G25 vs G16 LED Bulbs: Which Shape Fits Your Fixture?

Quick answer

Choose a G25 LED bulb if you need a larger, statement-making globe with high color accuracy; choose a G16 if your fixture has a tighter space or you want dim-to-warm behavior for a cozy ambiance.

Size and fit: the first practical difference

The number in G25 and G16 refers to the bulb's diameter in eighths of an inch: a G25 is about 3.125 inches across, while a G16 is about 2 inches. That size gap matters more than you might think. A G25 will look fuller and more substantial in an open fixture like a pendant or a bare socket, but it may not fit inside a tight glass shade or a small sconce. A G16's smaller profile makes it easier to fit into enclosed fixtures, but it can look underwhelming in a large, open globe.

Before you buy, measure the space inside your fixture—both the opening and the interior depth. If the bulb is enclosed, the glass shade must have enough clearance around the bulb for heat to escape and for the bulb to sit properly. A bulb that's too large can press against the shade, creating a hot spot or making installation difficult.

Light quality and dimming behavior

Both shapes are available in modern LED technology, but the specific bulbs you're comparing highlight different strengths. The G25 from Feit Electric uses filament-style LED strips to mimic the look of a traditional incandescent bulb while delivering a high color rendering index of 90+. That means colors in your room—like wood tones, fabrics, and artwork—will look more vivid and true to life.

The G16 from Emery Allen takes a different approach: it's a dim-to-warm bulb. As you dim it, the color temperature shifts to a warmer, more amber tone, just like an old incandescent bulb. That makes it a great choice for dining rooms, bedrooms, or any space where you want to control the mood with a dimmer switch. Its CRI of 97.2 is even higher than the G25, so color accuracy is excellent too, but it's a smaller bulb with a lower lumen output, so it won't fill a large room with as much light.

Energy and output: matching the bulb to the room

The G25 is a 60-watt equivalent, so it's designed to replace a standard household incandescent bulb. It will put out enough light for a vanity, a hallway, or a small to medium room. The G16, at 4 watts, is more of an accent bulb—it's meant to provide a warm glow rather than serve as a primary light source. If you need to read or work under the light, the G25 is the safer bet. If you want a subtle, decorative glow, the G16's lower output is fine.

Also consider the base: both bulbs use an E26 base, which is the standard screw-in base for most fixtures in the US. So you don't need to worry about adapter compatibility—just check the physical size and the light output you need.

G25 vs G16: trade-offs to weigh

• Size and fit: Choose G25 if your fixture has an open globe or a wide shade that can accommodate a 3.1-inch bulb. Choose G16 if the fixture is compact or the shade is narrow—its 2-inch diameter fits in tighter spaces. Measure the interior of your fixture before ordering.
• Light output: G25 provides 60W-equivalent brightness, suitable for general lighting in a small to medium room. G16 offers a softer glow (230 lumens), best for accent or ambient lighting, not task work. Decide whether the bulb is the main light source or just a decorative accent.
• Dimming behavior: G16 dims to a warm amber, replicating incandescent dimming. G25 has a high CRI but does not specifically offer dim-to-warm. If you use a dimmer and want that cozy shift, G16 is the better match. Check if your dimmer switch is compatible with LED bulbs (most are, but confirm).

Two solid options from Worley's Lighting

• LED Light Bulb G25 60w - Single Bulb: The Feit Electric G25 is a 60W-equivalent LED with a high CRI of 90+ and a filament-style design that mimics a traditional incandescent bulb. This bulb gives you a familiar, warm look with better-than-average color accuracy, making it a strong pick for living spaces where you want both style and reliable illumination.

  

• Emery Allen G16 4.0W, Matte Frosted: The Emery Allen G16 is a 4W dim-to-warm LED with a CRI of 97.2, a matte frosted globe, and a color temperature that shifts warmer as you dim it. Its dim-to-warm behavior mimics traditional incandescent dimming, so it's ideal for rooms where you want to adjust the ambiance without a harsh color shift.

  

Which one should you choose?

Best for

• G25: fixtures with enough space for a larger globe, and rooms where you need bright, accurate light for daily activities.
• G16: compact sconces, small pendants, or enclosed shades, and spaces where you want dim-to-warm ambiance for evenings.

Not for

• G25: tight fixtures where the bulb might touch the shade, or rooms where you only need a subtle accent glow.
• G16: large rooms that need a primary light source, or fixtures that require a brighter 60W-equivalent output.