Sometimes, all it takes to change the mood of a room is a bit of color, and LED strip lights do exactly that without breaking the bank. I’ve added them to the kitchen, under the desks, and behind my turntable setup. It’s an easy upgrade that feels like you did way more than just stick a strip of lights on something.
Whether you’re going for a chill vibe, want your gaming rig to glow, or you’re just into the whole RGB look, LED strips get the job done. You can control most of them with your phone or voice, and you can use them for a smart home setup. They’re super simple to set up.
In this post, I’ll go through some of the best LED strip lights you can grab on Amazon. These are solid picks with good reviews, useful features, and strong performance.
What To Look For in LED Strip Lights
There’s a ton of LED light strips on the market, and picking the right one depends on where you’re using it and what kind of vibe you want. First, consider the length of the strip. Most kits come in 16.4 ft (5 meters), 32.8 ft (10 meters), or 65.6 ft (20 meters). Shorter strips are perfect for small areas like under shelves, behind a desk, TV, desktop monitor, or around a turntable (check out our LED lights for turntables guide), while longer ones work better for wrapping around a full room. Always measure your space before buying—too short and you’ll have gaps, too long and you’ll end up trimming.
Brightness is another key factor. Some strips are meant for soft, ambient lighting and won’t light up a whole room. Others are bright enough to replace a lamp or ceiling light. If you want a strong glow or plan to use the lights for practical lighting, look for high-lumen output (around 1000 lumens per meter is solid). For mood lighting or accent use, a dimmer strip works just fine.
When it comes to color options, basic RGB strips let you change between solid colors, but they can only show one color at a time. If you’re after something more dynamic, go for RGBIC strips. These can display multiple colors on the same strip at once, which means cool effects like chasing lights, gradients, and music sync. Just note that RGBIC strips usually can’t be cut without losing that multi-color control.
Control type also makes a big difference. Some LED strips come with a simple remote—easy to use but limited. App-controlled strips connect via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi and offer more features, like scheduling, custom scenes, and syncing with music. Voice control is also available on many models, working with Alexa or Google Assistant, so you can just say, “turn on the lights” without lifting a finger. For app and voice control, Wi-Fi versions usually offer more flexibility than Bluetooth.
Finally, think about the power source. USB-powered LED strips are great for smaller setups like behind a monitor or inside a display shelf. They’re compact and usually plug right into a computer or power bank. For larger areas, go with wall-powered strips that include an adapter. These handle more brightness and longer lengths without flickering or dimming.
Choosing the right strip comes down to where you’re placing it, how bright you want it, and how much control you need. Taking a few minutes to figure that out will help you avoid getting the wrong kit and wasting time.
How To Install LED Strip Lights
Most LED strips come with an adhesive back—just peel and stick. Before you start, clean the surface with alcohol or a dry cloth. For tricky spots like under desks or corners, use the included clips or extra adhesive. Don’t bend the strip too sharply, and always double-check where the power source is going to be.
Best LED Light Strips on Amazon
LED Lights for Bedroom
These LED strip lights offer 16 million color options with high-quality chips, creating bright, colorful lighting. They are dimmable, supporting various scenes to set a warm, romantic atmosphere.
TJOY Bluetooth Long LED Strip Lights
These 200 ft LED strip lights come in two 100 ft rolls, perfect for decorating large spaces like bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and more. With RGB colors and adjustable brightness, they’re great for creating a fun atmosphere.
HEDYNSHINE 150ft LED Strip Lights
These 150ft Smart Music LED strip lights sync with music, adjusting colors and brightness to the rhythm. With four music modes and dimming options (25%, 50%, 75%, 100%), they’re perfect for TV backlighting, parties, or home theaters.
REEMEER LED Light Strips Music Sync
With 28 dynamic modes and DIY color options, these lights create the ideal ambiance for any room, from relaxing to party-ready. Easy to install, they’re perfect for bedrooms, living rooms, or bars. Plus, the strips are cuttable and linkable, allowing you to customize the length.
Keepsmile 131ft Led Strip Lights
Perfect for decorating spaces like ceilings, cabinets, and bed frames. The flexible LED strips can be bent to fit corners and have strong adhesive for secure installation on wood or walls. Ideal for events like birthdays, Christmas, Halloween, and more.
Ideas for Using LED Strip Lights
You don’t need to stick to just one use—LED strips are super flexible.
Backlight Your TV or Monitor
This adds depth and reduces eye strain during movie or gaming sessions. RGB strips can also match what’s happening on-screen if you’re using reactive lighting setups.
Line Your Desk or Shelf Edges
Stick strips underneath your desk, along shelves, or behind wall units. This creates a nice glow and makes your space feel clean and modern—especially in darker rooms.
Glow Up the Ceiling or Floor Trim
Add light strips along the top edge of your walls or at floor level. Bouncing light off surfaces gives the room a soft, smooth glow.
Highlight Plants or Wall Art
Frame your favorite art prints or indoor plants with light. You can cut most strips to size, making it easy to focus on small corners or shelves.
Behind Furniture for Floating Effects
Stick a strip behind your bed frame, TV stand, or couch to make it look like it’s floating. It’s a subtle effect that gives a futuristic feel.
Music Sync for Parties or Jam Sessions
Some LED strips include a built-in mic that reacts to sound. They light up to the beat, which is perfect for parties, gaming streams, or even vinyl setups. If you’re into record players, check out LED Lights for Turntables for more Hi-Fi lighting ideas.
Inside Cabinets or Under Kitchen Counters
This one’s super practical. Add light inside your display cabinet or under the counter for some extra glow and visibility. It works well for kitchens, closets, and bars.
Frame Your Bed or Headboard
Stick a strip around the headboard or under the bed for a calm, indirect light. Warm tones work best if you’re using it for bedtime relaxation.
Frame Windows or Mirrors
Want your mirror to pop? Add LEDs around the edge. It works great for makeup mirrors, hallway mirrors, or decorative ones. Just avoid harsh, direct lighting to prevent glare.
Best LED Strip Lights for Room Ambience and Desk Setups
If you’re looking to improve your room’s atmosphere without breaking the bank, LED light strips for room ambience are a great place to start. They give you instant control over the mood, whether you’re relaxing, working, or editing photos. With just a bit of planning—knowing the right length, brightness, and control options—you can turn a plain room into a space that feels personal and creative.
For content creators or photographers, LED strip lights for photo editing setups can make a huge difference. They help reduce eye strain during long editing sessions and add a professional touch to your workspace. RGBIC strips are especially popular here since they offer multi-color effects that can match your creative style.
If you’re building a desk setup, going with USB-powered LED strip lights for desks is a smart move. They’re simple to install, don’t require wall power, and add a soft glow that’s perfect for nighttime work or gaming. And if you’re after something more dramatic, wall-powered RGB strips give you more coverage and brightness.
Still figuring out which strip fits your space? Check out our guide to LED Lights for Photo Editing Spaces to see top picks and tips.
