ShawTech vs Jellyfish Lighting: Cost, Installation & Which Is Better (2026)

Key Takeaways: ShawTech vs Jellyfish Lighting

ShawTech Lighting offers a similar professional look to Jellyfish Lighting—at a fraction of the cost.
DIY installation is very doable for most homeowners comfortable with basic tools and ladders.
Jellyfish Lighting is fully installed for you, but often comes with a steep price tag ($20–$40 per foot).
ShawTech bridges the gap: professional-quality results without paying thousands in labor.
If you’re willing to put in a bit of effort, you can save thousands without sacrificing aesthetics.

ShawTech vs Jellyfish Lighting: Key Differences

If you’re comparing ShawTech vs Jellyfish Lighting, you’re probably trying to decide between DIY permanent Christmas lights vs professional installation—and more importantly, which option actually gives you the best value.

It’s not uncommon for homeowners to get quoted $6,000 or more for professional installation, only to realize a DIY system can deliver a nearly identical look for a fraction of the cost.

For many homeowners, the decision comes down to Jellyfish Lighting cost vs a more affordable DIY alternative, and whether the savings are worth the effort.

Feature	ShawTech Lighting	Jellyfish Lighting
Cost	~$9–$12 per foot	~$20–$40 per foot
Installation	DIY	Professional
Appearance	Clean roofline lighting	Clean roofline lighting
Effort	Moderate	None
Support	Direct help if needed	Fully handled install

JellyFish Lighting

Jellyfish Lighting is one of the more well-known companies offering professionally installed permanent lighting.

A crew installs the system on your home, usually along the roofline, and once it’s set up, you control it through an app. The lights are designed to stay out of sight during the day and stand out at night.

It’s a simple process. You pay for the system, and someone else handles the install.

ShawTech Lighting

ShawTech vs Jellyfish Lighting: Permanent Christmas Lights

ShawTech is built for homeowners who want that same look without paying for installation.

Instead of piecing together parts yourself, you get a complete kit with everything you need. That saves a lot of time compared to trying to build a system from scratch.

There’s also support if you need it, which helps take some of the guesswork out of the process.

ShawTech’s DIY kits include:

LEDs
Controllers
Wiring + accessories
Aluminum channels for a clean finish

The ShawTech mobile app makes everyday control simple. Choose colors, effects, and preloaded holiday presets, create schedules, and control your lights from anywhere with cloud control. No account creation required.

Check out the full kits here: DIY Permanent Christmas Lights

Cost Comparison: ShawTech vs Jellyfish Lighting

Jellyfish Lighting installs typically fall somewhere between $5,000 and $10,000 depending on the home. That includes labor, scheduling, and installation.

ShawTech setups are much lower. Most homeowners end up around $1,500 to $3,000 for a similar layout. Here’s a quick breakdown for you folks looking to just skim through here quickly:

Jellyfish Lighting Cost

$20–$40 per foot installed
~$5,000–$10,000+ total

ShawTech Cost

~$9–$12 per foot
~$1,500–$3,000 total

We’ve had customers come to us after getting quotes and trying to figure out if the difference made sense. For a lot of people, the savings are hard to ignore.

Why Jellyfish Lighting Costs More

There’s nothing unusual here. It’s just the cost of a full-service install.

You’re paying for:

Labor
Scheduling and travel
Business overhead
Convenience

That’s where most of the price difference comes from.

Do They Look the Same Once Installed?

This is usually the next question.

A lot of lower-end lighting setups don’t look great, so it’s fair to wonder if DIY will look noticeably different.

When everything is installed cleanly, the overall look is very similar. The lights follow the roofline evenly, stay subtle during the day, and give you that same effect at night.

DIY permanent Christmas lights professional look, ShawTech alternative to Jellyfish Lighting.

Installation: What Are You Actually Taking On?

With Jellyfish Lighting, you’re not involved in the installation. It’s handled from start to finish.

With ShawTech, you’re doing the install yourself. That usually means working on a ladder, mounting the channels, and running wiring.

It takes some time, but most homeowners can handle it. The difference is you’re not figuring everything out from scratch. The system is already laid out, and there’s support if you need it.

If you’re comfortable with basic home improvement projects, installing permanent lighting can be a very manageable DIY upgrade—similar to other exterior projects covered by trusted resources like This Old House.

Support: Surprisingly Important

This is where ShawTech punches above its weight. We’re a small company, but our customers love our support:

“You guys are one of the few companies left with amazing customer service.“

“Excellent customer service and support! Extremely easy to install this light kit with DIY experience! Hands down recommend to anybody that asks where to get some permanent Christmas lights.“

“You’re very fast at communicating and are spot on with the fix actions. Thanks again!”

Instead of a one-and-done install, you get:

Ongoing support
Help with planning your setup
Guidance during installation

And based on customer feedback, this is a huge reason people choose ShawTech .

Which One Is Right for You?

Choose ShawTech if you…	Choose Jellyfish Lighting if you…
Want to save a few thousand dollars	Don’t want to install anything yourself
Are comfortable with a DIY project	Prefer a fully hands-off experience
Don’t want to research parts or systems	Are fine paying more for convenience
Want excellent support during installation	Just want it handled for you

Final Verdict: Is ShawTech Worth It Over Jellyfish Lighting?

This isn’t really about which product is “better.” If you’re searching for the best Jellyfish Lighting alternative, ShawTech offers one of the closest matches in both appearance and performance.

It’s about which approach fits you.

Want convenience? → Jellyfish
Want value + control? → ShawTech

But if your main concern is:

👉 “Can I get the same look without paying $6,000+?”

Then ShawTech is absolutely worth considering.

FAQ: ShawTech vs Jellyfish Lighting

In ShawTech vs Jellyfish Lighting, which is better?

It depends on your priorities. Jellyfish is easier since it’s fully installed. ShawTech is more cost-effective if you’re willing to handle the installation.

How much does Jellyfish Lighting cost compared to ShawTech?

Jellyfish Lighting typically costs between $20–$40 per foot installed, while ShawTech DIY kits usually range around $9–$12 per foot. For an average home, that could mean spending $6,000+ with Jellyfish versus closer to $2,000 with ShawTech, depending on the setup.

Is ShawTech Lighting a good alternative to Jellyfish Lighting?

Yes—ShawTech is one of the best Jellyfish Lighting alternatives for homeowners who want a similar appearance without paying for professional installation. It offers comparable materials, a clean finish using aluminum channels, and advanced lighting control.

Are DIY permanent Christmas lights hard to install?

DIY permanent Christmas lights aren’t “plug-and-play easy,” but they are very doable for most homeowners. If you’re comfortable using a ladder, basic tools, and following step-by-step instructions, installation is manageable and often completed over a weekend or two.

Do DIY permanent lights look as good as professional installations?

Yes—when installed properly using quality components like aluminum channels, DIY systems like ShawTech can look nearly identical to professionally installed options like Jellyfish Lighting. The final appearance depends more on installation quality than the brand itself.

How long does it take to install ShawTech Lighting?

Installation time depends on the size of your home, but most DIY installations can be done over a weekend. Planning, measuring, and prep work can speed up the process and improve final results.