Also, the headlight bulbs let other people (pedestrians and passengers) and animals on the road notice the vehicle approaching them. Similar to others, they may need replacement over the time as these bulbs burn out, broke, or fade eventually. If you are looking for the best headlight bulb for replacement, then here is a quick outlook of some key factors to consider before investing in these headlight bulbs. Type of Headlight Bulb – Halogen, LED, and HID is three main types of headlight bulbs that are used widely. Based on your requirement and budget range, you have to pick the type of headlight bulb.
Halogen bulbs emit warm white that is universal, inexpensive, easily replaceable, brighter to illuminate the dark ongoing road. Yet they generate heat and consume more energy. LED bulbs are stylish, energy-efficient, powerful, and long-lasting that emit brighter light than halogen bulbs and won’t create any glare. Yet they are expensive and a bit hard to install. Xenon HID bulbs are brighter, and whiter lights offer a longer lifespan and consume less power. Yet they produce extensive glare to oncoming traffic, and expensive, and are more difficult to install.
Brightness – The light output is essential for safe and comfortable driving at night. To figure out this brightness, you have to check the lumen count of each product. We recommend you purchase a headlight with at least 6000 lumens (or more) to offer the correct level of brightness for night driving. Color Temperature – The color temperature of a light bulb is measured in terms of kelvin chart, in which they range from 3000K – 5000K for headlights. Bulbs with 3000K (or less) offer a slightly warm or yellowish light, while 4000K (or more) offer desirable white light, and 5000K emit strong, white, and brighter light. To help you in easing the selection process, we came up with some Best Headlight Bulbs after researching several products in the market. Also, we recommend you read our detailed “Buying Guide” to know more about how to select your best option, as per your requirement.
Best Headlight Bulbs 2023
Best Headlight Bulbs Reviews
1. SEALIGHT 9005/HB3 Headlight Bulbs
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Sealight is one of the most popular brands of car headlight bulbs out there since most of its offerings are known to offer excellent performance including the one present here. The Sealight 9005/HB3 headlight bulbs come at the 1st position of this list since you get excellent brightness output with these lights. To be exact, they are rated at 14000 lumens which is more than enough for most. While there is no fan in this bulb for silent operation, the bulbs do get a bit hot due to this. When combined with the given color temperature of 6000K, these cool white bulbs offer great visibility. Since you get 4 light bulbs in the box, you get a great value for money with these bulbs. A great thing about Sealight and its headlight bulbs is that you get a 1-year long warranty included with them. Best Features:
Includes 4 headlight bulbs in the box Rated color temperature of 6000K Comes with a warranty period of 1 year
Pros:
Excellent light output for high brightness Water-resistant design for protection Cool white lights for great visibility
Cons:
Bulbs get a bit hot
2. Cougar Motor LED Headlight Bulbs
If you are looking for car headlight bulbs that are made for long term usage, then Cougar Motor and its lights might just be for you as they are highly reliable. Cougar Motor’s LED headlight bulbs come at the 2nd position of this listicle as these are excellent for long term use. Not only that but you also get a pretty high brightness output of 10400 lumens with these light bulbs. Similar to the previous Sealight headlight bulbs, these ones also have a color temperature of 6000K which can be a great upgrade for many buyers. As you get 2 headlight bulbs in the box, you do not need to buy multiple packs. Being a premium offering, the given 3-year long warranty is to be expected which makes it highly reliable. Best Features:
Includes 2 headlight bulbs in the box Rated color temperature of 6000K Comes with a warranty period of 1 year
Pros:
Ideal for long term use Quite high brightness output Cool headlight bulbs for better visibility
Cons:
A bit on the pricey side
3. Philips H7 CrystalVision Headlight Bulbs
Philips is one of the mainstream brands when it comes to lighting products that offer both home as well as car lighting solutions that are generally quite affordable. These Philips H7 CrystalVision headlight bulbs come at the 3rd position of this article because they are the cheapest options stated here. Being a budget-friendly option, these lights have a limited brightness output of 1050 lumens. Similarly, the color temperature of these headlight bulbs is also rated at 4300K which is not as cool as other higher-end models. Fortunately, despite being a pair of entry-level headlight bulbs that includes 2 bulbs in the box, you still get a 1-year long warranty included with it. Best Features:
Includes 2 headlight bulbs in the box Rated color temperature of 4300K Comes with a warranty period of 1 year
Pros:
