Car headlights are something that we can take for granted a little bit. As long as they provide a steady light source and illuminate a safe stretch of road ahead of us, there shouldn’t be a problem. However, it is possible to upgrade your headlights with a simple replacement kit. Those that turn to LED lights instead often find that they get a better light. Below are some of the best LED headlights around. Before that, let’s talk about why we should use LEDs and what to look out for.
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Halogen lights are what we are all used to. This is what comes as standard in most cars to this day. But, halogen bulbs are inferior in comparison to LED bulbs. There is no reason why we shouldn’t be able to make a simple switch and enjoy those benefits. So what is it about LED bulbs that make them so much better?
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This really can be a better light source all around. The output can stretch further, with a brighter beam and more consistency. At the same time, you get a cool white light that isn’t going to hurt your eyes in the same way as halogen lights. This is also better for other motorists that won’t have to deal with the glare from the lights. It is cleaner, safer and nicer to look at.
You can end up with a much nicer light from your headlights when you make the switch. Drivers that have never used these LED headlights for cars before are often surprised at the difference that they make. We get do used to the dull halogen that the crisp white lights and distance achieved are impressive. Also, they can end up being more affordable and cost-effective than expected.
However, you need to make sure that you have the right bulbs to get the best experience. Some products are more effective than others and there are slight differences in the benefits provided.
First of all, we need to talk about the brightness of those LEDs. You are making the switch for greater clarity and a cleaner light. But, some options are brighter than others. The models in this guide are much brighter than your halogen bulbs but still quite average. There are alternative options out there, often from the same brands, for “super bright” bulbs. You read more about these in our other guide to see if they might be a better fit for your needs.
Brightness isn’t the only way to determine the quality of these new LED bulbs. Check the specification to see if the lights promise to be free from glare, dark spots, and flickering. Also, look at the color of the light. Is it a strong, cool white or are there yellow or blue tones?
The quality offered has to continue through the housing and other components of your lights. If it isn’t tough and protective, those lights will fail before long. So, the first thing to look for is the weatherproofing rating. Will it resist rain, dust, fog, and other hazards? Is the housing built to last? Many top products will use high-end aviation-grade aluminum.
Some brands will use a cooling turbo fan within their product as a way of cooling the lights down. This should make them more reliable and less prone to breakdowns. But, this could lead to some noise from the motor, especially on high-speed fans. The alternative is to have a material with effective heat dissipation instead. This can be effective. But, these options tend to have a lifespan of 30,000 hours rather than 50,000.
Almost all companies will say that the installation process on their products is really simple with a plug and play approach. This is true a lot of the time. You can get all-in-one units that plug straight in as a replacement. But, this can depend on compatibility with your vehicle. There could be a chance that your onboard computer isn’t happy and you end up with blinking or other malfunctions. Decoders could be the answer there.
The following products are some of the best LED car headlights around right now. Be aware that this is just a small selection of products and you can find other types of bulbs and options from the brands listed. Some brands are listed twice for a sense of comparison. Otherwise, we have tried to create a varied list. Each review covers the benefits and potential downsides to make your choice a lot easier.
The first set of bulbs that we want to talk about in this guide is this set from Hikari. This is the first of two models from this brand. Here you get the H11/H8/H9 bulbs for low beam, high beam or fog lights. They state that this is a special design required by Dodge Ram, Ford, Chevy, GMC and Honda. Check the compatibility when you order to get the right product.
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One thing that will stand out when looking at these bulbs over some of the other options in this guide is that these are a little brighter. They aren’t classed as “super bright” bulbs, but there is definitely a big difference. The promise here is as much as 220% more brightness than halogen bulbs. This is complemented by the quality of the beam, which should be clean and spotless. Furthermore, you can get all this in a strong waterproof housing for as long as 50,000 hours.
Unfortunately, not all buyers get the same great experience with these bulbs. There are users that had installation issues, so don’t expect the same “plug and play” process that you will get with some of the other options in this guide. For some, this resulted in a looser fit than anticipated. From there, there are two choices. Either they send the product back and try for a replacement or hope for the best. This isn’t a common issue, but it is something to watch out for. Compatibility could play a big part here so check before you buy.
Is this the right set of LED car lights for your vehicle?
