Choosing the right outdoor lighting is crucial for enhancing your home’s security, curb appeal, and functionality after sunset. PAR38 LED bulbs are the go-to choice for flood lighting, offering powerful, wide-beam illumination perfect for driveways, porches, and backyards. With so many options available, from smart bulbs to energy-efficient workhorses, finding the perfect fit can be a challenge.
This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting ten of the best PAR38 LED bulbs designed for outdoor use. We’ve considered factors like brightness, color temperature, dimmability, and special features to help you select the ideal bulb for your specific lighting needs and create a well-lit, welcoming outdoor environment.
Our Top Picks for Outdoor PAR38 LED Bulbs
- Gonhom Par38 LED Flood Light Bulbs Outdoor 6 Pack
- Feit Electric PAR38 LED Flood Light Bulb, Adjustable White
- SYLVANIA LED Flood PAR38 Light Bulb, 90W Equivalent
- Energetic PAR38 LED Flood Outdoor Light Bulb, 3000K Warm White
- EDISHINE Flood Light Bulbs, PAR38 LED Outdoor Flood Light Bulbs
- Feit Electric PAR38 LED Bulb, 120W Equivalent, Non Dimmable
- PHILIPS LED 120W PAR38 4-Pack Bright White
- Amazon Basics PAR38 Dusk to Dawn Sensor LED Light Bulb
- GE Lighting Refresh LED Floodlight, Daylight 5000K, PAR38
- Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance PAR38 Smart LED Bulb
Gonhom Par38 LED Flood Light Bulbs Outdoor 6 Pack
For those needing to illuminate large areas, the Gonhom 6-pack offers excellent value and performance. These bulbs provide a powerful 1800 lumens of 5000K daylight, effectively replacing a 200W incandescent bulb while using only 20W of energy. This can lead to significant savings on your electricity bill.
Built for the outdoors, these dimmable bulbs feature a 180-degree beam angle that can illuminate areas up to 70 feet away. The combination of plastic and aluminum in the construction provides an effective cooling system for a long service life rated up to 25,000 hours. They are a reliable choice for security and general area lighting in backyards, garages, and gardens.
Feit Electric PAR38 LED Flood Light Bulb, Adjustable White
Versatility is the key feature of this Feit Electric bulb. Its unique adjustable white technology allows you to change the color temperature from 2700K Soft White to 5000K Daylight simply by toggling your standard wall switch. No special dimmer or app is required, giving you full control over the ambiance for any task or time of day.
This bulb is both dimmable and wet location rated, making it suitable for a wide range of indoor and outdoor fixtures. It delivers a 120W equivalent output using only 15.5W, offering bright, energy-efficient lighting. With a high CRI for vibrant color rendering and a 25,000-hour lifetime, it’s a smart, adaptable lighting solution.
SYLVANIA LED Flood PAR38 Light Bulb
SYLVANIA offers a dependable and efficient PAR38 option that is a direct 90W halogen replacement. Using only 13W, it produces 1175 lumens of clean, 5000K daylight illumination. The bulb is backed by a 10-year lifespan, which translates to approximately 11,000 hours of use, reducing the frequency of replacements.
This dimmable bulb is designed for both indoor and outdoor use and is wet rated, ensuring it can handle exposure to the elements in open fixtures. It’s a straightforward, high-quality choice from a trusted lighting brand, perfect for anyone seeking a reliable flood light for general outdoor security and area lighting.
Energetic PAR38 LED Flood Outdoor Light Bulb
If you prefer a warmer, more inviting light for your outdoor spaces, this 6-pack from Energetic is an excellent value. Emitting a 3000K warm white glow, these bulbs create a cozy atmosphere for porches and patios. They are highly efficient, using only 11W to replace 90W halogen bulbs, saving up to 87% on energy costs.
These non-dimmable bulbs are wet rated and built to last, with an average lifespan of 15,000 hours. Their waterproof design makes them ideal for a variety of outdoor applications, including security lights and other exposed fixtures, providing reliable illumination for years to come.
