Introduction
LED lighting has transformed how we illuminate our homes, offices, streets and virtually every aspect of our lives. LED bulbs and fixtures provide huge advantages over traditional incandescent and CFL lighting in terms of efficiency, lifetime, durability and lighting quality. This article looks at some of the best LED lighting products across various categories that consumers can choose to buy for their lighting needs.
Factors to Consider When Buying LED Lights
Here are some key considerations when selecting LED lighting:
- Lumens – Lumens indicate the total light output. Choose sufficient lumens for the area.
- CCT – Correlated Color Temperature indicates warm (2700K-3000K) to cool white (5000K-6500K).
- CRI – Color Rendering Index shows how naturally colors appear. CRI above 80 is good.
- Beam Angle – Narrow spot, wide flood or diffused illumination. Match to application.
- Smart – Smart LEDs offer remote control, scheduling, tuning via wireless connectivity.
- Dimmable – Dimmable LED lights allow adjusting brightness levels.
- Specialty – Select specialty LEDs for path lighting, accent lighting, under cabinet, etc.
- Indoor/Outdoor – Ensure IP-rating for outdoor LED fixtures for moisture resistance.
- Safety – LED products must meet safety standards like UL/ETL, FCC.
- Brand – Reputable brands assure quality and performance.
- Warranty – Multi-year warranties cover LED lifespan claims.
- Budget – LED prices range from value packs to premium smart fixtures.
Best LED Light Bulbs
LED light bulbs have become the top choice for energy efficient, long lasting and high quality lighting for homes and businesses. Here are some of the best LED bulbs:
Philips LED Bulbs
Philips offers an extensive range of LED bulbs including clear, frosted, globe, candle, reflector and 3-way models. Great value for money with good color quality and 10-year lifespan.
Key Features:
- 800-2000 Lumens brightness options
- 2700K-5000K CCT range
- 90+ CRI for vivid colors
- 10 year lifespan
- ENERGY STAR certified
Cree Lighting LED Bulbs
With 90+ CRI and soft lighting, Cree’s wide assortment of LED bulbs deliver beautiful illumination. 5000K-6500K Tunable White models allow adjusting the color.
Key Features:
- 800-1600 Lumens output
- Available in standard and candelabra bases
- High efficiency – 100 Lumens per Watt
- Changeable color temperature
- Dimmable
GE LED Light Bulbs
A household lighting brand, GE offers LED bulbs in all common shapes with a range of brightness and color temperatures. Affordable pricing with good 10-year lifespan.
Key Features:
- 450-1600 Lumens models
- Standard and decorative options
- 2700K/3000K/5000K CCT
- Up to 90 CRI
- Omnidirectional and directional bulbs
- Rated for 25,000 hours
Sylvania LED Bulbs
Sylvania makes a wide range of replacement LED bulbs for homes and businesses that deliver crisp, bright light using latest LED technology for efficiency and longevity.
Key Features:
- 450-2600 Lumens models
- Retrofits for many applications
- Selectable CCT and beam angles
- 10 year lifespan
- ENERGY STAR certified
- Dimmable designs available
Best Smart LED Light Bulbs
Smart LED bulbs can be remotely controlled and scheduled via smartphone apps over Wi-Fi/Bluetooth. Here are the top options:
Philips Hue Smart Bulbs
Philips Hue is the most popular smart LED lighting system. The color-changing A19 bulbs can recreate millions of shades. Controls lights from anywhere.
Key Features:
- 800 Lumens brightness
- 16 million colors
- App and voice control
- Automation and schedules
- Works with Alexa, Google Home etc.
- Create lighting scenes
- Sync with movies and music
C by GE C-Life Smart Multicolor Bulbs
These smart C-Life bulbs from GE allow changing any shade from soft white to daylight to colored lighting. Offers both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Key Features:
- 800 Lumens output
- Tunable shades and colors
- Scheduling and automation
- Voice control integration
- Group control of multiple bulbs
- Energy monitoring
LIFX Smart Wi-Fi LED Bulbs
LIFX bulbs are packed with features including millions of colors, effects, schedules and integrations. No hub required with direct Wi-Fi setup. Vivid colors and brightness.
