-
Willie Greer - September 28, 2021
Having efficient headlight bulbs, especially if you are driving at night or for hours on end, is convenient and necessary. A good number of accidents could be avoided if one is equipped with bright bulbs that allow better navigation in the dark. Our experts curated this guide to help you choose the best bulb for your vehicle.
XHP50.2 H7 LED
- Extended lifespan
- Weather-resistant
- XHP50.2 LED Chips
- Efficient high and low beams
- Easy installation
LED Headlight Bulb
- Durable and robust
- Overtime cooling features
- Exceptional brightness output
- Plug and play
- Perfect color temperature
X-tremeVision
- Superior bright white light
- Efficient heat dissipation
- Plug and play
- Optimum high and low beams
- Daytime reflector
At A Glance: Our Top 5 Picks for Bulbs for Projector Headlights
- Best Overall: Fahren H11/H9/H8 LED Headlight Bulb
- Premium Option: HIKARI TOP XHP50.2 H7 LED
- Budget Option: Philips Automotive Lighting H11 X-tremeVision
- Auxbeam 9006 F-16 Series LED Bulbs
- Nineo H11 LED Bulbs
Reviews of the Top Bulbs for Projector Headlights
Fahren H11/H9/H8 LED Headlight Bulb
One of the established best bulbs in the market is the Fahren H11/H9/H8. These super bright LED headlights flaunt some unrivaled features that are highly affordable.
Its 50,000+ hours lifespan promises to deliver high-quality light output even with daily usage. Additionally, these LED headlight bulbs packed with 5,000 lumens brightness effortlessly deliver the perfect beam pattern in color temperature.
The Fahren H11/H9/H8 LED headlights are enclosed within aviation-grade aluminum that makes them robust and durable. It is engineered to run for a long time, and its hollow-carved heat sink design with a 12,000RPM turbo cool fan will ensure superior cooling.
What We Like
- Perfect color temperature
- Durable and robust build
- Weather and water-resistant
- Super bright light
- Optimum heat dissipation features
- Straightforward installation
- Extended lifespan
What We Don't Like
- Complex internal mechanism
- Has tendencies to flicker
HIKARI UltraFocus H7 LED
If you are looking for the best replacement for a halogen headlight, then the HIKARI UltraFocus H7 may be the best bulb for projector headlights for you. Our technical experts highly recommend its focused light pattern as it is convenient, especially when driving in the dark for hours on end.
Compared to ordinary halogen bulbs, the UltraFocus H7 LED allows a more powerful and even brightness between the car sections, which makes it the perfect upgrade as a projector headlight bulbs. This H7 LED bulb offers clear visibility along with its extremely sturdy build. This bright LED bulb can withstand every weather and water condition during your trip.
What We Like
- Extended lifespan
- Weather-resistant
- Optimum night visibility feature
- Stable with XHP50.2 LED Chips and Copper submount
- Efficient high and low beam pattern
- Built-in CANBUS
What We Don't Like
- Not ideal for older car models
- A bit pricey
Philips Automotive Lighting H11 X-tremeVision
If you are looking for a headlight with top-notch performance that is affordable and accessible, then the Philips XtremeVision H11 may be the one for you. Its robust body is built with halogen technology that delivers the maximum light output with minimal energy consumption.
The H11 is treated with a bluecoat to offer a better lighting experience at 3400k output while being inexpensive. It also comes from a reliable manufacturer with original equipment quality, so this bulb’s durability is not an issue. Additionally, the H11 is also DOT-compliant, so one would not have to worry about its street legality.
What We Like
- Optimum high and low beam patterns
- Sturdy build
- Easy to install
- Ideal for nighttime and low visibility driving
- Has a reflector that works even in the daytime
- Efficient cooling system technology
What We Don't Like
- Short lifespan
- Not ideal for long-term performance
Auxbeam 9006 F-16 Series LED Bulbs
The Auxbeam F-16 Series LED contains two 9006 HB4 fog light bulbs that boast XH50 chips with a 360-degree clear beam. This ensures high power and no blind zone output. It is meticulously crafted with state-of-the-art technology that allows ultra bright lights to be delivered with only minimal energy consumed.
This LED headlight bulb has a color temperature of 6000K, which produces a white color tinge in your vision that allows a splendid improvement in your visuals. It also integrates CREE chips known for stunning power and optimum light output.
What We Like
- 360-degree clear beam with no blind zone
- High power light bulbs
- Ultra-high brightness output
- 2-way heat dissipation channel
- Durable build
- Universal fit mount.