Highly affordable headlight bulbs Standard warranty for reliability Decent color temperature
Cons:
Not the brightest bulbs for your car
4. Fahren 9007/HB5 LED Headlight Bulbs
Those of you who do not have any headlight bulb budget restrictions should consider Fahren and its premium but powerful offerings made for cars. As these headlight bulbs from Fahren are a bit on the premium side, you can expect excellent performance from them. You get a light brightness output of up to 16000 lumens with this pair of 80-watt headlight bulbs. One of the best things about this pair of headlight bulbs is that both of the included headlight bulbs in the box include a color temperature of 6500K which is quite cool. Talking about its reliability, these bulbs have a 2-year long warranty which is to be expected at the given price tag. Best Features:
Includes 2 headlight bulbs in the box Rated color temperature of 6500K Comes with a warranty period of 2 year
Pros:
Quite a high brightness output rating IP68 water-resistant design Very cool white light output for proper visibility
Cons:
Not a value for money option
5. BEAMTECH H13 LED Headlight Bulbs
In case you want a pair of cool headlight bulbs for your car that offer a great upgrade over your car’s headlights, then these Beamtech ones can be a great pick. Even though these headlight bulbs from Beamtech offer excellent visibility, they do not charge a premium for the same. Despite the given price, you get a brightness output of 10000 lumens with these headlight bulbs. To allow you to upgrade your car’s headlight bulbs easily, these lights come in a pack of 2 bulbs. Both of these bulbs are rated at 6500K which is one of the coolest options out there. While you do get a 1-year long warranty, these lights are not the most reliable ones out there. Best Features:
Includes 2 headlight bulbs in the box Rated color temperature of 6500K Comes with a warranty period of 1 year
Pros:
Quite a cool pair of headlight bulbs Decent value for money High brightness output for proper visibility
Cons:
Not the most reliable options
6. Glowteck LED Headlight Bulbs
As you can most likely guess by its name, Glowteck is primarily a brand of lighting products that are highly powerful making them ideal for high light output at night. When compared with most other headlight bulbs out there, these Glowteck H11 bulbs are highly powerful. For the given price tag, these lights offer a brightness output rating of 12000 lumens which is to be expected. Another great thing about these headlight bulbs is that they have a color temperature of 6500K. You also get a 2-year long warranty with these headlight bulbs which is decent enough for such a premium pair of 2 headlight bulbs. Best Features:
Includes 2 headlight bulbs in the box Rated color temperature of 6500K Comes with a warranty period of 2 year
Pros:
Very high light output intensity Great for excellent visibility Long warranty and great build quality
Cons:
Highly expensive headlight bulbs
7. SYLVANIA – H13 SilverStar Ultra Headlight Bulb
Since not everyone wants to get cool white headlight bulbs for their car, Sylvania also offers something more traditional in terms of the color temperature. If you want to replace damaged headlight bulbs of your car without affecting the color temperature, then these Sylvania ones can be a great option. Unfortunately, if you are looking for powerful headlight bulbs, then you should look elsewhere since these are limited to just 1000 lumens of maximum brightness. Talking about the color temperature, these headlight bulbs are rated at 4100K which most likely is similar to your car’s stock headlight bulbs. You will find a total of 2 headlight bulbs inside the box which are backed by a 1-year long year warranty similar to most others. Best Features:
Includes 2 headlight bulbs in the box Rated color temperature of 4100K Comes with a warranty period of 1 year
Pros:
Excellent light output for high brightness Water-resistant design for protection Cool white lights for great visibility
Cons:
Poor brightness output
8. Auxbeam 9006 LED Headlight Bulbs
Auxbeam is a high-end brand of headlight bulbs that is known for offering various high-end lights that are not only powerful but also offer high visibility. The Auxbeam 9006 headlight bulbs can be a great pick if you want a moderately bright light upgrade for your car. This is primarily due to the reason that these light bulbs are rated at a decent 6000 lumens. While these bulbs may not be the most powerful ones, you still get pretty good visibility thanks to the given 6000K color temperature. Because this is a pair of premium headlight bulbs, you get 2 bulbs included in the box that have a 1-year long warranty which is the same as most others. Best Features:
Includes 2 headlight bulbs in the box Rated color temperature of 6000K Comes with a warranty period of 1 year
Pros:
Great visibility at night Cool white headlight bulbs Fairly power efficient
Cons:
Limited brightness output
9. TECHMAX H11 LED Headlight Bulbs
