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Light fittings and ceiling lightsHelping You Find the Best
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Light fittings and ceiling lightsHelping You Find the Best
  • 10 Best Eco-Friendly Lightbulbs in 2022 (Philips LED, EcoSmart, and More) 1
  • 10 Best Eco-Friendly Lightbulbs in 2022 (Philips LED, EcoSmart, and More) 2
  • 10 Best Eco-Friendly Lightbulbs in 2022 (Philips LED, EcoSmart, and More) 3
  • 10 Best Eco-Friendly Lightbulbs in 2022 (Philips LED, EcoSmart, and More) 4
  • 10 Best Eco-Friendly Lightbulbs in 2022 (Philips LED, EcoSmart, and More) 5

10 Best Eco-Friendly Lightbulbs in 2022 (Philips LED, EcoSmart, and More)

One of the easiest ways to slowly care more for the environment is by replacing your lightbulbs with more eco-friendly options as they go out. When compared to more modern options, traditional incandescent lightbulbs are short-lived and very energy inefficient, so it makes sense to switch over not just for the environment but also for your wallet.

There are a few different options when it comes to eco-friendly lightbulbs, and if you don’t know where to start, it may feel a little intimidating. In this guide, we’ll go over the things you should look for when choosing the right lightbulb for you. We’ve also got a list of our 10 favorites to help you get started, including TCP's 9W LED Light Bulbs.
Last updated 09/26/2023

Quick List - Top Eco-Friendly Lightbulbs

1

TCP

9W LED Light Bulbs6 pack
9W LED Light Bulbs

Affordable With Consistent Color and Quality

2

Great Eagle Lighting Corporation

Dimmable LED Bulb6 pack
Dimmable LED Bulb

Shatter-Resistant and Illuminating

3

EcoSmart

Spiral CFL Light Bulb4 pack
Spiral CFL Light Bulb

CFLs With Less Mercury

4

Philips LED

Non-Dimmable Frosted Light Bulb16 pack
Non-Dimmable Frosted Light Bulb

Reliable and Affordable LEDs

5

Fluxtronics

LED Light Bulb4 pack
LED Light Bulb

True 100-Watt Equivalent Brightness

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Table of Contents

How to Choose Eco-Friendly Lightbulbs

Finding the right eco-friendly lightbulb involves considering the quality of the bulb as well as the kind of lighting you need. So don’t forget to keep your own preferences in mind.
1

Look for an Energy Star Certification for Durable, Energy Efficient Lights

Look for an Energy Star Certification for Durable, Energy Efficient Lights
Energy Star is a joint program between the EPA and the Department of Energy that assesses electric appliances for quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.


When it comes to lightbulbs, an Energy Star certification means that compared to standard incandescent lightbulbs, certified lights are just as bright, use up to 90% less energy, last 15 to 25 times longer, and can save up to $80 per lightbulb over its lifespan. Both LEDs and compact fluorescents can be Energy Star certified.

2

Consider Price and Disposal When Choosing Between LEDs and CFLs

For a while, CFLs were the gold standard in energy efficient lighting, but recently LEDs have started to take over. However, both are still good options when switching from incandescents.

CFLs are Cheaper but Contain Harmful Chemicals and Must Be Handled With Care

CFLs are Cheaper but Contain Harmful Chemicals and Must Be Handled With Care
When it comes to upfront price, compact fluorescents are the clear winner as they can cost less than half as much as LEDs

However, they have a shorter lifespan by a factor of 2 to 3 and are 20 to 30% less efficient (though still up to 80% more efficient than incandescent lights), so CFLs might only be a good choice if you’re unable to foot the upfront cost of LEDs.


Additionally, CFLs also contain mercury, which is an extremely toxic substance and cannot be thrown away. In fact, some states have even made it illegal to dispose of CFLs in the trash. So when you’re ready to get rid of an old CFL, you will have to find a processor that can dispose of it safely.

