Best Compact Fluorescent Bulbs of 2026

Howard Chester Avatar
Howard Chester
Last Updated: Jan 23, 2026

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Compact fluorescent bulbs, also known as CFLs, are energy-efficient light bulbs that have become increasingly popular in recent years. These bulbs use up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and can last up to 10 times longer. CFLs also emit less heat, making them safer to use and reducing the need for air conditioning. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be used in any fixture that is designed for incandescent bulbs. While they may be slightly more expensive than traditional bulbs, their long lifespan and energy savings make them a smart investment for any household.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

UNITEDLUX 13W T2 Spiral CFL Bulbs Cover #TOP 1
UNITEDLUX 13W T2 Spiral CFL Bulbs
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Mandala Crafts FML27 27W 6500K CFL Bulbs Cover #TOP 2
Mandala Crafts FML27 27W 6500K CFL Bulbs
ftb score rating icon 9.8
SLEEKLIGHTING 13W T2 Spiral CFL GU24 2-prong Bulb 4pk Cover #TOP 3
SLEEKLIGHTING 13W T2 Spiral CFL GU24 2-prong Bulb 4pk
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Compact Fluorescent Bulbs

#TOP 1

UNITEDLUX 13W T2 Spiral CFL Bulbs

White
Pack of 3
UNITEDLUX 13W T2 Spiral CFL Bulbs Cover
UNITEDLUX 13Watt T2 Spiral CFL GU24 2 Prong Light Bulb Base 2700K 900lm 120v 60Hz Light Bulb- Mini Twist Lock Spiral -Self Ballasted Compact Fluorescent Soft White Pack of 3

The UNITEDLUX Spiral CFL Bulbs offer a warm color temperature of 2700K, creating a cozy atmosphere in your home. With a wattage of just 13 watts, these bulbs are energy-efficient, helping you save on electricity bills while reducing your carbon footprint. Each bulb emits a bright 900 lumens, providing ample illumination for any room. The tubular shape of these bulbs makes them easy to install and fits well in various fixtures, ensuring you get the light you need without hassle.

What We Like
Works well
Fits as expected
Visible brightness at night
What We Don't Like
Poor packaging
Occasionally broken bulbs
#TOP 2

Mandala Crafts FML27 27W 6500K CFL Bulbs

FML27
6500k Daylight
Pack of 2
Mandala Crafts FML27 27W 6500K CFL Bulbs Cover
Mandala Crafts FML27 27-Watt 6500K Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs with Quad Tubes, 2 Packs Daylight 4-Pin GX10q-4 Base FML FML Lamp 27 Watt Bulbs

The Mandala Crafts FML27 Bulbs offer a bright, natural daylight experience with their 27-watt compact fluorescent design, perfect for creating a well-lit environment in your home or office. These bulbs feature a flicker-free and quiet operation, so you can read, study, or work on your computer comfortably without eye strain. Installation is simple, as they fit many desk, floor, vanity, and specialty lamps with FML-27 4-pin sockets, making them a versatile choice for various lighting needs. Plus, with a long lifespan and compatibility with multiple voltage fixtures, these bulbs provide reliable, consistent lighting you can count on every day.

What We Like
Bright white light
No flicker
Long bulb lifespan
Easy installation
Good customer service
What We Don't Like
Occasional fit issue
#TOP 3

SLEEKLIGHTING 13W T2 Spiral CFL GU24 2-prong Bulb 4pk

18777
2700k
4 Count (Pack of 1)
SLEEKLIGHTING 13W T2 Spiral CFL GU24 2-prong Bulb 4pk Cover
SLEEKLIGHTING 13Watt T2 Spiral CFL GU24 2 Prong Light Bulb Base 2700K 900lm -UL Approved 120v 60Hz Light Bulb- Mini Twist Lock Spiral -Self Ballasted Compact Fluorescent -Warm White Light 4pack

SLEEKLIGHTING GU24 Spiral Bulb is a pack of 4 compact fluorescent bulbs that use a GU24 Twist and Lock base. It provides warm white light with 2700K and 900 lumens, while only using 13W. With the UL approval, it can save up to 70% on your electricity bill. It has a life span of 10,000 hours, which is ideal for use in various places such as the kitchen, living room, bedroom, ceiling, office, floor lamps, hallways, bathrooms, sconces, and pendent lighting. Plus, with the NO-HASSLE FREE-REPLACEMENT GUARANTEE for 6 months, you can use it without worry.

