Most of us are familiar with the environmental benefits of LED technology. LEDs deliver unrivalled brightness with minimal electricity, making them a clear choice over incandescent or halogen lamps. They’re also highly versatile for decorative effects—whether using LED dots or LED modules.

LED dots and modules each have strengths suited to different applications. This article compares them to help you decide which best fits your project. Jump to:

What are LED dots?

LED dots are individual narrow-beam LEDs arranged in strings or matrices to create spot-effect displays. They’re often used in industrial signage, information boards and decorative task lighting.

You can buy pre-assembled dot displays or install individual dots in drilled holes. Our 9 mm LED dots and 12 mm LED dots come in 50-light strings with maximum spacings of 55 mm and 70 mm respectively.

Available in fixed white (9 mm white) or full-colour RGB (12 mm RGB), our dots feature a 90° beam angle, IP66 rating and a 30 000-hour lifespan for that iconic dot-matrix effect.

What are LED modules?

An LED module houses multiple LED emitters on a single board, powered together. Modules excel in signage, channel lettering and mood lighting—think night-lights, patio accents or bathroom strips.

We offer modules in standard, small and large sizes. They’re tough, versatile and reliable for stunning illumination displays.

For back-lit signage, the ROCK4 LED Module in pure white offers a 175° beam angle, 3:1 lens ratio, dimmability and IP67 protection—nine modules will illuminate 1 m² of lightbox.

Choosing the right LED for your project

LED dots create precise spot effects and dynamic displays. For full-colour control at events, use the DOT12RGB LED Dot to shift mood from day to night.

LED modules suit ambient and accent lighting, lightboxes and channel letters. Warm white modules are particularly popular in hospitality settings for their cosy glow—browse all sizes in our warm white LED modules collection.

Both options deliver superior brightness, energy efficiency, durability and a 30 000-hour lifespan—use them creatively for unique displays at home, in the office or at events.

Frequently asked questions

What type of LED lighting is best for dynamic displays?

LED dots such as the DOT12 LED Dot excel at dynamic patterns and images because you can position each dot to build larger visuals.

What type of LED lighting is best for channel letters and lightboxes?

LED modules like the ROCK1 LED Module provide even illumination and ease of installation in built-up letters and lightboxes.

Can I use LED dots and modules on any surface?

No—always check maximum surface depth and spacing specifications before installation to ensure a proper fit.

How do I choose the right power source?

Match the voltage requirements of your LEDs to a compatible DC power supply rated for the combined load.

Are there maximum spacing requirements for LED dots?

Yes. Our 9 mm LED dots have a maximum spacing of 55 mm; our 12 mm LED dots have a maximum spacing of 70 mm.

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