8 Best T8 LED Tubes of 2026
Eight T8 LED tubes compared on length, brightness, and ballast type.
By Ethan Cole
Updated November 12, 2026
T8 is the most common fluorescent tube size, 1 inch across, and most LED replacements are T8. This list covers eight LED T8 tubes in 2 ft, 3 ft, 4 ft, and 8 ft lengths, with different ballast types and color temperatures.
See our best LED tube lights list for the rest. If you would rather replace the whole fixture, see our best LED shop lights and best 4 ft LED shop lights.
Note: switch the power off at the breaker and let a tube cool before you change it. Check the tube type against your fixture: a Type A tube is meant to work with the existing ballast, a Type B tube bypasses the ballast and needs the fixture rewired, a Type A+B tube is listed to work either way, and a Type C tube uses an external driver. Rewiring a fixture is electrical work, so use a licensed electrician if you are not experienced. Look for a UL or ETL mark, check whether the fixture is rated for the location, and follow the maker’s instructions. Listings differ; we describe what each maker lists.
All Products Compared
| Product | Best For | Pack | Tube and Base | Output and Color | Ballast Type and Dimming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Espen T8 LED Tube (2 ft, Type C, Selectable Color Temperature, Dimmable), 25 Pack | Selectable Color Temperature | 25 tubes | T8, 2 ft, and G13 | 1,200 lm; 3000K to 5000K | Type C; dimmable |
| Sunco Lighting T8 LED Tube (4 ft, Type B, 6000K, Dimmable), 50 Pack | Most Tubes in the Pack | 50 tubes | T8 and 4 ft | 2,200 lm; 6000K | Type B; dimmable |
| Sunco Lighting T8 LED Tube (4 ft, Type A+B, 5000K, Dimmable), 30 Pack | Works With or Without a Ballast | 30 tubes | T8 and 4 ft | 2,400 lm; 5000K | Type A+B; dimmable |
| Nuwatt T8 LED Tube (4 ft, Type A+B, 4000K, Dimmable), 30 Pack | UL Listed | 30 tubes | T8 and 4 ft | 2,200 lm; 4000K | Type A+B; dimmable |
| Barrina T8 LED Tube (8 ft, Type B, 6500K) | Highest Listed Lumens | 1 tube | T8, 8 ft, and FA8 | 5,500 lm; 6500K | Type B; dimming not stated |
| Parmida T8 LED Tube (4 ft, Type A+B, 3000K), 20 Pack | Solid All-Rounder | 20 tubes | T8 and 4 ft | 2,200 lm; 3000K | Type A+B; dimming not stated |
| Barrina T8 LED Tube (4 ft, Type B, 6000K) | Ballast Bypass Design | 1 tube | T8, 4 ft, and G13 | 3,200 lm; 6000K | Type B; dimming not stated |
| Satco T8 LED Tube (3 ft, Type B, 5000K) | Alternative Pick | 1 tube | T8, 3 ft, and G13 | 1,450 lm; 5000K | Type B; dimming not stated |
| Award | Product | WikiHomeLED Score About WikiHomeLED ScoreThe WikiHomeLED Score is our own rating from 0 to 10, calculated the same way for every product from Amazon buyer ratings, adjusted for how many ratings each product has. It is never influenced by manufacturers, retailers, or affiliate commissions. Learn more › | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Espen 25 Pack 2FT T8 LED Tube Light, 8W
|
$75.00 | Buy | ||
Sunco 50 Pack 4 Foot T8 LED Tube Light Bulbs, 18W
|
$199.99 | Buy | ||
Sunco 30 Pack 4 Foot T8 LED Tube Light Bulbs
|
$149.99 | Buy | ||
NUWATT 30 Pack T8 LED Bulbs 4 Foot Dimmable
|
$189.99 | Buy | ||
Barrina T8 LED Bulb, T8 T10 T12 LED Replacement
|
$75.99 | Buy | ||
PARMIDA 20 Pack UL 4FT LED T8 Hybrid Type A+B Tube
|
$97.95 | Buy | ||
Barrina T8 LED Bulb, T8 T10 T12 LED Replacement
|
$84.99 | Buy | ||
Satco S39929 12W T8 LED Tube Linear Bulb 3Ft 5000K
|
$164.28 | Buy |
Espen 25 Pack 2FT T8 LED Tube Light, 8W
Sunco 50 Pack 4 Foot T8 LED Tube Light Bulbs, 18W
Sunco 30 Pack 4 Foot T8 LED Tube Light Bulbs
NUWATT 30 Pack T8 LED Bulbs 4 Foot Dimmable
Barrina T8 LED Bulb, T8 T10 T12 LED Replacement
PARMIDA 20 Pack UL 4FT LED T8 Hybrid Type A+B Tube
Barrina T8 LED Bulb, T8 T10 T12 LED Replacement
Satco S39929 12W T8 LED Tube Linear Bulb 3Ft 5000K
Top 3 T8 LED tubes Reviewed
#1 Espen T8 LED Tube (2 ft, Type C, Selectable Color Temperature, Dimmable), 25 Pack: Selectable Color Temperature
Why We Picked It
A 25-pack of T8 LED tubes, 2 ft. The listing mentions a G13 base, Type C wiring, 8W, 1,200 lumens, a color temperature of 3000K to 5000K, dimming, and a UL or ETL listing.
