The Best LED Light Bulbs

Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about The Best LED Light Bulbs and hope the blog can help you.

Looking to save money and conserve energy by switching to LED light bulbs? Check out our top picks and smart shopping tips to make the right purchases.

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.

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.

Best Overall

Philips LED Frosted A19 Soft White Light 2700K

Philips has been creating lighting for over 125 years and is one of the most well-known brands in the industry. This set of 16 efficient and long-lasting bulbs is an excellent purchase, especially for those making the initial switch to LED light bulbs throughout a home. The Philips LED range offers a lot of perks with no visible flicker, a long lifetime, energy savings, and “instant on” (meaning the bulbs reach their intended light distribution level as soon as they’re switched on).

These bulbs can be used for up to 10,950 hours, lasting over 10 years in most homes. The LED bulbs cast a soft white glow and have a high color rendering index (CRI), which is to say you’ll see clearly in rooms with these lights. Made for home comfort, they’re bright enough to be helpful but not so bright they’ll strain the eyes. Use them in a ceiling light or a side table lamp; they’re designed to be versatile.

Created with safety in mind, these energy-efficient Philips LED light bulbs have been tested for flicker, strobe, glare, and dimming effects, and they have met all requirements of eye comfort.

Product Specs 

• Bulb shape: Arbitrary (A19)
• Wattage: 9.5 watts
• Brightness: 800 lumens
• Color temperature: 2,700 Kelvins (K) (soft white)

Pros

• Lifetime of up to 10,950 hours for long-term usage
• Shatter-free plastic makes bulbs lightweight and less likely to break
• Versatile enough for use in various lighting fixtures and meets the standards of eye comfort
• Economical choice with 16 bulbs to replace incandescent light bulbs throughout the house

Cons

• Not compatible with dimmer switches
• Warm coloring makes the light more yellow than white

Get the Philips frosted LED light bulbs at Amazon. 

Best Bang for the Buck

Sylvania LED A19 Light Bulb

These budget-friendly Sylvania LED light bulbs are estimated to last up to 11,000 hours, or the equivalent of 10 years, and they come in an economical four-pack for further savings. They create 800 lumens while using only 8.5 watts. At 2,700K, they emit a soft white light that makes them one of the best bulbs for bedroom use and gathering areas in the home.

As energy-efficient LED light bulbs, they reach their full brightness immediately, a quality known as “instant on.” These Sylvania bulbs are usable in damp environments indoors or out. Designed to reduce shatters, they resist shocks and vibrations.

Product Specs 

• Bulb shape: Arbitrary (A19)
• Wattage: 8.5 watts
• Brightness: 800 lumens
• Color temperature: 2,700K (soft white)

Pros

• Durable construction and design for both indoor and outdoor use
• Shock- and vibration-resistant construction can withstand most weather conditions and heavy-duty use
• As “instant-on” bulbs, proper light distribution is immediate

Cons

• Some users have reported that some bulbs only last about a year

Get the Sylvania LED light bulbs at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Best Smart

Philips Hue A19 E26 Smart Bulb

Hue LED Smart Bulbs from Philips stand out for their digital-enabled “smart” capabilities. Hue bulbs integrate with a wide assortment of smart-home technologies (sold separately), including Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, IFTTT, and Nest to provide enhanced functionality.

Our favorite feature? Thanks to geofencing, the bulb can detect when someone approaches and automatically turn on. To make the most of our pick for best smart LED light bulbs, users must set up the hub and download the free Philips Hue app to a mobile device. The app will help with the setup and offers video tutorials on how to get the best use out of these smart LED bulbs.

Product Specs 

• Bulb shape: Arbitrary (A19)
• Wattage: 9.5 watts
• Brightness: 800 lumens
• Color temperature: 2,700K

Pros

• Voice activation capability is helpful for those who can’t access the light switch
• The starter kit includes everything needed for lights to work at peak performance
• Can set the lights to a schedule; compatible with smart-home technology
• Can add more smart lights to the hub as they are acquired

Cons

• A hub is required to make the best use of these lights
• Technology may have connectivity issues and require troubleshooting

Get the Philips Hue LED light bulbs at Amazon.

Best Color-Changing

Lumiman WiFi Smart LED Light Color-Changing Bulbs

Those looking for color-changing bulbs that can be controlled remotely will want to check out this Lumiman Smart Wi-Fi light bulb two-pack. The bulbs fit standard lamp and light fixture sockets and can be controlled via voice with a smart-home assistant. By downloading the free Lumiman app, users can change the light color from a tablet or smartphone—and there are 16 million colors available!

Besides their impressive color-changing ability, the Lumiman bulbs also provide a soft white and daylight mode. All lighting modes are dimmable and users can program the bulbs to turn on at pre-specified times via a digital device. A home Wi-Fi network is necessary, however, to enjoy the full capabilities of these bulbs.

Product Specs 

• Bulb shape: Arbitrary (A19)
• Wattage: 7.5 watts
• Brightness: 800 lumens
• Color temperature: 2,700K

Pros

• Color and light choices allow for customization to meet the individual user’s needs
• Works with a variety of smart-home setups (Alexa, Google, Siri, etc.)
• Can set up lights to interact with music; suitable for entertaining
• Can set up a timer to turn lights on and off

Cons

• Connectivity issues with the technology have been reported
• Can only support 2.4 GHz (internet speed)

Get the Lumiman LED light bulbs atAmazon.

