Best LED Bulbs UK (2026 Expert Picks)

With energy prices still a major concern for UK households, switching to LED bulbs remains one of the most straightforward ways to reduce your electricity bills. Modern LED technology has come a long way since the early days of harsh, flickering lights—today’s bulbs offer warm, natural lighting that rivals traditional incandescents while using a fraction of the power.

The challenge isn’t whether to switch to LEDs anymore; it’s choosing the right ones from the overwhelming number of options available. I’ve researched the current UK market, analyzing customer reviews, technical specifications, and real-world performance to identify the LED bulbs that actually deliver on their promises.

This guide covers everything from standard bayonet and screw fittings to GU10 spotlights and specialist bulbs, with recommendations across different price points. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly options to light your entire home or premium smart bulbs with advanced features, you’ll find suitable choices here.

This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

---

---

What Makes a Great LED Bulb?

Before diving into specific recommendations, it’s worth understanding what actually matters when choosing LED bulbs. Marketing claims can be misleading, so focusing on a few key factors will help you make informed decisions.

Energy Efficiency and Running Costs

LED bulbs use 80-90% less energy than traditional incandescents. A 9W LED produces the same brightness as a 60W incandescent, saving roughly £10-15 per bulb annually. Quality LED bulbs last 15,000-25,000 hours—that’s up to 23 years at typical usage rates.

Lifespan and Reliability

Quality LED bulbs typically last 15,000 to 25,000 hours, with premium models reaching 50,000 hours. To put this in perspective, a bulb rated for 25,000 hours used 3 hours daily will last approximately 23 years. This longevity means you’ll replace bulbs far less frequently compared to traditional options.

Colour Temperature and Light Quality

Colour temperature, measured in Kelvin (K), dramatically affects how a room feels:

• 2700K (Warm White): Soft, yellowish light ideal for living rooms and bedrooms
• 4000K (Cool White): Neutral white excellent for kitchens and bathrooms
• 6500K (Daylight): Bright, bluish-white best for workshops and task lighting

The Colour Rendering Index (CRI) measures how accurately colours appear under the light. A CRI of 80+ is standard for LEDs and acceptable for most applications, while 90+ is considered excellent and shows colours more naturally.

Brightness and Lumens

Brightness is measured in lumens, not watts:

• 40W incandescent = 470 lumens
• 60W incandescent = 800 lumens
• 100W incandescent = 1,600 lumens

When replacing halogen GU10 spotlights, a 50W halogen produces roughly 400-450 lumens, so look for LED GU10s in that range.

---

Understanding Bulb Shapes

LED bulbs come in different shapes for different fixtures. Here are the most common:

• A60 (GLS): Standard bulb shape for general lighting
• Candle (C35): Pointed or flame-tip for chandeliers and decorative fixtures
• Golf Ball (G45): Small, compact round bulb for tight spaces
• GU10: Spotlight bulb for recessed ceiling lights
• G9: Small capsule for modern ceiling and wall fittings
• ST64: Decorative vintage-style squirrel cage with visible LED filaments

---

Best B22 Bayonet GLS LED Bulbs (Standard A60 Shape)

The B22 bayonet fitting is the most common in UK homes, particularly for ceiling lights and standard lamps. These A60 (classic bulb shape) recommendations offer the best combination of performance, reliability, and value.

Premium Choice: Philips LED Classic 8.5W B22

Philips remains the gold standard for LED bulbs, and their Classic range demonstrates why. The 8.5W model produces 806 lumens (60W equivalent) with a warm 2700K colour temperature that closely matches traditional incandescents.

What sets Philips apart is consistency. These bulbs deliver reliable performance with minimal variation between units, smooth dimming (on dimmable models), and excellent colour rendering. The build quality is noticeably superior to budget alternatives, with robust heat management ensuring the rated 15,000-hour lifespan isn’t just marketing.

Customer reviews consistently praise the natural light quality and longevity. While these bulbs cost more upfront (typically £3-4 per bulb), the combination of energy savings and extended lifespan makes them cost-effective long-term. Available in both warm white (2700K) and cool white (4000K).

---

---

Best Value: Lepro B22 LED Bulbs 8.5W

For those lighting entire homes on a budget, Lepro offers impressive value. Their 8.5W B22 bulbs deliver 806 lumens at 2700K, matching the Philips specification at roughly half the price when bought in multi-packs.

The light quality is very good for the price point, though perhaps not quite as refined as premium brands. Some users report slightly more variation in colour temperature between bulbs, but this is rarely noticeable in practice. The bulbs don’t dim as smoothly on all dimmer switches, so stick to non-dimmable versions unless you have a modern LED-compatible dimmer.