Key Specifications
- Pack: 25 tubes (listed)
- Tube and Base: T8, 2 ft, and G13
- Output and Color: 1,200 lm; 3000K to 5000K
- Ballast Type: Type C (listed)
- Wattage: 8W (listed)
- Dimming: Dimmable (listed)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Things to Consider
Check how the color temperature is changed, such as a switch on the tube, and whether it can be changed after install.
Best For
A fixture that takes this tube length and base.
Skip It If
You need a different length, base, or ballast type than the one listed.
Check current pricing and availability for the Espen T8 LED Tube (2 ft, Type C, Selectable Color Temperature, Dimmable), 25 Pack.
#2 Sunco Lighting T8 LED Tube (4 ft, Type B, 6000K, Dimmable), 50 Pack: Most Tubes in the Pack
Why We Picked It
A 50-pack of T8 LED tubes, 4 ft. The listing mentions Type B wiring, 18W, 2,200 lumens, a color temperature of 6000K, dimming, and a UL or ETL listing.
Key Specifications
- Pack: 50 tubes (listed)
- Tube and Base: T8 and 4 ft
- Output and Color: 2,200 lm; 6000K
- Ballast Type: Type B (listed)
- Wattage: 18W (listed)
- Dimming: Dimmable (listed)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Things to Consider
A large pack saves effort when you re-lamp a whole building, but check that every fixture takes the same tube length and type.
Best For
Re-lamping many fixtures in one purchase.
Skip It If
You need a different length, base, or ballast type than the one listed.
Check current pricing and availability for the Sunco Lighting T8 LED Tube (4 ft, Type B, 6000K, Dimmable), 50 Pack.
#3 Sunco Lighting T8 LED Tube (4 ft, Type A+B, 5000K, Dimmable), 30 Pack: Works With or Without a Ballast
Why We Picked It
A 30-pack of T8 LED tubes, 4 ft. The listing mentions Type A+B wiring, 20W, 2,400 lumens, a color temperature of 5000K, dimming, and a UL or ETL listing.
Key Specifications
- Pack: 30 tubes (listed)
- Tube and Base: T8 and 4 ft
- Output and Color: 2,400 lm; 5000K
- Ballast Type: Type A+B (listed)
- Wattage: 20W (listed)
- Dimming: Dimmable (listed)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Things to Consider
Type A+B tubes are listed to work either with a compatible ballast or wired directly. Check the listing for how each mode is set up.
Best For
A fixture where you are not sure of the ballast, or may change it later.
Skip It If
You need a different length, base, or ballast type than the one listed.
Check current pricing and availability for the Sunco Lighting T8 LED Tube (4 ft, Type A+B, 5000K, Dimmable), 30 Pack.
#4 Nuwatt T8 LED Tube (4 ft, Type A+B, 4000K, Dimmable), 30 Pack: UL Listed
A 30-pack of T8 LED tubes, 4 ft. The listing mentions Type A+B wiring, 18W, 2,200 lumens, a color temperature of 4000K, dimming, and a UL or ETL listing. Check current pricing and availability for the Nuwatt T8 LED Tube (4 ft, Type A+B, 4000K, Dimmable), 30 Pack.
#5 Barrina T8 LED Tube (8 ft, Type B, 6500K): Highest Listed Lumens
A T8 LED tube, 8 ft. The listing mentions a FA8 base, Type B wiring, 44W, 5,500 lumens, and a color temperature of 6500K. Check current pricing and availability for the Barrina T8 LED Tube (8 ft, Type B, 6500K).
#6 Parmida T8 LED Tube (4 ft, Type A+B, 3000K), 20 Pack: Solid All-Rounder
A 20-pack of T8 LED tubes, 4 ft. The listing mentions Type A+B wiring, 18W, 2,200 lumens, a color temperature of 3000K, and a UL or ETL listing. Check current pricing and availability for the Parmida T8 LED Tube (4 ft, Type A+B, 3000K), 20 Pack.
#7 Barrina T8 LED Tube (4 ft, Type B, 6000K): Ballast Bypass Design
A T8 LED tube, 4 ft. The listing mentions a G13 base, Type B wiring, 24W, 3,200 lumens, and a color temperature of 6000K. Check current pricing and availability for the Barrina T8 LED Tube (4 ft, Type B, 6000K).
