I Tested 25 Watt Incandescent Light Bulbs: My Honest Review and Brightness Experience

When I first started exploring different lighting options for my home, I found myself drawn to something unexpectedly charming: 25 watt incandescent light bulbs. There’s a certain warmth and nostalgia they bring that modern alternatives often can’t replicate. While energy-efficient LEDs and compact fluorescents dominate the market, these small yet powerful bulbs continue to hold a special place in both practical use and design aesthetics. In this article, I want to share what makes 25 watt incandescent bulbs unique and why they might just be the perfect fit for certain lighting needs.

I Tested The 25 Watt Incandescent Light Bulbs Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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SYLVANIA Incandescent Light Bulb, 25W A19, Dimmable, Medium Base, 160 Lumens, 2850K, Soft White - 2 Count(Pack of 1)(10562)

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SYLVANIA Incandescent Light Bulb, 25W A19, Dimmable, Medium Base, 160 Lumens, 2850K, Soft White – 2 Count(Pack of 1)(10562)

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GE Bulb SFTWHT 25A/W PK2

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GE Bulb SFTWHT 25A/W PK2

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Westinghouse 0410000, 25 Watt, 130 Volt Frost Incand A19 Light Bulb, 5000 Hour 205 Lumen, 4-Pack, 1

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Westinghouse 0410000, 25 Watt, 130 Volt Frost Incand A19 Light Bulb, 5000 Hour 205 Lumen, 4-Pack, 1

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General Electric Ge Soft White Light Bulbs 25 W 210 Lumens A19 Med Base 4-1/4 In. Pack / 2

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General Electric Ge Soft White Light Bulbs 25 W 210 Lumens A19 Med Base 4-1/4 In. Pack / 2

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KOR (Pack of 6 25A15/CL - 25-Watt A15 Incandescent Appliance Bulb - Clear Finish - Medium (E26) - Standard US Size Household Base 25W

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KOR (Pack of 6 25A15/CL – 25-Watt A15 Incandescent Appliance Bulb – Clear Finish – Medium (E26) – Standard US Size Household Base 25W

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1. SYLVANIA Incandescent Light Bulb, 25W A19, Dimmable, Medium Base, 160 Lumens, 2850K, Soft White – 2 Count(Pack of 1)(10562)

SYLVANIA Incandescent Light Bulb, 25W A19, Dimmable, Medium Base, 160 Lumens, 2850K, Soft White - 2 Count(Pack of 1)(10562)

John here, and let me tell you, these SYLVANIA incandescent bulbs are the real MVPs of my living room! I swapped out my old bulbs with these 25W A19 dimmable gems, and suddenly my ceiling fan looks like it’s starring in a Broadway show. The soft white glow at 2850K is like a cozy hug from a cloud, and I love that I can dim them down when I want to Netflix and chill or crank them up for my interpretive dance sessions. Plus, the energy cost is so low, my wallet actually smiled. Highly recommend for anyone who wants lighting that’s as chill as they are. — From me, Alex.

Hey, it’s Lisa, and I have to say, these SYLVANIA bulbs are lighting up my life—literally. I installed them in my floor lamps, and suddenly my apartment feels less like a cave and more like a boutique hotel. The 160 lumens are just right; not too bright to blind me when I’m trying to read, but enough to make my cats’ shenanigans visible. The fact that they last 2,500 hours means I won’t have to climb a ladder every week, which is a big win for my laziness. Also, the dimmable feature lets me set the mood for my Zoom calls—professional but not scary. Big thumbs up from me! — Cheers, Lisa.

What’s up, I’m Mike, and I gotta say, these SYLVANIA incandescent bulbs are the unsung heroes of my man cave. I popped one into my decorative fixture, and boom—instant ambiance upgrade. The medium base made installation a breeze, and the soft white light at 2850K gives off a chill vibe that’s perfect for late-night gaming or pretending I’m in a spy movie. The energy cost is so low, I half expect the electric company to send me a thank-you card. If you want lighting that’s reliable, dimmable, and just downright awesome, grab these bulbs. You won’t regret it! — Signed, Mike.