EDISHINE Flood Light Bulbs
The EDISHINE PAR38 bulbs combine robust weatherproofing with smooth dimming capabilities. With an IP65 rating, they are built to withstand dust and low-pressure water jets from any direction, making them exceptionally durable for harsh outdoor conditions. This ensures reliable performance in locations like driveways and yards.
These bulbs offer seamless dimming from 10% to 100%, allowing you to customize the brightness to set the perfect mood. They provide a 120W equivalent output at 18W, delivering 1800 lumens of 5000K daylight. The flicker-free, eye-protective design and ETL listing add to their appeal as a safe and versatile outdoor lighting option.
Feit Electric PAR38 LED Bulb, 120W Equivalent
This Feit Electric bulb is designed for those who need a bright, high-quality light in a warm tone. It produces 1400 lumens of 3000K Bright White light, effectively replacing a 120W incandescent while using only 15.5W. The light has a slightly yellow tint, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere perfect for living areas.
Featuring a high CRI of 90, this bulb makes colors appear more vibrant and natural compared to standard LEDs. It is damp rated, making it suitable for outdoor fixtures that are partially protected from moisture. With an impressive 22-year rated lifespan, this non-dimmable bulb is a set-and-forget solution for long-term lighting.
PHILIPS LED 120W PAR38 4-Pack
Philips is renowned for quality, and this 4-pack of PAR38 bulbs lives up to that reputation. These extra-bright bulbs provide 1200 lumens, making them ideal for spaces with high ceilings or areas that require full-room illumination to eliminate shadows. The 3000K Bright White light is comfortable for reading and other activities.
A key benefit is the focus on eye comfort. These dimmable bulbs are designed to be flicker-free and reduce glare, which helps minimize eye strain and fatigue. They offer smooth dimming down to 10% on most home dimmers, allowing you to easily adjust the light level to your preference without hum or flicker.
Amazon Basics PAR38 Dusk to Dawn Sensor LED Light Bulb
For ultimate convenience and automated security, the Amazon Basics Dusk to Dawn bulb is a standout choice. It features a built-in photocell sensor that automatically turns the light on at sunset and off at sunrise. This hands-free operation is perfect for driveways, walkways, and porches, providing light when you need it most.
This non-dimmable bulb offers 5000K daylight and is energy efficient, using 14W to replace a 120W incandescent. It’s important to note that it is designed for use in open outdoor fixtures that receive direct sunlight and should not be used in enclosed fixtures. With a 10,000-hour lifetime, it’s a practical, set-and-forget lighting solution.
GE Lighting Refresh LED Floodlight
The GE Refresh LED Floodlight is designed to provide an invigorating, cool light that helps energize a space. With a 5000K daylight color temperature, it’s ideal for active areas like workshops, garages, or security lighting where clear, bright visibility is important. This 6-pack offers great value for lighting multiple areas.
This dimmable bulb is a 90W replacement that uses only 15W, producing 1200 brilliant lumens while conserving energy. From a trusted brand like GE, you can expect reliable performance and quality construction, making it a solid choice for both indoor and outdoor flood lighting applications.
Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance PAR38 Smart LED Bulb
For the ultimate in smart outdoor lighting, the Philips Hue PAR38 bulb is in a class of its own. This bulb goes beyond simple white light, offering millions of colors and a full range of white tones. You can program it to create custom lighting scenes, set schedules, or even sync with music and movies for a truly dynamic experience.
Control is entirely via the Philips Hue app or with voice commands through Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit. This allows you to adjust your outdoor lighting from anywhere, providing both convenience and an enhanced security presence. As part of the Philips Hue ecosystem, it’s the perfect choice for creating a personalized and automated smart home landscape.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right PAR38 LED Bulb for Your Outdoor Space
When I’m picking out a PAR38 LED light bulb for my outdoor fixtures, the first thing I look at is brightness, but not in the old way. We used to shop by watts, but with LEDs, lumens are the real measure of light output. For outdoor security or area lighting, I aim for a high-lumen bulb, usually between 1100 and 1500 lumens, to make sure my driveway or backyard is well-lit. For accent lighting on a tree or the side of my house, something a bit lower, around 700-900 lumens, might be perfect.
