The incandescent bulb's days are numbered; by Jan.1, 2014, most will have been phased out. And a typical 60-watt bulb costs more than three times as much per year to run as a similar LED bulb. The preliminary findings of Consumer Reports latest tests show that the newest and least expensive LEDs are shining bright.   

U.S. nonprofit independent product-testing organization Consumer Reports October issue cover story includes ratings of dozens of different types of LED and CFL bulbs. The report also features a room-by-room guide to choosing the best LEDs and CFLs, and a clip-and-save lightbulb buying guide that you can take shopping. The guide explains the lightbulb lingo you'll see on packaging, and the pros and cons of LED, CFL and halogen bulbs.