T8 LED Tube vs LED Strip Lights: Which Should You Choose?

T8 LED tubes look like the fluorescent lamps you remember, but deliver up to 110 lm/W in a sleek 4-ft package. LED strips, meanwhile, bend around corners, pumping out 300–1,200 lm/m for accent and cove lighting. Let’s unpack which fits your project.

What Is a T8 LED Tube?

T8 LED tubes are the modern, energy-efficient upgrade to classic fluorescent T8 lamps. These rigid, 4-foot tubes slip right into your existing fixtures once you bypass or remove the old ballast—no pricey housing swap required. You’ll typically see 1,800–2,400 lumens from a single tube while drawing just 16–22 watts, giving you 80–110 lm/W of output.

• Linear, rigid form factor fits standard fluorescent fixtures
• Lumen output: 1,800–2,400 lm per 4-ft tube
• Efficiency range: 80–110 lm/W
• Installation: ballast bypass or removal plus socket rewire

For more application ideas, check out our LED lighting applications.

What Are LED Strip Lights?

LED strip lights are flexible circuit boards lined with surface-mount LEDs (SMDs) that bend around corners and fit into tight spaces. You’ll find densities from 30 to 120 LEDs per meter, delivering 300–1,200 lumens per meter depending on chip type and spacing. Strips cut at marked intervals—typically every 5–10 cm—so you can tailor lengths without soldering.

• Flexible PCB design for curves and corners
• LED densities from 30 to 120 per meter, yielding 300–1,200 lm/m
• Cuttable at 5–10 cm intervals without special tools
• Adhesive 3M backing or snap-in into aluminum profiles for secure mounting

Browse our LED strip lights collection for waterproof, RGB, and high-CRI options.

Key Differences Between T8 LED Tubes and LED Strip Lights

When deciding between T8 LED tubes and LED strip lights, here are the key differences to consider:

For a detailed comparison on efficiency, explore our LED strip lights page.

Installing T8 LED Tubes

Installing T8 LED tubes is a simple and quick process. Since these tubes are designed to replace traditional fluorescent lamps, you don’t need to swap out your entire fixture. I’ll walk you through the steps to ensure everything works smoothly:

1. Bypass the Ballast:
   First, I remove the old ballast from the fixture using a ballast bypass kit. This is a crucial step for the T8 LED tube to operate correctly. Without bypassing the ballast, the tube won’t work.
2. Check the Wiring:
   Next, I check whether my T8 LED tube requires single-end or double-end power. For single-end power, you’ll only need to wire one side of the fixture, while double-end power requires wiring at both ends of the tube.
3. Install the Tube:
   Once the wiring is set up, I simply slide the T8 LED tube into the fixture’s sockets and secure it in place. After turning the power back on, I test the tube for flickering. If everything is good, you’re set!

If you need a more detailed walkthrough, feel free to check out our T8 LED installation guide.

Installing LED Strip Lights

LED strip lights are extremely versatile and easy to install, making them my go-to choice for accent lighting in any space. Let me show you how I get them up and running:

1. Prepare the Surface:
   I start by ensuring the surface where I’ll stick the LED strip is clean and free of dust or grease. I always wipe it down with a microfiber cloth to guarantee the adhesive sticks properly.
2. Mount the Strip:
   After peeling off the adhesive backing, I carefully press the strip in place. For a more secure installation, especially in areas with higher temperatures, I use mounting clips to make sure the strip stays in place.
3. Power the Strips:
   I then connect the LED strips to a constant-voltage driver. If I’m working with longer strips, I make sure the driver is capable of handling the additional wattage to avoid any issues.

I’ve put together a step-by-step installation tutorial that can guide you through the process in more detail.

This step-by-step guide should help you decide between T8 LED tubes and LED strip lights, and give you the confidence to install them yourself. If you run into any issues, feel free to reach out or check out more resources on our website!

FAQs

What is the difference between LED strips and LED tube lights?
T8 LED tubes are rigid, 4-foot long fixtures that replace traditional fluorescent lamps in standard sockets. They offer high lumen output and are ideal for general, overhead lighting. LED strips, on the other hand, are flexible and can be cut to size, making them perfect for accent lighting, under-cabinet lighting, and custom installations where bending is required.

Are T8 fluorescent lights better than LED?
LED T8 tubes are more energy-efficient, lasting longer (up to 50,000 hours vs. 15,000 hours for fluorescents) and offering better lumen output per watt. They don’t flicker or contain harmful materials like mercury, unlike traditional fluorescent lights. If you’re looking for long-term savings and reliability, LED is the way to go.

Can I use LED strips instead of tubes in ceiling fixtures?
Yes, you can use LED strips in ceiling fixtures, but they require a bit of extra care. Unlike tubes, LED strips are flexible and need to be mounted in channels or frames to ensure even light distribution and protection. They’re more ideal for areas where you need customizable lighting, but with the right setup, they can serve as an alternative to tube lights.

What are the disadvantages of LED tubes?
While LED tubes are great for replacing fluorescent lights, they’re rigid and not ideal for every space. They also require ballast bypass or removal, which can be an extra step during installation. Additionally, they can be more expensive upfront compared to traditional fluorescent tubes, although they provide long-term savings.

Conclusion & CTA

Choosing between T8 LED tubes and LED strip lights comes down to your specific lighting needs. T8 LED tubes are perfect for retrofitting existing fixtures with high brightness and energy efficiency. LED strip lights are better for flexible, design-focused lighting that fits into tight spaces or around corners.

With this detailed, hands-on guide, I’ve outlined everything you need to make an informed decision about T8 LED tubes vs LED strip lights. Whether you’re tackling a DIY project or outfitting a commercial space, these lighting solutions will bring efficiency and style to your lighting setup. If you have more questions, feel free to browse our other guides or contact us directly for expert advice.