Skip to main content

ToughJobs may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

How long do LED bulbs last?

The light-emitting diode (LED) is one of today’s most energy-efficient lighting technologies. A high-quality LED light bulb can last longer than other types. They are durable and provide comparable or better light quality than a normal light bulb. LED bulbs are great for saving energy, which saves money. Many LED bulbs use 75 percent less energy and can last around 25 times longer than a regular bulb. It can be beneficial to know what types of LED bulb last the longest and which one can fit your needs the most.  How long an LED bulb lasts, however, is dependent on usage and brand. 

The average lifespan of an LED bulb

LEDs are famous for being extremely long-lasting products. Many LEDs have a rated life of up to 50,000 hours. According to many manufacturers of LED lighting, these bulbs have a life expectancy of 20,000 to 50,000 hours. If the bulb is used eight hours per day, the bulb will likely last around 17 years. If used for 12 hours per day, these bulbs can last more than 11 years. This is roughly 30 times longer than incandescent bulbs and five times longer than compact fluorescents. Most households do not leave lights on for many hours per day, so typically, an LED light bulb can surpass 17 years. If your home is energy-efficient and your family is environmentally aware, you can make your light bulbs last for 20 years or more.

LED bulb
BlurryMe/Shutterstock

LEDs are known for outlasting other bulbs. Their durability and energy-saving features can help you save money and avoid replacing bulbs for years upon years. LEDs use much less electricity than other bulbs, have extremely long lifespans, produce little heat, do not emit UV or infrared, contain no mercury, are resistant to shock and vibration, and can operate effectively in extremely cold environments. Using an LED can improve your lighting while bettering your life overall. 

Recommended Videos

LED bulbs based on wattage

The wattage of a light is the amount of energy it takes to produce a certain amount of light. The higher the wattage, the brighter the light, but also the more power it uses. Therefore, a lower wattage will use less power. LED lights can come in 4W, 6W, 10W, 13W, 18W, or more. For comparison purposes, a 4W LED bulb is the same as a 25W standard bulb, and an 18W LED is the same as a 100W standard bulb.
Typically, wattage has no effect on the lifespan of a bulb. LEDs have lower wattages in order to conserve energy but last longer than a standard bulb. Wattage has to do with brightness and the amount of energy it takes to produce that brightness. Since wattage in LEDs is important to consider for brightness purposes, the higher the wattage, the brighter an LED bulb will be. 

Highly rated LED bulb brands

If you want light bulbs that look great and will save you money in the long run, then LEDs are the perfect option for you. Wirecutter, a New York Times Company for reviews, suggests Cree’s Exceptional Light Quality line of A19 bulbs for their long-lasting quality and energy-saving feature. The Cree bulbs also function well with dimmer switches because they won’t flicker or buzz. Their coloring is also very accurate. It can bring out the perfect ambiance for your home. These bulbs are available in 60W and 40W.

electrician changing lightbulb
Parilov/Shutterstock

Additionally, Wirecutter suggests the Feit Electric 60W Equivalent Soft White Dimmable A19 Light Bulb. Feit Electric bulbs offer brilliant color quality at an affordable price. They are easy to find in stores and easy to install. They also work with a range of dimmers, but at the lowest levels, they did not dim as well as the Cree’s. These bulbs come in 60W. 

There are so many great options out there for LEDs. Finding the one perfect for your home depends on what coloring and brightness you desire. The average LED can last anywhere from 20,000 to 50,000 hours depending on how many hours per day it is used. Wattage only impacts the brightness and will not factor into the length of time the LED will last. Wirecutter provides some great suggestions for LED bulbs that will help steer you in the right direction. A high-quality LED bulb will provide so many benefits that you will never go back to the standard, old light bulb.

The best 3D printer filaments of 2024
Happy cheerful nice woman standing at the table and smiling while being in a great mood

A great 3D printout starts with the right filament. Each type of filament has its own unique properties, including strength, flexibility, temperature resistance, and ease of printing. They also come in different colors and diameters to suit different printing needs and preferences, so it’s important to know what you’re looking for when making a selection.

We reviewed the best 3D printer filaments of 2024 to help you find options made from quality materials, while also helping you ensure compatibility with your specific printer. The PLA 3D filament from 3DFilaments is our top choice because it's made of high-quality polylactic acid and provides a smooth experience free of clogs, bubbles, and tangles.
The best 3D printer filaments
3DFilaments 3D printer filament - Best overall

Read more
The best MagSafe rings of 2024
Young woman using the mobile phone while drinking coffee or tea at home

MagSafe rings are designed to make charging your phone, tablet, and other small electronics easier and faster. Not only that, but they can also help protect your device from damage caused by frayed or tangled cables. The innovative design features a magnetic connection that easily attaches your phone to various surfaces, including cars, tables, and even bags. The ring even doubles as a kickstand, so you can easily watch videos and take pictures without holding your phone.

In this post, we’ll review the best MagSafe rings of 2024, so you can pick the perfect one for your needs. We’ll discuss the different features available and what to look for when choosing the right ring for your needs. Our list starts with our top pick—the ESR MagSafe sticker. Its strong, compatible, and user-friendly design can instantly upgrade your smartphone.
The best MagSafe rings
ESR MagSafe ring - Best overall

Read more
GearIT Cat6 Outdoor Ethernet Cable Review
Male Caucasian IT technician in server room

The GearIT Cat6 outdoor ethernet cable spans 100ft and is specially designed to provide a reliable and high-speed connection for outdoor networking needs. In this post, we’ll evaluate its performance, durability, and overall value, to help you decide if this is the right Ethernet cable for your specific requirements.

With the ability to withstand extreme conditions, increase speed, and ensure a stable and interference-free internet connection, this rugged cable is ideal for connecting all your devices in both business and home networks. Read on as we unravel the features and benefits of this impressive piece of technology.
GearIT Cat6 Outdoor Ethernet Cable

Read more