Best Headlight Bulbs For 2022

Modern car headlights create a wider and more precise illuminated path than ever before, thanks to advances in headlight lenses, projectors and housings. Many brand-new vehicles are equipped with LED bulbs expected to last the lifetime of the vehicle, but for slightly older vehicles equipped with halogen bulbs, the type of headlight bulb installed can make a critical difference in the amount and pattern

Best High-Performance Halogen Headlight Bulb

Sylvania SilverStar

Sale

$44.99

(-$4.83) (11%)

Why We Picked It

Sylvania is a well-known automotive lighting manufacturer that supplies factory-installed headlamp bulbs to many automakers. Their SilverStar line of high-powered halogen bulbs offers a clean white beam that reaches farther than standard headlamp bulbs. The trade-off is both cost and longevity: SilverStar bulbs last about a year, making this the choice for maintenance sticklers who follow the traditional guideline of replacing headlamp bulbs every fall. The higher-end SilverStar Ultra bulb produces even brighter light, but has an even shorter lifespan: some customers report failure after as little as six months. For that reason the basic SilverStar’s blend of performance and longevity makes it our top pick.

Pros & Cons

Filters out yellow-spectrum light to create a modern-looking white beam
Sharper clarity and longer beam than standard halogen headlamp bulbs
Well-known manufacturer respected for quality control

One year average lifespan
Price approaches cheaper LED replacement bulbs
Not quite as bright as some alternatives, but more durable

Best Budget Halogen Headlamp Bulb

Hella +50 Performance Bulb

Why We Picked It

European lighting specialist Hella beats generic brands at their own game with the hyper-value +50 Performance bulb. At just $10 a pair, Hella promises up to 50 percent improvement over low-end halogen bulbs, with factory-level fit and quality that generic brands can’t always match. Unfortunately, longevity suffers as a result of the stronger beam: the +50 Performance bulb has an expected service life of 250 hours, whereas the weaker conventional version is rated at 560 hours. Still, the bargain price point and added performance make this an above-average pick for do-it-yourselfers on a budget.

Pros & Cons

Bargain price
Improved light output compared to standard headlight bulbs
High quality construction, well-known brand

Slight light output advantage comes at the cost of longevity
Conventional 3200 K light color looks dated
Negligible improvement in beam clarity

Best LED Replacement Bulb for Traditional Headlamps

Auxito LED Headlight Bulbs

Sale

$49.99

(-$10.00) (20%)

Why We Picked It

LED headlight bulb light output has advanced to exceed traditional halogen bulbs in recent years. Falling prices put LED bulbs firmly within the territory of high-end halogen bulbs, but the value proposition of LEDs is irresistible: modern LED bulbs can last ten years or longer, producing brighter and whiter light with a better beam pattern than halogen bulbs. Among the crowded field of LED brands is Auxito, positioned at the high end of the market. Auxito bulbs feature space-efficient heatsinks and fans, shrinking the bulb size to match conventional bulbs for a worry-free fit. Light output easily exceeds stock halogen bulbs, enhancing safety on night drives.

Pros & Cons

Lengthy lifespan
Light output and beam pattern quality now exceed traditional bulbs
Modern appearance marks an upgrade for older vehicles

Increased upfront cost compared to inexpensive halogen bulbs
High-beam performance can be weaker than some halogen bulbs
Will not fit in some conventional bulb housings due to slightly larger size

Best HID Replacement Bulb for Factory HID Headlamps

DMEX D3S HID Headlight

Why We Picked It

Before LEDs stole the high-tech automotive lighting spotlight, xenon-filed High-Intensity Discharge bulbs were the futuristic mark of luxury. Devotees still swear by HIDs’ crisp beam pattern and cool white light output, and falling prices offer a compelling reason to stick with HID instead of switching to LED. The DMEX D3S HID unit, which is designed specifically for vehicles originally equipped with HID headlights and is easy to install, a feature buyers say they like. Bargain-bin pricing saves hundreds compared to original-equipment bulbs, while a two-year warranty adds peace of mind.

