We Tested 7 Popular LED Light Bulbs—This is the Best One for Everyday Use

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Best Light Bulbs
Photo: Katie Barton for Bob Vila

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Nowadays, many renters and homeowners choose LED light bulbs over the classic incandescent, fluorescent, or halogen options. That’s because these bulbs are more energy-efficient and longer-lasting, so they save money on utility bills and bulb replacement. To find the best lighting for everyday use, as well as LED bulbs that are great for candelabras, RVs, and smart home use, we put seven popular options to the test.

After comparing bulbs of varying brightness levels, color temperatures, and applications, our top pick was the Feit Electric 8.8W Dimmable LED Light Bulb. It casts a soft white glow that is bright enough for everyday use but still warm enough to create a cozy home atmosphere.

Read ahead to learn vital info on these energy-efficient lights and for a list of some of the best LED light bulb options on the market. 

  • TorchStar Dusk to Dawn Light Bulb
  • Sylvania Light Bulb Powered On
  • Sylvania Light Bulb installation
  • Sylvania Light Bulb in Package
  • Philips Hue Smart Light Bulb Powered On
  • Philips Hue Smart Light Bulb Close Up Shot Powered On
  • Philips Hue Smart Bulb Light Bulb with Box
  • Philips Hue Smart Bulb App Settings
  • Philips Hue Smart Bulb App Lighting Effects
  • Philips Hue App Routine Settings
  • Philips Hue A19 E26 Smart Bulb Box
  • Feit Electric LED Light Bulb Close Up of Light On
  • Feit Electric Dimmable LED Light Bulb with Box
  • Feit Electric Dimmable LED Light Bulb in Light Fixture
  • EcoSmart Non-Dimmable LED Light Bulb in Package
  • EcoSmart LED Filament Light Bulb
  • EcoSmart Daylight LED Light Bulb
  • EcoSmart Candelabra Bulb in Package
  • EcoSmart Dimmable LED Filament Light Bulb
  • Best Light Bulbs
  • Best Light Bulbs
  • Antline Xenon White LED Bulbs

Best Overall

Feit Electric 8.8W Dimmable LED Light Bulb

Buy at Amazon Buy at The Home Depot

What We Like

  • Casts a bright yet soft glow
  • Provides up to 25,000 hours of lighting
  • Doesn’t alter colors in the room
  • Low cost per light bulb

What We Don’t Like

  • Color temperature may lean too warm for some

Specs 

  • Lumens: 800
  • Color temperature: Soft white (2700 kelvins)
  • Wattage: 8.8 watts 
  • Dimmable: Yes

These LED light bulbs from Feit Electric feature a rounded, A19 body shape and an E26 base that fits most standard light fixtures. Featuring a soft, warm color temperature of 2700K (kelvins), they cast a cozy glow that’s bright enough for everyday home use without feeling harsh. These bulbs also have a color rendering index (CRI) of 90+, meaning they allow colors to appear natural and vivid, which we appreciate, as some of the other warm-toned light bulbs we tested slightly altered colors in the room.

When pitted against cooler-toned bulbs, these were a clear winner in most settings. While the 5000K daylight bulbs were a favorite for bathrooms, closets, and windowless rooms, their constant bright light was a bit jarring, and in some cases (like getting ready for bed), disruptive. These warm light bulbs, on the other hand, provided the lighting we needed without drawing attention to themselves, which is exactly what we’re looking for in a light bulb. 

The Feit Electric dimmable light bulbs have an impressive 25,000-hour lifespan, which translates to a whopping 22.8 years when powered on for 3 hours per day. They’re also relatively inexpensive; compared to standard 60W incandescent bulbs, these can result in significant savings, as each of these energy-efficient light bulbs consumes only 8.8 watts. 

What our tester says: “I installed the Feit Electric soft white light bulbs in the main living areas of my house. They created the perfect cozy atmosphere while still being plenty bright.”—Katie Barton, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Feit Electric LED light bulbs at Amazon (8-pack) or The Home Depot (4-pack).

