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Can’t tell the difference between an A19 bulb vs E26? Check out our how-to-spot-the-difference guide, plus a short review on the best choice for each type.
Most homeowners would think that A19 bulbs and E26 bulbs are interchangeable. However, they are actually two different terminologies as a whole. That said, it is possible that an a19 bulb is same as e26 bulb, and it is possible that it is different.
How is that possible? How can an A19 bulb possibly be the same as an E26 bulb but also be different? Is an A19 bulb same as E26 or not?
We’ll be answering these questions on our short A19 bulb vs E26 bulb guide so that you’ll finally know the differences and similarities between the two.
A19 Bulbs Vs E26 Bulbs: The Comparison
What Are A19 Bulbs?
Let’s start by explaining what A19 bulbs are. A19 actually refers to the bulb head size. An a19 bulb size would typically have dimensions of about 2.4 inches or 60 millimeters. In some countries, they are known as A60 bulbs because they decide to use the millimeter measurement for determining labels instead.
| Preview | Product | Power | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Great Eagle A19 LED Light Bulb, 60W Equivalent | 9W (Soft White) | |
 | SUNMEG 6 Pack LED Light Bulbs | 11W (Soft White) | |
 | A19 LED Light Bulbs, 100 Watt Equivalent | 11W (Soft White) | |
 | Brightown Edison LED Bulb 6 Pack | 6W (Natural White) | |
 | Boncoo Vintage LED Edison Bulb Dimmable | 6W (Soft White) |
What Are E26 Bulbs?
Now that we know what A19 refers to, let’s move on to E26 bulbs. In contrast to A19 referring to bulb head size, E26 refers to bulb base size (the base is the part that you screw to your light socket). The E stands for Edison and the number refers to how many millimeters the base measures horizontally. In this case, an E26 bulb measures 26 millimeters sideways.
| Preview | Product | Power | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Brightown Vintage Edison Light Bulbs Dimmable | 60W (Warm White) | |
 | ENERGETIC SMARTER LIGHTING 40W Equivalent | 5W (Soft White) | |
 | Ascher Vintage LED Edison Bulbs, Equivalent 60W | 6W (Daylight White) | |
 | Vintage LED Edison Bulbs 60W Equivalent Dimmable | 6W (Warm White) | |
| Boncoo Vintage LED Edison Bulb Dimmable 60W Equivalent | 6W (Soft White) |
Are They the Same?
To answer the question about whether A19 and E26 bulbs can be the same or not, YES they can. In the US, A19 bulbs must always have E26 type bases. This is based on ANSI standards imposed for bulb manufacturers in the US. That said, all A19 bulbs have E26 bases so all A19 bulbs are the same as E26 bulbs.
However, not all E26 bulbs are A19 bulbs. While A19 bulbs are required to use E26 bulb bases, not all E26 bases are required to use A19 bulb heads. This means that bulbs with E26 bases can have different shaped bulb heads.
So, just to summarize everything, here’s the gist: A19 bulb heads always use E26 bases but not all E26 bases have A19 bulb heads.
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Recommended A19 and E26 Bulbs
Now that we’ve gone through the differences between A19 bulbs vs E26 bulbs, let’s move on to some product recommendations for the best A19 bulbs and the best E26 types. That way, you’ll know exactly what to buy if you’re looking for one of these.
1. Brightown Edison A19 LED Replacement Bulb
Let’s start with the best A19 bulb in the market. The Brightown A19 model is one of the most elegantly designed bulbs that you’ll ever find. It’s not designed like the traditional apple-shaped bulb that you usually see in the hardware store. This one makes use of a squirrel cage filament design, which will look good in any part of your home.
It’s just all about aesthetics though. It also can produce a very high number of lumens reaching up to 400 lumens. That’s already pretty impressive for a LED bulb of this type and look. It gives enough brightness without luminating too much. As compared to more traditional bulbs, this one doesn’t heat as much as well. It has a color temperature of 4000K, available in amber & natural white, and is very cool.
Best Features:
- Warm amber yellow color
- Dimmable lights
- 30,000-hour lifespan
- 400 lumen power
- Beautifully designed for vintage look
2. Petronius Dimmable E26 Medium Base Bulb
If you’re talking about power, then this is the bulb that you may want to look for. While the Brightown model is more of a decorative light that’s good for lanterns and chandeliers, this one is the best household light to have. It’s good for kitchens, study rooms, sheds, and other places that need strong lighting.
The reason for this would be in its lighting power. It can produce up to 800 lumens of power, which really translates into brightness. Just like the Brightown bulb, this one also has a smooth dimming control device, thus allowing you to dim the lights if you find it too bright.
Another thing that you’ll love about this light is that it is energy efficient. While the usual incandescent light needs 60 watts to produce 800 lumens, this one only needs 6 watts since it uses LED. You get to save a lot of money on your bill with this light.
Best Features:
- 800 lumens of power
- Saves up to 90% of power
- Long lifespan of 20,000 hours
Conclusion
Now that you know the difference between an A19 bulb vs E26 bulbs, you don’t need to be confused with the terminology any longer. If anyone mentions A19 bulbs or E26 bulbs, you can explain to them the differences as well as the similarities.
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