T8 vs T5 LED Tube: Complete Comparison Guide for B2B Buyers
Diameter, wattage, lumen output, fixture compatibility, energy savings, and application-specific recommendations — with an interactive energy savings calculator.
Quick Answer
T8 LED tubes (26mm diameter, G13 bi-pin) are the global commercial standard — best for offices, warehouses, schools, and any facility replacing T8 fluorescent fixtures. T5 LED tubes (16mm diameter, G5 mini bi-pin) are ideal for compact fixtures, retail display cases, under-cabinet lighting, and high-bay applications with narrow reflectors. They are not interchangeable.
T8 vs T5 LED Tube: Full Specification Comparison
| Specification | T8 LED Tube | T5 LED Tube |
|---|---|---|
| Tube Diameter | 1 inch (26mm / T8) | 5/8 inch (16mm / T5) |
| Pin Type | G13 bi-pin (standard) | G5 mini bi-pin |
| Common Lengths | 2ft (600mm), 4ft (1200mm), 8ft (2400mm) | 2ft (549mm), 4ft (1149mm) |
| Typical Wattage | 9W (2ft) · 18W (4ft) · 36W (8ft) | 7W (2ft) · 14W (4ft) |
| Lumen Output | 900–1800 lm (4ft) | 700–1400 lm (4ft) |
| Efficacy | 100–140 lm/W | 100–140 lm/W |
| CCT Range | 2700K–6500K | 2700K–6500K |
| CRI | ≥80 (standard) / ≥90 (high CRI) | ≥80 (standard) / ≥90 (high CRI) |
| Dimming | 0-10V, DALI-2, Triac | 0-10V, DALI-2 |
| IP Rating | IP20–IP65 | IP20–IP44 |
| DLC QPL | Yes (standard & premium) | Yes (standard) |
| MOQ (Cornea) | 100 pcs | 200 pcs |
| FOB Price Range | $0.95–$2.80/pc | $0.85–$2.50/pc |
| Fixture Compatibility | Replaces F32T8, F40T8, F96T8 | Replaces F14T5, F21T5, F28T5, F54T5HO |
Application Recommendations: When to Choose T8 vs T5
Office & Commercial
Standard 2×4 troffers, linear fixtures — T8 4ft 18W is the universal replacement for F32T8 fluorescent.
Warehouse & Industrial
High-bay and low-bay fixtures. T8 8ft 36W replaces F96T8 strip lights with 50% energy savings.
School & Government
DLC QPL required for utility rebates. T8 4ft 18W 4000K is the standard specification for educational facilities.
Cold Storage
IP65 T8 LED tubes rated to -20°C for walk-in coolers, freezers, and food processing areas.
Car Parks & Outdoor
IP65 T8 LED tubes with IK08+ impact rating for parking garages and covered outdoor areas.
Healthcare
High CRI (≥90) T8 LED tubes for exam rooms, operating areas, and patient care environments.
Retail Display Cases
T5 14W 4ft tubes for refrigerated display cases, wine coolers, and open-front merchandisers.
Under-Cabinet Lighting
T5 7W 2ft for kitchen under-cabinet, workbench task lighting, and display shelf illumination.
Jewelry & Luxury Retail
High CRI T5 (≥90) for jewelry showcases, watch displays, and luxury product presentation.
Grow Lights
T5 HO (High Output) LED tubes for seedling propagation, clone rooms, and supplemental grow lighting.
Architectural Coves
T5 slim profile fits narrow architectural coves, cornices, and indirect lighting channels.
Signage & Backlit Displays
T5 tubes for backlit menu boards, lightboxes, and illuminated signage applications.
Interactive Energy Savings Calculator
Annual Energy Cost Calculator — T8 vs T5
Your Current Tube Type
Your T8 Annual Cost
$788
6,570 kWh/yr
T5 Annual Cost
$613
5,110 kWh/yr
Annual Savings
$175
by switching to T5 (22% less wattage)
* Calculation based on 18W T8 vs 14W T5 per fixture. Actual savings vary by fixture type, dimming usage, and local utility rates. Does not include fixture replacement costs.
Fixture Compatibility: Which Fluorescent Tubes Do They Replace?
| Fluorescent Model | Type | LED Replacement | LED Wattage | Energy Saving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F32T8 | T8 Fluorescent | T8 LED 4ft | 18W | 44% |
| F40T8 | T8 Fluorescent | T8 LED 4ft | 18W | 55% |
| F96T8 | T8 Fluorescent | T8 LED 8ft | 36W | 44% |
| F17T8 | T8 Fluorescent | T8 LED 2ft | 9W | 47% |
| F14T5 | T5 Fluorescent | T5 LED 2ft | 7W | 50% |
| F21T5 | T5 Fluorescent | T5 LED 3ft | 10W | 52% |
| F28T5 | T5 Fluorescent | T5 LED 4ft | 14W | 50% |
| F54T5HO | T5HO Fluorescent | T5 LED 4ft HO | 25W | 54% |
Factory-Direct Pricing: T8 vs T5 LED Tubes
4ft 18W (standard)
MOQ 100 pcs
4ft 18W (DLC QPL)
MOQ 100 pcs
4ft 18W IP65
MOQ 200 pcs
8ft 36W
MOQ 100 pcs
Private Label OEM
MOQ 500 pcs
2ft 7W (standard)
MOQ 200 pcs
4ft 14W (standard)
MOQ 200 pcs
4ft 14W (DLC QPL)
MOQ 200 pcs
4ft 25W HO
MOQ 200 pcs
Private Label OEM
MOQ 500 pcs
Ready to Order?
Get Factory-Direct Pricing on T8 & T5 LED Tubes
UL · ETL · DLC QPL · CE · RoHS certified. Sample orders available. 15–25 day lead time.
Frequently Asked Questions
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