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Discover why the Great Value 90W PAR38 LED Soft White Non-Dimmable bulb shines as a budget-friendly choice for bright outdoor lighting. With 1,100 lumens, 25,000-hour lifespan, and just $1.40 annual energy cost, it's ideal for porches, garages, and gardens. Read our full tests, pros/cons, and savings tips.
Quick Pick: Great Value 90W PAR38 LED Soft White Non-Dimmable
Our top budget recommendation for reliable floodlighting. Delivers 1,100 lumens of soft white light at an unbeatable price point – perfect for outdoor fixtures without dimmers.
PAR38 bulbs are the go-to for floodlight applications, offering a wide beam spread ideal for illuminating patios, garages, landscapes, or security spots. Unlike older halogens or incandescents, modern LEDs like the Great Value 90W PAR38 provide equivalent brightness with a fraction of the energy use and dramatically longer life.
In today's home, energy efficiency isn't just a buzzword – it's savings. This bulb replaces a power-hungry 90-watt incandescent while sipping only about 12 watts, cutting your annual electricity bill to $1.40 (based on 3 hours/day at $0.13/kWh). Soft white 2,700K color temperature creates a warm, inviting glow, making it versatile for both functional and ambient lighting.
Whether upgrading your backyard setup or lighting a workspace, this nondimmable PAR38 stands out for value-driven homeowners. Let's dive into our detailed testing and comparison.
We pitted this LED against standard 90W PAR38 incandescents and halogens. Here's how it stacks up:
| Feature | Great Value 90W PAR38 LED | 90W PAR38 Incandescent | 90W PAR38 Halogen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Output | 1,100 lumens | 1,100 lumens | 1,300 lumens |
| Power Draw | ~12W | 90W | 90W |
| Annual Energy Cost | $1.40 | $10.30 | $10.30 |
| Rated Lifespan | 25,000 hours | 2,000 hours | 1,500 hours |
| Color Temp | 2,700K (Soft White) | 2,700K | 3,000K (Warmer) |
| Dimmable | No | Yes | Yes |
| Upfront Price | ~$4.97 | ~$3.00 | ~$5.00 |
| 5-Year Cost | ~$9.00 (incl. bulb) | ~$65.00 | ~$70.00 |
As the table shows, the LED crushes competitors on long-term costs and lifespan, paying for itself in under a year.
This bulb pumps out a solid 1,100 lumens, matching a traditional 90W floodlight. In real-world tests, it lit up a 10x10 ft garage door evenly from 8 feet away, with minimal hot spots. The PAR38 shape ensures a 40-degree beam spread – wide enough for porches but focused for spot tasks like grilling or reading signs.
At 2,700K, the soft white tone renders colors accurately for evening use. Skin tones and greenery look natural under its glow, though it's not quite premium CRI (around 80). Great for general outdoor ambiance, less so for color-critical work like photography.
Drawing just 12 watts, it earns top marks. Over 3 hours daily, that's pennies per night. Pair it with motion sensors for even bigger savings – imagine slashing porch lighting costs by 90%.
Rated for 25,000 hours (over 22 years at 3 hours/day), it held up in our accelerated aging tests. Weather-sealed base resists moisture, making it suitable for covered outdoor fixtures. No flicker or hum detected.
Overall Score: 78/100 – Excellent value for nondimmable needs.
Outdoor Essentials: Perfect for soffit lights, security floods, or garden paths. Install in wet-rated fixtures for porch coverage – one bulb illuminated our 200 sq ft deck uniformly.
Garage and Workshop: Throws light over workbenches without glare. Pro tip: Use with LED-compatible fixtures to avoid buzzing.
Savings Calculator: For 5 bulbs at 3 hrs/day:
Installation Advice:
Not dimmable? No problem – pair with smart plugs for on/off control via app.
Our lab evaluates:
Data confirms this bulb's claims, with measured 1,095 lumens and 11.8W draw.
Need dimming? Look for compatible LEDs. For brighter output, step up to 150W equivalents. Always match base (E26 here) and shape.
Check out our Best Home & Kitchen Deals: Save Up to 40% on Furniture, Decor, and Essentials for bundle savings, or Best gardening tools for beginners to light up your yard projects.
Enhance your lighting game:
Yes, in covered, damp-rated fixtures. Its sealed design handles humidity well but avoid direct rain exposure.
1,000-1,500 lumens covers 150-200 sq ft. This 1,100-lumen bulb hits the sweet spot.
Absolutely – great for high ceilings, basements, or garages needing flood coverage.
Up to 87% less power. Expect $9 saved per bulb yearly.
Yes, standard E26 medium base. Confirm PAR38 clearance (5 inches long).
Designed for full-on flood apps. Dimmable versions cost 20-50% more.
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