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ALDI LED Globes Back on Sale $7-$10ea + Comparison with Philips & Mirabella LED Globes

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LED globes are back on sale at Aldi.
Unfortunately, most of the better value-for-money higher wattage globes were probably sold out in most stores in the first hour of the sale.

LED Bulbs $6.99-$19.99ea
LED Special Lights or Reflectors $5.99-$6.99ea


I’ve tried to list the pros and cons of each of the major brands available in Australia, and have a table which shows efficiency ratings for each globe type and where you get value for money.
PDF version
Excel version
(I updated my LED globe comparison tables on 22/5/16 to make it easier to identify the best value globes depending on whether purchase cost, running cost or brightness are most important to you. Sweet spots are highlighted.)

SUMMARY
- Mirabella LED globes are the best value for money overall when they are half price at Coles; highest wattage globes run out quickly
- Aldi (Muller Licht) LED globes are the best value for money for higher wattages (13W, 15W), but these run out very quickly
- Luce Bella LED globes are probably the next best value for money, especially for the higher wattage globes; they last the longest
- Megaman and Osram have decent 10/10.5W globes, but avoid their other globes
- Philips LED globes are arguably the most technically advanced (brightest, most compact, lightest), but are the most expensive with the smallest discounts when they are on sale

Luce Bella
Stockists: Bunnings
Pros: Cheap 2-pack prices; efficient and bright 16W globe; longest lasting; you never have to wait for a sale
Cons: Available in 2-packs only; less efficient globes for 14W and below

Megaman
Stockists: Woolworths (Online)
Pros: Good value 10W globe
Cons: Limited range and availability

Mirabella
Stockists: Coles, Kmart, Big W
Pros: best sale prices (50% off at Coles)
Cons: may have a shorter life

Muller Licht / Aldi
Stockists: Aldi
Pros: best value/prices for higher wattage lamps; dimmable, last 2nd longest
Cons: lower wattage lamps less value for money (as same price as higher wattage lamps)

Osram
Stockists: Bunnings
Pros: Efficient and competitively priced 10.5W globe
Cons: All other globes (non-10.5W) uncompetitive [avoid]

Philips
Stockists: Bunnings, Masters (all); Woolworths (<10W)
Pros: generally most efficient, brightest, smallest, run less hot
Cons: most expensive, smallest discounts when on sale (10%) at Woolworths, which only stock lower wattage globes; non-dimmable

Notes:
- Prices in table current as of May 2016. Apologies for any errors in pricing or specifications.
- Technological improvement over time will lead to lower prices, and more efficient and smaller/lighter globes that produce less heat.
- Lifetimes will be shorter when used in an enclosure.
- Some Cool/Daylight (~5000K) LED globes can be more efficient than Warm (~3000K) LED globes
- Good LED comparison website: http://www.ledbenchmark.com/

Related Stores

ALDI
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closed Comments

  • +86

    up vote for the amount of efforts you put in

    • +8

      So is it a bargain?

      • From the Voting Guidlines -
        Please refrain from voting when it's not a good deal but has a funny picture or coupon, good description, you like the poster or any other element that is not related to the deal itself.

        • +3

          So, is this not a good deal?

        • @ALpha: Looks like a good deal to me. And I think more people should look here… So I'm voting +, despite what the guidelines say.

    • yep
      + 1 for the effort

    • +5

      Unpopular opinion. I don't like it when people do this. It makes me question whether it actually is a bargain or if it has only been up voted by so many for the effort. Nothing against OP, thanks for the description.

      • +10

        The effort is in explaining to us why this is a bargain and showing us few other options. At the end of the day you should be making your own decision about whether something is a bargain for your own circumstances.

        Obviously if the same product was cheaper elsewhere I would vote positive regardless of the effort.

        • +2

          Strange thinking. This site is about bargains not the people that post them. You can't just invent your own rules.

          If you want to say well done, that's OK, but the voting is about bargains.

        • @tightwad:

          ~~so is this a bargain or not?
          The op has explained in detail why it is a bargain.~~

          ~~ if you think people are voting for things which aren't a bargain then explain your reasoning.~~
          Edit: nvm

          Sorry I reread my post and see what you meant my last line is confusing.

