Hi

I am looking at 2 different types of LED lights to buy online.

One is 13 watts with one 'eye' and the housing if reflective (much like the halogen downlights but the light source is LED).

The other is 15 watts with 5 x 3 watt 'eyes'.

Both are around the same lumens.

Can anyone please tell me the difference between these differnt types of LED's and if one is better than the other?

Thank you.

With LEDs, the important information is the quality of the LED, and the heat dissipation of the housing. So you need to be more specific, much like asking is a 4 cylinder car better than a 6 cylinder car, whiteout knowing which marque.

Make sure you only go with a light that has a large heatsink to keep it running cool - this will keep the brightness, when they run hot the light degrades. I would only look LEDs that can monitor and control their running temperature.

The first you have mentioned uses whats commonly known as a COB LED, or a LED cluster or LED array, these have been fairly porrly performing in the past but have come along way with Bridgelux and Epistar making some good steps forward, in the past and still today it can be a problem, They would typically kill themselves with heat ( poor heat pathway can hold some blame here also) they also have a faster light decay rate then single high powered LED, but the gap is closing rapidly. ( this is also dependant of the manufacturer some are 10% over the first 3000 hours, some are 10% over first 1000 hours) < this is purely an example). AS with all LED lighting the driver and heat pathway primarily decide its light decay rate and lifespan. The LED COB types advantage i would have too say is its light uniformity. The other type your speaking about is using single high powered leds , these typically have a longer life span, typically generate less heat, typically have higher lumen/watt output. They can have a effect on replicating shadows multiple times and its something you either get use too or you dont, this also comes how your lighting isn planned and the enviroment its used in. Typically both should last between 2 to 5 years, possibly more. Make sure the LEDs in use are a brand, and this will be difficult 99% of the LED retailers and wholesales couldnt look at a semiconductor and name its manufacturer, The driver meets australian standards and the thermal path from the LED to the PCB to the Heatsink is optimal.