the best full spectrum lights featured image

Looking for light bulbs that mimic natural sunlight?

Many lights on the market claim to be full-spectrum or flicker-free, like the sun.

But are they really? And what do these terms even mean anyways?

In this guide, we’re going to cut through the meaningless marketing lingo by testing and reviewing the best lights on the market.

What is Full-Spectrum Lighting?

Full-spectrum light bulbs contain a natural visible spectrum similar to the sun.

These lights also have very good color rendering, meaning they reflect light very similar to a natural light source like the sun.

Spectral Power Distribution Graphs

In order to check how uniform a light source is, we have to shine it under a spectrometer. This tool gives us the ability to create an SPD or spectral power distribution graph.

These are the classic graphs you’ve seen of the rainbow of light given off by a light source.

Let’s compare three daylight colored 5000K LEDs:

spectral power distribution graph of generic 5000K led
Low CRI LED
spectral power distribution graph of a high cri yuji led light
High CRI LED
ge sun filled 5000k br30 spectrum graph
Full spectrum LED

As you can see, even though all of these lights emit a very similar “color”, the full spectrum LED emits a relatively even amount of light at all wavelengths, with no large unnatural peaks and valleys.

Full spectrum lights also have very good color rendering, oftentimes better than “high CRI” lights that are made specifically for this purpose.

Color Rendering Index

The CRI or color rendering index is used to determine how well a light source reflects certain colors compared to a perfect source, like the sun.

Basically, the fuller the colors in a light source are, the higher the CRI score will be.

Color rendering of an apple from lights of CRI 97, 90, and 80
A CRI of 90 plus is ideal!

While CRI isn’t perfect, nor is it the only system of its kind, it functions just fine for our purposes in this article.

We do take specific note of one of the 15 colors in the CRI standard, R9 or deep red. The reason we take this one into account is that it’s usually what modern LEDs perform worst at, and a low R9 score means skin tones can look slightly off.

Light Flicker

Some LEDs and even some incandescents flicker imperceptibly due to the AC current powering them.

This “invisible flicker” can cause eye strain, irritability, and headaches in certain individuals.

  • Tip

Record the room you’re in using the slow-motion setting on your phone. If the lighting in the room is dominated by low-quality LEDs or fluorescents, you’ll be able to see the cyclical AC dimming in your slo-mo video.

An example of a bad flicker rate
An example of a good flicker rate

This invisible flicker may not impact you at all, but if it does, we have included metrics for each of the lights on our list.

The Best Full Spectrum Light Bulbs

Full spectrum LED lights that accurately mimic natural sunlight are becoming more and more commonplace.

Here are the best full spectrum lights currently available on the market today:

1. Flash Pu Pro – Best Premium

The most expensive option on our list is also the best, go figure.

These bulbs have an extremely lifelike spectrum that’s basically indistinguishable from natural sunlight.

shanpu z0850pro 5000k a19 spectrum graph
Spectral power distribution graph of the 5000K version
shanpu z0850pro 5000k a19 Equal Luminous Flux graph
The 5000K bulb vs natural sunlight reference

Very impressive. These are currently the best-looking lights on planet earth as far as I can tell.

However, they can only be purchased on TaoBao, and in order to buy things from TaoBao you’ll need to use a 3rd party agent such as SuperBuy.

I’ve personally purchased these lights through SuperBuy and had no issues, I know it’s unusual, but it’s legit.

They’re also expensive at $25-30 per bulb, but the build quality and spectrum are next level, so if you’re looking for the healthiest light, this is it, hands down.

Flash Pu Pro

Excellent flicker, amazing spectrum, various color temps. If you can afford them, get them!

  • Lumens: 500-1000
  • CCT: 3000-5500K
  • Watts: 8-12w
  • Shape: A19
  • CRI: 97.1
  • R9: 94.5
  • Dimmable: No
shanpu z0850pro 5000k a19 spectrum graph
Spectral power distribution graph for 5000K model
shanpu z0850pro 5000k a19 Equal Luminous Flux graph
Sunlight comparison graph for 5000K model
shanpu z0850pro 5000k a19 flicker Risk graph
Flicker risk
shanpu z0850pro 5000k a19 waveform Graph
Waveform graph

2. NorbSmile – Best Overall

Norb is currently one of the only US manufacturers to offer multiple full-spectrum LED lights.

The flicker leaves something to be desired, but the color quality of their lights is top-notch.