Reliability appears solid based on customer feedback, with most users reporting no failures after a year of use. At around £2 per bulb in six-packs, these represent excellent value for rooms where you need multiple bulbs.

---

---

Best E27 Edison Screw GLS LED Bulbs (Standard A60 Shape)

E27 screw fittings are increasingly common in UK homes, particularly in modern light fittings and lamps. The same brands that excel in bayonet fittings generally offer equivalent screw options.

Top Pick: Philips LED E27 7W A60

Similar to their B22 range, Philips E27 bulbs set the benchmark for quality. The 7W model delivers 806 lumens with the same excellent colour rendering and build quality that characterizes the brand.

These bulbs excel in exposed fittings where light quality matters—pendant lights, desk lamps, and decorative fixtures. The instant-on performance and flicker-free operation make them comfortable for extended use in reading or work environments.

---

---

Best Value: Lepro E27 LED Bulbs 8.5W A60

Lepro’s E27 range mirrors the quality and value proposition of their bayonet bulbs. At 8.5W producing 806 lumens, these provide reliable lighting at budget-friendly prices, particularly when purchased in six-packs.

The 2700K warm white option works well for living spaces, while their cool white variants suit kitchens and bathrooms. Build quality feels solid for the price, with a reassuring weight and proper heat sink construction.

---

Best Filament/Vintage Style Bulbs (ST64)

For exposed bulb fixtures where aesthetics matter, Amazon Basics filament-style LED bulbs offer vintage charm with modern efficiency. The 4.3W models produce 470 lumens (40W equivalent) with visible LED filaments that mimic Edison-style incandescents.

These work beautifully in pendant lights, cage fixtures, and decorative lamps where the bulb is part of the design. The clear glass and warm 2700K output create an inviting ambiance. While not as bright as standard LED bulbs, they’re perfect for accent lighting and mood settings.

Premium Choice: Philips LED ST64 7.5W E27

Philips’ ST64 filament bulbs deliver the perfect vintage aesthetic with modern LED efficiency. The 7.5W model produces 806 lumens with a stunning amber-tinted glass that creates authentic Edison-style warmth.

The visible LED filaments are arranged to mimic traditional carbon filaments, providing beautiful light whether the bulb is on or off. Build quality is exceptional—these feel substantial and premium, with robust construction that justifies the higher price.

These work magnificently in exposed pendant lights, industrial-style fixtures, and anywhere you want that warm, nostalgic glow. The 2000K colour temperature creates an ultra-warm ambiance perfect for restaurants, bars, or creating cosy home atmospheres. At around £8-12 per bulb, they’re an investment but deliver genuinely superior aesthetics and longevity.

---

---

Best Value: Amazon Basics LED ST64 E27 Filament

Amazon Basics offers an excellent entry point into vintage-style lighting at a fraction of premium prices. Their ST64 filament bulbs provide 470 lumens from 4.3W with visible LED filaments that create attractive decorative lighting.

The clear glass allows the filament pattern to shine through beautifully when the bulb is on. The 2700K warm white output creates inviting ambiance without the ultra-warm amber tint of premium options—this makes them more versatile for spaces where you want vintage aesthetics but slightly brighter, crisper light.

These work brilliantly in pendant lights, exposed ceiling fittings, and table lamps where the bulb is visible. While not quite matching the premium feel of Philips bulbs, they offer impressive value. The six-pack pricing makes decorating multiple fixtures affordable, and customer reviews consistently praise their appearance and reliability.

Perfect for creating vintage industrial aesthetics on a budget, whether in home bars, dining rooms, or bedroom lighting schemes.

---

---

Best E14 Small Edison Screw LED Candle Bulbs (C35)

E14 small Edison screw fittings are common in chandeliers, wall lights, and bedside lamps. These smaller bulbs come in two main shapes, each suited to different fixtures.

Premium Pick: Philips LED E14 5.5W Candle

Philips’ candle-shaped E14 bulbs provide 470 lumens (40W equivalent) in an elegant form factor perfect for decorative fixtures. The frosted finish diffuses light evenly while maintaining the classic candle bulb appearance.

These work beautifully in chandeliers and wall sconces where the bulb is visible. The 2700K warm white creates appropriate ambiance for dining rooms and bedrooms. Build quality is excellent with smooth dimming on compatible dimmers.

---

---

Value Option: Eveready E14 LED Light Bulbs

• Affordable chandelier bulbs
• Warm 3000K output
• Good quality for the price

Eveready offers candle-shaped E14 bulbs that deliver solid performance at lower prices. While not quite matching Philips’ refinement, they provide attractive lighting for decorative fixtures without breaking the bank.

