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The Best Dimmable Light Bulbs | 2023

Last updated on January 9, 2023
Best Dimmable Light Bulbs

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Our Picks For The Top Dimmable Light Bulbs

Show Contents
Our Take
  Top Pick

Linkind LED A19 Instant On Dimmable Light Bulbs, 6-Pack

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

Linkind

LED A19 Instant On Dimmable Light Bulbs, 6-Pack

Overall Take

Multiple OptionsThese dimmable light bulbs are available in four different light shades, including soft white, cool white, warm white and daylight.

  Runner Up

Sunco Lighting Energy Star Anti-Shatter Dimmable Light Bulbs, 6-Pack

Sunco

Lighting Energy Star Anti-Shatter Dimmable Light Bulbs, 6-Pack

Overall Take

Long LastingNot only are these dimmable light bulbs energy efficient, but they also last a long time, which saves on premature replacements.

  We Also Like

Great Eagle A19 Compact Dimmable Light Bulbs, 6-Pack

Great Eagle

A19 Compact Dimmable Light Bulbs, 6-Pack

Overall Take

High PerformanceWith this set of dimmable light bulbs, you'll save 87% in energy use.

  Strong Contender

GE Relax Dimmable Warm White A19 LED Light Bulbs, 4-Pack

GE

Relax Dimmable Warm White A19 LED Light Bulbs, 4-Pack

Overall Take

Free of MercuryThese dimmable light bulbs don't get warm when in use, which is important when you have small children at home.

Guide written by Alicia Bodine
Last updated on January 9, 2023

Dimmable lights support a reduction in energy consumption and prime mood lighting in your home. To utilize this type of lighting, you must have a dimmable light switch installed and compatible light bulbs. While installing a non-dimmable bulb in a dimmable circuit may cause damage to the bulb or circuit, a dimmable bulb in a non-dimmable circuit will work just fine — it will just run at an unadjustable 100% output. Light bulbs are clearly marked as dimmable or non-dimmable on their packaging or ordering website.

There are as many dimmer-compatible light bulbs available for sale as standard bulbs, with variations in type, wattage, size, style and color of lighting. Like adjusting the water pressure on a facet, incandescent bulbs or lights with filaments are the easiest to dim (it’s a matter of lowering the power supplied to the filament using the dimmer switch). Florescent lights are commonly not dimmable due to the cost of dimmer-compatible ballasts, while compact fluorescent lights (CFL) that are fitted with their own ballast and standard screw bases are (check the manufacturers’ instructions to make sure).

Light-emitting diodes (LED), which use 75% energy and last 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs, are another popular option. While LEDs are generally priced higher than incandescent ones, they cost less to operate and don’t have to be replaced near as often, saving you cash over the lifetime of the bulb. But your dimming module’s compatibility with LED bulb determines if and how well the system works, so be aware of your dimmer manufacturer’s requirements.

The Best Dimmable Light Bulbs

1
  Top Pick

Linkind LED A19 Instant On Dimmable Light Bulbs, 6-Pack

These budget-friendly dimmable light bulbs allow you to set the mood in your living space. In fact they are dimmable from 10% to 100%. With each bulb having a 15,000 hour lifespan, you simply can't go wrong with this set!

Features


Specifications

Brand
Linkind
Model
2
  Runner Up

Sunco Lighting Energy Star Anti-Shatter Dimmable Light Bulbs, 6-Pack

When illuminating a large area, these dimmable light bulbs are the way to go. The flood lights are high-quality and are both shatter and vibration-resistant. Since they fit 6-inch recessed cans, they work well in an office, living room or bedroom space.

Features


Specifications

Brand
Sunco
Model
3
  We Also Like

Great Eagle A19 Compact Dimmable Light Bulbs, 6-Pack

You'll find these dimmable light bulbs are available in warm, soft, cool and daylight. You'll get six light bulbs in each pack, all of which use energy saving LED lights. The lights are high-quality and won't flicker like some other models on the market.

Features


Specifications

Brand
Great Eagle
Model
4
  Strong Contender

GE Relax Dimmable Warm White A19 LED Light Bulbs, 4-Pack

The estimated cost for an entire year of use of just one of these dimmable light bulbs is $1.02. That means you'll save big when switching out the traditional bulbs in your standard lamps and light fixtures. The bulbs in this package are designed to provide a comfortable soft light that's just right for your day-to-day activities.

