strip

COB chip is directly mounted on the printed circuit board (PCB). COB chip is smaller in size and allows more chips to be placed closely together on the PCB. This creates a seamless output without the need for additional components like aluminium profiles. The result is a uniform and continuous lighting effect that is highly desirable for various applications. COB LED strip can achieve high colour rendering index (CRI) > 90+ which indicates excellent colour accuracy and vibrant illumination. However, COB LED Strip has a lower power and light efficiency as compared to SMD LED strip. The maximum power wattage of COB strip can only achieve up to 15w/m. 

SMD LED strips come in different sizes, such as SMD2835, SMD3528, SMD6060, and others, offering varying levels of power and light efficiency. As the power wattage of the LED strip increases, more LED chips are added per meter, leading to higher heat generation and potentially lower heat dissipation. Consequently, SMD LED strips may become hotter as compared to COB LED strips. SMD LED strip can achieve higher colour rendering index (CRI) > 95+ which makes them ideal for applications that require accurate colour representation.

Image Reference: Arc-LED  

In conclusion, COB LED strips provide seamless lighting and high CRI, while SMD LED strips offer higher power efficiency and wider range of options. The choice between COB and SMD LED strips depends on specific lighting requirements and desired aesthetic effects.