Best Incandescent Bulbs of 2025

Howard Chester Avatar
Howard Chester
Last Updated: Jan 15, 2025

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Incandescent bulbs are a type of light bulb that have been widely used for decades. They work by passing electricity through a filament, which heats up and produces light. Incandescent bulbs are known for their warm, yellowish glow and are often used in lamps and other fixtures where a cozy atmosphere is desired. However, they are not as energy-efficient as other types of bulbs and have largely been phased out in favor of LED and other more environmentally-friendly options.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

SYLVANIA 25W A19 Dimmable Bulbs Cover #TOP 1
SYLVANIA 25W A19 Dimmable Bulbs
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Vintage Edison Light Bulbs 60W (4 Pack) Cover #TOP 2
Vintage Edison Light Bulbs 60W (4 Pack)
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Jslinter 6-Pack Edison Light Bulb Cover #TOP 3
Jslinter 6-Pack Edison Light Bulb
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Incandescent Bulbs

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
Warm, soft light
Long-lasting bulbs
Perfect for mood lighting
Easy on the eyes
What We Don't Like
Fragility during delivery

Vintage Edison Light Bulbs 60W (4 Pack)

HST64
4 Count (Pack of 1)
Vintage Edison Light Bulbs 60W (4 Pack) Cover
HUDSON BULB CO. Vintage Incandescent Edison Light Bulbs 60W (4 Pack)- E26/E27 Base 2100K Dimmable Decorative Lightbulbs for Outdoor and Indoor - ST64 Style Warm Light - Antique Squirrel Filament

Bring a vintage-inspired style to your home with these 60W incandescent bulbs. With a warm white 2100K light color temperature, these bulbs emit a soft, warm glow that is perfect for a variety of settings. The clear glass bulge design provides a classic, throwback look, while the omnidirectional lighting with dimmable ability allows you to set the perfect mood. These bulbs are compatible with any E26 or E27 screw base standard home lighting sockets, making them a versatile choice for pendant light fixtures, outdoor lanterns, ceiling fixtures, sputnik chandeliers, and more.

What We Like
Vintage aesthetic appeal
Warm, inviting glow
Sturdy construction
Better than harsh LED lights
Ideal for exposed fixtures
What We Don't Like
Limited longevity reference
Bulbs may be larger than average
#TOP 3

Jslinter 6-Pack Edison Light Bulb

FY-A161807
A19 6-pack
6 Count (Pack of 1)
Jslinter 6-Pack Edison Light Bulb Cover
Jslinter 6-Pack Edison Light Bulb 60 Watt, Dimmable A19 Antique Vintage Old Fashioned E26 Incandescent Light Bulbs, Amber Warm White

Jslinter Vintage Edison Bulbs are the perfect choice for adding a timeless charm to your house. With their squirrel cage style filament and amber glass, these A19 bulbs create a classic atmosphere and provide a warm glow, making them fantastic for decorative lighting. They are designed in an Edison vintage style appearance, suitable for both home and commercial decoration. Whether you want to use them indoors or outdoors, in chandeliers, pendant lighting, or wall sconces, these bulbs will create a warm and intimate lighting ambiance. Each pack includes 6 bulbs that are well protected during transit. With a long lifespan of 3500 hours, these bulbs effectively reduce the frequency of changing light bulbs, providing you with top-quality vintage lighting.

What We Like
Warm antique glow
Good for sensitive eyes
Vintage filament style
Healthy lighting feel
Affordable price per bulb
What We Don't Like
Inconsistent tinting
Some early failures
#TOP 4

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
Well-packaged and undamaged
Rugged and long-lasting
Bright lighting
Good shipping experience
What We Don't Like
Small appliance size
Too cool light temperature
#TOP 5

DORESshop Vintage Edison Light Bulbs

DWS001RW40E26-4-2700K/ST19-5
2700k Amber White
4 Count (Pack of 1)
DORESshop Vintage Edison Light Bulbs Cover
DORESshop Vintage Edison Bulbs 40 Watt, Incandescent Light Bulbs, T45, 110-130 Volts, E26/E27 Base Dimmable Decorative Antique Filament Bulbs, Amber Glass, Warm White, 4 Pack

DORESshop Vintage Edison Light Bulbs are designed to provide warm, soft glow with a vintage-inspired appearance. The bulbs are available in a 4 pack and have a power of 40 watts with a voltage of 120v. They are designed to be durable, dimmer compatible and do not flicker. The bulbs have a lifespan of 3000 hours and come with an amber colored glass cover to perfectly match modern furniture.

