XKchrome vs XKmax: Which App-Controlled Light is Right for you?

For years, the XKchrome series has been a go-to choice for automotive enthusiasts looking to customize their cars, trucks, motorcycles, and off-road vehicles with dynamic, Bluetooth app-controlled RGB lighting. Now, the newly launched XKmax series (also a Bluetooth app-controlled) is making its debut, promising to raise the bar with enhanced features like RGBW (RGBIC) technology and addressable LEDs for chasing light effects.

With XKchrome’s proven track record and XKmax offering cutting-edge upgrades, how do these two lighting systems stack up? We’ve compared both series in detail to help you decide which LED lighting system is perfect for your car, truck, or motorcycle.

Spoiler alert: The new XKmax series includes the full product lineup of XKchrome, offering everything from underglow and accent lights to headlights and high-performance trucks and motorcycles LED light setups.

(Curious about the now-retired 4th-gen XKalpha series? Read XKmax vs XKalpha blog to learn more.)

Table of Contents

1. XKchrome vs XKmax: Quick Comparison
2. Base Color: RGB vs RGBW
   
3. Which Comes with Chasing Effect?
   
4. How Many Zones per LED controller?
   
5. Max Output Channels per Controller.
6. Max Power Output per Channel.
7. Connectors: Durability & Design
8. Does it come with a Key fob?
9. Firmware Updates: A step beyond app upgrades
   
10. Customizable Sensors & Start-up Mode
11. XKchrome vs XKmax: Which option is best for you?
    
    

1. XKchrome vs XKmax at a glance

XKchrome (3rd gen) changed the automotive lighting world as the best smartphone app-controlled LED lighting system, offering customizable RGB lighting features for underglow lights, headlights, and more. Now, with the introduction of XKmax (5th gen), XKGLOW has taken things to the next level. Featuring RGBW technology for pure white light and addressable LEDs for chasing effects. Both systems have some common features as well:

• Bluetooth App Control
• Customizable sensors & start-up mode
• Chameleon mode to capture colors with your mobile camera.
• Pre-built RGB themes & a DIY theme builder
• Sync light to music & speed
• Multi-zone LED controller

Here’s a quick comparison table before we dive into the juicy details of these LED systems. Trust me, it’s worth scrolling down!

2. Base Color: RGB vs. RGBW (RGB + Pure White)

When choosing LED lighting for your vehicle, the type of base color can significantly affect the overall look and brightness. If you’re aiming for the brightest, purest white light possible, the XKmax system outperforms the competition. It features dedicated pure white LEDs, delivering a crisp, high-brightness white that’s free from the slight tint often seen in systems that mix RGB colors to create white. Whether you’re installing underglow lights on your car or rock lights on your truck, XKmax ensures a clean and bright white in addition to RGB lighting features.

Meanwhile, the XKchrome uses RGB to produce white light, which can have a slight tint. However, both systems excel at delivering a rich color spectrum, offering up to 15 million RGB light combinations thanks to XKGLOW’s Gamma Color Correction technology. This means whether you’re after bold accent lighting or a stunning multi-color underglow, both options are more than capable.

Verdict: While both systems excel in delivering vibrant color options, XKmax wins, thanks to its pure white light feature.

3. Addressable LED: Is XKmax the best chasing light system ever?

Here’s where XKmax really shines—literally. Each light fixture is equipped with multiple addressable IC chips, allowing for detailed control over colors and patterns. Want multi-color chasing effects (also called dream color) for your car lights or motorcycle LED lights? Done. How about dividing your lights into up to 10 zones without needing extra controllers? You’ve got it with XKmax. Additionally, you can even sync your lights to music, speed, or acceleration—perfect for those who want their ride to feel like a moving party.

In contrast, XKchrome offers over 20 customizable lighting patterns without the chasing effect. With XKchrome, While all lights connected to the same LED controller display the same RGB color, XKchrome is still great for those who prefer simpler but vibrant lighting options for underglow or accent lighting.

Verdict: XKmax wins for users who want full control, dynamic lighting zones, and chasing effects, while XKchrome suits those who prefer straightforward yet vibrant customization.

4. Which Multi Zone LED Controller Offers More Flexibility?

XKmax offers superior zone control, allowing you to split your LED lighting system into up to 10 individual zones using a single XKmax LED controller. This gives you more creative flexibility for customizing lights on your car, truck, or motorcycle. Each zone can display its own color or pattern, enabling complex, dynamic lighting setups.

