LED filament bulbs do indeed use a driver circuit. Some use a voltage above mains [1] while others drive the LED chain around mains voltage but in a smoother re

LED filament bulbs do indeed use a driver circuit. Some use a voltage above mains [1] while others drive the LED chain around mains voltage but in a smoother regulated way [2]. Sometimes there's just a basic dropper cap circuit, though. Those flicker but not too badly. The LED design in these is different than in a discrete LED, with the phosphor being quite thick and having a distinct slow fade/afterglow when switched off. I think in this case they basically use the phosphor to smooth out flickering instead of electronics. [1] https://youtu.be/t3HpPikRDeY?t=279 https://youtu.be/t3HpPikRDeY?t=279 [2] https://youtu.be/nMc6mjE9Y1s?t=447 https://youtu.be/nMc6mjE9Y1s?t=447