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Best LED Headlights – Reviews & Buying Guide

As the days pass by, the popularity of LED lights is also moving forward to reach the peak. They were previously used mostly in home interiors, but the car owners have come to know their superior function as headlights. The best LED headlights live longer than regular headlight bulbs, save battery life, illuminate high ranges, and are bright enough to change the look of your car. There are more amazing features of LED bulbs that you’ll come across while reading this whole review and buying guide.

If you’re thinking about changing your car headlights, then you’ve come to the right place. I’ll be your helping hand to choose the product that’ll be the most convenient one for you.

Best LED Headlight Reviews

Everyone wants to get the Best LED conversion kits out of hundreds of models available in the marketplaces. That’s why we’ve prepared a list of 11 LED headlights that proved to be excellent ones to us and numerous other users.

01. Cougar Motor LED Headlight Bulbs

Quick Specifications

Brand Cougar Motor
Model H11 led headlight
Output Lumens 7,200 Lumens
Color Cool White 6000K
Cooling Method Micro fans
Voltage 12V
Wattage 60W
Warranty 3 years

The Cougar H11 Motor Led conversion kit has a blend of every feature that you look for in the best LED headlights. Its performance is top-notch, and the price is reasonable enough. These LED lights use CREE LED chips and provide a high power output of 60W per pair.

This light’s color is cool white (6000 K) which looks like bluish-white rather than the yellowish-white hues. It features a perfect beam pattern while claiming 200% brighter light than halogen bulbs. The flux rating is 7200 lumen per pair. This intensity of light provides a long-distance covered with the light to ensure safe driving. The kit comprises a powerful TurboCool fan that rotates 10000 times per minute ensuring proper heat dissipation. The manufacturers claim that these lights can last up to 50,000 hours.

The installation of these headlights is pretty simple. The plug and play system enables beginners to set the thing up in less than 20 minutes. The bulbs being CanBus-ready, they can fit into almost all vehicles’ computer system. Yet, you should contact the customer manufacturers before buying to avoid confusions.

The housing, bulbs and fans are waterproof. So, even on a rainy day, you’ll face no difficulties keeping your headlights turned on for a long time. The company offers a 3-year warranty and lifetime support on these LED headlights. This is one of the few products of this type that comes with a 3-year warranty.

What we liked

  • The price is reasonable compared to the top-notch features.
  • The lights have a perfect beam pattern
  • Provides a wide and long-range of illumination
  • Installation is easy even for beginners
  • Comes with 3-years of warranty
  • Completely waterproof
  • Works well in extreme situations like rain, snowfall, etc.

What we didn’t like

  • The light might not be bright enough for some users who opt for 8000 to 1000k temperature lights.

Why buy this product?

If we consider the price, performance, and the intensity of the light, it stands out among the rest available in the stores. If your budget is neither too high nor too low, and you expect a decent headlight kit in that budget, you should definitely go for this one. It lights up the roads like daytime while not causing glare for the oncoming drivers. This kit is a great deal for the price. So, what are you waiting for? Grab these before the stock runs out!

02. HIKARI Ultra LED Headlight Bulbs

Quick Specifications

Brand HIKARI
Model V1-H11
Output Lumens 12000 lumens
Color 6450k bluish-white
Installation Level Easy
Cooling Mathod N/A
Wattage 23watts per light
Warranty 2 years

The most expensive yet the one of the most amazing LED headlight kits in our list is this one- the Hikari H11 Ultra LED Headlight kit. The manufacturers equipped this kit with the best and technology to guarantee the best possible performance. These high-tech bulbs light up with an output of 12000 lumens per pair which is way more than any other lights we’ve reviewed till now.

The bulbs come in a slim shape, more like halogen bulbs. The bulbs are made using LED chips from the Philips- LumiIed Luxeon. The Lumiled chips are arranged in an array inside the bulb filament that’s 0.8 mm slim; similar as a halogen filament. This latest technology makes the bulb size small and the light more precise. The Lumileds make the beam pattern perfect. The lights with this technology don’t cause astigmatism. The light color is 6450k bluish-white. They use up only 23watts per light, and we get 270% brighter light than the stock bulbs.

The heat dissipation system is more efficient with 10,000 rpm dual Turbo-fans. The fans make 46db sound which is nearly inaudible. They use NSK bearing parts to make these super quiet fans. The fans have tranquil motors also, to minimize the noise.

The light we get from these headlights has a precise focus and the best and uniform beam pattern. With a long lifespan and 2-years warranty, this kit offers too much for the price.

What we liked

  • High-strength aviation aluminum used for the parts
  • Beam pattern is uniform
  • 270% brighter than stock halogen bulbs
  • Light is single-focused and clear
  • Long lifespan of 50,000 hours
  • Noise-free heat dissipation with dual-turbo fans
  • Low wattage required for turn-on
  • Latest technologies used

What we didn’t like

  • The price is a bit high

Why buy this Product?

