Best Classic Metal Halide Bulbs of 2025

Mohammed Clark Avatar
Mohammed Clark
Last Updated: 5 Feb 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Classic Metal Halide Bulbs are high-intensity discharge lamps that produce bright white light. These bulbs are commonly used in commercial and industrial settings, such as warehouses, factories, and outdoor lighting. They provide excellent colour rendering and are known for their long lifespan and energy efficiency. Metal halide bulbs come in various wattages and sizes to fit different fixtures. They are an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable and cost-effective lighting solution.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Osram Powerstar HQI-T 70/NDL 70 W Classic Bulb Cover #TOP 1
Osram Powerstar HQI-T 70/NDL 70 W Classic Bulb
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Osram Powerstar HQI-BT 400/D/PRO E40 Giant Edison Screw 400 W Classic Bulb Cover #TOP 2
Osram Powerstar HQI-BT 400/D/PRO E40 Giant Edison Screw 400 W Classic Bulb
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Osram Powerstar HQI-T 150/NDL 150 W Classic Bulb Cover #TOP 3
Osram Powerstar HQI-T 150/NDL 150 W Classic Bulb
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 4 Classic Metal Halide Bulbs

#TOP 1

Osram Powerstar HQI-T 70/NDL 70 W Classic Bulb

4008321974327
Other
Osram Powerstar HQI-T 70/NDL 70 W Classic Bulb Cover
Osram Powerstar HQI-T 70/NDL 70 W Classic Bulb

Features
UV Filter Technology
POWERSTAR Quartz Technology
Warm White Light WDL And Neutral White Light NDL
High Efficiency
Average Life Of 9,000 Hours
#TOP 2

Osram Powerstar HQI-BT 400/D/PRO E40 Giant Edison Screw 400 W Classic Bulb

HQI-BT 400/D/PRO
Transparent
Osram Powerstar HQI-BT 400/D/PRO E40 Giant Edison Screw 400 W Classic Bulb Cover
Osram Powerstar HQI-BT 400/D/PRO E40 Giant Edison Screw 400 W Classic Bulb

Features
UV Filter Technology
POWERSTAR Quartz Technology
Neutral White Light N, Daylight D And Coloured Lamps
High Efficiency
Approved For Use Only In Enclosed Fixtures
#TOP 3

Osram Powerstar HQI-T 150/NDL 150 W Classic Bulb

4008321974365
Other
Osram Powerstar HQI-T 150/NDL 150 W Classic Bulb Cover
Osram Powerstar HQI-T 150/NDL 150 W Classic Bulb, 4008321974365

Features
Uv Filter Technology
Powerstar Quartz Technology
Warm White Light Wdl And Neutral White Light Ndl
High Efficiency
Average Life Of 9,000 Hours
; Number Of Items: 1; Unit Count: 1.0; Included Components: 1x High Intensity Discharge Lamps
#TOP 4

Osram Vialox NAV-TS 70 Super 4Y Classic Bulb

4.0503E+12
Other
Osram Vialox NAV-TS 70 Super 4Y Classic Bulb Cover
Osram Vialox NAV-TS 70 Super 4Y Classic Bulb, R7s, W, Other

Features
Industrial Installations
Lamp Survival Factor (LSF) Greater Than And Equal To 95 % After 16,000 Hours
Suitable For Use In Open And Enclosed Luminaires
Outdoor Applications Only In Suitable Luminaires
Lamp Survival Factor: 95% After 16,000 Hours Burning Time
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are metal halide bulbs being phased out?

New Energy Law to Phase Out Today's Common Incandescent Lamps, Probe-Start Metal Halide Magnetic Ballasted Fixtures. On December 19, President Bush signed H.R. 6, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, into law (Public Law 110-140).

2. Is there a difference in metal halide bulbs?

What's the Upside to Metal Halide Lights? Metal halide lights are 3-5 times as efficient as incandescent bulbs and produce a much higher quality light. In many cases, and depending on the particular mix of metal halides, they have a very high color temperature (up to 5500K).

3. Can you replace metal halide bulbs with LED?

A 400 watt metal halide bulb can be replaced with a 200 watt LED. A 100 watt metal halide can be replaced with a 50 watt LED. Implementing an LED replacement program should result in a 50% reduction in annual energy use (kWh) costs. It may also lower electric demand (kW) charges.

4. Can I put a metal halide bulb in a regular socket?

This is why a metal halide bulb will not work in a standard household lighting fixture — aside from the fact that the larger E39 base will not fit. Similarly, a standard incandescent bulb would never be able to withstand the ballast voltage in a metal halide fixture.

Editor's Notes

During our classic metal halide bulb research, we found 5 classic metal halide bulb products and shortlisted 4 quality products. We collected and analyzed 2,495 customer reviews through our big data system to write the classic metal halide bulbs list. We found that most customers choose classic metal halide bulbs with an average price of £33.97.

The classic metal halide bulbs are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of classic metal halide bulbs, including OSRAM and more. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 286 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Mohammed Clark Avatar

Mohammed Clark is an architect and a contractor. His architectural skills are not limited to designing the plan for structures alone, but it extends to aesthetics and home décor. Before establishing his firm, he worked under a construction firm for eight years. Mohammed has gathered enough experience from his time practicing as a professional architect and now has vast knowledge in home designs and aesthetics.