Cree Updates BR30 LED Bulb & Drops Price
Cree is one of the most popular lighting brands when it comes to LEDs, and they're looking to make themselves even more popular. After initially launching in July 2014, they are making an update both to the design and the pricing for one of the most popular LED bulbs found in homes and businesses all over the world.
From the outside, the new Cree LED BR30s don't look very different from the version being replaced. The housing has been slightly updated, but the design has only subtle changes. Wattage and lumen output remain fairly consistent, going from 9.5W to 9W and 650 lumens to 655, respectively. The real changes are on the inside. According to a Cree press release:
The new Cree BR30 LED uses elements of Cree’s groundbreaking SC5 Technology™ Platform to produce more light with fewer LEDs, resulting in a lower-cost system that does not sacrifice functionality.
“Cree lowers prices by innovating at all levels of the system,” said Noonan. “Cree’s recent advancements in LED technology allowed us to cut the price by going from eight LEDs to two, all in a package that offers a better lighting experience.”
This new generation will only set you back about $10 each for the 2700K (Warm White) version, while the 5000K (Daylight) version will set you back a dollar more. With the previous generation selling for almost doubt the price, you can imagine that more people will decide to make the move from incandescent and CFL BR30s to LEDs. More importantly for Cree, they'll be choosing an option they provide instead of picking one from one of the other manufacturers out there.
For those who are looking to compare the new Cree LED BR30 at the new $9.99 price to other available options that are priced similarly, you can use the chart below.
| Brand | Green Creative | Kobi | TCP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part Number | 40774 | K2L9 | LED10BR30D27K |
| Wattage | 7.5W (65W Equal) | 12W (60W Equal) | 9W (65W Equal) |
| Lumens (Initial) | 650 | 700 | 650 |
| Color Temperature | 2700K | 2700K | 2700K |
| Dimmable | No | Yes | Yes |
| Life Hours | 25,000 | 25,000 | 25,000 |
| Warranty | 3 Years | 5 Years | N/A |
| Energy Star | Yes | No | Yes |
| Price | $9.98 | $9.99 | $11.49 |
Is $10 low enough to make you pick up a new LED BR30? Let me know your thoughts in the comments! If you're looking for other Cree LED lighting products, you can find a wide selection here.
