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Choosing the Right Linear LED Light Bulbs for Your Home

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Published October 24, 2025

Whether you’re upgrading your garage, kitchen or office lighting, linear LED light bulbs are a popular and practical solution. But with so many options, it can be hard to know where to start. This guide will simplify your decision so you can shop with confidence.

LED vs. Fluorescent: Why Make the Switch?

Linear LED bulbs are the modern, energy-efficient alternative to traditional linear fluorescent bulbs. LED bulbs aren’t only mercury-free, they also save you money on energy bills and reduce the hassle of frequent replacements. And with legislation banning the sale of fluorescents in some areas of the United States, there’s no better time to choose LED. The chart below shows some additional benefits.

A chart comparing L E D and fluorescent light bulbs.

Choosing a Linear LED Light Bulb in 4 Steps

Linear LED light bulbs come in many different systems (types), bases, shapes, lengths and color temperatures. Follow these steps to select the right one for you.

Step 1: Choose Type A, Type B or Universal Type A/B

The first question you should ask yourself is, “What’s the condition of the ballast in the fixture?” The ballast is what delivers power to the lamp connectors on either end of the fixture. The condition of the fixture’s ballast will impact which type of linear LED bulb you can install.

Replacement by Bulb Type

Type A

  • Requires a functioning ballast
  • Won’t work in fixtures with a failed or previously bypassed ballast
  • Simply replaces the existing bulb (no wiring required)
Type B

  • Requires the ballast to be bypassed/removed
  • Won’t work in fixtures with a functioning ballast
  • Requires rewiring but eliminates future ballast failures

Type A/B

  • All-in-one solution; ideal if you’re unsure of the state of your ballast
  • Works in fixtures with a functioning ballast
  • Works in fixtures with a failed or previously bypassed ballast

A graphic showing different ballast types.

Step 2: Choose a T5, T8 or T12 Base


The T stands for “tubular,” and the number refers to the diameter measured in eighths of an inch. This is considered the base of the bulb. Linear LED light bulbs are available in:

While bulbs with a T5, T8 or T12 base are the most common, other base sizes may also be available in store or on Lowes.com, such as a T8/T12 base, meaning it’s compatible with either a T8 or T12 base size.

Step 3: Choose the Length and Shape


Linear LED bulbs come in a variety of shapes and lengths. Simply match the shape and size of your current bulb to determine whether you need linear, circline or u-bend.

A graphic showing different L E D bulb shapes.

Step 4: Choose the Color Temperature

The color temperature of an LED light — measured in Kelvins or K — indicates the type of light it produces, such as soft white or daylight. LED bulbs with lower color temperatures have more of a yellow tone or warmer light, which can create a comfortable feel. LED bulbs with higher color temperatures have more of a blue tone or cooler light that’s bright and can evoke a feeling of energy.

  • Warm White: warm, yellowish tone for creating an inviting atmosphere; ideal for living rooms, bedrooms and cozy spaces
  • Bright White: neutral, balanced light perfect for anywhere in the home; ideal for kitchens, bathrooms and workspaces
  • Cool White: bright, blueish tone creating an energizing environment; ideal for garages, basements, laundry rooms and task lighting
  • Daylight: high-visibility, daylight-like brightness that enhances clarity and focus; ideal for workshops and areas needing maximum illumination

Not Sure Which Color Temperature You Need?

If you’re unsure what color temperature works best for your space — or if your existing fixtures vary — correlated color temperature (CCT) selectable LED bulbs are the ideal solution. These versatile bulbs let you switch between multiple color temperatures, using a simple toggle switch located on the base of the lamp.

Recap and Buying Checklist


When choosing a linear LED light bulb, start by checking your fixture’s ballasts. This will determine which bulb type you need. Type A bulbs are plug and play for working ballasts. Type B bulbs require bypassing the ballast for long-term reliability. And Universal Type A/B bulbs work in almost any fixture, making them the most versatile choice. Universal Type A/B bulbs also fit both T8 and T12 bases and often feature selectable color temperatures, so this one bulb type can replace several types.

Buying Checklist

  • Choose Your LED Bulb Type: Type A, Type B or Universal Type A/B for maximum flexibility
  • Match the Base Size: T5, T8, T12 or, for a universal solution, T8/T12 bulbs
  • Select Your Bulb Shape and Length: linear tube light bulbs (2 – 8 feet), circline light bulbs (8 – 12 inches), u-bend light bulbs (18 – 24 inches)
  • Pick Your Color Temperature: warm (3500K), bright white (4100K), cool white (5000K), daylight (6500K) or CCT selectable for all-in-one versatility
  • Enjoy the Benefits of LED: energy savings, long life and safe, mercury-free lighting

Tip

If you’re unsure about your fixture or which bulb to choose, bring your old bulb to your local Lowe’s store and ask a Lowe’s Red Vest associate for help.