This headlight kit is backed up with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty. It serves you more than 50,000 hours. What more can we ask for when a kit offers all these alongside providing the brightest light with perfect beam pattern? This kit speaks for its price that it’s totally worth it. These lights fit almost all vehicles. Still, you should always contact the manufacturers for any confusion.

03. BEAMTECH H11 LED Headlight Bulb

Quick Specifications

Brand BEAMTECH
Model H11 (H8, H9)
Output Lumens 8000 Lumens
Color 6500K Cool White
Waterproof Yes
Voltage 9 to 32V DC voltage
Wattage 50 watts
Warranty Parts

Our second choice was BeamTech’s H11 headlight kit. This one comes at a comparatively low price but has amazing features. If you’re looking for more intense light than Cougar Motor’s H11, then BeamTech H11 should be the one as it has an intensity of 8000 lumens. This headlight kit is affordable yet won’t last more than 30,000 hours. So, it’s your call if you want to try more intensity or more lifespan.

The bulb’s Xenon white color with a temperature of 6500K. These lights consist of double-sided CSP LED chips, and each bulb uses 25 watts to produce 8000 lumens per set. Unlike other LED headlights, these lights don’t have fans for heat dissipation. These have a passive cooling system made of a metal body of Aviation aluminum 6063. As there’s no fan in the construction, the light units are smaller than regular LED headlights. So, the slight noise that comes from the rotation of the fans is no longer there.

The fan not being there, the installation is easier. You only have to attach the lights which connect on a plug-n-play system if your car’s model is compatible with the headlights. The lights are IP65-rated waterproof. The lights operate at 9 to 32V DC voltage.  The beam pattern is narrow and single beam.

This kit is a high-quality product and also a popular one because of its price. The lights are weather-resistant and can work in extreme situations.

What we liked

  • The power consumption of each bulb is low
  • The light intensity is high
  • The lights, drivers, and connectors comprise fully waterproof design
  • Exceptional heat dissipation system with aluminum body structure
  • No fan; so, no noise and no extra power needed for the rotation of fans
  • Installation is simple and easy

What we didn’t like

  • Shorter lifespan than other LED headlights

Why buy this product?

This headlight kit is affordable with a package of desired features. If you want to look nowhere and are okay with 30,000 hours of lifetime, then this kit would make the best headlights for your car. With such low power consumption and an updated heat dispersion system, these headlights might live up to more than the claimed lifespan. If you’re buying an LED headlight kit for the first time, this one would be a decent choice. The lights don’t cause any circuit interferences, and so, your journeys go smooth and safe.

04. Auxbeam H11 LED Headlight Bulbs F-16

Quick Specifications

Brand Auxbeam
Model F16 H11
Output Lumens 6000 Lumens
Color 6000K white light
Waterproof Yes
Voltage From 8 to 48 V
Wattage 60W
Warranty 2 Years

To make its way to the top, Auxbeam F16 H11 headlight bulbs kit comes with dozens of cool features. The price, warranty, and lifespan are competitive with similar kits from other brands. All in all, it’s a high-end headlight kit that fits your budget. The package contains two headlight bulbs with control drivers.

Each headlight has one H11 bulb. Each bulb carries two pieces of CREE LED chips. These lights are single beam. This means that you’ll get either high beam or low beam. However, you can adjust the beam angle, and set it up as per your convenience. The bulbs consume 30 Watts of power each and give an output of 3000 lumens flux per light. With this intensity, the bulbs light up the roads like daytime while not blinding other drivers. The temperature rating is 6000k. It has a built-in smart constant current IC for temperature control. The frame has an aircraft-grade aluminum frame and an aluminum fan shield to conceal the fan and ensure superior heat-dissipation.

The bulbs can operate on anything from 8 to 48 V DC Voltage. The working temperature of these lights is from -40 to +150 degree Celsius. The temperature tells us that it can function in foggy, rainy, cloudy, or stormy weathers. The IP68 rated kit is completely waterproof. The brand claims that this product will last up to 50,000 hours, and they provide two years of warranty on it.

Keep in mind that the company itself is the only authorized dealer of the products. So, don’t buy from anywhere else before confirming the authority of the seller.

What we liked

  • Power Consumption is low
  • The lights contain high-power CREE chips
  • Long lifespan with two years of manufacturer’s warranty
  • Super bright light with a 360-degree beam angle
  • Works on almost all weather conditions
  • Waterproof design
  • High-quality material build

What we didn’t like

  • Might not fit into all vehicles

Why buy this product?

The Auxbeam H11 is an excellent product to give you a clearer vision of the roads while driving at night. The beam angle is 360 degrees, and so, the light spreads really well. You can see the objects on the sides clearly. Whereas such wonderful packages from other companies demand a higher price, the Auxbeam H11 comes at a mid-range price which is worthy of the features it offers. So, this one is definitely a must-have headlight kit.

