LED bulbs are more efficient than compact fluorescents (or CFLs), with most exerts agreeing that most LEDs last 10 times longer than CFLs (and 60 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs).
The problem with LEDs is that they’re still substantially more expensive than CFLs and still struggle with reaching the same equivalent output of CFLs in light commonly used for lighting in homes (LED light output is strongest in colors such as red, blue, and orange, and weaker when producing warm white light).
Recent advances in LED technology have definitely addressed these issues, though, with prices dropping and more natural LED lighting choices for consumers in recent years. What we’re really getting at is that if you want to calculate what’s more “efficient” for you to use in your home, you can’t just look at how long the various lightbulbs last. That’s a key factor, but you also have to factor in price as well as the quality of light produced to get a true apples to apples comparison.
