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Ask a designer or electrician about LED lightbulbs, and prepare to get a longer answer than you expected. In the last decade, LEDs bulbs — which contain an array of light-emitting diodes (a type of semiconductor) — have replaced filament-lit incandescent bulbs for a slew of reasons. LEDs consume up to 90 percent less energy, save households hundreds of dollars, and can achieve effects with color and automation that were previously the realm of high design. For example, architect Daniel Frisch recalls a Herman Miller Leaf lamp he bought in 2007 for $500. “It had little dials, and you could mix the color temperatures yourself. It was really cool,” he says. Now, “I replace that with fixtures that cost $25, and it is ten times as good.”
Still, LED lights are very much a technology in transition. “Five years ago, I pretty much refused to use them, because they weren’t dimmable,” says designer Michael Yarinsky. “They were really cold in comparison” to incandescent bulbs — one of the more common complaints about making the switch to LEDs. There are better options on the market now, both in terms of dimmability and warmth, but buying the right LED lightbulb for your space often requires more research than walking into a hardware store and buying whichever option fits your fixture. To help sort the good from the bad, we spoke to nine experts (including lighting designers and LED hobbyists) about their favorites and I tested four of the top-recommended bulbs in my own home. For even more of our favorite, expert-recommended lighting solutions, visit our Lighting District.
What
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Brightness
The first measure to look at when buying an LED lightbulb — whether you’re converting from an incandescent or swapping one LED for another — is brightness. Traditional incandescent bulbs list brightness in wattage. (A standard home bulb might be 60 to 75 watts.) But that metric is less useful for LEDs. “Wattage doesn’t have a one-to-one relationship in terms of light output. Wattage is power consumption,” says Yarinsky. Since LEDs use comparatively less energy, their wattage will be much lower than that of an incandescent while producing the same amount of light. Instead, look for lumens, which more directly track the amount of light emitted. A brightness of 800 to 1,100 lumens will be roughly equivalent to a 60- to 75-watt incandescent — good for a floor lamp or fixture. Look for a brightness of around 400 to 600 lumens for a desk or bedside lamp.
Color
Color distinguishes a good LED from one that fills your home with a pallid, Matrix-like cast. Finding the right tone is more of an art than a science, but there are two specs to look for. The first is color temperature, which is measured in Kelvins (K) and ranges from the icy glare of a headlight (4,000 to 6,000 K) to warm candlelight (1,000 to 2,000 K). A color temperature around 2,700 K creates a soft white glow, and 3,000 K is a cooler white. “Offices are best at 3,000 K (though standards used to be 4,000 K for those terrifyingly bright cubicle offices of the ’80s), and residential high-function areas like kitchens are best at 2,700 K,” says architect Ming Thompson. “Rooms with more than one bulb or with a calm atmosphere are best at 2,200 K.”
The second metric is the color rendering index (CRI), a measure of how faithfully a bulb replicates how colors appear in natural light. “The color rendering index is the thing that people don’t understand the most, and it’s the thing that they should probably look at,” says Yarinsky. That’s due to the complexity of LED circuitry: For incandescent lights, “if you buy a 2,700 K bulb, it’s 2,700 K. In LED, it’s all based on whatever their code is. So little differences in the code can make a big difference in terms of the actual warmth.” The maximum CRI is 100, which is equivalent to daylight. So when buying LEDs, Frisch looks for a CRI of 90 or above, and some options on this list have CRIs as high as 95. Not all brands list CRI, but we’re including it wherever possible.
Dimmability
If you’re planning to install an LED bulb in a fixture with a dimmer switch, be sure to buy a dimmable bulb. Otherwise, it can flicker, strobe, emit a buzzing noise, or simply not work.
Some brands offer bulbs that become warmer in tone as they dim: “It turns out that people really like seeing it go to dusk or orange light, and that kind of mimics what happens to the sun as it drops in the horizon,” says Frisch. Lightbulbs with ambient dimming tend to be more expensive due to more specialized hardware and the need to code a change in light temperature as the dimmer moves — “The diode is more expensive, the code is more expensive, you have to have a much more expensive integrated circuit in it,” says Yarinsky — but may be a worthwhile upgrade for home lighting.
