The downlight using an incandescent reflector flood lamp provides more light in the center of the beam (center beam candlepower) and a narrower beam than either the CFL or LED downlights. Depending on the application this may be an important consideration. But on total luminous flux, color temperature, and color rendering, both the CFL and LED products are good options.

Residential downlights are often a glare problem, as indicated by the high average luminance figures for all three of these products. For the products listed above, both the CFL and LED alternatives would be an improvement over the most common lamp type used in residential downlights, the 65-watt reflector flood, but particularly in lower ceilings, glare may be an issue.

Comparison of Recessed Downlight Lamping Options
	65W BR-30Flood	13W 4-pinSpiral CFL	LED 2
Luminaire light output, initial (lumens)	570	514	730
Luminaire wattage (W)	65	12	12
Luminaire efficacy (lm/W)	9	42	60
CCT (Kelvin)	2700 K	2700 K	2700 K
CRI	100	82	95
Center beam candlepower (candela)	510 cd	154 cd	280 cd
Beam angle (degrees)	55°	120°	105°
Average luminance at 45° (cd/sq meter)	27267	13479	16439
Dimmable	Yes	No	Yes

Based on photometric reports for three products.