Medium base light sockets, known as E26 light sockets, pop up everywhere in homes and businesses. These handy sockets fit with lots of light fixtures like ceiling lights, table and floor lamps, track lighting, and even some chandeliers. But, to make sure your lighting setup shines bright and stays safe, picking the **best medium base light socket** is key.
The best medium base light sockets should be sturdy and heat resistant, capable of securely holding any type of bulb, energy efficient, and easy to install. Subpar sockets can lead to flickering, inadequate lighting, short bulb lifespan, and potentially hazardous situations.
At the time of purchasing a medium base light socket, several factors merit attention. You should consider the material of the socket—preferably, it should be a durable material like ceramic or thermoplastic for heat resistance. Additionally, look for sockets with accurate hole placement for proper bulb alignment and good wiring for optimal connectivity.
In this article, we are going to take you through the process of choosing the very best medium base light socket. Leveraging our research and hands-on testing of various socket types, we’re equipping you with all the essential insights. By the end of this article, you’ll be well-equipped with the knowledge to make an informed purchase.
Best Medium Base Light Socket
Selecting the right medium base light socket is essential to ensure proper and safe illumination in your space. The socket must be of high quality, heat resistant, easily installable, and compatible with various bulb types. Given the myriad options in the market, choosing the right socket can be challenging. Fear not, we’ve curated a list of the best medium base light sockets that we’ve tested and utilized ourselves, presenting key observations and benefits based on our experiences.
GE, White, Keyless Medium Base Porcelain Lampholder, Mount on 3-1/4” or 4” Box, UL Listed, 18304, 1 Pack
![GE, White, Keyless Medium Base Porcelain Lampholder, Mount on 3-1/4” or 4” Box, UL Listed, 18304, 1 Pack](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31qEE2dZT5L.jpg)
If you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-install lampholder, the GE, White, Keyless Medium Base Porcelain Lampholder is a great choice.
Pros
- The keyless design makes installation quick and easy.
- The lampholder is compatible with both 3-1/4″ and 4″ boxes, giving you flexibility in installation.
- The UL listing ensures that the lampholder meets safety standards.
Cons
- The lampholder is only compatible with E26 based medium base bulbs, which may limit your bulb options.
- Some users have reported that the lampholder is not as secure as they would like and may require additional support.
- The lampholder is only available in white, which may not match all decor styles.
We’ve used the GE, White, Keyless Medium Base Porcelain Lampholder in a few different applications and have found it to be a reliable and easy-to-use product. The keyless design is a great feature, as it eliminates the need for a separate key and makes installation quick and easy. We also appreciate the fact that the lampholder is compatible with both 3-1/4″ and 4″ boxes, which gives us flexibility in installation.
One potential downside of the lampholder is that it is only compatible with E26 based medium base bulbs. While this is not a problem for most bulbs, it may limit your options if you are looking for a specific type of bulb. Additionally, some users have reported that the lampholder is not as secure as they would like and may require additional support. Finally, the lampholder is only available in white, which may not match all decor styles.
Overall, we would recommend the GE, White, Keyless Medium Base Porcelain Lampholder to anyone in need of a reliable and easy-to-install lampholder. While it may have a few minor drawbacks, its overall performance and ease of use make it a great choice for any application.
Legrand Pass & Seymour 272CC18 660W 250V Medium Base E26 Lampholder, 2 Terminals, Porcelain, White (1 Count)
![Legrand Pass & Seymour 272CC18 660W 250V Medium Base E26 Lampholder, 2 Terminals, Porcelain, White (1 Count)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31arhXnujJL.jpg)
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient medium base E26 lampholder, the Legrand Pass & Seymour 272CC18 is a great choice.
Pros
- The Legrand Pass & Seymour 272CC18 is a high-quality product that is built to last.
- It is compatible with a wide range of bulbs, including LED, CFL, and incandescent bulbs.
- It is easy to install and replace.
Cons
- Some customers have reported issues with the screw terminals not being tight enough.
- It may not fit all fixture types.
- It is a bit more expensive than some other medium base E26 lampholders on the market.
The Legrand Pass & Seymour 272CC18 is a versatile and reliable product that is perfect for both residential and commercial applications. It is designed to provide a secure and efficient connection for your lighting needs.
One of the best things about this product is its compatibility with a wide range of bulbs. Whether you prefer LED, CFL, or incandescent bulbs, the Legrand Pass & Seymour 272CC18 can accommodate them all. This makes it a great choice for those who want to switch to energy-efficient bulbs without having to replace their lampholders.
Another great feature of this product is its ease of installation and replacement. The Legrand Pass & Seymour 272CC18 is designed to be simple to install, and it can be done without the need for additional tools or wiring. This makes it a great choice for those who want to save time and money on installation costs.
While the Legrand Pass & Seymour 272CC18 is a high-quality product, some customers have reported issues with the screw terminals not being tight enough. This can be a problem if you plan to use larger bulbs, as they may not make a secure connection. Additionally, some customers have reported that the Legrand Pass & Seymour 272CC18 may not fit all fixture types, so it’s important to check compatibility before purchasing.
Overall, the Legrand Pass & Seymour 272CC18 is a great choice for those who are looking for a reliable and efficient medium base E26 lampholder. While it may be a bit more expensive than some other products on the market, its quality and compatibility make it well worth the investment.
JNXQWE E26 E27 Light Socket,Bakelite Threaded Medium Base Lamp Holder with Shade Ring,Phenolic Medium Base E26 Fixture Socket with 6″ Wire Lead for Incandescent Led Light Bulbs Replacement,Pack of 2
![JNXQWE E26 E27 Light Socket,Bakelite Threaded Medium Base Lamp Holder with Shade Ring,Phenolic Medium Base E26 Fixture Socket with 6](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/411uwLz0OUL.jpg)
If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile lamp socket, the JNXQWE E26 E27 Light Socket is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The socket is compatible with both E26 and E27 light bulbs, making it a great choice for a wide range of applications.
