Best High Intensity Discharge Bulbs of 2026

Howard Chester Avatar
Howard Chester
Last Updated: Jan 9, 2026

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High Intensity Discharge (HID) bulbs are a type of lighting technology that produce bright, intense light by passing an electric current through a gas-filled chamber. They are commonly used in outdoor lighting fixtures, such as streetlights and parking lot lights, as well as in automotive headlights. HID bulbs are known for their energy efficiency and long lifespan, making them a popular choice for industrial and commercial applications. They are available in a range of color temperatures and wattages, making it easy to find a bulb that meets the specific needs of any lighting project.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Sunlite 03610 LU70/MED HPS Light Bulb, 70W, 6000 Lumens, 24000 Life Hours Cover #TOP 1
Sunlite 03610 LU70/MED HPS Light Bulb, 70W, 6000 Lumens, 24000 Life Hours
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Bluex Bulbs 3 Pack MP100/U/MED 100W Metal Halide ED17 Bulb Cover #TOP 2
Bluex Bulbs 3 Pack MP100/U/MED 100W Metal Halide ED17 Bulb
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Bluex Bulbs 400W Metal Halide Bulb Cover #TOP 3
Bluex Bulbs 400W Metal Halide Bulb
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 High Intensity Discharge Bulbs

#TOP 1

Sunlite 03610 LU70/MED HPS Light Bulb, 70W, 6000 Lumens, 24000 Life Hours

03610-SU
2100k
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Sunlite 03610 LU70/MED HPS Light Bulb, 70W, 6000 Lumens, 24000 Life Hours Cover
Sunlite 03610 LU70/MED High Pressure Sodium Light Bulb, 70 Watts, ED17/MED, Medium Base (E26), ANSI Code S62, 6000 Lumen, 24000 Life Hours, Clear, 2100K

The Sunlite 03610 LU70/MED High Pressure Sodium Light Bulb is an efficient and durable replacement for existing HID fixtures. With a bright 6000 lumens output and 24000 hour average lifespan, this bulb is perfect for commercial and industrial lighting applications such as street lights, parking lot fixtures, and perimeter lighting. Its standard medium base (E26) and clear glass bulb make it easy to install and maintain. This HPS bulb is designed for use in S62 ballast fixtures and has a color temperature of 2100K.

What We Like
Efficient and durable replacement for existing HID fixtures
Bright 6000 lumens output
Long 24000 hour average lifespan
#TOP 2

Bluex Bulbs 3 Pack MP100/U/MED 100W Metal Halide ED17 Bulb

100 Watts
3 Count (Pack of 1)
Bluex Bulbs 3 Pack MP100/U/MED 100W Metal Halide ED17 Bulb Cover
Bluex Bulbs 3 Pack MP100/U/MED 100 Watt Metal Halide ED17 Bulb, Medium Base, Clear Metal Halide Bulb 100W

This Bluex Bulbs 3 Pack MP100/U/MED 100W Metal Halide ED17 Bulb features a protected metal halide, a larger medium base (E26), pulse start, and Ansi Code M90/O, and provides a bright 8500 lumens of light. It is perfect for outdoor lighting and commercial interiors, such as street lights, parking lot fixtures, and other commercial and industrial lighting applications.

What We Like
Long service life of up to 15,000 hours
Bright 8500 lumens output with clear glass
Perfect for outdoor lighting and commercial interiors
#TOP 3

Bluex Bulbs 400W Metal Halide Bulb

400 Watts
Bluex Bulbs 400W Metal Halide Bulb Cover
Bluex Bulbs (3 Pack MH400/U/MOG 400W Metal Halide Bulb Mogul Base (E39) - ED28 Clear M59/E HID Lamp 36000 Lumens

Introducing the Bluex Bulbs MH400/U/MOG 400W Metal Halide Bulb. This high-intensity discharge bulb is perfect for those who need bright and efficient lighting. With its 4000K color temperature and 36000 lumens, it provides exceptional efficacy and great color rendition. The bulb has an average lamp life of 12000 hours, ensuring long-lasting performance. Its clear finish and mogul base make it versatile and easy to install. Whether you need it for commercial or residential use, this Bluex Bulbs Metal Halide Bulb is the ideal choice. Say goodbye to dim and dull lighting, and say hello to bright and efficient illumination with Bluex Bulbs MH400/U/MOG 400W.