What We Like
Energy efficient performance
Bright warm lighting
Long lifespan
Easy installation
Fits specific fixtures
What We Don't Like
Slow to turn on
Not universally compatible
#TOP 4

SLEEKLIGHTING GU24 23W 2700K 1600lm CFL Bulbs - 4 Pack

23W-CFL-Parent
2700k
4 Count (Pack of 1)
SLEEKLIGHTING GU24 23W 2700K 1600lm CFL Bulbs - 4 Pack Cover
SLEEKLIGHTING - GU24 23Watt 2700K 1600lm 2 Prong Light Bulbs- UL approved-120v 60Hz - Mini Twist Lock Spiral -Self Ballasted CFL Fluorescent Bulbs- 1600lm Warm White 4 Pack (100 Watt Equ)

SLEEKLIGHTING CFL Bulbs are a great choice for both residential and commercial use. With a 23W power output, these bulbs offer the same brightness as a 100W incandescent bulb, saving you energy and money. The 2700K warm white color temperature provides a cozy and comfortable atmosphere, while the 1600 lumens output ensures a bright and well-lit space. The GU24 base makes it easy to install and compatible with a variety of fixtures. Plus, with an average lifespan of 10,000 hours, you won't have to replace them frequently. UL approved and available in a 4 pack, these CFL bulbs from SLEEKLIGHTING are a reliable and cost-effective lighting solution.

What We Like
Easy installation
Bright, cool white light
Durable and long-lasting
Good value for money
Perfect fit for post lights
What We Don't Like
Occasional broken bulb on arrival
#TOP 5

PHILIPS 408662 Soft White 65-watt Br30 Indoor Flood Light Bulb

Phillips 408662 Soft White 65-Watt BR30
White
4 Count (Pack of 1)
PHILIPS 408662 Soft White 65-watt Br30 Indoor Flood Light Bulb Cover
PHILIPS 408662 Soft White 65-watt Br30 Indoor Flood Light Bulb, 4 Count (Pack of 1)

Philips Soft White BR30 indoor flood light bulbs are perfect for indoor recessed cans and track light fixtures, providing a soft and white light to create a relaxing and comfortable environment. The bulbs are fully dimmable, making it easy to change the mood of any room. They are ideal for use in your kitchens, living rooms, dining rooms, offices, family rooms, and bedrooms.

What We Like
Consistent dimming performance
No flicker
Clean white light
Available when hard to find
Preferred incandescent lighting
What We Don't Like
Occasional bulb malfunction
Rare short lifespan
#TOP 6

ECO Lighting 18W Mini Spiral GU24 CFL Bulbs

Generic
Compact-Fluorescent-Bulbs GU24-18W2700K
Warm White (2700k)
ECO Lighting 18W Mini Spiral GU24 CFL Bulbs Cover
ECO Lighting (4 Pack) 18 Watt Mini Spiral - GU24 Base - (75W Equivalent) - T2 Mini-Twist - CFL Light Bulb (Warm White-2700K, CFL)

The ECO Lighting GU24 CFL bulbs offer an easy setup with their twist-and-lock GU24 base, letting you quickly replace bulbs without changing your fixtures. You can save a significant amount on your energy bills because these bulbs use only 13 watts while delivering a bright 1200 lumens, making them very efficient. They provide a warm white 2700K light that creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere, perfect for many rooms in your home. Plus, these bulbs are versatile and work well in various spaces like kitchens, living rooms, and offices, helping you brighten your home exactly how you want.

What We Like
Easy twist-and-lock installation
Energy-saving 13-watt usage
Bright 1200 lumens output
Warm white 2700K light
Versatile for many rooms
#TOP 7

PHILIPS 248872

248872
White
PHILIPS 248872 Cover
Philips Phillips Soft White 65-Watt BR30 Indoor Flood Light Bulb, (12 Pack)

Philips Soft White Flood Light is a BR30-shaped indoor flood light bulb, designed to fit in recessed cans and track light fixtures. It emits a soft, white light that creates a relaxing and comfortable ambiance, making it ideal for use in various rooms, such as kitchens, living rooms, dining rooms, offices, family rooms, and bedrooms. You can easily adjust the brightness of the light to suit your mood, as it is fully dimmable. With this bulb, you can instantly change the ambiance of any room. Its medium base makes it easy to install, and it is also energy-efficient, which means you can save money on your energy bill.

