What Are LED PAR Light Bulbs?
LED PAR light bulbs are a type of directional reflector lamp that use a parabolic aluminized reflector (PAR) and built-in lens to aim light exactly where you need it. Instead of throwing light in every direction like a standard bulb, an LED PAR bulb focuses the beam into a controlled spotlight or floodlight for more precise directional lighting.
Older PAR lamps were usually halogen PAR bulbs or incandescent PAR bulbs, which ran hot and used a lot of energy for the amount of light they produced. LED PAR bulbs are designed to replace those legacy lamps with much lower wattage for the same brightness, cooler operation, and a far longer rated life.
You’ll see LED PAR light bulbs in recessed cans, track lighting, and ceiling fixtures where a focused beam matters, from accent lighting on artwork to wide flood coverage over a driveway. Once you know what a PAR light bulb is and how it works, it becomes much easier to choose the right size, beam angle, and brightness for your space.
PAR Bulb Sizes: PAR16, PAR20, PAR30, PAR38 Explained
PAR bulb sizes are based on the diameter of the lamp in eighths of an inch. To decode it, divide the number by 8. A PAR20 light bulb is 20/8 inches across, or about 2.5 inches. A PAR30 light bulb is roughly 3.75 inches in diameter, and a PAR38 bulb measures about 4.75 inches across. Once you know the size, it is much easier to match par light bulbs to recessed can lights, track light fixtures, and outdoor flood housings.
PAR20 LED Bulbs
PAR20 LED light bulbs are the small, tight-beam option most often used in smaller recessed ceiling cans and compact track lighting. With a diameter of about 2.5 inches and a standard E26 medium base in most North American homes, a PAR20 LED bulb works well for kitchen task lighting, accent lighting over counters, and focused spots on shelves or artwork.
If you are replacing halogen PAR20 bulbs, look for LED PAR20 bulbs with similar beam angles and lumens so you get the same feel with less wattage. Phrases like “PAR20 LED light bulb size,” “PAR20 bulb diameter 2.5 inches,” or “small PAR20 flood light for ceiling cans” in product specs are clues you are looking at the right form factor.
PAR30 LED Bulbs
PAR30 LED bulbs are the mid-size workhorse for many homes and businesses. At roughly 3.75 inches across, a PAR30 light bulb fits nicely in 4 to 5 inch recessed cans and standard track heads, giving you a bit more punch and spread than PAR20 without going oversized. They are a solid pick for living rooms, lobbies, retail aisles, and higher ceilings where you want a broader pool of light.
When comparing “PAR20 vs PAR30 vs PAR38,” PAR30 often lands in the sweet spot between size and coverage for general-purpose recessed lighting. Product pages that mention “PAR30 LED spotlight for track lighting” or “PAR30 flood for 5 inch cans” are typically aimed at this common ceiling can size.
PAR38 LED Bulbs
PAR38 LED bulbs are the largest of the everyday PAR options, with a diameter of about 4.75 inches. They are commonly used as outdoor PAR38 flood light bulbs in security fixtures, garage lights, driveway lights, and large indoor cans where you need a wide pool of light from a higher mounting height.
Because PAR38 bulbs are bigger and often brighter, sizing matters. A “PAR38 outdoor flood light bulb” is usually intended for 6 inch cans or dedicated flood fixtures. Look for notes about “PAR38 bulb diameter 4.75 inches” and check your housing label so you do not try to squeeze a larger lamp into a smaller trim or recessed can.
Other Sizes: PAR16, PAR56, PAR64
Beyond the standard PAR20, PAR30, and PAR38, you will sometimes see smaller PAR16 light bulbs and large-format PAR56 and PAR64 lamps. PAR16 is a compact option similar in diameter to MR16, often used for tight accent spots in display cases and small track heads. PAR56 and PAR64 are much larger lamps typically used in stage, theatrical, or specialty commercial lighting rather than everyday residential recessed lighting.