Key Features:
- 1100 Lumens
- 16 million colors and tones
- Effects like candle flicker
- Scheduling and automation
- Apps for iOS, Android
- Works with Alexa, Google Assistant
- Kids friendly scenes
TP-Link Kasa Smart KL130
Budget-friendly smart bulbs from TP-Link offering 16 million colors, scheduling, grouping, voice control and energy usage monitoring. Reliable performance.
Key Features:
- 800 Lumens brightness
- Tunable white to full colors
- Scheduling and timers
- Voice control via Alexa, Google
- Create scenes and groups
- Monitor energy usage
- No hub required
Best LED Recessed Ceiling Lights
Recessed lighting provides even ceiling illumination. Here are top rated LED recessed lighting kits suitable for different room types:
Philips All-in-One 5/6 in. LED Recessed Lighting Kit
Complete recessed lighting kit from Philips with integrated LED module and trim for fast installation. 90+ CRI for vibrant colors.
Key Features:
- 900-1300 Lumens flux options
- 90+ CRI
- CCT choices: Soft White, Bright White, Daylight
- Dimmable
- Included integrated LED and trim
- Fast installation
Sunco Lighting 5/6 in. Selectable CCT LED Recessed Kit
Affordable recessed lighting kit with selectable 3000K, 4000K and 5000K color temperatures controlled by a simple switch.
Key Features:
- 1080 Lumens output
- 3000K/4000K/5000K CCT
- Damp location approved
- Can be dimmed
- Rotatable light for directing beam
- Quick installation
Commercial Electric UltraSlim 4 in. LED Recessed Lighting
Commercial Electric offers an ultra-thin recessed lighting kit using state-of-the-art LEDs with 5000K daylight output. Energy saving and long life.
Key Features:
- 740 Lumens flux
- 5000K cool daylight
- Super slim only 1.5 inches deep
- 90+ CRI
- Dimmable
- 50,000 hours lifespan
- ENERGY STAR certified
Hyperikon 4 Inch LED Recessed Lighting
Versatile recessed lighting kit with adjustable CCT of 3000K, 4000K and 5000K using sliding switch. High cri and lumen output. Low profile design. Damp location rated.
Key Features:
- 1000 Lumens flux
- Slide switch for 3000K/4000K/5000K
- 90+ CRI with no flicker
- Only 1.25 in. depth
- Air tight IC housing
- Wet location approved
Best LED Landscape Lighting
Outdoor landscape lighting illuminates gardens, yards, pathways and architecture features at night using low-voltage LEDs. Here are top options:
Volt Lyte Landscape LED Lighting Kit
Complete 12V outdoor LED lighting kit with 8 adjustable spotlights, transformers, cables and ground stakes for accent lighting.
Key Features:
- 8 bright LED spotlights
- Adjustable light angles
- Warm white 3000K
- 25 ft. cable, connectors and transformer included
- Low voltage safe operation
- Automatic shut-off timer
- Easy DIY installation
JEMLIGHT 4-Head LED Outdoor Landscape Spotlights
Pack of 4 weatherproof adjustable 12V spotlights producing 300 lumens each. Durable die-cast housing with flood to spot beam control.
Key Features:
- 4 x 300 lumens spotlights
- Warm white 3000K CCT
- Die-cast aluminum housing
- Adjustable flood to spot beams
- IP65 weatherproof rating
- Low voltage 12V operation
- Stake and screw mounts included
Malibu Low Voltage Landscape Lighting Fixture Kit
Malibu offers versatile lighting kit containing path lights, spot lights, well lights and step lights for accenting gardens, patios, driveways.
Key Features:
- 6 x 35W LED lights
- Warm white and cool white
- 10W transformer
- 25 ft low voltage cable
- Stakes, mounting screws
- Durable UV resistant design
- Easy installation
Brilliance LED Buried Well Light
Durable recessed well light allows hiding LED fixture underground with only the light visible for a clean, invisible installation.