What We Like
Efficient and bright lighting
Long-lasting performance
Easy to install
#TOP 4

Bluex Bulbs MH1000/U/BT37 1000W Metal Halide Bulb

MH1000/BT37
Cool White
Bluex Bulbs MH1000/U/BT37 1000W Metal Halide Bulb Cover
Bluex Bulbs (2 Pack MH1000/U/BT37 1000W Metal Halide Bulb Mogul Base (E39) - BT37 Clear M47 HID Lamp 110,000 Lumens 4000K

The Bluex 1000W Metal Halide bulb delivers a powerful 110,000 lumens of bright light at a cool 4000K color temperature, perfect for spaces that need clear, natural illumination. With a robust 1000-watt power rating, it ensures high energy efficiency, helping you save on electricity. The bulb is designed to last around 12,000 hours, which means you won’t need frequent replacements, saving you time and hassle. Its mogul E39 base and 11-inch size fit specific fixtures, so make sure your setup matches. This bulb is made for M47 ballast fixtures, ensuring compatibility and reliable performance.

What We Like
High brightness output
Energy efficient
Long lamp life
Mogul E39 base
M47 ballast compatible
#TOP 5

Sunlite MH100/U/MED M90 Metal Halide Lamp

03645-SU
4000k
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Sunlite MH100/U/MED M90 Metal Halide Lamp Cover
Sunlite 03645-SU MH100/U/MED M90 Metal Halide Lamp, 100 Watts, Pulse Start, Medium Base (E26), ED17, 12,000 Hours Life, 9000 Lumen, Clear Finish, 4000K

Sunlite Metal Halide Lamp is an energy-efficient high-intensity discharge bulb that is perfect for outdoor lighting and commercial interiors. With exceptional efficacy, great color rendition, a long service life, and excellent lumen maintenance, this bulb is an ideal choice for street lights, parking lot fixtures, perimeter lighting, and other commercial and industrial lighting applications. It features a pulse start for quicker startup, less lumen depreciation, and more lumens per watt, which means you save energy. The bulb has a standard medium base (E26), and it measures 2.18 inches in diameter and 5.36 inches tall. Additionally, this metal halide bulb is for use in M90 ballast fixtures, so make sure to confirm ANSI Code to help determine the correct bulb for your fixture and the ballast it uses.

What We Like
Energy-efficient
Long service life
Excellent lumen maintenance
#TOP 6

Sunlite 03635-SU LU150/MOG 150W HPS Bulb

03635-SU
2100k
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Sunlite 03635-SU LU150/MOG 150W HPS Bulb Cover
Sunlite 03635-SU LU150/MOG 150 Watt High Pressure Sodium Light Bulb, Mogul Base (E39), ANSI Code S55, 16000 Lumen, 20000 Life Hours, Clear, 2100K

The Sunlite 03635-SU LU150/MOG 150 Watt High Pressure Sodium Light Bulb is a long-life replacement for existing HID fixtures. With a bright output of 16000 lumens and a color temperature of 2100K, this bulb is ideal for street lights, parking lot fixtures, perimeter lighting, and other commercial and industrial lighting applications. Its long lifespan of 20000 hours ensures users won't need to replace it frequently. This HPS bulb is for use in S55 ballast fixtures.

What We Like
Bright output of 16000 lumens
Long lifespan of 20000 hours
Ideal for commercial and industrial lighting applications
#TOP 7

Rossesay MH400 Metal Halide Bulbs

XUU-Rossesay-0623
Clear
Rossesay MH400 Metal Halide Bulbs Cover
Rossesay 3 Pcs 400 Watt Lighting Metal Halide Lamp MH400/U/MOG 36000 Lumen 4000K Outdoor Light Bulb 12, 000 Hour Span Life Mogul Base (E39) ED28 High Intensity Discharge Metal Halide Bulb(400 Watt)

The Rossesay Metal Halide Bulbs are perfect for your lighting needs, measuring about 3.54 x 8.19 inches, ensuring they fit snugly in various locations. With a powerful output of 36,000 lumens at 4000K, these bulbs enhance both outdoor and commercial indoor spaces with their stylish design. Their long lifespan of 12,000 hours means you won’t have to replace them frequently, saving you time and hassle. Additionally, they are compatible with M59/E ballast lamps, giving you versatility for different lighting setups.

