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Best Incandescent Light Bulbs

Updated September 2021
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
GE Reveal HD 3-Way Light Bulbs
GE
Reveal HD 3-Way Light Bulbs
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Natural Glow
Bottom Line

If you want beautiful light from traditional incandescent bulbs, these are the ones to pick. They emit light that's clearer and more natural than others in their class.

Pros

Produce soft, natural light with outstanding clarity contrast. Not harsh like the light of some competing bulbs. Great for bedrooms, work areas, and more. Versatile 3-way bulbs emit 50, 100, and 150 watts. Pack of two.

Cons

Pricier than standard incandescent bulbs. A few customers gripe about bulbs that arrived faulty or burned out prematurely.

Best Bang for the Buck
Xtricity Frosted Long Life Light Bulbs
Xtricity
Frosted Long Life Light Bulbs
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Good Value
Bottom Line

Traditional light bulbs that suit numerous needs and are priced to fit most budgets. 24-bulk packs available.

Pros

Not only are these incandescent light bulbs affordable, they also come in a wide selection of wattage options and multi-packs. Choice of clear and frosted bulbs.

Cons

Some bulbs had broken filaments or were shattered upon delivery. Reports of bulbs burning out within a few weeks.

Hudson Lighting Vintage Edison Bulbs
Hudson Lighting
Vintage Edison Bulbs
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Vintage Styling
Bottom Line

A great choice if you want incandescent light bulbs with interesting character, but they aren't the best pick for rooms where bright light is essential.

Pros

60-watt bulbs stand out for the Edison design that adds a touch of character to light fixtures thanks to the exposed filaments. Soft amber-colored glow creates nice ambiance. Available in singles or multi-packs of four or six.

Cons

Not as bright as standard incandescent bulbs. Have been known to develop a burnt look over time. Get quite hot to the touch.

SYLVANIA Double Life 3-Way Light Bulbs
SYLVANIA
Double Life 3-Way Light Bulbs
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Most Versatile
Bottom Line

Classic three-way bulbs with adjustable light that's bright, natural, and suitable for many purposes, from reading to working and more.

Pros

Three-way bulbs that produce 50, 100, and 150 watts of lights. Frosted finish allows for bright light with a soft glow. Great for work areas where the ability to adjust the light output is a must.

Cons

A few bulbs seemed to be faulty, as they flickered or burned out after a few uses.

GE Appliance Incandescent Light Bulbs
GE
Appliance Incandescent Light Bulbs
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Best for Appliances
Bottom Line

The perfect little incandescent light bulbs for use in appliances, made by a well-known brand.

Pros

Constructed with a trim structure and low wattage to bring light to a variety of appliances, including refrigerators and microwaves. Choice of single bulbs or multi-packs, and 15 or 40 watts.

Cons

The longevity of these bulbs can be questionable, as some lasted while others burned out within a few weeks.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

30
Models
Considered
60
Consumers
Consulted
8
Hours
Researched
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The team that worked on this review