LED Bulb Comparison
Compare up to 3 LED bulbs side by side. Enter the specs from the packaging and see which bulb offers the best value over time.
Usage Settings
How to Compare LED Bulbs
Price isn't everything. A cheaper bulb that burns out faster or uses more electricity can cost more in the long run. Here's what to look for when comparing LED bulbs.
Key Specs Explained
Lumens (Brightness)
The actual light output. Higher lumens = brighter. A 60W-equivalent LED produces about 800 lumens.
Watts (Power)
Energy consumption. Lower watts = lower electricity cost. Look for high lumens-per-watt ratio (efficiency).
CRI (Color Rendering)
How accurately colors appear. 80 is acceptable, 90+ is excellent. Important for kitchens and bathrooms.
Color Temperature
Measured in Kelvin (K). 2700K = warm/yellow, 4000K = neutral, 5000K+ = cool/blue.
Lifespan
Rated in hours. Budget LEDs: 15,000 hrs. Premium LEDs: 25,000-50,000 hrs. Affects replacement costs.
Dimmable
Not all LEDs work with dimmer switches. If you have dimmers, look for "dimmable" on the packaging.
Total Cost of Ownership
10-Year Cost = (Annual Electricity) × 10 + (Replacements × Price)
A $10 bulb lasting 25,000 hours often beats a $3 bulb lasting 10,000 hours when you factor in replacements and efficiency.
Quick Decision Guide
| Priority | Focus On |
|---|---|
| Lowest Bills | Highest lumens/watt efficiency |
| Longest Life | Highest rated lifespan (25,000+ hours) |
| Best Colors | CRI 90 or higher |
| Budget Now | Lowest upfront price (accept tradeoffs) |
| Best Overall | Lowest 10-year total cost |