8 Best LED Tube Lights of 2026
Eight LED tube lights compared on length, brightness, and ballast type.
By Ethan Cole
Updated November 12, 2026
LED tube lights replace fluorescent tubes in existing fixtures, and the right one depends on the tube code, the length, and how the fixture is wired. They are sold as T8, T5, and T12 tubes, and as Type A, B, A+B, or C. This list covers eight LED tubes across several lengths and ballast types. Figures come only from each listing.
For a specific length, color, or wiring type, see our LED Tube Lights category. 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 |
| Ledvance T8 LED Tube (4 ft, Type B, 5000K, Dimmable), 20 Pack | Ballast Bypass Design | 20 tubes | T8, 4 ft, and G13 | 2,500 lm; 5000K | Type B; dimmable |
| Sunco Lighting T8 LED Tube (4 ft, Type B, 6000K), 50 Pack | Most Tubes in the Pack | 50 tubes | T8 and 4 ft | 2,200 lm; 6000K | Type B; non-dimmable |
| Nuwatt T8 LED Tube (4 ft, Type A+B, 3000K, Dimmable), 30 Pack | Works With or Without a Ballast | 30 tubes | T8 and 4 ft | 2,200 lm; 3000K | Type A+B; dimmable |
| Satco T8 LED Tube (4 ft, Type B, 3500K, Dimmable) | Dimmable Option | 1 tube | T8, 4 ft, and G13 | 1,700 lm; 3500K | Type B; dimmable |
| Luxrite T5 LED Tube (4 ft, Type A+B, 5000K), 12 Pack | Wet Location Wording | 12 tubes | T5, 4 ft, and G5 | 3,000 lm; 5000K | Type A+B; dimming not stated |
| 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, 6000K), 20 Pack | UL Listed | 20 tubes | T8 and 4 ft | 2,200 lm; 6000K | Type A+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
|
$105.00 | Buy | ||
Sylvania 20 Pack T8 Type B LED Bulbs 4 Foot, 18W
|
$115.33 | Buy | ||
Sunco 50 Pack 4 Foot T8 LED Tube Light Bulbs, 18W
|
$179.99 | Buy | ||
NUWATT 30 Pack T8 LED Bulbs 4 Foot Dimmable
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$189.99 | Buy | ||
Satco 14 Watt T8 LED Tube Lighting, 4Ft, 3500K
|
$171.26 | Buy | ||
LUXRITE 4FT T5 LED Tube Lights, Type A+B, 24W=54W
|
$183.95 | Buy | ||
Barrina T8 LED Bulb, T8 T10 T12 LED Replacement
|
$165.99 | Buy | ||
PARMIDA 20 Pack UL 4FT LED T8 Hybrid Type A+B Tube
|
$94.95 | Buy |
Espen 25 Pack 2FT T8 LED Tube Light, 8W
Sylvania 20 Pack T8 Type B LED Bulbs 4 Foot, 18W
Sunco 50 Pack 4 Foot T8 LED Tube Light Bulbs, 18W
NUWATT 30 Pack T8 LED Bulbs 4 Foot Dimmable
Satco 14 Watt T8 LED Tube Lighting, 4Ft, 3500K
LUXRITE 4FT T5 LED Tube Lights, Type A+B, 24W=54W
Barrina T8 LED Bulb, T8 T10 T12 LED Replacement
PARMIDA 20 Pack UL 4FT LED T8 Hybrid Type A+B Tube
Top 3 LED tube lights 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 Ledvance T8 LED Tube (4 ft, Type B, 5000K, Dimmable), 20 Pack: Ballast Bypass Design
Why We Picked It
A 20-pack of T8 LED tubes, 4 ft. The listing mentions a G13 base, Type B wiring, 18W, 2,500 lumens, a color temperature of 5000K, dimming, and a UL or ETL listing.
Key Specifications
- Pack: 20 tubes (listed)
- Tube and Base: T8, 4 ft, and G13
- Output and Color: 2,500 lm; 5000K
- Ballast Type: Type B (listed)
- Wattage: 18W (listed)
- Dimming: Dimmable (listed)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Things to Consider
A ballast bypass tube is wired directly to line voltage, which means the fixture must be rewired and the ballast removed or bypassed. Follow the maker’s instructions and use a licensed electrician if you are not experienced.
Best For
Fixtures you plan to rewire or have rewired for direct line voltage.
Skip It If
You need a different length, base, or ballast type than the one listed.