Philips Dimmable Frosted A19 LED Bulbs (4-Pack)
$20
Brightness: 1,100 lumens | Color: 2,700 K, 90 CRI | Dimmable: Ambient dimming
Philips came up most often with our experts as the best source for a standard E26-base screw-in lightbulb that closely mimics the warmth and dimming of an incandescent. “Philips owns the space right now,” says Frisch. The bulbs have a five-year life span and reliably non-buggy performance, and their CRI is 90 — the baseline number Frisch looks for when he’s buying bulbs. Interior designer Olivia Stutz says that her clients “have been extremely satisfied with the price and performance” of Philips LEDs, which create “a nice soft light that perfectly emulates an incandescent bulb.”
You can get these Philips LED bulbs in a few different brightnesses, depending on your preference and need — including an ultrabright 1,600-lumen bulb and an 800-lumen bulb. I tested out the brand’s 1,100-lumen bulb in a bedroom floor lamp — roughly equivalent to an old 75-watt incandescent — where it replaced an inexpensive Feit Electric LED bought several years ago. I hadn’t realized how much I disliked the old color until I swapped it for the Philips bulb. It emanated a bright, cheerful light — cooler than a peachy old-school halogen burning in my living room but still warm enough to make the previous bulb seem gray and clammy by comparison. The bulb’s ambient dimming function works well for bedroom light: I can fade the bulb from bright, sunny white to dim peach with no flickering or buzzing at all.
$20
at Amazon$20
at Amazon
Brightness: 540 lumens | Color: 2,700 K, 95 CRI | Dimmable: Ambient dimming
Brightness: 150 lumens | Color: 2,200 K, 95 CRI | Dimmable: Ambient dimming
British brand Tala makes high-quality LEDs in a range of standard sizes along with beautiful, dramatic shapes that can function as stand-alone fixtures. I tested two of the brand’s bulbs — the Sphere bulb and the handblown Voronoi II — and was impressed with how they resolved the design puzzle of crafting a nice-looking LED. The Voronoi is lit by a single long filament, which is refracted in the irregular curves of the glass bulb’s surface — the DNA of an Edison bulb without being fully skeuomorphic. Another reason I like Tala’s bulbs is their CRI of 95 — on the higher end of options on this list. They are pricey, but you’re not just paying for design: The bulbs provide better color rendering and a richer, more complex warm tone.
Tala bulbs are a favorite of Roman and Williams co-founder Robin Standefer, who especially likes the brand’s Pluto faux-Edison bulb: It’s “warm for an LED,” she says, and emanates “an ambient glow.” Thompson uses handblown Tala bulbs in her home and describes them as “warm and subtle” — good for bedrooms and dining rooms. In general, she notices clients asking for “smooth, matte bulbs” as well “large ovals or spheres, which can be feature objects on their own without a shade or globe.” Strategist senior editor Simone Kitchens uses two of the brand’s oval bulbs as wall sconces in her bathroom, where they produce “the most incredible soft light,” she says. “The color temperature is very warm — almost like candlelight. It’s exactly the kind of low light I want when I take a shower at the end of the day.” (Kitchens installed them with simple matte-black fixtures, which is a quick hack to create an “instant unfussy sconce.”)
Soraa Vivid 3 LED Lightbulb
$25
$25
Photo: Retailer
Brightness: 410 lumens | Color: 2,700 K, 3,000 K; 95 CRI | Dimmable: Yes
Soraa makes “best-in-class halogen-replacement lights for downlights,” says Frisch. The brand occupies a similar position for bi-pin halogen-replacement lightbulbs (a style of light that fits into a fixture with two prongs rather than a screw-in base, often used in downlights) as Philips does for incandescents. “Soraa is gonna lead the halogen bi-pin market for a while,” Frisch says. Its Vivid line comes in a range of specifications, including multiple color temperatures, and the bulbs have an impressively high CRI of 95.
$25
at Lightology
Brightness: 1,100 lumens | Color: 2,700 K | Dimmable: Ambient dimming
Brightness: 800 lumens | Color: Adjustable color, default 2,700 K | Dimmable: Yes
Chris Person, a writer at the Verge and advanced LED hobbyist, is currently working on automating his home LED system with a Raspberry Pi miniature computer with the Home Assistant SkyConnect dongle. For a less DIY-heavy smart-home system, he recommends Ikea. “The Ikea bulbs are really good,” he says. “They’re cheap, and they have their own hub. They also have a lot of buttons that are useful if you’re trying to design a smart-home system.” The devices can be operated via app or integrated with voice control via Amazon Alexa, Apple Home, or Google Home.
