Halogen bulb powered headlights are most commonly installed in vehicles.
However, many people are now beginning to swap these out for the use of LEDs instead.
Not only are LED headlights more energy-efficient, but they are also likely to produce a brighter beam and are going to last longer too.
The market for LED headlights is rather expansive and the specifications of your LEDs can differ between the brands and the variations that they offer. It is crucial to select the LED headlights that are compatible with your vehicle.
We have browsed the market and selected our top five picks of the best LED headlights that we would consider to be worthy of your purchase. Below, we have also included a handy buyer’s guide detailing our top tips for choosing the best product.
If you are in a hurry and don’t have the time to continue reading, we have selected our top pick for you below.
Top 5 Best LED Headlights
OUR TOP PICK
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CougarMotor LED Headlight Bulbs
EDITORS CHOICE
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Fahren H11/H9/H8 LED Headlight Bulbs
BEST VALUE
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BEAMTECH H11 LED Headlight Bulb
OUR TOP PICK
CougarMotor LED Headlight Bulbs
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The CougarMotor LED Headlights Bulbs are packed with 60 watts of power per pair and 30 watts per individual LED chip.
The beam projected by these LED lights is considered to be 200% brighter than your standard halogen powered headlight bulbs. Once installed you can be assured that your car is going to shine brightly.
With a whole aluminum housing and turbo cool fan, you can be assured that your LED lights aren’t going to overheat following installation. Impressively, these lights are going to provide you with over 50,000 hours of use.
Thanks to the plug and play installation concept, it takes as little as 20 minutes to install these headlight bulbs into the majority of vehicles. They also work efficiently with the majority of computer systems which helps to prevent the occurrence of errors.
The rugged housing ensures that these bulbs are going to face the harshest of conditions without becoming damaged easily. Even when confronted with extreme weather, the fan will continue to function to cool the lights.
Pros
- Following your purchase, you are provided with lifetime support for help in rectifying any issues.
- They provide 50,000 hours of light which can be difficult to find in many products.
- They can easily be installed within a 20 minute time frame thanks to the plug and play design.
- The 10,000 RPM dual turbo fan keeps the LED lights cool when in use.
- These LED bulbs produce an impressive stream of light.
Cons
- These LEDs have large heat sinks which may become problematic for some vehicles.
EDITORS CHOICE
Fahren H11/H9/H8 LED Headlight Bulbs
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Deemed to be 3,000 times brighter than halogen bulbs, these 60 watts LED light bulbs provide a wide and lengthy beam of light, effectively illuminating the area ahead of you.
Designed with a 1,2000 RPM turbofan, when functioning the LED bulbs are going to be cooled effectively helping to illuminate an area up to 200 meters ahead. Impressively, these bulbs have a 50,000 hour lifespan and can be installed within 10 minutes.
These LED headlights have an aluminum body and an IP68 full waterproof rating. This assures you that they aren’t going to deteriorate easily even when subject to adverse and harsh weather conditions. Additionally, this helps to prolong the lifespan of your bulbs.
As CANbus ready LED lights they are compatible with 98% of vehicles and computer systems which eliminates the risk of errors occurring. The beam of these lights can also be adjusted to a 360 degree angle which projects the best beam pattern.
Pros
- These LED headlight bulbs have an IP68 waterproof rating for long term durability.
- They have an impressive 50,000 hour lifespan.
- Thanks to the plug and play concept, these lights can be installed within 10 minutes.
- The efficient cooling system accounts for effective heat dissipation and superior cooling ability.
- Courtesy of the aluminum housing, these are long-lasting LED chips that are going to last for a decent amount of time.
Cons
- The locking tabs of these LED headlight bulbs are a little thick which can make installation a little tricky.
BEST VALUE
BEAMTECH H11 LED Headlight Bulb
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The BEAMTECH H11 LED Headlight Bulbs feature double-sided LED chips that produce 8000 lumens per set. When driving at night, these bulbs have a 4000 lumen output making them safe for your vehicle and other drivers.
Each bulb has 25 watts of power and a 30,000 hour lifespan. They also produce less heat than halogen bulbs which further helps to prolong the lifespan.
