Par38 LED Bulb Guide: See Our 5 Best Selections

Tired of those big, hot floodlights always burning out? Imagine lighting your home or business with bulbs that last for years and save you real money on your electric bill. That sounds great, right? Well, that’s exactly what modern Par38 LED bulbs promise to deliver, but finding the perfect one can feel like a maze.

Choosing the right Par38 LED bulb brings up tough questions. Do you need a warm yellow light or a bright white one? How much power (wattage) is enough? And how do you make sure the light actually spreads where you want it to go? These details matter, especially when upgrading those large, powerful fixtures common outdoors or in retail spaces.

This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down beam angles, color temperatures, and brightness so you can confidently pick the best Par38 LED for any job. Keep reading to learn how to swap out old bulbs for smart, efficient lighting that shines exactly how you need it to.

Top Par38 Led Bulbs Recommendations

SaleBestseller No. 1
EDISHINE PAR38 Flood Lights Outdoor Bulb, Dimmable LED Flood Light Bulbs, 1800LM, 18W Equivalent 120W, Weatherproof LED Light Bulb for Backyard, Garage, Porch, Garden, 5000K Daylight, E26, 4 Pack
  • [Smooth Dimmable] Our PAR38 outdoor LED flood lights provide a seamless dimming from 10% to 100%, you can adjust the brightness according to your preferences, creating different atmospheres as desired; compatible with various dimmers, flicker free and eye-protective
  • [Excellent Weatherproof] IP65 waterproof rating & durable dustproof construction can withstand harsh weathers, providing reliable and safe outdoor lighting; flood light bulbs suitable for warehouse, yard, garage, porch, driveway, etc.
  • [Energy Saving] LED flood light outdoor bulbs are more energy-efficient compared to traditional/tungsten bulbs; 18W LED flood light bulb is equivalent to a 120W traditional bulb, providing the same level of brightness while saving on your electric bills
  • [Super Bright Lighting] 5000K color temperature provides a natural and vibrant lighting with 1800 lumens, this LED Par38 floodlight bulb offers superior brightness and coverage; closely resembles daylight, creating a welcoming and well-lit environment
  • [Ultra Long Lasting] Over 15,000 hours lifetime, can be used for more than 13 years (3 hours per day), 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs/5 times longer than CFL bulbs; No frequent bulb change, save energy and cost; ETL certified for peace of mind
Bestseller No. 2
Sunco 6 Pack Outdoor Flood Light Bulbs, PAR38 LED Flood Lights Waterproof, 1800 LM, 15W (150W Equivalent), 3000K Warm White, Dimmable, E26 Base, Wet Rated UL.
  • PAR38 LED Spotlight Bulbs, Flood Light Bulbs
  • DIMMABLE - Seamless dimming capabilities (10%-100%) that fit any mood or decor. Our PAR38 LED spotlight bulbs are instant on with the latest in LED flicker free technology.
  • WATERPROOF - Fits 5” or 6” cans. The weatherproof rating and dust-tight construction ensures our PAR38 bulbs stand up to the elements for reliable outdoor security light in any weather.
  • UL CERTIFIED - We uphold the highest standards by testing each product for optimal performance and safety. Our PAR38 LED bulbs offer a longer lifetime than traditional bulbs (halogen, incandescent, fluorescent) and reduced relamping costs.
  • SUNCO BENEFITS - 5 Year Protection! Sunco is proudly based in the USA, offering quality products at affordable prices backed by industry-leading warranties and knowledgeable support specialists.
Bestseller No. 3
Sunco 6 Pack Outdoor Flood Light Bulb LED PAR38, Exterior Spotlight Bulbs, Weatherproof, 1050 LM, 13W (100W Equivalent), 3000K Warm White, Wet Rated, Dimmable, E26 Base UL.
  • ⭐ PAR38 LED Bulbs, flood light bulbs outdoor, Outdoor Flood Lights