LEDs Are Fully Recyclable but Cost More Upfront

LEDs Are Fully Recyclable but Cost More Upfront
LED lights last longer and are more energy-efficient than CFLs. Plus, they’re nontoxic and can be thrown away if you want. But they’re also full of recyclable parts—just be sure to find a recycler that can take them and don’t include them with your normal recycling.


However, LEDs are the new kid on the block and are thus going to cost a bit more upfront. But when one lightbulb may last you an entire lifetime, it makes sense to splurge a little.

3

Check for Dimmable or Motion-Activated Lights For More Control Over Energy Flow

Check for Dimmable or Motion-Activated Lights For More Control Over Energy Flow
If you’re the type to forget to turn lights off or prefer to not have bright lights during certain parts of the day, you could save even more energy by getting dimmable or motion-activated lights.


A dimmable light will allow you to change energy flow to the light, thereby making it brighter or dimmer. A motion-activated light will turn on and off depending on whether there’s any movement within its sight range.

4

Think About Your Lighting Needs When Considering Brightness and Color

Think About Your Lighting Needs When Considering Brightness and Color
Of course, it doesn’t make sense to buy a light only to realize that you hate the color or that it’s too bright. So to prevent from wasting any time, money, or resources, it’s best to go in knowing exactly what you’re looking for.


Energy-efficient lightbulbs measure brightness in lumens. A bright light comparable to a 100-watt incandescent bulb is about 1600 lumens. A standard 80-watt equivalent is about 800 lumens. For an even dimmer, 40-watt equivalent, look for 450 lumens. Of course, dimmable lights will give you a range of possible brightnesses.


When it comes to light color, the box will normally tell you whether to expect warm, white, or cool lighting. But if you’re looking for more specifics, the warmest light you’ll find would be around 2200 K, a cool daylight is around 5000 K, and a soft white would be around 3000 K. Some LEDs also allow you to adjust the color via an app.

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10 Best Eco-Friendly Lightbulbs Ranking

Here are the best Eco-Friendly Lightbulbs, ranked according to 10 Best Eco-Friendly Lightbulbs (as of 11-04-2022). The products are ranked independently by mybest.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

TCP

9W LED Light Bulbs6 pack

TCP 9W LED Light Bulbs 1

Affordable With Consistent Color and Quality

2

Great Eagle Lighting Corporation

Dimmable LED Bulb6 pack

Great Eagle Lighting Corporation Dimmable LED Bulb 1

Shatter-Resistant and Illuminating

3

EcoSmart

Spiral CFL Light Bulb4 pack

EcoSmart  Spiral CFL Light Bulb 1

CFLs With Less Mercury

4

Philips LED

Non-Dimmable Frosted Light Bulb16 pack

Philips LED Non-Dimmable Frosted Light Bulb 1

Reliable and Affordable LEDs

5

Fluxtronics

LED Light Bulb4 pack

Fluxtronics LED Light Bulb 1

True 100-Watt Equivalent Brightness

6

Torchstar

Globe LED Dimmable Bulb6 pack

Torchstar Globe LED Dimmable Bulb 1

Bright Daylight in All Directions

7

Sunco Lighting

Dimmable, Indoor/Outdoor Flood Light6 pack

Sunco Lighting Dimmable, Indoor/Outdoor Flood Light 1

True White Downward-Facing Lights

8

Philips LED

Energy Saver 23-Watt 100W Soft White CFL Light Bulb4 pack

Philips LED Energy Saver 23-Watt 100W Soft White CFL Light Bulb 1

Warm-Lighted and Bright CFLs

9

Aukora

Motion Sensor Light Bulbs (2 Pack)2 pack

Aukora Motion Sensor Light Bulbs (2 Pack) 1

Motion and Light Sensors for Extra Energy Savings

10

Seaside Village

Vintage LED Edison Bulbs4 pack

Seaside Village Vintage LED Edison Bulbs 1

Vintage Lights in a Modern LED Format

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

TCP
9W LED Light Bulbs6 pack

9W LED Light Bulbs 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$24.99
High Mid
Reference price
$24.99
High Mid

Affordable With Consistent Color and Quality

These bulbs are bright, true to color, and consistent. If you’re still slowly changing out old CFLs or incandescents, these will match the color perfectly.