---

Best GU10 LED Spotlight Bulbs

GU10 spotlights are ubiquitous in UK kitchens and bathrooms, making them prime candidates for LED upgrades. The energy savings are particularly significant given how many spotlights typical rooms contain.

Premium Choice: Philips LED GU10 4.6W

Philips GU10 bulbs deliver 400 lumens from just 4.6W, matching 50W halogen output while using over 90% less energy. Available in both warm white (2700K) and cool white (4000K), they suit different room requirements.

The beam angle of 36 degrees provides focused illumination similar to traditional GU10 halogens, preventing the washed-out effect some wider-angle LED spotlights produce. Heat dissipation is excellent—these bulbs remain much cooler than halogens even after hours of use.

---

Customer feedback particularly highlights their reliability in demanding applications like kitchens where lights run for extended periods daily. The six-pack option offers better value while maintaining Philips’ quality standards.

---

Best Value: Lepro GU10 LED 4.5W

Lepro’s GU10 range provides solid performance at approximately half the cost of premium brands. The 4.5W bulbs produce 345 lumens with a 100-degree beam angle, creating wider light distribution than traditional spotlights.

This wider beam can be advantageous or disadvantageous depending on your layout. For general kitchen lighting where you want broad coverage, the 100-degree spread works well. For accent lighting or focused task illumination, you might prefer narrower beam angles.

The 2700K warm white option creates surprisingly cosy kitchen lighting, while the cool white version provides the crisp illumination many prefer for food preparation areas. Quality is consistent, with minimal variation between bulbs in multi-packs.

---

Customer feedback particularly highlights their reliability in demanding applications like kitchens where lights run for extended periods daily. The six-pack option offers better value while maintaining Philips’ quality standards.

---

Budget Option: Amazon Basics GU10 LED 4.7W

Amazon’s own-brand GU10 bulbs offer no-frills reliability at rock-bottom prices. The 4.7W models produce 380 lumens with a warm white output suitable for most applications.

Light quality won’t impress lighting enthusiasts, but these bulbs work perfectly fine for utility spaces or where budget is paramount. The six-pack pricing makes upgrading entire rooms affordable, and customer reviews indicate decent reliability for the price.

---

---

Best Smart LED Bulbs

Smart bulbs offer convenience and functionality beyond simple lighting. They allow colour temperature adjustment, brightness control, scheduling, and integration with smart home systems—all controlled from your phone or voice assistants.

Premium Choice: Philips Hue Essential E27 (Colour & White)

Philips Hue Essential represents the newer, more accessible Hue lineup while maintaining the quality the brand is known for. These bulbs deliver 16 million colours plus the full range of white temperatures from warm 2200K to cool 6500K.

The Essential range works via Bluetooth without requiring the Hue Bridge hub, making setup incredibly simple. For basic control, just screw in the bulb and connect through the Hue app. If you want advanced features like automations, away-from-home control, or integration with up to 50 bulbs, you can add the Hue Bridge later.

Light quality is exceptional across the colour and temperature spectrum. These bulbs integrate seamlessly with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, making voice control effortless. The Hue app is intuitive, offering pre-set scenes for different moods or the ability to create custom lighting schemes.

---

At around £20-25 per bulb (often less in multi-packs), the Essential range is significantly more affordable than the original Hue White and Colour Ambiance while delivering very similar performance. This makes them excellent for those wanting to try smart lighting without the premium price tag.

---

Best Value: Tapo L530B Smart Bulb (E27)

TP-Link’s Tapo smart bulbs bring impressive functionality at much more accessible prices. The L530B models offer 16 million colours, adjustable white temperatures, scheduling, and voice control compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant.

These bulbs connect directly via Wi-Fi—no hub required—making setup straightforward. The Tapo app provides good control options including preset scenes and custom schedules, though it’s not quite as polished as the Hue ecosystem.

---

Light quality is very good for the price, producing 806 lumens with accurate colours and smooth transitions. Customer reviews highlight reliable connectivity and responsive control. At around £10-13 per bulb in two-packs, these represent excellent value for adding smart lighting to your home.

---

Best Small Edison Screw E14 Candle Bulbs (C35)

E14 small Edison screw fittings are common in chandeliers, wall lights, and bedside lamps. These smaller bulbs often need to balance performance with aesthetics.

