COB downlights vs LED panel lights
| Criterion | COB downlight | LED panel |
|---|---|---|
| Light distribution | Directional, 24u00b0u201360u00b0 beam | Diffuse, roughly 120u00b0 |
| Best for | Accent, art, counters, living rooms | General light in offices, kitchens, clinics |
| Glare | Higher if aimed into eye line | Low u2014 the diffuser spreads the source |
| Ceiling void needed | 75u2013100mm typically | As little as 50mm for slim panels |
| Colour rendering | CRI 90 versions widely available | Usually CRI 80 |
| Cost per fixture | Lower | Higher, but covers more area |
What actually separates them
A COB is a point source behind a reflector: it makes shadows, depth and sparkle. A panel is a diffuse surface: it flattens shadows and fills a room evenly. Neither is better in general — they do different jobs.
Count and cost
Panels cover more area per fixture, so a room needs fewer of them. The higher unit price often works out level once you count the fixtures and the labour.
Where people go wrong
Using COB alone for general lighting in a large room leaves scalloped pools of light. Using panels alone makes a living room feel like an office.