COB vs GOB LED Technology: What’s the Difference and Which One Is Right for You?

 COB vs GOB LED Technology: What’s the Difference and Which One Is Right for You?




As LED display technology continues to evolve, manufacturers and buyers are faced with a growing range of options. Two terms you may have come across recently are COB and GOB. Both are next-generation encapsulation techniques used to enhance the performance and durability of LED screens — but they’re not the same.

In this post, we’ll break down COB vs GOB, their key differences, pros and cons, and how to choose the best option for your project.

 What is COB (Chip-on-Board) LED?

COB (Chip-on-Board) is a packaging technology where multiple LED chips are mounted directly onto the PCB (Printed Circuit Board) without traditional LED housings. The chips are then encapsulated with a resin or phosphor layer.

Benefits of COB LED:

  • High pixel density: Ideal for ultra-fine pixel pitch displays (e.g. P0.9, P1.2).

  • Seamless surface: Produces smooth, glass-like screens with no visible LED points.

  • Better heat dissipation: Because the chips are mounted directly to the board.

  • Energy-efficient: Lower power consumption compared to traditional SMD displays.

  • Improved durability: Resistant to dust, moisture, and physical impact.

⚠️ Limitations of COB LED:

  • Higher cost: Advanced technology and production make it more expensive.

  • Maintenance complexity: If one chip fails, repair can be more challenging.

  • Limited brightness range: Compared to conventional SMD or outdoor-focused displays.


What is GOB (Glue-on-Board) LED?

GOB (Glue-on-Board) is not a chip packaging method like COB, but rather a protective technology. After the LED modules (usually SMD) are assembled, they’re covered with a transparent, durable glue layer. This protective coating shields the diodes without changing the underlying LED structure.

Benefits of GOB LED:

  • Enhanced protection: Water, dust, and impact resistant — great for harsh environments.

  • More affordable than COB: Uses existing SMD technology with added protection.

  • Better for rental & outdoor use: Especially where rough handling or exposure is common.

  • Anti-collision design: Great for edge protection and frequent setup/teardown.

⚠️ Limitations of GOB LED:

  • Slightly lower clarity: The glue layer can cause slight loss in sharpness or contrast.

  • Heavier screens: The added layer adds a bit of weight and bulk.

  • Not as seamless as COB: Visible LED dots may still be present on close viewing.


 COB vs GOB: Side-by-Side Comparison

FeatureCOBGOB
Technology TypeChip packagingProtective coating
Pixel PitchUltra-fine (P0.9 – P1.5)Medium to fine (P1.5 – P2.5+)
DurabilityHigh (sealed surface)Very high (impact + water resistant)
BrightnessModerateHigh
Visual QualityExcellent (smooth, seamless)Good (may slightly reduce sharpness)
CostHigherMore cost-effective
Best ForIndoor fine-pitch video wallsRental, outdoor, retail, education

 Which One Should You Choose?

  • Choose COB if:
    You need ultra-high resolution, seamless indoor screens with premium visual quality — perfect for corporate boardrooms, control rooms, museums, or luxury retail.

  • Choose GOB if:
    You need rugged, high-brightness screens for rental, outdoor, or interactive environments, and want better protection without the higher cost of COB.

Please contact dgicon.com for more details.

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