The Best LED Light Bulbs of 2023

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Nowadays, many renters and homeowners choose light-emitting diode bulbs (LEDs) over the classic incandescent, fluorescent, or halogen options. That’s because LED light bulbs are more energy efficient and longer lasting, helping save money on utility bills and bulb replacement.

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While LEDs still cost a bit more than other types of light bulbs, prices have dropped precipitously since their first market appearance in the 1960s. Modern lighting advancements like color-changing and smart home technology make them even more appealing.

Read this guide for descriptions of our picks for the best LED light bulb options and kits available, and to learn vital info on these energy-saving lights.

1. BEST OVERALL: Philips LED Frosted A19 Soft White Light 2700K
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Sylvania LED A19 Light Bulb
3. BEST SMART: Philips Hue A19 E26 Smart Bulb
4. BEST COLOR-CHANGING: Lumiman WiFi Smart LED Light Color-Changing Bulbs
5. BEST VINTAGE: Ascher E26 Dimmable Vintage LED Edison Bulbs
6. BEST FOR KITCHENS: Cree Lighting A19 Pro Series LED Bulbs
7. BEST FOR BATHROOMS: GE Relax HD Soft White 60W LED Light Bulbs
8. BEST FOR VANITIES: Sunco G25 LED Bulbs
9. BEST OUTDOOR: Cree PAR38 Pro Series LED Bulbs
10. BEST FOR RV INTERIOR: Antline Xenon White 20-Pack LED Bulbs

How We Chose the Best LED Light Bulbs

In our research, we evaluated dozens of the best LED light bulbs on the market but kept coming back to the ones that seemed best for home use. Some of the criteria we assessed include:

• Longevity. It’s important to us to recommend products that are economical and long lasting. Our selections all include bulbs with excellent lifespans, which adds up to more savings and less maintenance than having to swap out spent bulbs.
• Purpose. Some bulbs are better used in specific environments. Our list of top picks considers different locations where LED light bulbs are used, including the kitchen and bathroom. We also factored in whether a bulb was for indoor or outdoor use, its brightness, and its color temperature. We chose outdoor light bulbs that are weatherproof and indoor light bulbs that have the most sought-after color temperatures.
• Brand. We made sure to find the best light bulbs made by reputable companies known for quality products and good customer service.
• Energy reduction. In general, LED light bulbs are a better choice for the environment and generate less waste. We made sure to recommend products that cut down on energy usage, too, offering a better solution for the planet.

Our Top Picks

The best LED light bulb comes down to where it will be placed in the home and the color and brightness best suited to its intended usage. Here are our top picks for the best LED light bulbs on the market today.

Jump to Our Top Picks

What to Consider When Choosing LED Light Bulbs

As with anything you bring into your home, you want to ensure you’re selecting the best LED light bulb for each area. We’ve determined many of the key features to look for, including watts, kelvins, and lumens, and we’ll explain what each one does. These considerations are here to make it easier for consumers to determine which bulbs they need for their homes.

Brightness and Wattage

The brightness of incandescent bulbs is determined by wattage, a measurement of how much energy the bulb uses. Standard 100-watt incandescent bulbs can effectively illuminate a large kitchen, while a 40-watt bulb offers softer, dimmer light. While LED bulbs still list wattage numbers, their actual brightness is measured in lumens.

• A 7- to 9-watt LED bulb is equivalent to a 40-watt incandescent bulb (450 lumens emitted)
• A 9- to 12-watt LED bulb is equivalent to a 60-watt incandescent bulb (800 lumens emitted)
• A 12- to 15-watt LED bulb is equivalent to a 75-watt incandescent bulb (1100 lumens emitted)
• A 16- to 20-watt LED bulb is equivalent to a 100-watt incandescent bulb (1600 lumens emitted)

Fortunately, many LED bulb manufacturers now include an equivalent incandescent wattage value on their packages. For example, a “60-watt equivalent” LED bulb will emit as much light as a 60-watt incandescent bulb, yet the actual LED bulb may only use 10 watts. Listing the incandescent equivalent wattage makes it easier for consumers familiar with old-fashioned light bulbs to choose the ideal LED replacements.

Color Temperature

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Kelvins (K) measure light temperature, or the color the light appears. There are three kinds of color temperature: soft white (2,700 to 3,000K), bright white/cool white (3,500 to 4,100K), and daylight (5,000 to 6,500K). The higher the Kelvin rating, the whiter the light. Generally, household light bulbs range from 2,700K to 3,500K; however, preference plays a role in selecting which Kelvin rating is best suited for a home.

This is the light temperature to expect for various Kelvin ratings:

• Less than 2,000K is similar to dim candlelight and is the low temperature used to enhance a setting or create a mood.
• 2,000 to 3,000K offers a soft white glow that’s somewhat yellow in appearance. This rating is typically used in living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, and outdoor spaces.
• 3,100 to 4,500K casts a bright white light that’s comparable to daylight. It’s often found in kitchens, workspaces, and vanities.
• 4,600 to 6,500K emits a blue-white color that’s best used in areas requiring brighter light. This rating works well for display areas around the home.
• 6,500 K and up shines in a bright bluish hue, which is too harsh for domestic lighting. It’s often found in commercial locations.

