One of the biggest mistakes that people make while designing or redesigning their house is the negligence of the outdoor lighting. We know the difference that a nice outdoor space can make that is why we have written a lot before on how to improve it. And now it’s time for our review of the best outdoor light bulbs of 2022.
During the day, you can rely on the sun for you to enjoy your time outside, but with the correct light bulbs, you can enjoy your yard or garden well into the evening. We’ve got the ideal bulb for you, whether you’re searching for a bulb to light up the patio for outdoor dining or partying, a floodlight to draw attention to a stunning tree or shrub, or basic outdoor illumination to safely get to and through your front door.
Keep This in Mind When Buying The Best Outdoor Light Bulbs
Before you make your choice and buy the light bulbs for your outdoor space you should consider some important aspects that separate them from one another. For example, some crucial things to keep in, and are the base size, water resistance, energy efficiency, and brightness. Different types of outdoor light bulbs have different characteristics that are why below we are going to explain some of the most common types of them.
Types of Outdoor Light Bulbs
Halogen: Although halogen bulbs are less energy-efficient than LED bulbs, they burn brighter, making them suitable for floodlights and security lighting.
LED: LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs are one of the more costly solutions, but they last far longer and consume much less energy. They also create less heat and are 90% more efficient than incandescent lights. They have the same form and appearance as incandescent lights, unlike energy-efficient CFL bulbs.
Incandescent: Although incandescent bulbs are the cheapest choice, they are also the most inefficient; the money you save upfront is quickly squandered due to energy use. Outside, as long as they are not exposed to rain or snow, these bulbs can be utilized.
HID: High-intensity discharge (HID) bulbs, which are more frequently found in automobile headlights, may also be used for outdoor illumination. HID lights are very bright and can cover a bigger area than LED or incandescent bulbs, making them ideal for spotlights or floodlights that cast broad swathes of light over a home’s front or large trees.
CFL: For some forms of landscape lighting, compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) bulbs are common. CFL bulbs are long-lasting and energy-efficient, but their unusual design makes them unsuitable for installations with visible bulbs. Once the switch is turned on, CFL bulbs have a tiny delay before igniting and take around a minute to achieve peak brightness. They also contain mercury, which poses a risk if the bulb fails.
Our Top Outdoor Light Bulbs Choices
Best For String Lights: Sunco Lighting Vintage LED Edison Bulbs
These bulbs are great for a patio or deck because of their antique style and robust durability, as well as their 800 lumens of brightness. These bulbs are particularly suited for outdoor fixtures with exposed bulbs, such as string lights, pendants, and wall lanterns, thanks to their iconic Edison light bulb form and huge 5.5-inch-long profile. There’s no need to worry about the bulbs shorting out in the rain because they’re waterproof.
The bulbs are dimmable and come in a range of color temperatures from 2,700 to 6,000 K. These Energy Star–rated bulbs won’t add a lot to your power bill because they only require 8.5 watts. The bulbs from Sunco Lighting are available in four-count and sixteen-count sets.
Best For Entry Lights: Sunco Lighting Dusk to Dawn Light Bulbs
Porch lights and outdoor garage light fixtures provide necessary lighting as well as basic security for those arriving and departing at night. The problem is that individuals frequently forget to switch them on or off at night. A built-in auto on/off sensor in this pair of Sunco lights achieves just that.
The LED lights are available in a range of temperatures, from soft white for visibility to warm amber for insect deterrence. The lights have an output of 800 lumens, are waterproof, and suit regular Edison sockets. The LED lights from Sunco come in four-packs.
Best Utility: 40W LED Corn Light Bulb Corn Lamp
This Auzilar corn-style bulb has a light output of 4,000 lumens, which is 12 times that of a 60-watt incandescent bulb. It’s great for illuminating utilitarian areas like a driveway, courtyard, barn, or large shed because of this. It’s also energy efficient, drawing only 40 watts despite its great light output.
The 6,000 K color temperature mimics natural light, making it comfortable to look at. With a length of 6 inches and a diameter of more than 3 inches, it is significantly bigger than ordinary bulbs, although it still utilizes a regular E26 base. The two-pack of maize light bulbs are not weatherproof and should only be used in protected outdoor installations.
Best Wi-Fi: Geeni LUX Smart Floodlight
To connect to a smart device, most Wi-Fi light bulbs require a hub. This Geeni model doesn’t, making it a good option for folks who don’t have a smart-home setup. To use, simply download the app and connect the bulb to a smart service. With the Geeni app, users can easily make lighting schedules, modify temperature and brightness, and switch it off and on.
It’s also compatible with Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Microsoft’s Cortana, as well as other smart-home services and digital assistants. The LED floodlight bulb delivers 1,000 lumens, which is roughly the same as a 75-watt light bulb yet consumes just 11 watts.
Best Bug Light: TCP 5 Watt LED Yellow Bug Light Bulbs
Because light at the lower end of the color spectrum is practically invisible to bugs, this bulb is a good choice for illuminating an outdoor living space without attracting all of the yard’s pests. The bulb’s 3,000-K temperature offers gentle, mellow yellow light with visibility comparable to a 40-watt incandescent bulb while using just 5 watts to save energy.
The bulbs, which come in pairs, have a lifespan of up to 23 years. They’re designed to function in weather-protected covered fittings.
Best Decorative: CPPSLEE LED Flame Light Bulbs
This set of four LED light bulbs, which emit genuine flames, is ideal for those wishing to add a little more flair to their outdoor lighting. The bulbs offer four different modes: gravity, emulation, breathing, and general light, allowing the user to customize the look of the flames to fit the atmosphere and the fixture.
The bulb utilizes only 1.8 watts, making it one of the most energy-efficient outdoor lighting bulbs on the market; it uses around 90% less energy than an incandescent bulb. It also has a lengthy life expectancy of 50,000 hours. Just remember that these lights are more about style than function, and their 150-lumen brightness won’t give much visibility for roads and pathways.
The Luxy Wish Journey to Choosing the Best Light Bulbs of 2022
On our search to find the perfect light bulbs for your outdoor space our team is focused on some of the most important factors like energy efficiency, durability, and brightness. To be effective, an outdoor light bulb must be bright enough to offer appropriate illumination for the driveway, patio, front porch, or another area that requires illumination. We chose bulbs that generated at least 700 lumens for entrance lights and at least 1,200 lumens for floodlights with this in mind. Our submission for ornamental lighting was the one exception. Also because we know how crucial is nowadays to save as much energy as we can, we recommended a lot of LED bulbs because they have proven to be the best energy efficiency.