05.JDM ASTAR G4 8000 Lumens Extremely

Quick Specifications

Brand JDM ASTAR
Model Quick Specifications
Output Lumens .8000 Lumens
Color 6500K cool white
Waterproof Yes
Voltage 9 to 32 V DC voltages
Wattage 30W
Warranty 1 year

The JDM Astar G4 comes with 1-year manufacturer’s warranty and 30,000 hours of lifespan. Less than regular LED headlights, but it’s a decent kit for the price. The kit contains two headlights and the control drivers. Overall, it’s a good product for upgrading your stock headlights.

Each bulb is equipped with 8pc 4th gen AEC LED chips. The lights provide 4000 lumens of flux each with a temperature rated 6500K. The light color is cool white. These dual-beam LED bulbs illuminate the roads 100% more than standard halogen bulbs. They operate at 9 to 32 V DC voltages and from -40 to +80 degree Celsius temperature. The headlights consume 30watts of power per light. The parts are all IP65 rated waterproof.

The heat dissipation is done by a bladed fan surrounded by a 6063 Aviation Aluminum frame. The fan rotates at 12,000 RPM ensuring multi-direction flow. Therefore, the lights don’t heat up easily and last up to 30,000 hours if operated at 25 degree Celsius.

The installation process is pretty easy as it follows the plug-and-play system. The drivers fit into H11, H9, and H8 sockets. You don’t need any extra capacitors, wires, screws, or anything to set the headlights up. It takes a few minutes to install them. The lights are dual beam; so, you don’t have to worry about the beam angles either.

What we liked

  • The price is competitive
  • 8pc 4th Gen AEC chips give out super bright light
  • Light intensity is high
  • Dual-beam light illuminates long ranges
  • Aerospace-grade Aluminum made fan disperses heat at 12000 RPM
  • Operates in most weather conditions
  • Installation is easy for beginners

What we didn’t like

  • A shorter lifespan compared to other LED kits

Why buy this product?

Users claim that these JDM ASTAR G4 headlights emit super bright light in comparison to the halogen bulbs. The beam angle is properly fitted, and so, it doesn’t cause blinding glares for oncoming drivers. This headlight kit is a handy one to pull off two to three years easily. If you’re a person who won’t mind bringing changes every two years or so, you should buy this one without any doubt. Aside from the short lifespan, this kit doesn’t lack any other qualities. Give it a try, and if maintained with care, it might last more than the claimed period too.

06. Glowteck LED Headlight Bulbs

Quick Specifications

Brand Glowteck
Model GLT-360-01
Output Lumens 8000 Lumens
Color 6500K white
Waterproof Yes
Cooling AirFLUX dual cooling
Wattage 76W
Warranty 2 Years

A more expensive option compared to the products we’ve reviewed so far. This kit comes with a life expectancy of 40,000 hours. The kit contains two headlights and the driver controllers. This is a pretty great deal for the price because the headlights are made of high-end materials.

 The beam angle of these lights is adjustable up to 360 degrees. The lights are dual beam. The beam pattern is wide-spread and yet causes no glare because of the light’s spherical optical design with an anti-glare body. The lights consist of the latest CREE XHP50 LED chip. With its help, the lights shine brighter than other lights with an output of 8000 lumens of flux per second. The temperature rating is 6500 k. These lights provide color consistency of lights rather than fogging over time.

This kit specializes in its heat dispersion. It has two-level heat protection- a dual Japanese ball bearing cooling fan, and Aviation Aluminum coated copper core and heat sink.  As a consequence, the lights don’t get heated up often and last long. The drivers will fit into any vehicle’s OEM sockets with the plug-n-play system. Installation is very easy and can be done in less than 20 minutes. However, some of the vehicles might need professional installation.

The functionality of these bulbs is beyond an impression. They illuminate long distances of the paths, and also, make the objects on the sides of the roads clear and visible to the eyes.

What we liked

  • The lights have zero warm-up time
  • The control drivers, lights, and the connections are of weather-resistant build
  • Multi-use LED lights
  • Dual, adjustable beam up to 360 degrees
  • Lifespan of 40,000 hours
  • High-quality materials used

What we didn’t like

  • Doesn’t fit into all vehicles
  • Might require professional installation for some vehicles.

Why buy this product?

This kit is reliable, durable, and provides the consistency of amazing performance even after using for months. If you want to go for high-end LED kits for multi-purpose usage, then Glowteck H13 LED headlight kit will be an ideal choice for you. The AirFLUX dual cooling system keeps these lights working and shining for 40,000 hours. The manufacturers provide 2-years of warranty with confidence so that users like us may get the best experience with their products.

07. OPT7 FluxBeam H11 LED Headlight

Quick Specifications

Brand OPT7
Model Fluxbeam
Output Lumens 3598 lumens per bulb
Color Cool white 5K and 6k
Waterproof Yes
Voltage 12V
Wattage 60W
Warranty 2 Years

OPT7 H11 headlight kit comes with a 2-years warranty and a lifespan of 50,000 hours. The headlights shine bright with an output of 3598 lumens per bulb consuming only 30 watts each. This company guarantees an ideal balance of Lux, Lumen, and CRI (color rendering index) so that the light comes out dark spot free and clear. They use Cold-Pressed High-Density Extruded Aluminum as the main ingredient in making these headlights.

