5 Best Halogen Headlight Bulbs To Buy in 2022
Burnt out or dim headlight bulbs simply won’t cut it during night-time driving. So, for your own safety and that of other motorists, you want to replace headlight bulbs as soon as they become faulty. Upgrade to a set of LED bulbs or get the brightest halogen headlight bulbs – they are much easier to install and are more pocket friendly.
We found the best halogen headlights for night driving for you.
- Philips headlight bulbs 9006 CrystalVision – Brightest white halogen bulbs
- Sylvania Silverstar Ultra 9006 – High-performance halogen bulb
- Hella standard– OEM halogen replacement headlight bulb
- PIAA X-Treme – Longest lasting halogen headlight bulbs
The Best Halogen Headlight Bulbs Review
Philips Headlight Bulbs 9006 CrystalVision
If you want to upgrade to a brighter and whiter halogen bulb, then this Philips CrystalVision set is your best bet. These halogen bulbs have the feel and look of the more stylish HID or xenon bulbs – a stunning improvement from standard halogen bulbs.
During the day, the blue cap on the bulb has a cool, blue effect on your headlights. At night, the 4300K color temperature bulb projects a bright, white light.
Like other Philips headlight bulbs, this one does not compromise on performance or durability. However, like most high-performance bulbs, their lifespan is a tad shorter than regular halogen bulbs.
Not a problem if you are not a regular night time driver – but if the opposite is true, the cost of replacing the bulbs often will pile up. This is why you might want to check out other options, such as the Philips H11 original equipment replacement bulb. It may not be the brightest bulb but lasts longer.
Sylvania Silverstar Ultra 9006 Halogen Headlight bulb
Sylvania is widely known for its standard replacement bulbs as well as premium halogen bulbs. It’s no wonder then, Sylvania Silverstar Ultra 9006 one of the brightest halogen headlight bulbs, thanks to its bright 4100K light and long beam.
Although a tad pricey, the Silverstar Ultra bulb is well worth it and the additional side-to-side illumination is unpararelled. Made using their special TriBand technology, it offers more clarity, contrast, and much whiter light than regular halogen lights. Bear in mind that high-performance bulbs like these may need to be replaced sooner. Sylvania makes some budget options as well, like this high beam low beam replacement bulb.
HELLA Original Equipment (OE) Quality Standard Halogen Bulb
These bulbs are great for regular use- they are of good quality and project a clean, white light. But if your drive frequently at night or on dimly lit roads, then go for the more premium halogen car lamp brands.
Hella bulbs significantly less costly than similarly placed competitors. So, if you have to regularly replace your headlights, then you should check out their wide range of halogen headlights, including include the regular bulb of 55 watts, the HELLA H7P50 +50, which has 50% more light output or the more long life bulb of 70w bulb.
Overall, if upgraded performance is not a priority, then this cost-efficient replacement bulb is a great option.
GE Nighthawk Platinum Halogen Replacement Bulb
This bulb fits smack in the mid-range halogen headlight bulbs space- they are neither blindingly bright nor of a standard output. They project a long down-road beam, especially in low cars. These HI-LO halogen bulbs can easily fit in a wide variety of housing, including H4, 9004 – 9007.
Additionally, GE Nighthawk bulbs are relatively affordable compared to others with similar performance and longevity. Overall, standard GE halogen lamps are street legal and come in single or twin packs. Check out other GE bulb options for high-performance bulbs with higher wattage and increased visibility.
PIAA X-Treme White Plus Halogen Bulb
These stylish headlight bulbs have the look of the more expensive xenon bulbs – without the added cost. They are whiter and brighter than standard stock halogen bulbs.
But unlike other high output bulbs, these do not burn out fast. The use of durable aerospace alloy filament material and their sturdy, vibration-free construction makes these one of the longest lasting halogen headlight bulbs.
Things to Consider
You may want whitest halogen headlight bulbs, but there are a couple of other factors you want to look at before buying new headlight bulbs.
Compatibility
Most headlight bulbs do not have a universal fit. The common sizes are H1, H4 & H7. So, you need to confirm the appropriate bulb size for your headlight. You can get this info from your old halogen bulb. Else check your car’s make and model to get the specific bulb size. Then, be sure the bulb is firmly and correctly wired to avoid electrical shorts and burnout.
In our halogen headlight bulb comparison, we identified Philips H7 CrystalVision white headlight as the best headlight bulbs h7 halogen, while the Osram Night Breaker takes the lead on best H4 car headlight bulbs.
