T5 and T8 are two popular options when it comes to creating the right ambiance and lighting in a house, business, or commercial setting. But are you confused about these two light tubes when talking with suppliers? Don't worry! In this post, we will discuss T5 vs. T8 tubes in detail to help you make the right choice for your business.
Both T5 and T8 lights refer to a specific measurement and size of a tubular-shaped LED lighting option. The main difference between T5 and T8 bulbs refers to the diameter. A T5 LED bulb will have a diameter of 5/8 inches, while a T8 tube will reach a diameter of 1 inch.
The “T” refers to the measure of 1/8 inch. So 5/8ths would be T5, and 1 would be T8 – equal to the number of eighths in their diameters.
Besides the T-factor measurement that differentiates T5 vs. T8 lights, there are other aspects you should consider.
1 – Length of Tube:
Both lights will have similar standard-length features. The T8 LED tube tends to come in 2, 3, 4, and 5-foot lengths as these are frequently used in commercial settings requiring a lot of light. The T5 option tends to be a bit shorter due to its smaller diameter, but it should have different length options depending on the supplier you are using.
No matter where you get your LED lights from, make sure the manufacturer, retail shop, or distributor includes an accurate length measurement, as both T5 and T8 lights are used in many display situations.
2 – Lumen Output Capabilities:
Luminosity matters when comparing T5 and T8 LED tubes. T8 tubes have a much higher lumen output than their T5 counterparts, and that's the reason why T8 is more suited for commercial settings, such as schools, restaurants, grocery stores, and movie theaters.
In other words, if you are looking for a darker light setting for your longer LED tubes, choose T5, as it won’t be overwhelming to the eyes in a high-contrast area.
3 – T5 vs. T8 Color Temperatures:
Both T5 and T8 LED tubes are available in a variety of color temperatures. However, if you consider the lumen output on top of color temperature, you should stick to a general rule of using a T8 in industrial/commercial settings and a T5 in the home office or residential needs.
The good news is that most modern manufacturers like LEDVANCE offer plenty of variety and control options to ensure your LED light experience.
4 – Cost of Tube:
There is a sharp contrast between the two LED tube options. T5 bulbs are likely to be more expensive than T8 bulbs. It is because T5 produces as much light in a smaller area while using fewer bulb resources.
Yes, the T5 bulbs do not require as much maintenance, which will help to save in the long term over the increase in retail pricing. The best strategy is to work with a reliable supplier that offers high-quality, durable T5 and T8 lights, so you don’t have to replace them frequently.
5 – T8 VS T5 Light Application:
Besides the length and luminosity of the T5 vs. T8 lights, the way you apply their lumens is a significant factor. T5 bulbs are likely to be used in slim fixtures, under-cabinet lighting, display options, or smaller spaces. That is why they often have exceptional luminosity even though they are in a smaller form factor.
T8 LED bulbs are used in ceiling fixtures, troffers, high bay lighting, and commercial or industrial applications. These offer cost-benefit improvements over traditional incandescent or fluorescent lighting options.
Check out the chart below for a detailed comparison of T5 and T8 lighting applications:
| Use Case / Feature | T5 Light | T8 Light |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Applications | High-bay warehouses, industrial plants, labs, display lighting, etc | Offices, schools, retail stores, hospitals, parking garage |
| Lighting Purpose | Task lighting or high-output area | Standard troffers or retrofit in existing fixtures |
| Fixture Compatibility | Requires dedicated T5 fixtures | Widely compatible with existing T8/T12 fixtures (especially LED retrofits) |
| Ceiling Height | 12+ feet (high ceiling environments) | 8–12 feet (standard ceiling heights) |
| Energy Efficiency | More efficient per lumen (especially LED T5HO) | Slightly lower, but improving with LED tech |
| Heat Output | Higher (especially in enclosed fixtures) | Lower |
| Energy Saving Potential | Excellent for large spaces with high lighting needs | Lower upfront cost, ideal for standard commercial spaces |
| Cost & Availability | Typically higher upfront cost | More affordable and widely available |
Looking for a reliable solution for a lighting upgrade or starting a new project? Below are our two recommended T5 and T8 LED solutions, engineered for performance, energy savings, and easy installation.
LEDlescent® T5HO Ballast-Free lamps are the energy-efficient replacement for the traditional fluorescent T5HO lamps. The 2ft model is designed to work alongside the 4ft version, which is now DLC-listed for flexible retrofit applications. They deliver significant energy savings while keeping installation simple—just bypass the existing ballast and reuse the current lamp holders.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| LPW | Up to 145 lm/W |
| CCT | 3000K, 3500K, 4100K, 5000K |
| CRI | 82 |
| Beam angle | 180° |
| Rated Life | 50,000 hours (L70) |
| Ambient Operating Range | -4°F to 113°F (-20°C to 45°C) |
| Certifications | DLC |
The DUALescent® LED T8 series is an ideal energy-saving alternative option for replacing T12 and T8 fluorescent lamps in commercial or industrial settings. These lamps deliver instant-on light with uniform distribution, and it helps to reduce energy usage without requiring fixture replacement.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| LPW | LPWUp to 150 lm/W system efficacy |
| CCT | CCT3000K, 3500K, 4100K, 5000K |
| CRI | 83 |
| Beam angle | 200° |
| Rated Life | 50,000 hours (L70) |
| Ambient Operating Range | -4°F to +104°F (-20°C to +40°C) |
| Certifications | cULus 1993 & 1598C, DLC 5.1 Standard, RoHS, NSF Listed: NSF/ANSI Standard 2 – Food Equipment |
Energy Efficiency & Durability - LED tube lights are more energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan than fluorescent tube lights. That means less electrical expense with fewer needs for replacement, which provides significant cost advantages.
The right LED tube light depends on your lighting needs and preferences for your home, business, or commercial space. The difference between T5 and T8 lights depends on where you want to use them. While T5 tubes are more suitable for compact spaces and offer a more comprehensive range of color temperatures, T8 tubes are brighter and more cost-effective in more extensive settings.
Ultimately, the decision between LED types of bulbs and fluorescent tube lights comes down to energy efficiency, lifespan, and overall performance. Hopefully, this equips you with all the details you need to make a well-informed buying decision.
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