Premium Smart Choice: Philips SceneSwitch E14 Candle 5.5W

Philips SceneSwitch is brilliantly clever – it gives you three different lighting modes just by flicking your existing light switch on and off. First click: full brightness (470 lumens, 2700K warm white). Second click: medium brightness. Third click: ultra-warm glow (2200K).

This is perfect for chandeliers and decorative fixtures where you want ambiance control but don’t have a dimmer switch installed. You get the functionality of dimming without any electrical work or smart home setup. Just swap your existing bulbs and you’re done.

The frosted candle shape looks elegant in exposed fittings, and the light quality is typical Philips excellence—consistent, flicker-free, and natural-looking at all settings. Build quality is robust, ensuring the switching mechanism remains reliable over the bulb’s 15,000-hour lifespan.

---

At around £6-8 per bulb, these cost more than standard LEDs but less than installing dimmer switches. They’re ideal for dining room chandeliers where you want bright light for eating and soft ambiance for afterwards, all controlled from your existing switch.

---

Premium Decorative: Paul Russells E14 Spiral Filament Candle Bulbs

For those wanting something truly special in their chandeliers, Paul Russells’ spiral filament candle bulbs are showstoppers. The unique spiral LED filament creates a mesmerizing visual effect, especially beautiful when dimmed.

The amber-tinted glass provides warm, vintage aesthetics that elevate any decorative fixture. At 4W producing 470 lumens, these deliver 40W equivalent brightness with an ultra-warm 2200K colour temperature that creates genuinely cosy atmospheres.

These work magnificently in statement chandeliers, wall sconces, and anywhere the bulb is visible and part of the design. The dimmable functionality allows you to adjust the ambiance perfectly—from bright functional lighting to soft romantic glow.

---

While more expensive than standard candle bulbs (around £8-12 per bulb), the aesthetic impact justifies the premium for decorative fixtures where the bulbs are focal points. Customer reviews consistently praise their beauty and how they transform ordinary light fittings into features.

---

Best Golf Ball Bulbs (G45)

Top Pick: Vanke E14 LED Golf Ball 6W

For smaller fixtures where golf ball bulbs are appropriate, Vanke’s E14 range offers good value. The 6W models produce 470 lumens with a compact form factor that fits tight spaces in bedside lamps, hallway lights, and smaller fixtures.

The warm 2700K output creates pleasant lighting, and the non-dimmable versions are particularly affordable. These work well where you need E14 bulbs but don’t require the decorative candle shape.

---

---

Budget Option: Lepro E14 Golf Ball 4.2W

Lepro’s E14 golf ball bulbs provide the most budget-friendly option for small screw fittings. The 4.2W models are perfect for applications where dimming isn’t required and cost is a priority.

---

---

Best G9 LED Capsule Bulbs

G9 capsule bulbs are found in many modern light fittings, particularly ceiling lights and wall fixtures. Traditional G9 halogens run extremely hot and consume significant power.

Premium Choice: Philips CorePro G9 LED 2.3W

Philips CorePro G9 bulbs deliver professional-grade performance in the compact capsule format. The 2.3W model produces 300 lumens, providing adequate brightness for most G9 applications while using a fraction of halogen power.

Build quality is noticeably superior to budget options, with robust construction ensuring consistent performance and longevity. These bulbs remain remarkably cool even after extended operation—a stark contrast to the fire-hazard heat of traditional G9 halogens that can reach scorching temperatures.

Available in convenient three-packs, these are ideal for bathroom wall lights, bedroom ceiling fixtures, and any G9 fitting where reliability matters.

---

The compact size fits all standard G9 fittings, and the instant-on performance matches halogens without the warm-up period. The 2700K warm white output creates pleasant ambiance in living spaces. While more expensive (£6-8 per bulb), the combination of reliability, proper heat management, and Philips’ quality justifies the premium for frequently-used fixtures.

---

Budget Value: G9 LED 5W Warm White (5-Pack)

For those replacing multiple G9 bulbs throughout the home, these budget six-packs offer remarkable value. The 5W bulbs deliver 500 lumens—genuinely bright enough for most applications.

Build quality is adequate rather than exceptional, but these bulbs do the job reliably at a fraction of premium prices. The warm white 3000K output suits bathrooms, kitchens, and utility spaces where crisp, bright lighting is preferred.

---

At under £2 per bulb in six-packs, these make converting an entire home’s G9 fittings affordable. They’re perfect for rental properties, student accommodation, or anywhere cost is the primary concern.

---

Best Dimmable LED Bulbs

Not all LED bulbs dim smoothly or work with all dimmer switches. If you have existing dimmer switches, you need LEDs specifically rated as dimmable. Philips dimmable bulbs generally perform best across different dimmer types, offering smooth dimming without flickering or buzzing.

