The Best Lightbulbs

Your guide to this review today is by Cleaning expert Ben Murray
Published on
March 27th, 2019

Expert BioExpert Bio

Ben’s formal training and certifications in cleaning include the ASD (Advanced Structural Drying), AMRT (Applied Microbial Remediation Technician),
WRT (Water restoration technician), CCT (Carpet Cleaning technician), and bio hazard cleanup, as well as several other certifications from the IICRC. Ben has managed teams involved in cleaning projects around the United States. Ben’s passion for cleaning dates all the way back to keeping his rugby gear tidy while a young lad. Ben holds an undergraduate degree from Oxford, a Master’s degree from Oxford, and a mountain of hands on experience at the school of hard knocks.

The Cleaning Institute

Few people give much thought to the light bulbs they purchase. Oftentimes, people only think about how bright they are and how much they cost. But there are other equally important factors to take into consideration, most of which will impact the functionality and usability of the bulbs.

The Cleaning Institute provides some insight on some of the best bulbs to purchase. The Cleaning Institute has been in the business of providing quality home solutions for 35 years, so you should find this guidee to be very informative.

Testing Categories

Shopping for a bulb is seemingly a pretty straightforward process. Oftentimes, brightness is the only factor that people think about when choosing bulbs from different manufacturers. But there are actually a few other factors worth considering, some of which will have an effect on the efficiency of the bulb and how much use you will get out of it.

Power. Light bulbs are typically rated in watts. In the case of LED bulbs, they usually provide more illumination than their higher rated counterparts. Some 9-watt LED bulbs for instance, provide equivalent lighting as standard 60-watt incandescent bulbs. You could therefore get away with less wattage when purchasing LED bulbs. They also produce less heat and have lower power requirements, which are always good qualities in a bulb.

Duration. No matter what type of light bulb it is, it can only last for so long. All light bulbs will fail eventually, but some will last longer than others. You will generally want a bulb that provides several months of service, which is reasonable to expect with modern designs. Longer lasting lights will also save you the cost of replacements, which can add up to significant cost savings over time.

Energy efficiency. Keeping bulbs on for long periods will extract a fairly significant toll on your electric bill. This is why you should choose bulbs that are as energy-efficient as possible. The good news is that newer bulbs are designed for energy efficiency, and they typically consume much less power than older designs. Lower watt bulbs consume less electricity as well, but you do want to have sufficient lighting power, so choose accordingly.

Packaging. Being made of glass, bulbs are particularly prone to breakage. With some of the better brands, equal focus is given to packaging that reduces the risk of breakage. Although it might seem like a minor point, good packaging can actually add value to a bulb.

Cost effectiveness. Price is one of the most important factors when considering any purchase. But more than just the list price, you should also consider how long the bulbs will last. The best bulbs will provide a long service life, which saves you the cost of frequent replacements.

Top Pick

Sylvania
Home
Lighting

Energy efficiency makes these LED bulbs excellent alternatives to incandescent bulbs. They operate at 8.5 watts, and put out 800 lumens. The soft white light is ideal for bedrooms and living areas.

Price Check

Most notable upside: Sylvania bulbs are noticeably brighter than incandescent bulbs, even 60-watt bulbs that they are measured against. They don’t have the typical LED light quality, and are in fact almost indistinguishable from standard bulbs. They consume up to 82% less electricity than halogen lamps, while still providing equivalent lighting power. Considering how well they light up the surroundings, it’s impressive how they remain fairly cool even after hours of use. The long life claimed by the manufacturer is also a definite plus.

Biggest downsides: These lights work pretty well for the most part, although there have been reports of flickering after just several weeks of use. Depending on the design of your lamp, the porcelain base may also be visible, which can affect the visual aesthetics of your lighting system.

5/5
Power
4/5
Duration
5/5
Energy efficiency
5/5
Packaging
5/5
Cost effectiveness

Honorable Mention

TCP LA927KND6
60-Watt Equivalent
LED Light Bulbs

These LED bulbs save you up to 85% on energy costs. Operating at 9 watts, they provide illumination equivalent to 60 watt bulbs. The soft white light is suitable for bedrooms, living rooms, and more.

