Gadgetory

of all the technologies you encounter every day the most antique and outdated has got to be the incandescent lightbulb it's actually amazing these things are stuck around this long the problem is they're an absurdly inefficient light source around 95% of the energy they consume is turned into heat not light there's a better way and don't worry I'm not talking about fluorescent Donald Bell and in this top five I'm counting down the five best LED replacement bulbs rated by C net associate editor Reich wrists starting off at number five the GE reveal LED twenty dollars buys you a 60 watt replacement bulb that will last for decades it's not the brightest bulb on this list it's a great choice for both color and price it produces a soft even tone light that will make your home and everyone in it look great yesterday that energy cost here is a dollar and 32 cents per year at number four the philips slim style LED now it may look like someone sat on it but the flat design here eliminates the need for a heat sink in the base which cuts down on cost we're seeing these go for as little as four dollars per bulb for ball black and last over a decade with a yearly energy cost of $1 in twenty six cents it's a crazy value now sure it looks a little weird as a bear ball but once you throw a lamp shade over it no one can tell the difference coming in at number three the Insteon LED bulb not cheap at 30 dollars involved but this one is built to last rated at 52,000 hours of use double of what the competition is saying this bulb will probably keep burning long after you're dead even better it includes built-in automation so you can schedule it to turn on or off or control it all with an app it's more than a light bulb it's a way to screw with your roommates eye number two the cree 60 watt replacement LED hard not to love this bulb not only is it extremely energy efficient and produces exceptional color but it's the only bulb here that backs it all up with a 10 year warranty the cost $13 and because it's Energy Star certified you probably can chase down a rebate that will bring the price closer to $5 the total winner that said if you're going to commit to a light bulb for a few decades why not go deluxe our number one choice for LED replacement light bulbs goes to be connected by TCP wireless LED lighting kit 110 dollars gets you a three bulb kit that connects to your home Wi-Fi for all kinds of nifty automation we also get a handy little remote control if you don't feel like fiddling with an app to activate some mood lighting the bulbs are sturdy bright and smart three things your current bulbs aren't so there you go five LED light bulbs that will make your home more beautiful save you money and probably save a few polar bears for more details check out cnet.com Slash's where you'll find our light bulb buying guide and for more top fives from me top-5 cnet.com i'm donald bell thanks for watching