10 Best Eco-Friendly Lightbulbs in 2022 (Philips LED, EcoSmart, and More)
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.
Quick List - Top Eco-Friendly Lightbulbs
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How to Choose Eco-Friendly Lightbulbs
Look for an Energy Star Certification for Durable, Energy Efficient Lights
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.
Consider Price and Disposal When Choosing Between LEDs and CFLs
CFLs are Cheaper but Contain Harmful Chemicals and Must Be Handled With Care
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
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.
Check for Dimmable or Motion-Activated Lights For More Control Over Energy Flow
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.
Think About Your Lighting Needs When Considering Brightness and Color
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.
10 Best Eco-Friendly Lightbulbs Ranking
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | TCP 9W LED Light Bulbs｜6 pack | | Affordable With Consistent Color and Quality | |
2 | Great Eagle Lighting Corporation Dimmable LED Bulb｜6 pack | | Shatter-Resistant and Illuminating | |
3 | EcoSmart Spiral CFL Light Bulb｜4 pack | | CFLs With Less Mercury | |
4 | Philips LED Non-Dimmable Frosted Light Bulb｜16 pack | | Reliable and Affordable LEDs | |
5 | Fluxtronics LED Light Bulb｜4 pack | | True 100-Watt Equivalent Brightness | |
6 | Torchstar Globe LED Dimmable Bulb｜6 pack | | Bright Daylight in All Directions | |
7 | Sunco Lighting Dimmable, Indoor/Outdoor Flood Light｜6 pack | | True White Downward-Facing Lights | |
8 | Philips LED Energy Saver 23-Watt 100W Soft White CFL Light Bulb｜4 pack | | Warm-Lighted and Bright CFLs | |
9 | Aukora Motion Sensor Light Bulbs (2 Pack)｜2 pack | | Motion and Light Sensors for Extra Energy Savings | |
10 | Seaside Village Vintage LED Edison Bulbs｜4 pack | | Vintage Lights in a Modern LED Format |
Affordable With Consistent Color and Quality
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.
Great Eagle Lighting CorporationDimmable LED Bulb ｜ 6 pack
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.
CFLs With Less Mercury
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.
Reliable and Affordable LEDs
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.
True 100-Watt Equivalent Brightness
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.
Bright Daylight in All Directions
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.
Sunco LightingDimmable, Indoor/Outdoor Flood Light ｜ 6 pack
True White Downward-Facing Lights
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.
Philips LEDEnergy Saver 23-Watt 100W Soft White CFL Light Bulb ｜ 4 pack
Warm-Lighted and Bright CFLs
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.
Motion and Light Sensors for Extra Energy Savings
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.
Vintage Lights in a Modern LED Format
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?
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!
Be Even More Kind to the Planet
There are many other ways of consuming goods in a way that's safer for the planet. Take toilet paper, for example - go for something that's made of bamboo or recycled paper. There are also biodegradable choices of products, so take a look at our other guides if you need help choosing!
Top 5 Eco-Friendly Lightbulbs
No. 1: TCP｜9W LED Light Bulbs｜6 pack
No. 2: Great Eagle Lighting Corporation｜Dimmable LED Bulb｜6 pack
No. 3: EcoSmart ｜Spiral CFL Light Bulb｜4 pack
No. 4: Philips LED｜Non-Dimmable Frosted Light Bulb｜16 pack
No. 5: Fluxtronics｜LED Light Bulb｜4 pack
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.