  • ✅ DIMMABLE - Seamless dimming capabilities (10%-100%) that fit any mood or decor. Our PAR38 LED spot light bulbs are instant on with the latest in LED flicker free technology.
  • ✅ WATERPROOF - Fits 5” or 6” cans. The weatherproof rating and dust-tight construction ensures our PAR38 bulbs stand up to the elements for reliable outdoor security light in any weather.
  • ✅ UL CERTIFIED - We uphold the highest standards by testing each product for optimal performance and safety. Our PAR38 LED bulbs offer a longer lifetime than traditional bulbs (halogen, incandescent, fluorescent) and reduced revamping costs.
  • ✅ SUNCO BENEFITS - 5 Year Protection! Sunco is proudly based in the USA, offering quality products at affordable prices backed by industry-leading warranties and knowledgeable support specialists.
SaleBestseller No. 4
Gonhom Par38 led Flood Lights Outdoor Light Bulb,Dimmable 1800LM,20W Replace up to 200W,Outdoor Flood Light Bulbs for Backyard,Garage,Porch,Garden,6 Pack 5000K Daylight
  • Energy Saving: Par38 LED flood light outdoor bulb use only 20W, equivalent to 200 watt LED bulbs, enjoy 1800 LM daylight lighting saving up to 85% electricity bill.
  • High Performance: Outdoor flood light bulbs,dimmable light bulb, AC 110V~120V, 180-degree beam angle, it illuminates an area up to 70 feet, really works well for illuminating the outside of your house.
  • Long Lifespan: Flood lights outdoor use plastic & aluminium material to build the cooling system, not contain mercury and won't release any hazardous gases, service life up to 25,000 hours.
  • Wide Application: LED flood lights ideal for outdoor lighting fixtures and perfect for outdoor applications like security light, such as gardens, backyards, patios, porches, garages etc.
  • Easy to Install: Standard Par38 outdoor led flood light, standard E26 medium screw base, no need to find additional fixtures to mount this lamp. easy to install into the E26 socket.
SaleBestseller No. 5
Gonhom Par38 led Flood Lights Outdoor Light Bulb,Dimmable 1800LM,20W Replace up to 200W,Outdoor Flood Light Bulbs for Backyard,Garage,Porch,Garden,2 Pack 5000K Daylight
  • Energy Saving: Par38 LED flood light outdoor bulb use only 20W, equivalent to 200 watt LED bulbs, enjoy 1800 LM daylight lighting saving up to 85% electricity bill.
  • High Performance: Outdoor flood light bulbs,dimmable light bulb, AC 110V~120V, 180-degree beam angle, it illuminates an area up to 70 feet, really works well for illuminating the outside of your house.
  • Long Lifespan: Flood lights outdoor use plastic & aluminium material to build the cooling system, not contain mercury and won't release any hazardous gases, service life up to 25,000 hours.
  • Wide Application: LED flood lights ideal for outdoor lighting fixtures and perfect for outdoor applications like security light, such as gardens, backyards, patios, porches, garages etc.
  • Easy to Install: Standard Par38 outdoor led flood light, standard E26 medium screw base, no need to find additional fixtures to mount this lamp. easy to install into the E26 socket.
Bestseller No. 6
Feit Electric PAR38 LED Flood Light Bulb, 15W (120W Equivalent), Dimmable, Adjustable White 2700K–5000K, High CRI, Enhance Series, 25,000-Hour Lifetime, Indoor/Outdoor Use, PAR38120DM/6WYCA/2, 2 Pack
  • ADJUSTABLE WHITE – CHANGE COLOR TEMPERATURE FROM A STANDARD WALL SWITCH OR PRESET ON BULB – Enjoy the convenience of switch-controlled adjustable white light. Toggle your existing wall switch to select between Soft White (2700K), Bright White (3000K), Cool White (4000K), and Daylight (5000K) to match your mood, task, or time of day—no dimmer or app required. Perfect for creating ambiance or increasing visibility when needed.
