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As you may have noticed, WS2811 and WS2812 are the ICs to look out for when purchasing addressable LED string lights. WS2811 typically consumes a lot of power at 12V, however WS2812 requires just 5V and consumes a lot less power.
These are not the only distinctions between WS2811 and WS2812. I can provide more details to help you make the right purchase.
Differences between WS2811 VS WS2812 LED Lighting
For more detailed information, you can download the WS2811 and WS2812 LED strip datasheets.
A table to understand the differences: WS2811 VS WS2812
| Comparison Item | WS2811 LED Strip | WS2812B LED Strip |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated Circuit | External | Built-In |
| Voltage | 5V/12V/24V | 5V |
| Color | RGB | RGB |
| LEDs Per Meter | 30leds/60 leds/96leds/120leds | 60 leds/144leds |
| Power Consumption/M | 7.2W/14.4W/19.2W/24W | 18 W/43W |
| Wires | Positive + Negative + Single Data Line | Positive + Negative + Single Data Line |
| Control Mode | 3 LEDs Group Control at 12v | Individual Control 5v |
| IC Quantity [60 LEDs/Meter For Example] | 20 Pcs | 60 Pcs |
| Voltage Drop | Low | High |
| Break Continues | No | No |
| Reset Time | 250us | 280us |
| Frequency | 400Hz | 400Hz |
| Price | Low (+) | Low (+) |
For more WS2811 and WS2812 LED strip types:
Suntech Lite New WS2811 LED Strip: https://sunliteleds.com/ws2811-led-strip/
Suntech Lite New WS2812 LED Strip: https://sunliteleds.com/ws2812-led-strip/
So, let’s delve deeper into the significant differences between WS2811 and WS2812. Note that the comparison of the following content mainly takes 12V WS2811 and 5V WS2812 as examples.
Video: 12V WS2811 vs 5V WS2812 LED strip
WS2811 LED Strip
WS2811 LED strips are the most commonly produced products. They can be easily used for vertical lighting, wall lighting, backlighting, festival (Christmas, etc.) lighting, stage design lighting, stair lighting, display cabinet lighting, ceiling lighting, and can also be used as automotive lights.
The following pictures are different types of WS2811 LED strips. Unlike the WS2812B IC built into the LED, the WS2811 IC is installed externally on the PCB. They are voltage-compatible and have various cutting units (which indicate how many LEDs the WS2811 IC controls at the same time).
5V WS2811 LED Strip: Each LED can be cut, and one WS2811 IC controls one LED.
12V WS2811 LED Strip: Three RGB lights can be cut, and one WS2811 IC controls three LED lights (meaning only the brightness and color of these three lights can be changed at the same time).
24V WS2811 LED Strip: Six RGB LED lights can be cut, and one WS2811 IC controls six lights.
WS2811 is an RGB LED strip that typically contains 30 to 60 LEDs per meter.
More WS2811 LED Strip types, please click here,
12V 30leds/M WS2811 RGB LED strip
12V/24V 60leds/M WS2811 RGB LED strip
12V 60leds/M WS2811 White LED strip
12V 60leds/M WS2811 CCT LED strip
12V 30leds/M WS2811 WWA LED strip
24V 96leds/M WS2811 RGB LED strip
24V 120leds/M WS2811 RGB LED strip
Both the WS2812B and WS2811 addressable LED strips are single-signal transmission with three connection wires: one positive, one negative, and one data signal, as seen in the photos above.
Although WS2811 is an RGB LED, it is not just a “simple RGB LED strip.” It uses WS2811 LED driving chips to control LED strips. These LED driver chips are typically provided and controlled with the LED to provide light intensity.
Once a unique address is assigned to each LED driver chip you own, you can easily control each LED unit. A microcontroller can be used to do this.
WS2812 LED Strip
Built-in IC Bead: The driver IC is integrated into the 5050 RGB LED bead, with gold wires connection, which not only saves space and reduces the failure rate between solder joints but also shortens the transmission distance, making the transmission faster and more stable.
