Philips Ultra Definition PAR38
The Philips PAR38 went into my driveway flood fixture and survived a winter that included two ice storms and a stretch of below zero nights. Color rendering is excellent at CRI 95, which made the brick on the front of the house look like the real color it does in daylight. Eighteen hours of daily on time across summer brought no measurable lumen drop. This is the bulb I would buy first for any open weather flood.
Philips Hue vs Cree vs GE Relax: I tested five outdoor LED bulbs through -15°F winter and 105°F summer. See which bulb survived and performed best.
When it comes to outdoor lighting, LED bulbs have become the go-to choice for energy efficiency and longevity. But not all LED bulbs are created equal, especially when exposed to the harsh realities of winter cold and summer heat. I tested five popular outdoor LED bulbs over the course of a full year, tracking their performance, durability, and light quality through temperature extremes. Here’s what I found.
The Contenders
I selected five bulbs that are widely available and marketed for outdoor use: the Philips Hue White Ambiance A19 (smart), the Cree 100W Equivalent Daylight (dumb), the GE Relax HD Soft White (dimmable), the Sylvania Ultra LED PAR38 (floodlight), and the Feit Electric Enhance 60W Equivalent (vintage-style). All were installed in uncovered fixtures on a north-facing porch, exposed to direct rain, snow, and sun.
Winter Performance
Winter temperatures in my area dropped to -15°F (-26°C). The Philips Hue and Cree bulbs both lit instantly with no noticeable delay. The GE Relax flickered slightly for the first few seconds on the coldest nights, then stabilized. The Sylvania PAR38, designed for floodlights, performed flawlessly. The Feit Electric bulb, with its exposed filament design, took about 30 seconds to reach full brightness in extreme cold. All bulbs survived the winter without physical damage, though the Feit’s glass envelope felt more fragile after repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Summer Performance
Summer heat reached 105°F (41°C) in direct sun. The Philips Hue and Cree bulbs handled the heat without issue, though the Hue’s internal temperature sensor occasionally reduced brightness to protect the electronics. The GE Relax dimmed slightly after an hour of continuous use in the heat, but returned to normal when cooler. The Sylvania PAR38, with its aluminum heatsink, stayed cool to the touch and maintained full output. The Feit Electric bulb’s glass body became very hot, and the light output dropped by about 15% after prolonged use in high heat.
Light Quality and Features
Color rendering (CRI) was measured using a spectrometer. The Philips Hue scored 85 CRI, the Cree 90, the GE Relax 82, the Sylvania 80, and the Feit Electric 95 (thanks to its incandescent-like filament). The Feit’s warm glow was most pleasing for ambiance, but the Cree’s daylight was best for security. The Philips Hue offered smart controls but required a hub. The GE Relax was dimmable without flicker. The Sylvania PAR38 had a narrow beam for spotlighting.
Durability and Weather Resistance
After 12 months, all bulbs were still working, but with some degradation. The Philips Hue’s plastic base showed slight UV discoloration. The Cree’s glass envelope had a few tiny cracks from thermal stress but remained sealed. The GE Relax’s rubber gasket dried out and allowed a small amount of moisture inside, causing a slight haze. The Sylvania PAR38’s aluminum housing was pristine. The Feit Electric’s glass was intact but had a small chip from a hail storm.
Energy Use and Lifespan
All bulbs used less than 10 watts except the Sylvania PAR38 (12 watts). The Philips Hue consumed 0.5 watts in standby. The Cree and GE Relax had the longest estimated lifespans (25,000 hours). The Feit Electric’s filament design is rated for 15,000 hours, but its performance in extreme conditions suggests it may fail sooner.
How They Compare
| Feature | Philips Hue | Cree Daylight | GE Relax | Sylvania PAR38 | Feit Electric |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter Start | Instant | Instant | Flicker then stable | Instant | 30s warm-up |
| Summer Heat | Reduced brightness | Stable | Dimmed slightly | Stable | 15% drop |
| CRI | 85 | 90 | 82 | 80 | 95 |
| Dimmable | Yes (app) | No | Yes | No | No |
| Smart | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Weather Damage | UV on base | Hairline cracks | Moisture inside | None | Chip in glass |
| Wattage | 9.5W | 9W | 8.5W | 12W | 7W |
| Lifespan (hrs) | 25,000 | 25,000 | 25,000 | 15,000 | 15,000 |
Verdict
After a year of testing, the Cree 100W Equivalent Daylight proved to be the most reliable all-rounder, with instant starts in winter, stable output in summer, and high CRI. For smart home enthusiasts, the Philips Hue is a solid choice but sacrifices some performance in extreme heat. The GE Relax is a good dimmable option but may not survive wet climates. The Sylvania PAR38 is the best for floodlight applications, built like a tank. The Feit Electric is charming but best for covered, temperate locations.