A note on dimmer switches
In a home with older wiring, even dimmable LEDs may not be compatible with standard wall switches. Bulbs may flicker, flash, or buzz when you install them. One solution is to install an LED-specific dimmer switch. Both Frisch and lighting designer Noele de Leon recommend Lutron, which makes wall switches and plug-in dimmers for lamps. Its Caséta dimmer kit is Wi-Fi-enabled and comes with a remote control, so you can change your lighting setup from anywhere. I own the Credenza plug-in dimmer, which has worked reliably for more than two years and was glitch-free when I used it to test both the Philips and Tala bulbs.
If Wi-Fi-enabled switches offer too many bells and whistles, Kitchens likes the simple, sleek Legrand option below, which dims to produce a candlelightlike glow without the lights going haywire.
Our experts
• Daniel Frisch, principal architect of Daniel Frisch Architecture
• Simone Kitchens, Strategist senior editor
• Noele de Leon, lighting designer and co-founder of Cosine
• Chris Person, writer at the Verge
• Kyle Schurman, Strategist contributor
• Robin Standefer, co-founder and principal at Roman and Williams
• Olivia Stutz, interior designer
• Ming Thompson, architect at Atelier Cho Thompson
• Michael Yarinsky, co-founder of Office of Tangible Space
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As a business owner, you understand the importance of making wise investments. And when it comes to lighting, nothing is wiser than investing in LED lights. LED lights are more efficient and longer lasting than traditional light bulbs, making them a cost-effective choice for any business.
But with so many brands of LED lights on the market, which one should you choose? To help make your decision easier, we’ve tested and reviewed the top 10 brands of LED lights.
So read on to learn more about the best brands of LED lights available today!
Philips is an iconic brand of LED lights, renowned for its excellent quality and innovative LED lighting solutions. With a history spanning over 100 years, Philips has consistently stayed ahead of the curve when it comes to developing cutting-edge technology.
From its advanced LED products to its world-class smart lighting systems, Philips has become a trusted leader in the industry. Whether you’re looking for energy-efficient bulbs or sophisticated dimming solutions, Philips has the perfect lighting solution for your needs.
With its focus on superior design and performance, it’s no wonder that Philips is one of the most popular brands of LED lights on the market.
Country and City: Eindhoven, Netherlands
Established Date: 1891
Key Product: LED lamps, LED tubes
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If you’re looking for a reliable brand of LED lights, Philips is a great choice. This company stands out because of its innovative lighting solutions and superior designs. businesses trust this brand because they know that the company is committed to quality and always ahead of the curve when it comes to technology.
Vorlane is a brand of LED lights that offers something unique – an unbeatable combination of affordability, quality, and longevity. Founded in 2014, this brand has been at the forefront of lighting innovation ever since, bringing you the latest cutting-edge technologies at prices that won’t break the bank.
Vorlane’s products are also rigorously tested to ensure they meet the highest standards in terms of efficiency, safety, and performance. This brand also takes pride in using eco-friendly materials and processes, making Vorlane the perfect choice for those looking to reduce their environmental impact.
No matter what type of lighting you need, Vorlane has something to suit. With products designed to last, you can rest assured that the brand will deliver quality and dependability for years to come.
Country and City: Guangdong, China
Established Date: 2014
Key Product: LED streetlights, LED tubes, stage lights
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If you want fashionable and reliable LED lights without overspending, Vorlane is the perfect brand for you. All of its products are tested beyond industry standards to make sure they’re as efficient and safe as possible, so you can feel good about your purchase while knowing that you’re doing your part for the environment.
Cree is a brand of LED lights that have gained immense popularity for their energy-efficient properties. What many people don’t know is that Cree actually started out as an audio component brand in the late 1980s, after a few years of success, they pivoted and decided to focus on creating brighter, better-quality LEDs.
Today, Cree is a widely recognized brand name in the industry. Offering some of the best LED chips and components available, their products are known for being both high-performing and reliable. The team delivers excellent technology and unique solutions for specific applications that require a lot of power or mid-level power general lighting.
For the last thirty years, Cree has been at the forefront of LED technology, developing products that are now used in general lighting and large video displays.
Country and City: Racine, Wisconsin, USA
Established Date: 1987
Key Product: LED downlight, LED spot lights
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If you’re looking for a brand of LED lights that are reliable, high-performing, and energy-efficient, then look no further than Cree. With over thirty years in the industry, they have established themselves as an innovative and dependable brand that delivers quality products with unique solutions for specific applications.