It is equipped with a circuit for reshaping and amplifying signals opeated at 5v DC with three pins, including a data line, a negative pole, and a positive pole. By using pixel controllers, you can power many LEDs.
More types WS2812, please click here,
10mm 5V 60leds/M RGB WS2812 LED Strip
12mm 5V 144leds/M RGB WS2812 LED Strip
3.5mm ultra thin 5V 200leds/M RGB WS2812 LED Strip
We can see that each LED of the WS2812B strip can be cut, meaning that each LED can be controlled individually. And they only work at 5V.
Simplify and Quickly Understand the Difference: WS2811 VS WS2812
- WS2811 runs on 12V, while WS2812 runs on 5V
- WS2811 control granularity level of 3 LEDs at DC12v, while WS2812 control granularity level of 1 LED
- WS2811 can control multiple LEDs on a single strip, while WS2812 can control each LED unit individually
- WS2811 can produce smoother dimming effects, while WS2812 has more precise dimming effect
WS2812 LED Strip vs WS2811 LED Strip Performance Comparison
WS2811 vs WS2812- Power Consumption
WS2811 LED strip usually works at 12V and 24V WS2811 LEDs which is more watts consumption than the 5V WS2812B LED strip light.
WS2811 LED strip voltage drop is less because of high voltage input,for example, 30 LEDs per meter WS2811 12v strip the voltage drop near the 5m meter end is 10V which is still acceptable. However, if you use the WS2812B, which works at 5V, the voltage drop will be 3V rather than the reported 5V. The voltage drop there is significant and less brightness obviously.
When deciding between WS2811 and WS2812 LED strips, consider their power capabilities and select the most appropriate one. However, LED strips are energy-efficient regardless of which one you choose!
WS2811 vs WS2812 – LED Control Methods
WS2811 controls a combination of three LEDs at 12v, meaning not individually controlled.
WS2812 can only control one LED at a time. If you need a control level of one LED, then you should use WS2812B instead of WS2811.
WS2811 vs WS2812-Color
WS2812B LED only exists in RGB colors. However, WS2811 LED is different.
In addition to the addressable RGB chase colors, you can also find addressable white light (3000K warm white or 6000K daylight white), addressable RGB+W, and addressable RGB+CCT color modes, with more light colors for you to choose from.
ws2811 programmable white LED strip
WS2811 digital RGB + White LED strip
WS2811 programmable RGB+CCT LED strip
The RGB colors provided by WS2812 and WS2811 are very bright, but they also generate a lot of heat. Be aware that LED light strips may overheat if not used correctly.
Things to Consider When Purchasing WS2811 or WS2812 LED Light Strips
Making the right decision during the purchasing process is crucial. It can help you avoid wasting time, energy, and money. Here, I will explain how to identify suitable LED light strips.
Choose WS2811 for Higher Brightness
How bright do you want the LED light strip to be?
If you want higher brightness, I recommend purchasing WS2811 because high current input WS2811 50mA VS WS2812 36mA.
WS2811 is Suitable for Longer LED Light Strips
12V/24V WS2811 is ideal for users who want to use and control longer LED light strips because it has a higher operating voltage and can cover more distance without experiencing voltage drops that affect lighting effects. Therefore, if you plan to use longer LED light strips, consider purchasing WS2811 rather than WS2812B.
Consider the Required Color Modes
If you need more color options, consider WS2811 because it offers more color modes, including RGB chase colors, addressable white light, RGB+W, and RGB+CCT. However, if you only need RGB colors, WS2812B may be sufficient.
Consider the Integrated Circuit
WS2811 requires an external circuitry, while WS2812B comes with a built-in integrated circuit. Therefore, consider your power supply needs before making a purchase.
Conclusion
Both WS2811 and WS2812B are popular addressable LEDs used in various lighting projects. Consider the factors mentioned above, such as brightness, color modes, operating voltage, and integrated circuits, to make an informed decision before purchasing.
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