8 Difference Between E14 vs E27 Bulbs | Ultimate Comparison Guide

Wondering the biggest difference between two popular bulbs: E14 vs E27? Obviously, it’s their base size. E14 with its 14mm diameter is just right for snug spaces, while E27 sports a robust 27mm diameter, ideal for places that require high brightness.

If you're scratching your head in the lightbulb aisle, wondering which one to pick, you're in the right place. Our guide breaks down all differences between E14 vs E27 bulbs to make your choice a breeze.

What are Similarities between E14 vs E27?

While E14 and E27 bulbs may look different at first glance, these two types of bulbs have a lot in common.

Edison Screw Base

Screw base type light bulbs have threads, allowing the bulb to be screwed into the socket easily. When buying a replacement, you need the same type to ensure they fit and work properly.

Both E14 and E27 bulbs feature an Edison Screw (ES) base, named after Thomas Edison, the inventor of the light bulb. These bulbs use a standard screw-in base with a twisting mechanism for easy installation, fitting various lamps and fixtures.

Bulb Type

E14 and E27 bulbs come in a variety of types, including incandescent, halogen, CFL (compact fluorescent lamp), and LED. This means both base types can fit into a range of lighting setups, offering choices in light color, brightness, and energy consumption.

Quality Standards

Both E14 and E27 bulbs are manufactured to meet international quality and safety standards. These standards ensure the bulbs are reliable, safe to use, and perform consistently. Standards often cover regulations on electrical safety, heat resistance, fire resistance, durability, and performance measures like brightness and energy efficiency.

Wondering if you can put a higher-wattage bulb in the lamp? Warning! You will definitely need this safety guide before using higher-wattage bulbs than recommended.

Smart Capabilities

With the rise of smart home technology, both E14 and E27 bulbs can now be as smart as your phone. They can offer smart capabilities which allow you to control with a tap on smartphones, voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, or through home automation systems. You can schedule, dim, or change their colors remotely, making your home lighting system truly intelligent.

Dimmability

Looking to set the mood? Some E14 and E27 bulbs are designed to be dimmable. You can adjust the brightness to suit your vibes, whether it’s a cozy movie night or a bright dinner party. 

Dimmable bulbs are compatible with dimmer switches, though it is essential to ensure that the dimmer switch is compatible with the specific type of bulb, especially with LED and CFL technologies.

Color Changing

Color-changing capabilities are a feature commonly found in LED bulbs. Both E14 and E27 LED bulbs can display a wide range of colors and shades of white light. Users can customize the ambiance of a room with just a few taps on a smartphone app.

Life Expectancy

E14 and E27 bulbs, particularly those using LED technology, typically have a long lifespan, often lasting at least 10,000 hours. This helps save you from frequent replacements and reduces long-term costs.

What are Differences between E14 vs E27?

Understanding the differences between bulb types can help you get the most out of your lighting. Let’s put E14 vs E27 bulbs head-to-head and see which one will light up your space like a total superstar!

Features	E14 Bulbs	E27 Bulbs
Base Size	14mm	27mm
Bulb Shape	Typically smaller shapes like candles, torpedos, or mini-globes	Various shapes including classic A-shape, globes, reflectors, and floodlights
Varieties and Colors	Available in various types and colors, generally simpler features	Offers a wide range of features, including advanced features
Applications	Best for small, decorative fixtures, creates a cozy atmosphere	Suited for larger areas needing bright
Region-Specific Usage	Common in Europe and parts of Asia, less common in North America	More universally recognized and used globally
Power	Typically ranges from 3W to 40W, provides softer, more gentle lighting	Ranges from 5W to 100W or more, offers brighter lighting
Price	Less expensive	Tends to be pricier

Read more: What does a ballast do for LED lights?

Base Size

As we’ve pointed out, the key difference between E14 vs E27 bulbs is the size of their bases. Just look at the numbers after the “E”, they indicate the base diameter in millimeters.

E14 bulbs have a slender base with a diameter of 14mm which is also known as the "small Edison screw". These compact bulbs are commonly suitable for applications that require space saving.

On the other hand, E27 bulbs have a larger base with a diameter of 27mm, called the "medium Edison screw". They’re better for areas where you need more light and a bigger base, like decorative fixtures and lamps.

E27 and E14 are considered to be the two most common lamp holders in homes besides other lamp sizes such as E10, E12, E17, E39, and E40. To choose the right bulb, you need to measure the holder using these methods:

Finger method:

• An adult male's index finger is 15 mm wide, and the combined width of the index and middle fingers is about 30 mm.
• Place your index finger on the socket: If it covers the socket, it's an E14; If it takes two fingers, it's an E27.

Rule or measuring tape method (More accurate)

• Place a ruler or tape across the widest part of the base.
• Ensure it's perpendicular for accuracy, and record the size of bulbs.

Bulb Shape

E14 and E27 bulbs come in different shapes tailored to their typical uses. E14 bulbs, often referred to as "Candle Bulbs," are smaller and typically found in shapes like candles, torpedos, or mini-globes. E27 bulbs, due to their larger base, come in a variety of shapes including the classic A-shape (the standard light bulb shape), globes, reflector bulbs, and floodlights.

