The automotive headlamp comes in various forms, but one of the most popular is the halogen bulb. However, it's not always easy finding the best halogen headlight bulbs.
Our comprehensive review guide will help you find the best aftermarket halogen headlights for your vehicle.
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What Are Halogen Headlights? Why Use Them?
Halogen bulbs use a tungsten filament and halogen gas to create light. When the current flows through the filament, it causes the bulb to heat up. This heat is what creates the light.
Overall, there aren't as many benefits to using halogen lights as other options. However, they are cheap and regularly come standard on most vehicles. Most drivers won't have to make any modifications to replace the bulbs, which means a quick installation without any expertise needed.
Comparing Halogen To Other Headlight Types
Halogen Headlights Compared
Preview | Product | Wattage | Color Temperature | Life Expectancy | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philips 9006 CrystalVision | 55W | 3500K | 150 hrs. | |
| SYLVANIA - 9006 SilverStar Ultra | 55W | 4300K | 200 hrs. | |
| Philips 12362B1 H11 | 55W | 3000K | 400 hrs. | |
| GE Lighting 9006NHP/BP2 Nighthawk Platinum | 55W | 6500K | 125 hrs. | |
| SYLVANIA - H13 SilverStar Ultra | 55W | 4100K | 324 hrs. | |
| Osram Cool Blue Intense H7 | 55W | 4200K | 200 hrs. | |
| Hella H71070702 Optilux XY Series | 55W | 2600K | 330 hrs. | |
No products found. | OSRAM NIGHT BREAKER LASER H7 | 58W | 4500K | N/A |
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
The majority of standard halogen headlight bulbs run at 55 watts. This is much higher than the HID bulbs. However, it is possible to find bulbs with a higher wattage rating. Just keep in mind that the brighter the light is, the more likely you are to blind oncoming traffic, which could be against the law in your state.
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
Bulbs emit different hues of color. That's why some look white, yellow, or blue. This color is actually a temperature rating that is measured in Kelvin units. A standard halogen headlight bulb will be rated between 3,000 and 5,000 K, which is what gives them the yellow tint. Choosing a higher temperature offers a purer white light instead.
Certification
It’s important that you have street-legal light bulbs. Most halogen headlights fall within the parameters of what’s required. Just look for the Department of Transportation (DOT) certification on the bulbs. Otherwise, you will want to investigate your state’s headlight laws to ensure you comply.
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?
8 Best Halogen Headlight Bulbs Reviewed
1. Philips 9006 CrystalVision
Best Halogen Headlight Bulb
Wattage | 55W |
Lumens | N/A |
Color Temperature | 3500K |
Application | Low/High Beam |
Life Expectancy | 150 hrs. |
Key Feature | Blue cap |
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.
Pros
Cons
2. SYLVANIA - 9006 SilverStar Ultra
Brightest Halogen Headlight Bulb
Wattage | 55W |
Lumens | N/A |
Color Temperature | 4300K |
Application | Low/High Beam |
Life Expectancy | 200 hrs. |
Key Feature | Tri-band technology |
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.
Pros
Cons
3. Philips 12362B1 H11
Best Halogen Headlight Bulb H11
Wattage | 55W |
Lumens | 1200 |
Color Temperature | 3000K |
Application | Low/High Beam |
Life Expectancy | 400 hrs. |
Key Feature | OEM replacement |
If you only want a single pack for your H11 headlight replacement, consider this pack from Philips. It features halogen car headlight lumens of 1200, which is bright and serves as an OEM replacement. Because it replaces the OE bulb, it’s simple to install and doesn’t require any experience. Still, you will probably want to purchase two bulbs at a time, since you should always replace them in pairs.
This H11 replacement bulb is rated for 400 hours, which is a lot more than the previous options. However, it isn’t quite as bright at 3000K, which gives it a yellow hue. Additionally, the company doesn’t provide a warranty, so you are on your own once the bulb dies.
Reading through the customer reviews, we feel confident this won't be an occurrence often. In fact, the majority of the customers have nothing but positive things to say about the color, life, and range of vision. Because Philips is a leader in the lighting industry, you know it's a company that you can rely on. That's only part of the reasons we had to choose this option for your next H11 replacement. We recommend this bulb if you want an OE option that operates as the factory equipment.
Pros
Cons
4. GE Lighting 9006NHP/BP2 Nighthawk Platinum
Best Halogen Replacement Bulb
Wattage | 55W |
Lumens | N/A |
Color Temperature | 6500K |
Application | Low Beam/Fog Light |
Life Expectancy | 125 hrs. |
Key Feature | Bright white color |
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.
Pros
Cons
5. SYLVANIA - H13 SilverStar Ultra
Long Lasting
Wattage | 55W |
Lumens | N/A |
Color Temperature | 4100K |
Application | Low/High Beam/Fog Light |
Life Expectancy | 324 hrs. |
Key Feature | Tri-band technology |
Back to the Sylvania brand, you can get these SilverStar Ultra bulbs for your H13 headlights. The company ensures this option provides the most down road visibility with the 4100K temperature. With this white light, drivers receive more clarity. Plus, these H13 bulbs come with the patented tri-band technology that improves contrast, especially when trying to see road hazards and street signs.
