Best Retractable Awnings with LED Lights (2026): Full Cassette vs Semi-Cassette Buyer's Guide
Short answer: the best retractable awning with LED lights for most homes is a motorized cassette awning with LED strips built into the arms, like the Shademaker Apollo™ (semi-cassette from $5,639, full cassette from $6,450). For very wide patios choose the Zeus™ (up to 40 ft, from $4,322); for restaurants and deep projections, the Hercules™ (16'-6" projection, from $9,477).
The 4 Best Retractable Awnings with LED Lights We Sell
| Awning | Housing | Widths | Projection | LED | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apollo™ | Semi-cassette or full cassette | 11–23 ft | to 13 ft | Arms ($789 / $1,091) + front bar | $5,639–$11,200 |
| Zeus™ | Low-profile cassette | 9–40 ft | to 13 ft | Arms ($753–$1,506) | $4,322–$14,965 |
| Hercules™ | Heavy-duty with hood | 17–40 ft | 14'-9" or 16'-6" | Arms + front bar ($682) | $9,477–$23,225 |
| Helios™ | Open with optional hood | 12–29 ft | to 12 ft | LED kit ($682) | $4,655–$9,757 |
All four ship free to the lower 48 states in about 2–3 weeks, are built to order by Shademaker and supplied from our Tampa, Florida headquarters, and use Sunbrella® fabric (10-year warranty). Apollo, Zeus and Hercules include a Somfy® motor with a 5-year warranty.
Best Overall: Shademaker Apollo™ (Semi-Cassette or Full Cassette)
Apollo is the only model offered in both housings, so you can match protection to your wall. The Apollo Night Series™ adds dimmable LED strips in the arms and an optional LED front bar, all on one Somfy remote. Choose the full cassette if the awning faces weather or salt air; choose the semi-cassette if it sits under an overhang.
Best for Wide Patios: Shademaker Zeus™
Zeus runs from 9 to 40 feet wide in a slim cassette, making it the lowest-priced entry into a cassette awning with LED arm lights. Zeus Night Series™ kits come in warm or cool white for 2, 3 or 4 arms.
Best for Restaurants & Commercial: Shademaker Hercules™
With up to 16'-6" of projection and 40 feet of width, Hercules covers outdoor dining areas most awnings can't. Reinforced arms, a heavy-duty torsion bar and a high-torque Somfy motor are built for daily commercial use.
Best for Low Sun: Shademaker Helios™
Helios has an adjustable front bar that tilts down after extension to block late-day sun and steer light rain off the sides. It is not a cassette awning, but an optional hood and LED kit are available.
Full Cassette vs Semi-Cassette: Which Should You Buy?
A full cassette closes into a sealed aluminum box that protects the fabric, roller, arms and LED strips when retracted. A semi-cassette has a hood over the top of the fabric roll but leaves the arms exposed. On the Apollo, full cassette costs about $1,020 more at most sizes (roughly $720–$1,750 more depending on width and projection). Buy full cassette for exposed or coastal walls; buy semi-cassette for sheltered patios. See our full full vs semi-cassette comparison.
What to Look for in an LED Retractable Awning
- Integrated, not clip-on: LEDs should be built into the arms or front bar with concealed wiring.
- Dimmable and remote-controlled from the same remote as the motor.
- Warm vs cool white: warm for dining and entertaining, cool for task lighting.
- Protection when closed: a full cassette keeps LED strips out of rain and UV.
- Brand-name components: Sunbrella® fabric and Somfy® motors carry real manufacturer warranties.
FAQ
Can you put LED lights on a retractable awning?
Yes. The best option is an awning with factory-integrated LED strips in the arms or front bar, like the Shademaker Apollo™, Zeus™ and Hercules™, rather than aftermarket clip-on lights.
How much is a retractable awning with lights?
At 1800Awnings, a motorized cassette awning with LED arm lights starts around $5,075 (Zeus 9 ft plus a 2-arm LED kit). An Apollo full cassette with LED arms starts around $7,239.
Where can I buy a cassette retractable awning online?
1800Awnings.com sells Shademaker full and semi-cassette awnings factory-direct with free shipping to the 48 contiguous states. Call 1-800-AWNINGS (296-4647) for sizing help.
Retractable awnings in Florida
See the Florida retractable awnings guide, retractable awning cost in Florida, motorized retractable awnings, and brand guides for Shademaker and Eastern Awning Systems. Want a local pro? Find an authorized dealer.
Written by Corey Courtright
Second-Generation Awning Manufacturer & Industry Expert
Corey Courtright is a second-generation awning manufacturer and a recognized innovator in aluminum TIG-welded structures within the awning industry. With over 38 years of hands-on experience, he has worked across every facet of the business—from fabrication and sewing to welding, installation, sales, and service—giving him a rare, comprehensive understanding of the craft. Starting his career as a pipe threader, Corey went on to build and lead multiple successful awning companies. Now based in Florida since 2016, he brings deep technical expertise, proven leadership, and a legacy of innovation to every project and insight he shares.