Making the switch to LED light bulbs may seem like an expensive proposition upfront, especially when compared to the lower cost of the traditional incandescent or CFL bulbs. However, they will make up for this cost over time. This cost savings comes in the form of lower power consumption, with a 40-watt equivalent LED bulb using just 10 watts or less. LED bulbs can also provide conveniences such as dimming and motion sensing, so you can put them anywhere. Cree's bright white LED light bulbs pack quite the punch with their combination of brightness and their unsurpassed lifespan. Plus they have a 10-year warranty. We have gathered all of the best LED light bulbs around to help you choose the best for your needs.
Cree Bright White Light Bulb
Built to last
Cree's LED bulbs are designed for the long haul with an exceptional 22-year life expectancy. These dimmable bulbs can also be used in enclosed fixtures.
Pros:
- 10-year warranty
- 22-year life expectancy
- Dimmable
Cons:
- Pricey
- Not rated for outdoors
- Dimmer compatibility not guaranteed
Cree's bright white LED light bulbs focus on providing high levels of performance unmatched by other manufacturers. Rated at 1,000 lumens, these bulbs can light the darkest of areas while consuming just 12 watts of power, a far cry from the 75-watt equivalent bulbs that these replace.
Cree's light bulbs are also dimmable for those situations where lighting can set the mood, or when used at night. Unlike many other light bulbs on the market, Cree's line is suitable for completely enclosed fixtures. It keeps the purchasing process simple by removing the need to worry about buying specific bulbs for around the house.
Best of all, Cree's light bulbs are made to withstand the test of time, offering an astonishing 22-year life expectancy. If that wasn't enough, Cree includes a 10-year limited warranty with their bulbs, ensuring that your investment to switch to LED will pay off in the long run.
AmazonBasics Non-Dimmable Bulb
Cost effective
The AmazonBasics LED bulb provides bright, instant-on light at an affordable price. These bulbs are also backed by Amazon's 3-year limited warranty.
Pros:
- Low price
- High lumen output
- Instant-on
Cons:
- Not dimmable
- Not available in California
The AmazonBasics line is synonymous with cost-effective solutions to everyday essentials, and their LED light bulbs offer just that. These low priced bulbs are no slouch when it comes to brightness, with their 60-watt equivalents providing 800 lumens of output.
Despite their low cost, Amazon's bulbs have a life expectancy of 13 years and include a 3-year warranty. Even though these bulbs are not dimmable, they do offer other high-end features such as instant-on LED technology. This allows them to light up your rooms without delay.
GE Relax HD Dimmable Light Bulb
Calm down
GE's Relax HD bulbs are tuned for softer lighting with less blue light output than others. These bulbs can also be dimmed and are rated for damp locations.
Pros:
- Tuned for bedroom use
- Dimmable
- Can be used in damp locations
Cons:
- High contrast
- Not ideal for overhead lighting
- Dimming compatibility not guaranteed
GE's Relax HD line of LED light bulbs specialize in providing softer lighting for usage in areas such as bedrooms. Softer color temperature means that these bulbs will output more yellow light rather than white or blue light that comes with daylight bulbs.
As its name suggests, GE's relax series strive to help stave off blue light, which has been seen as a disrupter to sleep patterns through this softer yellow light. GE's bulbs also work with dimmer switches, and they even work in damp locations if desired.
Sylvania 40254 Filament Bulb
Vintage charm
The Sylvania filament bulb combines modern energy savings with traditional light bulb design. These bulbs are perfect for adding visual charm to any space.
Pros:
- Design
- Dimmable
- Can be used outdoors
Cons:
- Low lumen output
- Low life expectancy
- Best suited for clear diffusers
The Sylvania 40254 Filament LED light bulb brings modern energy-saving technology to the classic light bulb style. Sylvania's filament style bulbs provide up to 450 lumens of light which is the equivalent of a 40-watt incandescent bulb, all while using just 8.5 watts of power.
Even though filament style bulbs are typically installed in clear fixtures, which shows off their simplistic beauty, Sylvania's offering can also work outdoors if desired. Unlike the traditional filament light bulb, the Sylvania 40254 LED bulb is compatible with dimmer switches, allowing owners to set the perfect level of light for the moment.
Bottom line
LED light bulbs are the best and easiest way to cut back on your energy usage and to save a little extra money. Despite the initial higher cost of entry, LED light bulbs offer substantially reduced energy consumption. Plus, they can last significantly longer, meaning that your investment will pay off after just a few years.
We love Cree's bright white line of LED light bulbs for their amazing 22-year lifespan rating and their 10-year warranty. These bulbs can lighten up any space with their eye-popping 1,000 lumens of brightness, and they can also dim to suit any occasion. Cree's bulbs even sip energy when compared to their traditional counterparts, reducing energy consumption by 63 watts when compared to a 75-watt equivalent light bulb.