Best Halogen Headlights Reviewed

Buying Guide: Choosing Quality Halogen Headlight Bulbs

Compatibility & Bulb Fitment

The first step to finding the best halogen light bulbs for headlights is to ensure they are compatible with your vehicle. You want to consider how you plan to use the headlights, the type of vehicle you are driving, and the current headlight housing you use. You should be able to find the appropriate bulb size on the burnt-out lights or in the owner’s manual.  

Bulb Life Expectancy

While halogen bulbs are cheap, they should still last three to four years. Any manufacturer that makes bulbs that burn out faster than that shouldn’t get your money. Look at the customer reviews to find out how long the bulbs lasted for them and choose the longest-lasting option you can find.

Bulb Wattage

Range, Clarity & Brightness

You want an extended field of vision when driving at night. Yet, not all headlights shine equally. Some manufacturers keep the cost down by producing a bulb that is dull and doesn't shine bright. Perform a complete halogen headlight bulb comparison to see which one is going to give you the visibility you need to stay safe.

Color Temperature

Certification

Ease Of Installation

You shouldn’t have difficultly replacing your own headlight bulbs by yourself. Unless you are converting from halogen to LED headlights, the bulbs should be an easy swap. Just purchase the same type of bulb you are already using for a simple exchange.

Price, Warranty & Vendor Return Policy

Everyone wants to find the best halogen bulbs for reflector headlights for the lowest cost, but you must think about value over price. After all, if you save $5 today on the bulbs, but they burn out a year sooner, you didn’t really save any money. That’s why you should purchase from a reputable manufacturer that offers a warranty. However, are premium headlight bulbs worth it? Not in every situation?

1. Philips 9006 CrystalVision

While these aren’t blue halogen headlights, there is a unique design that gives off the appearance of a different hue. Philips adds a blue cap to the end of each bulb that gives off a different effect during daylight hours. At night, they are considered the best bright white halogen headlight bulbs with a superior color temperature. If you don’t need something quite as bright, you might prefer one of the other Philips options instead.

The Philips CrystalVision ultra headlight bulbs are easy to install and replace the 9006 bulb. This company has been in business since 1914, so you know it is a leader in the lighting industry. That’s also why you will pay a little more to use these bulbs versus a cheap pair. Sadly, the life expectancy of these bulbs is not good. In fact, the company only rates them for up to 150 hours because they are high-performance.

Additionally, Philips doesn’t offer any type of warranty on the halogen lightbulbs. Still, when you examine the reviews, you can see that most customers are more than satisfied. If you want the best upgrade halogen headlight bulbs, this might be the set that performs the way you hoped. Just be prepared to pay a little more for less longevity overall.

2. SYLVANIA - 9006 SilverStar Ultra

Sylvania claims to offer the best down road visibility with this set of headlight bulbs, and many customers would agree. This 9006 replacement is available as a double pack, so you always have a set handy for emergencies. Because the color temperature is rated at 4300K, you are ensured a bright white beam that shines down the road.

Additionally, this set contains the patented tri-band technology to provide more light when compared with the OE bulbs from Sylvania. You shouldn’t have any trouble replacing the bulbs, as long as you are currently using 9006. Just like our previous company, Sylvania is another brand that has been in the automotive lighting industry for more than one hundred years. That’s just one reason the company can charge a premium price for their bulbs.

The biggest difference between this set and the last is the one-year warranty. While the company does provide some protection, the lifespan isn't that great. There are many complaints of the bulbs burning out within the first year. On the bright side, if that happens to you, the warranty should cover your replacements. If the price doesn't turn you away and you desire a bright beam, these are worth a shot.

3. Philips 12362B1 H11

4. GE Lighting 9006NHP/BP2 Nighthawk Platinum

If all you are thinking about is getting a bright, effective beam, then the GE bulb might be right for you. It is a premium bulb that is made to produce up to ninety percent more light than standard GE halogen bulbs. These platinum bulbs create a clean, bright white light measured at 6500K. This temperature allows you to have the best contrast and visibility provided.

These DOT-approved bulbs are street legal, even though they are extremely bright. Plus, you can quickly install this in place of your 9006 low beams or fog bulbs. There aren’t any modifications needed; you simply plug them in and roll.

With all of the positive aspects of these bulbs, there are still some negatives that have to be mentioned. First of all, there is no stated warranty. Without any protection, you can’t ensure a specified amount of service without taking a risk. Furthermore, the bulbs are only rated for 125 hours of service.

The reason for the shorter lifespan is due to the high-performance design, but it makes the replacement bulbs quite expensive, and not always a good value. That’s why we can’t recommend these for anyone that is operating on a tight budget.

5. SYLVANIA - H13 SilverStar Ultra

6. Osram Cool Blue Intense H7

7. Hella H71070702 Optilux XY Series

If you need bulbs for your off-road vehicle, you might prefer these yellow bulbs. The XY Series offers a clear yellow light hut that gives you the lighting experience you are hoping for. It’s designed for performance-minded drivers that want comfort and safety on the trails or on the track. You may not have heard of this company before, but Optilux has been around for more than 100 years.

This yellow GT Series race-car beam provides exceptional color in foggy and rainy situations, so you can always win that race. Plus, it’s an ideal option for anyone that drives an all-terrain vehicle down the trails. At 2600K, you can expect that the color isn’t going to be the typical on-road white that you are used to. That’s why these aren’t street legal at all.

However, you can’t really beat the price, considering you are getting a twin pack. Plus, these bulbs are rated for up to 330 hours, ensuring you get the maximum value. On the other hand, there is no stated warranty, so you will be on your own if they were to fail prematurely. Overall, we believe these are the best offroad headlights you can buy. If you don’t believe us, just read through some of the reviews.

8. OSRAM NIGHT BREAKER LASER H7

How To Install Halogen Headlights

Installing a halogen headlight bulb is a simple process.

Here is a YouTube video that might be beneficial.

Additionally, you can follow these steps to adjust your car headlights.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

How often do I need to change my halogen headlight bulbs?

Halogen headlights often last 450 to 1,000 hours. If you notice the bulbs are getting dim, you will want to replace them before they burn out completely.

What types of vehicles are most likely to use halogen headlights?

Most small, compact and cheaper vehicles come equipped with halogen headlights. Premium vehicles and sports cars will often be upgraded to either Xenon or LED bulbs instead.

Can I replace Xenon headlights with halogen? What about LED?

In most cases, it’s simple converting halogen to HID headlights or vice versa. If the housing is compatible, you simply need to install the appropriate bulb. However, there are some cases when replacing halogen headlights with LED or HID will require a new headlight housing.

What does high beam and low beam mean on headlights?

Why is it strictly advised not to touch the halogen bulbs when installing?

There are oils on your hand, even when they are clean. These oils get on the bulb and cause problems when the bulb heats up. First, the gas can’t expand at a uniform rate if the oil is inhibiting it. Because of this condition, the bulb could break when heated.

Where is the best place to buy halogen headlight bulbs?

Whether you want the bluest halogen headlights or BMW halogen headlights, you can find a nice selection at Amazon. Plus, it’s easy to see what other customers think about each product on this platform.

Conclusion