What is the difference between LED and Edison light bulbs?

Tired of changing light bulbs or paying high energy bills?

LED and Edison bulbs differ in how they work, how long they last, and how much energy they use.

Keep reading to find out which bulb suits your space and budget best.

What are LED and Edison light bulbs?

Lighting problems often come from not knowing how bulbs work.

LED uses modern technology while Edison bulbs are based on old heated filament design.

LED vs. Edison: The Basic Science

As a lighting manufacturer, I deal with all types of customers—from small shop owners to large distributors. A common question I get is: “Why should I switch from Edison to LED bulbs?” My answer always starts with their core differences.

Edison bulbs, invented in the late 1800s, are based on a very simple idea. Inside the bulb is a tungsten filament. When you pass electric current through it, the filament heats up until it glows. That glow is the light you see. It’s warm, soft, and familiar. But it’s also very inefficient.

LED bulbs are different. They use semiconductors called diodes. When electricity passes through the diode, it emits light. This process is much cooler and much more efficient. No heating required. The structure is compact and sturdy—perfect for modern lighting systems.

LEDs can also be built in many shapes and functions. Edison bulbs are mostly round and limited in design. LED tech gives us more control over brightness, color temperature, dimming, and even smart features like remote control.

So while Edison bulbs offer a nostalgic glow, LEDs provide a full package of efficiency and versatility.

Which bulb saves more energy?

Energy bills are rising, and inefficient lighting adds to the cost.

LEDs use far less energy than Edison bulbs for the same brightness.

The Real Impact on Power Usage

In our factory, we test energy performance all the time. A key benefit of LEDs is that they convert most of the electricity into visible light. Edison bulbs waste a large part of the energy as heat.

Take this example: A 60W Edison bulb produces around 800 lumens. An LED bulb needs only 8–10W to reach the same brightness. That’s nearly 85% less energy for the same light output. When scaled across an office, hotel, or warehouse, the savings are huge.

One of my clients in the U.S., Jacky, runs a lighting store. He replaced 500 Edison bulbs with LED filament bulbs. His monthly electricity cost dropped by 40%. And the space became much cooler.

LED bulbs also reduce the need for air conditioning. Traditional bulbs heat up a room, which makes cooling systems work harder. This is especially true in restaurants, cafés, and retail stores with long lighting hours.

When I look at long-term energy use, LEDs win every time. They are not only smart—they are responsible lighting choices.

Which lasts longer and needs fewer replacements?

Replacing bulbs too often wastes time and adds cost.

LED bulbs last 10–25 times longer than Edison bulbs.

Comparing Lifespan and Durability

A big advantage of LED bulbs is how rarely you need to replace them. Most standard Edison bulbs last about 1,000 hours. That’s only 4–5 months if used daily. LED bulbs? They can last 15,000 to 25,000 hours. That’s years—even over a decade—before they burn out.

In commercial use, this matters a lot. A hotel I worked with in the UK had to change their chandelier bulbs every 2 months when they used incandescents. After switching to LED filament bulbs, they didn’t have to worry about replacements for over 3 years.

LEDs are also more durable. They don’t use fragile filaments. They are solid-state. That makes them resistant to shaking, falling, and temperature changes. This is especially helpful in transport vehicles, outdoor signs, and busy stores.

Longer lifespan also means less waste. That’s good for the environment and good for business.

Which looks better in different spaces?

Style matters, especially in restaurants, homes, or cafés.

Edison bulbs look vintage, while LEDs offer flexible color and brightness.

Style, Warmth, and Modern Design

Some customers love the amber glow of an Edison bulb. I get that. In a wine bar, a warm, nostalgic look creates comfort. That’s why Edison bulbs are still popular for vintage decor.

But LED bulbs have evolved. Now we make LED filament bulbs that mimic the exact look of old Edison bulbs—including visible glowing filaments inside a clear glass shell. The effect is nearly identical, but the efficiency is far better.

LEDs also come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors. Need 2700K warm white? No problem. Want 4000K neutral for offices? Or 6500K cool white for workbenches? LED gives you those options.

And let’s not forget dimming. Most modern LEDs are dimmable. They don’t flicker. They smoothly adjust brightness to suit the space and time of day.

So whether you're lighting a classic dining room or a smart workspace, LED gives you beauty and function in one.

What bulb is more cost-effective in the long run?

Initial cost is only one part of the story.

LEDs cost more upfront, but save more over time.

Breaking Down the Real Cost

Let’s talk numbers. At first glance, Edison bulbs look cheaper. A single bulb may cost $0.80 compared to $2.50 for a good LED bulb. But that’s not the full picture.

Because Edison bulbs only last 1,000 hours, you’ll replace them at least 15–20 times before an LED bulb dies. Add that cost up—plus higher electricity bills—and the cheap bulb turns out more expensive.

I’ve worked with buyers who regretted buying low-cost bulbs for their hotels or restaurants. The maintenance team spent more time replacing bulbs than managing guests. After switching to LED, they saw fewer problems and fewer costs.

Here’s a simple cost comparison:

*Assumes same brightness.

So yes, LED is more expensive to buy—but much cheaper to use. And that’s what counts long term.

Conclusion

LED bulbs are smarter, longer-lasting, and more cost-effective than Edison bulbs.