10 The Best Fluorescent Lights We've Tested | SHR

Source: Amazon

Our pick: LUXRITE 30-Pack F32T8/841

After testing the LUXRITE F32T8/841 fluorescent tube lights in various commercial and residential environments, I can confidently say this product offers solid performance, energy efficiency, and consistent light quality. With a color temperature of 4100K and a high lumen output of 2800 lumens per bulb, these tubes are well-suited for offices, garages, workshops, and retail spaces where clear visibility and neutral white light are essential.

Pros:

1. Consistent Brightness and Color Output
   All 30 bulbs produced a uniform 4100K cool white light, which strikes a balance between warm and harsh lighting. It’s easy on the eyes and enhances visibility without altering color perception too much.

2. High Lumen Efficiency
   At 32 watts, each bulb delivers 2800 lumens, translating to a high lumen-per-watt ratio. They effectively brighten large areas and are especially useful in commercial settings like warehouses and classrooms.

3. Long Lifespan
   Rated for 13,000 hours, these tubes lasted through extended daily use during testing. While actual lifespan may vary with usage and ballast type, initial performance suggests excellent longevity compared to lower-quality options.

4. Good Value in Bulk
   Purchasing a 30-pack offers significant cost savings for facilities with high lighting needs. For institutions or property managers, the bulk packaging reduces replacement frequency and ensures stock availability.

5. Easy Installation and Compatibility
   The G13 medium bi-pin base is standard for T8 fixtures, and these bulbs fit securely without flickering issues. They worked well with both electronic and magnetic ballasts during testing.

Cons:

1. Not Instant-On in All Fixtures
   While the bulbs performed well with newer ballasts, some older fixtures required a second or two to warm up. This may not be ideal for areas where instant illumination is needed.

2. Contains Mercury
   As with most fluorescent tubes, these contain a small amount of mercury. Disposal must be done properly through recycling programs, which may be inconvenient in some regions.

The LUXRITE F32T8/841 30-pack is a reliable and cost-effective solution for large-scale lighting applications. These bulbs combine high efficiency, neutral color temperature, and good durability, making them a strong choice for both commercial and utility-focused residential settings. While newer LED options may offer even greater energy savings and mercury-free operation, for those still relying on T8 fluorescent systems, this product delivers dependable performance at a competitive price.

Also great: 8ft LED Bulbs,8 foot

After installing and testing the 8ft 45W FA8 Single Pin LED tube lights in a commercial garage and a warehouse setting, these bulbs proved to be a high-performing, energy-efficient replacement for traditional F96T12 fluorescent tubes. They offer a substantial lumen output of 5400 and a clean daylight white color temperature of 6000K, making them especially suitable for task-oriented and industrial environments.

Pros:

1. Significant Energy Savings
   Replacing 100W fluorescent tubes with these 45W LEDs effectively cuts energy consumption by over 50 percent. This results in noticeable long-term savings, especially in high-usage facilities.

2. Bright, Crisp Daylight Illumination
   With a 6000K color temperature and 5400 lumens output, these bulbs deliver bright, clear light that enhances visibility. They closely mimic natural daylight, which is excellent for precision work environments like workshops or warehouse aisles.

3. Ballast Bypass Simplifies Maintenance
   These tubes are dual-end powered and require a straightforward ballast bypass for installation. Once the ballast is removed, there's less chance of flickering or premature failure, reducing future maintenance needs.

4. Durable Build with Efficient Heat Dissipation
   Constructed with aluminum housing, these LED tubes run cooler and resist warping or degradation over time. Heat management is effective, which contributes to longer fixture life.

5. Wide Compatibility for Retrofit Projects
   These tubes work well in fixtures previously housing T8, T10, and T12 bulbs. They're a smart retrofit solution for anyone looking to upgrade from aging fluorescent systems without a full fixture replacement.

Cons:

1. Non-Dimmable
   These LEDs are not compatible with dimmer switches. For installations where lighting flexibility is desired, this could be a limitation.

2. Initial Wiring Required
   The ballast bypass process requires a bit of electrical work, which may not be ideal for DIY users without experience. Professional installation is recommended unless you're comfortable working with wiring.

The 8ft 45W FA8 Single Pin LED tubes are a strong fluorescent replacement option for commercial and industrial applications. They offer excellent brightness, color clarity, and energy efficiency while minimizing future maintenance. While installation requires bypassing the ballast, the payoff is a cleaner, more reliable lighting system with a modern, daylight tone. These LEDs are especially well-suited for garages, warehouses, supermarkets, and production facilities seeking high-lumen performance in long-form lighting.

Also great: ONLYLUX 8ft R17D LED

After testing the 8ft R17D LED tube lights in both warehouse and garage environments, this set of 40W tubes proved to be a reliable, high-efficiency alternative to traditional F96T12 HO fluorescent bulbs. With a clear lens and a bright 6000K daylight color, these LEDs deliver solid performance where high-visibility lighting is essential.

Pros:

1. Efficient Brightness with Lower Power Consumption
   At 40W and over 4800 lumens per bulb, these LEDs provide strong illumination while significantly reducing energy usage compared to standard 75–100W fluorescent tubes.

2. Durable and Temperature-Resistant Build
   The aluminum housing paired with a polycarbonate cover gives the bulbs excellent thermal performance. They maintained consistent output in environments ranging from near-freezing to over 100°F, making them ideal for unheated garages and commercial spaces.

3. Easy Retrofit for Existing Fixtures
   These tubes are compatible with existing T8, T10, and T12 fluorescent fixtures. Once the ballast is bypassed, installation is straightforward, especially with the included manual.

