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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
ALDI

closed Comments

  • Anyone know where to find super warm leds? Anything below 2700k. Have used a Vintage LED in a lamp, but they cost about $40 each so not going to use them all through the house…

  • I'm confused. This post is for Aldi globes, which are mentioned to burn out quicker than the Mirabella ones
    However the Mirabella ones only got 26 votes when they were $6.50
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/246257

    Anyway. Cheers for the info. It probably wouldn't have gotten the same exposure in the forum section.

    • +2

      I think some of the votes were for the time and effort I put into the research, rather than for the Aldi deals themselves.
      As per "28Degrees" post above: …. From the Voting Guidlines - ….

      IMO the Coles deal was definitely better.

  • Thanks last time I grabbed a few 13w 7500k, they are excellent, will try and grab some more.

    Don't waste your money on the down lights, get the new Phillips 425lm 5.5w brighter than the old ones, swapped out the original bulbs and wife didn't notice.

    • No such thing as 7500k

      • probably meant 5700k :)

        • Correct 5700k, can't even blame the phone.

          I purchased six, thankfully all still going. ( none enclosed ), the plastic is very thin. Seriously since the Philips 12v downloghts have been upgraded they give off excellent light, I have also found they work in the old transformers where other led's won't or flicker.
          Masters 10% + gift card 5% is unfortunately the best I can find

        • Yes, I meant to 5700k, can't even blame the phone.
          Honestly have found the Aldi ones excellent, although I am concerned about how flimsy the plastic is.

          The new 12v Phillips 425lm 5.5w are even better then the old ones (although more expensive, they are brighter), and work in even the oldest transformers without a flicker.

          I have been searching for specials on these.

  • how do these compare with the Orbit led globes at masters that they had for $5?

  • +5

    I'm negging based on my experience with ALDI LED globes. In my house they are EXTREMELY unreliable. ymmv but I won't be buying any ALDI globes again.

    • Out of interest, did you put the LED globes in an enclosed light fitting, or left them open/exposed?

      • Out of curiosity, are they supposed to be enclosed ? I'm thinking of getting some - not Aldi, though since my store had no stock.

        • In general, all LED globes will last longer if kept cooler, i.e. in open enclosures that allow good ventilation.

          The Aldi packaging has a symbol in the bottom right hand corner that looks like a globe with a closed fitting, with a big red X over it.
          This seems to indicate that Muller Licht are telling consumers that the globe should not be used in a closed fitting. [I could not find a key/legend online to explain the symbols.]

          Also, instructions for Philips globes below:
          Philips domestic LED range
          • Expected 15,000 hrs lifetime
          • Use in open fitting

          Philips commercial LED range
          • Operating temperature range is between -20° C and 45° C ambient
          • Only to apply in dry or damp locations and most of open fixtures with lamp-holders that offer sufficient space (10 mm free air space)

      • +1

        They're in open glass shades with adequate airflow. It's quality, not temperature related - even the old home brand incandescent globes last longer. About a 30% grossly-premature failure rate (ie within a couple of months), which is not good enough.

        • Can you share which ALDI LED globes specifically? How many incandescent globes did you replace with ALDI LED globes?

          Did you return the ALDI LED globes under warranty? Especially those within a couple of months would be within ALDI standard 60 days warranty.

        • bummer, I've had Aldi globes in for a while now and no problems. My place runs at around 250V as well which usually isn't the best for electronic gear.

        • +1

          @ALpha: Mine are all Muller globes. I have a mix of CFLs and LEDs around the house atm.

          The ALDI globes claim X hours so the ALDI warranty is largely irrelevant, within reason. If I had a receipt I'd take them all back on the basis of failure to live up to the claimed hours of use.

          Btw there are similar experiences to mine above. Bad batch? Local environment? Dunno, just passing on my experience with these globes. Rightly or wrongly it has turned me off pretty much all ALDI electrical stuff. Way it goes sometimes.

          Edit: after reading a few comments in the AVTECH's link on P2 let me say this. ALDI is in no position to quibble over warranty wrt failed globes if you have a receipt, whether it's in their 3 month period or not. One of the basic tenets of warranty is fit for purpose and having due regard to claims about life of product. So don't be shy in taking them back and asking for a refund/replacement.

  • +1

    Absolute best ones are Philips scene switch. Turn on the light and it's cool daylight, turn it off immediately and do it again and it's warm light. You get the best of both worlds! Abit dearer than the others but the specs are 15,000 hours. At 6hrs usage per day, that's 6.8 years. Phillips specs are usually right on. Can tell you I have the scene switch in my bedroom and it's fantastic. On lazy days where I want to relax, I put them on warm warm and on days I need to crank out some work, I switch to daylight/coolwhite. You can pick them up at Masters or Bunnings. Get a trade card for free (need your own ABN) and you always get 5% discount.

    • are you kidding? now i am interested.
      as long as i have an abn, i can apply for a trade card? even though the abn has nothing to do with any "trades"?

      • Yeh they don't check.. and the reality is, a PC business might be undergoing a rennovation, so… technically they're going tradie status. :P
        Bunnings: https://l.bunnings.com.au/trade/trade-accounts_bunnings-trad…
        Masters: https://www.masters.com.au/diy-projects-ideas/trade/trade-me…

        Takes about 2 minutes to fill out

        • thanks.

        • The trade cash account looks good, do you have any idea on the discounts that trade accounts normally get?

        • +1

          some items get the 5% some items don't …….but it is free. They used to send out extra special offers for trade cards but don't seem to anymore unless they have some sort of min spend.

