Upgrading your low-voltage lighting to LED is one of the smartest home improvements you can make. MR11 bulbs are a compact powerhouse, commonly found in landscape spotlights, track lighting, and recessed fixtures. The switch from old, energy-hungry halogen bulbs to efficient LED technology can drastically reduce your electricity bill and maintenance headaches, as these modern bulbs last for years.
However, not all MR11 LED bulbs are created equal. Factors like beam angle, color temperature, and compatibility with your existing 12V system are crucial for achieving the perfect ambiance and functionality. This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting ten of the best MR11 LED bulbs available, helping you find the ideal replacement for a brighter, more efficient home.
Our Recommended MR11 LED Light Bulbs
- Makergroup MR11 Gu4.0 Bi-pin LED Light Bulb 3W 12VAC/DC
- SANSUN 3W MR11 LED Landscape Light Bulbs, Low Voltage 12V
- SANSUN 3W MR11 LED Landscape Light Bulbs, Daylight White 4000K
- Simba Lighting LED MR11 Flood Light Bulbs (10 Pack) 12V 3W
- ALIDE 3W MR11 LED Light Bulbs, 12v 20w 35w Replacement
- CBconcept UL-Listed MR11 GU4.0 LED Light Bulbs, 10-Pack
- Lustaled MR11 LED Bulb 3W 12V AC/DC Low Voltage
- SANSUN 3W MR11 LED Landscape Light Bulbs, (Pack of 12)
- KAKEMONO 5W MR11 GU4.0 Led Bulbs, 35W Halogen Equivalent
- Lepro MR11 LED Bulb 12V AC/DC 5W
Makergroup MR11 Gu4.0 Bi-pin LED Light Bulb 3W 12VAC/DC
The Makergroup MR11 LED bulb is a versatile and efficient choice for both indoor and outdoor lighting. It produces a soft, warm white light (2700K-3000K) with a 38° beam angle, making it suitable for creating focused accent lighting. With a CRI of 82+, it renders colors naturally, which is ideal for highlighting garden features or artwork indoors.
This bulb is built for longevity, rated for over 25,000 hours of use. It can directly replace a 20W halogen MR11, cutting energy consumption by more than 85%. The plug-and-play design ensures a hassle-free installation into any standard MR11 fixture with a GU4.0 base, requiring no complex rewiring or modifications to your existing setup.
SANSUN 3W MR11 LED Landscape Light Bulbs, Low Voltage 12V
SANSUN offers a reliable and affordable four-pack of MR11 LED bulbs perfect for a variety of low-voltage applications. Emitting a soft white 3000K glow, these bulbs are designed as a direct 20W halogen replacement, consuming only 3W of power. Their 12V DC low voltage operation makes them a safe option for many specialized fixtures.
The key feature of these bulbs is their wide 120-degree flood beam angle. This provides a broad, even wash of light rather than a narrow spot, which is excellent for general landscape illumination, lighting up Christmas trees, or use in fiber-optic systems. This pack is a cost-effective solution for upgrading multiple fixtures at once.
SANSUN 3W MR11 LED Landscape Light Bulbs, Daylight White 4000K
For those who prefer a brighter, crisper light, this SANSUN pack offers the same reliable performance but in a 4000K daylight white color temperature. This cooler white light is known for improving alertness and is perfect for task lighting, garages, or modern outdoor spaces where a clean, vibrant illumination is desired.
Like its soft white counterpart, this bulb uses only 3W to replace a 20W halogen and features the same 120-degree flood beam. This makes it an efficient and versatile bulb for a range of uses, from ceiling lights and floor lamps to outdoor landscape spotlights, all while providing the invigorating quality of daylight.
Simba Lighting LED MR11 Flood Light Bulbs (10 Pack) 12V 3W
Simba Lighting provides exceptional value with this ten-pack of high-output MR11 LED bulbs. Each bulb delivers 240 lumens of soft white 3000K light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The 120-degree wide beam angle ensures broad coverage, making these bulbs ideal for flood lighting in gardens, accent lighting on walls, or use in track lighting systems.