You have two color options to choose from- OEM 5K and cool white 6k. The bulbs use ARC-LENZ OPT7070 automotive-specific LED Chipset to deliver bright light consistently. You get a perfect beam pattern as Arc-Beam v.2 technology is used in the bulbs. The beam angle is 360 degrees adjustable. The lights are operable in DC 9V to 32V. They work at any temperature between -40 and 85 degree Celsius. The bulbs have a TurboCool fan in each to control the heat generation.

The installation follows the plug-and-play method. The kit comes with all the parts so that you can set up the headlights on your own without the need to buy extra equipment. The installation takes less than 20 minutes. You can use these lights for reflectors and projector housing as well.

What we liked

  • Enhanced beam pattern
  • The lights have a long lifespan.Installation is simple and easy
  • Proper heat dissipation
  • First-grade materials used
  • The lights don’t fog or get dark spots over time
  • Multifunctional

What we didn’t like

  • A little expensive

Why buy this product?

It’s one of the most fantastic kits that we’ve come across. The specialty of OPT7’s products is that this company puts much effort into its bulbs to elongate the lifetime of them and ensure the same brightness after many years. If you want a durable headlight kit for your car and money is not a problem, then check this one out. It’s worth the money you spend on it; so, give it a try, and you won’t repent.

08. VoRock8 R2 COB 9004 HB4 Led Headlight


Quick Specifications

Brand VoRock8
Model H15
Output Lumens 8000 Lumens
Color 6500K Xenon White
Waterproof Yes
Voltage 12V
Wattage 36W
Warranty 1 Year

VoRocks 9004 HB1 headlights that have built-in ballast look compact while performing like a pro. This fantastic kit comes at a much cheaper rate than other LED kits in the market. These bulbs will keep serving you for more than 30000 hours.

The light color is xenon white with a temperature of 6500 K. The bulbs will provide 8000 lumens per second as an output from the two; meaning that each bulb produces 4000 lumens. Only a small power supply of 36 watts can keep them running. These lights are operational at DC 12 to 24 V. The lights are low beam with an adjustable beam angle of 360 degrees. There’s a heat sink made of cold-pressed aviation-grade aluminum and a cooling fan with 2 ball bearings. These two elements collaborate to ensure optimum heat dissipation.

Installing the lights in your car is totally trouble-free as the bulbs have built-in ballast. However, one might need to install a resistor to avoid flickering of the lights for some vehicles. This kit fits most vehicles effortlessly. Still, you should always talk to the experts or research yourself to check the compatibility.

Overall, this kit is a handy one at an affordable price. Whoever wants to pull off the costs of an LED kit spending the amount of money needed for a halogen kit will find it very useful.

What we liked

  • The parts are waterproof.
  • Built-in driver makes installation easy
  • The lights are of compact size
  • Optimum heat-dissipation
  • Price is affordable

What we didn’t like

  • The lights require a decoder or resistor to be installed in some vehicles.

Why buy this product?

If you want the awesomeness of LED headlights, but willing to try a cheap option for the first time, this one could be the one you hit. It’s the cheapest one of all the others we’re reviewing. Affordable yet has the same features that any highly-priced kit will offer. There’re a handful of reasonably-priced LED headlight kits in the marketplaces, but this one might be the best one for your car.

09. SEALIGHT H11/H8/H9 LED Headlight Bulbs

Quick Specifications

Brand SEALIGHT
Model AHDS1H11-E
Output Lumens 6000 Lumens
Color 6000K white light
Waterproof Yes
Voltage 12V
Wattage 40W
Warranty 1 Year

The SEALIGHT LED headlight kit comes as a package of two headlights with driver controllers. This company provides a warranty of 1 year for this kit. Affordability, decent performance, and a befitting lifespan- these three qualities describe the product.

The bulbs offer 6000K Xenon white light featuring 6 CSP LED chips on each bulb. Each light provides an output of 3000 lumens while using up 40 watts. The lights are of dual-beam, and there’s room for you to adjust it for getting the best beam pattern. These lights give out 200% brighter light than your stock halogen bulbs. The materials and the bulbs are waterproof so that you can drive well on bad weather conditions. These durable headlights claim a lifespan of 30,000 hours.

Direct plug-and-play installation requires you to plug the headlights into the sockets, and do nothing more. The driver will fit H11, H9, H8 sockets perfectly. Vehicles outside the US might show error messages due to the lights not connecting to the computer at first. In that case, you’ll need to install the decoder.

The kit features a no-fan heat dissipation system. They use aviation aluminum to make the heat dispersion area. The heat is diverted without causing any noise. The company is well-known for its 24-hour local customers support inside the whole US.

