There are many options when it comes to headlights, with LEDs being a top pick by many drivers for their bright beams at a low power draw. But just how do you know which is best for your vehicle?
Finding the best LED headlights for your vehicle means reading reviews, studying product features, and diving into the ins and outs of available sizes and configurations. With the right LED headlights, ensuring you can see clearly in all lighting and weather conditions can become a quick, over-and-done-with task.
We reviewed dozens of LED headlights to identify the best of the best, based on Amazon reviews, how well they performed in tests, cost, and other considerations. We narrowed our search down to 5 of the top-rated LED headlights vehicle owners can purchase to ensure bright and clear visibility.
We’ve identified Fahren 9005/HB3/H10 LED Headlight Bulbs as the best LED headlights out there. With a super focused beam pattern design that provides wider and farther lighting range, these LED headlights are ones that will keep your driving experience in tip-top shape.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated LED Headlights
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best LED Headlights Overall | Fahren 9005/HB3/H10 LED Headlight Bulbs | 4.5 |
| Best LED Motorcycle Headlight | SEALIGHT H4/9003 LED Motorcycle Headlight Bulb | 4.5 |
| Best Budget LED Headlights | BEAMTECH H11 LED Headlight Bulb | 4.3 |
| Best 8,000 Lumens LED Headlights | VoRock8 R2 COB 9006 HB4 8000 Lumens LED Headlight | 4.3 |
| Best 12,000 Lumens LED Headlights | NINEO H11 H8 H9 LED Headlight Bulbs | 4.4 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best LED Headlights Overall: Fahren 9005/HB3/H10 LED Headlight Bulbs
Fahren 9005/HB3/H10 LED Headlight Bulbs took the top spot on our list of the best LED headlights, and boast a super focused beam pattern design which provides wider and farther lighting range than standard halogen bulbs. Each pair of bulbs offers 60W of power and 10,000 lumens of brightness. They boast a whole aviation aluminum body with a unique hollow-carved heat sink design for superior cooling ability and improved longevity.
Those who purchased and reviewed these LED headlights appreciated that they were easy to install and offered excellent brightness, saying “it is a night and day difference between stock halogen headlights and these.” Even those who are “not mechanically inclined” said these headlights “were rather easy to install.”
With a price tag of about $40, they don’t come cheap, but the quality craftsmanship associated with the brand, as well as the ease of installation and use more than justifies that price. They have excellent ratings with thousands of people reviewing them, which we think goes a long way in convincing vehicle owners to make the investment.
Fahren 9005/HB3/H10 LED Headlight Bulbs Key Features:
- Lifespan of over 50,000 hours
- Plug-and-play installation ready in just 10 minutes
- Compatible with 98% of vehicle computer systems
Best LED Motorcycle Headlight: SEALIGHT 9003 H4 LED Motorcycle Headlight Bulb
The SEALIGHT 9003 H4 LED Motorcycle Headlight Bulb took the runner-up spot on our list of the best LED headlights. The patented beam pattern eliminates dark spots for improved visibility and safety. This LED motorcycle headlight boasts a unique design that places the LED chips in the exact location as the halogen lamp filament and provides 6000K white light. It boasts 6,000 lumens of brightness, in a 12-volt package. It comes complete with a user manual for ease of installation.
Those who purchase these LED headlights appreciate its brightness and that it had an easy install process. Most users were able to install this headlight in about 10 minutes with no modifications required, and after doing so you’ll feel as though they have added valuable safety to riding at night.
At a cost of around $36, it doesn’t come cheap, but the quality craftsmanship associated with the brand, as well as the ease of setup and use more than justifies that price. It has very good ratings with hundreds of people reviewing it, which we think goes a long way in convincing motorcycle owners to make the investment.
SEALIGHT 9003 H4 LED Motorcycle Headlight Bulb Key Features:
- Non-polarity socket
- Certified IP67 waterproof
- Plug-and-play installation; installs in just 20 minutes
Best Budget LED Headlights: BEAMTECH H11 LED Headlight Bulb
The BEAMTECH H11 LED Headlight Bulbs are an excellent choice for those looking for LED headlights that won’t break the bank. They utilize the latest Korean CSP LED chips in order to provide 8,000 lumens of brightness per set. They offer a 6500K xenon white light that is ideal for visibility at night and boasts a lifespan of more than 30,000 hours.
Those who purchased and reviewed these LED headlights appreciated that they offered excellent lighting, without a high pitched fan noise, saying, “Not only are they completely silent, but the light distribution is also much more even.” Several people liked the output of these headlights so much that they installed them on more than one vehicle.