There is a potential risk here with the installation and the compatibility issues. You might not get the fit you want or have to put up with a less effective model. But, there are still plenty of people that get what they need. Check the suitability for your model and hope to see the same great beam pattern and brightness that they do.
There are a lot of similarities between these bulbs and the ones above. They have the same technology and brightness rating – which means that they too should provide around 220% more brightness than the bulbs that you are replacing. The difference here is that you get the 9005/HB3 LED Headlight bulbs instead.
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There is a lot of potential in these bulbs because of that quality light source. The light is clean and spotless again, and it has a nice white tone instead of a blue or yellow tint. This should be consistent throughout your journeys so it is great for those that travel at night a lot. On that note, this is another product with that longer 50,000 hour life span. Also, there is a fan built-in to keep them cool to preserve this life and ensure the effectiveness of the lights.
The problems experienced with this model are pretty much the same as those above. The issues with the fit and the installation process aren’t limited to a particular type of bulb. Instead, there seems to be an issue with the brand. This could be down to the fact that they focus on a small number of makes and models rather than a more uniform fit. This is great for those with compatible vehicles, but not for those that just want that brighter, cooler light for their car. There is a risk here, but it might pay off.
Is this the right set of LED car lights for your vehicle?
If that risk does indeed pay off then you might end up with a good choice here. Both of these models from Hikari are meant to be brighter than the rest of the options in this guide. Remember that if you want a super bright light, there is another guide on the best brightest LED car lights on our site.
Next up, we want to look at this C6 Series option from Mega Racer. The brand name implies a model for the more sporty car or those that like to race around town. The brightness of these bulbs should definitely offer a better view of the roads ahead as you do so. You get the 9005 & 9006 LED headlights for low or high beam lights. This means an 80 Watt rating and a 6000K White Light at 8000 Lumens.
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The look of the diamond white light is the star feature here and this also leads to a wide, focused field of vision that drivers can rely upon. In addition to this, users can benefit from another long lifespan – largely thanks to that 12,000 rpm fan – and a reliable installation process. 1% of users will, apparently, have to deal with computer errors, which isn’t bad.
The biggest issue here for some users lies in the difference between the high and low beams. Typically, you will be able to see the change from the low beam up to the high beam and this is vital for visibility in the right situations. There is a difference here. But, the contrast between the two isn’t as stark as some had hoped. There isn’t that big jump to the brighter high beam that some people need. Therefore, this might not be the most reliable option for those that drive at night a lot.
Is this the right set of LED car lights for your vehicle?
The appeal of these lights depends on your needs and experience driving. If you are in need of something with a strong, bright high beam and lots of distance then this one could end up being a bit of a disappointment. But, more casual drivers may still appreciate the features and benefits that are on offer. It is still a bright, long-lasting light.
Next, we want to move onto the SEALIGHT brand. This is the first of two of their products. Here you get the 9005 and H11 LED headlight bulbs in a combination kit. Another perk here is that there are 4 bulbs in the pack. This means that you should get greater value for money in this kit. There is a rating of 12000 lumen, or 6000 lumen per pair.
Is this the right set of LED car lights for your vehicle?
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The value for the consumer continues with the quality of the light and the installation process. Users can set these lights up pretty easily with the plug and play installation. The company say this should take about 20 minutes and few disagree. The light is then nice and bright with great visibility.
There aren’t that many problems with this set of lights. One interesting comment, however, is that it meant that the lights were far too bright in the day-time. This is something that users might not consider when looking at LED bulbs. It is definitely a good reason to go with a “normal” option, such as those in this guide, rather than a super bright one. Otherwise, there isn’t that much wrong here. Most users seem to be able to install the lights easily enough.
Is this the right set of LED car lights for your vehicle?
The appeal here does seem to depend on your need for brightness – but that is the case with a lot of these LED bulbs. If you go for an LED option like this, you will get a brighter feel than the halogen bulb you started with. You will also do so with a better field of vision, longer lifespan and a clean white look.
This next option from Sealight is a bit different. Here you get the H11 H9 H8 LED Headlight Bulbs. They use CSP Chips for a clean bulb with a 6000K White output, and a rating of 30W and 5000Lumens. As with the ones before, this should result in a great light source that is bright, reliable and doesn’t pose any risk of glare, flicker or spots.
