I hate the overhead light. These are a perfect way to battle seasonal depression, bring on the darkness, my apartment is a rainbow now. I was looking for something brighter and more customizable than the LED lights I installed a few years ago. These took my apartment from "neat" to "amazing."
The brightness was exactly what I was looking for to be bright without being as overpowering as "the big light" overhead.
The modes are incredible, there is something for every vibe. Some are a little too flashy/overstimulating for my taste, I wish you could customize the Govee modes little more with the sections. At least you can customize the app to only show your favorites.
The DIY modes allow you to control the colors and brightness throughout the different sections. They aren't as pretty as the Govee modes, but perfect for everyday settings. I have created the perfect "nightlight" for each strip only illuminating one section at 1% and it's perfect for nights when I wake up to get a glass of water.
Best of all- these don't hum/buzz. I could hear the previous strips I had which made me not want to use them near my bed or in rooms without music playing. These- silence. It is a relief as someone who gets overstimulated easily.
Suggestion, buy the longer size if you're not sure what size you want. I've enjoyed gathering the extra middle section behind bulky objects like my mirror and fridge. It works really well for settings that start in the center and makes it brighter in more recessed areas. The swirl of different colors back there can look really cool too.
These are completely worth the upgrade and are a little addicting once you get started and add in the music box. I listen to way more music now that my home dances with me every night.