--- title: "Linear LED vs. linear fluorescent: A look at the pros and cons of different linear tubes" description: Linear LED lamps are more common these days, but should you switch over or stay with linear fluorescents? There are pros and cons to each technology. image: https://insights.regencysupply.com/hubfs/office-1.jpg --- - [Corporate](https://www.regencysupply.com/) - [Shop](https://shop.regencysupply.com/) - [Studio](https://rl.studio/) [Login/Signup](https://shop.regencysupply.com/b2b/portal/login/) [![Regency Supply Logo](https://regencysupply.com/wp-content/uploads/rs-logo-r-2.svg)](https://regencysupply.com/) Menu - [Search Site](https://www.regencysupply.com/searching/) - [Shop Products](https://shop.regencysupply.com/) - [Services](https://www.regencysupply.com/services/) - [Architectural Lighting Design](https://www.regencysupply.com/services/architectural-lighting-design/) - [Lighting Supply](https://www.regencysupply.com/services/lighting-supply/) - [Electrical Supply](https://www.regencysupply.com/services/electrical-supply/) - [Construction Services](https://www.regencysupply.com/services/construction-supplier/) - [Lighting Retrofits](https://www.regencysupply.com/services/lighting-retrofits/) - 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We sell as many of them as just about anything else. With so many of our customers using linear fluorescents, we're frequently asked about opportunities to retrofit the lamps to LED. We’ve covered similar topics in other posts which you may want to read, but for now, we want to focus on the pros and cons of linear fluorescent and linear LED tubes. Linear LED tubes come in a few varieties – plug-and-play, ballast bypass, remote driver, and some combinations of these configurations, making it possible to go LED in linear fixtures designed for fluorescents, with ballasts and all. Are LED tubes the best option for replacing your fluorescents? A few years ago, it seemed like linear LEDs were beginning to pop up everywhere by companies that hadn’t been around long enough to back up their quality and warranty claims. On top of that, most of the LED tubes were pretty expensive. Unproven product combined with a long wait for ROI equated to rare recommendations to retrofit to linear LED. [![Lighting calculator: calculate energy savings on lighting projects](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/455757/6ef194cf-310d-4a85-97cf-447c65509885.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/455757/6ef194cf-310d-4a85-97cf-447c65509885) Today, however, the landscape looks different. The most reputable manufacturers in the lighting industry have a whole range of linear LEDs that go from value-line to high-output, and nearly everything in between. *Read more: ['Plug-and-play vs. ballast-bypass and other linear LED solutions'](https://insights.regencysupply.com/plug-and-play-or-ballast-bypass-linear-led)* As a result, there is a good linear LED for nearly any application, though we still find situations when linear fluorescents remain a great lighting choice. Here is a breakdown of the pros and cons of both linear LED and linear fluorescent tubes:  ## Linear LED pros and cons ### Linear led pros **Energy savings** Energy savings is perhaps the top benefit of LED lighting. A switch from linear fluorescent to linear LED could save you between 45 and 65 percent in energy costs. This is typically enough to get to a reasonable return on investment in most areas. **Long life** An average linear LED will last for around 50,000 hours, meaning it loses about 30 percent of its light output after more than 10 years. There are some value-line LED lamps that carry shorter life ratings, but you’ll likely still see an improvement over the average linear fluorescent, which lasts around 20,000 hours. **Environmental impact** LED lamps contain no mercury. This is one advantage, along with low energy usage, that makes linear LED tubes the clear environmentally-friendly choice. **Easy installation and low maintenance** While linear LEDs come in many different types, the ones we typically recommend work with the existing linear fluorescent ballast. When it comes time to converting from fluorescent to LED, that makes the process pretty easy. Furthermore, the average linear fluorescent burns out much more quickly than the average linear LED lamp. As long as the ballast is in good condition, installing a newer LED will reduce your need for lighting maintenance.  *Read more: ['How a proactive approach can alleviate common lighting maintenance headaches'](https://insights.regencysupply.com/how-a-proactive-approach-can-alleviate-common-lighting-maintenance-headaches)* **Strong warranty** Today’s LED manufacturers offer three-to-five-year warranties on their products, resulting in peace of mind, knowing you shouldn’t have to mess with the lighting for a few years. *(Read below for linear fluorescent warranties — they exist, too!)* *[![LFL-to-LED-Wizard](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/455757/interactive-176411248140.png)](https://insights.regencysupply.