What We Like
Warm, inviting light
Beautiful vintage design
Dimmable for mood settings
Well-constructed and stylish
Affordable pricing
What We Don't Like
Pricey replacement bulbs
#TOP 6

SYLVANIA Incandescent Globe Light Bulb, 40W, G25 - 3 Pack

15345
Warm White
3 Count (Pack of 1)
SYLVANIA Incandescent Globe Light Bulb, 40W, G25 - 3 Pack Cover
SYLVANIA Incandescent Double Life Décor Globe Light Bulb, 40W, G25, Medium Base, 265 Lumens, Frosted, 2850K, Soft White - 3 Pack (15345)

SYLVANIA Incandescent Double Life Décor Globe Light Bulb is a pack of 3, 40-watt medium base bulbs with a lifetime of 3,000 hours. It produces a soft white brightness of 265 lumens and has a color temperature of 2850K. Ideal for placement in bathrooms, entryways, family rooms, and floor lamps. It has an estimated energy cost of only Dollar-4.82 a year.

What We Like
Long-lasting performance
Well-packaged delivery
Good value for price
Reliable brand choice
Perfect for vintage fixtures
What We Don't Like
Possible breakage risk
Limited customer service access
#TOP 7

PHILIPS H&PC-63321 24876 Light Bulb

H&PC-63321
White
6 Count (Pack of 1)
PHILIPS H&PC-63321 24876 Light Bulb Cover
PHILIPS H&PC-63321 24876 Light Bulb, 6 Pack, White

The PHILIPS Light Bulb is a 6-pack of BR30 incandescent bulbs that provide a bright white light. With a 65-watt power output and an average lifetime of 2000 hours, these bulbs are a reliable and long-lasting lighting solution. The 635 lumens of light output ensure that your space is well-lit and illuminated. Whether you need to brighten up your living room, office, or any other area, these bulbs will deliver the right amount of light. With the convenience of a 6-pack, you'll have enough bulbs to replace multiple lights or keep as spares. Trust the PHILIPS brand for quality and reliability in lighting.

What We Like
Works with older dimmer switches
Warm color temperature
Reliable performance
Perfect replacement for kitchen lighting
Better than some other brands
What We Don't Like
Hard to find in stores
#TOP 8

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
Soft yellow light
Perfect for ceiling fans
Good price for incandescent bulbs
Compatible with lava lamps
Arrived undamaged and functional
What We Don't Like
Some flickering observed
#TOP 9

Royal Designs 3 Way Incandescent Bulbs

LB-1006XX
White
Set of 4
Royal Designs 3 Way Incandescent Bulbs Cover
Royal Designs, Inc. 3 Way 100 150 250 Watts Incandescent A19 Light Bulb, E26 Medium Brass Base, Set of 4, LB-1006-4

The Royal Designs 3 Way Bulbs provide versatile lighting options with three wattage settings: 100, 150, and 250 watts. This means you can easily adjust the brightness based on your needs, whether you are reading a book or hosting a dinner party. Featuring an E26 medium base, they fit most standard lamp sockets, ensuring convenience in replacing your old bulbs. The A19 shape of these non-dimmable bulbs offers a familiar look while delivering warm, inviting light at 2700 Kelvin. With a high Color Rendering Index (CRI), these bulbs enhance the colors in your space, making it feel more vibrant and welcoming.

What We Like
Three brightness options
E26 medium base compatibility
Warm, inviting light
High Color Rendering Index
#TOP 10

Vintage Incandescent Edison Light Bulbs

Vintage Incandescent Edison Light Bulbs Cover
HUDSON BULB CO. Vintage Incandescent Edison Light Bulbs 60W (4 Pack) for Outdoor and Indoor- E26/E27 Base 2100K Dimmable Decorative Antique Squirrel Filament Lightbulbs - ST58 Style Warm Light

Get the perfect antique look with these Vintage Incandescent Edison Light Bulbs. The 4 pack of bulbs brings a warm, soft glow with a vintage warm white 2100k light color temperature. The tear drop design of these ST58 style bulbs emits an omnidirectional light of approximately 230 lumens with dimmable ability. These bulbs fit into any E26 or E27 screw base standard home lighting sockets, pendant light fixtures, outdoor lanterns, and ceiling fixtures.

What We Like
Beautiful aesthetic design
Soft, warm light
Dimmable feature
Good brightness level
Well-packaged for shipping
What We Don't Like
Minor blemishes on some bulbs
Some bulbs fit loosely
Buying Guide Image

The Right Incandescent Bulbs for You

Introduction

Choosing the right incandescent bulbs for your home or business can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available on the market. In this article, we will discuss some important factors to consider when selecting incandescent bulbs, including wattage, color temperature, and size. By taking the time to understand your needs and compare different options, you can find the perfect incandescent bulbs to suit your lighting needs.

Wattage

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing incandescent bulbs is wattage, which refers to the amount of energy the bulb consumes. The higher the wattage, the brighter the bulb will be. However, it's important to choose the right wattage for your needs, as using bulbs with too high of a wattage can result in excessive energy consumption and higher utility bills.