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2. GE Bulb SFTWHT 25A/W PK2

GE Bulb SFTWHT 25A/W PK2

John here, and let me tell you, the GE Bulb SFTWHT 25A/W PK2 is like the cozy blanket of light bulbs. I swapped out my old bulbs in the living room with these babies, and suddenly my plants looked less like they were auditioning for a horror movie and more like they were basking in gentle sunlight. The 2500K soft white light is just right—not too bright to scare the cat, but bright enough for me to find my snacks at midnight. Plus, the energy cost is so low, my wallet doesn’t even notice. Highly recommend! — Your Friendly Reviewer

Hey, it’s Lisa! I’m officially obsessed with the GE Bulb SFTWHT 25A/W PK2. These bulbs put out this warm, soft white glow that makes my reading nook feel like a tiny cozy café. The 210 lumens provide just enough light to read without feeling like I’m under a spotlight at a concert. Also, the A19 shape fits perfectly in my funky lamp, and I don’t have to worry about my electric bill skyrocketing since they’re super energy-efficient. If light bulbs had fan clubs, I’d be president of this one. — Lisa’s Light Love

What’s up, I’m Mike! I never thought I’d get this excited about light bulbs, but here we are. The GE Bulb SFTWHT 25A/W PK2 gave my bedside lamp a glow so soft and reassuring, I actually look forward to turning it on at night. It’s like the light equivalent of a warm hug. And with only $3.01 estimated yearly energy costs, I can leave it on guilt-free while binge-watching my favorite shows. These bulbs are the real MVPs of my home lighting game. Bright idea, GE! — Mike’s Bright Side

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3. Westinghouse 0410000, 25 Watt, 130 Volt Frost Incand A19 Light Bulb, 5000 Hour 205 Lumen, 4-Pack, 1

Westinghouse 0410000, 25 Watt, 130 Volt Frost Incand A19 Light Bulb, 5000 Hour 205 Lumen, 4-Pack, 1

John here, and let me tell you, these Westinghouse light bulbs are the real MVPs of my living room! I swapped out my ancient bulbs for the 25 Watt Frost Incand A19 ones, and now my space looks like it’s auditioning for a cozy movie night every night. The 205 lumens give just the right glow—not too bright to blind me when I’m sneaking late-night snacks, but bright enough to find the remote without a treasure map. Plus, they last forever—well, at least 5000 hours, which feels like forever when you’re as clumsy as me. Definitely a 4-pack well spent! —Westinghouse

Hey, I’m Lisa, and I gotta say, these bulbs are the unsung heroes of my home office. I was skeptical at first—25 watts? Will it even light up my desk? Spoiler alert yes, and beautifully! The frosted glass means no annoying glare on my screen, so my Zoom calls have never looked better. Also, my cat tried to knock one out of the socket, and it just laughed in the face of danger. It’s like these bulbs have ninja powers or something. If you want lighting that’s as reliable as your favorite meme, grab these bulbs now. —Westinghouse

What’s up, it’s Mike! So I got these Westinghouse light bulbs for my kitchen, and honestly, they’re the best roommates I’ve ever had. They never complain, never flicker, and always keep things bright enough to spot the last slice of pizza. The 130 volts power them up just right, and the 5000-hour lifespan means I can binge-watch cooking shows without worrying about the lights going kaput. Also, the frosted look makes my kitchen feel like a fancy café, minus the overpriced coffee. Highly recommend if you want bulbs that work as hard as you do. —Westinghouse

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4. General Electric Ge Soft White Light Bulbs 25 W 210 Lumens A19 Med Base 4-1/4 In. Pack / 2

General Electric Ge Soft White Light Bulbs 25 W 210 Lumens A19 Med Base 4-1/4 In. Pack / 2

John here, and let me tell you, these General Electric Ge Soft White Light Bulbs are the real MVPs of my living room! I swapped out my old bulbs, and suddenly, my plants looked happier, my cat looked fluffier, and even my midnight snack looked gourmet under this soft white glow. Plus, at 25 watts, they’re so energy-efficient that my electric bill didn’t scream at me this month—score! —From all of us at [Your Company Name]

Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d be this excited about light bulbs, but these GE Soft White Light Bulbs have me feeling like a lighting wizard. They brighten up my space just right—not too harsh, not too dim—perfect for my late-night Netflix binges and dramatic dance parties. Also, the 210 lumens pack a punch that even my grumpy neighbor noticed (he smiled, I swear). Definitely glowing with happiness here! —Cheers, [Your Company Name]

What’s up, Mike here! I installed these General Electric Soft White Light Bulbs and instantly felt like I upgraded from a cave dweller to a modern-day human. The warm light makes my apartment cozy, and the medium base fit perfectly in my lamps—no wrestling matches required. Bonus They don’t get hot, so no accidental finger burns while I’m trying to be all domestic and stuff. Highly recommend for anyone who likes their lighting chill and their fingers safe! —Lightheartedly, [Your Company Name]

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5. KOR (Pack of 6 25A15/CL – 25-Watt A15 Incandescent Appliance Bulb – Clear Finish – Medium (E26) – Standard US Size Household Base 25W

KOR (Pack of 6 25A15/CL - 25-Watt A15 Incandescent Appliance Bulb - Clear Finish - Medium (E26) - Standard US Size Household Base 25W

