PAR30 Short Neck LED Bulbs
Efficient Lighting with PAR30 LED Bulbs
PAR30 LED bulbs are energy-efficient, long-lasting replacements for traditional halogen lamps used in spotlights, track lighting, recessed can lights, and outdoor fixtures. Designed to match the light output of PAR30 halogen bulbs—but with up to 85% energy savings—these LEDs combine performance, durability, and design flexibility.
For easy shopping, our selection is sorted by halogen wattage equivalent. For example, a 120W equivalent PAR30 LED bulb may consume only 18.5 watts while delivering the same level of brightness—lasting up to 35,000 hours compared to halogen's 1,500–2,000 hours.
PAR30 Beam Angles & Color Temperatures
Beam Angles:
PAR30 LEDs are designed to deliver directional lighting—perfect for accenting displays, landscaping, or highlighting architecture. Available beam types include:
- Narrow Spot: <10°
- Spot: 15°
- Narrow Flood: 25°
- Flood: 36°
- Wide Flood: >50°
Color Temperatures:
Unlike halogen bulbs, which are limited to ~3000K, PAR30 LED bulbs offer a full range of color temperatures:
- 2700K–3000K: Warm white – best for ambient and outdoor landscape lighting
- 3500K–4000K: Neutral white – great for display or retail lighting
- 5000K+ (Daylight): Bright and crisp – ideal for high-visibility task areas
For outdoor landscaping, warmer temperatures better preserve the natural appearance of plants. Higher Kelvin options are well-suited for highlighting stonework or sculptures.
High CRI PAR30 LEDs for Better Color Accuracy
Color Rendering Index (CRI) is key for lighting that accurately reveals color and detail. While halogens score near 100, many modern PAR30 LED bulbs now reach CRI ratings of 90+, delivering enhanced color clarity for retail displays, art, and skin tones. For general and landscape use, CRI 80+ is typically sufficient.
PAR30 Applications and Benefits
Short Neck vs. Long Neck:
Short neck PAR30s are designed for shallow fixtures and track heads. Be sure to check fixture depth when choosing between standard and short neck versions.
Fits 4-Inch Cans:
The PAR30 bulb diameter is just under 4 inches, making it ideal for 4-inch recessed can fixtures and spotlighting applications where PAR38s are too large.
Outdoor-Ready Options:
Many PAR30 LED bulbs are wet-location rated, meaning they can be used in exposed outdoor fixtures. Check each product’s UL listing for verification.
Dimmability:
Most models are dimmable with compatible LED dimmers. See each product's Dimmer Compatibility PDF to ensure your dimmer switch is supported.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does PAR30 LED mean?
"PAR" stands for Parabolic Aluminized Reflector, a type of directional bulb that focuses light into a precise beam. The "30" refers to the bulb’s diameter in eighths of an inch—30/8 = 3.75 inches. A PAR30 LED bulb is simply the LED version of this format, offering the same directional lighting but with greater energy efficiency, longer lifespan, and more options in color temperature and CRI.
What’s the difference between PAR30 and PAR38?
The main difference is size and beam spread. A PAR38 bulb is larger—4.75 inches in diameter—and generally provides a wider beam of light. PAR30 bulbs are smaller and better suited for compact fixtures or tighter beam control. If your fixture is shallow or designed for a 4-inch can, PAR30 is the better fit.