What We Like
Good value
Excellent dimming capability
Brighter than older bulbs
Natural warm light
Trusted brand
What We Don't Like
Fragile packaging
Occasional size mismatch
#TOP 8

Xtricity Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb T2 Spiral CFL

1-60201
13w (Soft White)
4 Pack
Xtricity Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb T2 Spiral CFL Cover
Xtricity Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs T2 Spiral, E26 Base, 13W (60W Equivalent), 2700k Soft White, 900 Lumens, CFL, 120V - UL Listed, (4 Pack)

The Xtricity Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb T2 Spiral CFL is a great choice for those looking for an energy-efficient lighting solution. This 13-watt bulb emits 900 lumens of soft white light and lasts up to 10,000 hours. It is ideal for use in desk and table lamps, wall sconces, ceiling mounted fixtures and ceiling fans. It is RoHS compliant and consumes 75% less energy than incandescent and halogen light bulbs.

What We Like
Bright and even light output
Good energy savings
Fits most standard lamps
Secure and safe packaging
Affordable price
What We Don't Like
Occasional short bulb lifespan
Brief warm-up time

4 Pack PLC-18W 827, 4 Pin G24q-2 Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb

Circle
2700k - Warm White
4 Pack
4 Pack PLC-18W 827, 4 Pin G24q-2 Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb Cover
(4 Pack) PLC-18W 827, 4 Pin G24q-2, 18 Watt Double Tube, Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb, Replaces Sylvania 20683 and Philips 38329-9 - PL-C 18W/827/4P/ALTO

This 4 pack of PLC18/4P T4 compact fluorescent light bulbs features warm white color and 1200 lumens light output with 18 watts of energy used. With a 4-pin (GX24q-2) base type, they have an average lifetime of 12,000 hours and 82 CRI. At 6" in length, they are manufactured to exacting standards and are guaranteed to perform like the original.

What We Like
Long average lifetime of 12,000 hours
Energy-efficient with 18 watts of energy used
Features warm white color with 1200 lumens light output
#TOP 10

KOR PL26W/3U/4P/5000K Compact Fluorescent Bulb

KOR
PL26W/3U/4P/5000K
4 Count (Pack of 1)
KOR PL26W/3U/4P/5000K Compact Fluorescent Bulb Cover
KOR (Pack of 4) PL26W/3U/4P/5000K - 26 Watt Triple Tube - GX24Q-3 (4 Pin) Base - 5000K Bright White - Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb.

The KOR 26W CFL Bulb is designed to fit only specific fixtures with the GX24Q-3 base, ensuring you use the right bulb for your lighting setup without compatibility issues. Its bright white 5000K color temperature offers a clean, neutral light that is ideal for task lighting in spaces like kitchens and bathrooms, helping you see clearly while working. This bulb works well in various lamps and fixtures around your home, providing versatile lighting options. Additionally, it uses less energy than a traditional 100-watt incandescent bulb and lasts longer, saving you time and money on replacements and maintenance.

What We Like
Very bright light output
Easy bulb replacement
Fits vanity lights well
Affordable multi-pack pricing
What We Don't Like
Bulbs can be fragile
Lifespan could be longer
Buying Guide Image

A Buyer's Guide to Compact Fluorescent Bulbs

Understanding Compact Fluorescent Bulbs

Compact fluorescent bulbs, also known as CFLs, are a popular and energy-efficient alternative to traditional incandescent bulbs. But with so many options on the market, it can be difficult to know which CFL is right for your needs. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a CFL.

Lumens, Not Watts

When shopping for a light bulb, it's tempting to look at the wattage to determine how bright it will be. However, wattage is actually a measure of how much energy a bulb uses, not how much light it produces. Instead, you should look at the lumens rating, which tells you how much light the bulb will produce. A higher lumens rating means a brighter light, while a lower rating means a dimmer light.

Color Temperature

CFLs are available in a range of color temperatures, which refers to the appearance of the light they produce. Warm white light, which has a color temperature of 2700-3000K, is similar to the light produced by incandescent bulbs. It's a cozy, inviting light that's well-suited to living rooms and bedrooms. On the other hand, daylight white light, which has a color temperature of 5000-6500K, is a bright, crisp light that's great for tasks like reading and cooking.