With a cost of approximately $37, these LED headlights are a solid choice for those looking for an LED headlight option on a budget. They have great ratings from thousands of people who’ve reviewed them, which we think goes a long way in convincing vehicle owners that this budget-friendly pick is just as good at lighting the way as their more expensive counterparts.
BEAMTECH H11 LED Headlight Bulb Key Features:
- Low heat lamp for increased longevity
- Certified IP65 waterproof
- Plug-and-play installation for added convenience
Best 8,000 Lumens LED Headlights: VoRock8 R2 COB 9006 HB4 8000 Lumens LED Headlight
The VoRock8 R2 COB 9006 HB4 8000 Lumens LED Headlight is a solid choice for those looking for a set of LED headlights with 8,000 lumens brightness. They boast a compact design with built-in driver and ballast for improved longevity and heat dissipation. They are compatible with most vehicles with no modifications required, thanks to their compact design. Utilizing COB chip technology, they provide 6000-6500K white light. They are polarity sensitive, so be mindful of this when installing.
Those who purchased and reviewed these LED headlights appreciated that they were easy to install and offered excellent night vision, saying, “My one complaint on these is that I am now “that guy” on the road. You know “that guy” with the extremely bright lights that blinds all incoming traffic without trying. Yes, that guy that illuminates the road so well that it is visible for miles that he has aftermarket headlights.”
With a price tag of about $32, they are a pretty affordable option as far as LED headlights go, and the quality craftsmanship associated with the brand, as well as the ease of installation and use more than justifies that price. They have very good ratings with thousands of people reviewing them, which we think goes a long way in convincing vehicle owners to make the investment.
VoRock8 R2 COB 9006 HB4 8000 Lumens LED Headlight Key Features:
- Plug-and-play installation
- Rain-resistant design
- More than 30,000 hours lifespan
Best 12,000 Lumens LED Headlights: NINEO H11 H8 H9 LED Headlight Bulbs
The NINEO H11 H8 H9 LED Headlight Bulbs are a great option for those who want super bright headlights, as they boast 12,000 lumens of brightness per set. They utilize customized CREE chips to provide 6500k white light that is about five times brighter than stock halogen bulbs. The included adapter is adjustable so you can find just the right angle for the right lighting pattern. They are DOT certified for added peace of mind.
Those who purchased and reviewed these LED headlights appreciated that they were easy to install, saying they “fit without any issue.” As far as brightness, there were no complaints there, with people saying things like the “light looks high end and not cheap. It absolutely spanks the OEM, really bright. In fact, some might think they are too bright.” There were some complaints about needing a larger protection cap to keep the weather out, as the bulb sticks out of the headlight housing. However, this is a relatively inexpensive problem to fix.
At a cost of around $50, they don’t come cheap, but the quality craftsmanship associated with the brand, as well as the ease of installation and use more than justifies that price. They have really good ratings from thousands of people who’ve reviewed them, which we think goes a long way in convincing vehicle owners to make the investment.
NINEO H11 H8 H9 LED Headlight Bulbs Key Features:
- Wider viewing angle for increased visibility
- Coverless dual ball bearing fan design for improved cooling
- Plug-and-play installation in under 20 minutes
Who Should Buy LED Headlights
LED headlights are an ideal choice for those who want to improve their visibility, as they offer a much brighter output than stock halogen bulbs that typically come with many of today’s vehicles. Especially for those who have an older model vehicle, upgrading to LED bulbs can provide a noticeable improvement in lighting quality.
Additionally, LED headlights are also a good choice for those who do a lot of nighttime driving and want to upgrade their visibility at a relatively inexpensive cost. When it’s important to see the road ahead, LED headlights offer a good solution. They also offer a whiter light than their yellow-ish halogen counterparts.
Finally, some people find that they simply need to replace their headlights whether due to a burnout or broken bulb, and find LED headlights are a good upgrade option.
And if you’re looking for information on other vehicle replacement parts and tools, such as finding the best tool boxes, the best engine air filters, the best hand tools, the best oil filters, or the best spark plugs, we have in-depth guides that can help make it easier.
Important Features to Consider
Not all LED headlights are created equal. LED headlights should be easy to install and shine brightly enough. Here’s what to consider when evaluating the options in search of the best LED headlights for your vehicle:
- Size. The most important consideration when buying the best LED headlights is the size. Your vehicle’s owner’s manual should tell you what size bulb will fit in your housing. For the best fit and plug-and-play installation, you’ll want to match the socket and wiring connectors. This is represented by a combination of letters and/or numbers such as H11 or 9006.
- Lumen output. The next most important thing to keep in mind when choosing an LED headlight is the lumen output. A lumen is a measurement of brightness, with the higher the number equalling brighter light. Generally speaking, you can get away with about 6,000-lumen output per set, but 12,000 offers even more brightness which may be desired by those who drive a lot at night.
