Main Differences of LED Lamps compared with Normal Lamps and CFLs

LED Light	Normal (incandescent) Lamps	Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL)
Directional the light comes out of the chip in an angle of usually 120°, a lens or the bulb glass adjusts the spread angle to e.g. 40° in spotlights, or 180° in bulbs. 360° light needs special LED placement inside the bulb (Candelabra bulbs). The spread angle is defined in the bulb specifications.	Non-directional light radiates all around, 360°	Not directional CFL light radiates all around, 360°
Light color spectrum is easily adjusted through the Phosphor mix	Warm light, natural color	Colors appear cold, not natural better color rendering only possible at significantly higher manufacturing costs
Instant start also in cold temperatures	instant start	Start with delay and flickering especially in cold environments
Not for hot environments operates best below 40°C needs open air for cooling	operates in all environments	Can operate in environments up to 60°C (at less light output)
High Lifetime (30..50,000 h)	short life (1000 h)	5..7000 h when rarely switched
High price	cheap	Medium price, high price for better light quality
Very low power consumption 10% of normal (incandescent) lamps 50% of CFLs	high power consumption	Low power consumption
Friendly to environment no poisonous or dangerous components fully recyclable	Broken glass hazards can be recycled	Broken glass hazards Radiates UV light contains mercury Health hazards special waste