7 Of The Best Globe Light Bulbs
Introduction
What are the best globe bulbs?
First lets explain what we are talking about.
Globe shaped light bulbs are wider and rounder than the standard A shaped bulbs. The bulb type starts with a “G” for Globe and then the diameter in millimeters. So G30 is 30mm or 3.7″, G25 is 25mm or 3.1″ and G16.5 is 16.5mm or 2″ diameter. Mainly they are used as decorative bulbs so come with clear glass That said those used in dressing tables normally have a frosted finish.
Our selections are based on a number of criteria:
- Online reviews from a number of light bulb retailers
- Price, we are always looking for the best value
- Energy Star qualified, whether the bulbs has met strict energy efficiency criteria set by the EPA
- Lifetime and length of warranty, as these provide a measure of quality
- Dimmable, having a bulb that can be used with a dimmer switch makes it more versatile
60W – Hangsang 60W G25
Hansang are not a manufacturer that we are familiar with, but these light bulbs have excellent reviews on Amazon. The manufacturer claims a lifetime of 30,000 hours though they only give a one year guarantee. If you are looking for a mid-priced frosted bulb to put in a bathroom or bedroom vanity then these could be for you. Please note that they are not dimmable.
Fact sheet
- Rating: 4.8 stars out of 5
- Price: Around $3.75 a bulb if bought in a 4-pack
- Wattage: 60 watt equivalent / 5 watts actual
- Lumens: 500
- Light Range: Soft White (2700k), Natural Daylight (4000k) and Daylight (5000k)
- Lifetime: Rated to last 30,000 hour (26 years based on 3 hours per day use)
- Warranty: 1 year
- Dimmable: No
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor use only
60W – FEit Enhance G25 Filament
Feit are a family owned and operated company based in Los Angeles, California. Their enhance range claims to provide a high color rendering index which means that the colors you see when illuminated by the bulbs light are very close to those under natural light.These bulbs are not the cheapest at around $5 each but they do have a good lifetime of 15,000 hours and a 3 year warranty. They also come in 40W and 100W equivalents, are dimmable and have a frosted finish.
Fact sheet
- Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
- Price: Around $5.00 a bulb if bought in a 3-pack
- Wattage: 60 watt equivalent / 5.5 watts actual
- Lumens: 500
- Light Range: Soft White (2700k), Daylight (5000k) and Bright White (6000k)
- Lifetime: Rated to last 15,000 hour (13 years based on 3 hours per day use)
- Warranty: 3 years
- Dimmable: Yes
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor use only
40W- EcoSmart LED
EcoSmart are a proprietary brand for Home Depot (this is a brand that is made by a different company but is only available in Home Depot). The company who manufactures them is Lighting Science Group Corporation, an American company based in Rhode Island. These bulbs, at only $2.40 each, have a lifetime of 15,000 hours and a 5 year warranty. Also, they come in three different light ranges and are dimmable.
Fact sheet
- Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
- Price: Around $2.40 a bulb if bought in a 3-pack
- Wattage: 40 watt equivalent / 4 watts actual
- Lumens: 350
- Light Range: Soft White (2700k), Daylight (5000k) and Bright White (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 only
40W – GE Relax G25 Globe
GE have been manufacturing light bulbs since 1892 and are the most popular brand here in the United States. They produce a huge range of different bulbs, and we are big fans here at Light Bulb AtoZ. This particular bulb is from their Relax range, which means it produces a soft white “relaxing” color of light. It may not the cheapest bulb at $5 but comes with a 5 year warranty and is rated to last 15,000 hours. Also, we really like the simple clear bulb design and the vintage LED filament creating a good looking light bulb.
Fact sheet
- Rating: 4.8 stars out of 5
- Price: Around $5.00 a bulb if bought in a 2-pack
- Wattage: 40 watt equivalent / 4.5 watts actual
- Lumens: 350
- Light Range: Soft white (2700k)
- Lifetime: Rated to last 15,000 hour (13 years based on 3 hours per day use)
- Warranty: 5 years
- Dimmable: Yes and works with most dimmer switches
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor use only
40W – Philips G25 Dimmable LED
Philips, who have been making light bulbs since 1892, are the leading supplier within Europe. Their products have a reputation for being good quality and reliable, though not particularly cheap. In this case, these 40W frosted bulbs are around $5 making them fairly mid-range. In addition they have a nice long 15,000 hour rated lifetime backed up with a 5 year warranty. Finally they are dimmable with, the manufacturer assures us, no flicker and no hum.
Fact sheet
- Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
- Price: Around $5.00 a bulb if bought in a 2-pack
- Wattage: 40 watt equivalent / 5 watts actual
- Lumens: 350
- Light Range: Daylight (5000k)
- 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
Candelabra E12 Base – GE Basic
Even though this light bulb comes from GE’s budget range it is still rated to last 7,500 hours and comes with a 2 year warranty. That said, the price of $3.75 is not really budget either. However, we really like the look of the bulb itself with its wide glass and four vertical vintage type LED filaments. Also, it has excellent online ratings. Finally the bulb is dimmable and rated to work in damp locations. There is a lot to like here.
Fact sheet
- Rating: 4.9 stars out of 5
- Price: Around $3.75 a bulb if bought in a 4-pack
- Wattage: 60 watt equivalent / 5 watts actual
- Lumens: 500
- Light Range: Soft white (2700k)
- Lifetime: Rated to last 7,500 hour (7 years based on 3 hours per day use)
- Warranty: 2 years
- Dimmable: Yes and works with most dimmer switches
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor use only though can be used in damp locations
Vintage – GE G30 Amber Globe
The largest light bulb in our listing and probably our favorite. If you have read any of our other light bulb rating articles then you will know how much we like the GE Vintage Style range. This G30 globe come in amber glass and gives off a warm candlelight glow. Also it has an excellent lifetime rating at 15,000 hours backed up by GE’s 5 year warranty. Sure it is expensive at $8.50 but if you are looking for a statement bulb to hang in a glass light shade above your dinner table then this is the bulb for you.
Fact sheet
- Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
- Price: Around $8.50 a bulb if bought separately
- Wattage: 60 watt equivalent / 5.5 watts actual
- Lumens: 400
- Light Range: warm candlelight (2200k)
- Lifetime: Rated to last 15,000 hour (13 years based on 3 hours per day use)
- Warranty: 5 years
- Dimmable: Yes and works with most dimmer switches
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor use only
Final Words
Best Globe Bulbs
In summary there are a lot of great globe bulbs to choose from. Our advice is look for one with the best lifetime at the price you want to spend. And, these bulbs are for showing off so pick one that you really think is beautiful.