As with the other options, these headlights are a direct replacement. You simply remove the old bulbs and put in the new ones, with gloved hands, of course. Sylvania is a top company in the lighting industry and even goes a step above by offering a one-year warranty with these bulbs.
Still, you aren’t going to get an excessive amount of use from these bulbs, mainly because of the high-performance design. With that said, these bulbs are rated to last 324 hours, which is more than many other options we have showed you. As the best halogen H13 headlight bulbs on the market, it shouldn’t be surprising to see how many positive reviews there are. Customers are genuinely happy and would recommend these to other users. If you want about double the usage of some other brands, you can choose these bright, ultra-white bulbs instead.
Pros
Cons
6. Osram Cool Blue Intense H7
Bluest Halogen Headlight
Wattage | 55W |
Lumens | N/A |
Color Temperature | 4200K |
Application | Low Beam/Fog Light |
Life Expectancy | 200 hrs. |
Key Feature | Silver caps |
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get colored halogen headlight bulbs. With the Osram brand, you might not choose a popular brand, but you get plenty of performance. The customer reviews of this h7 bulb remain favorable, so we aren’t concerned with the lack of a well-established brand. Plus, the company claims to offer twenty percent more light when compared with the traditional halogen light.
Overall, you are looking at getting a bluish-white hue that would be expected from the Xenon headlights. These work best when used with clear-glass headlights. At up to 4200K, you can expect a highly luminous lamp that remains street-legal while providing the blue hue you are seeking. These bulbs also come with a silver cap design for a unique appearance.
The company doesn’t offer any specified warranty, but the bulbs are rated for 200 hours. At this price, most people aren’t concerned with how long the bulbs last, because they are a good value. What’s more worrisome is why there are more negative reviews than some of the top brands. It appears that some customers thought they would be brighter or bluer than they actually are. We recommend looking through some customer photos on Amazon to see what you would expect.
Pros
Cons
7. Hella H71070702 Optilux XY Series
Best Halogen H7 Headlight Bulb
Wattage | 55W |
Lumens | N/A |
Color Temperature | 2600K |
Application | Low Beam/Fog Light |
Life Expectancy | 330 hrs. |
Key Feature | Off-road application |
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.
Pros
Cons
8. OSRAM NIGHT BREAKER LASER H7
No products found.
Best Halogen Headlight Bulb for Night Driving
Wattage | 58W |
Lumens | N/A |
Color Temperature | 4500K |
Application | Low/High Beam/Fog Light |
Life Expectancy | N/A |
Key Feature | Laser ablation technology |
If you spend a lot of time driving at night, you need a bulb that will cut through the dark like butter. These Osram-branded bulbs have been a top choice for nighttime drivers because of the crisp visibility. At 4500K, you can expect a bright beam that offers plenty of clarity. The company claims that the innovative laser ablation technology is what helps this bulb shine up to 150 percent brighter than other halogen bulbs.
It seems that the customers are quick to agree, especially when you consider the reasonable price point for a two-pack. You can use these bulbs in your low or high beams for even more versatility. While there are many positive points to touch on, a few downsides must be evaluated.
First, there is no stated warranty. In addition, the company hasn’t issued an hourly rating, so there’s no way to tell how long they are supposed to last. With this in mind, it’s important to rely on customer reviews for more information. Thankfully, the customers agree that these provide a nice mixture of performance and value, but also state that they are not long-lasting bulbs by any means. However, this is often the case with higher-performance halogens.
Pros
Cons
How To Install Halogen Headlights
Installing a halogen headlight bulb is a simple process.
- 1Turn off the vehicle and pop the hood.
- 2Locate the headlight assembly and remove any connecting wires.
- 3With gloves on, replace the dead bulb with the new bulb and reconnect all of the wires.
- 4Test the lights to ensure brightness.
Here is a YouTube video that might be beneficial.
Additionally, you can follow these steps to adjust your car headlights.
- 1Read the owner’s manual to find the appropriate headlight positioning.
- 2Park on a level surface in front of a garage door or wall. You want to be parked close to the wall.
- 3Turn on the low beams and mark these positions on the wall with masking tape: low beam horizontal centerline, vertical centerline, and midline.
- 4Back up straight until you reach 25-feet away from the wall.
- 5Determine if the brightest location is within two inches below and to the right of the vertical and horizontal centerlines. If not, you need to use the modifying screws to align the bulbs.
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?
Automotive lighting functions in different ways. The low beams are used for typical nighttime driving, while the high beams are better for low light or rural driving situations.
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
What are the best halogen headlights? The Philips 9006 CrystalVision might be some of the brightest halogen headlight bulbs, offering crystal clear visibility and a great style.