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Another thing that stands out about these lights is the attention to the materials used and the protection offered. There is an aluminium casing here that should offer a combination of benefits including strength and heat dissipation. On top of that, there is an IP67 water resistance rating so you can use these in bad weather without any concern. Also, there is built-in shock resistance. This is something that other brands don’t think to mention.
One thing to watch out for here is the fact that this model is a fanless design. What this means is that the manufacturers used a heat dissipation structure instead to cool the light down. This can be enough to keep everything running smoothly. But, it does mean that the lifespan isn’t as good as some other models. In other LED lights in this guide, you will see turbo fans that allow for 50,000 hours of life. Here you only get 30,000 hours.
Is this the right set of LED car lights for your vehicle?
30,000 hours of life isn’t the end of the world. But, it is still a lot less than 50,000. So, if you want a bulb that will last with fewer fears of it breaking down, it might be better to go for one with a turbo fan. If this isn’t a concern of yours, you might find that this strong, effective LED light offers enough for your needs.
Top CREE LED chips with 60W per pair
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There is a warning from the company that this LED light will be compatible with most computer systems without any error. But, that does mean that there is a small minority where this isn’t the case. Therefore, these users risk problems with the connections where the lights start blinking or simply don’t connect to the computer system. Decoders can help, and there are other models in the guide that require the same. This means a little extra work to get the lights up and running, but it could be worth the effort.
Is this the right set of LED car lights for your vehicle?
Assuming that you aren’t in that small percentage of people that struggle with the computer system, this could be a great choice for your car. The installation process can be easy enough and you should get a great, long-lasting light – even if you do need to add that decoder first.
This next option comes from Beamtech and is their kit for the H13 LED Headlight Bulb. This pair of bulbs use high power CSP chips, which is something seen in other products in this guide. These chips should allow for a bright light source with the consistency needed. There are also comments from users about the clarity of the white tone and the lack of glare or spots.
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In addition to the clarity and tone of the light, there is also the chance for users to adapt the settings so that they can get the right angle. This level of customisation is ideal for those that drive at night a lot. Another important feature here is the intelligent temperature control system. But, as you will see below, this isn’t necessarily the best choice.
This product has a problem that we see with a lot of LED car light products. This is another one with a lifespan of 30,000 hours. Again, this seems to be down to the use of the heat dissipation system instead of a turbo fan. There are pros and cons in choosing these features. While you don’t get the same 50,000 hour lifespan of other lights, there is an intelligent temperature control system here that keeps the lights cool. What is also interesting here is the promise of a speed of heat dissipation that is five times faster than other materials.
Is this the right set of LED car lights for your vehicle?
These lights won’t last as long as some of the other options in this guide. While that could be a problem for those with a lot of miles to cover at night, it isn’t going to be as noticeable for those that drive infrequently. It might be worth the lower lifespan for the quality of the lights, adjustable beam and the intensity.
This set from Auxito is another option where there are some great promises about the brightness and consistency of the light. This one offer 12,000 lumens per set with a 6500 Xenon white output. It does this with the use of smart, double-sided ZED LED chips. This means that you should have an output that is 200% brighter than halogen. That is only marginally behind the bulbs at the beginning of this guide.
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Aside from the brightness of the bulbs, the other notable selling point here is the size. This is a miniature bulb, which should mean that they are easier to install with fewer compatibility issues. In addition to this, there is an all-in-one design to make the process even faster. Another interesting feature here is the inclusion of the EMC to reduce the risk of interference on the radio.
One of the problems here is that there is a shorter lifespan than some of the other top-rated bulbs. The reason for this isn’t as clear as in the models with the fanless design. Here there is the promise of a “high speed powerful fan”, which should be enough to cool the system and prolong the life. But, it is noticeable that they don’t mention the RPM on the fan, so it might not be as powerful as claimed. Alternatively, it could be a structural issue letting this product down.
Is this the right set of LED car lights for your vehicle?
There is a risk here that these bulbs could break down faster than other because there aren’t the same promises about the cooling system or the protections in the casing. But, this might be worth the risk if you are in need of a lamp that is smaller and easier to install. Weigh up the pros and cons before making your choice.
Next, we have a pair of lights that are combination 9004 HB! Set. They are rated at 72W per bulb, so not the most powerful out there, but they do still offer a 6500K white tone. The use of the COB chips should allow for the strength and consistency needed for most user. Yes, those chips are made in Taiwan rather than Korea or Japan. But, this might not be too big an issue.
