--- title: "We Tested 7 Popular LED Light Bulbs—This is the Best One for Everyday Use" description: "Many homeowners are making the switch to LEDs. Before you do so, get to know the best LED light bulbs available based on our tests." date: "2020-01-05" modified: "2025-09-03" authors: - name: "Glenda Taylor" job_title: "Staff Writer" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/glenda-taylor/" - name: "Kat Hodgins" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/kat-hodgins/" - name: "Tony Carrick" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/tony-carrick/" url: "https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-led-light-bulbs/" categories: - "Energy & Power" - "Exterior" - "Furniture & Decor" - "Interior" - "Lighting" - "Lighting & Electrical" - "Reviews" tags: - "Commerce" - "MPR" --- # We Tested 7 Popular LED Light Bulbs—This is the Best One for Everyday Use ![Best Light Bulbs]() *Photo: Katie Barton for BobVila.com* 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]() [][][] 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 | **Product** | **Lumens** | **Color temperature** | **Wattage** | **Dimmable** | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Feit Electric 8.8W Dimmable LED Light Bulb]() | 800 | Soft white (2700K) | 8.8W | Yes | | [EcoSmart 9W Non-Dimmable LED Light Bulb]() | 840 | Daylight (5000K) | 9W | No | | [Philips Hue A19 E26 Smart Bulb]() | 800 | Soft warm white (2700K) | 9.5W | Yes, via the app | | [TorchStar Dusk to Dawn A19 LED Outdoor Light Bulb]() | 800 | Daylight (5000K) | 9W | No | | [EcoSmart 4.6W E12 Dimmable LED Filament Light Bulb]() | 300 | Amber (2200K) | 4.6W | Yes | | [Syl]()[vania LED A19 Lig]()[ht Bulb]() | 800 | Soft white (2700K) | 8.5W | No | ## 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. ## How We Tested the Best LED Light Bulbs | **Testing Stats** | | --- | | Products tested | 7 | | Time spent testing | 2 weeks | | Tests performed | 3 | | 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. | **Product** | **Quality** | **Color** | **Value** | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Feit Electric 8.8W Dimmable LED Light Bulb]() | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | | [EcoSmart 9W Non-Dimmable LED Light Bulb]() | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | | [Philips Hue A19 E26 Smart Bulb]() | 5/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.7/5 | | [TorchStar Dusk to Dawn A19 LED Outdoor Light Bulb]() | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | | [EcoSmart 4.6W E12 Dimmable LED Filament Light Bulb]() | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | | [Sylvan]()[ia LED A19 Light Bulb]() | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | ## 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. ## 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* ## Author Tony Carrick is a freelance writer who 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. ### Author social links [LinkedIn]()