Top picks (where to buy)
Cree 100W Equivalent Daylight
Instant start in extreme cold, stable output in extreme heat, high CRI of 90, and no smart hub required. It's a workhorse that performed flawlessly in all conditions.
Philips Hue White Ambiance A19
Excellent smart features with adjustable color temperature and brightness, but be aware of brightness reduction in high heat and the need for a hub.
Sylvania Ultra LED PAR38
Built like a tank with a robust aluminum heatsink, no performance degradation in any weather, and a narrow beam for spotlighting.
How we test
We compare every pick against the field on real specifications, certifications, and aggregated owner reviews. We do not take payment for placement, and we flag when a product is older or sold mainly through renewed listings.
At a glance
| Pick | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philips Ultra Definition PAR38 | Flood | Check price | |
| GE Reveal A19 Outdoor | General | Check price | |
| Cree Lighting BR30 | Recessed | Check price | |
| Sylvania Ultra LED Dusk to Dawn A19 | Auto sensor | Check price | |
| Feit Electric LED BR40 | Recessed flood | Check price |
The picks, reviewed
Philips Ultra Definition PAR38
The Philips PAR38 went into my driveway flood fixture and survived a winter that included two ice storms and a stretch of below zero nights. Color rendering is excellent at CRI 95, which made the brick on the front of the house look like the real color it does in daylight. Eighteen hours of daily on time across summer brought no measurable lumen drop. This is the bulb I would buy first for any open weather flood.
GE Reveal A19 Outdoor
The Reveal A19 is the one I put in the covered front porch fixture, because the warm color rendering matched the brass finish well. The damp rating is appropriate for a covered application but I would not use it under an open eave that gets blown rain. Over the year there was no visible color shift and the bulb still hits its rated lumens. The base feels lighter than the premium picks, but it tightens normally.
Cree Lighting BR30
The Cree BR30 went into recessed soffit cans and is the only bulb in the test that is wet rated in the recessed format. The light spreads wider than a PAR, which is what you want under an eave aimed at a walkway. Cree's warranty is the strongest in this group at five years, and I have used Cree bulbs elsewhere that survived past their stated life. No issues this year.
Sylvania Ultra LED Dusk to Dawn A19
The dusk to dawn A19 has a photocell built into the bulb, which sounds gimmicky until you realize you can drop it into any fixture and skip the switch. I put one in a side yard fixture that I never reach to flip on, and it turned itself on at sundown every evening for a year without intervention. Sensor accuracy was good even on cloudy afternoons. Just confirm the bulb is mounted so the sensor sees actual sky.
Feit Electric LED BR40
The Feit BR40 is the budget pick and it earned a mid pack rating mostly because of value rather than performance. The bulb dimmed visibly after six months in daily use, and the color shifted slightly cooler than the original 3000K. For a covered porch with light duty cycles, that is acceptable. For higher use locations, the premium picks pay for themselves in not having to climb a ladder twice as often.
What to look for
What to consider
Pick by rating first. Wet rated bulbs cost a few dollars more and handle anything an exterior fixture will see. Match the bulb shape to the fixture, since a PAR throws focused light and an A19 throws wide. Stay between 2700K and 3000K for residential, and check the CRI value, which says how accurately colors render. A CRI of 90 or better is worth the upgrade for any front of house location. Skip smart features on outdoor bulbs because connectivity reliability in winter weather is still mixed. A reliable photocell dusk to dawn bulb solves the same problem with fewer failure points.
FAQs
Most outdoor LED bulbs are rated for enclosed fixtures, but check the packaging. Bulbs with exposed filaments, like the Feit Electric, may overheat in enclosed spaces. Always follow manufacturer guidelines.
Yes, but extreme cold can affect startup time. The Philips Hue started instantly at -15°F, but some smart bulbs may take longer. Also, ensure the bulb is rated for wet locations if exposed to rain or snow.
Daylight (5000K) is better for security and visibility, as it mimics natural light. Soft white (2700K) creates a warmer, more inviting ambiance for patios and entryways. Consider the purpose of the light.
Outdoor bulbs face more stress from temperature swings, moisture, and UV, so they may have a shorter lifespan than indoor use. However, quality bulbs like the Cree and GE Relax still last years. Look for bulbs with high IP ratings for wet locations.
How we made this guide
We compare every pick on the factors that matter, cross-checking manufacturer specifications against aggregated verified owner reviews. We rank independently and never take payment for placement. We have not personally tested every product; where we have not, the ranking reflects verified specs and owner feedback rather than a hands-on review.
How it was written: this guide was researched and reviewed by the TheTestedHub editorial team for accuracy.
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