Pros & Cons

Much cheaper than original-equipment HID bulbs
Cool white color maintains factory-intended beam pattern and visual appearance
Two-year warranty

HID bulb types are visually similar, so double-check the exact bulb type before ordering
Some owners report quality or longevity issues handled under warranty
Only solves problems caused by faulty HID bulbs, not the HID ballast (a separate component)

Best Fog Light Bulb

Alla Lighting LED Fog Light Bulb

Sale

$22.99

(-$6.50) (28%)

Why We Picked It

Modern headlamp beam patterns offer such comprehensive coverage of the road ahead that foglamps have all but disappeared from the latest cars’ front fascias. Certain older vehicles still benefit from occasional focused low-slung light, especially useful in inclement weather or while driving on unfamiliar switchbacks. Alla Lighting offers a drop-in replacement for burned-out or aging fog lights, with the added benefit of modernizing their appearance. No need to worry about bulky heatsinks or fans: Alla Lighting’s bulb is self-contained, taking on the form-factor of original halogen bulbs for a no-hassle fit.

Pros & Cons

Long-lasting bulb eliminates the hassle of frequently replacing hard-to-reach fog lights
Crisp white color looks contemporary
Improved light output over aged halogen bulbs

Ensure correct bulb orientation to optimize beam pattern
Beam pattern may differ from halogen
Pricier than a halogen replacement bulb

Bestselling Automotive Headlight Bulbs on Amazon

Sponsored

SaleBestseller No. 1

Fahren H11/H9/H8 LED Headlight Bulbs, 60W 10000 Lumens Super Bright LED Headlights Conversion Kit 6500K Cool White IP68 Waterproof, Pack of 2

300% Brighter Than Halogen - Top Automotive Grade LED chips with 60W, 10,000LM per pair, 6500K cool white. Super focused beam pattern design provides wider and farther lighting range which is 3 times brighter than your original halogen bulb.
Over 5,0000 Hours Lifespan - Whole aviation aluminum body, unique hollow carved heat sink design and 1,2000RPM turbo cool fan provide super cooling ability, which ensures a longer lifespan up to 5,0000 hours.
10 Minutes Easy Installation - Almost 1:1 mini design same as halogen, perfectly fit into your housing and factory sockets without any modification, just plug and play.

Bestseller No. 2

3,879 Reviews

PHILIPS - 12362B2 Philips H11 Standard Halogen Replacement Headlight Bulb, 2 Pack

Original Equipment Quality Seal For The Most Reliable Performance
Always Replace In Pairs To Ensure A Symmetric Light Beam From Both Bulbs On The Road. Headlights Dim Over Time
Headlight Bulbs By Philips, For Over 100 Years We Have Been Continuously Innovating Automotive Lighting

Bestseller No. 3

11,529 Reviews

SEALIGHT 9005/HB3 H11/H9/H8 LED Bulbs Combo, Super Bright Cool White, Plug and Play, Pack of 4

Decrease Accident Risk: The H11 led bulbs is 400% brighter than Halogen bulbs, 100% wider vision than other bulbs, focus beam pattern illuminates reveal road signs, without blinding other drivers
650 Feet High Visibility: The 9005 bulbs centralized full beams, allowing you clearly see deer off to the side, avoid repair work and accident, take it easy through rural areas, deserted highways
10 Years Lifespan: With heatproof glass coating chips, the bulbs can perform well even you drive 12 hours every night, it lasts 30 times longer than halogen, not dim within 10 years

Bestseller No. 4

21,001 Reviews

Fahren 9005/HB3 LED Headlight Bulbs, 60W 10000 Lumens Super Bright LED Headlights Conversion Kit 6500K Cool White IP68 Waterproof, Pack of 2

【300% Brighter Than Halogen】- Top Automotive-Grade LED chips with 60W, 10,000LM per pair, 6500K cool white. Super focused beam pattern design provides wider and farther lighting range which is 3 times brighter than your original halogen bulb.
【Over 5,0000 Hours Lifespan】 - Whole aviation aluminum body, unique hollow-carved heat sink design and 1,2000RPM turbo cool fan provide super cooling ability, which ensures a longer lifespan up to 5,0000 hours.
【10 Minutes Easy Installation】- Almost 1:1 mini design same as halogen, perfectly fit into your housing and factory sockets without any modification, just plug and play.

