The Best LED Light Bulbs
Traditional light bulbs get hot for a reason: they're not that efficient. Indeed, much of the energy sent through an incandescent light bulb is lost to heat, which is why LED alternatives are picking up steam. LED bulbs can actually save money when it comes time to pay the electric bill, and they often last much, much longer before needing to be replaced. Here, we've assembled a list of the best LED light bulbs on the market.
What to Look For
A relatively new innovation, LED light bulbs are exciting for us tech nerds. That’s why we scoured the options to find the best of the best, using four main questions to guide us: Are they reliable and compatible with standard lighting fixtures? Do they produce a comfortable color and bright light? Do they come at a fair price? Do they have any special features, like smart technology? Our favorite LED light bulbs came from Amazon Basics, as their pack of 60W-equivalent bulbs offers as much as 10,000 hours of illumination per bulb. Plus, they come at a great price. But if you want something that packs some extra punch, the 100W-equivalent bulbs from MAXvolador are available in various color temperatures to help lighten up your living room. For more in-depth reviews, read on.
Amazon Basics 60W Equivalent
Invest with less
This pack of LED bulbs from Amazon Basics is hard to pass up. An undeniable bargain, this multipack can replace your old incandescent bulbs with new-age bulbs that produce an illuminating white light. However, there are other color options, such as soft white and daylight, so you can choose the right spectrum for your needs. Whether you need a light to read by or a long-lasting bulb to keep your kitchen work illuminated, Amazon Basics will likely serve you well.
Pros:
- Great value for the price
- Each bulb can last 10,000 hours before needing replacement
- Excellent brightness for reading
- Light diffuses evenly
Cons:
- The “soft white” has more of a yellow tint akin to traditional incandescent bulbs
LEDVANCE Sylvania ECO LED Light Bulb, 60W Equivalent
Cut out your losses, count your gains
If you’re switching from incandescent bulbs, there’s no need to pull out the calculator. These LED bulbs are equivalent to 60 watts, so they work with your most standard household fixtures. They work perfectly in ceiling fans, living room lamps, and even reading lights. Indeed, they’re bright, long-lasting (as long as seven years), and affordable. Most importantly, they’re available in several multipacks and color temperatures so that you can stock up with just one purchase.
Pros:
- The 2700K color temperature is warm and easy on the eyes
- Plastic bulb heads are strong and shatter-resistant
- Consistent and reliable brightness
Cons:
- Some people find these to be too bright compared to 60W incandescent bulbs
MAXvolador A19 LED Light Bulbs, 100 Watt Equivalent
Packed with power
When it comes to light bulbs, the “watt” rating is a rough indication of the bulb’s brightness. Thus, these 100W-equivalent bulbs from MAXvolador can be expected to have a greater luminosity than their noble 60W and 75W brethren. As a result, they’re our top choice for lighting up places that need extra visibility, such as kitchens, offices, living rooms, and workshops. However, they still work just as well in just about any other application since a little extra light on the subject can’t hurt.
Pros:
- Available in a range of color temperatures
- You can replace several dimmer bulbs with just one of these
- Even light diffusion
Cons:
- They may cost a bit more per bulb compared to 60W-equivalent options
Govee Bluetooth Color Changing Light Bulbs
Groovy giving
Light bulbs might not be the most traditional gift, but then again, these color-changing bulbs from Govee are far from traditional. They can connect to a phone via Bluetooth and be controlled using the Govee Home App. And the amount of control you can enjoy is amazing. Of course, they can be set to standard white light for daily illumination. Still, you can also enable music-syncing and other colorful displays to enjoy whatever vibes suit the setting.
Pros:
- Range of color temperatures to match the time of day
- Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant
- Great for parties and bedrooms
Cons:
- Some may consider the color-changing modes to cycle too quickly
Kasa Smart Light Bulbs
Adjust to your liking
Controlling a light bulb was once limited to just on and off, but these smart bulbs from Kasa expand the possibilities beyond anything we could’ve imagined. With the app connected, you can select from a slew of lighting options to customize the aesthetics of your environment. The app is intuitive and responsive, too, so we won’t blame you if you burn a couple of hours testing out all the different color modes.
Pros:
- Doesn’t require a smart hub to use
- Accessible remotely via the app, even when you’re away from home
- You can set up timers for each bulb
Cons:
- There are a few smart bulbs from different brands that are cheaper
Frequently Asked Questions
What is color temperature?
Light bulb manufacturers use Kelvin temperatures to describe the perceived color of a particular lightbulb. The spectrum ranges from around 2000K to 6500K. Lower numbers on the spectrum are redder in hue, while higher numbers approach white and blue light hues.
Are LED light bulbs better than incandescent bulbs?
LED bulbs are almost universally more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs. They can produce the same luminosity as incandescent bulbs while consuming far less energy. They often last longer, as well.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.