Why You Can Trust CNET

Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement

The Philips SlimStyle LED reinvents the light bulb (pictures)

Check out the eyebrow-raising design of Philips' new light.

Ry Crist

Originally hailing from Troy, Ohio, Ry Crist is a writer, a text-based adventure connoisseur, a lover of terrible movies and an enthusiastic yet mediocre cook. A CNET editor since 2013, Ry's beats include smart home tech, lighting, appliances, broadband and home networking.

See full bio

Ry Crist

Dec. 16, 2013 6:41 a.m. PT

1 of 6 Colin West McDonald/CNET

Meet Philips' new LED

The SlimStyle 60-watt replacement LED offers energy-efficient lighting with a unique new design.

$20 at Amazon

Read first take

2 of 6 Colin West McDonald/CNET

Flat design

The flattened design is unlike anything you've seen from household bulbs of the past.

$20 at Amazon

Read first take

3 of 6 Colin West McDonald/CNET

Flat, but curvy

The horseshoe-shaped string of lights is designed to disperse heat more effectively than traditional, bulb-shaped LEDs.

$20 at Amazon

Read first take

4 of 6 Colin West McDonald/CNET

Familiar color tone

The SlimStyle LED puts out 800 lumens at a color temperature of 2700K, giving it a warm, familiar, soft white glow.

$20 at Amazon

Read first take

5 of 6 Colin West McDonald/CNET

Compared with Cree

The SlimStyle's light output is similar to what you'll get from a Cree 60-watt replacement LED -- both bulbs put out 800 lumens. The Cree is slightly more efficient though, using only 9.5 watts. The SlimStyle uses 10.5 watts.

$20 at Amazon

Read first take