Best Vintage

Ascher E26 Dimmable Vintage LED Edison Bulbs

Those hoping to bring an antique touch to their homes without sacrificing today’s functionality should take a look at these Edison light bulbs from Ascher. The bulbs, which come in a six-pack, offer the safety and modernity of LEDs while adding a vintage vibe. They are an energy-efficient option that look terrific in fixtures where light bulbs are meant to be exposed, rather than hidden by a shade or dome.

With 2,700K, they cast a warm glow while giving a distinct character to the room. Unlike their traditional counterparts, these non-flickering Edison bulbs have the charm of yesteryear but the advantage of modern invention. Expect these vintage-style light bulbs to last up to 20,000 hours.

Product Specs 

• Bulb shape: Ellipsoidal (E26)
• Wattage: 6 watts
• Brightness: 700 lumens
• Color temperature: 2,700K

Pros

• Vintage appeal with the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of LED
• Comes in 3 different colors: amber warm, daylight white, and warm white
• Bulbs boast an impressive 20,000-hour lifespan as well as brightness, thanks to a high CRI of 80+

Cons

• Outdoor usage is not recommended as moisture issues can lead to flickering
• Nondimmable

Get the Ascher LED light bulbs at Amazon.

Best for Kitchens

Cree Lighting A19 Pro Series LED Bulbs

Kitchens need bright illumination for prepping, cooking, and cleanup—and Cree Lighting’s seven-pack of daylight LED bulbs delivers. Boasting a high CRI of 90+ and a color temperature of 5,000K, these bulbs can make everything in the cook space highly visible. Boasting a lifetime of over 25,000 hours, they will dramatically cut down on how often spent bulbs must be swapped out for new ones in a room that already has a lot of tasks.

Want things a little less bright? These lights are dimmable, transforming the mood of a kitchen from a workspace to a cozy dining spot. The bulbs are also made of shatterproof material, so they’re safer than traditional glass options.

Product Specs 

• Bulb shape: Arbitrary (A19)
• Wattage: 100-watt equivalent
• Brightness: 1600 lumens
• Color temperature: 5,000K

Pros

• 1,600 lumens and 5,000K ensure brightness in any space; particularly ideal for the kitchen
• Shatterproof material is ideal for heavy-duty use and long-term effectiveness
• Indoor and outdoor usage; suitable for patios, porches, and outdoor lighting fixtures

Cons

• Lights may flicker a little when using the dimmer function

Get the Cree Lighting A19 LED light bulbs at Amazon or The Home Depot. 

Best for Bathrooms

GE Relax HD Soft White 60W LED Light Bulbs

While they resemble traditional incandescent light bulbs and are made by GE, a trusted brand in the industry for over 125 years, these bulbs are an ideal choice for modern bathrooms. Sold in an eight-pack, the economical bulbs cast a comfortable glow to provide the warm light perfect for a spa-style experience.

The bulbs’ 800 lumens make a bathroom bright without being clinical, and thanks to dimming capabilities, they can be lowered to a softer setting. Plus, their frosted finish offers a gentler feeling on the eye than clear bulbs. Rated to last up to 13 years, the GE LED bulbs’ longevity can keep a bathroom well lit and functional for quite some time—but of course they can be used throughout the home, wherever soft yet bright light is desired.

Product Specs 

• Bulb shape: Arbitrary (A19)
• Wattage: 8.5 watts
• Brightness: 800 lumens
• Color temperature: 2,700K

Pros

• Dimmable bulbs that work with most switches for ample versatility
• Frosted glass is less harsh on the eyes than clear bulbs
• Warm color helps create a calming, cozy, spa-style atmosphere

Cons

• Some dimmers may cause the light bulbs to softly buzz
• Glass material is more prone to breakage than plastic

Get the GE LED light bulbs at Amazon or Lowe’s. 

Best for Vanities

Sunco G25 LED Bulbs

Decorative globe lights are ideal for bathroom vanities where exposed bulbs are part of the fixture’s aesthetic. This 10-pack of LED lights is a 40-watt equivalent while only requiring 6 watts of power. Each bulb produces 450 lumens, which might seem low, but when two or more are used together on a vanity fixture, they’ll provide plenty of illumination.

These bulbs have a soft white color temperature of 3,000K, which offers adequate lighting for grooming tasks like shaving and applying cosmetics while still being flattering. They have E26 bases and are dimmable from 10 to 100 percent. Each bulb has a diameter of 3.15 inches and a height of 4.46 inches, including the base.

Product Specs 

• Bulb shape: Globe (G25)
• Wattage: 6 watts
• Brightness: 450 lumens
• Color temperature: 3,000K (comes in multiple options)

Pros

• Available in 5 color temperatures in addition to 3,000K to meet individual users’ needs
• Bulbs are dimmable for versatility; suitable for day-to-day activities or entertaining
• Brightness level suitable for vanities, allowing users to see well for tasks and still be flattering to skin tone.

Cons

• May create a soft buzzing noise when used with some dimmer switches

Get the Sunco Lighting LED light bulbs at Amazon.

Best Outdoor

Cree PAR38 Pro Series LED Bulbs

With its long lifespan, ample brightness, and superb durability, this weatherproof LED floodlight bulb from Cree is an excellent choice for an outdoor setting. It produces 1400 lumens and may last up to 22 years, making it one of the brightest and most durable options for outdoor lighting.

The bulb uses just 19 watts, meaning it consumes 86 percent less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and floodlights, so users needn’t worry about running up the electric bill if it’s left on all night. This bulb comes with either a 25-degree focus, ideal for spotlights, or a 40-degree focus, which is better for security floodlights.

Product Specs 

• Bulb shape: Parabolic aluminized reflector (PAR38)
• Wattage: 19 watts
• Brightness: 1,330 to 2,100 lumens
• Color temperature: 3,000K

Pros