Permanent lighting · comparison
JellyFish vs Gemstone vs Trimlight: how to compare permanent lights
An honest guide from an independent installer who isn't a dealer for any of them — what the systems share, where they differ and what to ask every dealer.
Early-bird $100 off — book by October 31
If you've started looking at permanent Christmas lights, you've seen three names over and over: JellyFish Lighting, Gemstone Lights and Trimlight. All three are national brands of permanent, app-controlled LED lighting, and all three are sold and installed through networks of local dealers. People in Jacksonville search for them by name every month, and the first question is always the same: which one is best?
We're an independent installer and not affiliated with, or a dealer for, any of these brands — which means we don't earn anything by steering you to one of them. We also won't quote their prices: those are set by each local dealer and change, so the only real number is a written quote. What we can do is explain what every system has in common, where they actually differ, and what to ask before you sign.
What every permanent system has in common
- A track under the roof edge. Aluminum or similar channel mounted on the fascia or soffit edge, holding the LEDs.
- Individually addressable LEDs. Each light can be a different color, which is what makes patterns and chases possible.
- A controller and power supply. Usually in the garage or near an outlet, connected to your Wi-Fi.
- An app. Scenes, schedules, holiday presets, sometimes voice-assistant control.
- Installation by a trained installer. These aren't boxed kits; the quality of the install matters as much as the product.
What actually differs between systems
How slim the track is and whether it comes in a color that matches your fascia. In daylight this is all you see, so ask to see a sample against your trim.
RGB LEDs make white by mixing red, green and blue, which can look slightly tinted. RGBW adds a dedicated white chip for a cleaner warm white. If you'll use warm white every evening, this matters most.
How far apart the lights are and how bright each one is. Closer spacing gives a smoother line; very bright LEDs can glare on a single-story house.
How easy scheduling is, whether it works offline, how presets are shared, and whether it connects to smart-home systems.
What's covered (LEDs, controller, power supply, labor), for how long, and whether the manufacturer or the local dealer stands behind it.
The same brand can be installed well or badly. Clean runs, hidden wires and straight corners are the installer's work, not the brand's.
Why we don't rank them
Each brand updates its products, and features change between years and between dealers. A ranking from us would be out of date — and we've never been a dealer for any of them, so we'd be guessing. What doesn't change is the checklist above. Put every quote you get, including ours, through it.
Ten questions to ask every permanent-lights dealer
- What exactly is included in the price per foot?
- Is the LED RGB or RGBW? Can I see your warm white at night?
- What track colors do you have, and can I see one against my fascia?
- How far apart are the lights?
- Where does the controller go, and does it need Wi-Fi to run schedules?
- Does it plug into my existing outdoor outlet, or do I need an electrician?
- What's the warranty on the LEDs, controller and labor — in writing?
- Who comes out if a section fails, and how fast?
- How are corners, gables and gaps in the roofline handled?
- Can you give me product details for my HOA?
Where we fit
We install a commercial-grade permanent track system and show you the product, its specifications and its warranty before you decide. Our price is about $25 to $45 per foot installed, $3,000 to $8,000 for a typical Jacksonville home, with the track, LEDs, controller, install and app setup in one number. If a new outlet or hard-wiring is needed, a licensed electrician partner does that part. Get a quote from a brand dealer and one from us, and compare them line by line — we're happy to be measured against the checklist. More on the numbers in permanent lights cost.
JellyFish, Gemstone and Trimlight are trademarks of their respective owners. Pelican Holiday Lights is an independent installer and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or a dealer for any of these companies. Brand names are used only to describe what people search for.
Permanent lights calculator
Set the feet of roofline you want lit; permanent LED is selected, and you can switch to seasonal to compare. Add seasonal palm wraps if you want trees lit in December too. Then press Send me this estimate — it drops the numbers into the quote form below.
Your estimate range
$3,750 – $6,750
- 150 ft permanent LED track$3,750 – $6,750
App-controlled track that stays up; a typical home is $3,000 – $8,000. New outlets or hard-wiring by a licensed electrician partner.
Estimate range — your written price comes after a free design visit. Ranges for Jacksonville, St. Johns and Clay homes, 2026.
Send me this estimateJellyFish vs Gemstone vs Trimlight: FAQ
Which is better, JellyFish, Gemstone or Trimlight?
There's no honest single answer — each brand updates its products and each local dealer installs differently. Compare written quotes on LED type, track color, spacing, app, warranty and the installer's work.
Are Gemstone lights worth it?
Any quality permanent system is worth it if you'll stay in the house for years and use the lights beyond December. Judge a specific quote by what's included and the written warranty.
Is Trimlight worth it?
Same answer as for any permanent brand: worth it for owners who'll use it year-round and stay put. Ask to see the warm white at night and get the warranty in writing.
Are you a JellyFish, Gemstone or Trimlight dealer?
No. We're an independent installer, not affiliated with any of these brands. We install a commercial-grade permanent system and show you its specs and warranty.
How much do these systems cost?
Dealers set their own prices, so we don't publish them. Our own permanent installs run about $25 to $45 per foot, $3,000 to $8,000 for a typical home.
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