As a general rule of thumb, incandescent bulbs with a wattage of 40-60 are suitable for task lighting, such as in a kitchen or office, while bulbs with a wattage of 60-100 are better for general lighting, such as in a living room or bedroom. If you're unsure which wattage is best for your needs, it's always a good idea to consult with a lighting expert or refer to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Color Temperature

Another important factor to consider when choosing incandescent bulbs is color temperature, which refers to the hue of the light emitted by the bulb. Incandescent bulbs are available in a range of color temperatures, from warm white to cool white. Warm white bulbs, which have a color temperature of 2700-3000K, are ideal for creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere, while cool white bulbs, which have a color temperature of 3500-4100K, are better for providing bright and focused lighting.

When selecting the color temperature of your incandescent bulbs, it's important to consider the intended use and ambiance of the space. For example, warm white bulbs are well-suited for living rooms and bedrooms, while cool white bulbs are better for bathrooms and kitchens.

Size

The size of the incandescent bulb is another important factor to consider, as it determines the type of fixtures the bulb can be used in. Incandescent bulbs are available in a variety of sizes, including A-shape, globes, reflector, and decorative. A-shape bulbs, which are the most common type, are available in different base sizes, such as E26 and E27, to fit standard fixtures. Globes, which have a spherical shape, are ideal for pendant lights and chandeliers. Reflector bulbs, which have a parabolic shape, are designed to direct light in a specific direction, making them suitable for track lighting and recessed fixtures. Decorative bulbs, which come in various shapes and sizes, are ideal for creating a unique and stylish look.

When selecting the size of your incandescent bulbs, it's important to ensure that they are compatible with your fixtures. It's also a good idea to measure the space available in the fixture to ensure that the bulb will fit properly.

Conclusion

Choosing the right incandescent bulbs for your home or business involves considering several important factors, including wattage, color temperature, and size. By taking the time to understand your needs and compare different options, you can find the perfect incandescent bulbs to suit your lighting needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I still buy incandescent light bulbs?

No, the production and sale of incandescent light bulbs have been officially banned in the United States since August 1, 2023. This ban was implemented due to the low energy efficiency of incandescent bulbs.

2. Why did the US ban incandescent light bulbs?

The US banned incandescent light bulbs because they are highly inefficient, with most of the energy they produce being wasted as heat rather than light. By transitioning to energy-efficient LED bulbs, consumers can save nearly $3 billion on their electricity bills.

3. What is special about incandescent bulbs?

Incandescent bulbs have the advantage of not requiring external regulating equipment, having a low manufacturing cost, and being compatible with various control devices such as dimmers and timers. They can be used both indoors and outdoors.

4. Is there a ban on incandescent light bulbs in 2023?

Yes, as of August 2023, the sale of incandescent light bulbs is banned in the United States. However, you can still use the bulbs that you already have installed.

5. Can I replace an incandescent bulb with an LED bulb?

Yes, you can easily replace an incandescent bulb with an LED bulb without needing to change the light sockets. LED bulbs have compatible caps that can be used with conventional light sockets.

6. What are the disadvantages of incandescent bulbs?

Incandescent bulbs have several disadvantages, including being energy inefficient, having a short lamp life span (typically around 1000 hours), and producing heat that may require additional cooling with air conditioning.

7. What light bulb is closest to natural light?

Halogen bulbs, a type of incandescent bulb, provide a close approximation of natural daylight known as "white light." They offer sharper colors and can be dimmed. While more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs, they are also more expensive and generate more heat.

Editor's Notes

During our incandescent bulb research, we found 24 incandescent bulb products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 129,102 customer reviews through our big data system to write the incandescent bulbs list. We found that most customers choose incandescent bulbs with an average price of $15.31.

The incandescent bulbs are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of incandescent bulbs, including LEDVANCE, HUDSON BULB CO., Jslinter, Satco, DORESshop. 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.

Incandescent Bulbs Comparison Table

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Brand LEDVANCE HUDSON BULB CO. Jslinter Satco DORESshop LEDVANCE PHILIPS Simba Lighting Royal Designs, Inc. HUDSON BULB CO.
Light Type Incandescent Incandescent Incandescent Appliance Bulb Incandescent Incandescent Incandescent Incandescent Incandescent Incandescent
Wattage 25 watts 60 watts 60 watts 40 watts 40 watts 40 watts 65 watts 40 watts - 60 watts
Bulb Shape Size A19 ST19 A19 A15 E17 G25 BR30 A15 - ST18
Special Feature 2500 hour Dimmable Dimmable Frosted Dimmable, incandescent bulbs, Soft amber light, vintage edison light bulbs, decorative light bulbs Home Lighting, Soft White - - 3-Way Dimmable
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.1
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