What is the best kind of lightbulb?

As with many home appliances, the definition of "best" for lightbulbs varies depending on your intended use. For example, a lightbulb you might use for a reading light might differ from how you illuminate a garage. Some important factors to consider:
- Energy efficiency: the availability and cost effectiveness of LED bulbs has made them the new standard for home lighting purposes. Additionally, they are more efficient in terms of energy usage than incandescent lights, so will cost less to operate over time. 
- Color/hue: the "color" of the light from a bulb can vary from blue to white to yellow, or even to custom colors. Consider the ambiance or mood you are trying to set with the bulb.
- Shape and style: different lamps require different bulbs, and you should make sure the bulb you are buying is compatible. Some bulb types have different styles as well, such as "Edison style" and bulbs meant to mimic the flicker of candles.