Physically, BR30 and BR40 differ a lot due to their size. They also differ technically in terms of diffusivity and beam pattern. People might get confused when upgrading their home or office lights. However, they are easy to choose based on lighting and space requirements. In this guide, we will help you with the basics and comprehensively discuss the differences to choose the right one. Part 1. What Does BR30 Mean On A Light Bulb? The term BR refers to Bulged Reflector, showing a curved surface of the bulb that is often used for recessed and downlights. The rounded shape helps in improving the lighting efficiency and provides wider glare. However, the number 30 refers to the bulb diameter, which is the 8th part of that number. This means that the bulb has 30/8 (3.75) inches of diameter. These bulbs are ideal for homes and office purposes, providing a perfect lighting source. The bulb sits in the fixture to provide perfect downlighting. It is well-suited for where you want focused tasks or ambient lighting for aesthetic purposes. Part 2. What Does BR40 Mean On A Light Bulb? The term is similar to what we have discussed above, but physically different. BR again stands for bulged reflector, but 40 refers to the bulb diameter of 40/8 or 5 inches. The greater diameter helps you to get a wider coverage compared to a BR30 bulb. These types of bulbs are ideal for the wider and darker areas, such as studio rooms or basements. They typically have larger fixtures than a BR30 bulb due to a higher diameter. You can install them to fulfill the required lumens for any specified area. You can find them in an LED state that helps to save energy and operates for years. Part 3. BR30 Vs BR40: What's The Difference? The terms might feel that they only have a size difference, but in reality, there is a massive difference in all aspects. A BR30 bulb is physically smaller and produces a compact beam angle. While a BR40 bulb is larger in size and provides widespread lighting. The BR30 bulb remains compact and serves for a dedicated or focused purpose. However, BR40 provides more detailed lighting to cover larger areas. Let's see some other key differences for a better comparison. Feature BR30 BR40 Size 30/8 (3.75 inches) 40/8 (5 inches) Fixture size 5-6 inches 6-7 inches Beam Controlled and intense Wider and better diffused Applications Homes and small spaces Homes, Commercial, and large spaces Part 4. BR30 vs BR40: What's the Same? Despite having multiple differences, BR30 and BR40 bulbs share some similar points. At first, they both are bulged reflectors. Their appearance is similar, and also the type of fixtures. They both use an E26 base that is easily screwed on the required point. Both lights can serve a similar purpose at home to provide better aesthetics. They are available in LED forms and are energy efficient. You can also get different temperatures for both bulbs to meet the modern lighting needs. You can use both bulbs for similar applications, but the placement matters a lot. Both lights can give the same illumination and color rendering index. The lights are highly energy efficient with low heat reduction. However, both lights can come in other types, such as incandescent and CFL, but people prefer LED ones for enhanced life. They offer even and uniform lighting to perform tasks or enjoy a cozy feel in your home. Part 5. BR40 vs BR30: Applications BR30 lights are readily used as recessed and downlights with an intense beam. This allows you to perform tasks such as reading or fixing something in the workshop. They are considered ideal for a ceiling height of 7-8 feet. They outperform in providing ambient lighting for bedrooms, kitchens, and living rooms. BR30 lights are also used for vanities in washrooms and makeup rooms for better colors. One of the most popular use cases is the track lighting that provides an evenly distributed light all over the hallways. BR40 lights are bigger in size and provide a wider beam angle. With diffused illumination, it is suitable for the ceiling height of 10+ feet. They are highly preferred for large halls, walkways, basements, and garages. These lights are also used for commercial spaces such as offices and restaurants. BR40 lights are also used for outdoor and security purposes due to their high luminance and wider coverage. Additionally, a high CRI light is also used for display purposes at any exhibition or art gallery. Part 6. Are BR30 and BR40 Interchangeable? BR40’s fixture is large, and it can accommodate a 5-inch bulb. So, you can technically install a BR30 bulb in it, which is around 3.75 in diameter. It will work fine, but the bulb will look small compared to the fixture, and there will be a visible gap. In contrast, you cannot use a BR40 bulb in a BR30 fixture. A BR30 fixture can accommodate a 3.75-inch bulb, but a BR40 bulb has a 5-inch diameter. Which means the fixture is too small and the bulb cannot fit into it. For accurate results, the light source should be fixed completely with the fixture without leaving any gaps. This will ensure an evenly distributed light without any unnecessary shadowing. Additionally, fixing in a different fixture may lead to safety concerns. Part 7. The Best Smart BR30 LED Bulbs You'll Like If you are looking for the best bulbs, Govee RGBWW Smart BR30 LED Light Bulbs can fulfill your lighting needs. The bulb is equipped with multiple features that make it the best among others. Other brand lights have different characteristics. However, most of them provide 700-800 lumens. But the Govee BR30 LED bulb provides 1200 lumens. Here are the key features of Govee RGBWW Smart BR30 LED Light Bulbs You can easily adjust the temperature from 2700K to 6500K. They provide 1200 lumens that would be enough to light larger spaces. You can use the smart assistant and control the bulbs with your voice. You can switch between different modes according to the events. They are easy to connect via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi and control via a dedicated application. Explore more Govee Smart Light Bulbs > FAQs about BR40 vs BR30 1. Will a BR40 fit in a 6-inch can? Yes, a BR40 perfectly fits in a 6-inch can due to the wider size. However, some of the fixtures may seem tight on the trim BR40, which may affect the overall output. It is advised to always check the fixture size before installation. 2. Will a BR30 fit a 4-inch recessed light? Yes, a BR30 light can easily be fitted into a 4-inch recessed light. Due to their diameter of 3.75 inches, there is a little bit of clearance from the housing. However, it works perfectly, but cannot be flushed perfectly. 3. Why are people switching back to incandescent bulbs? A minor population is switching back to incandescent bulbs due to their high luminance and CRI. They help to get the natural colors and provide a better glow. However, the trend for these bulbs is very limited due to the higher energy consumption. 4. Is BR30 the same as A19? No, they are different due to the type and size. An A19 bulb is a traditional one that is used for general lighting purposes, such as lamps. On the other hand, a BR30 bulb has a bulged reflector shape, especially designed for recessed cans and downlighting. 5. Is BR40 the same as R40? No, BR40 and R40 are not the same, despite having the same diameter. A BR40 light bulb has a bulged shape and wider appearance, while an R40 has a tapered shape. The beam produced by BR40 spreads widely, while R40 produces a more focused one. Conclusion BR30 and BR40 lights differ a lot physically and technically. To choose the right one, you should determine your requirement, whether you want a focused and intense beam or wider coverage. Once you made a confident choice based on space evaluation, it will help to achieve a comfortable and aesthetic experience at the place.