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKbO9Yt%2FIMtte%2FSPYPqQCCkC%2BjXhiYQL2XcQWG2KtLk7srDWvuWTOmGYb%2F6Vvktxi1WtYtVNYfCxgudQp9tqQ1462PwQ7Uv4n2G3Vr%2FMhK7e6l%2FJBoQyiMrSXH1LajlrBHFt%2BikC1iioHdFUjXp45htBRfbJdQ0SribkARMpmHss23NTd9XQUHD1p46zGiQlp%2FH&webInteractiveContentId=176411248140&portalId=455757)* ### Linear LED cons **Price** High prices are the main drawback with linear LEDs. Today, prices are much more reasonable than they once were, but if up-front cost for an LED retrofit is a sticking point, there are other ways to save a little money – low ballast factor ballasts and high-efficiency T8 lamps, or get longer-life products. *(See below on ultra long-life linear fluorescents.)* **Overwhelming options** Another negative for linear LEDs is the seemingly endless sea of manufacturers and options to choose from. If you are set on LED, but you’re overwhelmed by the choices, [we have some resources for you](https://insights.regencysupply.com/how-do-i-choose-between-led-products). **Recall questions** Linear LEDs came under close scrutiny over the last couple of years for product safety recalls. You may have heard about the recalls, which were initiated by fire risks or melted tubes. Fortunately, manufacturers seem to have resolved the concerns, and today’s products are extremely safe. That said, it’s still worth properly [vetting a manufacturer](https://info.regencylighting.com/9-questions-to-ask-a-lighting-manufacturer) to make sure to choose a company that will stand by its product. *[![LED Buying Guide to find the best pricing and right specs for LED lighting products](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/455757/e51cfcb2-c244-4412-8efb-021292f15203.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/455757/e51cfcb2-c244-4412-8efb-021292f15203)* ## Linear fluorescent pros and cons ### Linear fluorescent pros **Price** One of the top reasons linear fluorescents are so popular is the amount of light and relatively long life you get for a very low up-front cost. If up-front cost is important, you may want to seriously consider a linear fluorescent lamp. **Easy installation** It doesn’t get any easier than replacing an existing linear fluorescent with a new one. The retrofit is a direct replacement. **Long life** Linear fluorescents last, on average, about 20,000 hours. In the realm of lighting, this is still considered a long-life product, even though most LEDs will outlast most linear fluorescents. This is also a good place to note that some linear fluorescents – with the right ballast combination – [can last up to 90,000 hours](https://insights.regencysupply.com/these-linear-fluorescents-last-twice-as-long-as-linear-leds), which is pretty impressive. **Simpler product selection** Linear fluorescents are much easier to select than linear LEDs. In general, you select a reputable manufacturer, color temperature, and wattage, and you’re off to the races. **Warranty availability** If you are replacing the lamps and ballasts at the same time, some manufacturers will give a warranty on the linear fluorescent system. We tend to think of warranties as an LED benefit, but they also apply here. ### Linear fluorescent cons **Environmental impact** Mercury – the environmentally toxic metal that’s found in every fluorescent tube – is one of the most common concerns about fluorescent lighting. Levels of mercury have decreased in most fluorescent tubes, but the technology simply doesn’t work without some amount of mercury. **Energy usage** While linear fluorescents are more efficient than incandescent or halogen bulbs, they aren’t as efficient as LED. If energy savings is your top priority, you should seriously consider linear LED. **Life rating** Although there are some ultra long-life fluorescent tubes, the average life rating is 20,000 hours, which doesn’t compare with the typical 50,000-hour LED. **Lumen depreciation** Fluorescent lamps almost always experience color variation and fading. So, at different stages of the lamp's life, different light levels will be produced. This will eventually create dark corners and inconsistent lighting in your space.  *Want to know more about your replacement options for T12 fluorescents? [Click here.](https://insights.regencysupply.com/led-replacement-for-t12s-pros-and-cons-explored)* ## LED or fluorescent: Which lamp is right for you? Generally speaking, if up-front cost is a primary concern for you, linear fluorescent, or low-cost linear LEDs are likely to be your best considerations. If, however, you’re looking for maximum energy savings or mercury-free lighting, start shopping LED. We're here to help you understand all your options and, should you choose to invest in higher-priced LED lamps, we can help you to [calculate your payback and ROI](https://www.regencylighting.com/lighting-resources/energy-savings-calculator/). [![Linear-Lighting-Playbook-Fluorescent-LED](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/455757/3c6e5db4-d1ef-4287-becb-e549a5fbe977.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/455757/3c6e5db4-d1ef-4287-becb-e549a5fbe977) [![](https://www.regencylighting.com/rl-custom/images/search-posts-graphic.svg)](https://www.regencysupply.com/searching/) Keep up with our latest updates [Subscribe Now](https://info.regencysupply.com/en-us/lighting-blog-signup) [![Get your business account](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/455757/da04c52a-287d-4340-ab12-055921e93293.