Best Medium Base Incandescent Bulbs of 2025

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

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Medium base incandescent bulbs are a popular choice for many households due to their affordability and versatility. These bulbs come in a variety of wattages and sizes, making them suitable for a range of lighting needs, from soft ambient lighting to bright task lighting. They are also compatible with most fixtures, making them a convenient option for those looking to replace their current bulbs. While they may not be as energy-efficient as other types of bulbs, medium base incandescent bulbs still offer a warm and inviting glow that many homeowners appreciate.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

PHILIPS 100W A19 Rough Service Bulbs Cover #TOP 1
PHILIPS 100W A19 Rough Service Bulbs
ftb score rating icon 9.8
SYLVANIA Incandescent G25 Décor Globe Light Bulb, 40W, Dimmable, E26 Medium Base, Clear, 2850K, Warm White - 6 Pack Cover #TOP 2
SYLVANIA Incandescent G25 Décor Globe Light Bulb, 40W, Dimmable, E26 Medium Base, Clear, 2850K, Warm White - 6 Pack
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Satco 40W Frosted Incandescent Bulbs, Pack of 6 Cover #TOP 3
Satco 40W Frosted Incandescent Bulbs, Pack of 6
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Medium Base Incandescent Bulbs

PHILIPS 100W A19 Rough Service Bulbs

111724
PHILIPS 100W A19 Rough Service Bulbs Cover
PHILIPS 100W A19 Medium Base Frosted Rough Service Light Bulbs - 2 Pack

The PHILIPS Rough Service Bulbs provide exceptional performance and bright light output, making them ideal for various applications. You can use these 100W bulbs in environments prone to bumps and vibrations, ensuring consistent lighting even in challenging conditions. With an average lifespan of 2,000 hours, you won't have to worry about frequent replacements, saving you time and effort. The A19 medium base makes installation straightforward, allowing you to easily upgrade your lighting without hassle.

What We Like
High light output
Durable for tough environments
Long lifespan
Easy installation

SYLVANIA Incandescent G25 Décor Globe Light Bulb, 40W, Dimmable, E26 Medium Base, Clear, 2850K, Warm White - 6 Pack

14191
Clear Globe
6 Count (Pack of 1)
SYLVANIA Incandescent G25 Décor Globe Light Bulb, 40W, Dimmable, E26 Medium Base, Clear, 2850K, Warm White - 6 Pack Cover
SYLVANIA Incandescent G25 Décor Globe Light Bulb, 40W, Dimmable, E26 Medium Base, Clear, 2850K, Warm White - 6 Pack (14191)

The SYLVANIA Incandescent G25 Décor Globe Light Bulb 6 Pack is a great value for your money. It includes 6, 40W dimmable globe light bulbs with a clear finish, offering a lifetime of 1,5000 hours. These bulbs are perfect for bathrooms, floor lamps, family rooms, and lighting fixtures, producing a welcoming, soft white glow with a color temperature of 2850K and a CRI of 100. Additionally, you can take advantage of an estimated energy cost of only Dollar-4.82 a year.

What We Like
Great value for your money
Produces a welcoming, soft white glow
Long lifetime of 1,5000 hours

Satco 40W Frosted Incandescent Bulbs, Pack of 6

Satco
s4881
6 Count (Pack of 1)
Satco 40W Frosted Incandescent Bulbs, Pack of 6 Cover
Satco S4881 40 Watt A15 (Appliance) Incandescent; Frost; 2500 Average Rated Hours; 265 Lumens; Medium Base; 130 Volt; Shatter Proof (6 Appliance Size Incandescent Frosted Bulb)

This pack of 6 Satco 40W Frosted Incandescent Bulbs features a RoHS compliant frost finish, dimmable option, and 2500 average rated hours. As incandescent bulbs, they offer a warm and inviting glow to your space.

