7 of the Best E12 Light Bulbs
Introduction
In this article we look at what are the best E12 bulbs.
E12 bulbs are one of the must used bulbs in our homes today. They are the smaller screw fitting that is used in desk and bedroom lamps, up-lighter floor lamps,socket ceiling fans, chandeliers, vanities, and pendant ceiling light fixture. E12 stands for Edison Screw 12mm and relates to the metal screw at the bottom of the bulb which is 1/2 inch across. These bulbs are also known as candelabra base. If you are looking for the larger bulbs that have a similar screw base but are 1 inch across then please see our article on the Best E26 Bulbs.
#1 Best E12 Bulbs – All Rounder
Sunco Lighting LED Bulb Candelabra
Sunco makes indoor and outdoor light bulbs, as well as commercial, garage and specialist lighting. Additionally they, are a family owned and operated company that has been in business for over 20 years and are based in Valencia, southern California. Firstly, this bulbs is excellent value at less than $2 a pop if you buy a 10-pack, which is not too many considering how many of this type of bulb you will likely have in your home. Secondly, we like the long lifetime and the 5-year warranty is a sign that the manufacturer is sure of their quality. Finally, they are dimmable and there is a choice of 4 different light levels giving you lots of options.
Fact sheet
- Online Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
- Price: Around $1.90 a bulb if bought in a 10-pack
- Wattage: 40 watt equivalent / 5 watts actual
- Lumens: 450
- Light Range: Soft White (2700k), Warm White (3000k) Daylight (5000k) and Daylight Deluxe (6000k)
- Lifetime: Rated to last 15,000 hour (13 years based on 3 hours per day use)
- Warranty: 5 years
- Dimmable: Yes
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor use only
#2 Best E12 Bulbs – Budget
GE Classic B10 Light Fixture Incandescent Light Bulb
Whilst we normally recommend LED bulbs,. However, as this is the budget choice we have gone for an old-school incandescent GE bulb. GE are the most popular light bulb manufacturers in the U.S. As can be seen these bulbs have a decorative blunt tip shape and a faceted face. While we like the styling and the price they do have a short lifetime and use quite a lot of power at 60 watts.
Fact sheet
- Online Rating: 4.9 stars out of 5
- Price: Around $1 a bulb if bought in a 6-pack
- Wattage: 60 watts
- Lumens: 660
- Light Range: Soft warm white (2700k)
- Lifetime: Rated to last 1,000 hours (0.9 years based on 3 hours per day use)
- Warranty: 1 year
- Dimmable: Yes and works with most dimmer
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor and outdoor use
#3 Best Smart
Geeni Prism Plus B11
Smart bulbs provide flexible lighting in your home, though they can be a little expensive so you should choose wisely. These bulbs from Geeni allow thousands of color variations or different temperature whites (from soft and warm to cool daylight). They can be controlled via the Geeni app over Wi-Fi (using the 2.4 GHz band). They also have 9 preset modes including night, cocktail, blinking and rave lighting. In addition you can use Alexa and Google home for voice command operation.
Fact sheet
- Online Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
- Price: Around $13 a bulb when bought in a 4-pack though may be cheaper on Amazon
- Wattage: 40 watt equivalent / 4 watts actual
- Lumens: 350
- Light Range: Thousands of color variations or different temperature whites
- Lifetime: Rated to last 25,000 hours (22 years at 3 hours per day)
- Warranty: 1 year
- Dimmable: Yes though only via the app
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor use only
#4 Best Candle Shaped
GE Relax LED
Not only have GE been in business since 1892, additionally they are the most popular brand here in the U.S. We here at Light Bulb AtoZ are big fans. They make a huge range of bulbs with good lifetimes at reasonable prices. Also, we particularly like the candle shape of these bulbs with the flame tip, clear bulb and yellow filament. They are not the cheapest at over $5 but are rated to last 13 years.
Fact sheet
- Online Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
- Price: Around $5.50 a bulb when bought in an 6-pack
- Wattage: 40 watt equivalent / 4 watts actual. Enery Star certified.
- Lumens: 300
- Light Range: Warm soft white (2700k)
- Lifetime: Rated to last 15,000 hours (13 years at 3 hours per day)
- Warranty: 5 years
- Dimmable: Yes and works with most dimmer switches
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor use only
#5 Best Clear Globe
GE Basic LED
Although GE describes these as basic bulbs they are rated to last 6 years and have a 2 year warranty. We like the clear bulb that shows the yellow filament as well as the soft white light the bulbs give off. Note that the globe shape makes the bulbs quite big so it is best to check they will fit if you have limited clearance.
Fact sheet
- Online Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
- Price: Around $3.40 a bulb when bought in a 4-pack
- Wattage: 40 watt equivalent / 4 watts actual
- Lumens: 325
- Light Range: Soft white (2700k)
- Lifetime: Rated to last 6,000 hours (6 years at 3 hours per day)
- Warranty: 2 years
- Dimmable: Yes and works with most dimmer switches
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor only
#6 – Best Dusk To Dawn
Sunco Lighting Dusk to Dawn Outdoor Candelabra
Another Sunco bulbs makes it onto our best of list. Dusk to Dawn bulbs have an inbuilt sensor which allows them to turn on automatically when the sun goes down and then turn off when the sun comes up. They are used in porches, outside garages and in outdoor areas to provide extra security or safety lighting after dark. These bulbs from Sunco should can be used in damp zones but need to be covered to avoid direct water contact (rain!). At less than $4 a bulb with a 15,000 hour lifetime they are very good value for money.
Fact sheet
- Online Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
- Price: Around $3.80 a bulb when bought in a 6-pack
- Wattage: 40 watt equivalent / 5 watts actual
- Lumens: 500
- Light Range: Soft white (2700k), Warm white (3000k), Coll white (4000k), Daylight (5000k)
- Lifetime: Rated to last 15,000 hours (13 years at 3 hours per day).
- Warranty: 5 years
- Dimmable: No
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor and outdoor in damp zones with no direct exposure to water
#7 – Editors Choice
Philips LED Flicker-Free Dimmable B11
Philips are the number one supplier of light bulbs in Europe and are known for their reliable if somewhat expensive bulbs. That said these ones are pretty reasonable at $3 each, though you do have to buy a 12-pack to get that price. Which should not be so much of a burden considering how many of these bulbs we tend to use around the house. They deliver a low warm white light that Philips assures us is flicker free even when used with a dimmer. We really like the fact that the bulb is rated to last 25,000 hours and has a 10-year warranty. A sign of Philips confidence in its quality and all for $3.
Fact sheet
- Online Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
- Price: Around $3.00 a bulb when bought in a 12-pack
- Wattage: 40 watt equivalent / 3.3 watts actual
- Lumens: 350
- Light Range: Warm white (2700k)
- Lifetime: Rated to last 25,000 hours (22 years at 3 hours per day).
- Warranty: 10 years
- Dimmable: Yes and compatible with most dimmer switches
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor only
A Final Word
On the Best E12 Bulbs
In summary there are a lot of good options on the market. Our final price of advice is choose a bulb that has a good lifetime at a price you like. Moreover these bulbs are made to be seen so pick one that you really like the look of.