If your new dimmable LEDs flicker, your old switch is likely incompatible. We recommend the Varilight V-Pro LED Dimmer – it is the UK standard for silent, flicker-free LED dimming.

Best Standard Dimmable: Philips LED Classic E27 10.5W A60 Dimmable

Philips’ 10.5W dimmable E27 is their brightest standard bulb, delivering an impressive 1521 lumens—equivalent to a traditional 100W incandescent. This makes it perfect for rooms requiring substantial illumination with dimming flexibility.

The key advantage is exceptional dimming performance. While cheaper dimmable LEDs often flicker or have limited dimming range, this Philips bulb dims smoothly from full brightness down to around 5-10% without buzzing or strobing. The 2700K warm white maintains its pleasant colour even when dimmed low.

Build quality is typical Philips excellence—robust construction, consistent performance across the dimming range, and reliable longevity. These cost more than non-dimmable versions (around £8-10 per bulb), but the investment is worthwhile if you value proper dimming functionality.

---

Perfect for living rooms, dining rooms, and any space where you want powerful lighting with the flexibility to create intimate ambiance. The A60 standard shape fits all typical E27 fixtures.

---

Best Decorative Dimmable: Philips LED E27 5.9W ST64 Filament Dimmable

For exposed fixtures where the bulb is part of the design, Philips’ dimmable ST64 filament bulb combines vintage aesthetics with modern dimming capability. The 5.9W model produces 806 lumens with visible LED filaments that look stunning whether on or off.

The dimmable functionality is crucial for decorative fixtures—you can have full brightness for tasks, then dim down to create atmospheric mood lighting. The dimming is smooth and flicker-free, allowing you to find the perfect ambiance level.

These work magnificently in pendant lights, exposed ceiling fixtures, and anywhere you want vintage Edison-style charm with modern control. The 2700K warm white creates inviting atmospheres, and the clear glass showcases the filament design beautifully.

---

At around £10-12 per bulb, they’re premium-priced but deliver genuinely superior aesthetics and dimming performance for statement fixtures.

---

Best Spotlight Dimmable: Philips LED GU10 6.2W Dimmable

Philips GU10 dimmable spotlights solve the common problem of flickering LED spotlights on dimmer switches. The 6.2W models produce a bright 575 lumens—significantly more than standard 4.6W GU10s—making them ideal for kitchens and bathrooms where you need strong illumination.

Kitchen and bathroom spotlights particularly benefit from dimming—bright task lighting when cooking or applying makeup, softer ambiance for evenings. These bulbs dim smoothly without the buzzing or flickering that plagues cheaper alternatives.

---

Making the Switch to LED

Converting your home to LED lighting doesn’t require replacing every bulb simultaneously. A practical approach involves prioritizing rooms where lights run longest—living rooms, kitchens, and hallways offer the best return on investment. Replace failed bulbs with LEDs rather than like-for-like, gradually transitioning your home.

Consider buying multi-packs of the same bulb for consistency. Nothing looks worse than mismatched colour temperatures in the same room—three bulbs at 2700K with one at 4000K creates an unpleasant visual effect. Buying multipacks ensures all bulbs match and typically offers better value.

For rooms with dimmer switches, invest in quality dimmable LED bulbs and, if necessary, LED-compatible dimmer switches. The smoother dimming performance and lack of flickering are worth the modest additional cost.

Don’t dismiss the importance of colour temperature. Visit a shop that displays bulbs operating at different temperatures or order a single bulb in both warm white and cool white for testing. What works in kitchens may feel too harsh in bedrooms, and vice versa.

---

Common Questions About LED Bulbs

---

Final Thoughts

LED technology has matured significantly, eliminating most early objections about harsh light quality and poor colour rendering. Today’s LED bulbs provide beautiful, efficient lighting while dramatically reducing energy costs and replacement frequency.

While premium brands like Philips command higher prices, they deliver genuinely superior performance and reliability. For most applications, mid-range options from brands like Lepro offer excellent value without significant compromises. Budget bulbs work fine for utility spaces where light quality matters less.

Smart bulbs add convenience and flexibility, particularly for those already invested in smart home ecosystems. The ability to adjust colour temperature throughout the day or create automated lighting schedules can genuinely improve daily comfort, though they’re not essential for everyone.

Whatever your budget or requirements, suitable LED options exist. The initial investment pays for itself through reduced energy bills, and you’ll enjoy better light quality while helping reduce your environmental impact. Start with your most-used lights and work from there—you’ll likely be pleasantly surprised by both the performance and the savings.