Bulb Shape and Compatibility

There are countless different light bulb shapes, but the ones most commonly used for residential purposes are A-series, E-series, G-series/globe, and Edison bulbs.

• A-series bulbs are the classic light bulb shape that is most popular for home use.
• E-series bulbs are often used for outdoor fixtures like floodlights and spotlights, as well as some string lights and outdoor ceiling fans.
• G-series or globe bulbs are suitable for decorative fixtures where the bulb will be on display, making them a great choice for bathroom vanities and string lights.
• Edison bulbs have exposed filaments and typically produce a pleasant, warm light temperature. Their old-fashioned appearance provides a vintage aesthetic.

Every light fixture has a maximum wattage rating, and it’s important to ensure that the bulb chosen is compatible with the fixture. Bulbs also have different base sizes to accommodate certain light fixtures. The easiest way to determine the required base size is to look at the old bulb. Some fixtures also have a sticker near the socket that denotes the base size as well as its maximum wattage.

Lifespan and Operation Costs

When shopping for the best LED light bulb, you’ll find an estimated lifespan noted in the product description and on its package; most bulbs last anywhere from 10 to 25 years. You’ll also find an estimate of how much the bulb will cost to operate per year. These estimations are based on an average bulb use of 3 hours per day. If you leave a light on all day long, the lifespan will be significantly shorter, and the bulb will cost more per year to operate.

LED lights have a higher longevity rate than traditional incandescent light bulbs. Consumers can expect incandescent bulbs to last about 1,200 hours, halogens to last 2,500 hours, and compact fluorescent bulbs to last 10,000 hours.

With at least 10,000 hours (in some cases, 50,000 hours) of use, LEDs are built to outlast other types of bulbs. Though LED bulbs can cost between $3 to $12 per basic bulb, they do not have to be replaced as often as other types of bulbs, making them more cost-effective over time.

Smart Technology

Smart light bulbs can connect to home Wi-Fi, making it possible to turn them on and off remotely from a smartphone or tablet. Many bulbs can be programmed to turn on and off at preset times or to turn on as you approach (using a technology known as “geofencing”).

Some smart LEDs allow the user to switch between color temperatures, while others sync with home voice-activated assistants like Amazon Alexa. If you want to control your home lighting remotely, a smart LED light bulb is just the ticket. There are even lighting kits that include a hub for linking the bulbs to other smart lighting in the home.

Additional Features

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LED bulbs may come with additional features to enhance a home’s lighting capabilities. Here are some of our favorites:

• Dimmable bulbs allow you to adjust the amount of electricity in the bulb and control its brightness. Thanks to their ability to conserve energy, dimmable bulbs are a great option for those looking to save on utility bills—but not all LEDs are dimmable, so be sure to read the package before buying. Also, keep in mind that dimmable bulbs only work when you have installed dimmable light switches.
• Color-changing bulbs use red, green, and blue LED lights to create more colors. These three colors are housed in individual casings and operate using a microcontroller. A current passes through the three colors, changing the colors that emit from the light bulb.
• Weather-resistant bulbs are rated to resist basic moisture, such as rainwater or a sprinkler. They can also withstand more wear and tear than other bulbs. Weather-resistant bulbs are the best type of light bulb for outdoor use, as they are more durable and stand up to inclement weather.

FAQs

LED light bulbs are replacing older, outdated incandescent light bulbs. Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions to help you learn even more about LEDs.

Q. Do LED lights save you money?

LED light bulbs may cost more up front, but they will save you money in the long run. As they have a longer lifespan than traditional light bulbs and they are more energy efficient, the savings will offset the initial cost of the bulb.

Q. Can you leave LED lights on 24/7?

LED lights can be left on 24/7, as they don’t produce much heat (and so have no risk of fire). It is not ideal, however, as their lifespan will be run through a lot quicker, and it’s unnecessary to keep the lights on in an empty room.

Q. Can you replace regular light bulbs with LED bulbs?

As long as you get the correct-fitting bulbs at the right wattage, regular light bulbs can be switched out for LED light bulbs.

Q. Where should you not use LED light bulbs?

Some LEDs should not be used in enclosed fixtures; doing so could result in premature dimming and could also shorten the lifespan of the LED light bulb.

Q. How do you properly dispose of light bulbs?

Glass bulbs of any type should be wrapped in discarded packaging before being disposed of. LED light bulbs can be disposed of with household waste or through your local recycling center (if available). Learn more about how to properly dispose of lightbulbs on the Bob Vila website.

Why Trust Bob Vila

Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series including “This Old House” and “Bob Vila’s Home Again,” he popularized and became synonymous with “do-it-yourself” home improvement.

Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice. The Bob Vila team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.

Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Kitchens