Color rendering comparisons: Cree vs. GE (pictures)

These two LEDs both promise professional-level color quality. So which one looks better?

Ry Crist

May 20, 2014 4:09 p.m. PT

Color rendering comparison shots: Cree TW Series vs. GE Reveal

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Colin West McDonald/CNET

Color rendering comparison shots: Cree TW Series vs. GE Reveal

Click through to see how the Cree TW Series LED and the GE Reveal LED stack up to a 60-watt incandescent in terms of color accuracy.

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Colin West McDonald/CNET

Color rendering comparison shots: Cree TW Series vs. GE Reveal

We'll start simple, with five color swatches. Here's the 60-watt incandescent.

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Colin West McDonald/CNET

Color rendering comparison shots: Cree TW Series vs. GE Reveal

And here's the same shot lit by the Cree TW Series LED.

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Colin West McDonald/CNET

Color rendering comparison shots: Cree TW Series vs. GE Reveal

Now, it's the GE Reveal LED's turn. Notice that it isn't quite as bright (570 lumens, compared to 800 from Cree).

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Colin West McDonald/CNET

Color rendering comparison shots: Cree TW Series vs. GE Reveal

Next up: bell peppers. Again, we'll start with the 60-watt incandescent.

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Colin West McDonald/CNET

Color rendering comparison shots: Cree TW Series vs. GE Reveal

Here's the Cree TW Series.

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Colin West McDonald/CNET

Color rendering comparison shots: Cree TW Series vs. GE Reveal

And here's the GE Reveal LED.

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Colin West McDonald/CNET

Color rendering comparison shots: Cree TW Series vs. GE Reveal

Time for candy -- peanut M&Ms, to be exact. Here's how they look under a 60-watt incandescent..

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Colin West McDonald/CNET

Color rendering comparison shots: Cree TW Series vs. GE Reveal

...and here's how they look under the Cree TW Series LED...

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Colin West McDonald/CNET

Color rendering comparison shots: Cree TW Series vs. GE Reveal

...and here they are under a GE Reveal LED.

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Colin West McDonald/CNET

Color rendering comparison shots: Cree TW Series vs. GE Reveal

Here's a healthier option for that sweet tooth -- neatly sliced citrus fruits. Again, we'll start with the 60-watt incandescent...

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Colin West McDonald/CNET

Color rendering comparison shots: Cree TW Series vs. GE Reveal

...followed by the Cree TW Series LED...

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Colin West McDonald/CNET

Color rendering comparison shots: Cree TW Series vs. GE Reveal

...and finally the GE Reveal LED.

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Colin West McDonald/CNET

Color rendering comparison shots: Cree TW Series vs. GE Reveal

We'll finish with mixed berries. Here's the incandescent...

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Colin West McDonald/CNET

Color rendering comparison shots: Cree TW Series vs. GE Reveal

...here's the Cree TW Series...

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Colin West McDonald/CNET

Color rendering comparison shots: Cree TW Series vs. GE Reveal

...and here's the GE Reveal. Notice that the bowl looks more white and natural than the yellowy Cree-lit shot. In our tests, the GE Reveal actually outperformed Cree in terms of color rendering. What do you think? Which bulb do you prefer?

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Color rendering comparisons: Cree vs. GE (pictures)

Color rendering comparison shots: Cree TW Series vs. GE Reveal

Color rendering comparison shots: Cree TW Series vs. GE Reveal

Color rendering comparison shots: Cree TW Series vs. GE Reveal

Color rendering comparison shots: Cree TW Series vs. GE Reveal

Color rendering comparison shots: Cree TW Series vs. GE Reveal

Color rendering comparison shots: Cree TW Series vs. GE Reveal

Color rendering comparison shots: Cree TW Series vs. GE Reveal

Color rendering comparison shots: Cree TW Series vs. GE Reveal

Color rendering comparison shots: Cree TW Series vs. GE Reveal

Color rendering comparison shots: Cree TW Series vs. GE Reveal

Color rendering comparison shots: Cree TW Series vs. GE Reveal

Color rendering comparison shots: Cree TW Series vs. GE Reveal

Color rendering comparison shots: Cree TW Series vs. GE Reveal

Color rendering comparison shots: Cree TW Series vs. GE Reveal

Color rendering comparison shots: Cree TW Series vs. GE Reveal

Color rendering comparison shots: Cree TW Series vs. GE Reveal

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