Whatever size you choose, the same rules apply: match the PAR number to the fixture’s recommended bulb diameter, confirm the E26 medium base or other socket type, and make sure the overall length of the reflector lamp fits comfortably inside your recessed can or track lighting head.
Key Specifications to Compare Before You Buy
When you are comparing LED PAR light bulbs, the main specs to watch are brightness, wattage, beam angle, color temperature, CRI, and dimmability. Those details tell you how much light you get, how it looks in the room, and how well it will work with your fixtures and dimmer switches.
Brightness (Lumens) vs. Wattage
With LED PAR bulbs, brightness is measured in lumens, not just watts. Wattage tells you how much power the lamp uses, while lumens tell you how much light you actually get. A modern LED PAR bulb can use a fraction of the wattage of an old halogen PAR bulb and still deliver the same or higher lumen output.
Typical ranges look something like this: many PAR20 LED bulbs land around 450 to 650 lumens, PAR30 LED bulbs often run 700 to 1,000 lumens, and PAR38 LED bulbs can push 1,000 lumens and up for outdoor flood lights. Look for “LED PAR bulb lumens vs wattage” charts or “how bright should a PAR light bulb be” notes in the product spec sheet to match the light level you want.
Beam Angle (Spot vs. Flood)
Beam angle controls how wide the light spreads on the surface. A narrow spot PAR spotlight under 20 degrees throws a tight, focused circle that works well for artwork, signage, or accent lighting. Medium flood beams in the 30 to 45 degree range are a good fit for general lighting in living rooms, kitchens, and retail aisles.
Wide flood beams over 60 degrees spread light across a large area, which is ideal for low ceilings or big pools of light from PAR38 outdoor flood light bulbs. When you see phrases like “narrow beam PAR spotlight 25 degrees” or “40 degree PAR38 flood light,” that beam angle spec is what determines the shape of the light on your wall or floor.
Color Temperature (Kelvin)
Color temperature, measured in Kelvins (K), describes how warm or cool the light looks. A 2700K warm white PAR bulb gives a cozy, soft glow similar to classic incandescent. Around 3000K soft white is a touch crisper but still comfortable in most homes.
At 4000K cool white, the light feels brighter and more neutral, which suits offices, garages, and workspaces. At 5000K daylight, the light looks very bright and crisp, closer to natural midday sun, which can be helpful for task areas and security lighting. Choosing 2700K warm white PAR20 for a living room versus a 5000K daylight PAR38 flood light for a driveway will change the mood as much as the brightness.
Color Rendering Index (CRI)
Color Rendering Index (CRI) measures how accurately a bulb shows colors compared to a natural reference. For most homes, an 80+ CRI LED PAR bulb is fine. For artwork, retail displays, food, or any space where colors really matter, look for high CRI options, often labeled 90+ CRI.
A high CRI LED PAR light bulb helps fabrics, artwork, and merchandise look true to life instead of washed out or dull. Product descriptions that mention “90+ CRI LED PAR bulb for artwork” or “high CRI PAR light bulb” are targeting those color critical applications.
Dimmability and Compatibility
Not every LED PAR bulb is dimmable, and not every dimmable bulb works smoothly with every dimmer. If you want to dim your recessed can PAR lights or track lighting PAR bulbs, make sure the packaging clearly says “dimmable LED PAR bulb” and pair it with an LED compatible dimmer switch.
Old dimmers designed for incandescent and halogen lamps can cause flicker, buzzing, or a very limited dimming range with LEDs. If you are seeing flicker or jumpy light levels, the issue is often dimmer compatibility, not the bulb itself. Manufacturer spec sheets and notes about “LED dimmer compatibility issues” are worth checking before you buy a full set of dimmable LED PAR30 or PAR38 bulbs.
Where to Use LED PAR Bulbs: Indoor vs. Outdoor
LED PAR light bulbs work well almost anywhere you need focused, directional lighting. The key is matching the bulb size, beam angle, and rating to the space, whether that is indoor recessed lighting in a kitchen or outdoor PAR38 flood lights over a driveway.
