Diffused LED vs Clear LED | A Complete Comparison Guide
The choice between diffused and clear LED lights hinges on specific lighting requirements and aesthetic preferences. Diffused LEDs disperse light uniformly across a wide angle, ideal for ambient illumination in spaces like living rooms and bedrooms, minimizing glare.
Clear LEDs, with their focused and directional beams, excel in applications such as task lighting, accentuating specific areas with precision. While diffused LEDs offer better color blending in RGB applications, clear LEDs are slightly more energy-efficient, and their lower manufacturing costs make them a cost-effective option. For more, let’s continue in details.
Basic Differences between Diffused LED and Clear LED
Diffused LED light bulbs have a milky or frosted external lens that scatters light in all directions. This wide angular diffusion creates a soft, uniform glow suitable for general ambient lighting. The light source itself is hidden and obscured behind the diffusive covering.
In contrast, clear LED light bulbs have a completely transparent glass or plastic enclosure. This allows the intense point source of light from the central diode to shine directly outward in a highly focused beam. Clear LEDs are thus very directional.
Here’s a concise overview:
Feature | Diffused LED | Clear LED |
External Appearance | Milky or frosted lens, scattering light in all directions | Transparent glass or plastic enclosure, focused beam |
Light Spread | Uniform glow in a wide 120+ degree beam angle | Narrow 20-45-degree beam, more directional |
Luminous Intensity | Gradual intensity drop with wider viewing angles | Constant intensity in a tight viewing range |
Glare Reduction | Virtually eliminates glare, suitable for ambient lighting | More prone to glare, requires careful aiming |
Focused Illumination | Not suitable for concentrated illumination | Ideal for task lighting, accent lighting, spotlights |
Color Blending (RGB) | Better color blending due to wider viewing angles | Less effective color mixing, appears less focused |
Efficiency | Slightly less efficient due to internal light scattering | Slightly more efficient with unobstructed reflection |
Cost | Generally higher due to manufacturing complexity | Lower cost, simpler manufacturing techniques |
Beam Angle Flexibility | Universally maintains at least a 120-degree beam angle | Variable, can have narrow spotlights or wider floodlights |
Best for Fixtures | Recessed Can Lighting, LED Light Bars, LED Panel Lights | Track Lighting, Task Lighting, Spotlights |
Dimmability | Compatible with dimmer switches for variable brightness | Compatible with dimmer switches, consider bulb specs |
Longevity | Up to 50,000 hours of operation, heat sinks for longevity | Up to 50,000 hours of operation, heat sinks for longevity |
Comparing Light Distribution
The key difference between diffused vs clear LED bulbs lies in how they spread light. Diffused LEDs emit light uniformly across a wide 120+ degree beam angle, reducing glare and shadows. Clear LEDs concentrate light into a narrow 20-45-degree beam, making them more like spotlights.
Luminous Intensity Analysis
Mathematically, luminous intensity measures light power per unit solid angle. Diffused LED intensity drops gradually as the viewing angle increases. Clear LED intensity remains constant over a tight viewing range then abruptly cuts off. This reflects the focused beam.
Glare Reduction
The wide, uniform glow produced by diffused LED lighting virtually eliminates glare. This makes diffused lights ideal for offices, classrooms, and living spaces where glare could otherwise cause discomfort and eye strain.
Focused Illumination
If you need to concentrate illumination into a small area, clear LED lighting is the solution. The tight beam can provide targeted tasks or accent lighting. However, clear LEDs must be aimed carefully to avoid glare.
Ambient Lighting Applications
Diffused LED lighting shines in ambient illumination roles where wide, glare-free distribution is desired. Examples include:
- Living Room Lighting
- Bedroom Lighting
- Hallway Lighting
- Bathroom Lighting
- Recessed Ceiling Lights
Directional Lighting Applications
Clear LED lighting excels when directional beams of light are preferred. Common applications include:
- Task Lighting
- Accent Lighting
- Porch Lights
- Path Lights
- Step Lights
- Spotlights
Color Blending by LEDs
In RGB lighting applications, diffused LEDs blend emitted colors together far better than clear LEDs. Again, this comes back to the wider viewing angles dispersing and mixing the light. Clear LED color mixing can appear unfocused.
Efficiency Comparison of Diffused and Clear LED
Due to unobstructed internal reflection, clear LED bulbs convert electricity into light slightly more efficiently than diffused equivalents. However, modern diffused LEDs now approach over 95% efficiency, minimizing this past discrepancy.
Cost Breakdown between Diffused and Clear LED
In general, clear LED bulbs still come at a lower price point than comparable diffused LED options. This is because clear LED fixtures require simpler manufacturing techniques. However, with improving production methods, diffused LED costs continue to decline year over year.
Beam Angle Flexibility
Manufacturers produce clear LED lights with different built-in beam angles. Narrow spotlights might radiate 15 degrees while wider floodlights can emit 120 degrees or more. Diffused LEDs universally maintain at least a 120-degree beam.
Best LED Type for Lighting Fixtures
Here are some guidelines on choosing between clear and diffused LEDs for popular fixtures:
- Recessed Can Lighting – Diffused
- Track Lighting – Clear
- LED Light Bars – Diffused
- LED Strip Lights – Both (variable)
- LED Panel Lights – Diffused
- LED Bulbs – Both
LED Filament Style
One variation that increases decorative appeal combines old-school filament light bulb aesthetics with LED technology. Here, small clear or rounded diffused bulbs mimic traditional incandescent looks.
Dimmability Factors
Both diffused and clear LED light bulbs can be paired with compatible dimmer switches to achieve variable brightness control. Consider the dimming method (leading vs. trailing edge), load thresholds, and bulb specs when selecting components.
Longevity Comparison of Diffused and Clear LED
On average, LED light bulbs now deliver up to 50,000 hours of operation whether clear or diffused. Heat sinks help regulate temperatures for maximum lifespans. Assuming 3 hours per day, LED bulbs can shine over 45 years!
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
- Is it possible to replace a clear LED with a diffused LED?
Answer: Yes, but the light distribution will change from focused to diffused. Consider the desired illumination pattern.
- Can I Use a Clear Bulb in a Fixture Designed for Diffused Lighting?
Answer: This is not recommended. The directional clear bulb may produce an uneven lighting effect. For best results, match the fixture and bulb’s lighting distribution.
- Which Has Better Light Quality, Clear or Diffused LEDs?
Answer: This is largely subjective to the desired application and individual preferences. Both can produce excellent quality lighting with proper fixture pairing.
To Conclude
In closing, when deciding between diffused vs clear LED lighting, consider factors like light distribution needs, efficiency, costs, and application suitability. With versatile options on both sides, LED technology empowers truly customizable and sustainable lighting solutions.
Subscribe to our newsletter
& plug into
the world of circuits