Features


Specifications

Brand
GE
Model
5
  Also Great

Mastery Mart A19 Universal Dimmable Light Bulbs, 10-Pack

You'll enjoy 100% consistent light output with this set of dimmable light bulbs. Consumers can choose between a soft light and a daylight light, both of which have an Energy Star certification. When used up to 5 hours per day, these bulbs are designed to last as long as 11 years.

Features


Specifications

Brand
Mastery Mart
Model
6

Energetic BR30 Eye-Friendly Dimmable Light Bulbs, 6-Pack

These dimmable light bulbs use only 8.5 watts yet provide as much light as a traditional 65-watt bulb. That leads to a savings of up to 86% on your electricity bill. Each bulb also has a 15,000-hours lifespan, which means you'll save by not having to replace the bulbs.

Features


Specifications

Brand
Energetic
Model
7

Basics Hardware Retro Dimmable Edison Light Bulbs, 6-Pack

Take a step back in time with these dimmable light bulbs. They are created to resemble Thomas Edison's original filament bulbs and they're sure to draw the attention of your guests. The bulbs offer 30,000 hours of life and fit in both the E26 and E27 screw base.

Features


Specifications

Brand
Basics Hardware
Model

Our Dimmable Light Bulb Buying Guide

Dimmable lights support a reduction in energy consumption and prime mood lighting in your home. To utilize this type of lighting, you must have a dimmable light switch installed and compatible light bulbs. While installing a non-dimmable bulb in a dimmable circuit may cause damage to the bulb or circuit, a dimmable bulb in a non-dimmable circuit will work just fine — it will just run at an unadjustable 100% output. Light bulbs are clearly marked as dimmable or non-dimmable on their packaging or ordering website.

There are as many dimmer-compatible light bulbs available for sale as standard bulbs, with variations in type, wattage, size, style and color of lighting. Like adjusting the water pressure on a facet, incandescent bulbs or lights with filaments are the easiest to dim (it’s a matter of lowering the power supplied to the filament using the dimmer switch). Florescent lights are commonly not dimmable due to the cost of dimmer-compatible ballasts, while compact fluorescent lights (CFL) that are fitted with their own ballast and standard screw bases are (check the manufacturers’ instructions to make sure).

Light-emitting diodes (LED), which use 75% energy and last 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs, are another popular option. While LEDs are generally priced higher than incandescent ones, they cost less to operate and don’t have to be replaced near as often, saving you cash over the lifetime of the bulb. But your dimming module’s compatibility with LED bulb determines if and how well the system works, so be aware of your dimmer manufacturer’s requirements.

DWYM Fun Fact

  • Hong Kong, which is lauded as the world’s brightest metropolis, emits 1,000 times more light than the average international city.
  • Viva Vision on Fremont Street in Las Vegas, which underwent a $32 million renovation that was completed in 2019, is made of 49.3 million energy-efficient LED lamps and is the largest video screen in the world. The free light show has 600,000-watt sound and blasts music from Imagine Dragons, Green Day and more.

The Dimmable Light Bulb Tips and Advice

  • Do not install a non-dimmable LED or filament light bulb in a dimmable circuit.
  • LEDS have a lower dimming range than incandescent lightbulbs.
  • The dimming performance of an LED light is regulated by the capability of the built-in driver or circuitry of an LED and the compatibility of the dimming system. A few functionality issues to look out for that may occur when a dimmer is connected to an incompatible LED bulb include no visible light output, light output that doesn’t match the movement of the dimmer switch and flickering.
  • Most LED light bulbs on the marketplace are dimmable if you are using a compact fluorescent light (CFL) or LED dimmer.

About The Author

Alicia Bodine 

Alicia Bodine is a New Jersey-based writer specializing in gardening. She enjoys spending time learning about the latest gadgets that make designing, planting and maintaining a garden a breeze. With more than 15 years of experience, her work has appeared in leading home improvement publications. When she's not writing, you'll find her gardening, spending time with her kids, cooking in the kitchen or playing with her two kitties, Flitter and Otter. Alicia loves researching the latest and greatest gadgets, products and items that help her save time, energy and money.