Indoor Uses for LED PAR Lights
Indoors, LED PAR bulbs are common in recessed ceiling lights, track lighting, and accent fixtures. PAR20 LED bulbs for kitchen track lights are great for aiming light at counters, islands, and open shelving. PAR30 LED bulbs fit most 4 to 5 inch recessed cans and are often the best PAR bulbs for recessed ceiling lights in living rooms, hallways, and home offices.
Because PAR lamps are directional, they also work well for gallery lighting and retail lighting where you want to highlight artwork, displays, or end caps without spilling light everywhere. Look for medium or narrow beam angles for spotlight effects on walls and displays, and wider floods if you want more even general lighting across a room.
Outdoor Uses for LED PAR Lights
Outside, PAR38 bulbs are the go to choice for security lighting and landscape lighting. An outdoor-rated PAR38 flood light bulb can cover a driveway, garage door, or backyard patio with bright, controlled light. You will also see LED PAR flood lights aimed at signage or architectural features when people want to light up a sign, column, or façade without wasting energy.
Landscape designers often use directional PAR spotlights to highlight trees, pathways, and garden features. When you shop for outdoor PAR38 flood light bulbs or PAR spotlights, check that they are clearly listed as outdoor lighting or outdoor-rated PAR light bulbs so they can handle weather and temperature swings.
Wet Location and Damp Location Ratings
For indoor and outdoor fixtures, pay close attention to wet-location rated and damp-location rated labels. Damp-location rated fixtures and PAR bulbs are fine in places that see moisture but not direct water, like covered porches, bathrooms, or under-eave soffit lighting. Wet-location rated products are built for direct exposure to rain or snow.
If you plan to use LED PAR bulbs in a fully exposed outdoor fixture, always choose wet-location rated PAR bulbs paired with a weatherproof fixture. For semi-protected spots like covered entryways or bathrooms, damp-location rated PAR20 or PAR30 bulbs are usually enough. Matching indoor lighting and outdoor lighting to the right wet or damp rating keeps your PAR bulbs safe, reliable, and within code.
How to Match PAR Bulbs to Your Existing Fixtures
Before you order new LED PAR light bulbs, take a minute to confirm what your fixtures are built for. The right size, base type, and trim style will keep your recessed lighting, track lighting, and outdoor fixtures working safely and looking clean.
Check the Socket and Base Type
Start by checking the base of your old bulb or the label inside the fixture. Most residential PAR20, PAR30, and PAR38 LED bulbs in North America use an E26 medium base on 120V line voltage, which is the same screw base you see on standard household bulbs.
If the old lamp is marked as an E26 base LED PAR bulb or halogen PAR bulb, you can usually swap it for an equivalent LED PAR bulb with the same base and PAR size. For specialty fixtures that use different socket types, always match the new bulb to the exact base and voltage listed on the fixture label or user manual.
Check Can or Fixture Size and Depth
Next, look at the size and depth of your recessed can or track head. Fixture size is what limits the maximum PAR bulb diameter and overall length. A small recessed can might be designed for a PAR20 bulb, while a 4 to 5 inch can is often sized for PAR30, and a larger 6 inch can usually expects a PAR38 bulb.
Many housings have a sticker that lists the approved lamp types, such as PAR20, PAR30, or PAR38, along with wattage and trim options. If you are wondering “will PAR30 bulbs fit my recessed cans,” compare that label to the product spec sheet and make sure the physical length of the LED PAR bulb will sit flush with the trim instead of sticking out past the ceiling.
Trim Style and Recessed Can Compatibility
Trim style also affects how a PAR light performs. Gimbal and eyeball trims let you tilt and aim a PAR20 or PAR30 bulb toward a wall, display, or countertop, which pairs well with a narrower beam angle for accent lighting. Baffle trims with ribbed interiors reduce glare and work nicely with medium flood beam angles for softer general lighting.