What we liked

  • The parts are all waterproof with a level of IP67.
  • Dual-beam LED lights with a patented beam pattern.No-fan heat dissipation
  • High-quality CSP chips to produce bright and clear light
  • A lifespan of 30,000 hours
  • Inside US, 24-hour local customer support

What we didn’t like

  • Outside US, other vehicles need to install the decoder for the headlights to work
  • Might not fit into all the vehicles

Why buy this product?

Getting an acceptable standard of features at a reasonable price is hard. However, the SeaLight LED headlight bulbs are exactly the same. You shouldn’t feel any hesitation to buy this DOT approved headlight kit. You won’t need any mechanic to set them up and make your car look like a light source. Don’t worry; they don’t cause any glare.

10. Eagle Eyes Extreme H4 LED Headlight Bulbs

Quick Specifications

Brand Eagle Eye Lights
Model H4
Output Lumens 7200 Lumens
Color 6000K super bright light
Waterproof Yes
Voltage
Wattage
Warranty 3 Years

It’s time to introduce the Eagle Eyes H4 LED kit which will blow your mind. This brand presents a 3-year warranty on this kit. No other kit on our list comes with this long a warranty. This indicates how confident this company is with its products. The kit includes an extra pair of mini LED bulbs that you can use in different sockets of your car.

These lights are equipped with powerful Philips LED chips to provide 6000K super bright light. The output is 7200 lumen per pair of lights. These dual beam lights have an adjustable beam pattern so that the owner can use them anyhow he likes. The lights have an easy installation system. These will fit into nearly all vehicles.

When installed, the lights have the quickest turn-on time. It’ll take only 10th of a second to turn the lights on. You get 3X brighter light than stock bulbs. This kit will last more than 50,000 hours according to the manufacturers.

The lights have a sideway cooling system with side air outlets and high-speed turbofans. Cooling time has reduced due to these. The parts are 100% waterproof so that you can keep going even if there’s a tornado or a blizzard.

What we liked

  • 3-years of manufacturer’s warranty
  • Free extra mini-LEDs
  • Fits into almost all vehicles
  • Long lifespan, Quick-start bulbs & 100% waterproof
  • Powerful LED chips from Philips
  • Quickest cooling due to smart control turbofans and side air outlets

What we didn’t like

  • Might cause radio interference

Why buy this product?

You don’t see lots of LED headlight companies providing 3-year warranties, do you? This Eagle Eye H4 has that with confidence and lives up to more years than just 3. If warranty and lifespan is a major concern to you, look nowhere and grab this kit before other thoughts baffle your mind. This one comes with the quality; so, you won’t regret the decision.

11. Alla Lighting LED Fog Lights Bulbs


Quick Specifications

Brand Alla Lighting
Model Alla-AL-R-H16
Output Lumens 5200 Lumens
Color 6000K Xenon White
Waterproof Yes
Voltage 12V
Wattage 17W
Warranty 1 Year

Decent features at a cheap price are what describe the ALLA Lighting H11 H16 LED headlights. This kit Backed with 1-year of guarantee, this kit offers its multifunctional performance as a replacement for car and truck headlights, fog lights, etc.

The lights are 6000k xenon white with an output of 5200 lumens per pair. They need wattage of only 17 watts and can operate at 12 to 24V DC voltage. The bulbs are equipped with high-illumination 7035 SMD LED chips to make the light output crystal clear. The beam pattern is adjustable. There’s aviation aluminum made heat sink and copper board for fast cooling to ensure a lifespan of 30,000 hours.

The lights have built-in IC drivers. So, there’s no hassle of extra drivers. Installation is also easy and simple due to the plug-and-play system. The kit contains a car-installation manual. The lights have a zero warm-up time. These lights are a good replacement for fog lights.

What we liked

  • All the parts are 100% waterproof
  • A lifespan of 30,000 hours, The price is cheap
  • The lights require a zero warm-up time
  • High illumination with 6000K Xenon white light
  • Light color options available, Low wattage required
  • High power 7035 SMD LED chips used
  • Built-in IC driver; no extra driver needed for installation
  • Simple plug-and-play installation

What we didn’t like

  • For European vehicles, the lights may show error codes without decoder installed

Why buy this product?

There are a low number of LED kits available at a cheap price. LED headlight kits are usually high-priced, but this ALLA Lighting LED kit is an exception. It has the desired features, and it works like a pro in bad weather conditions. If you’re looking for a replacement for your stock fog lights, then this kit will be one of the best available options.

Things to Consider While Buying the Best LED Headlights

When you decide to change your current car headlights and buy LED headlights for the first time, it’s natural that you’ll have lots of questions in your mind. Changing the old lights and getting a pair of whole other type is not an easy decision. If you’ve never bought LED headlights, you must need a buyer’s guide to understand what features you need to check. So, here’s one where we’ve tried to help you with all we got.

01. Earlier Versions

The earlier versions of LED headlights weren’t as much enriched as today’s versions are. As a result, previously, people would mostly use Halogen bulbs or HID bulbs for their cars. Some drawbacks that the previous versions had are stated below-

  • Earlier versions of LED headlights had complex overall structure and installation process.
  • The connectors were mostly non-waterproof and weak.