At just over $4 per light, these are some of the most affordable LEDs you can find, and they are rated to last for up to 13 years of regular use.

Most reviewers love the bulbs, saying that they don't look much different from standard lightbulbs - in terms of brightness, color, and design - but they really do save you money on your electricity bill

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No.2

Great Eagle Lighting Corporation
Dimmable LED Bulb6 pack

Reference price
$19.95
Mid

Shatter-Resistant and Illuminating

Although Great Eagle's option isn't Energy Star rated, it is UL rated and highly efficient. They're dimmable when you want to change the lighting of a room, and shatter-resistant, so you don't have to worry about dropping them when changing them out. They're also long-lasting, with the company claiming them to work for 10,000 hours.


Besides Daylight, you can also find them in three other colors: warm white, soft white, and cool white. Critical reviewers say that the lightbulbs will sometimes flicker or that a few of them blew within a month. 


However, more say that the lights are extra bright, clearly white - working especially well in the kitchen - and they illuminate nooks and crannies, revealing new spots to love about your house. 

No.3

EcoSmart
Spiral CFL Light Bulb4 pack

Reference price
$10.39
Low

CFLs With Less Mercury

These compact fluorescent bulbs are probably the most eco-friendly CFLs you’ll find as they contain 70% less mercury than a standard CFL. They give off a bright, cool white light that will make your room feel like it has an extra window.

These bulbs are reliable, long-lasting, and brighter than you might expect, but if you do have problems, they also come with a 9-year limited warranty.

According to reviewers, the lights have a bit of a blue tint to them rather than a pure white tone. They also take a bit of time to warm up before getting bright. But reviewers like that they make their rooms more cheerful, giving off more light, and they last long.

No.4

Philips LED
Non-Dimmable Frosted Light Bulb16 pack

Reference price
$19.49
Mid

Reliable and Affordable LEDs

These LEDs give off a bright, warm light and are flicker-free. These bulbs are slightly shorter than an average lightbulb, which might make them a better fit for some smaller fixtures.

While they aren’t Energy Star certified, Philips is known for its quality, and with 16 bulbs for less than $2 each, it will likely still be cost-effective despite the slightly lower lifespan.

Some reviewers say that the bulbs die within a month - or they start flickering, but more reviewers say that these are value for your money - plenty bright and without any blue or yellow tint.

No.5

Fluxtronics
LED Light Bulb4 pack

Reference price
$17.99
Mid

True 100-Watt Equivalent Brightness

These LEDs are 100-watt equivalent and just as bright as they claim to be. They are reliable and give off a cool white light, plus they don’t buzz, flicker, or get hot.

On top of that, in case there are any problems with your bulbs, they come with a 3-year warranty, and the manufacturer is quick to respond.

Like other bulbs, these also will start flickering when they're close to dying. But reviewers like that they brighten up the room and that they don't emit much heat - so you can grab the bulb even when it's lit.

No.6

Torchstar
Globe LED Dimmable Bulb6 pack

Reference price
$25.99
High

Bright Daylight in All Directions

These globe lights shine bright in all directions, making them perfect for any more exposed fixtures like lamps or vanity mirrors. Plus, they aren’t too bright, which makes them good for use in multiples.

However, some reviewers have reported flickering in some units. But in case that happens to you, the manufacturer is extremely responsive, and each bulb is under a 3-year warranty. The bulbs also have a neck that's longer than standard - so be aware when fitting them.

On the other hand, reviewers love that the lights are dimmable and give off a clean, white light. Plus, they look exactly like incandescents. 

