40 Watt - T9 - Circline Fluorescent - 4100K Cool White - 62 CRI - 4-Pin base vs 22 Watt - T5 - Circline Fluorescent - 3000K Warm White - 82 CRI - 2GX13 (4-Pin) base
Buy the 40W T9 if you need maximum light output from a fixture that takes the larger 4-pin circline lamp. Buy the 22W T5 if you want warmer light, better color rendering and lower energy use in a fixture built for the 2GX13 base. The two use different sockets, so the deciding factor is usually which lamp your fixture accepts, not price.
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40 Watt - T9 - Circline Fluorescent - 4100K Cool White - 62 CRI - 4-Pin base
Choose the 40W T9 if your fixture takes the larger 4-pin circline base and you need about 2950 lumens of cool white light.
Pros
- Highest light output of the two at 2950 lumens
- Cool white 4100K suits kitchens, garages and utility areas
- 3-year warranty
- 12,000-hour rated life
Cons
- Uses 40W, nearly double the power of the T5
- Low 62 CRI makes colors look flat
- Non-dimmable
- Cool white may look harsh in living spaces
What separates them
| 40 Watt - T9 - Circline Fluorescent - 4100K Cool White - 62 CRI - 4-Pin base | 22 Watt - T5 - Circline Fluorescent - 3000K Warm White - 82 CRI - 2GX13 (4-Pin) base | |
|---|---|---|
| Light output | 2950 lumens | 1900 lumens |
| Wattage | 40W | 22W |
| Color temperature | 4100K cool white | 3000K warm white |
| Color rendering (CRI) | 62 CRI | 82 CRI |
| Base | 4-pin circline (T9) | 2GX13 4-pin (T5) |
| Tube size | T9, about 1-1/8 inch diameter | T5, about 5/8 inch diameter |
| Dimmable | No | No |
| Rated life | 12,000 hours | 12,000 hours |
Price history
- 40 Watt - T9 - Circline Fluorescent - 4100K Cool White - 62 CRI - 4-Pin base: lowest $18.68 on Nov 1 at Amazon.
- 22 Watt - T5 - Circline Fluorescent - 3000K Warm White - 82 CRI - 2GX13 (4-Pin) base: lowest $12.69 on Nov 1 at Amazon.
Prices at every store
40 Watt - T9 - Circline Fluorescent - 4100K Cool White - 62 CRI - 4-Pin base
- AmazonCheck price at Amazon
22 Watt - T5 - Circline Fluorescent - 3000K Warm White - 82 CRI - 2GX13 (4-Pin) base
- AmazonCheck price at Amazon
Specs compared
| Spec | 40 Watt - T9 - Circline Fluorescent - 4100K Cool White - 62 CRI - 4-Pin base | 22 Watt - T5 - Circline Fluorescent - 3000K Warm White - 82 CRI - 2GX13 (4-Pin) base |
|---|---|---|
| Lumens | 2950L | 1900L |
| Wattage | 40W | 22W |
| Dimmable | Non-Dimmable | Non-Dimmable |
| Warranty | 3-Years | 3-Years |
| Beam spread | 360 | 360 |
| Life hours rated | 12000 | 12000 |
Questions and answers
- Which is brighter, the 40W T9 or the 22W T5?
- The 40W T9 is brighter at 2950 lumens versus 1900 lumens for the 22W T5. That is roughly 55% more light from the larger lamp.
- Can I swap one for the other in the same fixture?
- No. They use different bases, a 4-pin circline base on the T9 and a 2GX13 base on the T5. Match the lamp to the socket your fixture has.
- Which gives better color?
- The 22W T5, at 82 CRI versus 62 CRI. The T9's 62 CRI is low and will make colors look duller.
- Which costs less to run?
- The 22W T5, at 22W versus 40W. Over a 12,000-hour life that is about 216 kWh saved at the rated wattages.
- Do either of these dim?
- No. Both are non-dimmable, so use them on a standard on/off circuit.
- How long do they last?
- Both are rated for 12,000 hours and carry a 3-year warranty. Expect similar replacement intervals.
More comparisons
- 22 Watt - T5 - Circline Fluorescent - 3000K Warm White - 82 CRI - 2GX13 (4-Pin) base vs 32 Watt - T9 - Circline Fluorescent - 3000K Warm White - 52 CRI - 4-Pin base
- 40 Watt - T9 - Circline Fluorescent - 4100K Cool White - 62 CRI - 4-Pin base vs 32 Watt - T9 - Circline Fluorescent - 3000K Warm White - 52 CRI - 4-Pin base
