Best High Intensity Discharge Bulbs of 2025

Howard Chester Avatar
Howard Chester
Last Updated: Jan 6, 2025

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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 50W Metal Halide Cover #TOP 2
Bluex Bulbs 50W Metal Halide
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Sunlite 03600-SU High Pressure Sodium Bulb Cover #TOP 3
Sunlite 03600-SU High Pressure Sodium 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 50W Metal Halide

3 Count (Pack of 1)
Bluex Bulbs 50W Metal Halide Cover
Bluex Bulbs (3 Pack) MH50/U/MED 50W Metal Halide Bulb ED17 Medium Base Clear

The Bluex 50W Metal Halide is a powerful lighting solution that delivers an impressive 14,000 lumens, perfect for brightening large areas. With a lifespan of up to 10,000 hours, you can rely on this bulb for long-term use without frequent replacements. Its clear finish enhances light output, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor settings. Designed with a medium base and a 5-4/9 inch length, it easily fits into standard fixtures. Just ensure compatibility with M110/E ballast fixtures by checking the ANSI code, ensuring you get the right fit for your lighting needs.

What We Like
High brightness
Long lifespan
Clear finish
Medium base compatibility
#TOP 3

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 4

Sunlite MH400/U/MOG M59 400W Metal Halide Lamp

41854-SU
Clear
2 Pack
Sunlite MH400/U/MOG M59 400W Metal Halide Lamp Cover
Sunlite MH400/U/MOG M59 Metal Halide Lamp, 400 Watts, Mogul Base (E39), ED37, 12,000 Hour Life Span, 36000 Lumen, Clear Finish, 4000K, 2 Pack

The Sunlite Metal Halide Lamp is designed for powerful outdoor and commercial lighting needs. With a bright output of 36,000 lumens, this 400-watt bulb ensures excellent visibility, making it ideal for street lights and parking lots. Its 4000K color temperature provides a clear, natural light that enhances color perception. Built with a mogul base, it easily fits into various fixtures, ensuring versatility for different applications. Additionally, the long lifespan of 12,000 hours means less frequent replacements, saving you time and effort for your lighting setups.

What We Like
High brightness output
Long lifespan
Versatile mogul base
Clear, natural light
#TOP 5

Satco S3129 High Pressure Sodium Lamp

Satco
S3129
Clear
2100K
Satco S3129 High Pressure Sodium Lamp Cover
Satco S3129 2100K 150-Watt Clear Medium Base ED17 High Pressure Sodium Lamp

The Satco High Pressure Lamp is designed to deliver powerful lighting with its 150-watt capacity. Measuring 5.44 inches in length and 2.13 inches in width, this medium base lamp fits easily into standard fixtures. Its clear finish ensures that the light emitted is bright and effective, making it ideal for various applications. As a high-intensity discharge bulb, it provides excellent illumination for outdoor spaces, enhancing safety and visibility. Whether you're lighting up a parking lot or a garden, this lamp brings convenience and reliability to your lighting needs.

What We Like
Powerful 150-watt illumination
Compact size for standard fixtures
Clear finish for bright light
Ideal for outdoor lighting
Reliable high-intensity performance
#TOP 6

Sunlite 03615-SU LU100/MED High Pressure Sodium Light Bulb

03615-SU
2100k
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Sunlite 03615-SU LU100/MED High Pressure Sodium Light Bulb Cover
Sunlite 03615-SU LU100/MED High Pressure Sodium Light Bulb, 100 Watts, ED17/MED, Medium Base (E26), ANSI Code S55, 8500 Lumen, 20000 Life Hours, Clear, 2100K

The Sunlite High Pressure Sodium Light Bulb is a long-life replacement for your existing HID fixtures. With its high intensity discharge, this 100 watt bulb emits a bright 8500 lumens of light with a color temperature of 2100K. The clear glass bulb and standard medium base (E26) make it suitable for various commercial and industrial lighting applications such as street lights, parking lot fixtures, and perimeter lighting. With an average lifespan of 20000 hours, this bulb ensures long-lasting performance. Designed for use in S55 ballast fixtures, the Sunlite High Pressure Sodium Light Bulb is a reliable choice for your lighting needs.

What We Like
Long lifespan
Bright illumination
Wide range of applications
#TOP 7

GE MVR175 High Intensity Light Bulb

GE
LU400/CP
ED18
GE MVR175 High Intensity Light Bulb Cover
Current Professional Lighting MVR175/VBU/MEDPA High Intensity Discharge Quartz Metal Halide Light Bulb, BD17 (6 pack)

The GE MVR175 Bulb is a powerful lighting solution, offering 175 watts and an impressive 17,500 lumens of brightness. This high-intensity discharge bulb provides a 4000K color temperature, making it ideal for environments where clear, bright light is essential. With a rated life of 15,000 hours, you can count on long-lasting performance, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Additionally, the color rendering index of 70 ensures that colors appear true to life, enhancing visibility and detail in your space. This bulb is perfect for users seeking efficiency and quality in their lighting needs.

What We Like
High brightness output
Long lifespan
Good color accuracy
Energy efficient
#TOP 8

Sunlite 70W High Pressure Sodium Bulb

02503-SU
2100k
2 Count
Sunlite 70W High Pressure Sodium Bulb Cover
Sunlite 02503 LU70/MOG 70 Watt High Pressure Sodium Light Bulb, Mogul Base (E39), ANSI Code S62, 6300 Lumen, 24000 Life Hours, Clear, 2100K, 2-Pack

The Sunlite 70W Sodium Bulb is designed for long-lasting performance and bright illumination. With a powerful output of 6300 lumens, this bulb ensures your outdoor spaces are well-lit, enhancing visibility and safety. The 2100K color temperature provides a warm glow, ideal for commercial and industrial settings. Its standard mogul base makes installation a breeze, fitting seamlessly into street lights and parking lot fixtures. Additionally, with an impressive lifespan of 24,000 hours, you can enjoy reduced maintenance and replacement costs, allowing you to focus on what matters most.

What We Like
Long lifespan of 24,000 hours
High brightness of 6300 lumens
Easy installation with mogul base
Warm color temperature of 2100K
#TOP 9

Ciata High Pressure Sodium Bulb

Ciata High Pressure Sodium Bulb Cover
Ciata High Pressure Sodium Lights, High-Intensity Discharge Bulb, 100 Watts, 2100K, CRI 24, 8500 Lumen, E26 Std Medium Base, 20000 Life Hours High-Pressure Sodium Bulb in Clear Finish

The Ciata Sodium Light Bulb offers exceptional brightness and energy efficiency, using just 100 watts while delivering an impressive 8500 lumens. With a lifespan of up to 20,000 hours, you can enjoy hassle-free lighting without frequent replacements. This bulb is perfect for various applications, from street lighting to commercial spaces, ensuring you have reliable illumination wherever needed. Its clear finish and high color temperature of 2100K provide excellent visibility, making it an ideal choice for both indoor and outdoor environments.

What We Like
Long lifespan
High brightness output
Versatile applications
Energy efficient
#TOP 10

Rossesay MH400 Metal Halide Bulbs

Rossesay
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
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 10,548 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 $18.90.

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, Satco, GE, Ciata. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 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.