- Lifespan. LED headlights already last much longer than their halogen counterparts, however, there is still variability in how long a bulb will last. Look for those with a lifespan of at least 30,000 hours, or 50,000 if it’s in your budget.
- Legality. The law on LED headlight brightness varies from state to state, but most are considered road legal if they project a beam from 50-100 meters ahead. There are also laws about how they should point, in order to avoid blinding oncoming traffic.
- Bulb color. LED bulb color is measured in Kelvins, with a lower number giving a “warmer” look than a higher number. Colors between 3,500 and 5,000 offer adequate visibility, however, those that are higher than 5,000K offer a brighter white for increased visibility.
- Warranty. Some manufacturers offer a warranty on their LED headlights, anywhere from 3 to 5 years. For most drivers, the bulb will outlast any standard warranty, but it’s something to consider if you will be doing a lot of nighttime driving.
- Price point. Finally, consider how much you are willing to spend on LED headlights. LED headlights vary in price from $20-$100 or more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an LED headlight and how does it work?
An LED headlight is a type of headlight that uses light-emitting diodes (LED) to produce a noticeably whiter and brighter light than standard stock halogen bulbs. LED headlights work by converting electric power into light, through one or more diodes within the headlight. Because LED bulbs are more energy-efficient than standard bulbs, they give off less heat.
Are HID or LED headlights better?
Overall, LED headlights are a better choice for most vehicle owners than HID headlights. This is because LED and HID headlights cost about the same, but LED headlights have a longer lifespan than HID headlights. Also, HID bulbs are more energy-efficient than halogen bulbs but are less energy-efficient than LED lights. LED headlights will cost you a little bit more upfront but require less maintenance in the long run than HID headlights.
Do LED bulbs work in projector headlights?
Although LED bulbs fit and work in projector headlight housings, they will not perform as expected. For this reason, it is recommended that you use HID headlights if you want to upgrade your headlights from traditional halogen bulbs.
Are LED headlights plug and play?
Yes, many LED headlights offer plug-and-play installation, meaning that even the least mechanically-inclined vehicle owner can install them without issue. It also means that they install quickly — in less than 30 minutes, but often in as little as 10. In order to ensure that the headlights you choose offer plug-and-play installation, you’ll want to match the socket and wiring connectors. This is represented by a combination of letters and/or numbers such as H11 or 9006. You can find this information in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Other LED Headlights We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other LED headlights. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best LED headlights list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for your vehicle. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
- 8,000 Lumens LED Headlights
- 10,000 Lumens LED Headlights
- 12,000 Lumens LED Headlights
- LED Motorcycle Headlight
8,000 Lumens LED Headlights
BEAMTECH H13 LED Headlight Bulb
These 8,000 lumens LED headlights boast a double-sided chip technology, and offer a super long lifespan of more than 30,000 hours.
Key Features:
- Low heat lamp
- 50W per set
- Plug-and-play for 95% of vehicles
Cost: $40
VoRock8 R2 COB 9005 HB3 8000 Lumens LED Headlight
These 8,000 lumens LED headlights are suitable for use in most vehicles, with no special modifications required. They feature COB chip focused beam technology.
Key Features:
- Polarity sensitive
- Cold-pressed aviation-grade aluminum construction
- Built-in driver/ballast
Cost: $32
BEAMTECH H4 LED Headlight Bulb
These 8,000 lumens LED headlights boast a double-sided chip technology, and offer a super long lifespan of more than 30,000 hours.
Key Features:
- Low heat lamp
- Plug-and-play installation
- Certified IP65 waterproof
Cost: $40
Marsauto 9006 LED Headlight Bulbs
These 8,000 lumens LED headlights boast compatibility with 98% of vehicles, and are 200% brighter than stock halogen headlights.
Key Features:
- 40W per set
- Up to 30,000 hours lifespan
- Built-in driver/ballast
Cost: $30
AUSI H11/H8/H9 9005/HB3 LED Headlight Combo Package
This 8,000 lumens LED headlight set comes with four bulbs that work together, and have been approved by both DOT-FMVSS-108 and ECE for driving safety thanks to its beam pattern.
Key Features:
- More than 220% brighter than halogen
- Plug-and-play installation
- Non-polarity socket
Cost: $67
LASFIT H8 H9 H11 LED Headlight Bulbs
These 8,000 lumens LED headlights boast a super bright light output with an upgraded chip, and are about 200% brighter than stock halogen bulbs.
Key Features:
- Integrated turbo cooling fan
- Glare-free
- Includes a 1-year warranty
10,000 Lumens LED Headlights
ECCPP 9005/HB3 LED Headlight Conversion Kit
These 10,000 lumens LED headlights boast the latest Bridgelux CREE chip technology to produce super bright light, and feature a lifespan of more than 50,000 hours.
