Do you find that sometimes there’s too much choice when it comes to buying light bulbs and fittings?
We wouldn’t blame you. The development of LED technology has unlocked the potential for what lighting can do, but it also means that finding the right light bulb can be a bit like navigating a maze.
Don’t worry, help is at hand.
We already have a bunch of guides available that can help you pick the right lighting, whichever room it’s for, and some that can tell you exactly what to look for in the perfect light bulb.
Here we’ve gone one step further and picked out the 10 best light bulbs and fittings you can buy so far in 2021.
Some have been picked for their superior performance, while there are others that we’ve highlighted for their value for money. Finally, one of these has been chosen as our Best Buy for 2018: the product that offers the best performance, efficiency and value for money.
Best LED Range
Crompton LED Filament Range
When they first appeared on the market, LED light bulbs were bulky, inelegant looking things that had to be well-hidden behind a light shade. Sure, they were revolutionary, but they didn’t look good. These days, that’s not a problem. Ranges like Crompton Lamps’ Filament LED light bulbs offer all the performance of LED technology with the familiar look of incandescent filament light bulbs. Attractive and super-versatile, these light bulbs are the best all-rounders out there.
Best Performance
Phoebe LED Galanos Athena+ LED Panel
The energy efficiency of LED lighting is one of its biggest benefits, and it’s improving all the time. This integrated LED panel is one of the most efficient luminaires out there, offering an incredible 125 lumens per watt, nearly triple the efficiency of standard fluorescent tubes. It has an outstanding 50,000 hour average rated life, which means, even if used in a busy workplace for ten hours a day, the panel should operate for up to ten years.
Best Value for Money
Thermal Plastic LED GLS
The Thermal Plastic range of LED lighting was released in 2012, designed to offer the same performance as rival LED light bulbs, but at lower prices. The range of light bulbs are one of the best examples of the range. From GLS, to candles and golf balls, and with a newly added GU10 spotlight; they have a lifespan of over 10 years (based on 4 hours per day), providing incredible value for money.
Best Hubless Smart Fitting
Phoebe LED Spectrum Downlight
Smart technology has revolutionised lighting, but getting started with smart lights can be a bit complicated. The excellent Phoebe LED Spectrum downlight makes things easier by allowing you to connect your smartphone directly to the light fitting via Bluetooth or WIFI, foregoing the need for a central wireless hub. It has all the best features of smart lighting, including colour control, dimming, scheduling, and much more. Oh, and you can even sync its unique halo-light rim to your favourite music – which simply looks amazing.
Best Floodlight
Phoebe LED Atlas High Output LED Floodlight
They don’t come much more powerful than this. The 200w Atlas floodlight emits an incredible 22,000 lumens, roughly 50-60 times brighter than a standard household light bulb. LED technology means that it’s guaranteed to last for years too, saving plenty of money in the long run. It’s perfect for illuminating larger spaces like car parks and outdoor industrial areas, and it’s IP65 rated, so will perform in even the worst weather.
Best Solar Light
Ledvance Solar LED Garden Lights
Leading the way in outdoor solar lighting, this is one of the best products in Ledvance’s Solar LED range. These modern-style lights are more attractive than most solar lamps out there, and their build quality is excellent. These path lights are easy to install, with no wiring required.
Best Decorative Bulb
Crompton Antique LED Squirrel Cage
The LED filaments in this beautiful light bulb give it a vintage style that is difficult to replicate with any other type of light bulb. This light bulb looks perfect when paired with a copper lamp, and will stand out just as well when hung without a shade. These light bulbs replace the incandescent Edison light bulbs that are now no longer be available in the UK due to the EU ban on non-directional high-energy lamps.
Best Display Light
Phoebe LED Alecto Track Light
The right lighting is crucial for making products stand out in retail displays, and the Phoebe LED Alecto Track Light offers a versatile, high-quality adjustable lighting source to do just that. These spotlights can be used on many existing track lighting system with their universal fitting, allowing for easy adjustment, and their high CRi ≥80 rating means that colours will appear vivid and bright.
Best Spotlight
Crompton Glass LED GU10
This glass bodied GU10 spotlight from Crompton Lamps replicates a halogen GU10 perfectly. It emits a warm white 2700K light, while using the same body as a standard GU10 it fits perfectly into most fittings.
Best Design
Osram LED Filament Giant GLS Vintage 1906 Smoke
For us, this Osram giant GLS with its smoke-effect glass is a beautifully designed energy-saver is a real eye-pleaser. Featuring a decorative smoked glass finish which gives an subtle and warm, feel-good light that works equally as well at home as in commercial settings such as restaurants and bars. Also don’t forget it’s stunning size – measuring 16cm in width!
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