What We Like
Long lifespan of 12,000 hours
High brightness at 36,000 lumens
Compatibility with M59/E ballast
Elegant design for various settings
Convenient package of three bulbs
#TOP 8

Sunlite 03600-SU High Pressure Sodium Bulb

03600-SU
2100k
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Sunlite 03600-SU High Pressure Sodium Bulb Cover
Sunlite 03600-SU LU35/MED High Pressure Sodium Light Bulb, 35 Watts, ED17/MED, Medium Base (E26), ANSI Code S76, 2250 Lumen, 16000 Life Hours, Clear, 2100K

The Sunlite High Pressure Sodium bulb is an excellent choice for those looking to replace their existing HID fixtures. With a power output of 35 watts, this bulb emits a bright 2250 lumens, providing ample illumination for various settings. Its clear glass design and 2100K color temperature ensure a warm, inviting light. Designed with a standard medium base, you can easily use this bulb in street lights, parking lot fixtures, and other commercial or industrial applications. Additionally, its impressive lifespan of 16,000 hours means you won’t have to worry about frequent replacements.

What We Like
Long lifespan of 16,000 hours
Bright output of 2250 lumens
Standard medium base for easy installation
Ideal for commercial lighting
#TOP 9

Sunlite 03620-SU HPS ED17 High Pressure Sodium Light Bulb

41855-SU
Clear
2 Count (Pack of 1)
Sunlite 03620-SU HPS ED17 High Pressure Sodium Light Bulb Cover
Sunlite LU150/MED High Pressure Sodium Light Bulb, 150 Watts, ED17/MED, Medium Base (E26), ANSI Code S55, 15000 Lumen, 20000 Life Hours, Clear, 2100K, 2 Pack

The Sunlite 03620-SU High Pressure Sodium Light Bulb features 150-Watt power, providing 15000 Lumens of clear light. It has an ED17 shape and medium base with a 5-4/9-Inch MOL size. With an average lamp life of 20000 hours, this bulb is a reliable option for high intensity discharge lighting category.

What We Like
High wattage output
Long-lasting lamp life
Clear and bright illumination
#TOP 10

Sunlite Metal Halide Lamp, 1000 Watts

03680-SU
4000k
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Sunlite Metal Halide Lamp, 1000 Watts Cover
Sunlite 03680-SU MH1000/U/BT37 M47 Metal Halide Lamp, 1000 Watts, Mogul Base (E39), BT37, 12,000 Hours Life, 110,000 Lumen, Clear Finish, 4000K

The Sunlite 03680-SU MH1000/U/BT37 M47 Metal Halide Lamp is perfect for outdoor lighting and commercial interiors. This 1000 watt bulb puts out a bright 110000 lumens of light, has a long 12,000 hour lifespan and features a larger mogul base (E39) for use in street lights, parking lot fixtures, perimeter lighting, and other commercial and industrial lighting applications. The probe start bulbs offer exceptional efficacy, great color rendition, and excellent lumen maintenance. The ANSI Code M47 ensures that the bulb is compatible with M47 ballast fixtures.

What We Like
Long lifespan of 12,000 hours
Produces a bright 110000 lumens of light
Energy efficient and long-lasting
Buying Guide Image

Selecting the Right High Intensity Discharge Bulbs

Introduction

If you're looking to upgrade the lighting in your home or business, you may be considering high intensity discharge (HID) bulbs. HID bulbs are a type of gas discharge lamp that produces light by creating an electric arc between two electrodes in a glass or quartz tube filled with a gas mixture. This type of lighting is often used in commercial and industrial settings, as well as in some high-end residential applications.

