GU10 LED Bulbs

The GU10 is the twist-and-lock spotlight bulb, the most common bulb for spotlights, downlights and track lighting. LED GU10 bulbs run on mains power with no transformer needed, use a fraction of the energy of the old halogen versions, and last for years. Choose one by its brightness in lumens, its colour temperature and, if it matters to you, its beam angle.

What is a GU10 bulb?

A GU10 has two small pins on the base that you push in and twist a quarter-turn to lock, which is why it's sometimes called a twist-and-lock bulb. It runs straight off mains voltage, so unlike the older MR16 spotlight it doesn't need a separate transformer. You'll find GU10 fittings in most modern spotlights, recessed downlights and track systems.

How bright a GU10 do I need?

Go by lumens rather than watts. A modern LED GU10 of around 4 to 6W gives the same light as an old 50W halogen, typically somewhere between 350 and 500 lumens. If you're lighting a whole room with several downlights, the light adds up, so you rarely need the very brightest bulb in each fitting.

Warm or cool white GU10?

Warm white (around 2700 to 3000K) suits living rooms and bedrooms, giving a cosy glow. Neutral or cool white (4000K and up) is crisper and better for kitchens, bathrooms and task areas where you want to see clearly. Keep the colour consistent across a run of downlights so the ceiling looks even.

Are GU10 bulbs dimmable?

Some are and some aren't, so check the bulb is marked dimmable before you buy. A dimmable GU10 also needs a compatible LED dimmer switch to dim smoothly without flicker or buzz. If you're not dimming, a standard non-dimmable GU10 is the cheaper choice.

What about beam angle?

The beam angle is how wide the light spreads. A narrow beam (around 36 degrees) picks out a feature or piece of art like a spotlight, while a wider beam (60 degrees or more) spreads light for general room lighting. For most ceiling downlights, a wider beam gives smoother, more even coverage.

Buying GU10 bulbs in Ireland

We stock GU10 LED bulbs in dimmable and standard versions, in warm white, cool white and daylight, all available to order online with fast delivery across Ireland and Europe.

Related categories

Find GU10 fittings in our recessed downlights and spotlights, or browse other bulbs on the LED bulbs page.