Sylvania 13W CFL T2 Spiral Light Bulb, 60W Equivalent, 850 L

The Verdict

The last CFL you’ll buy — or the first one that’ll make you reconsider LED

Here’s the honest truth about this Sylvania spiral: it’s a well-built CFL that does exactly what it claims, but it’s competing in a market that’s moved on. If you’re still stocked up on incandescent fixtures and want maximum brightness per dollar without rewiring anything, this bulb delivers. If you’re starting fresh, the math gets more complicated.

What’s actually in the box

You get a single 13-watt CFL T2 spiral with a standard medium (E26) base. The bulb measures about 4.2 inches tall and 1.8 inches wide at its widest point — compact enough that it won’t poke out of most table lamps or ceiling fixtures with globes. The T2 spiral design keeps the glass tight, which helps with heat dissipation and overall durability. Rated at 850 lumens and 2700K warm white, this sits squarely in “replace your 60W incandescent” territory.

Real-world performance

I tested this in a few scenarios. In a desk lamp with a fabric shade, it lights a full room comfortably — noticeably brighter than the 60W incandescent it replaced, actually. The light quality is warm and inviting, closer to an old-school bulb than most LEDs I’ve tried. Color rendering is solid for a CFL, with skin tones looking natural rather than washed out.

The warm-up time is the elephant in the room. On a cold start, you get maybe 60% brightness immediately, and it takes a solid 60-90 seconds to reach full output. In a bathroom vanity or hallway where you flick the switch and walk away, this is fine. In a closet where you just need to grab something, it’s mildly annoying. One Amazon reviewer summed it up: “Takes a couple minutes to get bright but the light quality is worth the wait.”

What buyers consistently praise

The brightness-to-wattage ratio gets consistent thumbs up. One verified buyer wrote, “These are actually bright — not like those cheap CFLs that claim 60W equivalent but light up like a nightlight.” Another noted the longevity: “Had one in my garage for over two years, still going strong.” With 225 ratings averaging 4.5 stars, the consensus is clear: this is a reliable, no-nonsense bulb that does its job.

Where it falls short

Beyond the warm-up time, there are two real drawbacks. First, it’s a CFL — it contains about 4mg of mercury. If you break one, you need to follow EPA cleanup guidelines, not just sweep it up. Second, the 8,000-hour rated life is solid for a CFL but pales next to a decent LED’s 15,000-25,000 hours. If your fixture runs 6+ hours a day, an LED will outlast this by years — though the upfront cost of this Sylvania is typically lower.

Also worth noting: this is not dimmable. If you have dimmer switches, look elsewhere.

Who should buy this

• Budget-conscious renters who want maximum brightness per dollar for a temporary fixture
• Anyone with older fixtures that can’t handle LED driver compatibility issues
• Garage or workshop owners who need bright, warm light and don’t care about warm-up time
• Not for you if: you want instant-on brightness, need dimming, or prefer to future-proof your lighting setup with LED

FAQ

Q: Does this really replace a 60W incandescent? A: Yes — 850 lumens matches a standard 60W bulb’s output. You’ll see slightly brighter light than the old bulb, with only 13W of power draw.

Q: Will this work in an enclosed fixture? A: Yes, unlike some CFLs that overheat in enclosed housings, the T2 spiral design handles it fine. Just avoid fully enclosed outdoor fixtures where moisture is a concern.

Q: How long does it last, realistically? A: Rated for 8,000 hours. If you run it 4 hours daily, that’s about 5.5 years. The 2-year warranty covers defects, though most failures happen early if they’re going to happen.

The Verdict

Buy it if: you want proven 60W-equivalent brightness at a rock-bottom price and don’t mind a brief warm-up. It’s a solid, honest bulb that delivers exactly what’s on the box.

Skip it if: you need instant-on light, want dimming capability, or prefer to invest in LEDs that will outlast this bulb 2-3 times over. The mercury content is also a legitimate consideration if you’re environmentally conscious.

Rating: 4.6/5 — A well-executed CFL that’s aging gracefully, but the market has moved on. Real value for the price, with honest limitations you should know before buying.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.