GE Lighting is one of the leading brands of LED lights. Their range is impressive, from regular bulbs to high-end designer lighting fixtures. GE Lighting has perfected the art of making quality lights that not only give you great illumination but also add an aesthetic touch to your home or office space.
GE is committed to bringing innovation and efficiency to its lighting products. They are constantly experimenting with new and advanced LED technologies to make their products more efficient and better for the environment.
GE’s brand statement is ‘Bring good things to life’, and they strive to ensure that all of their customers get the best out of their product range. With GE, you can expect to get the perfect illumination in your home, office, or retail space. Plus, their lighting products are designed to last for years.
Country and City: East Cleveland, Ohio, USA
Established Date: 1911
Key Product: LED downlight, LED spot lights, LED office light
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If you’re looking for a brand of LED lights that offers superior quality, reliability, and performance, then GE Lighting is definitely the brand to check out. Their product range is extensive, with options to suit every need and budget. Plus, their commitment to innovation allows them to stay at the cutting edge of modern lighting technologies.
Litetronics is a brand of LED lights that has revolutionized lighting solutions. Founded in 1970, this brand has been providing steadfast and affordable lighting options for over 50 years – making them the brand to trust!
With decades of experience under its belt, Litetronics has perfected the art of creating energy-efficient LED bulbs that offer maximum brightness. Not only does this brand provide high-quality lighting solutions, but they also make sure to stay current with the latest trends – offering unique color temperatures and light output options that are perfect for any setting.
Their range of products is designed not only to light up space but also to reduce energy costs and minimize harm to the environment. With their wide selection of products, you can find a bulb to suit your needs without breaking the bank.
Country and City: Bedford Park, Illinois, USA
Established Date: 1970
Key Product: LED high bays, LED retrofits
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For anyone looking for energy-efficient and wireless lighting solutions, Litetronics is the brand to trust. For over 50 years, they have been providing reliable and sustainable LED bulbs at an affordable price – perfect for any setting! Not only do their products offer maximum brightness and unique color temperatures, but they also help save energy costs and reduce harm to the environment.
Feit Electric has been in the brand of LED lights since 1978, and their products have lightened up homes and lives ever since. From energy-efficient bulbs for the living room to stylish outdoor lighting for patio, Feit Electric has the perfect solution for any lighting need.
With a commitment to quality and innovation, Feit Electric continues to provide reliable illumination solutions that are eco-friendly and easy to install. Plus, they offer a range of stylish colors and sleek designs that add a touch of sophistication to any space. Whether you’re looking for a simple LED replacement bulb or an entire lighting system, Feit Electric has something for everyone.
Country and City: Los Angeles, California
Established Date: 1978
Key Product: LED floodlights, LED panel lights
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If you’re looking for quality LED lighting, Feit Electric is a great option. They’ve been in business since 1978 and are committed to providing innovative, energy-efficient solutions. Their light bulbs come in a variety of styles, so there’s sure to be one that fits your needs. Plus, their sleek designs add a touch of sophistication to any space!
Maxlite has been leading the charge in the brand of LED lights for years and is renowned for its innovative designs. It’s no wonder why more and more people are making the switch from traditional lighting to Maxlite’s energy-efficient, long-lasting, and stylish solutions.
MaxLite has been providing energy-saving lighting products, including LED High Bay Lights, to commercial, residential, and OEM markets since 1993. They were one of the first companies to switch from traditional lightbulbs to LED technology. Today, they offer a wide selection of high-quality, certified indoor and outdoor LED lamps and lighting fixtures.
With MaxLite’s products, you can enjoy savings on your energy bills and have the peace of mind that comes with choosing a brand known for its reliability and durability.
Country and City: West Caldwell, New Jersey, USA
Established Date: 1993
Key Product: LED panel lights, LED downlights
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MaxLite is the brand of choice for those looking for reliable and high-quality LED lighting solutions. With their energy-efficient, stylish solutions they promise to help users save on energy bills while also providing them with peace of mind. Plus, their products come with the brand’s reputation for durability and reliability.
Satco is a company that you can trust for all of your LED lighting needs. They offer a wide variety of products, including bulbs, decorative lighting, task lighting, and components. They are one of the most innovative manufacturers in the industry.
Satco’s commitment to always putting their customers first means they are constantly striving to maintain a high capacity for product fulfillment. Additionally, they want to be sure that their pricing is competitive within the market. Therefore, these two components – along with strong business practices overall – are integral parts of how Satco functions as a company.