Benefits of HID Bulbs

HID bulbs have several advantages over traditional incandescent and fluorescent lamps. For one, they are much more energy-efficient, which means they can help reduce your electricity bills. HID bulbs also have a much longer lifespan than incandescent bulbs, lasting up to 10,000 hours or more. This means you won't have to replace them as often, saving you money and time in the long run.

HID bulbs also produce a much brighter and more even light than incandescent bulbs, making them ideal for applications where bright, uniform lighting is required. This makes them ideal for use in warehouses, parking lots, sports arenas, and other large spaces.

Types of HID Bulbs

There are two main types of HID bulbs: metal halide and high-pressure sodium.

Metal halide bulbs produce a white or bluish-white light that is ideal for applications where a broad spectrum of colors needs to be accurately reproduced. This makes them a good choice for use in retail stores, museums, and other environments where the display of colors is important.

High-pressure sodium bulbs, on the other hand, produce a yellow or amber light that is ideal for outdoor lighting applications. This type of bulb is often used in streetlights, floodlights, and other outdoor lighting fixtures.

Choosing the Right Bulb for Your Needs

When choosing HID bulbs for your lighting needs, there are several factors you should consider.

First, you need to decide what type of HID bulb is best suited to your application. If you need a bulb that can accurately reproduce a broad spectrum of colors, a metal halide bulb is the way to go. If you need a bulb that can provide bright, even lighting for outdoor applications, a high-pressure sodium bulb may be the better choice.

Next, you should consider the wattage of the bulb you need. HID bulbs are available in a range of wattages, from 35 watts to 1000 watts or more. The higher the wattage, the brighter the light will be. However, keep in mind that using a higher wattage bulb will also increase your electricity usage and costs.

Finally, you should consider the color temperature of the bulb. HID bulbs are available in a range of color temperatures, from warm white (3000K) to cool white (6000K). The color temperature of a bulb is important because it can affect how the light appears in a space. Warm white bulbs produce a softer, more inviting light, while cool white bulbs produce a brighter, more clinical light.

Conclusion

HID bulbs are a great option for anyone looking to upgrade their lighting. They are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and produce a bright, even light. When choosing HID bulbs, consider the type of bulb you need, the wattage, and the color temperature to find the right bulbs for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are high intensity discharge lamps used for?

High intensity discharge (HID) lamps are primarily used in applications where creating maximum visible light per watt is crucial. They are commonly used for streetlights, gymnasiums, warehouses, large retail facilities, stadiums, and plant growing rooms.

2. What are the disadvantages of high-intensity discharge light bulbs?

While HID lights have been around for a long time, they may not be the most efficient option in all situations. They waste around 30% of their energy output, emit UV radiation, and require time to warm up.

3. What are the advantages of high-intensity discharge light bulbs?

High-intensity discharge light bulbs have several advantages. They can be used in all-weather conditions and provide extremely bright light, with some bulbs emitting up to 130,000 lumens from a 1000-watt bulb. They are also highly efficient, with efficacy rates of up to 150 lumens per watt. High-pressure sodium (HPS) bulbs are particularly useful for landscape lighting, especially for illuminating large trees.

4. What is the difference between LED and high intensity discharge lamp?

LED lights use electricity, while high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps use gas, typically xenon. In terms of energy use, both have high energy consumption compared to halogen bulbs, but LEDs are slightly more energy-efficient. LED lights also have a longer lifespan, lasting up to 45,000 hours, whereas HID lamps have a lifespan of around 15,000 hours.

5. What are the drawbacks of discharge lamps?

Electric discharge lamps, such as high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps, have a few drawbacks. They require starting means like a starter or starting transformer. The flickering of electric discharge lamps can cause a stroboscopic effect. These lamps also require some time to reach their full brightness and have a poor power factor.

Editor's Notes

During our high intensity discharge bulb research, we found 24 high intensity discharge bulb products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 13,695 customer reviews through our big data system to write the high intensity discharge bulbs list. We found that most customers choose high intensity discharge bulbs with an average price of $18.89.

The high intensity discharge bulbs are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of high intensity discharge bulbs, including Sunlite, Bluex Bulbs, Rossesay. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

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.