Norb has two premium lights available, both a 5000K and a 4000K option:

norbsmile 11w a19 spectrum graph
5000K
NorbSMILE Soft 11w A19 spectrum graph
4000K
61Bk eOh8FS. AC SL1342

NorbSMILE

  • Lumens: 800
  • CCT: 5000K
  • Watts: 11w
  • Shape: A19
  • CRI: 97.3
  • R9: 88
  • Dimmable: Yes
norbsmile 11w a19 spectrum graph
Spectral power distribution graph
norbsmile equal luminous flux graph
Sunlight comparison graph
norbsmile 11w a19 flicker Risk graph
Flicker risk
norbsmile 11w a19 waveform Graph
Waveform

71TmS2QjdSL. AC SL1500

NorbSMILE Soft

  • Lumens: 800
  • CCT: 4000K
  • Watts: 11w
  • Shape: A19
  • CRI: 98
  • R9: 93
  • Dimmable: Yes
NorbSMILE Soft 11w A19 spectrum graph
Spectral power distribution graph
norbsmile soft Equal Luminous Flux graph
Sunlight comparison graph
NorbSMILE Soft 11w A19 flicker Risk graph
Flicker risk
NorbSMILE Soft 11w A19 waveform Graph
Waveform

Norb also sells a cheaper less premium model called EverydaySun.

These still emit a very nice spectrum and are worth picking up if you’re looking for more bang for your buck.

EverydaySun is also available in the 5000K and 4000K options:

norb everyday sun 5000k a19 spectrum graph
5000K
norb everydaysun soft 4000k a19 Spectrum graph
4000K

Norb EVERYDAY-SUN

  • Lumens: 800
  • CCT: 5000K
  • Watts: 9w
  • Shape: A19
  • CRI: 89.9
  • R9: 94
  • Dimmable: Yes
norb everyday sun 5000k a19 spectrum graph
Spectral power distribution graph
norb everydaysun equal luminous flux graph
Sunlight comparison graph
norb everyday sun 5000k a19 flicker Risk graph
Flicker risk
norb everyday sun 5000k a19 waveform Graph
Waveform

71tUKEca3aL. AC SL1500

Norb EVERYDAY-SUN SOFT

  • Lumens: 800
  • CCT: 4000K
  • Watts: 9w
  • Shape: A19
  • CRI: 92.3
  • R9: 99
  • Dimmable: Yes
norb everydaysun soft 4000k a19 Spectrum graph
Spectral power distribution graph
norb everyday sun soft equal luminous flux graph
Sunlight comparison graph
norb everydaysun soft 4000k a19 flicker Risk graph
Flicker risk
norb everydaysun soft 4000k a19 waveform Graph
Waveform

3. GE Sun Filled – Best Overall

Another light worth considering is the Sun-Filled line by GE, which uses the same SunLike diodes that Norb uses.

ge sun filled 5000k a19 spectrum graph
Spectral power distribution graph of the 5000K version
ge sun filled 5000k a21 Equal Luminous Flux graph
The 5000K bulb vs natural sunlight reference

The advantage GE has is that their lights are a bit cheaper and they have less invisible flicker.

Unfortunately, at this time their 5000K A21 bulb seems to be out of stock everywhere, so if you want one of those you’ll have to defer to NorbSmile’s options which are a bit more expensive.

61LkQMCeoaL. AC SL1000

GE Sun Filled

  • Lumens: 680-850
  • CCT: 2700-5000K
  • Watts: 10.5w
  • Shape: A21/BR30
  • CRI: 97.7
  • R9: 88
  • Dimmable: Yes
ge sun filled 5000k a19 spectrum graph
Spectral power distribution graph
ge sun filled 5000k a21 Equal Luminous Flux graph
Sunlight comparison graph
ge sun filled 2700k a19 flicker Risk graph
Flicker risk
ge sun filled 2700k a19 waveform Graph
Waveform

4. Philips Ultra Definition – Best Budget

The new ultra-definition line of bulbs from Philips has a unique color spectrum that’s worth mentioning here.

While it has some large spikes, they’re all concentrated in the longer wavelength red end of the visible spectrum, which I prefer to see over large blue light spikes.

Here are three spectral graphs from three different 5000K ultra-definition lights:

philips ultra definition 5000k br30 7.5w spectrum graph
philips ultra definition 5000K a19 8w clear spectrum graph
philips ultra definition 5000k a21 13.5w clear spectrum graph

Not too bad if you ask me! The average CRI for these lights is also around 95 which is very good! And the flicker isn’t too bad either, certainly better than Norb and GE’s sun-filled.