What We Like
Frosted finish provides a soft, diffused light
Dimmable option allows for customizable lighting
2500 average rated hours ensure long-lasting use

SYLVANIA 25W A19 Dimmable Bulbs

293687
Soft White
2 Count (Pack of 1)
SYLVANIA 25W A19 Dimmable Bulbs Cover
SYLVANIA Incandescent Light Bulb, 25W A19, Dimmable, Medium Base, 160 Lumens, 2850K, Soft White - 2 Count(Pack of 1)(10562)

The SYLVANIA Dimmable Light Bulbs come in a convenient 2-pack and are designed for easy installation with their medium base. Each bulb lasts about 2,500 hours, ensuring you enjoy long-lasting illumination in your home. You’ll appreciate the low energy cost, estimated at just $3.01 per year, which helps save on your electricity bills. Plus, with full dimmability, you can easily adjust the lighting to create the perfect atmosphere for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy evening or a bright, lively gathering.

What We Like
Long lifespan
Low energy cost
Dimmable feature
Easy installation
#TOP 5

Satco S3720 40-Watt A15 Light Bulb

Satco
S3720
Clear
Pack of 1
Satco S3720 40-Watt A15 Light Bulb Cover
Satco S3720 130V Medium Base 40-Watt A15 Light Bulb, Clear

The Satco 40-Watt Light Bulb is a reliable choice for illuminating your space. With a length of 3.5 inches and a width of 1.88 inches, it fits easily into standard light fixtures. This clear incandescent bulb provides a warm glow, perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere in any room. Expect about 2,500 hours of average use, allowing you to enjoy bright lighting without frequent replacements. Its medium base makes installation straightforward, giving you the convenience you need for your lighting needs.

What We Like
Long lifespan
Easy installation
Warm, inviting light
Standard size
#TOP 6

Simba Lighting A15 40W Light Bulbs

INC-40A15C-6PC
Clear
6 Count (Pack of 1)
Simba Lighting A15 40W Light Bulbs Cover
Simba Lighting Appliance Light Bulb A15 40W (6 Pack) Incandescent Mini-Standard Shape with E26 Standard Medium Screw Base for Refrigerators, Ovens, 110V 120V 130V, Dimmable, 2700K Warm White

The Simba A15 Light Bulbs are designed for multiple appliances, making them ideal for use in refrigerators, ovens, and even some microwave models. You can enjoy a warm, inviting 2700K light that creates a cozy atmosphere in your home. Each bulb produces 310 lumens of brightness while being dimmable, allowing you to set the perfect mood. With a standard E26 base, these bulbs easily fit into most fixtures, ensuring you won't have trouble with installation.

What We Like
Multi-appliance compatibility
Warm, inviting light
Dimmable feature
Standard E26 base
#TOP 7

Satco S3950 A19 Incandescent Bulbs

Satco
S3950
White
2 Pack
Satco S3950 A19 Incandescent Bulbs Cover
Satco S3950 A19 Incandescent, Medium Base, 2 Pack, White

The Satco A19 Incandescent Bulbs offer a warm, inviting glow with a power rating of 25 watts and a brightness of 185 lumens. With a standard frosted design, these bulbs provide a soft light that is perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere in your home. They feature a medium base, making them compatible with a variety of fixtures. Additionally, you can expect a long lifespan of about 2,500 hours at 130 volts, or up to 5,000 hours at 120 volts, reducing the frequency of replacements and saving you time and effort.

What We Like
Soft, warm light
Long lifespan
Standard medium base
Convenient two-pack
#TOP 8

Sylvania Soft White Incandescent Bulb, 2-Pack

1147
White
2 Count (Pack of 1)
Sylvania Soft White Incandescent Bulb, 2-Pack Cover
Sylvania Soft White Incandescent A15 Bulb, Medium Base | 15 Watts/120 Volts | 2-Bulbs Per Pack (2-Bulbs Total)

The Sylvania Soft White Incandescent A15 Bulb comes in a 2-bulb pack, each with a medium base and soft white light. It has an energy usage of 15 watts and a light output of 65 lumens, with an average rated life of 2,500 hours. This bulb is perfect for indoor use and has a CRI of 100.