Check current pricing and availability for the Ledvance T8 LED Tube (4 ft, Type B, 5000K, Dimmable), 20 Pack.
#3 Sunco Lighting T8 LED Tube (4 ft, Type B, 6000K), 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, a non-dimmable design, 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: Non-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
The fixture is on a dimmer.
Check current pricing and availability for the Sunco Lighting T8 LED Tube (4 ft, Type B, 6000K), 50 Pack.
#4 Nuwatt T8 LED Tube (4 ft, Type A+B, 3000K, Dimmable), 30 Pack: Works With or Without a Ballast
A 30-pack of T8 LED tubes, 4 ft. The listing mentions Type A+B wiring, 18W, 2,200 lumens, a color temperature of 3000K, dimming, and a UL or ETL listing. Check current pricing and availability for the Nuwatt T8 LED Tube (4 ft, Type A+B, 3000K, Dimmable), 30 Pack.
#5 Satco T8 LED Tube (4 ft, Type B, 3500K, Dimmable): Dimmable Option
A T8 LED tube, 4 ft. The listing mentions a G13 base, Type B wiring, 14W, 1,700 lumens, a color temperature of 3500K, and dimming. Check current pricing and availability for the Satco T8 LED Tube (4 ft, Type B, 3500K, Dimmable).
#6 Luxrite T5 LED Tube (4 ft, Type A+B, 5000K), 12 Pack: Wet Location Wording
A 12-pack of T5 LED tubes, 4 ft. The listing mentions a G5 base, Type A+B wiring, 24W, 3,000 lumens, a color temperature of 5000K, a UL or ETL listing, and wet or damp location use. Check current pricing and availability for the Luxrite T5 LED Tube (4 ft, Type A+B, 5000K), 12 Pack.
#7 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).
#8 Parmida T8 LED Tube (4 ft, Type A+B, 6000K), 20 Pack: UL Listed
A 20-pack of T8 LED tubes, 4 ft. The listing mentions Type A+B wiring, 18W, 2,200 lumens, a color temperature of 6000K, and a UL or ETL listing. Check current pricing and availability for the Parmida T8 LED Tube (4 ft, Type A+B, 6000K), 20 Pack.
How to Choose LED tube lights
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.
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.
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.
How We Evaluate LED tube lights
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 is an LED tube light?
It is an LED lamp in the shape of a fluorescent tube, made to fit the same sockets, and it uses far less power than the tube it replaces.
What is the difference between Type A and Type B?
A Type A tube works with the fixture’s existing ballast. A Type B tube bypasses the ballast and is wired directly to line voltage, so the fixture must be rewired.
Can I use an LED tube in a fluorescent fixture?
Often, if the tube length and base match and you follow the type’s wiring needs. Check the listing and the fixture.
Do LED tubes need a ballast?
It depends on the type. Type A needs a compatible ballast, Type B does not, and Type A+B can work either way.
Final Verdict
Espen T8 LED Tube (2 ft, Type C, Selectable Color Temperature, Dimmable), 25 Pack is our first pick, Ledvance T8 LED Tube (4 ft, Type B, 5000K, Dimmable), 20 Pack follows, and Sunco Lighting T8 LED Tube (4 ft, Type B, 6000K), 50 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.
More LED Tube Guides
Looking for a specific type? T8 LED tubes, 4 ft T8 LED tubes, Type B ballast bypass LED tubes, Type A and B hybrid LED tubes, 5000K LED tubes, 4000K LED tubes, 8 ft LED tubes, 2 ft T8 LED tubes, bulk packs of LED tubes.
Related Reviews and Guides
New to LED tubes? Start with Type A vs Type B vs Type C LED tubes, T8 vs T5 vs T12 LED tubes, how to choose LED tubes to replace fluorescent tubes, LED tube color temperature, do LED tubes work with an old ballast.
More lists: best T8 LED tubes, best 4 ft T8 LED tubes, best Type B ballast bypass LED tubes, best Type A and B hybrid LED tubes, best 5000K LED tubes, best 4000K LED tubes, best 8 ft LED tubes, best 2 ft T8 LED tubes, best LED tubes in bulk, best T5 LED tubes, best plug and play Type A LED tubes, best 3 ft LED tubes, best dimmable LED tubes, best LED tubes for wet and damp locations.
Individual reviews: Ledvance T8 LED Tube (4 ft, Type B, 5000K, Dimmable), 20 Pack; Sunco Lighting T8 LED Tube (4 ft, Type B, 6000K), 50 Pack.
Head to head: 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.