These bulbs are California Title 20 certified, confirming their high efficiency. With a lifespan of 30,000 hours, they are a long-term lighting solution that can significantly reduce energy costs. The bulbs work with 12V AC or DC systems and use quality SMD LED chips for consistent performance and reliability.
ALIDE 3W MR11 LED Light Bulbs, 12v 20w 35w Replacement
The ALIDE MR11 LED bulbs are designed for maximum energy savings, claiming a 90% reduction in electricity use compared to traditional halogens. With a bright 250-lumen output, this 3W bulb is a capable replacement for higher-wattage 10W, 20W, and even 35W halogen bulbs, providing ample light for various applications.
Built with a robust heat sink and an integrated high-quality driver, these bulbs are engineered for a long lifespan exceeding 30,000 hours. This design minimizes the frequent maintenance and replacement costs associated with older lighting technology, offering a reliable and hassle-free lighting solution for your home or landscape.
CBconcept UL-Listed MR11 GU4.0 LED Light Bulbs, 10-Pack
Safety and quality are paramount with the CBconcept MR11 LED bulbs, as they are UL Listed. This certification means they have been tested to meet rigorous U.S. safety standards, providing peace of mind and ensuring compliance with local electrical codes. This is a critical factor for permanent installations in and around your home.
These bulbs offer a more focused 36° beam angle, which is perfect for accent lighting where you want to highlight specific objects or architectural features. At 2W, they are incredibly efficient and provide 230 lumens of warm white 3000K light. The dimmable functionality adds a layer of control, allowing you to adjust the light level to suit any mood or occasion.
Lustaled MR11 LED Bulb 3W 12V AC/DC Low Voltage
The Lustaled MR11 bulb is engineered to create a cozy and comfortable atmosphere with its 270-lumen, warm white 3000K light and a focused 35° beam angle. This combination is ideal for creating pools of light that accentuate details in display cases, cabinets, or artwork, adding depth and interest to a room.
This bulb operates on 12V AC or DC and is a direct replacement for 20W halogen bulbs, offering significant energy savings. It is important to note that this model is non-dimmable and requires a 12V transformer for safe operation. The manufacturer provides clear guidance to ensure compatibility and prevent damage.
SANSUN 3W MR11 LED Landscape Light Bulbs, (Pack of 12)
For larger lighting projects, SANSUN offers a convenient 12-pack of their popular 3W MR11 LED bulbs. This bulk option is perfect for homeowners or installers who need to upgrade an entire landscape lighting system, multiple track light fixtures, or several indoor recessed lights all at once, ensuring consistency across all points of light.
These bulbs provide the same reliable performance as the smaller packs, featuring a soft white 3000K color temperature and a wide 120-degree flood beam. The high quantity in a single purchase makes this an economically efficient choice for extensive lighting upgrades, reducing the need for multiple orders.
KAKEMONO 5W MR11 GU4.0 Led Bulbs, 35W Halogen Equivalent
When you need more intense illumination, the KAKEMONO 5W MR11 bulb delivers with a powerful 400-lumen output. This makes it a suitable replacement for 35W or 40W halogen bulbs, providing a significant boost in brightness for areas that require more light, such as security lighting or highlighting large outdoor features.
This bulb features a 38-degree focus beam angle to concentrate light precisely where it’s needed. The manufacturer provides important usage notes: these bulbs are not dimmable and may require an LED-compatible transformer to function without flickering. They are also not waterproof, so they must be used in fully enclosed outdoor fixtures.
Lepro MR11 LED Bulb 12V AC/DC 5W
Lepro’s 5W MR11 LED bulb is another high-output option for those seeking to replace powerful halogen bulbs with efficient LED technology. Operating on 12V AC or DC, this bulb is designed for use in standard low-voltage lighting systems, providing a bright and focused light source for both indoor and outdoor applications.
