A19 vs BR30 Light Bulbs: Which is Better for Your Smart Home Set-Up
When the time comes to modernize a living space with smart lighting, many shoppers are confused as to what type of bulb they need.
As we’re sure you’re aware, bulbs come in all sorts of different shapes and sizes, so knowing which you need requires a little bit of research - there aren’t many who are well-versed in light bulb standardizations!
A19 and BR30 are two popular shapes of light bulbs that fulfil different purposes in the home. So, when it’s time for new light bulbs, you will likely need either the A19 or BR30 bulb.
The last thing you want to do is unbox your new smart light bulb and realize that it’s not the right model. To ensure that this calamity doesn’t happen to you, we’ve put together a complete guide that includes the differences between A19 and BR30 light bulbs and explains which bulb fits the bill for your needs.
What are A19 & BR30 Light Bulbs?
When you browse through the BAZZ Smart Home smart lighting page, you’d be forgiven for thinking A19 and BR30 are the names we’ve given to our products. They are, in fact, universal standardizations of light bulbs!
So, whether you’re shopping with BAZZ Smart Home or anyone else, the names will remain the same regardless of the manufacturer! Both bulbs are extremely popular because they fit different purposes in the household.
A19 bulbs are more of a basic, everyday light bulb that can be used for many applications. The bulbs can be fitted into almost any household fixture, whether it be a ceiling fixture or a lamp. Meanwhile, BR30 bulbs offer directional lighting that points light straight ahead, making them better suited to recessed fixtures and can lights.
What Are The Pros & Cons for Each?
A19 pros and cons:
- Provides omnidirectional lighting
- Fits in most household fixtures
- Provides even, warm lighting
- Higher lumens
- Interior use only
- Shorter life span
BR30 pros and cons:
- Interior and exterior use
- Longer life span
- Ideal for recessed lighting
- Lower lumens
- Limited to recessed lighting
Main Differences Between A19 and BR30 Light Bulbs
1) The Shape
The shape is the first difference you’ll notice between the two bulbs.
The “A” in A19 refers to the overall shape of the bulb. In the case of “A” bulbs, the overall shape resembles a conventional light bulb; commonly compared to an upside-down pear. The two digits after the letter A are the bulb's diameter at its widest point (measured in eighths of an inch). The curved shape of A19 bulbs casts omnidirectional lighting that disperses light evenly across the room.
The BR30 bulb is the complete opposite of the A19’s curved shape. “BR” stands for "bulge reflector," which the bulb uses to point light straight ahead from its flat end. The flat end is better equipped to provide directional lighting, and, as such, is better suited to areas where you'd want concentrated lighting.
2) The Price
Although many assume BR30 bulbs are far pricier than their A19 counterparts, the cost difference is extremely minimal. Many Canadians choose to awkwardly fasten A19 bulbs into fittings that require a BR30 bulb as a way to save a quick buck, but did you know that at BAZZ Smart Home BR30 bulbs and A19 bulbs are the same price?
Better yet, you can purchase your smart bulbs in a multipack for an even lower price per unit! There’s no reason for you to ever make your light bulb choice based on price.
3) In Which Purpose Would I Use It?
The A19 is a more universally applicable bulb that mimics the ‘classic’ bulb shape. The dispersed lighting from the curved shape makes the A19 bulb better suited to floor lamps and hanging ceiling fixtures.
Conversely, the shape and reflective coating of the BR30 casts direct lighting that makes the bulb ideal for recessed fixtures in the kitchen or hallway or track lighting.
Can I Use A19 Instead of BR30?
A19 bulbs are more common than BR30s, and it is more likely that you’ll have some A19 bulbs laying around the house when a BR30 bulb blows. If you’re wondering whether you can fasten an A19 bulb into a fitting ideally suited for a BR30 bulb - ceiling lighting, can lights, and floodlights - the answer is yes.
However, as you would expect, the resulting finish might appear slightly awkward. A19’s curved shape can make them look peculiar in recessed fittings and the resulting lighting is more dispersed - something that’s not recommended for recessed or fully enclosed fixtures.
Where Can I Buy the Best A19 & BR30 Light Bulbs in Canada?
At BAZZ Smart Home, of course! We are Canada’s smart lighting experts, with everything from smart A19 bulbs and smart BR30 bulbs to RGB light strips.
Our Smart WiFi BR30 and A19 bulbs are plug-in and play with no hub or bridge required. Simply screw in the bulb, download the BAZZ Smart Home app (iOS and Android), and enjoy complete lighting control!
Set a party mood for get-togethers, turn your living room into a movie theatre, create schedules to turn lighting off at nighttime, and more! Control through your smartphone or set voice commands with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant when your hands are full.
Transform your living space into a smart one today!