02. Types of LED Lights

LED lights are of two types- single beam and dual beam. You can use any one of these for your car. As these types have different wiring system, you cannot interchange a type with the other one.

  • Single Beam: The single-beam LED headlights offer only one type of beam- either high or low. As they only allow one function, you have to buy two single beam bulbs for each per headlight housing if you want dual beam for the headlights.
  • Dual Beam: The dual-beam LED lights have both high and low beam functioning in a single bulb. Therefore, you need one light per headlight housing if you buy dual-beam headlights.

03. Color of LED Bulb

Usually, we measure light colors by their wavelengths and the unit is nanometers, but, LED light colors are indicated by their Kelvin scale rating. A low Kelvin rating indicates the warm color, and a higher rating indicates brighter colors.

  • Warm Colors: Warm colors are suitable for naked eyes but aren’t a good option for headlights. Their range of temperature is from 2700 to 3500K. These colors may seem pleasing to the eyes. However, you won’t get the best illumination of the roads at night by them. So, it’s advisable not to pick the warm colors.
  • Bright Colors: Bright color temperature range is 2500 to 5000K. The colors can light the roads sufficiently. You’ll have safe driving experience with bright color LED headlights. The bright colors fall on the medium range of temperature. They won’t cause and eye-straining, and at the same time, they aren’t very warm. They provide a standard amount of illumination.
  • Super Bright Colors: The super-bright colors are also referred to as daylight white or cool light. With these lights, you’ll get a long and wide view of the roads. You can see further than you could with bright or warm color headlights. These colors have temperatures above 5000K. While super bright colors may cause a little straining to the eyes, but it’s usually not a problem for those who drive on a regular basis.

04. Lumens of LED Lights

Lumen is the measurement unit of light intensity. High-intensity light means high lumen value, and it also indicates how bright the light colors would look.

        6,000 – 6,400 Lumens: The LED lights of 6000 to 6400 lumens are low-intensity bulbs compared to the higher value ones, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they cannot work as headlights. Using them with bright or super bright colors will lighten at least 500m or more straight line distance.

       8,000 Lumens: This range of intensity is adequate for covering a straight-line distance of 600 to 700 meters. The light beams appear perfectly visible when we combine 8000 lumens LED lights with super bright or bright colors.

        10,000 Lumens: The high-intensity units come generally as 10000 lumens. This level of intensity makes the light beam visible to a long-distance even if you combine it with a warm colored light. Whatever, here’s a note of caution for high-intensity bulbs- when they are combined with super bright colors, they might become extremely dazed. This can cause glare for the oncoming traffics, which is harmful to both you and them. However, they offer a perfect view to a long-distance for late-night and night drives and keep you safe.

05. Life Expectancy

When you’re getting new headlights for your car, you’ll want to have the best items that have a long life. The LED lights will never disappoint you in this case as they come with a life duration of 30000 to 50000 hours. This long life expectancy is possible due to the top-notch heat dissipation system that other types of headlights do not possess.

        30,000 Hours: 30000 hours means if you use the headlights for 10 hours per day, you can use them for 3000 days. It means when you plug-in a new pair of LED headlights, you won’t have to worry about its lifespan. Halogen bulbs or HID headlights offer longevity way less than that of LED headlights. These lights consist of cooling fans or chips that keep them cool inside the casing. This process elongates its lifespan. All regular LED bulbs have a minimum of 30000 hours of lifetime. Some offer more than that.

        50,000 Hours: The LED bulbs with 50000 hours of lifespan are the rarely found ones in the market. Yet, you’ll find them if you look hard for them. They live up to six years or more. The difference here is that these bulbs have a more powerful heat dissipation system. So, the bulb stays cool even after functioning for a long time at a stretch.

06. Beam Pattern

The LED lights have different beam patterns. Therefore, when it comes to driving safely, you’d want the type that best fits your intention.

        Spot Beam: The LED lights consisting of spot beams emit light at a little angle of about 10 to 15 degrees. Thus, the light goes straight down the road and covers a long distance. While this type of lights is suitable for straight roads, you should know that these don’t give you a better vision on the sides. This is because the low value of the angle makes the light appear narrow.

       Flood Beam: Flood beams form when the LED lights incident on the road at 60 degrees. The large angle of incidence makes the light go wide on the sides and gives you good coverage of the road. The light won’t go too far at a straight distance, but it’s ideal for safe driving at night.

       Combination Beam: A combination of flood and spot beam that gives you a long, straight distance covered while not leaving the sides. So, you get the maximum coverage on the sides and also, on the front side.

07. Light Output

The light output gives you the idea of how much efficiency you’re getting from your headlights. The LED lights are so far the most energy-efficient as headlight bulbs. They convert 80% of the input energy to light and the rest 20% to heat. This is why they don’t heat up easily and live up to many years.