  • DIMMABLE & WET LOCATION RATED – VERSATILE FOR MULTIPLE FIXTURES – Compatible with most standard LED dimmers for smooth, flicker-free dimming, the Feit Electric PAR38 bulb is also rated for wet locations, making it suitable for open outdoor fixtures as well as indoor recessed cans. Whether you're lighting your backyard, driveway, porch, or bathroom, this bulb adapts to your space with ease and reliability.
  • ULTRA-BRIGHT, ENERGY-EFFICIENT LIGHTING – 120W EQUIVALENT USING ONLY 15.5W – Experience brilliant illumination with the Feit Electric PAR38 LED Flood Light Bulb that produces the same brightness as a 120-watt incandescent bulb while consuming just 15.5 watts of energy. Ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications, this high-performance bulb helps reduce electricity costs by up to 87% without compromising light output or quality.
  • HIGH CRI ENHANCE SERIES – TRUE COLOR ACCURACY FOR INDOOR & OUTDOOR SPACES – Part of Feit Electric’s premium Enhance Series, this bulb offers a High Color Rendering Index (CRI 90+) that brings out vibrant and natural colors in your surroundings. Ideal for kitchens, patios, garages, security lights, and more where clarity and true-to-life color are essential.
  • LONG-LASTING PERFORMANCE – 25,000 HOURS LIFETIME + 5-YEAR WARRANTY – Say goodbye to frequent bulb replacements. This long-lasting LED floodlight has a 25,000-hour rated life (equivalent to 22.8 years based on 3 hours/day use). Backed by Feit Electric’s 5-year warranty, it offers peace of mind and dependable performance you can trust.
Bestseller No. 7
Sunco 6 Pack Outdoor Flood Light Bulbs, PAR38 LED Flood Lights Waterproof, 1800 LM, 15W (150W Equivalent), 5000K Daylight, Dimmable, E26 Base, Wet Rated UL.
  • PAR38 LED Spotlight Bulbs, Flood Light Bulbs, Flood Light Bulbs
  • DIMMABLE - Seamless dimming capabilities (10%-100%) that fit any mood or decor. Our PAR38 LED spotlight bulbs are instant on with the latest in LED flicker free technology.
  • WATERPROOF - Fits 5” or 6” cans. The weatherproof rating and dust-tight construction ensures our PAR38 bulbs stand up to the elements for reliable outdoor security light in any weather.
  • UL CERTIFIED - We uphold the highest standards by testing each product for optimal performance and safety. Our PAR38 LED bulbs offer a longer lifetime than traditional bulbs (halogen, incandescent, fluorescent) and reduced relamping costs.
  • SUNCO BENEFITS - 5 Year Protection! Sunco is proudly based in the USA, offering quality products at affordable prices backed by industry-leading warranties and knowledgeable support specialists.
SaleBestseller No. 8
Maelsrlg PAR38 LED Flood Light Bulbs Outdoor, 18W (120W Equivalent), Warm White 3000K, Dimmable Weatherproof E26 Base Outdoor Flood Lights for Porch, Yard, Garage, 1800LM, 4 Pack
  • Soft Warm Glow with Wide Beam – This 18W PAR38 LED flood light bulb emits 3000K warm white light with a 110° wide beam angle, delivering soft, comfortable illumination ideal for creating a cozy outdoor atmosphere on patios, porches, or backyards
  • Energy Efficient & Powerful Output – With 1800 lumens of brightness, it replaces a traditional 120W incandescent bulb while consuming only 18W, helping reduce energy costs by up to 85% without compromising light quality
  • Built for Outdoor Use – Designed for wet locations, this outdoor flood light bulb features a durable weatherproof construction that resists rain, snow, and humidity, making it perfect for outdoor flood lighting applications
  • Smooth Dimming Functionality – Compatible with most LED dimmers, these outdoor light bulbs provide seamless dimming from 10% to 100% with no flicker, strobe, or buzzing, allowing you to set the perfect ambiance
  • Long-Lasting Reliability – With a lifespan of 25,000 hours, these LED outdoor flood lights reduce maintenance and replacement frequency, ensuring dependable performance in outdoor settings