As a 5W LED, it consumes a fraction of the energy of the halogen bulb it replaces, leading to lower energy costs and reduced heat output. This makes it a reliable and cost-effective choice for landscape lighting, track lights, and other accent lighting needs where superior brightness is a priority.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best MR11 LED Bulbs
When I need to replace old halogen bulbs in my low-voltage fixtures, picking the right MR11 LED can feel a bit tricky. It’s not just about grabbing the first bulb you see on the shelf. To get the best light and make sure the bulb actually works in your setup, there are a few key things I always check.
First, and this is the big one, you have to confirm your voltage. MR11 bulbs are designed for low-voltage systems, typically 12 volts. But there’s a catch. You need to know if your system is AC (Alternating Current) or DC (Direct Current). Many landscape lighting transformers output AC, while some RV, marine, or custom setups use DC. Using an AC bulb on a DC circuit, or vice-versa, will lead to a very short bulb life or it just won’t work at all. Always check the product specifications to match your power source.
Next, think about the beam angle. This determines how the light is spread. A narrow spot beam (like 15-25 degrees) is perfect for highlighting a specific object, like a painting or a statue in the garden. A wider flood beam (around 40 degrees) is what I use for general area lighting, like illuminating a pathway or a small patio. Some bulbs even offer a adjustable beam, which gives you flexibility if your needs change.
Color temperature is another personal preference that changes the whole feel of a space. Measured in Kelvins (K), a lower number like 2700K gives off a warm, cozy, yellowish light similar to old incandescent bulbs—great for living rooms and bedrooms. A higher number, like 4000K or 5000K, produces a cool, crisp, bluish-white light that feels energetic and is ideal for task lighting in kitchens or workspaces.
Don’t forget about the base. The most common base for an MR11 bulb is the GU4.0, which has two pins spaced 4mm apart. It’s always a good idea to pull out your old bulb and double-check the base type before you buy. Finally, consider the lumen output, which tells you how bright the bulb is, not its wattage. To replace a 20W halogen, look for an MR11 LED bulb that delivers around 200-300 lumens for a similar light level while using a fraction of the energy. Getting these details right means you’ll end up with a bulb that fits perfectly, looks great, and lasts for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I directly replace my old MR11 halogen bulb with an MR11 LED?
In most cases, yes, you can do a direct swap. The physical size and GU4.0 base are usually identical. However, the critical thing to check is your transformer. Some older magnetic transformers made for halogen bulbs have a minimum power requirement that is higher than the very low wattage of a new LED. If your LED bulbs flicker or don’t turn on, your transformer might not be compatible. You may need to upgrade to an LED-ready electronic transformer.
Why is my new MR11 LED bulb flickering or not working?
Flickering is a common headache, and it usually points to a compatibility issue. The most likely culprit is the transformer, as I mentioned above. It could also be a faulty connection in the wiring or a dimmer switch that isn’t designed for LED loads. If you have a dimmer, make sure it’s a trailing-edge (ELV) dimmer that is certified for use with low-wattage LEDs. Checking these components one by one is the best way to solve the problem.
Are MR11 and MR16 bulbs the same thing?
No, they are different sizes and are not interchangeable. The number in the name refers to the diameter of the bulb in eighths of an inch. An MR11 is 11/8ths of an inch (about 35mm) in diameter, while an MR16 is 16/8ths of an inch (about 50mm) in diameter. They also often have different bases; MR16 bulbs typically use a GU5.3 base with pins 5.3mm apart. Always measure your old bulb or check your fixture’s specifications to be sure.
Do I need a special driver for MR11 LED light bulbs?
This depends on the bulb. Many MR11 LEDs are designed to work directly with existing 12V AC/DC transformers, effectively using the transformer as their driver. However, if you are installing strip lights or certain integrated fixtures, you might need a separate constant-voltage LED driver. For simple bulb replacements in existing low-voltage fixtures, your current transformer should be sufficient, provided it’s compatible.
How long can I expect an MR11 LED bulb to last?
A quality MR11 LED bulb should last a very long time. Most are rated for 15,000 to 25,000 hours or more. To put that in perspective, if you use the light for 8 hours every single day, a 25,000-hour bulb could last you over 8 years. This incredible lifespan is one of the biggest advantages of making the switch from halogen.