Projecting a narrow strip of light, these BEAMTECH LED bulbs emulate the beam pattern of halogen bulbs.
When it comes to safety, these bulbs don’t have a fan, high voltage, electromagnetic radiation, or circuit interference. Installation is also straightforward, thanks to the plug and play concept, however, the manual guide provides further information if needed.
Pros
- The aluminum housing creates a durable bulb that can endure a range of conditions.
- The all in one, plug and play design allows for easy installation.
- The absence of a fan makes these silent functioning bulbs.
- The source of light is evenly distributed.
- The light color is very similar to factory manufactured HID headlights at an affordable price.
Cons
- Some individuals may not find these lights to be bright enough for their needs.
RUNNER UP
SEALIGHT 9006/HB4 LED Headlight Bulbs
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With 40 watts of power, 3000 lumens per bulb, and 6000K of bright focussed light, the SEALIGHT LED bulbs provide better visibility, illuminating the area ahead with a brighter beam than standard halogen bulbs.
When used on a high beam, the source of light is going to be bright and clear. When used on low beam the beam pattern is going to be improved. The source of light is also more focused and so there is an eliminated risk of blinding other road users.
Utilizing a fanless design and advanced heat sink, these bulbs adhere to a compact design and are silent when in use. This also benefits the lifespan and service time of the bulbs. Thanks to the plug and play design, the bulbs are easy to install into the vehicle.
Impressively, these bulbs have a 50,000 hour lifespan and have been subject to vigorous testing for durability. With a superior build quality and aluminum housing, they are going to withstand any adverse conditions.
Pros
- These bulbs have an impressive 50,000 hour lifespan.
- The bulbs project a bright and consistent beam of light.
- The aluminum heat sink accounts for improved thermal conductivity.
- Courtesy of the aluminum housing these are durable LED headlights.
- With a fanless design, when functioning these bulbs aren’t going to be silent functioning.
Cons
- Installing these LED bulbs can be a little complex.
RUNNER UP
AUXITO H4 9003 LED Headlight Bulb
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The AUXITO LED Headlight bulbs are packed with 40 watts of power and produce 4500 lumens per bulb. With an extremely bright output, the road ahead is effectively illuminated allowing you to see wider and further.
While these bulbs have a larger viewing angle, they also have a clear cut off line, making them safe for other road users too as they aren’t going to produce a dangerous glare.
Courtesy of the fanless design, these bulbs aren’t going to produce a lot of noise and you aren’t going to be faced with the issue of fan failure. Instead, these bulbs have been designed with a rapid heat sink system which allows for extended heat dissipation.
With a 30,000 hour lifespan, you can enjoy extended use without the need for regular replacements. Additionally, these bulbs are compatible with 98% of vehicle computer systems with a reduced risk of errors or radio interference.
Pros
- The fanless design means that there is no fan noise or risk of faults.
- Impressively, these bulbs are considered to be 200% brighter than standard bulbs.
- These bulbs are compatible with 95% of vehicles without the need for modification.
- The aluminum body creates a durable bulb with a longer lifespan.
- The bright source of light allows you to see further and wider without affecting the safety of other drivers.
Cons
- Some may find these bulbs a little difficult to install in their vehicle.
Best LED Headlights Buying Guide
The market offers many variations of LED headlights. While they may appear to be similar the features and characteristics can differ between the brands.
Below we have outlined the main features of LED headlights and the factors that we would recommend you considering before making your purchase.
The type of headlights
There are two different types of headlights available on the market. The first is a single beam headlight and the second is a dual beam headlight. Unlike the dual beam, a single beam, headlight serves a singular function.
However, a dual beam headlight serves both functions and has a high and low beam. These kinds of headlights are most commonly found in cars and SUVs.
The number of lumens
Lumens are used to measure your headlight intensity. Headlights with a smaller intensity tend to have around 6,000 to 6,400 lumens and this will illuminate the road ahead for over 500m in a straight line.
There are also lights that have 8,000 lumens and this offers medium intensity with the ability to illuminate the road ahead for around 600 to 700 lumens ahead in a straight line.
The final option is high-intensity headlights which can illuminate the area ahead just as much as natural daylight would. It is important to be cautious of other drivers using the road when using high-intensity headlights as the strength can dazzle them.