What We Don't Like
- Lumens could be improved
- Not easy to decode
Nineo H11 LED Bulbs
The Nineo H11 LED headlight bulb has an unprecedented performance backed by its immense durability over the years. The installation has never been easier with NINEO’s ergonomic adapter design—one can easily adjust the angle to align the bulb within the projector circuitry effortlessly.
It also comes in H8, and H9 LED headlight bulb types that go well with short-throw projectors. Its customized CREE[1] chip ensures that it performs efficiently with its heavy-duty make and a brightness of 6000 lumens. NINEO LED headlight bulbs guarantee that you can use the projector anywhere without worries.
What We Like
- Wide light coverage
- Long duration and lifespan
- Ergonomic adapter design
- Coverless dual-ball bear fan
- Easy installation
What We Don't Like
- Not ideal for older models
- Has separate modules
Cougar Motor Flagship H11
The Cougar Motor Flagship H11 headlight bulb comes with an all-in-one conversion kit, which is useful in transitioning from a halogen or HID build. It is also integrated with a top-notch CREE LED chip with a 30W power capacity that ensures efficient brightness that would leave one satisfied.
With its 5000 lumens vivid visuals, the Cougar Motor H11 does not fail to deliver a breathtaking bright white light that guarantees a clear view without dark spots. Its 6000K color temperature will not only emphasize natural colors but also ensure a crystal clear view.
Additionally, it also has a 7000RPM TurboCool technology that keeps overheating issues at bay.
What We Like
- High-power LED headlight
- Super bright feature
- Integrated air cooling technology
- Long lifespan
- Easy installation
- Aluminum headlight housing
What We Don't Like
- Tends to flicker
- Not ideal for older vehicles
Beamtech H11/H8/H9
Beamtech is best known for its efficient paddling for low-light visibility driving, among many other things. It is one of the best-selling LED headlight bulbs. Its bulbs are easily tagged as extremely durable and can withstand a long lifespan amidst extreme weather conditions.
The Beamtech H11/H8/H9 LED variants have low lamp heat features, making them a better option than halogen bulbs and other headlight bulbs in general. These bulbs are also very safe to use as it comes with no circuit interference and electromagnetic radiation that can spark engine troubles over time.
What We Like
- Low lamp heat features
- Optimum high and low beam technology
- Extremely bright light
- Ideal for nighttime driving and low-light conditions
- Long lifespan
- Low energy consumption
What We Don't Like
- Takes too much space
- Can get blurry over time
Bulbs for Projector Headlights Buyer’s Guide
Wattage and Voltage
Wattage and voltage play a vital role in determining the best bulbs for projector headlights. Our experts suggest committing this concept to mind—the higher the wattage, the more lumens a headlight bulb will put out. For a halogen bulb, 55 watts is the standard, while an HID bulb runs at around 35 watts.
By definition, wattage refers to the amount of energy used in a bulb;
While one can easily assume that a bright reflector headlight is what every vehicle needs, an unrestricted high beam can easily blind oncoming traffic and cause accidents. Thus, some states restrict the maximum wattage a projector headlight can have.
It is also important to note that as the wattage of your bulb increases, the more strain it is imposing on your vehicle’s electrical system, which can, in turn, cause the bulbs to dim or wires to overheat if used for hours on end.
Our expert advice is never to go overboard your ride’s recommended wattage to use your headlight bulb at its maximum potential. Note that choosing a lower wattage bulb compromises brightness is only true for incandescent and halogen bulbs.
If you choose to stick with LED, check if it has a Chip Scale Package (CSP). CSP LED are micro-sized, high-performing packages that allow the bulbs to be smaller yet equipped with the same brightness. CSP LED bulbs allow less consumption and space while retaining ample power for your needs.
Brightness
When it comes to the brightness of your headlight bulb, our team expects you to inspect its lumens, the unit of measure that quantifies the amount of visible light emitted by a source (bulb) per unit of time.
As projector headlight has its unique features, only a few bulbs are compatible with it. These different bulbs in the projector headlight each have different mechanisms to produce and emit light.
A LED bulb, for example has almost no direct connection between bulb wattage and light output. You can tell how dark or bright it is by focusing on its lumens. The best-LED bulb maintains low wattage while having a high lumens rating, indicating a good saving in energy consumption.
Meanwhile, we determine their brightness for incandescent and halogen bulbs by relying on their wattage—the higher, the brighter.
Moreover, it is also important to note that some bulbs are more reflective than others. The color of the bulbs may affect how efficient their white light or light beam is, depending on one’s need and preference.
