The invention discloses an LED linear constant current soft start drive circuit comprising a rectification circuit, a work loop circuit, a constant current control circuit, a voltage detection circuit, a soft start circuit and an external control circuit. Very simple circuit design is adopted for solving a complex technical problem. The LED linear constant current soft start drive circuit is advantaged by simple circuit, EMI-free property, high constant current precision, capability of tolerating a large voltage fluctuation range, and the like; a temperature compensation control function, a soft start function and an external light modulation function are fulfilled; intelligent control and wireless Internet of Things connection of LED lamps can be conveniently realized; comprehensive properties of a driver are improved while costs are lowered greatly; a special-purpose integrated LED drive chip can be made, layout design is simplified, manufacture costs of an integrated circuit are greatly lowered, and functions and performance reach a grade which can only be achieved via complex circuit design.