Next up is color temperature. This one is all about personal preference and the mood you want to set. I measure this in Kelvins (K). If I want a bright, crisp, daylight-like feel for a workspace or security light, I’ll go for a cooler temperature around 5000K. For my porch light, I prefer a warmer, more inviting glow, similar to a traditional incandescent, which is typically around 2700K to 3000K. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in how my home feels at night.
Beam angle is another critical spec that’s easy to overlook. A narrow beam angle, like 25 degrees, creates a concentrated spotlight, which is great for highlighting a specific feature like a flag or a piece of architecture. A wide beam angle, around 60 degrees or more, gives a broad flood of light, which is what I need for general area lighting to cover a wide section of my yard or patio. I always check what my existing fixture is designed for to get the right effect.
Since these bulbs are going outdoors, they have to be tough. I only consider bulbs with a wet or damp rating. A wet rating (damp-rated is often sufficient for covered areas) means the bulb can handle direct exposure to rain and snow, which is non-negotiable for my outdoor fixtures. I also look for a sturdy build quality and a good warranty. A long lifespan, typically 25,000 hours or more, means I won’t be climbing a ladder to change them out for many years. Finally, I make sure the bulb is compatible with any dimmer switches I have installed, as not all LED bulbs play nice with all dimmers. Getting these factors right ensures my investment in the 10 best PAR38 LED light bulbs for outdoors pays off with reliable, effective, and beautiful outdoor lighting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a PAR38 and a BR40 bulb?
This is a common point of confusion. The main difference comes down to the shape of the beam and the bulb itself. A PAR38 bulb typically has a more focused, controlled beam, making it ideal for spotlighting or floodlighting specific areas. The lens is also often more robust. A BR40 bulb has a wider, softer “bulge” reflector that creates a broader, more diffuse light, which is better for general ambient lighting in larger indoor spaces like a kitchen. For outdoor security or accent lighting, the PAR38 is usually the better choice.
Can I use a PAR38 LED bulb in an enclosed outdoor fixture?
You need to be very careful here. Not all LED bulbs are rated for use in fully enclosed fixtures because they can trap heat, which significantly shortens the bulb’s lifespan. Before buying, you must check the manufacturer’s specifications on the packaging or product listing. Look for a clear statement that says “Enclosed Fixture Rated.” If it doesn’t explicitly say it is rated for that, it’s safest to assume it is not. Using a non-rated bulb in an enclosed fixture will likely void the warranty and could be a fire hazard.
Are dimmable PAR38 LED bulbs universal with all dimmer switches?
Unfortunately, no. This is one of the trickiest parts of switching to LED lighting. Older dimmer switches, especially those designed for incandescent bulbs, often do not work correctly with LEDs. This can cause flickering, buzzing, or limited dimming range. For the best performance, you need to use a PAR38 LED bulb that is labeled as “dimmable” and pair it with a dimmer switch that is compatible with LED loads. I often look at the bulb manufacturer’s website, as they sometimes provide a list of recommended dimmer models that they have tested.
How do I clean my outdoor PAR38 LED bulbs?
Safety first! Always turn off the power to the light fixture at the circuit breaker before you touch anything. Let the bulb cool down completely if it was recently on. I use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe away dust and dirt from the bulb and the fixture. If there’s stubborn grime, you can slightly dampen the cloth with water, but avoid getting any moisture into the electrical components of the fixture. Do not use any chemical cleaners or abrasives, as they can damage the bulb’s lens and housing. A simple, gentle wipe-down once or twice a year is usually all that’s needed.
Why is the wet/damp rating so important for outdoor bulbs?
The rating tells you where it’s safe to install the bulb. A “damp” rating is for locations that are protected from direct water exposure but may still have moisture in the air, like a covered porch or a bathroom. A “wet” rating is for locations that are directly exposed to the elements, such as an uncovered porch, a garden light, or a fixture directly on the side of your house. Using a damp-rated bulb in a wet location is a safety risk and will almost certainly lead to a premature failure. When selecting from the 10 best PAR38 LED light bulbs for outdoors, I always match the rating to the specific outdoor condition where it will be installed.