The Ultimate Buying Guide for PAR38 LED Bulbs

PAR38 LED bulbs are powerful lights. They look like old halogen spotlights. LEDs save energy and last a long time. This guide helps you pick the best one for your needs.

Key Features to Look For

When buying a PAR38 LED bulb, several features matter most. These determine how well the bulb performs.

Brightness (Lumens)

  • Lumens: This number tells you how bright the bulb shines. A higher lumen count means a brighter light. For outdoor security lights, look for 1000 lumens or more.

Color Temperature (Kelvin)

  • Kelvin (K): This describes the light’s color. Lower numbers (2700K–3000K) give warm, yellowish light. Higher numbers (4000K–5000K) give cool, bluish-white light. Choose 3000K for a cozy look or 4000K for clear visibility.

Beam Angle

  • Beam Angle: This controls how wide the light spreads. Narrow beams (15°–25°) create focused spotlights. Wide beams (35°–60°) offer broader floodlighting. Decide if you need a focused beam or general area lighting.

Dimmability

  • If you want to change the brightness, make sure the bulb is labeled “Dimmable.” Not all LEDs work with every dimmer switch.

Important Materials and Construction

The materials used affect the bulb’s lifespan and performance.

Housing and Heat Sink

  • Aluminum: Good quality PAR38 bulbs use aluminum for the housing. Aluminum acts as a heat sink. It pulls heat away from the LED chips. Good heat management keeps the bulb running cool and extends its life significantly.

Lens Material

  • Plastic or Glass: The outer lens protects the internal parts. High-quality lenses resist yellowing over time. Cheaper plastic lenses can become cloudy, which reduces light output.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Not all PAR38 LEDs are made equal. Pay attention to these details.

Color Rendering Index (CRI)

  • High CRI is Better: CRI measures how accurately colors appear under the light. A CRI of 80 or higher is usually good. A high CRI makes colors look more natural, which is important for landscaping or display lighting.

Lifespan and Warranty

  • Rated Hours: Quality bulbs often boast lifespans of 25,000 hours or more. Always check the warranty. A longer warranty usually means the manufacturer trusts their product quality.

Flicker and Buzz

  • Poorly made drivers (the internal electronics) can cause visible flickering or an annoying buzzing sound. Test the bulb if possible, or read reviews specifically mentioning flicker.

User Experience and Use Cases

PAR38 bulbs are versatile. They fit into standard E26 (medium) bases, just like regular household bulbs.

Outdoor Security Lighting

  • Use high-lumen, cool white (4000K) bulbs with a medium beam angle. These lights clearly illuminate driveways and yards.

Recessed Cans (Downlights)

  • Many homeowners use PAR38s in large ceiling fixtures. Choose a warm white (3000K) if you want a softer look inside your home. Make sure the bulb fits the fixture depth.

Track Lighting and Spotlights

  • For highlighting artwork or specific features, use bulbs with a narrow beam angle and high CRI. This makes the displayed objects look their best.

When you install your new LED, remember that they generally run much cooler than the old halogen bulbs they replace. This is a major safety benefit!

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About PAR38 LED Bulbs

Q: Can I use PAR38 LED bulbs outdoors?

A: Yes, most PAR38 LEDs are rated for damp or wet locations. Always check the product listing to ensure it is rated for outdoor use.

Q: Do PAR38 LEDs get hot?

A: They run much cooler than old halogen bulbs. However, the base area where the heat sink is located can still feel warm. Overheating is prevented by the aluminum body.

Q: What is the difference between PAR38 and BR30 bulbs?

A: PAR38 bulbs are larger and throw a more focused beam, making them great for spotlights. BR30 bulbs are smaller and cast a wider flood of light.

Q: How much energy do PAR38 LEDs save?

A: They save a lot of energy! A 15-watt LED often replaces a 100-watt halogen bulb, saving you significant money on your electricity bill.

Q: Do I need a special fixture for PAR38 LEDs?

A: No, they fit into standard E26 sockets. However, ensure your fixture is rated to handle the size and weight of the PAR38 shape.

Q: What does “flood” mean in beam angle terms?

A: A flood beam angle is wider, usually 35 degrees or more. This spreads the light over a large area, like a patio.

Q: Why is my new LED bulb flickering?

A: Flickering often happens because the bulb is not compatible with your existing dimmer switch. Try replacing the dimmer or using a non-dimmable bulb.

Q: What is the best color temperature for security lighting?

A: Many people prefer 4000K (cool white) for security because it offers the clearest visibility and makes colors stand out.

Q: How long should a quality PAR38 LED last?

A: A good quality PAR38 LED bulb should last between 15,000 and 25,000 operational hours.

Q: Can I use a PAR38 LED in an enclosed fixture?

A: It depends on the bulb rating. Some PAR38 LEDs are rated for enclosed fixtures, but many require air circulation around the heat sink to perform correctly. Check the label carefully.