Best MR16 LED Bulbs 2022 – Reviews and Buying Guide

The “MR” in MR16 is short for Multifaceted Reflector. MR16 light bulbs contain reflective facets on the inner surface that gather light from the filament and concentrate them into a beam of light. They are best suited for applications that require low to medium-intensity directional lighting, such as retail display lighting, landscape lighting, pendant fixtures, desk lamps, ceiling lights, LED strip lights, and so forth.

We tested the top-rated light bulbs on the market to bring you our top picks for the best MR16 LED bulbs for 2022.

	Amazon Basics MR16 LED Light Bulb	Bioluz MR16 LED Light Bulb	Boxlood MR16 LED Light Bulb
	Best Overall	Best Dimmable Option	Best Non-Dimmable Option
Usage	Indoor, outdoor	Outdoor	Outdoor
Wattage	7 Watts (50 Watt halogen equivalent)	7 Watts (50 Watt halogen equivalent)	7 Watts (50 Watt halogen equivalent)
Light color	Daylight white	Soft white	Warm white
Style	GU10 base	Round	Reflector
	View on Amazon	View on Amazon	View on Amazon

How We Tested and Compared These Products

When comparing the various MR16 LED light bulbs on the market, there are specific features we were looking for when rating them. First off, they needed to be reputable brands from well-known manufacturers. Bulbs from Amazon Basics, Bioluz, Boxlood, and Mlambert ranked higher on our list compared to those from lesser-known manufacturers.

We were also interested in the wattage. We only tested bulbs that had a 5W-7W rating for maximum energy efficiency. This would guarantee 90% savings on electric bills, so the lower the wattage, the higher up on our list they ranked.

Color temperature was another factor we looked at. We only tested bulbs with temperatures between 3,000 and 5,000 Kelvin, which would provide warm white or daylight white light. These tend to be more versatile in their applications.

Finally, we were interested in their brightness measured in lumens. MR16 lamps with a brightness rating of 500 lumens and higher ranked higher on our list.

Our Pick: Amazon Basics MR16 LED Light Bulb – Best Overall

 

VIEW ON AMAZON

Features:

• Usage: Indoor, outdoor
• Wattage: 7 Watts (50 Watt halogen equivalent)
• Light color: Daylight white
• Style: GU10 base

We’ve tested quite a number of MR16 LED bulbs in our lifetime, but none of them comes close to the performance of the Amazon Basics lamps. For starters, most traditional MR16 bulbs are designed exclusively for indoor use. On the other hand, this particular light bulb can be used for both indoor and outdoor applications – a feature that sets it apart from the competition.

We also like that it gets to full brightness the moment you switch it on. There’s no waiting period for it to warm up before getting the full 500 lumen of light it provides. This is a far cry from most LED bulbs in general.

The Amazon Basics LED MR bulb uses a measly 7 Watts of energy and can last up to 10,000 hours. This is equivalent to about nine years of reliable service when using it for an average of 3 hours a day. It is hands down one of the most durable light bulbs we’ve come across. We’ve had ours for four years now with no issue whatsoever. Who knows, it might just get to the 9-year mark.

As far as the white light goes, the Amazon Basics MR16 LED light bulb has a color temperature of 5,000 Kelvin, simulating crisp natural daylight. All in all, we were quite pleased with its performance. Its longevity, in particular, is partly what makes it a winner in our books.

 

Best Alternatives

Bioluz MR16 LED Light Bulb – Best Dimmable Option

 

VIEW ON AMAZON

Features:

• Usage: Indoor
• Wattage: 7 Watts (50 Watt halogen equivalent)
• Light color: Soft white
• Style: Round

When it comes to soft white MR16 LED light bulbs, Bioluz is an all-time favorite. Each light bulb has an aluminum case construction, allowing it to dissipate heat efficiently, which, in turn, enhances its lifespan. It only uses 7 watts of energy while generating the same brightness level you would get from a traditional 50 Watts halogen bulb at a fraction of the energy costs. The packaging indicates that each 10 pack set of bulbs saves approximately $1,180, which is quite impressive if you think about it.