In case that you are on a tight budget, then you can also consider Techmax since it is also another affordable brand of headlight bulbs. Techmax’s H11 headlight bulbs are one of the cheapest options stated out there that make for a great affordable buy for many. With these budget-friendly lights, you get a brightness outpt of 8000 lumens which is pretty high for most buyers. And despite being an affordable option, you get an excellent color temperature of 6500K with these headlight bulbs making it perfect for proper visibility. Even though you get a 1-year long warranty with these headlight bulbs, they are not the best-built ones out there. Best Features:
Includes 2 headlight bulbs in the box Rated color temperature of 6500K Comes with a warranty period of 1 year
Pros:
Quite cool headlight bulbs Fairly affordable headlight bulbs High light output for the price
Cons:
Build quality could have been better
10. RCP Headlight Bulbs
Coming to the last pair of headlight bulbs in this list, we have RCP and its offerings which is yet another viable option if you want something affordable. These RCP D4S6 headlight bulbs can be another great option if you are on a tight budget. Because this is an entry-level pair of headlight bulbs, you get limited brightness output of just 3200 lumens which is quite lower than most others. Fortunately, unlike most other budget headlight bulbs out there, this one still offers a color temperature of 6000K for cool white light output resulting in proper visibility at night. You also get a 2-year long warranty with these headlight bulbs which is higher than even many premium headlight bulbs for your car. Best Features:
Includes 2 headlight bulbs in the box Rated color temperature of 6000K Comes with a warranty period of 2 year
Pros:
High value for money headlight bulbs Cool light output for proper visibility Long warranty period
Cons:
Limited brightness output
11. Honcs Headlight Bulbs
If you are looking for the best quality headlight bulbs that would last you for a longer period and can serve you well in all weather conditions, then the brand Honcs is where you start. The brand’s headlight bulbs come as a pack of two and you are assured of easy installation under just 10 minutes without any need for tools. Made of high-quality material, these bulbs are heat sinks designed to withstand high temperatures by efficient heat transfer capabilities. It ensures 300% more brightness by using premium CSP chips. The bulbs offer 6500K color temperature which results in white clear vision even at night. Running with the power of 50W and 12V, the bulbs are designed to last longer with less energy consumption. With high durability and unparalleled performance, the bulbs are guaranteed to last up to 50,000 hours long. Best Features:
Comes as a pack of two 6500K color temperature 50,000 hours of lifetime Perfect 1:1 beam pattern
Pros:
Quality brightness Quick installation Pocket-friendly price
Cons:
Warranty details are not clear
How to Choose the Best Headlight Bulbs:
While shopping for the best headlights either to upgrade or replace the old one with a new bulb, then here are some key factors to keep in mind to decide and purchase the correct option, as per your requirement.
1. Types:
It is quite essential to know about the types of headlight bulbs before investing in them. LED, Halogen, and HID are three main types of these bulbs that are widely used in the market. Here is a detailed description of these three types that let you know which type is suitable for you.
Halogen Headlight Bulbs –
With their universal acceptance, inexpensive, easy to replace, and brightness (enough to illuminate any dark road ahead), the halogen headlight bulbs are quite popular and widely used among car drivers all over the world. They produce warm white (not extreme white or bright) lighting that is sufficient to drive at night and during inclement weather. Based on the particular model you choose and the frequency of its usage, these headlights are strong, durable, and long-lasting. Bulbs on moderately used vehicles will extremely last longer, whereas bulbs on heavily used vehicles are a bit less long-lasting. The heat generated by these halogen headlight bulbs is its main drawback, which is causes increased energy consumption.
LED Headlight Bulbs –
This type of headlight bulb is considered long-lasting and stylish compared to its counterparts. They emit brighter and more powerful light than halogen bulbs and have a warmer color temperature than HID lights. These lights are brighter yet won’t emit any glare, which makes them suitable to drive effectively at the night. Thus, it won’t make it hard for oncoming traffic while driving. Since they come in small sizes, these lights are perfect to create various arrangements and configurations to enhance various styles. These bulbs require less power for their working, which makes them great for hybrid and electric models. Though these LEDs won’t heat up, they are considered the hottest headlights and require much more cooling to operate compared to halogen lights. Generally, they trigger heat in the surrounding wiring that has to cool for its proper functioning. These LED bulbs are a bit expensive and hard to install without any professional assistance.