Just about all of the 5000K ultra-definition bulbs have similar spectral qualities, and vary in their flicker.

You can view all of them in our Light Bulb Database.

71sN+jyY7qL. AC SL1500

Philips Ultra Definition

These are definitely the best budget-friendly full-spectrum lights on the market right now.

  • Lumens: 800
  • CCT: 5000K
  • Watts: 8w
  • Shape:
  • CRI: 94.7
  • R9: 90
  • Dimmable: Yes
phillips ultra definition 5000k a19 8w frosted spectrum graph
Spectral power distribution graph
philips ultra definition a19 5000k 8w frosted bulb equal luminous flux graph
Sunlight comparison graph
phillips ultra definition 5000k a19 8w frosted flicker Risk graph
Flicker risk
phillips ultra definition 5000k a19 8w frosted waveform Graph
Waveform

5. Sylvania Natural Series – Honorable Mention

This one is interesting and I wanted to touch on it for a few reasons:

  1. Sylvania is outright lying about some of their claims and…
  2. Some of their lights aren’t too bad.

Sylvania recently came out with its Natural series which boasts its new TruWave Technology.

In their whitepaper for this spectral technology, they claim to output light similar to that of natural sunlight.

graphic of sylvania natural truwave spectrums broader blue range and full spectrum compared to sunlight
The spectrum of TruWave light bulbs according to their whitepaper.

Well, we went out and tested 12 different models (all of which can be found in our Light Bulb Database) of TruWave lights to see what all the fuss was and we were a bit surprised with the results…

Allow me to explain, below are spectral power distribution graphs for the standard 8w and 11w frosted 5000K A19 light bulbs from Sylvania claiming to utilize “TruWave” technology:

sylvania natural 5000k a19 frosted 8w spectrum Graph
8w
sylvania natural 5000k a19 frosted 11w spectrum Graph
11w

Do these look like the TruWave spectrum advertised above?

No, they don’t. In fact, they look just like the “Typical LED Light” they compare their TruWave spectrum too.

It would seem Sylvania is lying about their lights. Tisk tisk.

But, as it just so happens, the 15w version does actually contain the fabled TruWave spectrum:

sylvania natural 5000k a21 frosted 15w spectrum Graph
Spectral power distribution graph of the 15w 5000K Sylvania Natural bulb.

While there are a few other TruWave lights we tested that had decent spectrums, the 5000K 15W A21 is my favorite and my recommended choice.

The biggest drawback to the Sylvania Natural lineup is that they’re really lacking in the red light output, which many of the other options do a much better job of.

  • Learn more

However, if you were to create a DIY chandelier as we show in our article on How to Mimic Natural Sunlight, you could easily make up for this flaw.

71iFLVBGqDL. AC SL1500

Sylvania Natural 5000K 15w

The best light bulb the Sylvania Natural series has to offer. A pretty nice spectrum that’s lacking a bit in the red department.

At $5 per bulb, this is one of the best full-spectrum high-lumen lights on the market.

  • Lumens: 1600
  • CCT: 5000K
  • Watts: 15w
  • Shape: A21
  • CRI: 87.3
  • R9: 46
  • Dimmable: Yes
sylvania natural 5000k a21 frosted 15w spectrum Graph
Spectral power distribution graph
sylvania natural 5000k a21 frosted 15w Equal Luminous Flux graph
Sunlight comparison graph
sylvania natural 5000k a21 frosted 15w flicker risk Graph
Flicker risk
sylvania natural 5000k a21 frosted 15w waveform Graph
Waveform

  • Info

I’ve had issues with Amazon sending the wrong bulbs for these. If that’s the case for you, Menards also sells TruWave LEDs.

6. Halogen Incandescent Light – The Classic Full Spectrum Option

So I have to mention here the classic halogen light. These are being fazed out in many countries because of their energy consumption, but they’re still available in many places here in America.

Halogens emit light by heating up a tungsten filament. This results in a very full high quality visible light output:

ge halogen 72w frosted spectrum graph
The spectral graph from a frosted 72w halogen light.

Due to the nature of how these lights create visible light, they also emit a lot of heat and infrared light. This can be a pain to deal with in the summer and is what makes them so energy “inefficient” from a light standpoint.

However, in the winter the extra heat emitted doesn’t go to waste! It simply helps heat up your home.

