Should I use WS2812B or APA102?

Use WS2812B for most projects — it's cheaper, widely supported, and sufficient for ambient lighting, accent strips, and decorations. Choose APA102 when you need flicker-free operation (video/film sets), very fast refresh rates (POV displays), or precise global brightness control. APA102 costs 2-3× more than WS2812B.

What LED density should I choose?

30 LEDs/m — accent lighting, architectural outlines, and long runs (lowest cost per meter). 60 LEDs/m — the most versatile density for general use, room lighting, and decorative effects. 144 LEDs/m — pixel art displays, video panels, and applications requiring smooth gradients with no visible gaps between pixels.

Should I use 5V or 12V pixels?

5V pixels (WS2812B, APA102, SK6812) offer the widest selection and lowest cost. 12V pixels (WS2811, GS8208) allow longer cable runs with less voltage drop — ideal for outdoor and large-scale installations. If your total cable run from power supply to the farthest pixel exceeds 5 meters, consider 12V or plan for power injection points.

What is SK6812 and when should I use it?

The SK6812 is a WS2812B-compatible LED available in RGBW (RGB + dedicated white channel). The dedicated white LED produces a cleaner, more efficient white than mixing RGB. Choose SK6812 RGBW when your project needs both colorful effects and high-quality white illumination — under-cabinet lighting, task lighting combined with ambient color.

How to Choose the Right LED Pixels

With so many addressable LED options available, choosing the right one for your project can be overwhelming. This guide compares the four most popular pixel types across the factors that matter: voltage, protocol speed, density, cost, and best use case.

Quick Comparison Table

Feature	WS2812B	APA102	WS2811	SK6812
Voltage	5V	5V	12V	5V
Protocol	1-wire 800Kbps	SPI 20MHz	1-wire 800Kbps	1-wire 800Kbps
PWM Rate	~400 Hz	19.2 kHz	~400 Hz	~400 Hz
Colors	RGB	RGB	RGB	RGB or RGBW
Best for	General use	Video/POV	Outdoor/long runs	White + color
Relative cost	$	$$$	$$	$$

Decision Guide

Choose WS2812B if you want the widest compatibility, lowest cost, and largest community support. It handles 90% of pixel projects perfectly.

Choose APA102 if you need flicker-free operation for video/film, POV displays, or very fast refresh rates. Worth the premium for professional applications.

Choose WS2811 if you need 12V operation for long cable runs (outdoor buildings, signage, holiday displays) or discrete node form factors (pixel trees, channel letters).

Choose SK6812 if you need both colorful effects and high-quality white light — under-cabinet lighting, task lighting with ambient color, or any RGBW application.