N:Vision Soft White

The N:Vision Soft White is rated as one of the best compact fluorescent (CFL) light bulbs in many of the reviews we found. Reviews say that this bulb provides light that's a bit more yellow than the warm-colored light from standard incandescent bulbs and less blue than harsh fluorescent lighting. The N:Vision Soft Whites, available almost exclusively through Home Depot, are smaller than many bulbs, so they fit in most lamps and have a standard base. Reviews say they perform well in reading lamps and through lampshades, although not with dimmers. The 14-watt version is as bright as a 60-watt incandescent light bulb. All CFL bulbs contain some mercury, and scientists disagree on how to handle and dispose of broken or burnt-out bulbs. N:Vision Soft Whites are certified to contain between 2.5 and 3.5 milligrams of mercury, less than the 5 milligrams considered acceptable for CFL bulbs. The N:Vision bulbs fare well in tests of longevity, with some lasting longer than the 10,000 hours the bulbs are rated for. There's a nine-year warranty and a means of replacing defective bulbs (if you call a toll-free phone number). For a bulb that works with dimmers, reviews recommend the Philips Halogena Energy Saver (*Est. $10 for two) as the best halogen light bulb.

We found the best review at Popular Mechanics magazine, which tested the N:Vision Soft White against six other compact fluorescent bulbs and one incandescent bulb. There is good data in ConsumerReports.org's coverage, but the light bulbs are listed in alphabetical order rather than ranked. We found good coverage in The New York Times, environmentally oriented Grist.org and in two blogs. Owner reviews are scarce, but there are helpful reader comments accompanying coverage on Popular Mechanics' website, as well as on Grist.org and the Environmental Defense Fund's site.