          I meant to say I would not vote positive if it was cheaper elsewhere.

        • +1

          @Gimli:

          Glad we agree 😊

    • +1

      +1 for the effort and insight. Though it would have been better as a discussion forum rather then a bargain.

  • +2

    highest wattage globes run out quickly

    You mean they die sooner, or they usually get sold out quickly when they go on sale?

    • +6

      They sell out more quickly.
      They're usually better value for money - for a couple of dollars more you get a brighter globe that costs negligibly more to run.

      • +3

        comes down to lumens not just wattage ….. some higher wattages have less lumens than another brands low wattage ….. has to do with how new the model is and the efficiency of the led, not just wattage.

        hence the $ per lumen column in the chart

    • I had one that failed after a year.

      • must have a small house with only 1 bulb ….. I have 10 globes, Osram and Philips, none have failed in several years …. I had some generics off ebay they lasted a few months …. had to do with being designed for 220V and not 240V…. I imagine most sold through the bigger retailers are 240V.

        • I have only 3 installed over the kitchen island bench. The rest of the house have LED downlight. 56 of them.

      • I had one that failed after 5 minutes, I took them back

  • +2

    Thanks for those details, +1for you

  • +3

    No mention of Costco globes?

    • +2

      is there something to mention?

      • +1

        One worth a mention - GU10 non dimmables. I can't find the price right now but I'm pretty sure they were less than bunning's bulk packs and a decent lumen output. Note I repeat they are NOT dimmable.

        Rest of costco's LED range didn't even flag me to record the model and price when I was there last as I think everything was non-dimmable and low lumen output. (Docklands)

        BTW. Docklands is now apparently fining their members for staying too long in the carpark (Exceed 2 hours = fine not extra fee) so I've had about enough of Costco Docklands as its almost impossible to get through the store and checkouts less than 2 hours. Obviously its a customer focused store.

        Anyway I'm really keen to see which globes work with a big range of dimmers!! The last aldi ones stay ON when the switch is off when using clipsal dimmers so I'm about to try the ALDI muller licht lights see if they do better.

        • update. Most of the aldi ones I bought will be going back. The B15d's are ok so will stay but rest have extremely poor dimming range and buzz horribly when dimmed.
          That said the current range at least do turn off and on properly which was not the case with the previous range.

    • Or Ikea globes, at least they are available all year round and you don't need to pay a membership

  • +2

    Sorry, don't have membership, and never visited one.
    Happy for you to post the details for sharing.

    • +2

      Costco led globes great light and price .

      • +2

        Agreed.

  • Has anyone tried out the LED strip?

  • could never imagine pair of bulbs gets me excited

  • The flood lights might not fit into all sockets, I just tried some :(.

  • Apologies if this is the wrong place to ask but I have ceiling fan with a couple of CFL bulbs with E27 bases and keep looking for a suitable LED replacement but most of them seem to be globes and not really suited for use.

    • What makes you think that led bulbs aren't suitable. The e27 is a standard connection.

      Aldi have 60 day return garuntee so you can't go wrong

      • Shape and size is my only concern, not the tech. The bulbs are those that connect horizontally and have that up and down style so tall and narrow. Means normal shape bulbs are too big and you want the light shining sideways from the direction you plug it in. Hope that makes sense.

        • I have exactly the same issue as you, I have a decent size longer and went for two fans with integrated lights (Hellenic brand). With an old school tungsten filament you more or less get 270 degrees of light at least, but with a CFL you less and an led even less, and many CFLs that I have tried are too big. I have been waiting for LEDs to get nice and bright but the directionality makes them suitable for fittings that screw towards the roof and not sideways.

    • I have the same ceiling fans and after spending a lot of time looking for a LED to suit, I would suggest changing out the E27 bases with a R7S fitting for which there are retrofit yumcha directional LEDs.

      • Glad I am not alone in struggling to find them. How easy is it to change the bases?

        • very easy - the light assembly should unscrew from the fan and come off separately. Mine even had a connector to disconnect the lighting part from the fan. Undo the crimp with pliers, take off the E27 fittings, screw the R7S fitting to the light assembly plate, re-crimp the R7S leads to the connector.

          I got a bulb that had 48x 5730 LEDs shining downwards (and tapering slightly left-right) off eBay.