Key Features:
- 12V, 6W power
- Cast brass housing
- Warm white 3000K
- 25 degree narrow beam angle
- Waterproof IP68 rating
- Hardened lens
- Burial rated
Best Solar LED Outdoor Lights
Solar powered LED lights harness the sun’s energy during daytime and automatically turn on at night without any wiring. Some top options are:
Sunnest Solar Landscape Spotlights
Bright integrated solar spotlights with adjustable heads and convenient ground stakes. Automatically activate at night. Weather resistant construction.
Key Features:
- Built-in mono-crystalline solar panel
- 400 lumen LED spotlight
- Adjustable light angle
- IP65 weatherproof rating
- Auto on/off at dusk/dawn
- Stainless steel housing
- Easy installation
Gigalumi Solar Path Lights
Affordable solar LED path lights to illuminate walkways and gardens. The solar panel tops each lamp post charging the Lithium battery. Made from durable materials.
Key Features:
- Integrated solar panel
- 400 lumens output
- Warm white 3000K CCT
- Durable ABS housing
- IP65 waterproofing
- Auto dusk to dawn operation
- 6 hours runtime on full charge
- Pack of 6 path lights
Aootek 182 LED Solar Motion Sensor Light
Solar powered LED security light with smart motion and light sensors. Bright illumination activated by movements at night to deter intruders.
Key Features:
- Built-in solar panel
- Motion and light sensors
- 180 ultra-bright LEDs
- 6000K cool white light
- 120° wide beam angle
- IP65 weather resistance
- Easy wall or ground installation
SolarGlow Solar Garden Lights
Decorative looking LED lights powered by tiny solar panels. Turn on automatically providing a warm glow. Great for gardens, driveways and landscape lighting applications.
Key Features:
- Integrated small solar panel
- Warm white 2700K light
- Customizable with interchangeable tops
- Durable ABS plastic body
- Shatterproof polyethylene lens
- Auto on/off at night and day
- 4-6 hours operation
- Weatherproof IPX4 rating
Best Smart WiFi LED Light Strips
WiFi controlled LED light strips that can change colors, brightness and effects using smartphone apps are great for accent lighting.
Philips Hue LightStrip Plus Smart LED
Philips Hue Lightstrip Plus offers millions of colors that can be wirelessly controlled via smartphones and voice assistants. High 800 lumen output and 16 million colors. Flexible and cuttable.
Key Features:
- Voice control through Alexa, Google Assistant
- 16 million colors
- 800 lumens bright output
- 1M and 2M lengths available
- Flexible and cuttable
- Adhesive tape backing
- Create lighting scenes and schedules
- Sync with music and videos
Govee RGBIC WiFi LED Strip Lights
Govee’s WiFi LED strip lights deliver colorful accent lighting with app control and Alexa/Google Assistant voice commands. Multiple modes and effects including music sync.
Key Features:
- 16 million colors
- Works with Alexa and Google Home
- App control and scheduling
- 64 scene modes and music sync
- Brightness up to 2200 lumens
- 16.4 ft reels available
- Adhesive backing for easy install
- Control multiple strips together
Eve Light Strip – Apple HomeKit
Apple HomeKit compatible LED light strip from Eve Systems providing beautiful, energy efficient accent lighting. Control lighting conveniently using Apple devices and Siri.
Key Features:
- HomeKit allows Siri and app control
- Energy monitoring and automations
- 1600 lumens max brightness
- Color temperature tuning
- 6.6 ft length
- Weatherproof IP67 construction
- Flexible and cuttable strip
Lifx Z TV LED Backlight Strip
Sync Lifx Z TV backlight with the colors on your TV for an immersive viewing experience. Tape it behind any screen. Works with Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit.
