Best Permanent Light Brands Compared

Several companies now offer permanent outdoor lighting systems. Here's what you need to know about the major brands to make an informed decision.

Quick Comparison: Top Permanent Lighting Brands

Top Permanent Lighting Brands In-Depth

Trimlight

Trimlight is one of the market leaders with a patented track system and extensive franchise network across the US. Founded in Texas, they've grown to become one of the most recognized names in permanent outdoor lighting.

• Pros: Large installer network, consistent quality across franchises, patented channel design, excellent app with many presets
• Cons: Premium pricing, must use authorized dealers
• Warranty: 2-year warranty on workmanship, lifetime warranty on LEDs
• LED specs: RGBW LEDs, 50,000+ hour lifespan, IP67 waterproof rating
• Price range: $25-$40 per linear foot installed
• Colorado availability: Multiple dealers in Denver metro area

Oelo

Oelo is one of the original permanent lighting brands, founded in Florida. They offer both professional installation and DIY kits, making them accessible to a wide range of homeowners.

• Pros: Established brand since 2012, good smartphone app, DIY kits available for handy homeowners, multiple channel color options
• Cons: Limited installer network in some Colorado areas
• Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty on LEDs, 5-year warranty on components
• LED specs: RGBW LEDs, 50,000+ hour lifespan, weather-resistant housing
• Price range: $22-$35 per linear foot (professional), $10-$18/ft (DIY)
• Colorado availability: Available through select dealers and online DIY

Jellyfish Lighting

Utah-based Jellyfish has grown rapidly since 2015 and has a particularly strong presence along the Front Range. Their proximity to Colorado means shorter lead times and responsive local support.

• Pros: Strong dealer network in Colorado, responsive customer support, good app with music sync feature, active on social media with inspiration
• Cons: Can have longer lead times during peak holiday season
• Warranty: 3-year warranty standard
• LED specs: RGB LEDs with white option, 50,000+ hours, IP65 rated
• Price range: $20-$32 per linear foot installed
• Colorado availability: Strong dealer network along Front Range

Gemstone Lights

Canadian company known for their unique faceted light design that creates a sparkling, gem-like appearance. Their cold-weather engineering makes them particularly well-suited for Colorado's climate.

• Pros: Unique faceted look unlike competitors, excellent cold-weather performance (tested to -40°F), lifetime warranty available, high-quality components
• Cons: Limited availability in some Colorado areas, premium pricing
• Warranty: Lifetime warranty available on premium packages
• LED specs: RGBW LEDs, 100,000 hour lifespan, IP67 rated
• Price range: $22-$38 per linear foot installed
• Colorado availability: Growing dealer network

EverLights

EverLights is a newer entrant focused on providing quality permanent lighting at more accessible price points. They've grown quickly by offering competitive pricing without sacrificing core features.

• Pros: Most affordable professional option, decent app, good for budget-conscious homeowners
• Cons: Smaller installer network, newer to market (less track record), fewer channel color options
• Warranty: 2-year warranty
• LED specs: RGB LEDs, 50,000+ hours
• Price range: $18-$28 per linear foot installed
• Colorado availability: Limited but growing

eufy Permanent Outdoor Lights

Consumer electronics brand eufy (from Anker) entered the permanent lighting market with a DIY-focused product available through major retailers.

• Pros: Affordable DIY option, available at Home Depot and Amazon, integrates with eufy/Anker smart home ecosystem
• Cons: DIY installation only (no professional network), consumer-grade vs. professional-grade
• Warranty: 1-year standard
• LED specs: RGBIC LEDs, 50,000 hours
• Price range: $8-$15 per linear foot (DIY only)
• Colorado availability: Widely available at retail

Key Features to Compare

LED Quality

All major brands use quality LEDs, but look for:

• 50,000+ hour rated lifespan
• RGBW (includes true white, not just mixed RGB white)
• Wide color gamut for accurate colors
• High lumen output for brightness

App & Control

The app is how you'll interact with your lights daily. Evaluate:

• Ease of use
• Reliability and connectivity
• Preset scenes and customization options
• Scheduling capabilities
• Multiple user support

Channel Design

The physical light channel matters for appearance and durability:

• Color options to match your trim
• Profile size (lower profile looks better)
• UV resistance
• Mounting system quality

Warranty

Warranties vary significantly. Look for:

• Length of coverage (2-year minimum recommended)
• What's covered (LEDs, wiring, control box, labor)
• Transferability if you sell your home
• Company stability (will they be around in 10 years?)