        • @coxymla:

          Can you post a link? We have a heap of r7s halogens in the house in fans sucking heaps of power that I'd like to replace. Concerned the ebay led bulbs won't fit in the holder.

        • @coxymla: The link would be great and where to get the R7S fittings from if you wouldn't mind.

        • +3

          @GaryG:
          @bigrizz:
          This is the bulb I purchased:

          http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/171866387902?_trksid=p2057872.m27…

          If the exact item doesn't come up from that link, it was a "28W R7S J118 48x 5730 LED" for AUD$11.33.

          Note that 28W is likely an exaggeration. 5730 SMD LEDs would typically consume 0.5 W and output 45 lumen each; so sayeth wikipedia. But, the purported 1200 lumen would also be underrated by that measure.

          The lamp holder I used was a normal ceramic 118mm holder.

        • @coxymla: Thanks

        • @coxymla: Thanks from me too. Our ceiling fan takes a 78mm R7S but there's no way the 78mm version will fit into our ceiling fan. Not enough clearance. I've seen these but 6 times the price. Might need to bite the bullet for the sake of the electricity bill.

  • +3

    Agree that Aldi globes die too quickly. My 3 out of 7 13W globes stopped working within 9 month.

    Anyone knows what sort of warranty Aldi provided on globes?

    • +2

      the current ones are 3 year warranty

      • +1

        But usually ALDI warranty is managed by calling some other place after 30 days. Would that include postage costs and more hassle?

    • +3

      Mine started failing after3 months. Requires switching off and on to power it in. After a year it totally failed.

    • +3

      Andy, were these LED globes placed inside a light fitting with an enclosure/diffuser?
      If that were the case, that could partly explain why they stopped working early.
      It's usually the heat-sensitive electronics that go bust, not the LED itself.

      • Could be the diffuser
        I was told the optimum temperature range was around 80 degrees for LED's I was installing. Sure they would work if it got hotter, but as you say the L50 (expected range when 50% of the globes have failed , measured in hours) will be reduced. Keeping them cool is the trick

        • Looks "semi-enclosed" - heat rises, long column to trap warm air (but also large surface are to radiate heat out).
          I just found this link which suggests the bulbs are for use in both "indoor and outdoor luminaires".
          http://m.mueller-licht.net/aldiuk/-_LED_bulbs_twin-pack.html

          I suggest trying another brand, e.g. Philips.

  • Bought one of the Aldi motion sensor globes for 20 bucks. Works well, hopefully lasts longer than 9 months.

    • +1

      we got one for our 3 year old for the toilet works well so far.

      • +2

        Does it work fully covered inside a light fitting?

      • +1

        update

        The motion sensor is heading back to Aldi 3 days in is not picking up motion all of the time.
        Even when you are near it waving hand doesn't always come on.

  • Thanks for the information and giving me the confidence to buy heaps of LED bulbs for the house :D

  • Note; if you live in Victoria do not buy the GU10 or the MR16 Downlights why? Because the VEEC scheme has better + brighter approved products that can installed for free at your house. The new Primsal GU10s I have installed over 10,000 and not seen one failure yet they are great + Dimmable. If you are interested or want more info just reply.

    • Do you install free LED globes (as opposed to downlights)?

    • Depends how many are being replaced. Most have a min install of 4- 6 lights. You also have the hassle of organising work around around someone coming to your place just to fit a lightbulb. I'm fairly sure that if you need a new transformer you need to pay for the cost + fitting.

    • @sr8rippinpro
      What make of MR16 downlights do you install for free under the scheme? What's the wattage and lumens? Does your installation include replacing the transformers with LED drivers?

      • Primsal 6w 550+ lumen. They are compatible with 95% of halogen transformers on the market, They are pretty much identical to a 50w halogen that's not brand new. Colour brighness spread etc…
        if you have expo, genex Kayo, focus or ECT branded transformers, then the globes are not compatible and it will be $20 each transformer for the upgrade

        • Essentially the same offer from door knockers. These Primsal 6W lamp are only about two-third the brightness of a 50W halogen. I told them to come back only if they can offer at least 8W LEDs.

