7 Of The Best GU10 Light Bulbs
Introduction
In this article we look at the best GU10 track light bulbs you can buy.
To begin, lets clarify what GU10 light bulbs are, and what we use them for.
Firstly GU10 is not actually a light bulb type. Rather it is the name for the connector at the bottom. That is, the little circular t-shaped metal junctions. GU stands for General Usage and the 10 for the 10mm (0.04 inch) gap between the two connectors.
In fact these bulbs are actually MR16 shaped light bulbs with a GU10 connector.
That said, over time GU10 has come to refer to these MR16 shaped bulbs with the GU10 connector. While the MR16 shaped bulbs with the smaller GU5.3 pin connectors are called MR16 bulbs.
It is confusing. And you need to be careful when replacing these bulbs. In fact the bulbs run off different voltages. So, they are not interchangeable.
Check carefully that you are buying the right one. Our post on GU10 vs M16 bulbs goes into further detail.
Finally you use both light bulb types in the same types of fixtures. Namely track and recessed ceiling lighting.
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
Luxrite 50W Eq. LED
Luxrite are part of All Start Lighting who were founded in 2005. The company is family-owned and they make a wide range of energy-efficient LED bulbs and fixtures. In brief there is a lot to like about this bulb. Firstly, it has excellent online reviews. Secondly, it has a lifetime of 25,000 hours and a 3-year warranty. Not to mention it can be used in outdoor enclosed fixtures, is dimmable and comes in four different light ranges. Overall the only thing we are not so keen on is the price, as they are a little expensive at $7.
Fact sheet
- Rating: 4.9 stars out of 5
- Price: Around $7 a bulb if bought in a 6-pack
- Wattage: 50 watt equivalent / 6.5 watts actual
- Lumens: 500
- Light Range: Soft White (2700k), Warm White (3000k) Daylight (5000k) and Bright Daylight (6000k)
- Lifetime: Rated to last 25,000 hour (13 years based on 3 hours per day use)
- Warranty: 3 years
- Dimmable: Yes
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor / outdoor enclosed fixtures, comes ETL listed
Philips 50W Eq. LED
Philips are the number one supplier of light bulbs in Europe and are known for their reliable if somewhat expensive bulbs. Though this bulb is quite reasonably priced at $4.50. Additionally it runs on a super-low 4 watts of power. That said it only produces 380 lumens which is more a 40 watt equivalent than the suggested 50 watts. In contrast it has an excellent lifetime of 25,000 hours and a 5 year warranty to back this up. Also this bulb is part of Philips Eye Comfort range. Which means no flicker, strobe or glare, a high color rendering index and limited short wavelength light. Finally they are Energy Star compliant.
Fact sheet
- Rating: 4.8 stars out of 5
- Price: Around $4.50 a bulb if bought in a 3-pack
- Wattage: 50 watt equivalent / 4 watts actual
- Lumens: 380
- Light Range: Warm White (3000k)
- Lifetime: Rated to last 25,000 hour (22 years based on 3 hours per day use)
- Warranty: 5 years
- Dimmable: Yes/No
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor use only
Westinghouse 50W Eq. LED
Westerhouse are a family run company that have been in business since 1946. While this is not the cheapest bulb in our list it does have a lot going for it. Firstly, it is nice and bright with a warm white light. Next it has a long lifetime at 25,000 hours and a 5 year warranty to back it up. In addition it is dimmable and is outdoor rated. Being suitable for enclosed fixtures and for in damp locations such as outdoor rated accent and landscape light fixtures. Finally it is Energy Star certified. In summary, a lot of good things for just over $5.
Fact sheet
- Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
- Price: Around $5.25 a bulb if bought in a 6-pack
- Wattage: 50 watt equivalent / 6.5 watts actual
- Lumens: 500
- Light Range: Warm White (3000k)
- Lifetime: Rated to last 25,000 hour (22 years based on 3 hours per day use)
- Warranty: 5 years
- Dimmable: Yes
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor/Outdoor
Feit 50W Eq. LED
Feit are a family owned and operated company based in Los Angeles, California. So as to reduce order waiting time they keep a stock of over 100,000,000 bulbs on-hand. To begin with, this bulb provides a nice bright daylight white using a very reasonable 7 watts. Also, at $3.25 this is a very well priced light bulb from a reliable suppliers. While the lifetime and warranty are not the best on this list they are still reasonable. Finally the bulb is dimmable and can be used outdoors.
Fact sheet
- Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
- Price: Around $3.25 a bulb if bought in a 6-pack
- Wattage: 50 watt equivalent / 7 watts actual
- Lumens: 500
- Light Range: Daylight (5000k)
- Lifetime: Rated to last 11,000 hour (10 years based on 3 hours per day use)
- Warranty: 1 year
- Dimmable: Yes
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor and Outdoor
LE 50W Eq LED
LE, which stands for Lighting Ever, is not a brand we have heard of before here at Light Bulb AtoZ. Here in the United States the brand is distributed by a company called Lepro who are registered in Las Vegas. However, these bulbs have excellent online reviews. And at the bargain price of $2.85 each they are definitely worth considering. As such we have included them in our best GU10 light bulbs list.
So a couple of facts about the bulbs themselves. Firstly they use a very meager 3 watts of power to provide 350 lumens. Secondly, they have a good lifetime of 15,000 hours and a warranty of two years. And finally, note that they do not work with dimmer switches.
Fact sheet
- Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
- Price: Around $2.85 a bulb if bought in a 6-pack
- Wattage: 50 watt equivalent / 3 watts actual
- Lumens: 350
- Light Range: Soft White (2700k) and Daylight (5000k)
- Lifetime: Rated to last 15,000 hour (13 years based on 3 hours per day use)
- Warranty: 2 years
- Dimmable: No
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor use only
LED Smart – Philips Hue White Ambiance
Another Philips offering for our best of list. This time a smart bulb. The Philips Hue provides 50,000 shades of tunable white light as well as a number of handy presets. You can control up to 10 bulbs directly via the Philips Bluetooth app. For more you will need to buy a Hue Hub. Also, the app allows for voice control via your voice assistant. Or they work directly with Alexa. Note that these bulbs only provide white light, not color. Finally they have a lifetime of 15,000 hours and a 3-year warranty. So, if you want to control your spot or track lighting and are willing to pay the $20 plus price these are the bulbs for you.
Fact sheet
- Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
- Price: Around $22.50 a bulb if bought in a 2-pack
- Wattage: 50 watt equivalent / 5.5 watts actual
- Lumens: 400
- Light Range: Warm to cool white light
- Lifetime: Rated to last 15,000 hour (13 years based on 3 hours per day use)
- Warranty: 3 years
- Dimmable: Yes via app
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor
Halogen – FEIT 35W
For all our recommendation of LED bulbs we understand that sometime you want a like-for-like replacement. For this reason we have include a halogen option in our list. In this case another light bulb from Feit. As can be seen the bulb has a short lifetime of only 2,000 hours. Also it is quite low power at 35 watts. Consequently it only provides 300 lumens. Finally the bulb has a frosted finish and produces a a soft white light unusual for a halogen
Fact sheet
- Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
- Price: Around $3.50 a bulb if bought in a 3-pack or $2.40 in an 18-pack.
- Wattage: 35 watt actual
- Lumens: 300
- Light Range: Soft White (2700k)
- Lifetime: Rated to last 2,000 hour (1.8 years based on 3 hours per day use)
- Warranty: 1 years
- Dimmable: Yes
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor use only