LED panel vs linear light comparison: mounting style (recessed/suspended vs surface/suspended), light distribution (unif…
| Comparison | Option A | Option B | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Distribution | Uniform 120° (Lambertian) | Directional (batwing/lens) | Panel — uniform |
| UGR (Glare) | UGR 16-19 | UGR 19-22 (lens dependent) | Panel (lower glare) |
| Best Room Type | Open office, classroom | Corridor, workstation, cove | Application-dependent |
| Mounting | Recessed (T-grid), surface | Suspended, surface, continuous row | Linear (flexible) |
| Aesthetic | Clean, minimalist | Architectural, linear flow | Linear (design) |
| Cost per Unit | $25-60 (2×2 panel) | $15-40 per ft | Linear (initial) |
| Installation | T-grid drop-in (easy) | Mounting brackets (moderate) | Panel (faster) |
| Smart Integration | DALI/0-10V built-in driver | External driver (more wiring) | Panel (integrated) |
LED panels for open-plan spaces needing uniform, low-glare light (offices, classrooms, healthcare). Linear lights for directional or architectural applications (corridors, workstations, cove lighting, retail displays). Panels install faster in T-grid ceilings; linear offers more design flexibility. For mixed spaces, combine both: panels for general illumination, linear for task/accent.