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Samsung just threw their hat into the growing LED market ^[4] by launching a new line of bulbs that can suit practically any lighting need. The line features 7 energy-sipping bulbs ^[5] that should fit practically any socket in the house. The new bulbs join the ever-expanding options available to shoppers who are looking to save money and get just the right light. Read on for a closer look at these new bulbs, and to learn how they stack up against the competition.

The lineup includes six directional bulbs and one omni-directional option. They all have the same color rendering index ^[6] (CRI) of 80 and a 3000 Kelvin color temperature – similar to the warm glow of an incandescent.

If you’re looking for a bulb for your table lamp then the dimmable A19 ^[7] will fit the bill. Samsung has actually been able to bump the bulbs’ lumens up to 550 using only ten watts, which is a bit more than many of the competing bulbs which pump out 450 lumens using 8 watts.

It will take some homework to figure out the best solution for directional bulbs. Half of the lineup is dimmable, like the par 38, 20, and 30 bulbs which all have a 25 degree beam, making them good for can lights and spot lights.  The MR16 type bulbs are an easy replacement for halogen track lighting, and while not dimmable, they use 80% less energy and will last for years. Every bulb in the lineup except one is rated for 40,000 hours – one of the longest lifespans in the industry.

The weak spot in the lineup is the absence of 60 and 75 watt replacement bulbs ^[8] like those offered by Phillips. The CRI ^[6] is very average as well. These bulbs will do a commendable job for most applications, but if you’re finicky about color quality and want a better selection of beams, Sylvania ^[9]‘s LEDs look to be the ones to beat.

+ Samsung LED ^[5]

Via Engadget ^[10]