HID Headlight Bulbs –
High-intensity discharge (HID) bulbs are gaining popularity slowly due to their exceptionally white, bright, and luxurious light output. Same as LED lights, these HID headlight bulbs or xenon headlights emit higher brightness compared to halogens, which makes them preferred by night-time drivers. They consume less power, offer whitest and brightest lights, and last longer than halogens. So, if you are looking for the ultimate brightness, then this is your perfect option. The downside of these HID headlights is that they emit an intense amount of glare to the upcoming cars, which makes them banned in some states and countries. Also, they are more expensive and difficult to install than halogen bulbs.
3. Color Temperature:
After setting the brightness of the white light, you have to check the color temperature. The general range of this color temperature should be from 3000 – 5000 kelvin (K). A color temperature of bulbs that range from 3000K (or below) will provide a slightly warm and yellowish light. While 4000K (or above) offers a desirable white light. Remember that headlight bulbs with 5000K emit a strong, bright white light, which is not as you need, as some models offer an output as in purple color, instead of white. Some models won’t label any color temperature. In this case, if you want to know its exact number, then simply contact your manufacturer. When you set with the light color, then you won’t have to check for these numbers.
4. Compatibility:
Usually, almost all types of headlights will be accepted in various parts of the nation. Yet in some states, some laws permit the use of specific kinds of lights only. So, it is a must to know about your local rules before buying any headlights. This ensures you do not have any further issues with the usage of these headlight bulbs.
5. Durability:
In general, there are some headlight bulb models that are long-lasting compared to other types. So, it is essential to consider the durability of the particular lights before making a buying decision. Select a highly durable model for peace of mind to make your lights last longer.
6. Ease of Installation:
There are some specific types of headlight bulbs that need to hire a professional for their installation, which adds extra cost to your lights. Alternatively, several headlights let you install them easily all by yourself, which in turn aids in cost-effectiveness.
7. Reflector Compatibility:
Make sure that built-in headlight reflectors of the vehicle should be compatible with the lights whenever you want to upgrade to LED headlight bulbs. The reason is that the reflectors and bulbs have to work together to offer the right beam pattern.
8. Weatherproofing:
To make your headlight bulb an effective option, then it has to be weatherproof. Though you can protect these headlight bulbs with headlight covers, yet certain times dirt, dust, and water might sneak through to the bulb. So, waterproof bulbs are a must to keep the bulbs working properly even in adverse weather conditions.
9. Headlight Bulb Size:
The size of the headlight bulb is essential to consider, and usually, H1, H4, and H7 are three common sizes available. A few brands manufacture odd sizes. So, to grab the correct bulb size for your car, you have to check the metal part of the bulb which you want to replace. In general, its size is mentioned/stamped on the side of the casing. Ensure that the new bulb you want to purchase has been of a similar size for its compatibility and proper usage.
10. Wattage:
Wattage refers to the power required to illuminate the bulb, and this power is taken from the vehicle’s battery. If you want a brighter headlight, then you need to pick the higher wattage bulb. Yet remember that high wattage might melt the wiring of the car. Ensure to get a compatible bulb as per the specific wiring of your vehicle. Mostly, bulbs consume more wattage of power when used as a high beam output compared to the bulbs used as low beam output. It is mentioned on the bulb with wattage readings like 60/55W (here the first number represents the high beam, the second is the low beam).
11. Number of Bulbs:
Whether you are replacing faulty headlight bulbs or upgrading to better ones, then you will likely need two headlight bulbs in total. Thus, almost all headlight bulbs come in a pack of 2 lights. So that you won’t have to purchase multiple options. However, a few of them may come as a single or a pack of 4 lights, which is something you should consider.
12. Energy Consumption:
A huge difference is found in the energy consumption of different styles of headlight bulbs. For instance, heat is required to light the halogen bulbs, which makes them consume the most energy. While Xenon HID or LED lights consume less energy to lighten up for their car.