If you are choosing between PAR20 vs BR20 for recessed lighting, remember that PAR bulbs throw a more focused, directional beam that plays differently with each trim style. A narrow beam in a deep baffle trim will create a tighter pool of light, while a wider beam in a shallow trim will spread out more. Whatever you choose, the LED PAR bulb has to match the fixture socket type, voltage, and recommended PAR size so it sits correctly in the housing and delivers the beam pattern you expect.
Energy Efficiency and Lifespan Benefits of LED PAR Bulbs
LED PAR light bulbs are built to deliver the same brightness as old halogen PAR lamps while using far less wattage and lasting many times longer. That means lower energy bills, less time on a ladder swapping bulbs, and fewer lamps ending up in the trash.
Energy Savings vs. Halogen PAR Bulbs
A typical halogen PAR bulb might use 50 to 90 watts to hit a certain lumen output, while an equivalent LED PAR bulb can often do the job with 8 to 18 watts. You are getting the same usable light with a fraction of the energy, which adds up quickly in recessed can lights, track lighting, and outdoor security fixtures that run for hours every night.
Look for language like “energy-efficient LED PAR light bulbs,” “halogen PAR replacement bulb,” or “replace halogen PAR with LED” in product descriptions. Those are your cues that the LED PAR bulb is designed as a direct halogen replacement with a big cut in energy use without sacrificing brightness.
Rated Life and Warranty
Another big advantage is lamp life. Many LED PAR bulbs are rated for 15,000 to 25,000 hours or more, compared to around 2,000 hours for a typical halogen PAR lamp. In real use, that can mean years of service from a single LED PAR20 in a kitchen or a PAR38 flood over the garage.
When you compare options, check both the rated lamp life and the manufacturer warranty. A long-life LED PAR bulb with a solid warranty reduces maintenance and replacement costs over time, especially in hard to reach recessed lighting or high outdoor fixtures where swapping bulbs is a hassle.
ENERGY STAR and Other Certifications
If you want an extra layer of confidence, look for ENERGY STAR certified PAR bulbs. An ENERGY STAR certified PAR20 or PAR38 bulb meets strict efficiency and performance standards, including tested lumen output, color quality, and reliability. Some commercial-grade PAR lamps may also be DLC listed, which is often required for utility rebates in commercial projects.
RoHS compliant labeling is another plus, showing that the LED PAR bulb is manufactured without certain hazardous materials. When you see “ENERGY STAR certified,” “DLC listed commercial PAR38 flood,” or “RoHS compliant” in the spec sheet, you are looking at products that have been vetted for efficiency and environmental impact as well as basic performance.
Advanced Features to Consider
Once you have size, brightness, and color sorted out, it is worth looking at advanced features that can make your LED PAR light bulbs more convenient and efficient. Motion sensors, dusk to dawn control, adjustable beam angles, tunable white, and smart app control all change how the lighting works day to day.
Motion-Activated and Dusk-to-Dawn PAR Bulbs
Motion-activated PAR38 bulbs are popular for security lighting because they only turn on when someone walks into the detection zone. A motion sensor PAR38 security light bulb can light up a driveway, side yard, or back door automatically, which saves energy compared to leaving a flood light on all night.
Dusk to dawn LED PAR flood lights use a built in photocell to turn on when ambient light drops and turn off again at sunrise. If you see “dusk to dawn PAR flood lights” or “motion sensor PAR38 security light” in the description, you are looking at bulbs that handle the on and off timing for you without a separate sensor fixture.
Adjustable Beam Angle and Tunable White
Some LED PAR bulbs offer adjustable beam angles so you can switch from a tight spot to a wider flood without swapping lamps. An adjustable beam angle LED PAR30, for example, lets you fine tune the spread for a new layout or display simply by twisting a ring on the bulb instead of replacing the whole lamp.