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There is no denying the quality of the light on these bulbs, they are designed to be just bright and powerful enough to illuminate the road with ease. This also means no concerns about glare, spots, or other issues while driving. Other benefits include the 50,000 hour lifespan, which is the result of the heat control and cooling fan, and the waterproofing. In fact, there is a promise here of perfect operation underwater. That might sound a bit extreme, but you never know when it might be useful.
While there is the potential benefit here of the 20 minute plug and play installation method, this isn’t a guarantee. There is a warning from Infitary that you will have to follow different instructions depending on your make of car. The wiring isn’t always the same so you need to consult the company and be very careful before you buy. Incorrect wiring here could end up causing some damage in the long run.
Is this the right set of LED lights for your vehicle?
Don’t worry too much about the origin of the parts of the wiring process. If you prepare yourself and figure out the right process, this can be worth the effort. This bright light should help you out in some extreme conditions.
Next up is a kit from ZonCar H11/H8/ H9 / H16. This 2 piece kit uses 12 CSP Chips for the best way to produce a clean, consistent light source. These Korean chips have become a popular choice with brands that want to ensure that users get a bright, reliable light. Here this also means an output of a 6500K Xenon White 6500K. This should be glare-free, spotless and comfortable to look at.
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While that use of those clever Korean chips is the ultimate selling point here, there are other benefits to take advantage of. The first is the installation process. Times can vary between cars and different types of light. But, when you have this up and running in 10 minutes you know you have a user-friendly option. Another helpful tool is the fast fan. This runs at speeds of 12,000rpm to help keep the light nice and cool. This should also mean that the lifespan is at the higher end of the scale too.
One thing that we have mentioned quite a lot in this guide is the issue of brightness vs super brightness. Different customers will have their own opinions on what super-bright means. In this case, this ZonCar product isn’t classed as super bright, it should just offer a normal LED illumination. But, there are users under the wrong impression that expected better. This could be down to miscommunication or because of the use of those Korean chips. So, if you want a super bright light, this isn’t for you.
Is this the right set of LED car lights for your vehicle?
Putting that issue and confusion over the brightness to one side, there is still a lot about this model that will appeal to drivers. It ticks all the right boxes in regard to the quality of the light, the installation process and the protections offered for greater longevity.
This next option comes from Koyoso and provides a pair of H11 bulbs. These bulbs are rated at12000 lumen, so are nice and bright, and are high power at 80W. You also get the same clean 6500K White tone that is so popular with these LED lights. For the most part, they seem to be a reliable option for those that want a bright, strong light to replace their dull halogen models.
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There are some interesting details in the specification of these bulbs that aren’t as common as others. One is the fan, which is discussed below, and the other is the built-in EMC. This is a nice feature that stops the electronics in the bulbs from interfering with the radio. Therefore, your signal shouldn’t get staticky when you put the high beams on. This light also comes with the promise of a 10 minute installation, which is faster than most. Also, there is a 50,000 hour lifespan to help these running for a long time to come.
Across this guide, we have discussed the pros and cons involved in having a fanless LED lamps versus those with fans. This model has a lot going for it in regard to the quality of the fan. They are dual-ball fans that are an upgrade on previous models. The 12,000rpm speed should also help to keep the lights cool. However, this design can lead to some audible noise when the engine isn’t running.
Is this the right set of LED car lights for your vehicle?
The issue with the noise is something that most drivers should be able to either ignore or get used to with time. But, it could be an inconvenience for a while, especially if you can’t figure out the source at first. This inconvenience should be worthwhile, however, for the lifespan and overall quality provided.
Next, we have this combination kit of the 9005 and H11 bulb replacements from Syneticusa. Here you have bulbs rated at 200W of power with an impressive 20000 lumens. This strong beam also has a 6000K White output and looks consistent and spot-free. You also get more for you money here as there a 4 bulbs in the box for not a lot of money.
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The light source is impressive here, and users can also benefit from the 360 degree adjustable angle. This feature is great because it means that you have greater control over the output of the light. In addition to this, users get a lot of quality for the low price. The housing is high-grade aluminium so you can be sure of strength and protection for the bulb. There is also a fan built in to keep the lights cool and increase the longevity.
