Upgrading your outdoor landscape or dimmable indoor fixtures with the right S8 LED bulb can dramatically improve your lighting quality while cutting energy costs. These specialized bulbs are designed for low-voltage systems commonly found in pathway lights, driveway markers, and deck lighting, offering a long-lasting and reliable alternative to traditional halogen bulbs. Choosing the correct base type and brightness level is crucial for achieving the perfect ambiance and functionality for your space.
This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting the best S8 LED bulbs on the market. We’ve compiled a list of top-performing options, from high-lumen wedge base bulbs for maximum illumination to compact bayonet base designs for tight fixtures, ensuring you find the ideal replacement for your specific lighting project.
Our Top Picks for S8 LED Light Bulbs
- Makergroup S8 3156 Wedge Base LED Light Bulbs
- LEMENG 5Watt S8 3156 Wedge Base LED Light Bulb
- Makergroup S8 3156 Wedge Base LED Light Bulb 3Watt
- Makergroup BA15s Single Contact Bayonet LED 12V S8
- Makergroup 1141 BA15s Bayonet LED Bulbs 12V
- Makergroup S8 3156 Wedge Base LED Light Bulb 4Watt
- Amazon Basics A19 LED Light Bulbs, 60 Watt Equivalent
- SANSI 40W Equivalent LED Light Bulb Dimmable A19
- Philips Hue White A19 60W Equivalent Dimmable Smart LED Bulb
Makergroup S8 3156 Wedge Base LED Light Bulbs
Designed for outdoor durability, these S8 3156 LED bulbs feature a water-resistant design that protects against moisture and dust, making them an excellent choice for landscape pathway and driveway lights. They emit a soft warm white color between 2700K and 3000K, producing 450 lumens at just 4W. This output is equivalent to 20W-35W halogen bulbs, offering significant energy savings.
Installation is straightforward with a plug-and-play design that fits existing 3156 wedge base sockets. A key benefit is the wide input voltage range of AC10-18V/DC10-30V, providing compatibility with 12V, 15V, and 24V low-voltage lighting systems without requiring different transformers.
LEMENG 5Watt S8 3156 Wedge Base LED Light Bulb
For those needing high brightness, the LEMENG 5W S8 bulb delivers 500 lumens, equivalent to 35-50 watt halogen bulbs. Its robust output is ideal for illuminating outdoor areas like patios, decks, and pathways. It’s important to note that this model is non-dimmable and has a longer size, so verifying fixture compatibility is recommended.
This bulb operates on a low voltage of AC10-18V/DC12-24V and generates much less heat than traditional halogen options. This reduction in operating temperature helps preserve the light fixture and contributes to lower electricity costs over time.
Makergroup S8 3156 Wedge Base LED Light Bulb 3Watt
This 3W version from Makergroup is an efficient choice for standard path lighting, offering 300 lumens of soft warm white light. It replicates the output of 20-30W halogen bulbs, leading to energy savings of over 85%. The high color rendering index (CRI) of 82 ensures colors appear true and natural.
A significant advantage is the consistent color temperature; the LEDs are designed to avoid the color shift that can occur with some silicone-coated bulbs over time. With the same wide voltage input as other models in this line, it offers versatile installation for various low-voltage landscape projects.
Makergroup BA15s Single Contact Bayonet LED 12V S8
For fixtures requiring a bayonet base, this 3W LED bulb provides 400 lumens, making it a powerful replacement for 18W-35W incandescent bulbs. It’s well-suited for outdoor landscape lighting, path lights, and RV applications, offering substantial energy savings and improved light quality.
Potential buyers should note that this LED bulb is slightly longer than traditional halogen bulbs. If space within the fixture is limited, a lower-wattage model is available. The bulb also operates at a much cooler temperature, which is particularly beneficial for use in RVs and campers.
Makergroup 1141 BA15s Bayonet LED Bulbs 12V
This 1W option is the most energy-conscious choice in the bayonet base category, producing 120 lumens of warm white light. Its weatherproof design with a protective plastic cover makes it reliable for outdoor use in path lights and deck fixtures where extreme brightness is not the primary concern.
It serves as a direct replacement for 10W S8 incandescent bulbs. For users requiring more illumination, Makergroup offers a higher-brightness 3W version. This bulb is ideal for creating subtle accent lighting in various outdoor settings.
Makergroup S8 3156 Wedge Base LED Light Bulb 4Watt
This 4W S8 bulb strikes a balance between energy efficiency and output, delivering 400 lumens of warm white light. It is a direct replacement for 20W-35W halogen bulbs, offering the same high CRI of 82 for accurate color representation as other Makergroup models.
A key feature is the radially mounted LEDs that provide a 360-degree viewing angle. This design ensures light is distributed evenly in all directions, which is perfect for pathway and landscape lights that require broad illumination.
Amazon Basics A19 LED Light Bulbs
While not an S8 bulb, this Amazon Basics A19 model is included for those seeking a dimmable LED solution for standard indoor fixtures. These bulbs provide the equivalent light of a 60W incandescent while using only 9W of energy, leading to significant cost savings over their lifetime.