Bestseller No. 5

3,822 Reviews

SEALIGHT S1 H13/9008 LED Bulbs, 13000LM Dual Beam LED Bulbs, 6000K Eye-Protection White, Quick Installation Halogen Replacement, Packs of 2

Decrease Crash Risk: 60w 13000LM per Pair, 6000K eye-protection xenon white, 1:1 halogen focus beam pattern, you can see farther, gain more react time, without blinding oncoming drivers, also perfect for a pickup truck
5,0000 Hours Lifespan: The H13 LED bulbs can last for 20 years even if you drive 6 hours every night. With its high-performance chipset and heat sink design, it has reached a perfect balance of performance and service life
10 Minutes Easy Installation: Plug-and-play, almost 1:1 mini design as halogen. 0.5-inch ultra-thin heat sink perfectly fits for 99% vehicle housings and factory sockets

SaleBestseller No. 6

SEALIGHT 9005/HB3 9006/HB4 LED Bulbs Combo Package CSP Chips 14000LM 6000K Cool White

14000lm Safe Visibility: SEALIGHT 9005 9006 LED Bulbs is 5 times brighter than Halogen Bulbs. 14,000LM per pair, breaking through the night to help you spot hazards earlier.
Refraction Focusing Design: Reflective surface increases the lighting range. The cut-off line is as clear as halogen bulbs, Two-vehicle meet each other safely, no worry about dazzle the oncoming driver.
Better pattern: Maintain safety of the driving is the top priority, SEALIGHT 9005/HB3 and 9006/HB4 LED bulb do not blind oncoming traffic, no glaring thanks to an optimized light distribution

SaleBestseller No. 7

3,425 Reviews

Sylvania 9003XV.BP2 (also fits H4) XtraVision Halogen Headlight Bulb, (Contains 2 Bulbs)

See Sylvania’s Application Guide in the Technical Details below to confirm compatibility
More downroad performance than basic bulbs
Increased downroad visibility with no added glare

SaleBestseller No. 8

963 Reviews

NOVSIGHT H13/9008 LED Headlight Bulbs, 13000 Lumens 300% Super Bright Dual Beam Conversion Kits 60W LED Bulbs, 6500K Cool White, Extremely Fast Cooling Halogen Replacement

【300% brighter than expected】Built-in CSP LED chips with 60W 12000 Lumens per pair 6500K cool white. 300% brighter than halogen light. Give you the best horizons while driving but not blinding others.
【Double vision enhancement】Provide the most safety beam pattern, long distance and wide range. Make sure you can foresee the danger on the road and normal driving in extreme weather like rainy, snowy, foggy day.
【10 minutes of hood opening】Real plug and play, Almost 1:1 mini design same as halogen. Perfectly fit your vehicle without modifications. No tool needed, only take within 10 minutes to install. Lights your way home instantly when fired

SaleBestseller No. 9

9,805 Reviews

SYLVANIA - H11 XtraVision - High Performance Halogen Headlight Bulb, High Beam, Low Beam and Fog Replacement Bulb (Contains 2 Bulbs) (H11XV.BP2)

LIGHTS DIM OVER TIME, REPLACE IN PAIRS: Your lights are a pair, one is never turned on without the other. If one bulb burns out, the other isn't far behind. Replace your H11 XtraVision Halogen bulbs in pairs for optimum performance.
MORE DOWNROAD VISIBILITY: XtraVision bulbs have an enhanced downroad visibility with no added glare.
RELIABLE DESIGN FOR OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE: XtraVision bulbs have a robust filament design and propriety gas mixture that can be driven for superior performance.