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/455757/da04c52a-287d-4340-ab12-055921e93293) [![Get your free lighting review](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/455757/ef6d50f0-0bdc-4896-8156-a7d2b0415c92.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/455757/ef6d50f0-0bdc-4896-8156-a7d2b0415c92) #### Related Posts [![](https://insights.regencysupply.com/hubfs/office.jpg) These linear fluorescents last twice as long as linear LEDs](https://insights.regencysupply.com/these-linear-fluorescents-last-twice-as-long-as-linear-leds) [![](https://insights.regencysupply.com/hubfs/photo-1462826303086-329426d1aef5.jpg) Linear LED tube vs. LED fixture: How do I decide which product is right?](https://insights.regencysupply.com/linear-led-tube-vs.-led-fixture-how-do-i-decide-which-product-is-right) [![](https://insights.regencysupply.com/hubfs/Blog_Images/plug-and-play-ballast-bypass-linear-led.jpg) Plug-and-play vs. ballast-bypass and other linear LED solutions](https://insights.regencysupply.com/plug-and-play-or-ballast-bypass-linear-led) [![](https://insights.regencysupply.com/hubfs/Blog_Images/Linear-lighting-fluorescent-LED-playbook.jpg) Deciding between fluorescent and LED tubes? Check out our Linear Lighting Playbook for insider advice](https://insights.regencysupply.com/deciding-between-fluorescent-and-led-tubes-check-out-our-linear-lighting-playbook-for-insider-advice) [![](https://insights.regencysupply.com/hubfs/Linear%20fluorescent%20tube%20part%20number.jpg) How to read a light bulb part number: linear fluorescent tubes](https://insights.regencysupply.com/how-to-read-a-light-bulb-part-number-linear-fluorescent-tubes) [![](https://insights.regencysupply.com/hubfs/upgrade-old-tubes-to-new-led-tubes.jpg) Is it worth upgrading old linear LEDs to new LEDs?](https://insights.regencysupply.com/is-it-worth-upgrading-old-linear-leds-to-new-leds) View all posts   #### Related Topics [LED](https://insights.regencysupply.com/topic/led) [Energy Savings](https://insights.regencysupply.com/topic/energy-savings) [Fluorescent Lighting](https://insights.regencysupply.com/topic/fluorescent-lighting) #### Popular Topics [LED Lighting](https://insights.regencysupply.com/topic/led) [Product Comparison](https://insights.regencysupply.com/topic/product-comparison) [Lighting Controls](https://insights.regencysupply.com/topic/lighting-controls) [Lighting as a Service](https://insights.regencysupply.com/topic/lighting-as-a-service) [Energy Savings](https://insights.regencysupply.com/topic/energy-savings) [Title 24](https://insights.regencysupply.com/topic/title-24) [Technology](https://insights.regencysupply.com/topic/lighting-technology) [Indoor Air Quality](https://insights.regencysupply.com/topic/indoor-air-quality) [Cleaning & Disinfection](https://insights.regencysupply.com/topic/cleaning-disinfection) [FAQs](https://insights.regencysupply.com/topic/faqs) [Lighting Maintenance](https://insights.regencysupply.com/topic/lighting-maintenance) [Lighting 101](https://insights.regencysupply.com/topic/lighting-101) [![](https://www.regencysupply.com/rl-custom/images/search-posts-graphic.svg)](https://www.regencysupply.com/searching/) Keep up with our latest updates [Subscribe Now](https://info.regencysupply.com/en-us/lighting-blog-signup) HQ 9261 Jordan Avenue Chatsworth, CA 91311 **Phone:** [+1-800-284-2024](tel:+18002842024) **[Send us a message.](http://www.regencysupply.com/contact-us/contact-us/)** **[Find a location.](https://www.regencysupply.com/contact-us/#RS-locations)** Family owned and operated since 1983 [![](https://www.regencysupply.com/wp-content/uploads/rs-main-badge-w.svg)](https://insights.regencysupply.com/newname) What's the story with our rebrand? 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[View Product Lines](https://www.regencysupply.com/lighting-solutions-and-services/product-lines/) [Shop our Store](https://shop.regencysupply.com/) © Regency Supply, All Rights Reserved. - [RL Studio](https://rl.studio) - [Shop Lighting](https://shop.regencysupply.com/) - [Branding](https://www.regencysupply.com/branding/) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.regencysupply.com/privacy-policy/) - [Site Map](https://www.regencysupply.com/site-map/) ![](https://secure.deng3rada.com/216972.png) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Nina Frye", "url" : "https://insights.regencysupply.com/author/nina-frye" }, "dateModified" : "2024-08-22T21:01:44.105Z", "datePublished" : "2016-05-31T14:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "Linear LED vs. linear fluorescent: A look at the pros and cons of different linear tubes", "image" : [ "https://insights.regencysupply.com/hubfs/office-1.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://insights.regencysupply.com/linear-led-vs.-linear-fluorescent-a-look-at-the-pros-and-cons-of-different-linear-tubes", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://insights.regencysupply.com/hubfs/RS-Logo-R-1.png" }, "name" : "Regency Supply" } } ```