
Get exclusive shopping offers and guides
Straight to your inbox
We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!
Traditional incandescent light bulbs are no longer available in Australia as the government started phasing them out in 2009. This is because while incandescent bulbs are cheap to produce, they're incredibly inefficient compared to bulbs with newer technology and waste about 90% of the energy they use.
You can still find incandescent bulbs in Australia for specialty use, but general-use incandescent bulbs have now been replaced by LEDs, CFLs and halogen bulbs.
LEDs or light-emitting diodes are generally considered to be the most energy-efficient light bulb option. They're designed to last longer and run more efficiently than older incandescent models.
While they have a higher upfront cost than other bulb types, they also last longer making the lifelong cost of LEDs lower. They also use up the least electricity while producing the most light and are a common component of circuitry such as TVs, traffic lights and smartphone camera flashes.
For more information on how different LED bulbs stack up, check out our LED light bulb buying guide.
CFLs or compact fluorescent lamps work the same as traditional tubular fluorescents bulbs, but they are more compact and more efficient. They are also more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs, though not as efficient as LEDs.
CFLs are almost as cheap to run as LEDs and typically have a lower upfront cost. However, they have a shorter lifespan of about half the lifespan of LEDs. CFLs take time to warm up to full brightness and produce less light as they age.
Also known as "tungsten halogen lamps", halogens work similarly to incandescent bulbs, but they use less electricity and emit more light. However, halogens are not as efficient as either LEDs or CFLs.
Halogen bulbs are cheap to buy, but they cost more than other bulbs to run and have a shorter lifespan. This results in a higher lifetime cost than LEDs or CFLs.
To find the best light bulb for your household, consider the following factors:
Learn how to compare energy providers in your state with our free online tool.
These are the best ultrabooks currently on the market here in Australia.
These are the six best bike lights you can buy in Australia right now.
These are the seven best types of desk lamps available in Australia right now.
These are the 7 best cordless drills you can buy right now in Australia.
Find out how to switch from a fossil-fuel guzzler to an electric car.
Our expert team has analysed hundreds of customer reviews of split system air conditioners to determine the best available in Australia for every budget and purpose.
Laser's smart light bulbs are certainly inexpensive and they're a good starting point for cash-strapped consumers – if you can get past the set-up process.
Heating is a huge energy cost in winter. Compare heating methods to see what your best options are.
If we're heading for an economic recession, it's time to start taking your personal finances seriously. This podcast is a how-to guide for all Australians.
compare led lights to incandescent
Hi Alan,
Thanks for your question.
LEDs have longer lifespan and lower energy consumption than incandescent lights, but they are also more expensive.
Cheers,
Anndy