FAQ

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Cost of Purchasing, Installing, and Maintaining COB LED Displays

March 4, 2025

Cost of Purchasing COB LED Displays
Installation Costs
Maintenance Costs
Comparison of Costs Between COB, SMD, and DIP LED Displays

With the continuous advancement of LED display technology, COB (Chip on Board) LED displays have rapidly become a popular choice in the market due to their unique advantages. Compared to traditional SMD (Surface Mount Device) and DIP (Dual In-line Package) LED displays, COB technology offers superior performance in brightness, density, and durability. However, this raises an important question: COB LED display: Explore novel display technology! How much does a COB LED display cost? In this article, we will analyze the purchasing, installation, and maintenance costs of COB LED displays and compare them with other types of LED displays to help businesses and consumers make informed decisions.

1. Cost of Purchasing COB LED Displays

The purchasing cost of COB LED displays is generally higher than that of traditional SMD and DIP LED displays due to the advanced manufacturing process and higher component density.

COB Technology Manufacturing Process

COB LED displays use a process where LED chips are directly mounted onto a PCB (Printed Circuit Board), significantly improving brightness and pixel density. Compared to SMD and DIP displays, COB manufacturing is more complex, requiring expensive materials and specialized production equipment. This makes COB LED displays more costly per unit than their SMD and DIP counterparts.

Advantages of High Brightness and Density

One of the key advantages of COB technology is its higher brightness and smaller pixel pitch. As a result, COB LED displays are the preferred choice for high-resolution applications, such as HD advertising screens and concert stage displays. Since these applications demand high brightness and resolution, businesses are generally willing to pay a premium for COB LED displays.

For example, in a large stadium, a 10-square-meter COB LED display may cost between $10,000 and $15,000, while a similarly sized SMD LED display may range from $8,000 to $12,000. The price difference mainly stems from COB’s technical superiority and higher quality standards.

2. Installation Costs of COB LED Displays

The installation cost of COB LED displays is usually higher due to several factors:

Complex Installation Process

Since COB LED displays have higher density and a thinner design, they require more precise technical support during installation. Compared to SMD and DIP screens, COB screens demand more skilled technicians to ensure accurate alignment, brightness adjustment, and color calibration. This necessity for a highly professional installation team inevitably raises the overall installation cost. Let you know the 6 differences between SMD LED display and COB LED display!

Customization Requirements

COB LED displays are often used in projects that require extensive customization, such as large advertising displays and stage screens. These projects may require custom frames, support structures, waterproofing, and windproofing, all of which add to the installation cost.

For instance, in a shopping mall indoor advertising display with a 50-square-meter screen, the installation cost for an SMD LED display might be around $5,000, whereas the installation of a COB LED display could range from $7,000 to $10,000. The price difference is mainly due to installation complexity and customization needs.

3. Maintenance Costs of COB LED Displays

Maintenance costs are a crucial factor for businesses when choosing LED displays, especially when considering the long-term operational costs of COB LED screens.

Lower Maintenance Requirements

COB LED displays are designed with high-quality materials and an advanced encapsulation process, making them more durable than traditional SMD and DIP displays. Since COB technology features a more compact design, the connections between the PCB and LED chips are more stable, reducing failure rates and maintenance needs. As a result, COB LED displays generally have lower maintenance costs.

Repair Costs

If a COB LED display malfunctions, repairs can be more complicated and expensive since the LED chips are directly integrated onto the circuit board, making individual LED replacement difficult. In contrast, SMD and DIP LED displays have modular designs, making it easier and cheaper to replace faulty modules. Repairing a COB screen usually requires specialized technicians, increasing repair costs. Analyze the difference between CSP and COB LED chips for you!

Extended Lifespan

Despite the higher upfront purchasing and installation costs, COB LED displays offer longer lifespan and lower maintenance frequency, potentially reducing long-term operational expenses.

COB LED displays typically have a lifespan of over 100,000 hours
SMD LED displays have a lifespan of around 50,000 to 70,000 hours
DIP LED displays last approximately 50,000 hours

Given the longer lifespan and lower maintenance requirements, COB LED displays may offer better cost-effectiveness in the long run.

4. Cost Comparison Between COB, SMD, and DIP LED Displays

Type	Purchasing Cost	Installation Cost	Maintenance Cost	Typical Applications	Lifespan
COB	High	High	Low	High-brightness, HD advertising, stage displays	100,000+ hours
SMD	Medium	Medium	Medium	Shopping malls, airports, conference centers	50,000-70,000 hours
DIP	Low	Low	High	Traditional outdoor ads, budget projects	~50,000 hours

Conclusion

Although COB LED displays come with higher purchasing and installation costs, they provide significant advantages in terms of brightness, resolution, maintenance frequency, and lifespan. These advantages make COB a highly cost-effective choice for premium applications.

For businesses that prioritize high-quality display performance and long-term reliability, investing in COB LED displays is undoubtedly a wise decision.