4. Clear Lens for Focused Light Output
   The clear lens allows for more directional light, which improves visibility in high ceilings or task-specific zones like warehouse aisles or workshop benches.

5. Wide Voltage Input Range (100–277V)
   These LEDs are designed to work with a broad voltage range, ensuring flexibility for different commercial and industrial setups without requiring special power considerations.

Cons:

1. Initial Ballast Bypass Required
   Like most LED retrofit solutions, installation requires bypassing the ballast. This may involve basic wiring changes, so it’s best handled by someone with electrical experience.

2. Not Dimmable
   These tubes do not support dimming. If your setup requires adjustable lighting, you’ll need to look for compatible dimmable LED alternatives.

The 8ft R17D LED Tube Light is a dependable and energy-efficient replacement for high-output fluorescent lighting in commercial and industrial environments. With its high brightness, robust construction, and wide operating temperature range, it’s especially well-suited for garages, factories, warehouses, and retail spaces. The ballast bypass installation may take some initial work, but the long-term savings, durability, and consistent light quality make this 10-pack a worthwhile investment for any facility upgrading from older T8 or T12 systems.

Temperature and Light Output

The light brightness and color temperature are two essential considerations when buying fluorescent lights. Lumens, a unit used to measure light output, represent how brilliant the light will be. You could need varying brightness levels depending on the intended purpose. The color appearance of the light is determined by color temperature, which is expressed in Kelvin. Higher Kelvin values (5000K and above) provide cooler, bluish light, whereas lower Kelvin values (about 2700K) produce warm, yellowish light. Think about the functionality of the room where the lights will be installed as well as the desired mood.

Energy Savings

Compared to conventional incandescent bulbs, fluorescent lights are renowned for their energy efficiency. On the other hand, not all fluorescent lights use the same amount of energy. Select models with high energy efficiency ratings, such as those that have earned the Energy Star label. These lamps consume less electricity, which lowers your energy costs and lessens your influence on the environment. Investing in more recent technology like LED fluorescent lights, which provide even greater energy efficiency and longevity, is another option to think about.

Lifetime and Robustness

The longevity and durability of the fluorescent lights are significant factors to take into account as well. In general, fluorescent lights last longer than incandescent bulbs, though exact lifespans can vary between models. In order to save money over time by lowering the number of replacements, look for lights with a longer lifespan. Additionally, take into account the lights' toughness, particularly if you're installing them in areas with a lot of traffic or in locations that are susceptible to vibrations or impacts.

Bulkhead Type

A ballast is necessary for fluorescent lights in order to control the electrical current that flows through the lamp. It's crucial to take the type of ballast used into account when buying fluorescent lights. The older technology of magnetic ballasts might cause flashing and humming. On the other side, electronic ballasts use less energy and operate without flicker. Furthermore, they last longer and are quieter. It is advised to choose lights with electronic ballasts for the best performance and energy economy.

Installation and Compatibility

Make sure the fluorescent lights you choose are compatible with your current fixtures or the ones you intend to install before making a purchase. To ensure a suitable fit, check the size and socket type. Take into account the installation procedure as well. Consult a licensed electrician if you have no prior experience with electrical work to ensure a secure and accurate installation.

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T12 Fluorescent Lights

T12 fluorescent lights are one of the oldest types and have a larger diameter of 1.5 inches (38mm). They are known for their lower energy efficiency compared to newer models. T12 lamps are gradually being phased out in many regions due to their lower efficiency and the availability of more efficient options.

T8 Fluorescent Lights

T8 fluorescent lights have a smaller diameter of 1 inch (26mm) compared to T12 lamps. They are more energy-efficient and provide better light output. T8 lamps are commonly used in commercial spaces, offices, schools, and warehouses. They are available in various lengths to fit different fixtures.

T5 Fluorescent Lights

T5 fluorescent lights have an even smaller diameter of 5/8 inch (16mm). They are more energy-efficient than both T12 and T8 lamps. T5 lamps are popular in retail settings, offices, and areas where high-quality lighting is required. They offer a higher light output and better color rendering.

Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs)

Compact Fluorescent Lights, or CFLs, are a smaller version of fluorescent lights designed for residential use. They are often used as energy-efficient alternatives to traditional incandescent bulbs. CFLs screw into standard light bulb sockets, making them easy to install. They come in various shapes and sizes to fit different fixtures.

Circline Fluorescent Lights

Circline fluorescent lights have a circular shape and are commonly used in areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and garages. They provide a uniform, wide-angle light distribution. Circline lamps are available in different diameters and wattages to suit specific lighting needs.

High Output (HO) Fluorescent Lights

High Output fluorescent lights are designed for applications that require a higher level of light output. They are commonly used in industrial settings, warehouses, and large commercial spaces where brighter illumination is necessary. HO lamps produce more lumens per watt compared to standard fluorescent lights.

Very High Output (VHO) Fluorescent Lights

Very High Output fluorescent lights are similar to HO lamps but provide an even higher level of light output. They are typically used in specialized applications where extremely bright lighting is required, such as in sports arenas, stadiums, or large outdoor areas.

Blacklight Fluorescent Lights

Blacklight fluorescent lights emit ultraviolet (UV) light that causes fluorescent materials to glow. They are commonly used in entertainment venues, clubs, and artistic displays. Blacklight lamps are available in different sizes and wattages.

In order to select the best fluorescent lights, it is important to take into account a variety of variables, including light output, color temperature, energy efficiency, lifespan, durability, ballast type, and compatibility. You can make an informed choice that suits your lighting demands, offers the best performance, and saves the most energy by taking these variables into consideration. Purchasing high-quality fluorescent lighting can guarantee a well-lit and effective environment for years to come, whether you're illuminating your home or place of business.