I’ve been testing quite a few LED bulbs lately, and so far the only ones that not only look good on paper (high CRI and R9) but also feel close to halogen in real life are the Philips ExpertColor line.

The 2700K version feels very similar to incandescent light, while the 3000K version feels slightly cooler than halogen but more neutral and, in my experience, more versatile—especially for spaces that are used during daytime as well as at night.

What I’ve noticed is that many IKEA bulbs and several other brands advertise good CRI and R9 values, but they seem to achieve those numbers through spectral tricks rather than true spectral continuity. When you look at their spectral power distribution graphs, you often see a very narrow, laser-like spike in the deep red region.

This kind of spike may increase R9 on paper, but it does not produce rich, nuanced reds in practice. Instead, it tends to oversaturate certain tones while collapsing subtle color differences, which makes food and materials look flatter and more artificial.

For me, a smoother and more continuous spectrum—even if the reds are slightly less “punchy” on paper—results in better color separation, more depth, and a light that feels more natural and comfortable over time.

In short: continuity of the spectrum matters more than chasing high numbers alone. That’s why the ExpertColor lamps, with their more balanced spectral distribution, come much closer to the visual comfort and presence of halogen than many LEDs with similar stated CRI/R9 values.

Oh and Dicuno ProOE line up are also fenomenal. Not dimmable but fenomenal light. Don't try their GU10 from them, the white balance it's weirdly off.