They are designed for long-term use with a 10,000-hour lifespan, minimizing the need for frequent replacements. The dimmable functionality allows for easy adjustment of light levels to suit any mood or task in the home.
SANSI 40W Equivalent LED Light Bulb Dimmable A19
This SANSI A19 LED bulb offers a lower-wattage dimmable option for indoor lighting needs. As a 40W equivalent, it provides ample light for smaller rooms, accent lighting, or areas where softer illumination is preferred. The dimmable feature gives you full control over the brightness.
Ideal for use in table lamps, ceiling fixtures, and other standard household sockets, it combines energy efficiency with the versatility of adjustable light levels. It’s a reliable choice for everyday lighting that balances performance and functionality.
Philips Hue White A19 60W Equivalent Dimmable Smart LED Bulb
For the ultimate in lighting control, the Philips Hue White smart bulb goes beyond basic dimming. This A19 bulb can be controlled wirelessly via a smartphone app, allowing you to adjust brightness and set schedules from anywhere. It offers the same light output as a 60W incandescent with far greater efficiency.
Integration with smart home systems like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant enables voice control for a hands-free experience. This bulb is perfect for users looking to build a connected, customizable, and modern lighting setup in their home.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right S8 LED Light Bulb
Upgrading your dimmable fixtures with the right S8 LED light bulb makes a huge difference in your home’s atmosphere. I’ve found that getting it wrong can lead to flickering, buzzing, or just a light that doesn’t dim smoothly. So, let’s talk about what you should really be looking for to avoid those headaches.
First and foremost, you need to think about compatibility. Not all “dimmable” LED bulbs play nicely with all dimmer switches. Many older dimmers were designed for the higher electrical load of incandescent bulbs and can cause issues with LEDs. If you’re experiencing flickering, the dimmer switch is usually the prime suspect. I always check the bulb’s packaging or the manufacturer’s website for a list of compatible dimmer brands and models. It’s the single best way to ensure a smooth performance.
Next, consider the color temperature. This is measured in Kelvins (K) and determines whether the light feels warm or cool. For most living spaces like bedrooms and living rooms, I prefer a warm white, typically around 2700K to 3000K, which gives off a cozy, inviting glow similar to an old incandescent. For task lighting in kitchens or workshops, you might want something brighter and cooler, around 3500K to 5000K, which is a more energizing, daylight-like tone.
Another key factor is the CRI, or Color Rendering Index. This number, on a scale of 0 to 100, tells you how accurately the bulb shows colors compared to natural light. A higher CRI means colors in your room—like your paint, furniture, and artwork—will look more vibrant and true-to-life. I try never to buy a bulb with a CRI below 80, and I aim for 90+ for areas where color quality is important, like above a kitchen island or in a vanity.
Finally, don’t ignore the lumens and wattage equivalence. Lumens tell you how bright the bulb is, while the wattage equivalence helps you understand what incandescent bulb it replaces. If you’re replacing a 60-watt incandescent, look for an LED that provides around 800 lumens. Choosing the right brightness is essential for creating the desired mood, especially when the light is dimmed. Getting the right combination of these features is the key to finding the perfect 9 best S8 LED light bulbs for dimmable fixtures for your home.
FAQ
Why is my new dimmable S8 LED bulb flickering?
Flickering is almost always a compatibility issue between the bulb and your existing dimmer switch. Traditional dimmers aren’t always optimized for the low energy draw of LEDs. The first thing I do is check if the bulb manufacturer provides a list of compatible dimmers. If yours isn’t on the list, you may need to replace the dimmer switch itself with an LED-compatible model to resolve the problem.
Can I use a non-dimmable S8 LED bulb in a dimmable fixture?
I strongly advise against this. Using a non-dimmable bulb on a dimming circuit can damage the bulb, the dimmer switch, or both. It often leads to a very short bulb lifespan and can even create a buzzing sound. Always make sure the bulb packaging specifically states that it is “dimmable” before installing it in a fixture controlled by a dimmer switch.
What does the ‘S8’ in the bulb name refer to?
The ‘S8’ refers to the shape and size of the bulb. The ‘S’ stands for “straight-sided” and the ‘8’ means it is 8 eighths of an inch in diameter, which equals one inch. So, an S8 bulb has a straight, tubular shape that is one inch wide. This is a common style for certain decorative fixtures and appliances.
Are all dimmable LEDs compatible with smart home systems?
No, not automatically. A standard dimmable LED bulb will only work with a traditional wall dimmer. To control your lighting with a smart home system like Google Home or Alexa, you typically need a dedicated smart bulb (which has its own built-in wireless receiver) or a smart dimmer switch that replaces your existing wall switch. Always check the product specifications to see which smart ecosystems it supports.
Do dimmable LED bulbs use less energy when dimmed?
Yes, they do. When you dim a dimmable LED bulb, it reduces the amount of electrical power it consumes. This means you are saving energy and also extending the operational life of the bulb. It’s a win-win situation for both your electricity bill and the environment.