Tunable white LED PAR bulbs let you shift color temperature from warm white to cool white or daylight. A tunable white PAR20 bulb can run at a cozy 2700K in the evening and a brighter, cooler setting during the day. These features are handy in multi use spaces where you want different moods at different times without changing fixtures.
Smart PAR Bulbs (Wi-Fi / Bluetooth)
Smart PAR bulbs take things further with app control over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. A smart PAR bulb can be turned on, dimmed, and scheduled from your phone, often with the option to set scenes for groups of fixtures. Look for phrases like “smart Wi-Fi PAR light bulbs with app control” or “Bluetooth lighting control” in product details.
With smart PAR20, PAR30, or PAR38 bulbs, you can create schedules for outdoor security lighting, adjust brightness for movie night, or tie lights into voice assistants. The core ideas are the same as any LED PAR lamp directional beam, efficient output, and long life just with added control and automation layered on top.
Step-by-Step Guide: Choosing the Right LED PAR Light Bulb
If you feel stuck staring at a wall of par light bulbs, a simple checklist helps. Use this step-by-step PAR bulb buying guide to match the right LED PAR light to your fixture, room, and project so you get the beam, brightness, and color you actually want.
Step 1 – Identify the Fixture and Location
Start with where the bulb will live. Is it indoor or outdoor, recessed lighting or track lighting, low ceiling or high ceiling, dry space or damp area like a bathroom or covered porch? The lighting application is what determines the best beam angle, lumens, and rating.
Check the fixture label or user manual for notes like “recessed can PAR20,” “wet location outdoor flood,” or “indoor track head.” That fixture label is your first clue about the right type of LED PAR bulb and any wet or damp location requirements.
Step 2 – Confirm PAR Size and Base
Next, look at the old bulb itself. The markings on the lamp usually list the PAR size and base type, such as “PAR30 120V” with an E26 medium base. This is the easiest way for a user to identify PAR bulb size and base just by reading the old bulb markings.
Match that size when you search for new LED PAR bulbs. If the old bulb is a halogen PAR30 with an E26 base, you want an LED PAR30 with an E26 base as your halogen PAR replacement bulb. Staying consistent on PAR20, PAR30, or PAR38 plus the correct base makes fixture compatibility straightforward.
Step 3 – Choose Beam Angle and Brightness
Now pick how much light you need and how wide you want it to spread. For brightness, compare lumens, not just wattage. LED PAR bulb brightness is measured in lumens, so look at the lumen number and any “watt equivalent” listed on the product spec sheet.
For beam angle, narrow spots (under about 20 to 25 degrees) are best for artwork, displays, or signage. Medium floods around 30 to 45 degrees work well for general room lighting. Wide floods over 60 degrees are better for big pools of light from PAR38 flood lights or low ceilings. The lighting application is what determines the optimal beam angle and lumen level.
Step 4 – Choose Color Temperature and CRI
Color temperature sets the mood. Warm white around 2700K feels cozy and relaxed in living rooms and bedrooms. Soft white around 3000K is a nice all purpose choice. Cooler color temperatures like 4000K and 5000K daylight feel brighter and more energizing for task areas, garages, and security lighting.
For color quality, check CRI. An 80+ CRI LED PAR bulb is fine for most spaces, but if you are lighting artwork, merchandise, or food displays, look for 90+ CRI high CRI PAR light bulbs so colors look natural and accurate on the surface.
Step 5 – Check Ratings, Certifications, and Warranty
Before you buy, confirm that the bulb is rated for the way you will use it. Enclosed fixtures need PAR bulbs rated for enclosed use, outdoor fixtures need the right wet or damp rating, and dimmed circuits need dimmable LED PAR bulbs that play nice with LED compatible dimmers.
Then look at certifications and support. ENERGY STAR or DLC listed LED PAR bulbs have been tested for efficiency and performance, and RoHS compliant labeling is a plus for environmental standards. A clear warranty on the product spec sheet gives you extra peace of mind that your LED PAR lamp will deliver the long lamp life and energy savings you expect.