        • +1

          @BlueMM: Most things are around 4.8-5%. You usually get no discounts on stuff that's not trade related.. Like if you bought a Christmas tree or playground setup from Bunnings.

    • +1

      The Philips scene switch LED globes are 25% off at my local Woolies.
      The rest of the range are 10% off.

      • wow, that is cheap. About $4.5 off, making it $13. Just stocked up on some. :P Thanks

  • +1

    Shouldn't the assessment of value-for-money include the run life of a globe?

    Having a higher light output, but shorter life, means total light delivered over a shorter time may effectively be the same as a lower powered light which lasts longer. This kind of impacts the greater light output = greater value assessment.

    • +1

      Definitely. However, most people rely on the manufacturer's ratings on the box (just like they do with car mileage and diesel emissions figures!!).
      It's good to hear about other people's experiences here.
      Please be aware though that LED globe lifetimes are a function of several factors, incl. use in open vs closed light fittings, quality of mains supply, quality of components used, and quality control. Despite this, given all the personal accounts here, I suspect Aldi bulbs don't last as long as claimed (reminds me of VW).
      The LED comparison website gives more info: http://www.ledbenchmark.com/
      I trust the Philips brand the most - they generate less heat, amongst other things. Mirabella also OK (I use them in open fittings).

  • From my LED experiences so far. Philips & Osram, the safest bets, ie you get what you pay for. Aldi & Mort Bay, bet & lost.

    • you can tell when you have them side by side …. my osram and Philips have lots of metal for a heatsink …. other brands don't to save money …. so you can the difference in designs and weight in materials used, but it also comes down to how much you want to save and the hassle of changing light bulbs (e.g bulbs about stairs … hard to get to vs kitchen just get on a chair)

    • More negative feedback for Aldi/ML LED globes here:
      http://reductionrevolution.com.au/blogs/news-reviews/1369158…

      • That was 2014 they may have changed since also most of the ones they have are dimmable now in the review they aren't.

  • Hey guys,

    I've updated my LED globe comparison tables to identify the best value globes depending on whether purchase cost, running cost or brightness are most important to you.
    Sweet spots are highlighted.

    PDF: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BxSN-cQ0-xh1MUNfSHMzSDZzS0…
    Excel: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BxSN-cQ0-xh1cG12TVpYNkJhVT…

    I've used these guidelines:
    -Lumens/$: >100 is very good
    -Lumens/watt: >90 is good

    Given the feedback above there may be quality issues with the Aldi globes.

    • Philips also have an 18W that spits out 2000 lumens

  • Ducked into my local aldi this morning. All the 15w bulbs gone. Only the dim down lights left.
    Left disappointed.

    Looking for some dimmable mr16 and some gu10's. What's next best?
    What are the Costco deals and prices?

  • +6

    I'm a qualified electrician and electrical engineer and LED lighting is one of the nerdy things that I know a bit about

    Be careful what you buy - not all LEDs are created equal. Even some from reputable brands can be rubbish

    I find that overall, Philips make the best LEDs. Their 7W Master range is the best when you want to dim (but be careful as the dimming is not as precise as halogen and some fitting may not take them without a bit of modification. Their 5.5W Master range is the best for non-dim applications (Woolworths were knocking them out for $2 last year

    I prefer cool white for kitchens and bathrooms and warm white for living areas and bedrooms

    My house is now nearly all LED lit

    Here's a good resource to help you compare:
    http://www.ledbenchmark.com/

    • Hi mate can you message me a I have a quick question for you.
      Thanks

  • I love LED's but for some reason light bulb LED tech seem older then torch LED technology I just built a torch with a XPLHI running at about 5amps @ 4 volts that shoukd yeild around 1600 lumens at about 17 watts account for loses of say 20% so 14 watts maybe 1400 lumens still better watt per lumen ratio and this LED the XPLHI is in the low side of the list of around 136lm per watt if you where to use a cree xpg2 you get about 172lm per watt. For the price of these bulbs for what you get is a bit bad but I did buy some half price at coles the other week that is where the price should be sitting.

  • Do ALDI globes come in Cool white/ daylight?

  • 1 more person with poor experiences with Muller Licht Aldi LED bulbs. 2 out of 3 failing after about 1 year. Not only that but the bulbs were noticeably dimmer. I thought my eyes were going bad until I replaced the bulbs with Philips LEDs. They have not failed or gone dim.

    Tried to return to Aldi with receipt but was refused but by this stage was 12 months after I had bought them.

    The distributor ended up replacing them after I complained by email to German head office.

  • Haven't tried ALDI's yet, may try to get a couple to test out.

    I got a couple Philips 5.5W Master series from DSE closing down for $3 each.
    Better than normal 5W Philips and 7~10W of no name brand, should have bought more. XD
    Pretty happy with it and the old 5W Philips LEDs are still going strong after 4 years.

  • My two cents. Got a warm/cool switchable globe. Very bright at night-time so I managed to remove the plastic dome and covered up half of the warm LEDs (they are on the outside circumference) with some paper. I try to go with dimmer rather than brighter lights now to aid with the body clock and sleep cycle. Colour rendition is a bit average but does the job. The base of the globe seemed to be metal unlike other globes so a +1 for some extra heatsinking.

    I bought an E13 globe (compact one with the LEDs arranged in a circle). Flicker is noticeable which makes me not want to use it much, or give it away unfortunately. Worked well enough in a salt lamp but I think they need periodical heating from an incandescent lamp to prevent them from absorbing too much moisture.

  • anyone see any good deals on E14's

  • I purchased some Mirabella Cool White 9 W globes from Coles @5.50 when on special
    They appear to be more yellow than the Philips cool daylight ones

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