SaleBestseller No. 10

7,679 Reviews

SEALIGHT H4/9003/HB2 LED Bulbs, Super Bright Cool White, Plug and Play, Pack of 2

Better visibility: SEALIGHT h4 LED bulbs combo kit have better visibility, have brighter output and have better beam pattern, replace your yellow or dim stock bulb. Warm tip: we are upgrading our packaging and you may receive one of two boxes randomly
Enhanced beam pattern: although brighter than standard halogen bulbs, the light is focused down road so oncoming traffic will not be blinded, and there are no dark spots or shadow areas
See more clearly: ditch your dim yellow halogen bulbs and make way for super-focused bright 6000K LED bulbs. The daylight optics give superior visibility, as well as giving your car added style

Methodology

To determine the best headlight bulbs for your needs, we researched products that are the most accessible to a wide range of U.S. consumers. Factors considered include the item’s availability, price and quality. We also studied a broad range of end-user ratings and evaluations by multiple testers. For this list, we objectively ranked the best headlamp bulbs based on measured light output. We also considered customer satisfaction, reports of quality or longevity issues and the ease of installation. Value separated our top picks from the rest: we looked for the best combination of advantages relative to cost.

How should I handle a headlight bulb during installation?

Never touch a glass bulb with bare fingers. Skin oils will transfer to the surface of a glass bulb and heat up during operation, which could cause the bulb to shatter inside the headlight housing, so handle with care in nitrile gloves or with a clean paper towel. Fine scratches on the bulb glass can also cause catastrophic failure, so be sure not to scrape a headlamp bulb on sharp parts during installation. Due to the delicate nature of LED chipsets, it’s a good idea not to touch the LED chips, either.

How often should I replace my headlight bulbs?

An old adage calls for traditional halogen headlight bulbs to be replaced along with windshield wipers every autumn. In reality, most drivers wait until a bulb burns out to take action—and at that point, it’s a good idea to replace both as a matter of course, since the second bulb will likely burn out shortly after. The longevity of LED bulbs makes routine replacement unnecessary, enhancing their value proposition.

Which is better: HID or LED headlight bulbs?

While LED technology improves by an order of magnitude each year, aftermarket LEDs can’t quite match the crisp clarity of a factory-installed xenon HID bulb. However, when upgrading halogen headlamps, the expense and complexity of fitting an HID system has been rendered impractical by the wide range of easy-to-install LED bulbs that simply drop in. Because of the cost advantages of LEDs, HID technology has also been superseded by LED technology among the world’s automakers, so Xenon bulbs aren’t likely to make a comeback.

Can I make my headlights brighter?

If you're still using the factory original setup on an older car, most likely yes. Several replacement halogen bulbs, including ones in the list above, give both brighter light and longer beams than factory original units. In addition, LED upgrades can offer even more brightness, with the benefits of modern color temperatures and a longer lifespan.

Can I put LED bulbs into a halogen headlamp housing?

Yes. Modern LED bulbs are engineered to create a beam pattern closer to halogen than ever before. There is some concern that fitting an LED bulb into a traditional reflector housing designed for halogen headlamps can produce excessive glare for oncoming traffic, but the latest LED bulbs do a much better job of producing an omnidirectional beam closer to traditional halogen headlamps.

Are expensive headlight bulbs worth it?

LED headlight bulbs might cost more initially, but will more than make up for the cost of annually replacing halogen bulbs. High-end halogen bulbs are a tough value proposition: increased light output and whiter light certainly have appeal, but with those benefits comes a shortened lifespan. Premium halogen bulbs are both more expensive and must be replaced more frequently than a basic halogen bulb, dampening their overall value.