LED is the right choice for almost every fixture. It uses around 85% less energy than an incandescent bulb and lasts 15–25 times longer, while modern LEDs now match the warm glow, high colour accuracy and smooth dimming that made old bulbs feel special. Halogen and incandescent bulbs are being phased out; the only real decision left is choosing a good LED.
Key takeaways
- LED wins on energy (~85% less), lifespan (15,000–50,000 h) and heat (runs cool).
- Halogen is a brighter, hotter incandescent — lovely light, poor efficiency, being phased out.
- Incandescent has perfect colour but wastes most energy as heat and is largely discontinued.
- For the old warm-dimming glow, choose a "dim-to-warm" LED.
- Buy LEDs at 2700–3000K, CRI 90+, dimmable, with the right base.
On this page
- LED vs halogen vs incandescent at a glance
- Why LED won
- What people miss about old bulbs — and the LED answer
- How to choose a good LED
- Frequently asked questions
LED vs halogen vs incandescent at a glance
| Incandescent | Halogen | LED | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Efficiency | Very low | Low | Very high (~85% less energy) |
| Lifespan | ~1,000 h | ~2,000 h | 15,000–50,000 h |
| Heat | Hot | Very hot | Runs cool |
| Dimming | Excellent, warms | Excellent, warms | Good; "dim-to-warm" mimics it |
| Colour accuracy (CRI) | 100 | 100 | 80–98 (choose 90+) |
| Availability | Largely discontinued | Being phased out | Standard |
Why LED won
Incandescent and halogen bulbs make light by heating a filament until it glows — which is why they run hot and waste most of their energy as heat rather than light. LEDs produce light electronically, so they stay cool, switch on instantly, survive knocks and vibration, and sip power. A bulb that once cost a fortune to run for 1,000 hours is replaced by one that runs for decades of evenings on a fraction of the electricity. That's why regulations worldwide have phased out the least efficient bulbs.
What people miss about old bulbs — and the LED answer
Early LEDs earned a bad reputation — cold, flat, buzzing on dimmers. That's history. Here's what people loved about old bulbs and how modern LEDs deliver it:
- Perfect colour (CRI 100): choose LEDs rated CRI 90–98 and the difference is invisible to the eye.
- Warm glow that deepens when dimmed: "dim-to-warm" LEDs shift toward candlelight as you lower them, just like incandescent.
- Sparkle in crystal and clear shades: filament-style LEDs use a bright point source that sparkles in chandeliers and glass.
How to choose a good LED
Not all LEDs are equal — the cheap ones are what gave LED a bad name. Look for:
- Lumens for the brightness you need (see our bulb spec guide).
- 2700–3000K for living spaces (see colour temperature).
- CRI 90+ for true colour.
- Dimmable — and "dim-to-warm" if you want that cosy glow — paired with an LED-rated dimmer.
- The right base (E27, E14, GU10…) and a rated life of 15,000 hours or more.
Frequently asked questions
Are LED bulbs better than halogen?
Yes. LEDs use far less energy, last many times longer and run cool. Modern LEDs also match halogen's warmth and dimming, so there's little reason to choose halogen now.
Do LED bulbs give the same warm light as incandescent?
They can. Choose 2700K with CRI 90+ and the colour is indistinguishable to most people. "Dim-to-warm" LEDs even replicate the amber glow incandescents get when dimmed.
Can I replace halogen bulbs with LED?
Usually yes — match the base and shape, and if the fixture is on a dimmer, use an LED-compatible dimmer to avoid flicker. LED GU10s are direct swaps for halogen spotlights.
Why do some LED bulbs look harsh?
Usually because they're too cool (high Kelvin) or have low CRI. Choose 2700–3000K and CRI 90+ and the harshness disappears.
Are incandescent bulbs still available?
They've been largely phased out in many regions for efficiency reasons. LED is the standard, direct replacement and now offers the same warmth and quality.
Last updated: July 2026 · Written by Artevaris Editorial
Related reading: Lumens, Watts & Kelvin Explained · Warm vs Cool Light · How Many Lumens Do You Need?
Fit them to fixtures worth the light — browse the designer lighting collection.
