LED Tube Light Vs LED Bulb: What’s the Difference & Which’s Better?

What are the differences between LED tube light vs LED bulb? Choosing between LED tube lights and LED bulbs can greatly influence your lighting setup. LED tube lights are ideal for large, commercial spaces, providing broad, even illumination. In contrast, LED bulbs are versatile and perfect for residential or smaller commercial settings, offering focused light and ease of installation. This guide will provide a clear overview of the differences, so you can decide which one is best for you. 

Comparison	LED Tube Lights	LED Bulb Lights	Winner
Light Quality	Providing steady, high-quality light without the flickering or humming Not too harmful for eyes	Ideal for households with children or lots of activity due to its durability	LED tube lights
Energy Efficiency	Provide higher lumens per watt	Not be as efficient as LED tube lights in terms of lumens per watt	LED tube lights
Durability	Having 31,000 to 51,000 hours of life	Lasting up to 25,000 hours	LED tube lights
Size & Flexibility	Larger and more elongated	Smaller and more versatile	LED tube lights
Purpose	Saving energy in large spaces such as warehouses, powerhouses, offices	Saving energy and reducing electricity bills significantly in homes and small offices	LED bulbs
Safety	Help prevent eye fatigue	Leading to more glare and eye discomfort if not properly shielded	LED tube lights
Environmental Effects	Not containing harmful chemicals despite creating less UV rays	Not containing harmful chemicals despite creating less UV rays	Equal
Power Consumption	Being convenient in installing existing fluorescent fixtures	Light up instantly without any warm-up time	LED tube lights
Price	Being expensive initially at $5 - $10	Being expensive initially at $2 - $5	LED bulbs
Installation	Requires specific fixtures and wiring	Can be easily installed in standard sockets	LED bulbs
Maintenance	Not changing frequently owning to long lifespan	Changing earlier because their shorter durability	LED tube lights

Overview of LED Tube Light vs. LED Bulb

LED Tube Light

LED tube lights are long, thin lights that can replace traditional fluorescent lights. The ”T” indicates the tube shape, and the number specifies the size. They are available in three different sizes:

• T5 (5/8 inch diameter)
• T12 (1.5 inch diameter)
• T8 (1 inch diameter) 

Pros and cons

You can see many pros if you own a LED tube light. However, it also has disadvantages but not significantly. So, what are the disadvantages of LED tube light and vice versa?  We have summarized the pros and cons in the table below:

Pros	Cons
Consuming up to 80% less energy than fluorescent lights Long lifespan with 30,000 to 50,000 hours Instant on without any warm-up time Resistant to shocks, vibrations, and extreme temperatures Available in a wide range of color temperatures Do not contain mercury or other harmful chemicals	Higher upfront cost Older ballasts may not be compatible with LED tube lights Dimming range may be more limited compared to traditional fluorescent lights. Sensitivity to extremely hot or cold environments

LED Bulb

An LED bulb stands for light emitting diode. These bulbs are known for their high energy efficiency, long lifespan, and ability to produce bright light with minimal heat. LED bulbs are commonly used in various applications, from household lighting to industrial and commercial settings, due to their durability and cost-effectiveness.

Curious about the different types of LED lamps and how they can benefit your lighting needs? Read our article “Different Types of LED Lamps” to discover the best options for your home or business and make an informed decision today!

Pros and cons

LED bulbs have revolutionized the lighting industry, offering numerous benefits and a few drawbacks:

Pros	Cons
Significantly less energy with 5-15 watts Long lifespan with 25,000 to 50,000 hours Mercury-free and no UV radiation Variety of styles and colors Emit less heat, reducing the risk of fire	Higher initial cost Some LED bulbs may flicker at high frequencies

11 Main Differences Between LED Tube Light Vs LED Bulb

There are 11 main differences between LED bulb and LED tube lights.

1. Light Quality

LED tube lights and LED bulbs are both popular choices for energy-efficient lighting, but they offer different light qualities. LED tubes excel in providing consistent, high-quality light without flickering. Their larger size and multiple LED chips ensure even illumination, reducing glare and creating a comfortable environment.

In contrast, LED bulbs, though more versatile, may experience glare and uneven lighting due to their smaller size and fewer LEDs. 

Winner: LED tubes

2. Energy Efficiency

When comparing energy efficiency between LED tube lights and LED bulbs, LED tube lights generally offer superior performance for larger spaces. They provide higher lumens per watt (about 130 lumens per watt) and are 90% more efficient compared to traditional lighting options. 

Conversely, LED bulbs emit light in a single, focused direction due to the small size of the light-emitting diodes (LEDs) they contain. Therefore, the decision of which option to choose often depends on the specific lighting requirements and whether the fixture is compatible. For a more detailed comparison of LED bulbs with other lighting options, such as CFL bulbs, you can refer to this informative article: LED vs CFL Light Bulbs: Which Is More Efficient & Safe.

Winner: LED tubes

3. Durability

LED bulbs are very durable and rarely break, typically lasting between 30,000 and 50,000 hours. But in rare cases, extreme heat, electrical problems, or poor cooling can cause them to explode. LED tube lights are even more durable, often lasting between 40,000 and 50,000 hours  because they're better at handling heat and electrical stress. Plus, LED tube lights can last up to 20 years.