08. LED Headlight Cooling Methods

Headlights can heat up pretty fast as they are constantly transforming energy into light and heat. Also, they remain inside the headlight housing, and so, it isn’t easy to cool them down. However, the LED headlights come with a built-in cooling system that protects them from constantly getting heated up.

  • Heat Sink: Some LED lights have an internal cooling system comprising a heat sink. A heat sink’s heat-reducing method is passive. These don’t absorb the light’s input energy. Instead, they operate on their own with natural elements like the wind. Heat sinks provide energy-efficient heat dissipation, but you’ll have to check them from time to time.
  • Fan: LED headlights might have a fan as their cooling machine. The fan works as an external source, and so, it requires using some of the bulb’s input power to operate. The cooling mechanism takes place as the fan rotates and eliminates the heat. Fans used for cooling do their job pretty faster than heat sinks, but they have some drawbacks too. They consume a little percentage of the input power. Moreover, they also require extra maintenance cost.

09. Compatibility

While buying anything for the first time, compatibility is a must thing to do a double-check on. Especially, when you’re buying LED headlights for the first time, you might need to upgrade the total headlight system, or need an upgrade kit at least.

The LED bulbs have different plug types that don’t fit in every car’s headlights. So, before getting a new pair of LED bulbs, check their plug type, model number, and also, make sure they fit into your car’s headlights.

10. Legality

Some countries and states limit the usage of LED headlights due to some reasons. One of the major causes of this limitation is that these lights can be too bright for the oncoming traffics. In some parts of the world, the law allows LED headlights if their illumination range is reduced to 50 to 100 meters, and the beam angle is controlled.

11. Price

Price is a crucial factor in buying LED headlights. The LED lights generally have a higher price tag than Halogen or HID bulbs. This makes sense because the LEDs live way longer than the other two types.

  • Low-priced models: LEDs that are comparably cheaper than other LED bulbs usually have lower lumen ratings. As it means, these lights’ intensity is not much. However, they use bright or super bright color bulbs so that the lights still lighten up a standard distance. The low-priced models have a shorter lifespan than medium and high-priced LEDs.
  • Medium-priced models: The medium-priced LED models have a lumen rating of above 8000 lumens. Thus, they have high-intensity, and they can illuminate a long distance.
  • High-priced models: The high-priced LED lights have the longest lifespan. They have the highest lumen rating. Therefore, even if used with warm bulb colors, the lights come out bright. They have the longest lifespan.

12. Warranty

We’ve already stated that LED headlights have a long lifespan. For that, we know that LEDs can easily live up to three years without almost zero possibility of malfunction.

  • 1 Year Period
    Although most LEDs come with more than a year of warranty, some manufacturers offer only a year. The LED lights stay almost like new even after 1 year of using them, let alone fouling.
  • 2 Year Period
    Considering average LED lights’ lifespan, you know that your new headlights won’t malfunction in less than two years. The manufacturers themselves guarantee this. So, when you’re getting a two-year warranty, you know that the brand has confidence in its products and so should you.
  • 3 Year Period
    The LED bulbs offer three to five years of service without the need of time to time repairing or any other extra care. However, it’s wise to still have a warranty so that you get no doubts left about the LED headlights. Some of the high-end LED bulbs come with 3-years of warranty. However, these lights often function almost like new even after four to five years.

How Long Do Headlights Last?

Car headlights are electronic devices, and like all the others, they wear out too. Although it’s a thing we know that happens one day or another, we don’t want the day to come fast. Who will want to change car headlights every three months anyway?

We have four types of headlights that each come with different length of life. I’ll go from shortest to longest life periods.

First, we have the tungsten-halogen headlights that live up to 1000 years in general. They’re not pricey at all and can be found nearly in every car equipment store.

Second, we have HID headlights that have a lifespan of about 2000 hours.

Then we have Xenon-Halogen headlights. These have a decent life period of approximately 10000 hours. The price is not too high. These headlights are sufficiently bright.

The last one is the LED headlights which have the highest longevity of 30000 to 50000 hours. Of course, with this long life period comes the highest price too. The price is still worth it as the lights will let you keep your worries on the side for more than three years.

Should You Swap Your Stock Headlight Bulbs For LEDs?

So far you’ve seen that LED bulbs outdo all other types of headlights on some aspects. They’re superior to the Halogen bulbs for their brightness and lifespan. They’re better than HID headlights too.

Let’s see what Halogen, HID and LED headlights offer. Therefore, you can decide whether you should swap one for another or not.

Halogen Headlights

PROS

  • Budget-friendly
  • Cost-effective maintenance
  • Easy installation
  • Standard levels of illumination

CONS

  • Short lifespan
  • Generate much heat
  • Light become foggy over time
  • High levels of energy-consumption

HID Headlights

PROS

  • Brighter than Halogen bulbs
  • Extended durability
  • Energy-efficient

CONS

  • Initially delayed lighting up
  • Costlier maintenance

LED Headlights

PROS

  • High level of energy-efficiency
  • Compact size
  • Many colors available
  • Brighter than other headlights
  • Excellent cooling system

CONS

  • Expensive
  • Might require professional installation

All the features of LED headlights tell us that they’re in one way or another, better than other types of headlights. Not to mention, they hold better chances as an option for swapping with your previous headlights. However, considering the price and other factors, it totally depends on you to choose a type. So, better know your requirements first, and then decide which one you.re picking.

