Comprehensive reference material for LED strip types, compatible hardware, effects, and terminology.
The WLED ecosystem supports over 50 LED chipsets and runs on dozens of compatible controllers. Choosing the right strip and controller for your specific use case makes a significant difference to quality and reliability.
The LED Strip Comparison tool covers the 9 most common WLED-compatible chipsets side-by-side: WS2812B, SK6812 RGBW, WS2811, WS2815, APA102, SK9822, WS2813, TM1814, and LPD8806. Each is rated on popularity, colour accuracy, price, and WLED support level.
The WLED Hardware Database covers 10 major controllers — from the community gold-standard QuinLED-Dig-Uno to plug-and-play options like the Athom WLED Controller, commercial units, and bare ESP32/ESP8266 boards for custom builds. Each entry includes direct affiliate links for purchase.
The Effects Gallery documents all 35+ most-used effects across WLED's 180+ library, covering 1D classic, fire and nature, colour, chase, 2D matrix, 2D particle, and audio reactive categories.
The Glossary defines 40+ terms you'll encounter in WLED documentation — from basic concepts like addressable LED, PSU, and AWG to advanced topics like mDNS, RMT peripheral, HUB75, and usermod architecture.
The reference library covers the hardware ecosystem and technical specifications you need to make informed component choices for a WLED build. Unlike the guides, which walk through processes step by step, the reference pages are designed for lookup: find your strip type, your controller, your effect, or your unfamiliar term and get the specific information you need.
The LED Strip Comparison page covers every major WLED-compatible chipset — WS2812B, SK6812 RGBW, APA102, WS2815, WS2811, and more — with side-by-side specifications including operating voltage, current draw per LED, data protocol, colour order, RGBW support, maximum refresh rate, and WLED compatibility rating. Use the filters to narrow by voltage, colour capability, and use case. Each chipset entry includes an explanation of its strengths and the types of installation it is best suited for.
The Hardware Database covers WLED-compatible ESP32 and ESP8266 controllers, from bare development boards to purpose-built WLED controllers with integrated level shifters, terminal blocks, and mounting hardware. Each entry shows the number of LED outputs, whether WLED comes pre-flashed, whether a level shifter is included, and purchase links for both Australian and international buyers.
The Effects Gallery documents all 180+ built-in WLED effects, explaining what each effect looks like, how the Speed and Intensity sliders affect its behaviour, which effects support colour palettes, and tips for getting the best results from each one. Effects are grouped by category — solid, wipe, scan, fire, chase, sparkle, music reactive — and can be searched by name.
The Glossary provides plain-English definitions for every term you will encounter when planning a WLED installation: electrical terms (AWG, ampacity, voltage drop, power factor), LED-specific terms (addressable, chipset, colour order, refresh rate, RGBW), WLED-specific terms (segment, preset, playlist, effect, palette), and installation terms (power injection, data resistor, level shifter, JST connector). All 43 entries are written for clarity, not assumed knowledge.