Shape and Size

CFLs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and it's important to choose the right one for your fixtures. Standard-shaped CFLs are a good choice for table lamps and other fixtures with visible bulbs. Spiral-shaped CFLs, on the other hand, are a good choice for fixtures where the bulb is hidden, such as ceiling fans and recessed lighting. It's also important to choose the right size bulb for your fixtures, as using a bulb that's too big or too small can cause it to overheat or not fit properly.

Energy Efficiency

CFLs are known for their energy efficiency, and they can save you a significant amount of money on your energy bills compared to incandescent bulbs. When shopping for a CFL, look for the Energy Star label, which indicates that the bulb meets strict energy-efficiency standards. You can also compare the bulb's lumens per watt rating, which tells you how much light the bulb produces compared to how much energy it uses.

Conclusion

Choosing the right CFL can be a daunting task, but by understanding lumens, color temperature, shape and size, and energy efficiency, you can find the perfect bulb for your needs. With a little bit of research, you can save energy and money while enjoying beautiful, efficient lighting in your home.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are compact fluorescent bulbs being phased out?

Yes, T5 and T8 fluorescent bulbs, as well as compact fluorescent bulbs, are currently being phased out.

2. Is CFL better than LED?

No, LED bulbs are more efficient than CFLs. A 16.5-watt LED bulb is equivalent to a 20-watt CFL and a 75-watt incandescent bulb. LEDs offer better energy efficiency and longer lifespan compared to CFL bulbs.

3. Should I replace compact fluorescent with LED?

Yes, it is recommended to replace compact fluorescent bulbs with LED bulbs. LED bulbs have a longer lifespan, lasting over 25,000 hours compared to the average 8,000 hours for CFL bulbs. LEDs are also more energy-efficient and provide better lighting quality.

4. Can you replace compact fluorescent bulbs with LED?

Yes, it is possible to replace compact fluorescent bulbs with LED bulbs. This can be done by using a retrofit kit or an LED light engine. Another option is to remove the ballast and socket in the fixture and wire in an LED driver and board. It's important to ensure compatibility and choose the right size retrofit kit or light engine.

5. What are the disadvantages of CFL bulbs?

Some disadvantages of compact fluorescent bulbs include being cold temperature sensitive, not recommended for enclosed fixtures, higher initial cost compared to incandescent bulbs, longer warm-up time, limited color temperature options, less smooth dimming, and decreased performance when dimmed.

6. Which is brighter LED or CFL bulbs?

LED bulbs are generally brighter than CFL bulbs, especially when placed in fixtures designed for directional lighting. CFL bulbs waste close to half of the light they produce when placed in recessed fixtures, while LEDs utilize all of their light output efficiently.

Editor's Notes

During our compact fluorescent bulb research, we found 24 compact fluorescent bulb products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 151,183 customer reviews through our big data system to write the compact fluorescent bulbs list. We found that most customers choose compact fluorescent bulbs with an average price of $18.34.

The compact fluorescent bulbs are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of compact fluorescent bulbs, including UNITEDLUX, Mandala Crafts, SLEEKLIGHTING, Philips, Xtricity. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 143 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Howard Chester Avatar

Howard Chester is an architect from New York who holds a master's degree in architectural design, his passions for interior design and home improvement contribute to his extensive knowledge of all things furniture and home goods. Howard Chester Specializes in various architectural and interior design projects. He often publishes articles related to decoration on key websites and interior design magazines.

Compact Fluorescent Bulbs Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand UNITEDLUX Mandala Crafts SLEEKLIGHTING SLEEKLIGHTING Philips Generic PHILIPS Xtricity Circle KOR
Light Type Fluorescent Fluorescent CFL CFL LED CFL Incandescent CFL - CFL
Special Feature Energy Efficient Eye-Friendly, Flicker-Free Energy Efficient Self Ballasted Dimmable Energy Efficient Dimmable Instant On, Not Dimmable - Dimmable
Wattage 13 watts 27 watts 13 23 watts 65 watts 18 watts 65 watts 13 watts - 26 watts
Bulb Shape Size T2 T T2 T2 BR30 T2 BR30 T2 - T4
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
Where to Buy