XKchrome vs. XKmax: Which One is Right for You?

Looking to light up your car, truck, or motorcycle with some stunning LED lights but can't decide between XKchrome and XKmax? You’re in the right place! In this blog, we'll break down the differences between XKGLOW's two most popular app systems, XKchrome (3rd gen) and XKmax (5th gen), and help you choose the perfect lighting setup for your vehicle.

Spoiler alert: Both systems are awesome, but they bring different features to the table—whether you're after striking underglow, accent lights, or powerful truck and motorcycle LED setups.

(Curious about the now-retired 4th gen XKalpha? Check out our XKalpha vs. XKmax blog for a peek into the evolution of XKGLOW’s car and truck lights!)

XKchrome vs. XKmax: The Quick Comparison

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

1. Base Color: RGB vs. RGB + Pure White

If you’re looking for the brightest, cleanest white for your car or truck lights, the XKmax system has your back. It comes with dedicated high-brightness pure white LEDs that eliminate the color tint you might get from mixed RGB white. Whether you're lighting up your truck or motorcycle with underglow or accent lights, XKmax ensures that your white is pure and bright.

XKchrome uses RGB to mix white, which can have a slight tint. But don’t worry—the color range is still impressive, with both systems capable of displaying a vibrant array of 15 million colors thanks to XKGLOW’s Gamma Color Correction technology. So whether you're after a bold accent light or multi-color underglow, both systems will give you a light show like no other.

2. Chasing Effect & Addressable IC: XKmax’s Showstopper

Here’s where XKmax really shines—literally! Every XKmax light fixture has multiple addressable chips, giving you stunning control over colors and patterns. Want multi-color chasing effects for your car lights or motorcycle LED setup? Done. How about dividing your lights into up to 10 zones without needing extra controllers? You got it. You can even sync your lights to music, speed, or acceleration—perfect for those who want their ride to feel like a moving party.

XKchrome, meanwhile, offers over 20 customizable non-chasing patterns. While all lights connected to the same controller display the same color, XKchrome is still great for those who prefer simpler but vibrant lighting options for underglow or accent lighting.

3. Max Zones per Controller: XKmax Wins the Race

When it comes to zone control, XKmax lets you divide your LED lighting system into up to 10 individual zones with a single controller. That means more freedom for creating unique light patterns across your car, truck, or motorcycle.

In contrast, XKchrome is limited to 2 zones per controller. If you want more zones for your truck lights or underglow, you'll need additional controllers, which could increase your setup complexity and cost.

4. Max Output Channels: XKmax’s Flexibility

XKmax comes in three versions: 4-channel, 2-channel, and 1-channel. This gives you more 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.

XKchrome is a bit more limited with 2-channel and 1-channel options, which can still get the job done but may not offer the same level of flexibility, especially for larger vehicles like trucks or complex setups.

5. Max Amp per Channel: More Power to XKmax

When it comes to power, XKmax is the heavyweight champ. With a max output of 5A per channel (compared to XKchrome’s 3A), you can connect more LED lights to each channel. 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:

6. Connector: XKmax’s Better Plug Design

XKmax's 3-pin connector takes feedback from XKchrome users and improves on it. It offers a tighter connection in extreme weather and better waterproofing—great for outdoor adventures with your vehicle. The smaller dimension also makes it easier to install, requiring only a 0.4in (10mm) hole versus the 0.6in(16mm) needed for XKchrome while increasing its max current from XKchrome's 3amp to 5amp. 

In addition, XKmax connector offers three ways for mounting:

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

7. Customizable Remote Key Fob: XKmax's Handy Extra

Need fast access to your favorite light patterns? XKmax allows you to pair up to four customizable remote key fobs. You can quickly access your go-to colors and patterns with the push of a button—no need to fiddle with your phone. XKchrome is Bluetooth-controlled only, so if you like tactile buttons, XKmax is the way to go.

8. Firmware Updates: XKmax’s Major Upgrade Potential

Both XKmax and XKchrome let you update their apps with new features. But XKmax takes it a step further with firmware updates, allowing for major feature upgrades at no extra cost. With XKchrome, the updates are limited to the app itself.

9. Customizable Sensors & Startup Mode: A Tie!

Both XKmax and XKchrome come with three programmable sensors, which can be used for things like brake, left turn, and right turn signals. You can also repurpose these sensors for other functions, like courtesy lights or daytime running lights (DRLs). Both systems allow you to customize the startup mode to your favorite settings as well.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, both XKmax and XKchrome are fantastic choices for lighting up your car, truck, or motorcycle with LED lights, underglow, or accent lighting. If you're after chasing effects, extra zones, pure white LEDs, and maximum power output, XKmax is the ultimate upgrade. For simpler setups with vibrant colors and a lower cost, XKchrome still delivers a stunning light show.

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