        • @EarlyBird:
          I think you need to use a lux meter to measure how much your "old" 50w halogen is. I'm sure it will be hovering around the 500 lumen mark. Don't get me wrong a brand new Phillips 50w globe might give you 700/800 lumen for a short while. Most customers say these are Brighter than their existing lights that's cause they are. Also how bright do you want, do you like to look at glare bombs whilst you are eating dinner?

        • @sr8rippinpro:
          I don't use 50w halogens throughout the house, only in rooms where I need the area to be bright enough for reading. The rest of the house is a mixture of 35w and 20w.

  • Cons - half the LED bulbs available don't come in a B22 variant.

  • +1

    Zero bayonet type bulbs at my Aldi despite the flyer saying they were available. This was at opening.

  • +1

    Muller Licht with built in sensor into the bulb = fantastic and no need for electrician to run out power OR install a sensor.

    • Just tried mine, but it turned off almost straight away. When I left the room, and came back in, it didn't turn back on.

      • I just installed two, both turned off shortly after installing, but came back on immediately with movement. Sounds like you got a dud. I'm going back for more.

  • Went to 3 Aldi near by, I still can't find any white cool bubs. Seem like White cool only available on downlight and double-click only…

  • I recently bought a 6 pack of LED bulbs from aliexpress for a couple of dollars per bulb. Only arrived yesterday but time will tell how their lifespans/brightness compares with other lights. I haven't tried the ALDI bulbs yet but I would need to be going through 4 or 5 of mine in the same timespan before the ALDI ones started being economical.

    • i like ali, but how does a consumer test actual watts used and lumens produced? With major brands you have some confidence in the bulbs living up to their claims.

      • +1

        Easiest thing to do is to look at professional test results at http://www.ledbenchmark.com/

        If you're really keen, you could use a power meter connected to a desk lamp, e.g.
        http://www.jaycar.com.au/Power-Products-Electrical/Power-Mon…

        There are also smart phone apps for testing brightness, but unsure of accuracy.

      • +1

        That's a good point. The thing is, LED junctions degrade with usage so there is only a limited amount of time that you are getting the full spec lumens and that also depends on things such as your mains voltage (my mains is just over 250V, just at the upper end of the allowed range, but it means that my incandescent bulbs blow all the time from the higher voltage – hopefully the LED ones will have a better run.)

        For testing power usage, it's not easy but if you know how to use a multimeter safely you can measure the voltage and current, then multiply by the number of LED chips to get the total power. Testing lumens is harder but what really matters is whether it's bright enough for your purposes. My Samsung Note 4 can measure lux and can at least give a relative measurement if you want hard data.

        • You can borrow the plug in energy monitors from many NSW libraries.

  • I have replaced all the bulbs in my house with these, they have excellent performance for the money. Only problem is that I have had 3 fail. Each time I just return it and they give money back no questions asked…

  • Hi OP, would you happen to have researched on Ikea bulbs too? The Ikea bulbs seem to be very reasonably priced to my surprise.

    • I forgot about Ikea.
      I can't find the LED globes on the their website:
      http://www.ikea.com/au/en/search/?query=led+globes&category=…
      It's not too convenient for me to drop in. Happy for you to have a look if you have time.

    • +1

      I have a few IKEA leds and I think the actual quality of light they give out is the best I've tried. I have one Aldi light (warm white) and it's gives out disgusting yellowish light that's supposed to be warm white but it's more like warm vomit white or something. I hate it. Luckily i rarely turn it on because we mostly use lamps in that room, which are much cosier. Infact they're lamps with IKEA lights and they're much, much better.

      So yeah I endorse IKEA and don't endorse Aldi lights.

      • +1

        I agree about this. I've used mostly Philips LED warm white globes - gives a almost white warm light. I don't like cool white, too glary and hospital looking.

        The Aldi ones I agree are far too yellow and look gross.

  • I dropped into Woolworths just now and they have their occasional 10% special on Philips LED globes (these specials are never in their catalogue - you just have to keep on looking at the lighting section).

    I also found that they also sell Olsent LED globes.
    8W - 800 lumens - $14 for two - 100 lumens/watt (good) - Lifetime: not stated
    5W - 470 lumens - $10 for two - 94 lumens/watt (good) — Lifetime: not stated
    Efficient, and cheap.

    • +3

      masters ebay 20%off

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