LED Light Bulbs Comparison

ProductLumensColor temperatureWattageDimmable
Feit Electric 8.8W Dimmable LED Light Bulb800Soft white (2700K)8.8WYes
EcoSmart 9W Non-Dimmable LED Light Bulb840Daylight (5000K)9WNo
Philips Hue A19 E26 Smart Bulb800Soft warm white (2700K)9.5WYes, via the app
TorchStar Dusk to Dawn A19 LED Outdoor Light Bulb800Daylight (5000K)9WNo
EcoSmart 4.6W E12 Dimmable LED Filament Light Bulb300Amber (2200K)4.6WYes
Sylvania LED A19 Light Bulb800Soft white (2700K)8.5WNo

More LED Light Bulbs Worth Your Money

While these didn’t earn our “best overall” title, we hand-tested the following picks and found them to be excellent choices for specific uses. This lineup includes daylight bulbs for areas that need bright, clear lighting, LED candelabra bulbs, dusk-to-dawn outdoor light bulbs, as well as other LED bulbs for light fixtures. 

Top LED Light Bulb

The Best LED Light Bulbs Option EcoSmart 9W Non-Dimmable LED Light Bulb

EcoSmart 9W Non-Dimmable LED Light Bulb

Top LED Light Bulb

The Best LED Light Bulbs Option Philips Hue A19 E26 Smart Bulb

Philips Hue A19 E26 Smart Bulb

Top LED Light Bulb

The Best LED Light Bulbs Option TorchStar Dusk to Dawn A19 LED

TorchStar Dusk to Dawn A19 LED

Top LED Light Bulb

The Best LED Light Bulbs Option EcoSmart 4.6W E12 Dimmable LED Filament Light Bulb

EcoSmart 4.6W E12 Dimmable LED Filament Light Bulb

Top LED Light Bulb

The Best LED Light Bulbs Option Sylvania LED A19 Light Bulb

Sylvania LED A19 Light Bulb

How We Tested the Best LED Light Bulbs

Testing Stats
Products tested 7
Time spent testing 2 weeks
Tests performed3
Price range$10 to $50

We researched dozens of the best LED light bulbs on the market before picking seven to test. Our selection criteria included considering user ratings, brand reputation, bulb longevity, and potential energy savings. We also made sure to choose a mix of warm and cool color temperatures as well as options that work for everyday home lighting, bathrooms, outdoor ceiling fans and fixtures, and even RV lighting.

After receiving our light bulbs, we tested all standard E26 bulbs in the same bedroom light fixture for 2 days to ensure a fair comparison. We then rotated them through other rooms in our home, and tested each bulb for at least 1 week, though often longer. Specialty light bulbs, such as candelabra, dusk-to-dawn, and RV bulbs, were also tested for at least 1 week. While only one smart light bulb is included in our list, it was put through the ringer, and we used it for 2 weeks, trying all available features. Each of these long-lasting light bulbs was evaluated and rated for color quality, brightness, and value. At the end of testing, we added our ratings and awarded an overall winner.

FAQs

LED light bulbs are quickly replacing traditional incandescent light bulbs. A variety of options are available to suit almost any need, including bulbs for everyday home use, color-changing lights for mood enhancement, smart remote control light bulbs that you can power from your phone, damp-rated bulbs for bathrooms and outdoor fixtures, and even decorative string 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 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? 

Yes, as long as you get the correct-fitting bulbs at the right wattage, regular light bulbs can be replaced with energy-efficient 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).

Q. How many watts is a good LED light?

When replacing a traditional 60W light bulb with an LED bulb, 8.5 to 12 watts is a good range to shoot for.

Q. How long do LED lights last?

LED lights can last from 5 to 20 years, depending on how often they’re used. The long lifespan is one of the benefits of LED lighting. 

Meet the Tester

Katie Barton has tested and reviewed hundreds of home improvement products, always with the goal of helping readers find the best options for their homes and budgets. 

Additional research provided by Glenda Taylor and Kat Hodgins

 
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Tony Carrick

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Tony Carrick has contributed to BobVila.com since 2020. He writes how-to articles and product reviews in the areas of lawn and garden, home maintenance, home improvement, auto maintenance, housewares, and technology.


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Glenda Taylor

Staff Writer

Glenda Taylor is a BobVila.com staff writer with a background in the residential remodeling, home building, and home improvement industries. She started writing for BobVila.com in 2016 and covers a range of topics, including construction methods, code compliance, tool use, and the latest news in the housing and real estate industries. 


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Kat Hodgins

Contributing Writer

Kat Hodgins is a copy and content writer based out of Vancouver, Canada. This lifelong DIYer and hands-on learner has been a freelance writer for over a decade and a BobVila.com contributor since 2020. With an affinity for jumping headfirst into home projects and finding products that make home life easier, Kat’s core contributions to the Bob Vila team are in DIY ventures and home goods.


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