13. Price:
The price of headlights will vary greatly from one product to another depending on their feature, brightness, and type of bulb used. The general price range of these headlight bulbs will be $10 – $100, in which $20 – $40 range (might receive 2 lamps – mostly halogen-sourced headlights), $40 – $60 (brighter LED light and consumes less energy and power), and $60 – $80 (Xenon HID lights, brighter and longer yet expensive bulbs). We suggest you purchase high-quality headlights for their long-lasting usage, even though a bit expensive. If you are a budget freak, then go with an efficient and affordable option that meets your requirement.
14. Warranty:
Warranty is another deciding factor for most people. As a user, you have to use the product with peace of mind that it will stay longer without any worries. Most of these headlight bulbs offer a minimum warranty of 1-year, while some models offer a 2- or 3-years warranty against manufacturing defects. Some models won’t cover under warranty. So, choose the product offering much more warranty and also check its customer support and online reviews and ratings.
15. Reliability:
If you want to replace faulty lights or upgrade to powerful ones, then you will need a reliable one that is made for long-term usage. To ensure this, you have to check the reliability and warranty offered by the headlight bulbs. This includes usage ratings like 30,000 hours, 40,000 hours, or even 50,000 hours with some headlight bulbs. Such headlight bulbs can easily last for years without any issues.
How do we Install Headlight Bulbs?
It is easy to replace halogen headlight bulbs compared to HID or LED bulbs. Here is the simple step-by-step procedure you have to follow for its proper installation. We recommend you check the user manual for its proper installation before its installation.
Initially, locate the bulb holder to remove the wiring harness after turning off the lights. If having a plastic catch, then press down the little lever at the plug’s top by pulling it with a thumb. Pull the lever up and away when you have a metal clip. Unscrew the plug to turn it anti-clockwise when having a screw cap. Hold on the base and wiggle or rotate to loosen it for removing the old bulb. Get the new bulb with the help of a clean rag or tissue, without touching it with bare hands, and ensure to plug it into the headlight’s back for its proper installation. Plugin the wiring back again and secure the headlight. After installation, it’s time to test the headlights after you turn them on. If it light-up properly then it is properly installed. If any of the bulbs won’t turn on, then remove the headlight, check its wiring, and re-connect the headlights by following the same procedure.
Tips to Use Headlight Bulbs:
Here are a few tips that help you in the proper and efficient usage of headlight bulbs.
Every headlight bulb is not designed to fit and use in all vehicles. There are several different styles and sizes of these headlights that are meant to fit perfectly for a variety of models. Usually, most manufacturers offer a system that makes any headlight bulb that is compatible with the car. It is a must to know the proper style and size that fits perfectly for the headlights of your car. It’s better to install these headlights in pairs (2 or more), and also install/replace both at a time, even though, if need to replace one. This ensures the same lifespan on the headlights, whereas uneven headlights are a bit dangerous. So, pick a model with even lighting to drive safely on the road. Wear gloves when you want to replace/install the headlights all by yourself, why because these bulbs are quickly got hot and might burn your hands. Turn off the car to prevent hurting your eyes. After proper installation, you have to test the power supply of the headlights to know about their working. If you feel the brightest headlight bulbs still look dull, then these bulbs might be covered by either foggy or dirty. To clean them, you have to use a good car wash mitt, which aids in the best performance.
Conclusion:
If you drive your car at night quite a lot, then it is highly likely that you may have problems in having proper visibility on the road. In such a case, you can consider upgrading to a pair of more powerful headlight bulbs. Keeping these details in mind, here are our preferred recommendations for the best headlight bulbs:
Those of you who are on a tight budget can consider the Philips H7 CrystalVision Headlight Bulbs. Despite being the cheapest option stated here, you get 2 bulbs in the box that include a 1-year long warranty. These budget bulbs have a 4300K color temperature along with a decent brightness output of 1095 lumens at 60 watts of power consumption. Although, if you do not have any budget restrictions and simply looking for a highly powerful pair of headlight bulbs, then the SEALIGHT 9005/HB3 Headlight Bulbs may be just for you. With this 4 pack of headlight bulbs, you get highly powerful 6000K bulbs that can achieve a maximum brightness of 14000 LM. You also get a standard 1-year long warranty with these headlight bulbs. Speaking of the warranty included with headlight bulbs, the Cougar Motor LED Headlight Bulbs include a 3-year long warranty making them highly reliable. This 2 pack of headlight bulbs is also quite bright at 10400 lumens and offers great visibility when combined with the given color temperature of 6000K.
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