LED vs Halogen Bulbs: Which Is Better for UK Homes in 2026?

If you’re replacing old light bulbs in your home, you’ve probably asked yourself:
Should I switch to LED, or stick with halogen?
With rising energy costs across the UK and halogen bulbs being phased out, more homeowners are making the move to LED lighting — but is it really worth it?
In this guide, we break down the real differences between LED and halogen bulbs, including running costs, brightness, lifespan, and which option is best for your home.
Why Are Halogen Bulbs Being Phased Out in the UK?
Halogen bulbs were once popular because they were brighter and more efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs. However, compared to modern LED technology, they are now considered outdated and inefficient.
UK energy regulations have phased out many halogen bulbs because:
They consume significantly more electricity
They have a short lifespan
They generate excessive heat
They cost more to run long term
As a result, LED bulbs are now the standard replacement for GU10, E27, B22, uplighter bulbs, floodlights, and security lighting.
LED vs Halogen: Energy Consumption Compared
Let’s look at the numbers.
A typical halogen GU10 bulb:
Uses around 35–50 watts
Lasts around 2,000 hours
A modern LED equivalent:
Uses just 4–6 watts
Lasts up to 15,000–25,000 hours
That means LED bulbs use up to 85–90% less electricity while lasting up to 10 times longer.
For a home with 20+ bulbs, the savings add up quickly.
Real Cost Comparison: 1 Year vs 5 Years
Here’s a simple example:
If you run a 50W halogen bulb for 4 hours per day:
Annual energy usage: approx. 73 kWh
Estimated yearly cost (at 30p per kWh): around £22
Now compare that to a 5W LED equivalent:
Annual energy usage: approx. 7.3 kWh
Estimated yearly cost: around £2
That’s roughly £20 per bulb per year in savings.
Multiply that across 15–20 bulbs in your home, and you could save hundreds of pounds over five years.
Brightness & Light Quality: Are LEDs as Good?
A common concern is that LED bulbs aren’t as warm or as bright as halogen. That may have been true 15 years ago — but not anymore.
Modern LED bulbs come in:
Warm white (2700K) – ideal for living rooms & bedrooms
Cool white (4000K) – great for kitchens & workspaces
Daylight (6000K) – perfect for security & garages
Brightness is measured in lumens, not watts. A 5W LED can easily match the brightness of a 50W halogen.
So you get the same light output — for a fraction of the energy cost.
What About Uplighters, Floodlights & Garden Lighting?
Halogen bulbs were especially common in:
Uplighter floor lamps
Outdoor floodlights
Security lighting
Garden spotlights
Lantern-style exterior lights
These are actually some of the biggest energy wasters in a home.
Switching outdoor floodlights or security lights to LED can dramatically reduce electricity bills — especially if they’re motion-activated and used frequently.
LED floodlights also:
Turn on instantly
Last much longer
Require less maintenance
Provide excellent brightness
Are LEDs Worth the Higher Upfront Cost?
LED bulbs may cost slightly more to purchase initially.
But because they:
Use up to 90% less electricity
Last up to 10 times longer
Rarely need replacing
They are significantly cheaper long term.
In almost every scenario, LED lighting pays for itself within the first year.
Which LED Bulbs Do You Need?
Most common replacements include:
GU10 LED bulbs (spotlights)
E27 Edison screw bulbs
B22 bayonet bulbs
G9 capsule bulbs
R7s uplighter replacements
LED floodlights
LED security lights
LED garden and festoon lighting
If you’re unsure which bulb you need, check the fitting type printed on the base of your old bulb — or contact a lighting specialist for advice.
Why More UK Homes Are Switching to LED in 2026
With rising energy prices and improved LED technology, homeowners are choosing:
Lower energy bills
Longer lifespan
Safer, cooler operation
Brighter, more consistent light
Environmentally friendly lighting
Whether it’s ceiling lights, pendants, desk lamps, floor lamps, bedside lamps, garden lights, festoon lights, lanterns, or security lighting — LED options are now available for virtually every fitting.
Buy LED Lighting Online with Confidence
At ElectroBright Limited, we’re a family-run online lighting retailer with over 40,000 five-star Google reviews.
We supply:
Ceiling lights
Pendant lights
Floor lamps
Desk lamps
Bedside lamps
Garden lighting
Festoon lights
Floodlights
Security lighting
Lanterns
Replacement bulbs of every type
If you need the light, click Electrobrights.
Whether you're upgrading from halogen, replacing a single bulb, or refitting your entire home, we stock high-quality LED lighting designed to save energy and last for years.
Final Verdict: LED or Halogen?
In 2026, the answer is clear.
LED lighting:
Uses less energy
Costs less long term
Lasts longer
Performs better
Is widely available
Halogen technology is becoming obsolete, while LED continues to improve.
If you're still using halogen bulbs, now is the perfect time to upgrade.
And if you need help choosing the right lighting for your home, ElectroBright Limited is here to help.
Because when you need the light — you know where to click.