BENEFITS of LED HEADLIGHTS

Energy-efficient.  The best LED headlight bulbs consume a little amount of power while converting most of the input energy to output power.

Long lifespan. The best LED bulbs are durable enough to last for three to five years or more. Other types of headlight bulbs don’t live up to this much time.

Expensive but worthwhile. LED headlight conversion kits might seem a little costly, but compared to the lifespan, they’re worth every penny sent on them.

Easy installation. Hopefully, you’ve already read the installation guide that we provided here. It’s simple and takes a little time to set up the LED headlights in your vehicle.

Brighter than most lights. LED headlights have a high lumen rating. It indicates that they are brighter than other types of bulbs.

Superior illumination. LED headlights offer illumination for a longer range than HID or Halogen headlights offer. They ensure you a safe night-driving with their anti-glare feature.

Safety and Maintenance Tips for Using LED Headlights

01. Here are some tips that’ll help you have a good experience with using the LED headlights.

02. Acknowledge your state’s rules for using LED headlights.

03. Keep the headlights clean. Clean them once in a month or two.

04. You can either use home remedies to clean and get rid of scratches on the headlights or call a local mechanic for that.

05. Arrange a vehicle inspection once a year and make sure to get your headlights checked for their direction.

06. If the bulbs stop working anyhow, replace them in no time. It’s wise not to drive without headlights on after dusk. Keep extra restoration kits in your car for sudden breakdowns.

07. Once in a while, you might face fogging in the casing or on the lens. It happens due to the temperature difference. There’s nothing to be afraid of if anything such happens. You have to pull out the casing and clean it with a clean cloth.

08. Never go for a super-bright LED bulb as they can cause a blinding glare for other drivers.

09. Look for the automatic headlight feature in your car. If you have it, keep it always turned on while driving at night.

How to Install LED lights in car Headlights?

You read details step by step  ” How to Install LED lights in car Headlights“.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

01. What headlights do I need?       

Answer: Depending on your car’s model and type, you can buy any type of headlights. You only have to be sure that the lights are compatible with your car’s model. If you don’t know whether the headlights will fit your car’s headlight housing or not, then you should go over the car’s manual to make sure if they do.

02. How long do LED headlight bulbs last?

Answer: LED bulbs usually last for anything about 30000 to 50000 hours. Converting into years, you’ll find that these lights will last more than 5 years when they’re being used for the whole day.

03. LED headlights are ideal for what types of driving conditions?   

Answer: We already stated how much intensity the LED bulbs have. Considering that, you can say they’re the best for driving at the night, on foggy weathers, and at dark areas.

04. Do LED Headlights blind the other driver?           

Answer: LED headlights can blind the oncoming traffic drivers if the lights aren’t positioned properly. The beam angle plays a vital role for LEDs. If the angle is very little, the light will go straight and cause glare for the other drivers. So, if the headlights’ positioning is not right, it can cause a blinding glare for other drivers.

05. Do LED lenses turn yellow over time?    

Answer: Led lenses do not turn yellow over time. However, weather conditions and other surrounding factors might make that happen.

06. What’s the difference between LED headlights and HID headlights?

Answer: The difference between LED and HID headlights are –

        a. Light-emitting method- LEDs use photons to emit light, and HIDs use discharging of electrodes.

b. Longevity- LEDs have a longer lifespan than HID headlights.

c. Delay of the output- HID headlights take a little time to light up while LEDs light up instantly.

07. Are LED headlight bulbs legal?  

Answer: LED headlight bulbs are legal in most places, but illegal in some states. So, make sure to know the state law about LEDs before buying or using them.

Final Verdict

Those of you who want a win-win situation while upgrading your stock headlights should go for the Best LED Headlights. It’s because this one-time investment will serve you three to five years without needing any extra maintenance or anything. Picking the LED bulbs for your headlights is a wise decision for many reasons, and we discussed it in this review guide.

The LED headlights are suitable for driving in any length of roads as they have a high illumination range. They work fantastic yet consume a little amount of power. Thus, the car’s battery can function for a long time. So, isn’t this a win-win deal? Then, don’t make any delay and buy your first pair of LED headlights, and thank me later for this review guide.

Angela E. Bouchard
Angela E. Bouchard

Angela E. Bouchard is a writer and blogger as well as the chief editor of Route Vibes. She was grown up in a small neighborhood of Linden Avenue, Orlando, FL. From childhood, she has developed a keen interest to know about everything. Such characteristic helped her to become a passionate writer as she grows up. Before starting at the Route Vibes project, Angela E. Bouchard worked as writer and editor at multiple top-notch blogs and magazines. You can follow her on different social media, including Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Instagram, to know more about his work.

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