Why Buy LED PAR Bulbs from Conservation Mart?
When you are shopping for LED PAR light bulbs, it helps to work with a supplier that lives in the energy efficiency world every day. Conservation Mart focuses on energy efficiency products, from LED lighting and weatherization to water conservation kits, so you get solid advice along with the bulbs themselves.
Expertise in Energy Efficiency and Conservation
Conservation Mart has specialized in energy-efficient lighting and conservation products since 2008, working with everyone from homeowners to energy auditors and program managers. That experience shows up in how products are selected and grouped, so it is easier to spot the right LED PAR bulb for recessed lighting, track lighting, or outdoor security lighting instead of guessing from a generic catalog.
If you are comparing PAR20, PAR30, and PAR38 options, or trying to balance beam angle, lumens, and color temperature, you can lean on a team that understands energy-efficient PAR bulbs, halogen PAR replacement projects, and the real-world needs of utility programs and contractors.
Wide Selection of LED PAR Bulbs for Every Application
On the shelf you will find LED PAR light bulbs in the most common sizes PAR16, PAR20, PAR30, and PAR38 along with different beam angles, color temperatures, and CRI levels. That range covers indoor lighting for kitchens, galleries, and retail spaces as well as outdoor PAR38 flood lights for driveways, walkways, and building facades.
Because Conservation Mart also carries complementary weatherization products, LED fixtures, and energy conservation kits, it is easy to build out a full project instead of piecing together items from multiple stores. You can choose dimmable LED PAR bulbs, high CRI PAR light bulbs, wet-location PAR38 bulbs, and other targeted options in one place.
Support for Contractors, Agencies, and Homeowners
Conservation Mart works with commercial customers, government agencies, utilities, and individual homeowners, so the team is used to project-based questions. If you are planning a lighting upgrade, running a conservation program, or just trying to standardize par light bulbs across a property, you can get help matching products to specs and budgets.
Volume pricing and customized kits are available for larger orders, which is helpful for contractors and agencies rolling out energy conservation kits or full LED lighting upgrades. Whether you need a few LED PAR20 bulbs for a home kitchen or pallets of PAR38 LED flood lights for a program, Conservation Mart is set up to support the full range.
Frequently Asked Questions About LED PAR Light Bulbs
Yes, in most cases you can swap a halogen PAR bulb for an LED PAR bulb with the same PAR size and base type, such as PAR30 with an E26 medium base. Just match the voltage, check that the LED fits the fixture, and choose a similar beam angle and lumen output so the light pattern and brightness stay close to what you had before.
The number in a PAR bulb size is the diameter in eighths of an inch. PAR20 is about 2.5 inches across, PAR30 is about 3.75 inches, and PAR38 is about 4.75 inches. PAR20 bulbs work well in small recessed cans and track heads, PAR30 bulbs fit most 4 to 5 inch recessed cans, and PAR38 bulbs are common in larger indoor cans and outdoor flood fixtures.
Pick a narrow spot beam under about 20 to 25 degrees if you want a tight highlight on artwork, signage, or a specific object. Medium flood beams around 30 to 45 degrees work well for general room lighting from recessed cans or track lighting. Wide flood beams over 60 degrees give broad coverage for low ceilings, open areas, and outdoor PAR38 flood lights over driveways or patios.
No. Some LED PAR bulbs are non dimmable, and even dimmable models need an LED compatible dimmer to work smoothly. If you want to dim recessed can PAR lights or track lighting, look for bulbs labeled dimmable LED PAR and pair them with a modern dimmer rated for LED loads to reduce flicker and buzzing.
Only use LED PAR bulbs in enclosed fixtures if the packaging or spec sheet clearly states they are rated for enclosed use. Enclosed fixtures trap heat, so bulbs that are not designed for that setup may have a shorter life or fail early. Check for notes about enclosed fixture ratings and follow the fixture manufacturer's guidelines.