In contrast, XKchrome supports only 2 zones per controller. For more zones, additional XKchrome controllers are required, which increases setup complexity and cost.

Verdict: XKmax wins for its 10-zone control, ideal for users wanting more creative options without the need for extra controllers.

5. Which LED Controller Offers Better Output Channel Options?

XKmax controller comes in three versions: 4-channel, 2-channel, and 1-channel. This provides greater flexibility for different types of LED lights across your vehicle. For instance, you could use two channels for your truck’s left and right side underglow, another for interior accent lights, and still have one channel left for lighting up the engine bay. This ensures the best interior and exterior LED lighting experience for your vehicle.

XKchrome controller is a bit more limited with 2-channel and 1-channel options, which is the best choice for standard and simpler setups but may not offer the versatility required for larger vehicles like trucks or advanced lighting setups.

Verdict: XKmax wins with its broader range of channels, making it the better choice for complex or larger vehicle lighting systems.

6. How Much Power Output Per Channel?

When it comes to power, XKmax is a heavyweight champion with a 5A output per channel, compared to XKchrome’s 3A. You can connect more LED lights per channel. Whether you want bold underglow or interior accents, XKmax gives you the power to make it happen. In simple terms, XKmax is designed to light up your entire vehicle like a Las Vegas nightclub.

Here’s a quick table comparing the max wattage of each controller:

Verdict: XKmax wins with Higher output allowing brighter lighting experience.

7. Connecters: Designed for Durability & Weather resistance.

Both XKchrome and XKmax connectors are built for tight connection, durability, and extreme weather resistance. However, XKmax’s 3-pin connector enhances XKchrome’s design by incorporating customer feedback. It offers a tighter, more secure connection and superior waterproofing in extreme weather conditions—making it a great option for your off-road adventures.

Its smaller size allows for easier installation, needing just a 0.4in (10mm) hole compared to XKchrome’s 0.6in (16mm), while also boosting the max current from 3 amps to 5 amps.

In addition, the XKmax connector offers three ways for mounting:

• Screw the connectors to a mounting surface.
• Zip-tie the connectors to a tube or a hole.
• If the tab is not needed, you may cut off the tabs for a clean look.

Verdict: XKmax’s 3-pin connector wins with a tighter fit, better waterproofing, and easier installation.

8. Does it come with a Key Fob?

Need fast access to your favorite light patterns without using your phone? XKmax’s customizable remote key fob is the perfect solution. It allows you to pair up to four keys, giving you instant control of your go-to colors and lighting effects with just a push of a button—no need to fiddle with your phone.

Whereas, XKchrome is smartphone-controlled only, which can be less convenient when you need quick adjustments.

Verdict: XKmax wins with convenient, customizable key fob control.

9. Firmware Updates: A Step Beyond App Upgrades.

Both XKmax and XKchrome support app updates, but XKmax goes further with firmware updates, enabling major feature upgrades at no extra cost. XKchrome is limited to app updates only.

Verdict: XKmax wins.

10. Customizable Sensors & Start-up Mode

Both XKmax and XKchrome come equipped with three programmable LED sensors designed primarily for brake and turn signal light functions. These sensors can also be repurposed for daytime running lights (DRLs) or courtesy lights.

Additionally, both systems allow you to customize the startup mode, so you can enjoy your preferred lighting configuration right from the start.

Verdict: It’s a tie, as both XKmax and XKchrome excel in brake lights, turn signals, and DRL features, offering flexibility for safety and personalization.

XKchrome vs. XKmax: Which is Best For You?

At the end of the day, both XKmax and XKchrome are excellent app-controlled LED lighting systems, offering vibrant colors, and solid durability while adding safety with features like brake lights and turn signals for your car, truck, or motorcycle. Both support a wide range of LED lighting products like underglow lights, wheel lights, rock lights, or headlights.

Choosing between XKmax and XKchrome depends on your needs and preferences. For those who want chasing effects, extra zones, RGB with pure white LEDs (or RGBW), and maximum power output, XKmax is the ultimate choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a simpler yet stunning RGB lighting setup with dependable app functionality, XKchrome is the perfect choice for straightforward but vivid lighting.

Ready to transform your ride with LED lights? Shop XKmax or Shop XKchrome now and take your lighting game to the next level!