There are some users that notice an issue with the size of these bulbs. In some cases, this simply means a tight fit or some minor adjustments. For others, it could mean that the bulbs aren’t suitable at all. This is interesting because this isn’t the only case of oversized bulbs. When you look at some of the high-end super-bright models instead, they can be much more petite. What out for this issue when fitting the lights to your car. The last thing you want to do is force them and cause damage to your vehicle.
Is this the right set of LED car lights for your vehicle?
Make sure to check the compatibility of the bulbs with your car before you order. The more information you have when you start, the better the result. If they do fit, you should find that you have a decent set of bulbs at a great price.
This next option is a combination set from Leppein that offers a 9004 and HB1 bulb. These bulbs have the benefit of a High luminous efficacy flux for up to 6000LM per pair. This is something commonly mentioned with super bright models but not your more average light. That is why you should be able to expect a light that is 200% brighter than your current halogen bulb.
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The clean light from this product is just the start of the benefits on offer here. You can get a strong construction with the combination of the aviation-grade aluminium and the TurboCool fan. Furthermore, the brand claims that this is rated for use in all conditions, and even mention snow in that list. They have covered all eventualities for those in colder climates. Then there is the likelihood of an error-free installation process.
This is another product where we have to question the longevity of the bulbs. With all the great features on offer, you would expect a lifespan to rival the other top LED bulbs in this guide. Instead, that powerful TurboCool fan doesn’t seem to be as powerful as claimed if there are 30,000 hours of life instead of 50,000. This suggests that either it isn’t as fast as some of the others or that there is something else going on here.
Is this the right set of LED car lights for your vehicle?
This might not end up lasting quite as long as some of the other options in this guide. However, there is a chance that you will still get a quality product here. The ratings for the protective elements mean that even if you lose 20,000 hours in the long-run, you could still have a reliable option in the short-term.
This penultimate option comes from Xenlight. This is another combo where you can get the H4 and 9006 bulbs as a pair I a combo. The company uses HTCV technology to ensure a perfect beam pattern and there is a White 6000K output. Most users seem happy with the quality of that beam and the consistency.
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A sales claim that stands out here is the idea that this is meant to be one of the smallest bulbs available. This is important when we consider some of the products in this guide that were too large for the vehicle or too difficult to install. The bonus of the all-in-one design helps with that installation process. From there, users can also benefit from the protection on offer. There is a strong build here with the aluminium casing. There is also resistance against all kinds of weather elements and particles. So, you should be able to use these pretty much anywhere that you want.
One feature that stands out here for the wrong reasons is the TurboCool fan. This seems a little misnamed because while so many others offer 12,000rpm, this one is 8,000rpm. Now, there may be some benefit to that if the slower speed results in less noise overall. There is also the chance that you will still get a long life span here, as there is the promise of 50,000 hours still. But, there are still some questions over the temperature protection long-term.
Is this the right set of LED car lights for your vehicle?
If this issue with the slower fan is of no importance to you, and you trust the product to provide those 50,000 hours of life that it promises, there should be few issues in choosing this model.
This final set comes from Bevinsee is for a combo kit of the H4 and 9003 bulbs. The bulbs are rated at 10000 lumens per pair, with 60W per bulb. This should be more than enough for most people that need a clean, reliable light to replace their halogen bulbs. There are some great comments from users about the quality of the light for the price paid.
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This sense of high quality continues with the other features in these lights. There is a sense that there is plenty of protection here to keep them safe and insure against damage. This starts with the tough aluminium cooling system and continues with the IP67 grade waterproofing. So, it seems that you should be able to take these out in any condition with no risk of harm to the vehicle.
There is a warning from the company about an issue with the installation. They are upfront that they don’t include canbus in their lights. So, while they can assure an “error-free” system and installation for 98% of users, they know that 2% will run into a bit of trouble. Examples of this include the headlight bulb flickering or a dashboard error. The solution here is to get a decoder, which the company will sell separately to you if you need it.
Is this the right set of LED car lights for your vehicle?
If you are going to take a risk on a set of bulbs that might need some additional tech, at least this set has the optional decoder from the same company. This could save a little time if you have problems. Those that don’t have these issues should enjoy the output from these strong lights for a long time to come.
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