Color Temperature
The color temperature of a projector headlight bulb is determined through Kelvin rating. Lower Kelvin ratings between 2,500K to 3,500K will look yellow, mid-ones between 3,800k to 4,000k will emit visible white light patterns, and higher ones of 6,000K to 10,000K will produce blue/purple light.
Note that Kelvin rating does not affect how bright your projector headlight bulb is. However, the color change may make the higher wattage cold-color bulbs are not as bright as warm-color mid-range bulbs.
Our experts would like to emphasize that the street legality is within the 3,400K to 5,000K range for the average projector headlight bulb, which is more than useful if you drive in the dark for hours.
Cooling
When purchasing projector headlight bulbs, we suggest to consider its cooling down feature. The bulb will produce heat as it emits light during usage.
If the projector headlight bulb does not have an easy cooldown feature, it can overheat that in turn will cause possible damage to the internal engine of your vehicle.
Prolonged hours on full performance can cause your bulbs to dim or even blow. Our team suggests looking into bulb types with a heat sink, as it acts as a gateway to remove heat and prevent overheating.
Bulb Type
Contrary to the classic dual-beam headlight design that features two bulbs (one for high beam and one for low beam), a projector headlight bulb uses only one bulb. For this reason, the most common types are halogen, HID, and LED lights.
There are various projector headlight bulb types, and these can get overwhelming especially if you are new to the hobby.
As for projector vs. reflector headlights, the former sits in front of an elliptical-shaped reflective mechanism, while the latter is propped on classic-parabolic-shaped ones. The elliptic shape indicates that the light is reflected towards a single focal point in front of the bulb, where it is met with a shutter.
Halogen bulbs are the most common type for vehicle headlight usage. They are filament-style bulbs similar to your average house lamp. They are relatively low maintenance and usually the least expensive option.
Xenon or High Intensity (HID) bulbs are becoming increasingly popular for mid to high-end vehicles. Unlike halogen, HID lights do not have a filament. Their light comes from the ignition of xenon gas within the glass instead.
Lastly, the light-emitting diodes or LED headlight bulb types are commonly used in “non-projection applications” such as interior, license plate, and tail illumination. Recently, however, LEDs have also been configured for projector headlight usage. This is usually the more durable option but also the most expensive.
Durability and Lifespan
One should not have to incessantly worry about durability and lifespan for the best bulbs for projector headlights out there, as they should be the trusted companion of your vehicle. Our experts recommend investing in one that is not only built for prolonged usage but also has fewer tendencies to blow when you least expect.
The life hours of an incandescent or halogen bulb are not easily determined as many other factors can cause it to blow, including voltage surges, among many others. LEDs usually have the longest lifespan at an average of 1-3 years (25,000 to 30,000 hours), depending on the manufacturer.
Water Resistance
Our experts emphasize the importance of a water-resistant headlight bulb to function properly. As headlight bulbs have a high chance of coming in contact with water, they can get damaged if they are not the least bit waterproof. Apart from water, the headlight bulb can also be damaged by dust and dirt that can easily sneak through the cracks during trips.
Installation
Easy bulb installation is vital, especially if you are inexperienced. Our team suggests getting one that can be installed or a manufacturer that offers assistance during the process. Avoiding overly complex installation procedures can save you both time and effort.
Newer bulb models now come with a simple “plug-and-play” feature to save people the hassle. All one needs to do is simply plug and connect it to your car.
FAQ
Can you use LED bulbs in projector headlights?
Yes, LED bulbs can be used in projector headlights. However, it would require additional modifications after the purchase. Aside from being cost and energy-efficient, switching to LED means not having to worry about a replacement for years, which makes it an excellent choice for your LED headlight bulbs.
Do projector headlights use regular bulbs?
No, projector headlights are brighter than regular bulbs and are usually halogen or HID bulbs. Headlight bulbs are usually directed downwards, pointing to the road to avoid causing a glare in the direction of the other cars, thus requiring better light for ample visibility.
Can I use HID bulbs in projector headlights?
Yes, HID bulbs can be used in projector headlights. It is important to note that when installing an HID or Xenon Bulb, you would need to have an HID conversion kit as the Xenon HID kit cannot fit in the fitting spaces originally designed for halogen bulbs.
Our Top Pick For a Bulb for Projector Headlights:
Fahren H11/H9/H8 LED Headlight Bulb
The Fahren H11/H9/H8 LED bulbs effortlessly deliver high illumination output 300 times higher than your average halogen bulbs while maintaining low power consumption. These bulbs are engineered ergonomically for prolonged hours and are convenient and easy to install. The perfect blend of efficient specs and affordability makes it the best bulb for projector headlights and the ideal accessory for your vehicle.