Winner: LED tubes

4. Size & Flexibility

LED tube lights have a long, linear shape, making them ideal for covering larger areas such as offices, warehouses, and stores. On the other hand, LED bulbs typically have a circular shape and come in various sizes, offering more versatility for different lighting needs.

In terms of space efficiency, LED bulbs have an advantage. Their compact design means they don’t take up much space, making them suitable for homes and small businesses. This means you can use LED bulbs in any lamp, like halogen lamps, but it’s not certain that you can use halogen bulbs in LED lamps. Additionally, LED bulbs are easy to disassemble and clean, adding to their convenience.

Winner: LED tubes

5. Purpose

LED tube lights and LED bulbs serve different purposes based on their design and application. LED tube lights are typically used for general illumination in commercial or large residential spaces, replacing traditional fluorescent tubes in the light fixture like ceiling grids and workbenches. They provide broad, even lighting and are ideal for areas requiring extensive, uniform illumination.

On the other hand, LED bulbs are versatile and designed for a wide range of applications, from home lighting to decorative fixtures. They come in various shapes and sizes, suitable for everything from table lamps to ceiling fans, offering flexibility in both light direction and intensity. LED bulbs are particularly well-suited for unidirectional lighting, such as flashlights and desk lamps, as well as vehicle headlights and electronic devices for status lights.

Winner: LED bulbs

6. Safety

For information on the overall safety of LED lights, including potential concerns and best practices, you can refer to this article: Are LED Lights Safe?. LED tube lights generally offer safer lighting due to their diffuse and uniform light distribution, which reduces glare and minimizes eye strain. They are also less likely to cause headaches, especially in larger spaces, and tend to have less flicker.

In contrast, LED bulbs provide more focused and intense light, which can lead to more glare and eye discomfort if not properly shielded. While both LED types emit very low levels of UV radiation and generate minimal heat, the safety largely depends on the quality of the products and their correct usage.

Winner: LED tubes

Related article: What are the safest light bulbs to use?

7. Environmental Effects

Are LED Light Bad for the Environment? Actually, LED tube lights and LED bulbs are much better for the environment than older types of lights. They use less energy and produce fewer greenhouse gasses. In fact, LED light can be up to 80% more efficient than fluorescent and incandescent lights. This means lower electricity bills and a smaller carbon footprint.

Winner: Equal

8. Power Consumption

When comparing LED lights vs halogen lights, LED tube light vs LED bulb offer significantly lower power consumption compared to traditional lighting options like halogen bulbs. The average power consumption of both LED tube light and LED bulb ranges from approximately 10 to 60 watts, while halogen bulbs typically consume between 30 to 100 watts. This substantial difference in energy consumption makes LED lighting a more budget-friendly and environmentally sustainable choice. 

Plus, LED lights will help you spend less on electricity bills because they use much less energy than traditional incandescent or fluorescent lights.

If you’re planning to use LED lights with a battery system, it’s essential to calculate battery size for LED lights to ensure you have the right power capacity for your lighting setup.

Winner: LED tubes

9. Price

LED bulbs are usually cheaper than LED tube lights. They typically cost between $1 and $5, while LED tube lights cost between $5 and $10. So, LED bulbs are a more affordable option. 

Winner: LED bulbs

10. Installation

Installing LED tube lights often involves adapting or replacing existing fixtures to fit their cylindrical shape, which can be more complex. The wiring process may require specialized knowledge and tools, especially when replacing older fixtures. In contrast, LED bulbs are easier to install as they fit into standard light sockets, making them a simple replacement for traditional bulbs without needing fixture modifications.

Winner: LED bulbs

11. Maintenance

LED bulbs need infrequent replacements, which minimizes overall maintenance efforts. They can be used in various fixtures, from table lamps to ceiling lights, without requiring additional modifications. Their easy screw-in design fits standard sockets, making replacement straightforward and quick. This makes LED bulbs a convenient choice for both residential and commercial settings, especially when comparing LED vs CFL light bulbs.

In contrast, because LED tube lights last much longer and are more durable, this reduces downtime and maintenance costs associated with replacing bulbs and CFLs. However, if maintenance is needed, it is often simpler and less expensive for LED tube lights than fluorescent tubes.

Winner: LED tubes

Which’s Better: LED Tube Light vs. LED Bulb Light?

To wrap it up, LED tube lights usually offer better efficiency and a longer lifespan than LED bulbs, while LED bulbs are more adaptable and fit a wider range of uses. So, here’s when to choose each:

Choose LED tube lights if:

• You have large spaces to illuminate, like offices, warehouses, or retail areas.
• You want consistent and even lighting throughout the area.
• You prioritize long-lasting, low-maintenance options.
• You plan to keep the lights on for extended periods.

Choose LED bulbs if:

• You need lighting for various fixtures, such as table lamps, ceiling fans, or recessed lights.
• You value the ability to customize the style and brightness to suit your space.
• You value a simple screw-in design for easy replacement.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and lighting goals.

Final Thoughts

In the LED tube light vs LED bulb debate, LED tube lights are best for large areas needing consistent, low-maintenance lighting, ideal for commercial use. LED bulbs offer versatility and easy installation for diverse fixtures but may need more frequent replacement. Choose based on your specific lighting needs and space requirements.