#8 Satco T8 LED Tube (3 ft, Type B, 5000K): Alternative Pick
A T8 LED tube, 3 ft. The listing mentions a G13 base, Type B wiring, 12W, 1,450 lumens, and a color temperature of 5000K. Check current pricing and availability for the Satco T8 LED Tube (3 ft, Type B, 5000K).
How to Choose T8 LED tubes
Tube Codes and Length
The T in T8, T5, and T12 means tubular, and the number is the diameter in eighths of an inch, so a T8 is 1 inch across and a T5 is 5/8 inch. Lengths are usually 2, 3, 4, or 8 feet. Match the code and the length to the fixture, because an LED tube must fit the same sockets as the fluorescent tube it replaces.
Base
Most T8 and T12 tubes use a G13 medium bi-pin base, and T5 tubes use a smaller G5 base. 8 foot tubes often use a single pin FA8 base or a recessed double contact base. Check the socket before you buy, since the bases are not interchangeable.
Ballast Type (A, B, C)
Type A tubes are meant to work with an existing compatible ballast. Type B tubes bypass the ballast, which means the fixture is wired straight to line voltage. Type A+B tubes are listed to work either way. Type C tubes use an external driver. Check the listing for the type, and use a licensed electrician for any rewiring if you are not experienced.
Color Temperature
Lower Kelvin numbers look warmer. 3000K is warm white, 4000K is neutral, 5000K is daylight, and 6500K is a cool white. Listings use words like cool white loosely, so check the Kelvin figure and keep one color temperature in a space.
Brightness
Compare lumens, not watts. Tubes of the same length vary a good deal in lumens, and the figures here are the sellers’ own, not our measurements. Many listings also give an equivalent to a fluorescent tube, which is a rough comparison.
How We Evaluate T8 LED tubes
We did not install or run these products. We compared manufacturer specifications and Amazon listing details, selected November 12, 2026. We could not retrieve current Amazon star ratings or rating counts for these listings, so they carry no WikiHomeLED Score, we show no star ratings, and the order is our editorial judgment of the listed specifications, not a score. We looked at the tube code, length and base, lumens, color temperature, ballast type, dimming, and any stated certifications or location ratings. We kept one listing per product family and no more than two per brand. Lumen, wattage, and color temperature figures are as published by each seller and are not our measurements; where a listing is vague or contradicts itself, we say so. Read recent customer reviews before you buy. The full method is on our How We Review page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does T8 mean?
The T means tubular and the 8 is the diameter in eighths of an inch, so a T8 is 1 inch across. It usually has a G13 base.
Is a T8 LED the same as a T12?
They fit different fixtures. A T12 is 1.5 inches across. Some LED tubes are listed for T12 fixtures, so check the listing.
Will a 4 ft LED T8 fit my fixture?
If the fixture takes a 4 ft T8 or T12 tube with a G13 base. Check the type’s wiring needs.
Are T8 tubes dimmable?
Some are. Only those listed as dimmable should be used on a dimmer.
Final Verdict
Espen T8 LED Tube (2 ft, Type C, Selectable Color Temperature, Dimmable), 25 Pack is our first pick, Sunco Lighting T8 LED Tube (4 ft, Type B, 6000K, Dimmable), 50 Pack follows, and Sunco Lighting T8 LED Tube (4 ft, Type A+B, 5000K, Dimmable), 30 Pack is third. We ordered by the strength of each listing’s stated specifications, not by ratings. Choose by the tube code, length, and base your fixture takes, the ballast type and wiring you are prepared for, the brightness and color temperature you want, and whether you need to dim.
More in LED Tube Lights and LED Light Bulbs.
Related Reviews and Guides
New to LED tubes? Start with T8 vs T5 vs T12 LED tubes, Type A vs Type B vs Type C LED tubes, how to choose LED tubes to replace fluorescent tubes.
More lists: best 4 ft T8 LED tubes, best T5 LED tubes, best 2 ft T8 LED tubes.
Individual reviews: Espen T8 LED Tube (2 ft, Type C, Selectable Color Temperature, Dimmable), 25 Pack; Kouzems T8 LED Tube (4 ft, Type B, Selectable Color Temperature, Dimmable), 25 Pack; Ledvance T8 LED Tube (4 ft, Type B, 5000K, Dimmable), 20 Pack; Feit Electric T8 LED Tube (4 ft, Type A+B, 5000K).
Head to head: Nuwatt T8 4 ft 30 Pack vs Parmida T8 4 ft 20 Pack; Sunco Lighting T8 4 ft 50 Pack vs Parmida T8 4 ft 20 Pack; Ledvance T8 4 ft 20 Pack vs Hykolity T8 4 ft 20 Pack.
About the author
Ethan Cole leads research and editing at WikiHomeLED, comparing LED lighting for the home through manufacturer specs, manuals, safety listings and owner feedback. Every product is scored against the criteria on our How We Review page, and picks are updated when models change.