Unlike the Amazon Basics LED MR16 light bulb that has a color temperature of 5,000 Kelvin, each Bioluz light bulb generates 3,000 Kelvin to provide soft, white light. This makes it perfect for subtle mood lighting. The fact that these bulbs are also dimmable is the icing on the cake. You can adjust the brightness level to suit the ambiance you’re going for.

Bioluz light bulbs are 100% mercury-free, making them safe for the environment. Each pack of 10 comes in biodegradable packaging and is backed by a 5-year warranty. All in all, if you can’t get your hands on the Amazon Basics MR lamp, this set from Bioluz is the next best option, especially if you’re in the market for dimmable bulbs.

 

Boxlood MR16 LED Light Bulb – Best Non-Dimmable Option

 

VIEW ON AMAZON

Features:

• Usage: Indoor
• Wattage: 5 Watts (50 Watt halogen equivalent)
• Light color: Warm white
• Style: Reflector

If you’re looking for an MR16 LED light bulb for a non-dimmable light fixture, Boxlood is an excellent option to consider. Although it is not as bright as the other two light bulbs we’ve reviewed so far, it works well for indoor applications that call for warm white lighting.

Its light temperature is equivalent to 3,000 Kelvin and matches the brightness and color of 50 Watt halogen light bulbs. The fact that you get 50 Watts worth of brightness from 5-Watt bulbs translates to more than 90% energy savings on your electric bills. That’s pretty impressive if you think about it.

We found that the Boxlood LED MR16 light bulbs work quite well for landscaping light fixtures and spotlighting around the house. Unfortunately, they are not waterproof, so you’ll need to ensure the light fixtures you mount them on are not exposed to rain, snow, or other moisture-laden conditions. They are best suited for use indoors in open, closed, or recessed fixtures and track lighting in living rooms, dining rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens.

We also liked their instant-on feature. You don’t have to wait for them to warm up to reach full brightness. Once your switch them on, that’s it. They reach maximum brightness immediately. They don’t generate IR or UV radiation, making them safe for use indoors. All in all, they deliver outstanding value for the money. They are definitely worth checking out.

 

Mlambert MR16 LED Light Bulb – Best for Versatility

 

VIEW ON AMAZON

Features:

• Usage: Indoor
• Wattage: 5 Watts
• Light color: Warm white (50 Watt halogen equivalent)
• Style: 3 base

The LED light bulbs from Mlambert are some of the most versatile MR16s we’ve come across. Their wide range of applications is nothing short of impressive. For starters, each light bulb has the standard shape of MR16s mounted on a GU5.3 base. This allows it to fit in several different types of light fixtures with no issues whatsoever. Now, that is something you don’t see every day. This fitting works on track lighting, recessed lighting, landscape lighting, and virtually any other lighting application you can think of.

If you thought the 10,000-hour lifespan of the Amazon Basics MR16 LED light bulb was impressive, that’s nothing compared to what the Mlambert brings to the table. Each LED MR16 bulb can last a whopping 30,000 hours, saving you loads in maintenance costs that come with having to frequently change out bulbs.

Each 5 Watt lamp generates the same level of warm white light you would get from a 50 Watt halogen or incandescent bulb. This translates to more than 90% savings on energy costs. We especially like their vivid and natural light output. It has a high (>80) color rendering index (CRI), allowing it to illuminate objects and have them appear as they would in natural light.

All in all, if versatility matters a great deal to you, you will love the Mlambert MR16 LED light bulbs. That GU5.3 base makes all the difference.

 

How to Choose the Best MR16 LED Bulbs – Buying Guide

 

With so many different options for LED MR16 lamps on the market, choosing the right one can be a daunting task. Here are a few things to keep in mind when picking the best MR16 LED bulbs.