Varieties and Colors

Both E14 and E27 bulbs offer a wide range of varieties and colors including tunable, dimmable, warm white, soft white, cool white, or RGB. However, E27 bulbs often have more advanced features like tunable white. This means you can adjust the color temperature from warm white to cool white, tailoring your lighting to match your mood or the time of day.

Applications

The applications of E14 and E27 bulbs differ significantly due to their size and power capabilities. They have the common feature of being used more in desk lamps than in monitor lamps, but there are also differences between them.

E14 bulbs, due to their small luminous coefficient, are perfect for sneaking into tight spaces. They are commonly used in decorative lighting fixtures where space is limited, such as chandeliers, wall sconces, fan lamps, spot lamps, and bedside table lamps. With their compact size, they're great for creating a cozy atmosphere without being too bright.

In contrast, E27 bulbs are the all-stars of general lighting. You’ll find them in many types of lamps such as downlights, floor lamps, recessed lights, pendant lights, LED panel lights, outdoor lights, buffet lights or table lights, etc. Thanks to their larger base, they’re built to light up big spaces and provide plenty of brightness for any task and activity - or may even brighten the whole neighborhood!

Region-Specific Usage

While both types of bulbs are used globally, the use of E14 and E27 bulbs can vary by region. This regional difference affects the availability and popularity of each base type in different markets. Generally, E27 bulbs are more universally recognized and used than E14 ones.

In Europe and parts of Asia, both E14 and E27 bases are standard and widely used in residential and commercial lighting. 

In North America, the E27 base is more commonly referred to as E26 due to the slightly different diameter (26mm) but is still widely used. Meanwhile, E14 bases are less common in North America but can still be found in specific fixtures or imported lighting products.

Power

Both types of bulbs differ in the power levels which is a key factor when comparing E14 vs E27 brightness.

E14 bulbs typically operate at lower wattages, ranging from 3W to 40W. For example, Philips Lighting offers a variety of E14 bulbs in low wattages, such as 2W, 3.4W, 4.3W, 6W, 6.5W, 10W, 15W, 20W, 25W, and 40W with a typical nominal lifetime of around 15,000 hours. E14 bulbs generally offer a softer, more gentle light

E27 bulbs, however, provide a much brighter light thanks to their higher wattages, from 5W to 100W or more. For example, Philips Lighting comes in a line of E27 bulbs with various high wattages such as 10.5W, 25W, 45W, 50W, 60W, 70W, 80W, and up to 100W, shining brightly for up to 30,000 hours.

With so many wattages, you may be confused as to how many watts your lamp uses. We help you calculate light consumption to keep your costs down.

Price

The price of E14 and E27 bulbs can vary based on size, type, power and features.

Generally, E14 bulbs tend to be less expensive (around $1-$2 for the same power) than E27 bulbs since they are smaller and often lower wattage. However, if you’re eyeing those fancy E14 bulbs with unique shapes or high-tech features, be prepared to splurge a bit more.

On the contrary, E27 bulbs with their larger size and higher power capacity, may have a higher base price. The broad range of options and features available, including smart capabilities and color-changing functions, can also lead to a wide price range for E27 bulbs. Advanced features in both types, such as dimmability and smart home integration, can increase the cost.

Should I choose E14 or E27 bulbs?

Choosing between E14 vs E27 bulbs depends on your lighting purposes and space.

E14 bulbs are perfect for smaller, space-saving fixtures and soft lighting. They work well in snug settings like bedrooms, living rooms, and hallways, where a subtle and charming glow is desired. If you're looking for something compact and cozy, E14 bulbs are surely your go-to.

On the other hand, E27 bulbs are suitable for places that require high brightness, many applications such as workrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, etc. If you need to light up a whole room or tackle tasks, these are your bulbs.

Still scratching your head over which bulb to pick? Don’t worry! Our lamp guide with 7 factors to consider will make choosing the perfect lamp a breeze!

So, whether you’re after a soft, decorative light or a powerful beam to brighten up an entire room, choosing between E14 vs E27 is all about matching the right bulb to your lighting style and space needs. Just like choosing between a cozy night in or a dazzling party!

Wrapping Up

Choosing between E14 vs E27 bulbs doesn’t have to be a dim decision! By understanding the key differences and similarities between these two popular types of bulbs, you can illuminate your space perfectly. Whether you're decorating a cozy nook with E14 bulbs or lighting up a grand room with E27s, Hirosart's guide has covered everything you need to know to make a wise choice.

Happy lighting!

FAQs

Can I use an E27 light bulb in an E14 lamp?

No, E27 and E14 bulbs are not interchangeable due to their different base sizes. E27 bulbs are too large for E14 sockets.

How can I install E14 and E27 bulbs?

You can follow these steps: Turn off the power, remove the old bulb, screw in the new bulb, and turn the power back on. Make sure the new bulb matches the socket size.

Where can I buy E14 and E27 bulbs?

You can find E14 and E27 bulbs at major retailers, supermarkets, specialty lighting stores, and online platforms like Amazon and eBay.