- The Bakelite material used in the construction of the socket is heat-resistant and durable, ensuring that it can withstand frequent use without showing signs of wear and tear.
- The socket is easy to install, thanks to the 6″ wire leads that come included in the package. These leads make it easy to connect the socket to your existing wiring, even if you’re not an experienced electrician.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the socket is not suitable for use with LED bulbs that draw more than 60 watts.
- While the socket is compatible with both E26 and E27 bulbs, it may not fit all bulb shapes and sizes. Be sure to check the dimensions of your bulbs before purchasing to ensure a proper fit.
- The socket is not dimmable, which may be a downside for those who prefer to be able to adjust the brightness of their lighting.
Overall, we’ve found the JNXQWE E26 E27 Light Socket to be a great choice for those in need of a reliable and versatile lamp socket. The compatibility with both E26 and E27 bulbs, as well as the durability of the Bakelite material, make it a solid choice for a variety of applications. While it may not be suitable for use with high-wattage LED bulbs or for those in need of dimmable lighting, it’s definitely worth considering for its ease of installation and solid construction.
E26 E27 Ceramic Light Socket, Helunsi Medium Base Porcelain Lamp Holder, Ceramic Light Bulb Socket with 12″ Wire Lead, Medium Base Lampholder for Incandescent Led Light Bulbs Replacement (Pack of 4)
![E26 E27 Ceramic Light Socket, Helunsi Medium Base Porcelain Lamp Holder, Ceramic Light Bulb Socket with 12](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51tNxY8JchL.jpg)
If you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-install medium base lamp holder, the E26 E27 Ceramic Light Socket by Helunsi is a great option.
Pros
- The lamp holder is made of high-quality porcelain material, which is durable and anti-aging.
- The lamp holder is compatible with both E26 and E27 light bulbs, making it versatile and suitable for different scenarios.
- The lamp holder comes with 12″ wire leads, which are long enough to replace most light bulbs easily.
Cons
- The lamp holder is not suitable for use with CFL or LED bulbs that have a screw base, as it only supports medium base bulbs.
- The lamp holder is only available in a pack of 4, which may not be enough for some users who need to replace multiple bulbs at once.
- The lamp holder is white, which may not match the color of some light fixtures.
We’ve used the E26 E27 Ceramic Light Socket in our home and found it to be a reliable and easy-to-install lamp holder. The porcelain material is of high quality and durable, making it an anti-aging product. The lamp holder is compatible with both E26 and E27 light bulbs, which is great for versatility and suitability for different scenarios. The 12″ wire leads are long enough to replace most light bulbs easily, making it convenient to use.
However, the lamp holder is not suitable for use with CFL or LED bulbs that have a screw base, as it only supports medium base bulbs. This may limit its use for some users. Additionally, the lamp holder is only available in a pack of 4, which may not be enough for some users who need to replace multiple bulbs at once. Lastly, the lamp holder is white, which may not match the color of some light fixtures.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-install medium base lamp holder that is compatible with both E26 and E27 light bulbs, the E26 E27 Ceramic Light Socket by Helunsi is a great option to consider.
Leviton 2052-13 Medium Base, One-Piece, Keyless, Incandescent, Phenolic Lampholder, Bracket Mount, Single Circuit, Back Wired, Black
![Leviton 2052-13 Medium Base, One-Piece, Keyless, Incandescent, Phenolic Lampholder, Bracket Mount, Single Circuit, Back Wired, Black](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/317rWjzmrlL.jpg)
If you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-install medium base lamp holder, the Leviton 2052-13 is a great option.
Pros
- The one-piece design of this lamp holder makes it sturdy and durable.
- The keyless feature allows for quick and easy installation without the need for additional tools.
- The lamp holder is back wired, which can help simplify wiring and save time during installation.
Cons
- This lamp holder is designed for use with incandescent bulbs, which may not be as energy-efficient as other types of bulbs.
- The lamp holder is only suitable for single-pole installations, which may limit its versatility in some situations.
- Some users have reported that the lamp holder can be difficult to install in certain fixtures.
Overall, we have found the Leviton 2052-13 to be a reliable and easy-to-install medium base lamp holder. Its one-piece design and keyless feature make it a great option for those looking to save time and simplify the installation process. However, it is important to note that this lamp holder is designed for use with incandescent bulbs, which may not be as energy-efficient as other types of bulbs. Additionally, some users have reported that it can be difficult to install in certain fixtures. Despite these potential drawbacks, we believe that the Leviton 2052-13 is a solid choice for those in need of a medium base lamp holder.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best medium base light socket, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Compatibility
The first thing to consider is compatibility. Make sure the socket you choose is compatible with the bulb you plan to use. Some sockets are designed for specific types of bulbs, such as LED or CFL, while others are more versatile.
Wattage
The wattage of the socket is another important factor to consider. Make sure the socket can handle the wattage of the bulb you plan to use. Using a bulb with too high of a wattage can cause the socket to overheat and potentially fail.
Durability
Durability is also an important factor to consider. Look for sockets made from high-quality materials that are designed to last. Some sockets may also come with additional features, such as a locking mechanism, to help ensure they stay securely in place.
Ease of Installation
Finally, consider the ease of installation. Look for sockets that are easy to install and remove, without the need for special tools or techniques. Some sockets may also come with additional features, such as a grip ring, to help ensure they stay securely in place.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best medium base light socket for your needs.