So if you live in a cold climate, don’t feel so bad about “wasting” all that energy using halogen/incandescent lights!

But wait! There’s more!

What I discovered testing various incandescent lights, is that after you hit a certain power threshold, they stop flickering completely:

ge halogen 29w waveform graph
29w
ge halogen 53w waveform graph
53w
ge halogen 72w frosted waveform graph
72w

As you can see the AC waveform slowly decreases until it completely disappears. So I recommend picking up a 72w halogen if you’re going to grab some of these.

718Q0cCeH+L. AC SL1500

Frosted Halogen Lights

Frosted glass is the way to go my friends.

  • Lumens: 1270
  • CCT: 2900K
  • Watts: 72w
  • Shape: A19
  • CRI: 99.3
  • R9: 97
  • Dimmable: Yes
ge halogen 72w frosted spectrum graph
Spectral power distribution graph
ge 72w halogen equal luminous flux graph
Sunlight comparison graph
ge halogen 72w flicker risk graph
Flicker risk
ge halogen 72w frosted waveform graph
Waveform

Best Full Spectrum Smart Lights

While I’m not a huge fan of EMF-emitting devices, some people aren’t as concerned about this as I am. So for those of you looking for the best full-spectrum smart lights, Norb is the way to go here.

NorbSMART

The NorbSMART bulbs are available in A19 and BR30 styles and are adjustable from 2650K to 5000K.

The invisible flicker isn’t great, but if that doesn’t bother you then it’s not a problem.

These lights are set up and used through the Tuya app, which I had no issues using myself. The app has 4.5 stars on the Play store and 4.7 stars on the App store so it’s well done.

My only issue with these lights is that the app doesn’t provide the option to create a very natural color transition. It can be done, to some degree, but it’s a bit of a pain to set up.

norbsmart circadian lighting instructions
Directions for setting up circadian lighting for NorbSMART bulbs. From NorbSMART instruction manual.

As you can see, each color temperature, brightness, and transition time has to be manually created. Which to me, feels a bit “dumb” rather than “smart”.

But they do still emit a fantastic spectrum, and if you take the time to set them up how you like I’m sure they’ll satisfy your need for circadian lighting.

71BdZaIQuiL. AC SL1500

NorbSMART

  • Lumens: 800
  • CCT: 2650-5000K
  • Watts: 9w
  • Shape: A19
  • CRI: 95.3
  • R9: 94
  • Dimmable: Yes
norbsmart spectrum graph gif
Spectral power distribution graph
norbsmart 5000k equal luminous flux graph
Sunlight comparison graph
norbsmart a19 flicker Risk graph
Flicker risk
norbsmart a19 waveform Graph
Waveform

Best Adjustable Full Spectrum Lights

An alternative to “smart” lights is the simple switch adjustable light. Simply flip the light switch off and on to change between color temperature modes.

The BioLight

Our favorite option for a full spectrum adjustable light is the BioLight from Block Blue Light.

You can cycle the BioLight between three different color temperatures:

block blue light biolight 4250K spectrum graph
4250K setting
block blue light biolight 2150K spectrum graph
2150K setting
block blue light biolight 1800K spectrum graph
1800K setting

This makes the BioLight a great do-it-all light.

The 4250K setting has fantastic color rendering at a CRI of 97.7 as well as low flicker, and the ability to quickly change it to a very warm and calming 2150K or 1800K light is pretty cool.

blockbluelight full spectrum lighting e27 e26 screw biolight full spectrum light 30401648623790

The BioLight

  • Lumens: 700
  • CCT: 1800-4200K
  • Watts: 8w
  • Shape: A19
  • CRI: 97.7
  • R9: 97
  • Dimmable: No
block blue light biolight spectrum graph gif
Spectral power distribution graph
block blue light biolight equal luminous flux graph
Sunlight comparison graph
block blue light biolight flicker Graph
Flicker risk
block blue light biolight waveform Graph
Waveform

Best Full Spectrum LED Strip

I’ve only been able to find a couple of full spectrum LED strips, and only one that’s reasonably affordable.

If you’re the type who likes to DIY things, this is the route to go!

New Sunlike CRI 98 LED Strip Light Neutra White 24V Constant Current 4000K 5000K 3oz Copper.jpg Q90.jpg

Sunlike CRI 98+ LED Strip Light

These come in 3000, 4000, and 5000K and are available in 1m to 30m increments.

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