What We Like
Long average rated life of 2,500 hours
Soft white light for indoor use
Comes in a convenient 2-bulb pack
#TOP 9

SYLVANIA Incandescent Appliance Light Bulb, 15W A15, Dimmable, Medium Base, 65 Lumens, Frosted, 2850K, Soft White - 2 Pack (10015)

10015
Soft White
2 Count (Pack of 1)
SYLVANIA Incandescent Appliance Light Bulb, 15W A15, Dimmable, Medium Base, 65 Lumens, Frosted, 2850K, Soft White - 2 Pack (10015) Cover
SYLVANIA Incandescent Appliance Light Bulb, 15W A15, Dimmable, Medium Base, 65 Lumens, Frosted, 2850K, Soft White - 2 Pack (10015)

Upgrade your lighting with the SYLVANIA Incandescent Bulb. This high-quality A15 light bulb offers superior light quality and durability, making it perfect for family rooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and children's rooms. With a truer color rendering index (CRI) of 100, this bulb provides flicker and glare-free illumination. Plus, it instantly turns on, allowing you to enjoy the soft white light without any delay. The 15W bulb comes in a pack of 2 and offers a lifetime of 2,500 hours, providing long-lasting performance. With an energy cost of only $1.81 per year, this bulb is not only efficient but also cost-effective. Experience the true difference that SYLVANIA best-in-class lighting makes.

What We Like
Superior light quality
Durable and long-lasting
Instant on without flicker or glare
#TOP 10

Sunlite 25W Torpedo Tip Chandelier with Crystal Clear Light Bulb (12 Pack)

25ETC/32/12PK
Sunlite 25W Torpedo Tip Chandelier with Crystal Clear Light Bulb (12 Pack) Cover
Sunlite 25ETC/32/12PK 25W Incandescent Torpedo Tip Chandelier with Crystal Clear Light Bulb and Medium E26 Base (12 Pack)

The Sunlite 25W Torpedo Tip Chandelier produces a crystal clear 3200K beam of light that is crisper than LED and halogen-like, making it perfect for all ceiling fixtures, pendants, wall sconces, lamps, and other home decor lighting. These dimmable bulbs last an astonishing 1500 hours while employing 25W of energy at a standard 120 volts. The classic filament design and value-packed 12 pack make this a great choice for anyone looking for high-quality decorative chandelier bulbs at a competitive price.

What We Like
Produces a crystal clear, halogen-like beam of light
Lasts an astonishing 1500 hours on average
Dimmable, making it perfect for any lighting situation
Classic filament design adds a touch of sophistication to any fixture
Comes in a value-packed 12 pack
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a medium base bulb?

Medium or Standard: E26 (26 mm in diameter) is the size of the majority of light bulbs used in the United States.

2. What is E26 medium incandescent bulb?

E26 is also commonly referred to as a Medium Edison Screw (MES). An E26 bulb, therefore, is any bulb or lamp that utilizes the E26 cap or base for mounting and electrical contact. You can most instantly recognize an E26 bulb by looking at the bottom, or non-light emitting side of the bulb.

3. What is the standard incandescent light bulb base?

The most common bulb base in the US is the screw medium E26 base. It is used in most incandescent, nostalgic, LED, CFL and halogen light bulbs. The Candelabra E12 base is the second most common bulb base which is used for smaller decorative incandescent/nostalgic bulbs. The intermediate E17 base is not very common.

4. Is medium base bulb the same as A19?

"E" refers to "Edison," which is the type of "screw in" style base people in the United States are most familiar with. 26 refers to 26 mm across. (This is also called a "medium" base.) So the light bulb that most of us have used in our homes here in the States is an A19 bulb with an E26 base.

Editor's Notes

During our medium base incandescent bulb research, we found 24 medium base incandescent bulb products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 30,890 customer reviews through our big data system to write the medium base incandescent bulbs list. We found that most customers choose medium base incandescent bulbs with an average price of $7.61.

The medium base incandescent bulbs are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of medium base incandescent bulbs, including PHILIPS, LEDVANCE, Satco, Simba Lighting, SYLVANIA. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 209 consumers with an average rating of 4.6.

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.