Panel Light vs COB Light: All You Need to Know
07th June 2025 | Written By: Vinod Pottayil | Read Time: 3min | Last Updated: 07th June 2025
Lighting has become a major focus in interior design. While you have endless choices, panel and COB lights are commonly used in most spaces. Let’s take you through the panel light vs COB light guide.
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Design:
Panel light gets its name from slim, flat and square, circular or rectangular design. It uses LED technology and is a good replacement for conventional bulbs.
The COB light full form is Chip on Board. It also uses LED technology but in the form of multiple LED chips arranged together on a single circuit module. -
Aesthetics:
Panel light has a thin and sleek design that enables it to blend seamlessly into ceilings. The aesthetic appeal is better.
COB light has compact size. The installation is visible but with high functional value. -
Light Output:
The panel light provides diffused and soft illumination. It has a broad beam angle for uniform distribution of light. Hence, it is ideal for large spaces.
COB light delivers high-intensity illumination. The beams are narrow, focused and give extra brightness. It is suitable to give the spotlight to a particular object or area. -
Applications:
Panel light is used in living rooms, kitchens, hospitals, classrooms and other commercial and industrial spaces.
COB light is used for decorative accessories, plants, artwork, galleries, or corridors. It also has applications in retail displays, stadiums, photography, street lighting and the automotive industry. Downlights and floodlights also use COB lights. -
Fixture:
Panel light is commonly mounted on ceilings – surfaced, suspended or recessed.
COB light has versatile fixture options. It can be mounted on ceilings, walls and poles. -
Energy Efficiency:
While both panel and COB lights are more energy-efficient than traditional lights, there is a noticeable difference in their power consumption.
COB light’s per lumen output is more efficient than its panel counterpart. Hence, COB light consumes less power too. -
Heat Generation:
The large surface area of panel lights makes them generate low to moderate heat.
On the contrary, since COB light has a compact size, it generates high heat. They need better heat sinks (passive heat exchanger to avoid overheating).
Despite their different heat generation, they are both thermally efficient than other light options. -
Cost:
Panel light is somewhat more affordable than COB light. The reason is that COB light gives higher lumen output, which increases its price factor.
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Lifespan and Durability:
The panel light has a slightly lesser lifespan and durability than the COB light.
The construction of a panel light is complex due to the large surface area. It has a lifespan of 30,000 to 40,000 hours.
COB light is made from fewer but more durable components and covers only a small area for illumination. It can last for up to more than 50,000 hours.
Types of LED Lights
Apart from panel and COB lights, there are several other types of LED lights you can consider:
- LED Filament bulbs
- LED Tubelights
- Flashing LEDs
- Miniature LEDs
- Inorganic LEDs
- Bicolour and Tricolour LEDs
- RGB (Red, Green, Blue) LEDs
Conclusion:
The panel light is suitable for ambient lighting, while COB light is ideal for focused, accent lighting. The choice depends on the type of illuminating solution you are looking for, according to the purpose of light, energy efficiency and value for money.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) :
- Q1. How many types of LED lights are there? LED lights are available in different forms. The most commonly used LEDs are panel and COB lights.
- Q2. What is a panel light? A panel light is a square, rectangular or circular-shaped modern, thin, and flat LED light that can be mounted on ceilings.
- Q3. What is a COB light? A Chip on Board (COB) light is made from a single LED chip. It is mounted on the wall to serve as a spotlight.
- Q4. Which is better – panel or COB? Both have their merits and demerits. You should assess the choice based on factors such as the size of the space, aesthetic and functional value, durability, budget, heat generation and energy efficiency.
- Q5. Which is more energy efficient – panel or COB? Both consume less power as compared to traditional light bulbs. However, COB is more energy efficient than a panel, but then it is a bit expensive too.
