The work aims to study the reliability of computer finite element simulation in the research and development of cushioning packaging. Computer simulation could be used for cushioning packaging R&D, which could comprehensively provide the required parameters and shorten the development cycle. However, the reliability of computer simulation should be further verified. The cushioning characteristics of intelligent bulb packages were simulated by Ansys Workbench, mainly analyzing the acceleration response of the packaging liner and making comparison combined with the traditional vibration and drop test. The errors of the simulation result of vibration and drop test and the real test result were respectively 9% and 15.91%. Except the objective errors, the difference of the both was within the acceptable range. The study verifies the reliability of finite element simulation method during cushioning packaging research and development. The study can provide a new method for traditional packaging R&D.