Key Features:
- 40W per set
- Includes a 3-year warranty
- 360-degree clear beam angle
Cost: $20
Alla Lighting 9012 LED Headlight Bulbs
These 10,000 lumens LED headlights boast compatibility with nearly any headlight design, and use high illumination CREE LED chips for bright light.
Key Features:
- Certified IP65 waterproof
- More than 30,000-hour lifespan
- Includes a 1-year warranty
Cost: $50
JDM ASTAR T1 H11 H16 LED Headlight Bulbs
These 10,000 lumens LED headlights boast fits for H11 and H16 sockets, and are certified IP65 waterproof for use in all weather conditions.
Key Features:
- Glare-free
- Built-in automotive circuit
- Durable, full aluminum body
Cost: $50
ALLA Lighting S-HCR H11 9005 Combo LED Headlight Bulbs
These 10,000 lumens LED headlights come as a convenient set of four for both high and low beam replacement, and make use of high illumination CREE LED chips.
Key Features:
- Certified IP65 waterproof
- More than 30,000 hours lifespan
- Includes a 1-year warranty
12,000 Lumens LED Headlights
AUXITO 9005 LED Headlight Bulbs
These 12,000 lumens LED headlights boast double-sided ZES LED chips, and provide light that is approximately 200% brighter than stock halogen headlights.
Key Features:
- Built-in high-speed fan
- More than 30,000 hours lifespan
- Non-polarity socket
Cost: $40
AUXITO H11 H8 H9 LED Headlight Bulbs
These 12,000 lumens LED headlights boast compatibility with 99% of vehicle systems, and are certified IP65 waterproof for use in all weather conditions.
Key Features:
- Non-polarity socket
- Plug-and-play installation
- More than 30,000 hours lifespan
Cost: $40
Torchbeam T2 H13/9008 LED Headlight Bulbs
These 12,000 lumens LED headlights utilize advanced LED chips to provide up to 200% brighter light beam compared to stock bulbs, and feature plug-and-play installation.
Key Features:
- More than 50,000 hours lifespan
- Non-polarity socket
- Non-glare
Cost: $40
AUXITO H4 9003 LED Headlight Bulbs
These 12,000 lumens LED headlights utilize ZES LED chips to ensure an ideal beam pattern with no dark spots or fog. They are certified IP65 waterproof and feature an integrated cooling fan.
Key Features:
- 52W per set
- Non-polarity socket
- Plug-and-play installation
Cost: $50
Syneticusa 9005+H11 Combo LED Headlight Kit
These 12,000 lumens LED headlights are compatible with 9005 high beam and H11 low beam housings and feature a built-in fan with copper core thermal technology for improved heat dissipation.
Key Features:
- Dustproof housing
- Certified IP65 waterproof
- Plug-and-play installation
LED Motorcycle Headlight
SUPAREE 7 inches LED Motorcycle Headlight
This LED motorcycle headlight boasts a universal 7″ round design that is compatible with a wide variety of motorcycle makes and models.
Key Features:
- CREE high intensity LED chip
- Plug-and-play installation
- Certified IP67 waterproof
Cost: $69
AUXITO H4 9003 Motorcycle LED Headlight
This LED motorcycle headlight utilizes CSP Y19 LED chips to provide a beam that is just as bright as comparable stock halogen bulbs and is glare-free.
Key Features:
- Compatible with 98% of motorcycle models
- Plug-and-play installation
- Up to 30,000 hours lifespan
Cost: $20
BICAYO DOT 7 Inch Motorcycle LED Headlight
This LED motorcycle headlight boasts plug-and-play installation, and is certified IP67 waterproof for safety and use in all weather conditions. It uses high-performance Osram LED chips.
Key Features:
- Up to 50,000 hours lifespan
- Available in a choice of finishes
- 45W per bulb
Cost: $53
DAYWALKER H4 LED Motorcycle Headlight Bulb
This LED motorcycle headlight is compatible with a wide variety of makes and models and uses the newest version 3570 CSP chips to provide 2,500 raw lumens of light strength.
Key Features:
- Up to 30,000 hours lifespan
- Non-polarity socket
- 360-degree beam angle
Cost: $19
BICYACO Motorcycle 7 Inch LED Headlight Set
This LED motorcycle headlight is compatible with any Harley Davidson model with a 7-inch stock headlight and 4.5-inch fog passing lamp and boasts plug-and-play installation.
Key Features:
- Available in a choice of finishes
- DOT SAE, E-Mark rating
- Includes a 1-year warranty
Cost: $80
