LEDs, the lightbulbs that last and last

Once in a while, procrastination pays off. Take lightbulbs. If you were hoarding your old incandescents because you worry about the mercury in compact fluorescents (CFLs) and didn't want to shell out big bucks for LEDs, well, you're in luck. LED prices are dropping, and their improved energy efficiency now makes them worth the price. They also dominate Consumer Reports' latest lightbulb Ratings.

The newest generation of LEDs looks more like traditional bulbs—though they use 80 percent less energy. They are still more expensive than CFLs, but they can last for decades. Most are dimmable. Your utility might offer rebates for Energy Star qualified LEDs as well as for CFLs, which lowers prices even more.

A word about the light cast by CFLs and LEDs: If you're looking to duplicate the warm glow of an incandescent, you can do it with either a CFL or an LED by picking one with a temperature of about 2700K. (Check the package.) To match the white light of a halogen, get a bulb that's 3000 to 3500K. One improvement: LEDs are now bright enough to replace a 100-watt incandescent.

CFLs still outsell LEDs, according to a recent national survey by Consumer Reports. CFLs can cost as little as $1.25 per bulb and are almost as energy efficient as LEDs, but they have drawbacks. Many aren't dimmable, and all take a while to fully brighten.

If you're ready to take the LED plunge, be aware that our tests found that performance had little to do with price.

The best lightbulbs from our tests

Consumer Reports tests LEDs and CFLs that replace standard incandescents. We also test replacement bulbs for outdoor lights and recessed and track lights. Here is the top bulb of each type we test. All seven LEDs scored 99 out of 100.

• Standard 40- to 50-watt equivalent: Toshiba A19 LDAB0827WE6USD, $28
• Standard 60-watt equivalent: Samsung A19 Warm White, $16
• Standard 75-watt equivalent: EcoSmart 14-Watt A19 Soft White 726558 (Home Depot), $35
• Standard 100-watt equivalent: Switch 100 Bright White, $50
• Reflector 65- to 90-watt equivalent: Great Value BR30 Soft White Dimmable, (Walmart), $16
• Reflector 60- to 75-watt equivalent: Samsung PAR38 LED, $55
• Reflector 90- to 120-watt equivalent: MaxLite 20Watt PAR38, $45

For more great choices, check our full lightbulb Ratings and recommendations and find out how to find the right lightbulbs for your fixtures in our lightbulb buying guide.

—Kimberly Janeway