Wattage

Wattage is the unit for measuring the energy consumed by an LED lamp and not the actual amount of light it puts out. A bulb’s wattage is different from its brightness. That said, energy-saving bulbs consume significantly fewer Watts to generate the same amount of brightness you would get from traditional bulbs.

For this reason, when choosing the best MR16 light bulbs, always go for the LED variety. Their energy consumption (wattage) is lower, which helps you save 90 percent or more on your electric bills. Their efficiency is also denoted by the Energy Star rating. The higher the rating, the more efficient it is.

Lumens

As mentioned before, wattage measures the amount of energy consumed by a bulb. The brightness of the light source is denoted in lumens. The more lumen a particular MR16 lamp has, the brighter it will be.

With modern LED light bulbs, it is now more important to shop based on the number of lumens light bulbs have rather than the wattage. You need to think about the intended application for the MR LED bulbs you’re getting and then figure out the desired level of brightness you need.

Dimmable vs. Non-Dimmable

You’ll generally come across two types of MR16 LED light bulbs – the dimmable kind and the non-dimmable variety. If you intend to use the bulbs on dimmable light fixtures, it makes sense to get dimmable MR16 lamps. These give you a higher degree of flexibility when it comes to controlling the level of brightness you get from the MR16s.

On the other hand, if the light fixtures you have are non-dimmable, there’s no point in getting dimmable light bulbs. Conventional MR16s will suffice.

Color Temperature

The color temperature of an MR16 light bulb refers to the appearance of the light that comes from it. It is measured in Kelvins. Color temperature is an important factor to consider when choosing an MR16 LED light bulb as it has a direct bearing on the mood and ambiance of the space you’re lighting up.

The higher the Kelvin temperature is, the whiter the light will be. For instance, daylight white light will usually be in the 5,000-6,000 Kelvin realm, whereas warm white and cool white light will be more in the 3,000K-4,000K zone.

Beam Spread

The reflector surfaces on MR16 LED light bulbs are engineered to concentrate the beam of light to a specific angle. The beam spread of a particular MR16 LED bulb can range anywhere from a narrow, highly-focused beam of light like what you would get with a spotlight to a wide flood that casts a dispersed beam over a larger area.

The beam angle for spotlights can be as low as 7 degrees, whereas a wide floodlight can be as high as 60 degrees. Ensure the MR16 LED light bulb you get has the right beam angle for your intended application and that the center beam candle power is the right intensity.

FAQ

What is the brightest MR16 LED bulb?

The brightness of an MR16 lamp is denoted by the number of lumens it has and not by its wattage. Wattage is simply the unit that measures the energy consumption of a bulb. It should not be confused with a bulb’s brightness.

That said, MR16 LED bulbs with a 500+ lumen rating are considered pretty bright. The Amazon Basics MR16 LED bulb produces over 500 lumen of light, making it one of the brightest MR16 bulbs on the market.

How long do MR16 bulbs last?

There’s no single answer to this question. It ultimately depends on the brand you pick. Mlambert MR16 LED bulbs, for instance, are well known for their exceptionally long lifespan. They are engineered to last 30,000 hours, which translates to several years of active use. Amazon Basics MR16 lamps have a 10,000-hour lifespan, which is also quite impressive.

What is the difference between an MR16 LED lamp and a GU10 bulb?

Both the MR16 and the GU10 are spotlights commonly used for residential and commercial applications. The main difference between the two has to do with the voltage they run on. An MR16 bulb usually runs on 12V, while GU10 bulbs run on 240V, which is the same as the mains voltage supply.

Since MR16 lamps operate on low voltage, they usually rely on a power transformer to work properly. Ensure that the lamps you get have built-in electronic transformers.

Conclusion

There you have it – our top picks for the best MR16 LED bulbs. Any bulbs we’ve reviewed in this guide would be an excellent choice given their high-quality and long lifespan. If we had to pick one winner, though, it would no doubt be the Amazon Basics MR16 LED bulb. Its performance was outstanding on every front.