📌 Key Takeaway: T5 LED tubes are ~10% more efficient per watt (140-170 vs 130-155 lm/W) but cost 20-30% more and have limited DLC listings. T8 dominates the retrofit market (90%+ of commercial tube installs) because Type A plug-and-play drops directly into existing T8 fluorescent fixtures. For retrofit projects, choose T8 unless the existing fixture is T5-only. For new construction, T5's slimmer profile and slightly better efficacy can justify the premium in high-density layouts.
📊 Spec Comparison
Spec
T5 LED Tube
T8 LED Tube
Diameter
5/8" (16mm)
1" (26mm)
Lengths Available
2ft, 3ft, 4ft
2ft, 4ft, 8ft
Typical Wattage (4ft)
12-18W
14-20W
Lumen Output (4ft)
1,800-2,800 lm
2,000-3,000 lm
Efficacy
140-170 lm/W
130-155 lm/W
Base Type
G5 (mini bi-pin)
G13 (medium bi-pin)
Wholesale Price (4ft, FOB)
$3.50-7.50
$2.80-5.50
DLC-listed Models
~50 (limited)
~300+ (broad selection)
Retrofit Complexity
Type B (rewire) usually required
Type A (plug-and-play) widely available
⚡ Energy Savings: 100-Fixture Retrofit Example
T12 Fluorescent (existing)
T8 LED (retrofit)
T5 LED (retrofit)
Watts per tube (4ft)
40W + 8W ballast = 48W
16W (no ballast)
14W (no ballast)
Total wattage (100 tubes)
4,800W
1,600W
1,400W
Annual energy (12h/day)
21,024 kWh
7,008 kWh
6,132 kWh
Annual cost @ $0.12/kWh
$2,523
$841
$736
Annual savings vs T12
—
$1,682 (66.7%)
$1,787 (70.8%)
Tube cost (100 pcs)
—
$350-550
$420-750
🔌 Retrofit Type Guide
Type
Description
T8 Available?
T5 Available?
Type A (Plug-and-Play)
Works with existing ballast. Fastest install.
✅ Common
⚠️ Rare — T5 ballasts less compatible
Type B (Ballast Bypass)
Direct wire to line voltage. Most efficient.
✅ Common
✅ Primary option for T5
Type C (External Driver)
Remote driver replaces ballast. Best performance.
✅ Niche
⚠️ Very rare
Type A+B (Hybrid)
Works with or without ballast. Most flexible.
✅ Growing
❌ Not available
📋 Decision Guide
Scenario
Recommendation
Replacing T8 fluorescent, want easiest install
T8 LED Type A — 5 min/tube, no electrician
Replacing T8 fluorescent, want max efficiency
T8 LED Type B — bypass ballast, save 4-8W/fixture
Replacing T5 fluorescent
T5 LED Type B — only practical option
New construction, high-density grid (8ft ceiling)
T5 LED — slimmer, slightly more efficient, fits tight spacing
New construction, standard office (9-10ft ceiling)
T8 LED — broader selection, lower cost, more DLC options
Compare T5 and T8 LED tubes by DLC status, efficacy, and price — 300+ suppliers.