LED Panel Light vs LED Tube Lights

Thanks to advancements in led technology, most LEDs can provide cost-effective, high-quality light for any business. Many workspaces, schools, offices, and storefronts widely use LED technology. Among your LED options, LED tube lights and flat led light panels are some of the most popular choices.

Each type of LED light varies in use and performance, so it's important to understand the differences between them. By knowing these differences, you also can make informed decisions when choosing the best option for your needs, like task lighting.

In this blog, we explore what makes panel and tube lights different and what makes them better options than old bulbs. Old bulb types include incandescent bulbs, halogen bulbs and compact fluorescent lamps.

LED tube lights and LED panel lights explained

LED tube lights are known for being easy to install, energy-efficient, and saving on costs. Tube lights give clear, smooth, and stable light through the help of advanced technology. Some of this technology includes drivers that power the LEDs, which are either built into the tube or the panel itself.

Ballast-compatible LED tubes are easy to install because they are a great counterpart in LED technology. They feature a plug-and-play design, allowing you to place them in existing ballasts, without removing your old ballasts.

Type B tube lights are direct wire tubes that connect to line voltage, bypassing the ballast. Hybrid tubes (Type C) use an external driver to power each tube.

On the other hand, LED panel lights are becoming more popular in modern settings. LED panels produce full spectrum light, from warm to cool white light settings. Not to forget that panel lights are also easy to control and install. Panel lights also consume less energy and have low maintenance costs. Panels have several mounting options such as surface mounted, suspended, and recessed mounting. Additionally, there are three sizes of panel lights on the market. The sizes available are:

  • 1x4 led panels
  • 2x2 led panels
  • 2x4 led panels

LED tube lights advantages

LED tubes lights offer many advantages, including energy savings, long lifespans, and easy installation. These features help make them an excellent choice for both cost savings and outstanding lighting. Other advantages that these light bulbs typically offer include:

  • Lightweight design
  • Low Maintenance
  • Uniform Lighting
  • Installation flexibility
  • Minimal Heat Emission
  • Contain no mercury, no UV/IR radiation

Panel Light advantages

LED panels have a thin and durable design offering many advantages including:

  • Low Maintenance
  • Eco-friendliness
  • No Glare light
  • High lumen count
  • High Color Temperature Index
  • Multiple mounting options
  • Better heat dissipation

Where to use LED tubelights and LED panel lights

Places to install LED Tubelights

LED tube lights are ideal for a variety of settings due to the following benefits:

  • Commercial buildings such as store fronts, warehouses, factories
  • Hospitality spaces like hotels, apartments, restaurants
  • Educational institutions such as classrooms and school buildings
  • Healthcare facilities such as hospitals and clinics
  • Residential spaces like kitchens, garages, and basements

Places to install led panel lights

LED panel lights are particularly effective in a range of settings due to the following benefits:

  • Hospitals, clinics, sanitation centers
  • Commercial spaces such as showrooms and supermarkets
  • Educational areas like schools, classroom, and auditoriums
  • Work or task spaces like offices, conference rooms, fitness centers
  • Production facilities such as workshops and warehouse assemblies

What’s the best choice?

Both types of LED lighting offer unique benefits and efficient lighting. To make an informed choice between LED panel lights and LED tube lights, consider the specific lighting needs of your space. LED flat panel lights are ideal if you require uniform, glare-free light output that provides even light distribution. They excel in settings where consistent and smooth lighting is essential.

On the other hand, LED tube lights are best for environments where traditional lighting can be easily retrofitted. They are particularly effective when you need a straightforward upgrade from fluorescent lights.

Choose based on whether you need smooth, even lighting or an easy switch from your current fixtures.

Recommended Reading

LED lights continue gaining popularity in the United States but also in many other areas around the world. Certain countries also wish to begin implementing more energy efficient standards.

After deciding to replace your traditional bulbs with LED lights, you need to find the bulb that properly lights your space. Read our guide to learn the importance of each of these four factors how to chose which bulb you need.

Beyond Bulbs: Exploring LED Panel Lighting" delves into the technology, applications, and advantages of LED panel lighting. The book provides a comprehensive understanding of how LED panels offer efficient, uniform illumination, surpassing traditional bulb-based solutions.

The qualities of LED bulbs make them far superior to traditional lighting. Read to discover the ways in which LED lights prove superior in each of these categories and why you should switch to LED lighting.

Patrick Newkirk
Patrick Newkirk

Patrick Newkirk is a graduate of Kennesaw State University with a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communications. As a Content Writer at HomElectrical, he uses his enthusiasm for learning, literature, and writing to offer insights into eco-friendly products and sustainable living practices. During his free time, he enjoys engaging in marketing endeavors for prominent brands, tending to his garden, and retreating to the coastal shores for some beach relaxation.

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