As a brand of LED lights that provides superior quality at an unbeatable price, Satco is sure to have something for everyone.
Country and City: Brooklyn, New York, USA
Established Date: 1966
Key Product: LED globe light, LED bulbs
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So if you’re looking for the perfect lighting solutions, look no further than Satco! It’s a brand you can trust and rely on for all your LED needs. They have competitive prices, and a wide selection of products, and their commitment to customer service is sure to leave you feeling satisfied. So don’t hesitate to check out Satco today!
TCP is a brand of LED lights known for their long-lasting durability and quality. With more than 20 years of experience in the industry, TCP understands that lighting is an essential part of any home or commercial space. That’s why they only use the best materials and components to ensure their products will remain reliable for years to come.
They have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their energy efficiency, low heat output, and affordability. With a wide range of options from low-energy consumption bulbs to high-output lamps, TCP has something for every need and budget.
Whether you’re looking to add a bit of brightness to your bedroom or light up an entire office, TCP LED lights are the perfect choice. Best of all, they come backed by a lifetime warranty so you can be sure that you’re investing in something that will stand the test of time.
Country and City: Cleveland, Ohio, USA
Established Date: 1993
Key Product: LED globe light, LED bulbs
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If you’re looking for a brand of LED lights that will last and be reliable, TCP is the brand to go with. With over 20 years in the industry, they know exactly what it takes to deliver long-lasting, quality products. Their selection of bulbs will fit any budget and their lifetime warranty ensures that your investment will be worth it.
Envirolux is a brand of LED lights that is committed to providing high-quality products that help reduce energy costs and help the environment. With an ever-growing selection of lights for residential, commercial, and industrial applications, Envirolux has something for everyone who’s looking to save money on their lighting bills while doing good for the planet.
Their products are designed to last for years and provide excellent illumination, making them the brand of choice for those who demand superior performance. Whether you’re an eco-conscious homeowner or a business looking to make the switch to LED, Envirolux has the products and pricing to make it happen.
From retrofitted incandescent bulbs to brand-new state-of-the-art fixtures, Envirolux is committed to providing you with the highest quality lighting solutions that are both stylish and energy efficient.
Country and City: Cleveland, Ohio, USA
Established Date: 1993
Key Product: LED globe light, LED bulbs
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Envirolux is a brand of LED lighting that has been offering top-of-the-line products for decades. With their commitment to energy efficiency and environmentally friendly solutions, they are the perfect brand for anyone looking to save money on electricity bills while doing good for the planet.
Whether you’re an eco-conscious homeowner or a business looking to make the switch to LED, Envirolux has the products and pricing to make it happen.
Ketra, a pioneer in the realm of LED lighting, has transformed the way we experience light. Since its inception, Ketra has been at the forefront of delivering innovative and customizable lighting solutions that cater to the evolving needs of modern spaces. With its integration into the Lutron family, Ketra has further solidified its position as a leader in intelligent lighting, offering unparalleled control and personalization.
Ketra’s expertise lies in its ability to mimic natural light within indoor environments, enhancing both the aesthetic and functional aspects of any space. Their cutting-edge technology allows for seamless adjustments in color temperature and intensity, ensuring that each lighting scenario perfectly aligns with the user’s preferences and activities.
Based in Austin, Texas, USA, Ketra has continuously pushed the boundaries of lighting design since its establishment. Their product lineup, including advanced LED bulbs, downlights, and control systems, is a testament to their commitment to quality and innovation.
Country and City: Austin, Texas, USA
Established Date: 2018
Key Product: Intelligent LED lighting systems
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Ketra stands as a beacon of excellence in the LED lighting industry, offering solutions that go beyond mere illumination. Their products not only provide energy-efficient and environmentally friendly lighting options but also enhance the overall well-being of individuals by closely replicating natural light. For those seeking to elevate their lighting experience with smart, adaptive solutions, Ketra represents the pinnacle of innovation and quality. With over a decade of dedication to transforming spaces with light, Ketra continues to illuminate the future of lighting.
LED lights are becoming more and more popular each year. As technology advances, the quality of LED lights improves as well. This is great news for consumers because it means that they have access to better products at a lower cost.
If you’re in the market for some new LED lights, be sure to check out our top 10 list. We’ve tested and reviewed all of the best brands so that you don’t have to. If you need help choosing the right set of LEDs for home, business, or retail lighting, contact us at Vorlane. We would be happy to assist you!