No.7

Sunco Lighting
Dimmable, Indoor/Outdoor Flood Light6 pack

Reference price
$19.99
Mid

True White Downward-Facing Lights

These LEDs are bright, stable, and reliable. They have a 110-degree beam angle perfect for any downward-facing light fixture with a wide range of dimmers, and the color runs very close to true white.

Some reviewers note that there may be a brief popping sound when turning the light on. If you find that they stop working within the first 5 years, they will qualify for a warranty.

The lights are neither blue nor yellow-tinted and give off a nice, white light. Reviewers also say that the bulbs work well with dimmers and they turn on immediately after pressing your light switch.

No.8

Philips LED
Energy Saver 23-Watt 100W Soft White CFL Light Bulb4 pack

Reference price
$14.99
Low Mid

Warm-Lighted and Bright CFLs

This compact fluorescent lightbulb costs just over $2 each and will last you about 7 years of regular use. Its warm light is ideal for almost any setting and requires basically zero warm up time.

However, some reviewers note receiving packages with a broken bulb. And while the company does offer a limited warranty, a broken CFL can be dangerous due to the mercury content.

A couple of reviewers use these bulbs as grow lights for their gardens or for their aquariums. They also aren't too bright, so they won't be blinding when you turn them on.

No.9

Aukora
Motion Sensor Light Bulbs (2 Pack)2 pack

Reference price
$17.99
Mid

Motion and Light Sensors for Extra Energy Savings

This light features both motion sensors as well as daylight sensors so that it automatically only turns on when motion is detected in a dark setting. It can be used in any downward-facing fixture as long as it’s no more than 13 feet above the ground.

However, some reviewers note reliability issues out of the box. But if that’s a problem for you, the manufacturer offers a 30-day money-back guarantee as well as a 12-month warranty.

Reviewers say that they work well for porch light and flat light fixtures and they have a pretty wide range for motion sensing.

No.10

Seaside Village
Vintage LED Edison Bulbs4 pack

Reference price
$22.99
High Mid

Vintage Lights in a Modern LED Format

Despite their appearance, these lightbulbs are actually LEDs and are perfect for those looking for a warm, classic vibe. They’re bright, dimmable, and don’t flicker.

However, they are a bit larger than most Edison bulbs, so keep that in mind if you’re planning on putting them in a tight fixture. And while they aren’t Energy Star certified, they do have a significant lifespan.

Reviewers say that they do emit white light, rather than the slight yellow of typical Edison bulbs - even when dimmed. Their retro and vintage look was a hit; plus, they aren't glaringly bright.

Are Energy-Efficient Lightbulbs Dangerous?

Are Energy-Efficient Lightbulbs Dangerous?
You may have heard somewhere that CFLs leak radiation or that LEDs contain environmentally harmful heavy metals. As with all new technology, there are naturally some concerns over the safety of new energy-efficient lightbulbs. But rest assured, using them in your home is completely safe.


It’s true that CFLs contain mercury, but the amount of mercury is actually one-hundredth of the amount in older thermometers, and you’d have to leave a broken bulb unattended for weeks for enough mercury to get into the environment to cause any sort of effect.


As for the radiation, so long as you’re about a foot away from the light, they give off no more radiation than an incandescent.


LEDs, on the other hand, do contain trace amounts of metals like nickel and copper, but they’re in such small amounts that they’re even considered safe for landfill. Plus, that’s more of a reason to remember to recycle!

Top 5 Eco-Friendly Lightbulbs

No. 1: TCP9W LED Light Bulbs6 pack

No. 2: Great Eagle Lighting CorporationDimmable LED Bulb6 pack

No. 3: EcoSmart Spiral CFL Light Bulb4 pack

No. 4: Philips LEDNon-Dimmable Frosted Light Bulb16 pack

No. 5: FluxtronicsLED Light Bulb4 pack

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

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