What we compared
- Energy cost over 5 years
- Color rendering (CRI)
- Dimming quality
- Environmental impact
The data is clear on efficiency — but what about light quality? We measured every parameter that matters for daily living.
Energy & Cost
A 10W LED produces the same light as a 60W incandescent. Over 5 years (3 hours/day), the LED costs £8.70 in electricity vs £52.20 for incandescent. That's a £43.50 saving per bulb.
Colour Rendering
High-CRI LEDs (95+) now match incandescent's perfect 100 CRI for most practical purposes. Budget LEDs (80 CRI) still make skin tones and food look slightly off.
Dimming
Incandescent dims beautifully with any dimmer. LED dimming has improved dramatically but still requires compatible dimmers. Some budget LEDs flicker below 20% brightness.
Our Pick
LED wins on every measurable axis except nostalgia. If you love the warm glow of incandescent, invest in high-CRI LED bulbs (95+) — they're nearly indistinguishable and will save you hundreds over their lifetime.