Which Brand is Right for You?

Choose a Premium Brand If:

• You want the longest warranty
• Maximum color accuracy matters
• You prefer established companies
• Budget is less of a concern

Choose a Mid-Range Brand If:

• You want good quality at fair prices
• Basic features meet your needs
• You're comfortable with standard warranties

Choose a Budget Brand If:

• Price is the primary concern
• You're okay with fewer features
• You may upgrade in the future

Our Recommendation

During your free consultation, we'll discuss which brands we work with and recommend the best option for your specific situation. We only install brands we trust and stand behind.

Frequently Asked Questions About Permanent Light Brands

Which permanent light brand is the best?

There's no single "best" brand—it depends on your priorities. Trimlight offers the largest dealer network and premium quality. Jellyfish has strong Colorado presence. Gemstone excels in cold weather. Oelo offers both professional and DIY options. EverLights is best for budget-conscious buyers. The right brand depends on your budget, preferences, and what's available in your area.

Are all permanent light brands basically the same?

No. While they all use LED technology, there are meaningful differences in LED quality, app features, channel design, warranty coverage, and installer networks. Higher-end brands typically offer better color accuracy, more durable materials, and longer warranties. The installation quality also varies significantly between installers, regardless of brand.

What does RGBW mean in permanent lighting?

RGBW stands for Red, Green, Blue, and White. Regular RGB LEDs mix red, green, and blue to create colors, including a "mixed white" that can look slightly purple or pink. RGBW LEDs include a dedicated white LED for a true, clean white light. RGBW systems generally produce better color quality and brighter, more natural white lighting.

How long do permanent outdoor lights last?

Most permanent lighting LEDs are rated for 50,000-100,000 hours of use. With typical usage of 4-6 hours per day, that translates to 15-30+ years. The LEDs rarely fail—when issues occur, they're usually with wiring, connections, or the control box, all of which are repairable.

What is an IP rating and why does it matter?

IP (Ingress Protection) ratings indicate how well a device resists dust and water. For permanent lighting, look for IP65 or higher. IP65 means protected against dust and low-pressure water jets. IP67 means protected against dust and temporary submersion. In Colorado, IP65 or IP67 ensures your lights survive rain, snow, and ice.

Can I mix brands or switch brands later?

Mixing brands isn't recommended—different systems use proprietary channels, connectors, and apps that aren't compatible. If you want to switch brands later, you'd need to remove the existing system and install new. This is one reason to choose carefully upfront and work with a quality installer.

Do all brands offer smartphone control?

Yes, all major brands include smartphone app control. However, app quality varies significantly. Some offer robust features like music sync, custom scene creation, and calendar scheduling. Others provide basic on/off and color selection. Check app reviews before choosing a brand.

Which brand is best for Colorado weather?

All major brands are designed for outdoor use, but Gemstone Lights specifically advertises cold-weather engineering (tested to -40°F). Trimlight and Oelo are also proven in Colorado's climate. Any IP65+ rated system from a reputable brand should perform well through Colorado's temperature swings, snow, and hail.

Are DIY brands as good as professional-install brands?

DIY products like eufy and Govee are designed for easier installation but may use lighter-duty components. Professional-grade products from Trimlight, Oelo, and Jellyfish typically feature heavier channels, more robust connections, and better waterproofing. For a roof-mounted, 15+ year installation, professional-grade products are generally recommended.

What warranty should I look for?

Look for at least a 2-year warranty on components and workmanship. Lifetime LED warranties are common and valuable. The workmanship warranty matters most—if something isn't installed correctly, you want it covered. Also verify what's specifically covered (LEDs, wiring, control box, labor) and whether the warranty is transferable if you sell your home.