While choosing lighting bulbs, people come across LED and incandescent bulbs. These are two common options, but for a common person, it is difficult to decide easily. In this article, we will take a deep dive into LED vs incandescent lights. We will compare both technologies in different aspects to help you understand which is better for your needs. What is The Difference Between Incandescent and LED? An incandescent bulb is a traditional technology. It uses a thin wire filament that generates light and heat when current is passed through it. It is generally made of tungsten and packed in a glass bulb. Because of the filament’s resistance to current, its temperature rises quickly, which makes it glow. It throws a warm, yellowish light, and with an immense amount of heat is also generated in the process. In contrast, an LED light is based on semiconductor devices, specifically LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). It contains semiconductor chips that emit light when current is passed through them. You can experience a wide range of colors in LEDs. They also emit heat in the process; however, it is much lower compared to incandescent bulbs. Due to the technological difference, both types of bulbs offer different energy efficiency, lifespan, colors, and other features. Let’s take a look at them in detail. LED vs Incandescent Comparison Chart Feature Incandescent LED Working Thin filament (Tungsten) Semiconductor chip Energy Efficiency Very low (5-10%) Very high (80-90%) Lifespan 1,000 hours 25,000-50,000+ hours Initial Cost Low Higher Heat Output 90-95% of energy is wasted as heat Very low Color Temperature Limited to a warm, yellowish glow (2700K) warm, cool, and daylight 1. Incandescent vs LED Brightness For brightness, the correct measure is lumens. If we look at the brightness of incandescent and LED bulbs of the same wattage, LED is the clear winner. It produces more light per watt. For instance, a 100-watt incandescent bulb produces around 1,600 lumens. The same brightness or lumen value is offered by a 15-20W LED bulb. If you need more brightness, LED is a great option. You can switch LEDs without any hesitation. 2. Incandescent vs LED Efficiency When current is passed through the filament of an incandescent lamp, a large amount of heat is generated. Nearly 85-95% of the electrical energy is converted into heat, while only 5-15% is converted into light. Thus, most of the electrical energy is wasted, which translates to poor efficiency. On the other hand, an LED light produces much less heat. It converts most of its energy into light. Around 80-90% of the electrical energy is converted into light. While only 10-20% is wasted in heat. Thus, it is much more energy efficient, which means more energy-saving without compromising on light or brightness. 3. Incandescent Light Bulb vs LED Health Incandescent bulbs have been in use for ages with no harm. Due to their warm light, they are calm and less disruptive to the circadian rhythm. There is no need to worry about melatonin suppression, as they emit very little blue light. Keep in mind that incandescent bulbs also emit a small amount of UV radiation and a minimal amount of near-infrared radiation in the form of heat. Early LED lights have the issue of strong blue light because of their high color temperature. They compel the brain to think it is daytime, even if it is night. They reduce the melatonin production, causing difficulty in sleep. However, modern LED lights do not have this issue. They come in warm white colors with minimal blue light components. Thus, if you choose the right color temperature for the right purpose, you won’t face any health issues with LED lights. 4. LED vs Incandescent Lifespan The lifespan of an incandescent bulb is shorter than that of LED bulbs. It can last up to 1,000 to 2,000 hours of use. However, the bulbs are quite delicate. The thin filament or glass could break easily. Thus, improper handling could further shorten life. LED lights last much longer. Typically, a good quality LED bulb has a lifespan of 25,000 to 50,000 hours. It can last a very long time. If you use it 10 hours every day, it could last approximately 7-14 years. Thus, you will not need to replace it frequently. More: How Long Do LED Lights Last ? Ways to Maximize Its Lifespan 5. Cost of LED Lights vs Incandescent Incandescent light bulbs are quite cheap. They are made of simple components, such as a tungsten filament and glass covering. There is nothing much, which is why the upfront cost is very low. But keep in mind that their electricity consumption is high, and you need to replace them more often. LED lights are expensive. They are usually four times more costly than incandescent bulbs. The upfront cost is higher because of the semiconductor devices and other components. However, they save energy and last a long time. In the long term, LEDs are more cost-effective. 6. Heat Output LED vs Incandescent The heat output of incandescent bulbs is quite high. The thin filament becomes red hot and emits immense heat. Most of the electrical energy is converted into heat, which is why it creates a fire hazard. Users need to be extra careful when using incandescent bulbs. LEDs also emit heat, but it is very low compared to incandescent bulbs. Most of the electrical energy is converted into light, and just 10-20% is converted into heat. Thus, the heat output is low. Moreover, this minimal heat is also dissipated through heat sinks to keep the light cool enough to last longer. More: Do Led Lights Get Hot? The Truth About Heat Output 7. Incandescent vs LED Color The color of an incandescent bulb is warm or yellowish white. Its temperature is between 2700K and 3000K. Keep in mind that incandescent bulbs are only available in this color range. It is because the filament emits only this color when heated. LEDs offer a massive range of colors. LED lights that are used for lighting are commonly available in warm white, cool white, and daylight colors. Users can pick any of these according to their comfort. That’s not it. LEDs can generate almost any color with the combination of red, green, and blue. Now, RGB LEDs or bulbs are also available that offer 16 million colors and hues. 8. Incandescent vs LED Lights: Which Bulb Should You Choose? Both lights have distinct features and are suitable for different applications. If you want a cheap solution with some warmth, you can go with incandescent bulbs. Otherwise, the best option is LED. It’s the modern solution and is much better than incandescent bulbs in multiple aspects. It is much more energy-efficient and long-lasting. You can save energy and enjoy incredible illumination without any compromise. For most applications, LEDs are ideal. They are preferred for their color range, brightness, and low heat output. Be it task lighting, accent lighting, or décor, it is an all-in-one solution. It is undoubtedly a bit more costly, but you’ll enjoy lower electricity bills and a longer lifespan. FAQs about LED Lights vs Incandescent Light Bulbs Q1. How do I know if my light is LED or incandescent? If you look at the incandescent bulb, you will see a filament inside, which is a thin wire like a spring. However, LED lights have LED chips inside that are connected to a PCB or control board. Q2. Is LED or incandescent better for your eyes? Incandescent offers warm light, so it does not harm your eyes. While LEDs offer warm white, cool white, and daylight. You can pick the right color for different applications. They also do not harm your eyes. Stay away from daylight LEDs after evening to prevent melatonin suppression. Q3. What is the LED equivalent to a 60-watt incandescent bulb? You can go with a 8-12 watt LED light. It offers similar brightness compared to a 60-watt incandescent bulb. Conclusion An incandescent bulb is an old technology, and now, people are moving towards LED bulbs. They are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and versatile. They offer multiple color options and are suitable for almost any purpose. If you are looking for LEDs, check out the Govee LED bulb for exceptional quality, features, and performance.