UK LED Bulb Comparison 2026: Wattage, Lumens & Prices

This guide compares the most common LED bulb types sold in the UK in 2026 — including A60, GU10, G9, candle, and filament styles — across wattage, light output, colour temperature, lifespan, and typical price. All prices are tracked from major UK retailers as of April 2026.

Quick Answer

The best-value LED bulb for most UK homes in 2026 is the 9W A60 E27 LED, which produces around 800 lumens (equivalent to a 60W halogen), costs £3–£6, and lasts 15,000–25,000 hours. For kitchens and downlights, GU10 LED spotlights at 5W produce 345 lumens and cost £4–£8. Verthara stocks CE-certified options in every common fitting.

E27 Screw-Cap Bulbs (Large Edison Screw)

E27 is the most common UK fitting — used in most table lamps, floor lamps, and pendant lights. Bulb shape is usually A60 (standard pear shape).

Wattage Lumens Replaces Lifespan Typical UK Price
4W 470 lm 40W halogen 15,000 h £2.50–£4.50
8W 806 lm 60W halogen 20,000 h £3.00–£6.00
9W 900 lm 60W halogen 25,000 h £4.00–£7.50
11W 1,055 lm 75W halogen 25,000 h £5.00–£9.00
14W 1,521 lm 100W halogen 25,000 h £6.00–£10.00
20W 2,452 lm 150W halogen 25,000 h £8.00–£14.00

GU10 Spotlight Bulbs

GU10 is a twist-lock fitting used in recessed downlights and track spotlights, very common in UK kitchens and bathrooms. The bulb has a 50mm diameter reflector with a 36° or 60° beam angle.

Wattage Lumens Replaces Beam Angle Typical UK Price
3W 230 lm 30W halogen 38° £2.00–£4.00
5W 345 lm 50W halogen 36° £3.00–£6.00
6.5W 460 lm 60W halogen 36°/60° £4.00–£8.00
8W 575 lm 75W halogen 60° £5.00–£10.00

Small Fittings — E14, G9, G4

E14 (Small Edison Screw)

Used in chandeliers, wall sconces, and smaller pendant lights. Bulb shapes include candle (C35), golf ball (G45), and pygmy. Typical LED wattages: 3W–7W, producing 250–806 lumens. Price range £2.50–£8.00 per bulb. Most common replacement is 4W E14 for 40W halogen.

G9 (Bi-Pin Capsule)

Tiny capsule bulbs used in modern pendant lights, wall sconces, and bathroom fittings. LED G9 wattages: 2.5W–5W, producing 250–470 lumens. Price range £3.00–£7.00. Look for dimmable versions if your fitting supports it — not all G9 LEDs are dimmable.

G4 (Low Voltage Capsule)

12V low-voltage capsule bulbs used in under-cabinet lighting and some desk lamps. Requires a 12V transformer (usually built into the fitting). LED G4 wattages: 1.5W–3W, producing 120–280 lumens. Price range £3.00–£6.00.

Filament & Vintage-Style LED Bulbs

Filament LEDs mimic the look of traditional Edison bulbs with visible LED filaments inside clear or amber glass. They are popular in pendant lights, exposed fittings, and industrial-style installations.

  • 4W filament (A60): 470 lumens, replaces 40W. Warm white (2700K). £4.50–£8.00.
  • 6W filament (A60): 806 lumens, replaces 60W. Warm white (2700K). £5.50–£10.00.
  • 8W filament (ST64 Edison): 806 lumens. Amber tint (2200K). £6.00–£12.00.
  • Spiral filament: Decorative option, 4W–8W range, typically £7.00–£15.00.

What to Look For When Buying LED Bulbs

Colour Temperature (Kelvin)

Colour temperature determines how warm or cool the light appears. UK homes typically use:

  • 2700K (Warm White): Cosy, yellow-tinted light. Best for living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms.
  • 3000K (Soft White): Slightly brighter warm white. Good for hallways and bathrooms.
  • 4000K (Cool White): Neutral, slightly blue. Best for kitchens, offices, and task lighting.
  • 6500K (Daylight): Bright, blue-white. Used in garages, workshops, and commercial spaces.

CRI (Colour Rendering Index)

CRI measures how accurately a light source shows colours compared to natural sunlight. Look for CRI 80 or higher for residential use, and CRI 90+ for spaces where colour accuracy matters (dressing rooms, kitchens, art displays).

Dimmable vs Non-Dimmable

Not all LED bulbs work with dimmer switches. Look for "dimmable" on the packaging, and make sure your dimmer switch is rated for LED loads (most traditional dimmers need to be replaced with LED-compatible "trailing edge" dimmers).

Certifications

In the UK, LED bulbs must carry CE mark to be sold legally. These indicate the product meets safety, electromagnetic compatibility, and RoHS (restriction of hazardous substances) requirements. Avoid any bulb without these marks.

Energy Efficiency Class (2021+ Labels)

Since September 2021, LED bulbs sold in the UK carry an updated energy label with classes from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). Most standard LED bulbs fall in classes D–F. Premium LEDs with very high lumens-per-watt ratios (e.g., Philips MASTER Ultra Efficient) can achieve class A or B. When comparing bulbs, a higher efficiency class means lower running costs for the same light output.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many lumens do I need for a UK living room?

A typical UK living room needs approximately 1,500–3,000 total lumens, spread across several light sources (ceiling light plus lamps). For a 20m² room, aim for 100–150 lumens per square metre using layered lighting rather than one bright overhead fixture.

What is the difference between A60, G45, and C35 LED bulbs?

These are bulb shapes. A60 is the standard pear shape (60mm diameter), used in most lamps and pendants. G45 is a small golf-ball shape used in pendant lights and chandeliers. C35 is a candle shape used in chandeliers and wall sconces. All three are available in E27 (large screw) and E14 (small screw) versions.

Can I use LED bulbs outdoors?

Standard LED bulbs are only suitable for enclosed outdoor fittings. For exposed outdoor use (porch lights, garden lanterns), use a bulb specifically rated IP44 or higher, and check that the fitting itself is weatherproof.

Do LED bulbs work in cold weather?

Yes. Unlike CFL (compact fluorescent) bulbs, LEDs work reliably in cold temperatures down to -20°C. In fact, cold temperatures can extend LED lifespan by keeping the driver electronics cooler.

Why do some LED bulbs buzz or hum?

Buzzing is usually caused by incompatibility with a dimmer switch or a faulty driver. If the bulb buzzes only when dimmed, replace the dimmer with an LED-compatible trailing-edge dimmer. If it buzzes at full brightness, the bulb driver is likely faulty and should be replaced under warranty.

How often is this comparison updated?

We review this comparison quarterly and update pricing based on UK retailer data. Last updated: April 2026.

Shop LED Lighting at Verthara

Every product at Verthara is CE certified, covered by a 3-year manufacturer warranty, and delivered free across the UK.