Price Check

Most notable upside: These are much more attractive alternatives to standard yellow incandescent lights. They illuminate areas much more clearly, and they can even reduce eye strain. Unlike many other types of LED bulbs, these can be used even in enclosed fixtures. This makes them suitable for use in areas where lights are left on all night. Although they aren\'t quite as bright as 100-watt bulbs, they definitely provide a much more appealing glow.

Biggest downsides: If there is one thing that could be said about TCP bulbs it’s that they are perhaps too bright. People that prefer the slightly subdued illumination provided by standard bulbs might find these a bit too much. They also retain a bit of light when switched off, which is especially noticeable in dark rooms with no other lighting.

5/5
Power
5/5
Duration
4/5
Energy efficiency
3/5
Packaging
4/5
Cost effectiveness

Green Pick

Philips LED
Non-Dimmable A19
Frosted Light Bulb

These energy-efficient bulbs consume 80% less electricity than 60 watt incandescent bulbs and last 10 times as long. The soft white lighting is comfortable on the eyes and perfect for household use.

Price Check

Most notable upside: Philips LED bulbs provide just enough lighting without being too overbearing. The color is quite appealing, even for those that normally prefer the slightly muted light of a standard incandescent bulb. The Philips brand also tends to inspire confidence in most people, being a well-established brand. The cost effectiveness is what many users appreciate the most. Although they draw only 8-watts, the light they provide is the equivalent of a good 60-watt bulb. They stay pretty cool too, even after being left on for hours.

Biggest downsides: These bulbs don\'t seem to last quite as long as bulbs from other manufacturers. There have been reports of bulbs dying out in a little more than a year, which isn\'t bad by most standards. However, we feel that it’s reasonable to expect longer life from an established brand such as Philips. There have also been reports of interference with garage door openers, although these incidents don\'t seem very common.

4/5
Power
4/5
Duration
5/5
Energy efficiency
3/5
Packaging
4/5
Cost effectiveness

The Best Lightbulbs

Your guide to this review today is by Cleaning expert Ben Murray

The Cleaning Institute

Testing Categories

Sylvania
Home
Lighting

Power

Duration

Energy efficiency

Packaging

Cost effectiveness

TCP LA927KND6
60-Watt Equivalent
LED Light Bulbs

Power

Duration

Energy efficiency

Packaging

Cost effectiveness

Philips LED
Non-Dimmable A19
Frosted Light Bulb

Power

Duration

Energy efficiency

Packaging

Cost effectiveness

All Our Picks

Sylvania
Home
Lighting

TCP LA927KND6
60-Watt Equivalent
LED Light Bulbs

Philips LED
Non-Dimmable A19
Frosted Light Bulb

Quick Links

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

The Best Lightbulbs

Your guide to this review today is by Cleaning expert Ben Murray

The Cleaning Institute

Testing Categories

Sylvania Home Lighting

Power

Duration

Energy efficiency

Packaging

Cost effectiveness

TCP LA927KND6 60-Watt EquivalentLED Light Bulbs

Power

Duration

Energy efficiency

Packaging

Cost effectiveness

Philips LEDNon-Dimmable A19Frosted Light Bulb

Power

Duration

Energy efficiency

Packaging

Cost effectiveness

All Our Picks

Sylvania Home Lighting

TCP LA927KND6 60-Watt EquivalentLED Light Bulbs

Philips LEDNon-Dimmable A19Frosted Light Bulb

Quick Links

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Sylvania
Home
Lighting

TCP LA927KND6
60-Watt Equivalent
LED Light Bulbs

Philips LED
Non-Dimmable A19
Frosted Light Bulb

Sylvania
Home
Lighting

TCP LA927KND6
60-Watt Equivalent
LED Light Bulbs

Philips LED
Non-Dimmable A19
Frosted Light Bulb