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 in Tampa, Florida, 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 $800–$1,000 more at the same size. 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.
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.