BR30 vs PAR30 LED Lightbulbs – What is the Difference?

Walk into any hardware store and you may be baffled by the range of lightbulbs available. It’s tempting to head for the one you know is going to match your fittings, but that still only narrows down the choice. Do the words BR30 and PAR30 mean anything to you? Or do you just go for the cheapest?

LED is definitely the way to go. They are better for the environment, use less energy, and have a longer lifespan. This certainly makes up for them being more expensive than incandescent lightbulbs. We are going to highlight the differences between the BR30 and the PAR30. We will understand the difference in size, lighting, and power to determine which is better for your needs.

Let’s start with an overview of their specifications.

	BR30	Par30
Image
Height	5.03 inches	4.74 inches
Width	3.74 inches	3.74 inches
Average Brightness	800-1100lm	800-1100lm
Average Watts	9W	9W
Incandescent Equivalent	65W	65W
Price	Check Price on Amazon	Check Price on Amazon

In terms of average power and brightness, the BR30 and the PAR30 are the same. It’s the size and shape that differ. The BR30 has a more bulged top whereas the PAR30 is slightly flatter. The number 30 is an indication of the lightbulb width. They both have a width of 3.74 inches, so they will fit in 4” and 6” cans. There are two neck lengths with the PAR30, but this doesn’t affect the compatibility.

Most BR30s and PAR30s have a lumen rating of 800 to 1100 and an average of W9W, which is the equivalent of a 65W incandescent lightbulb. The BR30 lightbulb is good for general lighting around the home and office. The PAR30 has a more focused beam, so it is better for precision lighting. For example, the short neck PAR30 is most suited to smaller can lights, shallow ceilings, and floodlighting. The long neck is a better choice for outdoor lighting and wall mount fixtures.

Read next – BR30 vs BR20 LED Lightbulbs – What is the Difference?

For a closer look at the two LED lights, we compared the popular brand of Philips. The PAR 30 comes in PAR30L (for the long neck) and PAR30S (for the short neck).

The BR30

These light bulbs are 11W, but the lumen is slightly lower than average at 650lm. They are also 2700K and you can dim them like a regular incandescent bulb. The lifespan is 10,950 hours. You can buy a pack of 8 or 12.

The PAR30

This is a 10W LED lightbulb, equivalent to a 75W incandescent bulb. It has 920lm and 2700K, so provides a soft white light. The light bulbs are dimmable. It has a lifespan of 1 year based on 3 hours of use per day. Commonly, you will find them sold individually or in a pack of 4 or 6.

Read next – BR30 vs A19 LED Light Bulbs – What is the Difference?

The Final Verdict

If you have an area that requires a focused light, the PAR30 is better. For everything else, we felt the BR30 was the best choice, mainly because they are better value. Not only are they a little cheaper, but the lifespan is also a lot longer.