Comparing IKEA Vs Costco Lightbulbs

Over the years, retail giants IKEA and Costco have accumulated loyal fanbases of cost-conscious customers looking for the next deal. Both stores are revered for their vast selections, affordability and overall convenience. IKEA's secret to keeping its prices low lies in its minimalistic, modular designs, while Costco uses wholesale pricing and membership plans to avoid breaking the bank. But if you're looking to save more money on household essentials like lightbulbs, it can be hard deciding which store is worth taking a trip to. 

Some Costco members swear by the brand's dimmable Feit Electric LED bulbs, which allow you to switch between five different color temperatures from 2700K soft white to 6500K cool daylight. A 12 pack of Feit LED bulbs can be purchased online or in stores for $36.99, or $3.08 a bulb. Other shoppers prefer IKEA's brand of lightbulbs over Feit, claiming they are cheaper and more reliable with better longevity. A pack of two warm white SOLHETTA lightbulbs starts at $1.99 at IKEA, or $0.99 a bulb. 

There are many factors to consider when choosing the best lights for your home. Cost, versatility, color temperature, and longevity all play a role in selecting the perfect bulbs for your household. An ideal lightbulb should adequately light your home without appearing harsh or burning out too quickly. Here is how both IKEA and Costco bulbs compare and perform according to shoppers' firsthand experiences. 

One of Costco's highest rated lightbulbs are the Feit Electric 100W LED bulbs. The major draw to this product is the ability to adjust the brightness and temperature of the light. "It is fabulous to be able to determine the brightness setting on these bulbs. The daylight setting really helps lighten up a room but you can also have a very soft light for lamps that aren't used for detailed work/reading," one reviewer raved on the Costco website. They are on the pricier side however, since a 12-pack is priced at $42.99, or $3.58 a bulb. 

Costco also sells Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance LEDs as a member-exclusive offer. These lightbulbs have a near perfect rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars and reviewers like the high quality and convenient Bluetooth compatibility. You use your devices to easily change the colors, brightness, and overall ambiance of your living space. Some Costco shoppers, however, find the technology of the Philips Hue bulb outdated, expensive and difficult to use. One reviewer on Costco's website shared, "In addition to being way overpriced, Hue is out of date. They require an expensive bridge to set up, [and] are slow to respond." A four pack of Philips Hue 75W White Ambiance bulbs costs $79.99 at Costco, or roughly $20 a bulb.

IKEA's most popular lightbulb is the SOLHETTA LED bulb E26 800 lumen. Like Costco's Fein Electric LED bulb, this lightbulb is dimmable, but is priced cheaper at $2.50 a bulb. Reviewers note that they're a great value and deliver a solid performance. IKEA sells SOLHETTA bulbs in a wide range of lumens from 100-1600 at affordable prices, so you can choose the best fit for your room's needs. IKEA's SOLHETTA bulbs are also energy efficient, which can save you money on electric bills. However, the IKEA SOLHETTA lightbulbs do not have the same five-setting switch as Costco's Feit Eletric bulbs, so they are not as versatile. 

IKEA also sells a TRÅDFRI color changing smart bulb that is similar to the Philips Hue, just with simpler and more straight forward technology. The TRÅDFRI starter kit comes with a wireless remote that's easy to use to change the light's color and intensity. However, the starter kit alone costs $33.99 and only includes one LED bulb, making it a much more expensive option than the brand's standard SOLHETTA line.

While the basic IKEA SOLHETTA bulbs are less customizable than Costco's Feit Electric bulbs, they are overall more affordable. Costco has member exclusive offers on popular lightbulb brands like Philips Hue bulbs, but some shoppers feel they're outdated and overpriced compared to other similar products on the market. But nobody is perfect, and savvy shoppers can still find deals on highly rated lightbulbs in the aisles of both major retailers.