Best 7-inch circline fluorescent tube bulbs

Top pick: the 22 W T5 circline in warm white (3000K, 2GX13 4-pin). It's the standard 7-inch-size ring for magnifier lamps, small ceiling fixtures and vanity lights, and warm white flatters skin tones and wood better than cool white. Check your old tube's wattage and pin count before ordering — the base has to match.

Who the others suit:

• Daylight 6500K 22 W T9 — if you want crisp, bright task light for reading, sewing or a workshop.
• 32 W and 40 W T9 rings — bigger, brighter fixtures; the 40 W is the one for a large kitchen or utility room.
• LED circle replacement — if you'd rather not swap tubes again soon; it lasts far longer but is a different light quality.
• Cool white 4100K — neutral, office-like light for garages and hallways.

Match wattage, pin base and ring diameter to the old bulb; a 7-inch ring won't fit an 8- or 12-inch fixture.