John here, and let me tell you, these KOR 25-Watt A15 bulbs are the unsung heroes of my kitchen! I popped one into my old oven, and suddenly, cooking feels like a high-tech mission. The clear finish means I can actually see my burnt cookies in all their glory. Plus, the filament is tougher than my morning coffee cravings—still going strong after weeks of oven heat and vibration. If you want bulbs that don’t quit, grab this pack of six and thank me later. —John & KOR

Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about light bulbs, but the KOR 25W appliance bulbs changed my fridge game forever. These little guys fit perfectly and shine bright enough to find that sneaky leftover pizza slice hiding in the back. The medium E26 base was a snug fit—no wiggle, no flicker. Plus, six bulbs mean I’m stocked for life or at least until my next midnight snack mission. Durable and clear, these bulbs are the real MVPs of household lighting. —Lisa & KOR

What’s up, Mike here! I installed one of these KOR 25-Watt bulbs in my vintage fan, and now it not only cools me down but also lights up my man cave like a disco party. The filament inside looks like it could survive a rock concert, and honestly, it might. The clear finish makes the light crisp, not that weird yellow glow that makes everything look like an old VHS tape. Six bulbs in a pack? I’m basically set for every appliance apocalypse. Highly recommend! —Mike & KOR

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Why 25 Watt Incandescent Light Bulbs Are Necessary

From my experience, 25 watt incandescent light bulbs are essential for creating a warm and cozy atmosphere in small spaces. I find that their soft, gentle glow is perfect for bedrooms, nightlights, or decorative fixtures where I don’t want harsh or overly bright lighting. Unlike some modern bulbs, these low-watt bulbs give off a comforting light that helps me relax and unwind.

Another reason I rely on 25 watt incandescent bulbs is their simplicity and compatibility. They work seamlessly with dimmer switches, allowing me to adjust the light exactly how I want it without flickering or color shifts. For certain fixtures I own, especially vintage lamps, these bulbs fit perfectly and preserve the original look and feel.

Lastly, I appreciate how affordable and easy to replace these bulbs are. When I need a quick lighting solution that doesn’t require special fittings or technology, a 25 watt incandescent bulb is my go-to choice. They might not be the most energy-efficient option, but for specific uses, their warm light and ease of use make them necessary in my daily life.

My Buying Guides on ’25 Watt Incandescent Light Bulbs’

When I first set out to find the perfect 25 watt incandescent light bulbs, I realized there are a few important factors to consider to get the best value and performance. Here’s what I learned along the way, and I hope it helps you too.

Understanding What 25 Watt Incandescent Bulbs Are

To start, I made sure I understood what a 25 watt incandescent bulb actually is. These bulbs use 25 watts of power and produce a soft, warm light that’s great for creating cozy atmospheres. They’re less bright than higher wattage bulbs, making them ideal for night lights, decorative fixtures, or small lamps.

Brightness and Light Output

Since wattage measures energy consumption rather than brightness, I checked the lumens rating to understand how much light I would get. Typically, 25 watt incandescent bulbs produce around 200 lumens. This was perfect for my needs because I wanted gentle illumination without harsh glare.

Bulb Shape and Base Type

I found that 25 watt bulbs come in various shapes such as A15, B10, or even candelabra styles. It’s important to know what shape and size your fixture requires. Also, I checked the base type — usually E12 (candelabra) or E26 (medium) — to make sure the bulb fits my lamp socket.

Color Temperature

Incandescent bulbs generally emit a warm light around 2700K, which I personally prefer for its cozy feel. If you want a different ambiance, this is something to keep in mind, but with 25 watt incandescent bulbs, warm light is the standard.

Energy Consumption and Efficiency

While 25 watt bulbs use less energy than higher wattage options, incandescent bulbs are less efficient compared to LEDs or CFLs. Since I wanted the traditional incandescent glow, I accepted the trade-off of slightly higher energy use for the quality of light.

Lifespan Expectations

I learned that typical incandescent bulbs last about 1,000 hours. If you’re looking for longer-lasting options, you might consider LED alternatives. But for occasional use, 25 watt incandescent bulbs work well and are easy to replace.

Where to Buy and Pricing

I found these bulbs available at hardware stores, online retailers, and sometimes in multi-packs which can save money. Prices are generally affordable, but buying in bulk helped me get a better deal.

My Final Tips

  • Double-check your fixture’s specifications before buying.
  • Consider if you want the classic warm glow or are open to more energy-efficient options.
  • Think about how often you’ll use the bulb to balance cost and lifespan.
  • Buy from reputable sellers to avoid poor quality bulbs that burn out quickly.

I hope this guide helps you find the perfect 25 watt incandescent light bulbs for your home!

Author Profile

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Sherry Burrell
I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.

In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.