Compatibility with your vehicle
Before choosing the LEDs for your headlights it is important to ensure that they are compatible with your vehicle. LED lights can come with different plug types and this is the mechanism that connects them to your vehicle.
You will find that the majority of LED lights are compatible with most vehicles, however, it is necessary to double check the specifications of the bulbs before making your purchase. An incorrect fitting plug is going to be insufficiently fitting to your vehicle resulting in a wasted purchase.
Installation
LED headlights are commonly sought after as they are easy to install. Depending on the instructions provided your LED headlight bulbs can be installed in as little as 20 minutes.
Some may find these headlights easier to install than others, particularly if they have experience in installing these kinds of lights on previous vehicles.
It is crucial to ensure that your headlights bulbs are installed correctly as this will ensure that they aren’t going to fall out and will ensure that they are aligned correctly to prevent them from affecting other road users.
Most LED lights have a plug and play design which allows for easy installation so you will be ready to go in a matter of minutes.
Legal headlights
It is crucial to ensure that you select headlights with a beam that is legal in your state. While this can vary between states it is important to adhere to the road legality of your state in particular.
Lights that project a beam to 50 and 100 meters ahead are considered to be legal in most states. It is super important to ensure that the headlights on your car are legal because this will ensure that they aren’t going to affect other road users.
The bulb color
The color of LED bulbs can be identified in the following categories. The first are warm colors and these are most commonly used in vehicles. They have a temperature of around 2,700 to 3,500 kelvin.
Although they don’t necessarily illuminate an area a long distance ahead, they are much safer for the eye. Another popular option is bright-colored LED headlights which have a temperature from 3,500 to 5000 Kelvin.
The project a further beam allowing you to see a greater distance ahead with a wider beam. The final option is super bright LED lights and have a temperature above 5000 kelvin.
Although these lights project a strong beam of light to illuminate a great distance ahead the brightness could potentially cause harm to the eyes of other drivers.
The cost
LED lights tend to be more expensive than standard lights, however, many would consider them to be worthy of this increased price due to their light projection and long-lasting battery life.
For quality, it is worth spending a little more on your LED lights as they tend to have a greater amount of lumens and they are also likely to have a longer lifespan too.
Life expectancy
Impressively, LED headlights can last for as long as 30,000 to 50,000 hours. You may find that your LED lights last for the duration of time that you possess the vehicle meaning that you may never find yourself needing to replace them.
The lights that last for around 30,000 hours will equate to three years of use or more potentially depending on your vehicle. During installation, these LEDs use a cooling fan or chip which helps them to last longer.
Other LED headlights that have 50,000 hours of function time can last for around six years. Both variations of LED headlights last for considerably longer than halogen bulbs as these typically only last for around 6,000 hours.
The warranty
It is worth investing in LED bulbs that are covered by a warranty. You don’t want to purchase your LEDs only to receive them and find that they do not work following installation.
If your product is covered by a warranty, this will provide you with support if you should be dissatisfied with your purchase or if your product is faulty.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many lumens should LED headlights be?
The amounts of lumens needed depend on many factors. Headlights with 2000 to 4000 lumens tend to be the most common but it is going to be dependent upon the number of lumens in your headlight.
It is crucial to ensure that the lumens of your bulbs don’t pose a risk to other drivers. Those that are too bright are going to produce a glare which can cause other drivers to become blinded.
What color should headlights be?
The laws surrounding the color of LED headlight can differ between states.
The most popular color of headlights tends to be white, yellow, or amber. It is important to ensure that the lights that you select are suitable for your car and conform to the regulations of your state.
Are LED headlights brighter than HID headlights?
HID headlights are generally powered by xenon gas and are deemed to produce a brighter source of light than both LED and halogen bulbs. Despite this, they are considered to be a lot more fragile than LEDs.
However, you will find some LEDs that are considered to produce a beam of light that is just as powerful as HID bulbs.
What do 6000K LED headlights mean?
This refers to the brightness of the bulbs. Bulbs that have a 6000k rating produce an intense stream of light, providing brightness similar to street lighting.
The K refers to the Kelvin’s of the bulb and is a measurement of the temperature and a rating of the color.