Key Features:
- Voice control through smart speakers
- Real-time picture syncing
- 16 million colors
- 65 inches strip length
- Adheres to back of TV
- Setup zones and scenes
- Schedule on/off times
- Diffused lighting spread
Best LED Shop Lights
Bright, efficient LED shop lights provide high lumen illumination over work benches, storage rooms, garages and other utility areas. Here are top options:
Barrina LED T5 Integrated Single Fixture
4 feet long LED integrated fixture with clear shatterproof cover. Ultra bright 6500 lumens output with energy saving 45W power consumption. Link up to 3 fixtures.
Key Features:
- Super bright daylight 6500K
- Integrated LED with clear cover
- 45W power, 6500 lumens
- 4000K and 5000K options available
- 120° beam angle
- Lightweight aluminum housing
- Linkable integrated connectors
Hykolity 4 FT LED Utility Shop Light
Feature packed LED shop light fixture producing 5000 lumens crisp white light. Sensible motion sensor turns on when area is occupied to save power. Linkable and mountable design.
Key Features:
- Motion sensor for auto on when occupied
- 5000K cool white light
- Integrated 120° reflector
- Sturdy aluminum housing
- 5000 lumens flux output
- 40W power consumption
- Chain up to 3 lights together
Costway 4 FT LED Shop Light
Versatile plug and play LED shop light with hanging chain hooks. Energy efficient with 800 lumens per tube. Daylight color ideal for work spaces.
Key Features:
- Plug in cord – no wiring needed
- Two 4 feet T8 tubes
- 6500K daylight output
- 800 lumens per tube
- Built-in power switch
- Pull chains for easy on/off
- Hanging hooks provided
- Plastic end caps
Lithonia Lighting Shop Light 8-Tube Fixture
Large 8 foot long LED shop light fixture containing (8) double tube sections for extremely bright illumination. Ideal for large work areas.
Key Features:
- 96″ long fixture
- Contains (8) 48″ T8 LED tubes
- 6000 lumens total light output
- Daylight color temperature
- 120-277V AC voltage range
- Clear shatterproof lens
- Painted steel housing
- Surface mount
Best LED Grow Lights
Specialized LED grow lights provide indoor plants and vegetables the full visible light spectrum they need for nurturing photosynthesis and growth.
Spider Farmer SF-2000 LED Grow Light
The Spider Farmer SF-2000 uses cutting edge LEDs and drivers to deliver intense full spectrum light ideal for indoor cultivation. Excellent PAR and Lumen output.
Key Features:
- Samsung LM301B LEDs
- 2000 μmol/m2/s PAR level
- 380W power but only draws 200W
- Meanwell driver for safety
- Full spectrum and UV IR
- Quiet fans for cooling
- Dimmable brightness
Viparspectra XS1500 Full Spectrum LED Grow Light
For small and medium sized grow areas, the high efficiency XS1500 provides the right amount of light intensity for indoor plants at various growth stages.
Key Features:
- Optimal light spectrum for indoor plants
- PAR rating of 719 μmol/m2/s
- 150W power consumption
- Sunlike 12-band light wavelengths
- Suitable for 2×2 to 3×3 growing area
- Sturdy aluminum heat sink
- High light efficiency
Juhefa Full Spectrum 1000W LED Grow Light
Powerful and affordable full spectrum LED lamp containing triple-chip 10W LEDs. Ideal for home gardening and commercial horticulture applications.
Key Features:
- 10W triple-chip LEDs
- 1000W equivalent HPS replacement
- Adjustable hanging height
- Full spectrum including UV and IR
- High PAR value for growth
- 90° reflector coverage area
- Excellent thermal dissipation
MARS HYDRO TS 600W LED Grow Light
The Mars Hydro TS 600W grow light utilizes advanced LED technology to offer high intensity sunlight-like light for indoor gardening. Robust lamp for seedlings to flowering plants.
Key Features:
- Newest SMD LED grow lights
- Full spectrum light wavelengths
- Sunlike lighting enhances growth
- Higher PPFD and uniformity
- Adjustable hanging height
- Sturdy aluminum casing
- Low heat radiation
Best Outdoor LED Flood Lights
High power LED flood lights efficiently illuminate larges areas like backyards, gardens, driveways, construction sites and much more.