Color temperature
Colour temperature measures how bright and white your bulb is. It is measured in Kelvins. So, a bulb with 5000K is considered one of the brightest halogen headlight bulbs, those with 3000k or less produce a yellow and dimmer light, while a 4000k+ bulb will have a desirable white light.
Brightness or Luminance
The brighter the bulb, the better you will see the road while driving. The brightness of halogen headlight bulbs is measured in lumens, which should be at least 1000 for any bulb.
The more the lumens, the brighter the bulb. The trade-off is that brighter headlights have a shorter service life and have to be replaced more frequently.
It is a good idea to replace both headlight bulbs at the same time. Otherwise, one headlight will be brighter than the other, resulting in an uneven light beam that could make your drive uncomfortable.
Lifespan
You want to choose a bulb with a longer service life which doesn’t need replacing often. So, it is important to consider the advertised life expectancy of the halogen headlight bulb you want.
On average, a halogen bulb lasts 2 years- sometimes less for high-output bulbs. It is also important to confirm the validity and period of warranty if any.
Range
The best halogen headlight bulbs should project a long beam to give you the most down road visibility during night time driving. Naturally, a long-range bulb can give you more reaction time because you will be able to spot danger from afar.
Ease of Installation
Halogen headlight bulbs are easy to install. However, it is a good idea to follow your vehicle’s owner’s manual as well as the product’s instructions. Just make sure you have the proper bulb fitments.
The Legality Of Your Car’s Headlights
What is the brightest headlight bulb that is legal?
Before you buy your halogen headlight bulbs, you should check your local laws as these vary from state to state. However, ensure that your bulbs are correctly installed and aligned to avoid distracting oncoming traffic.
Read also: The best headlight restoration kit & Best Headliner Adhesives Review in 2021
More Top Halogen Headlight Bulbs Reviews
Philips H11 Standard Halogen Replacement Headlight Bulb
This Philips model combines affordability with good quality. With its 4,100k bright color temperature, it projects enough light to fully illuminate your way without blinding oncoming drivers. It is also one of the cheaper halogen headlight bulb models.
Besides, it is designed using the UV-quartz glass, a more durable, weather- and vibration-resistant type compared to the typical hard glass used by other halogen bulbs. All in all, this model is one of the best H11 halogen headlight bulbs in the market.
Features
- Twin pack
- Made with durable UV-quartz glass
Osram Night Breaker Unlimited Halogen Bulbs
This model is a good combination of aesthetic appeal and high performance. Their light beam projects up to 150m so you can see the road better at night.
Additionally, the Osram Nightbreaker’s laser ablation technology is said to make the bulbs 110% brighter than similar brands. Finally, the bulb is designed with a coiled tungsten filament to enhance resilience.
What makes these bulbs attractive is their light blue coating and a silver cap. Plus, they produce 20% whiter light during the night, which adds to their visual appeal.
Features
- Colour Temp – 3,400 K
- Long light beam
- Durable coiled tungsten filament
- Attractive light effect
Philips X-treme Vision Headlight Bulbs
A premium halogen headlight bulb, the Philips X-treme Vision’s beam is up to 45m longer than a standard halogen bulb. So, you will still have a stellar vision at night or in foggy weather.
Also, it is designed using the more durable UV-quartz glass. This translates to increased resistance to bad weather and vibration. And with its precision coating technology, this is one of the most durable replacement halogen headlight bulbs for cars
Features
- A high life expectancy of 450hrs
- Made from durable UV-quartz glass
- Longer light beam
- 3700K color temperature
Philips Xtreme Vision vs Crystal Vision
Philips Crystal Vision H4 is for drivers who are looking for a stylish upgrade- without compromising on safety and performance. These headlights halogen bulbs have the feel and look of the more stylish HID or xenon bulbs – thanks to the specialty blue coating on the glass and the blue cap bulb. These features create a cool blue effect in the headlight during the day and a bright white light at night.
Philips X-tremeVision, on the other hand, is designed for drivers who want to see further. At 3400K color temperature, the light may not be as bright white as the CrystalVision Ultra, but it offers better overall road illumination. It is likely to last longer too, as the brightest halogen headlight bulbs tend to burn out faster.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are looking for the brightest, the most affordable, or the longest-lasting bulb, there’s likely something on this list for you. Fortunately, all the models listed here meet the minimum standard of safety and reliability so go ahead and make your choice now!
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