6 Best Halogen Headlight Bulbs for Higher Visibility on a Budget

When it comes to driving at night, your headlights are some of the most crucial safety features on your car. Of course, airbags and seatbelts also top the list, but driving at night without headlights is unimaginably terrifying. Not only would you barely seeing anything, but oncoming traffic may take a lot longer to notice you are even there. So naturally, you’ll want the best possible headlights you can get for your vehicle.

Worth mentioning lighting technology has improved a lot in recent years. And while most modern cars now frequently come with Xenons or LED lights as standard or optional extras, some brand-new entry-level new cars are still offered with halogen headlights—and for a good reason. Halogen lights are far more affordable to produce than other types. After all, over the past 30 years, halogen headlights have been the most popular headlight type in the automotive world.

Therefore, it comes as no surprise that aftermarket headlight bulb manufacturers are still supporting halogen models. They are pretty easy to manufacture as the technology is fully matured, and they are super easy to swap and install.

However as good as they are, halogen light bulbs will eventually burn out and will need to be replaced. Once it happens, there is no reason why you couldn’t enjoy the same benefits that other more advanced lighting technology can offer. Indeed, most automotive light manufacturers now produce much better halogen lights providing similar performance as other more expensive alternatives.

If your car is equipped with halogen lights and you aren’t ready to shell out the extra bucks to switch for LED light bulbs, there are still some pretty good halogen options out there. To help you select halogen models that will suit your specific needs and budget, we have selected and reviewed the 6 best headlight bulbs you can buy today. We’ll give you in-depth information about each, describe some of the pros and cons, as well as answer a few common questions you might have regarding headlight bulbs.

Let’s go!

Halogen Headlight Bulbs Reviews

Honestly, there are plenty of great options for aftermarket halogen headlight bulbs. But of course, listing them all one after the other wouldn’t help you much, right? So we managed to narrow down the list and gathered six trusty picks for this review.

However, please note that headlight bulbs come in many fitments (e.g., 9006, H1, HB4, H11, 880, etc.). That’s because not every vehicle uses the same bulb size. Regardless, all products we reviewed below should be available in just about any size that fits your particular vehicle.

But for the sake of keeping this review compact and easy to read, we’ve selected the H11 model as a representative of each product. As long as the same product name applies, there shouldn’t be performance differences between the various model sizes, including high beams and low beams. Just make sure to select the model that will fit your specific vehicle.

In addition, all products are confirmed road legal and should come in twin packs for simultaneous change on both sides. Nonetheless, you can often find single-packs if you need them for a motorcycle or if only one needs to be replaced. As a general rule, though, the lights on your car should all have the same age and if one burned, the other will probably follow soon after. It might be a better idea to replace both simultaneously while you’re at it.

1. Sylvania XtraVision® Headlight Bulb — Budget Pick

Sylvania has been a pro player in the automotive lighting industry for over 100 years, and its expertise definitely shows in its XtraVision® bulbs. This product is the brand’s best-selling entry-level model, aiming to perform better than OEM bulbs. And it does!

Generating up to 1345 lumens and up to 30% extra light output than OEM bulbs (OEM models are usually between 700-1200 lumens), the XtraVision® is a champ for its price. Furthermore, it’s designed to produce more down-road visibility without creating an additional glare so it won’t blind other drivers on the road. Added to that is the pretty long 375 hours lifespan, which even beats some of the more expensive bulbs on this list.

Despite that, the light output is at the lower end. You might not even fancy the yellowish tint of the 3200K color, but at any rate, if you’re on a tight budget and urgently need a replacement pair for your old worn-out bulbs, the XtraVision® is the way to go. It’s cheap and performs way better than whatever came stock on your car—simple as that!

Key Features

• 12-Volt, 55-Watt
• Brightness: 1345 Lumens
• Extra light output: 30%
• Color temperature: 3200K
• Color scheme: warm yellow/orange
• Lifespan: 375 hours
• 1-year warranty

Pros

• Budget-friendly
• Better down-road visibility
• Excellent lifespan for its price

Cons

• Not the brightest model
• May dim over time

2. HELLA Standard Headlight Bulb

HELLA is another legendary aftermarket brand providing automotive lighting solutions for more than 100 years. The brand’s experience is evident even in those standard bulbs, which despite being entry-level models still pack quite a punch.

HELLA Standard has a moderately high brightness level of 1350 lumens, making it similar to the previous Sylvania model in that regard. However, the HELLA Standard is much more durable. At 500 hours claimed lifespan, these underdog bulbs may easily outlive the rest of the products on this list while still being affordable. Moreover, these bulbs have been tested and gained DOT, ECE, and INMETRO certification for complete peace of mind.

With that said, everything else about the HELLA Standard is quite literally ‘standard.’ It even has the same basic 3200K color temperature as the previous one. But still, if you’re just looking for long-lasting halogen bulbs that perform similarly to OEMs without breaking the bank, get a pair of those, you won’t be disappointed!

Key Features

• 12-Volt, 55-Watt
• Brightness: 1350 Lumens
• Color temperature: 3200K
• Color scheme: warm yellow/orange
• Lifespan: 500 hours
• 1-year warranty

Pros

• Longer lifespan than most
• Still affordable
• DOT, ECE, and INMETRO certified

Cons

• Could be brighter

3. HELLA Optilux® Extreme White XB Headlight Bulb — Editor’s Pick

Contrarily to the HELLA Standard, the Optilux® XB Series are the brightest halogen bulbs in the brand’s lineup and thanks to the 1500 lumens rating, it’s also the highest luminous flux (total power of light) on this list.

The Optilux® Extreme White XB has a color temperature of 4000K, equal to a bright neutral white color, similar to more premium and more expensive Xenon bulbs. Worth mentioning, HELLA also claims that these bulbs are designed specifically for modern sports cars and SUVs to survive extreme use cases like racing or off-roading.

At such a fair price and with a decent lifespan of 300 hours, it’s unfortunate that HELLA only makes its Optilux® bulbs available in limited fitments. One possible reason might be that not everyone needs such bright light bulbs, which can be overkill for daily commute around town anyway. But if you frequently travel at night and need hardcore bright halogen bulbs, this is what you need!

Key Features

• 12-Volt, 55-Watt
• Brightness: 1500 Lumens
• Extra light output: 25%
• Color temperature: 4000K
• Color scheme: neutral white
• Lifespan: 300 hours
• 1-year warranty

Pros

• Exceptionally bright light beams similar to Xenon bulbs
• Made durable for rough use

Cons

• Has fewer size variants available than other products

4. Osram Night Breaker® Laser Headlight Bulb

Priced slightly higher than the previous product, Osram offers a solution to those who seek halogen bulbs producing longer beams than most. Named the Night Breaker® Laser, these bulbs use laser technology to produce a class-leading extra light output 150% higher than OEM’s. The result is a phenomenal beam range of up to 150 meters, which is pretty far for old-timey halogens.

The good news doesn’t stop there, as Osram also claims a 20% whiter light compared to the minimum legal standard, making pretty much any car look a lot more modern at night. Not to forget the generous 2-year warranty that comes with every purchase.

However, keep in mind the 250 hours lifespan, which is on the shorter end of the competition. And despite the “whiter” lighting, it’s important to mention that these bulbs still produce a yellowish 3200K color temperature. Regardless, if you want halogen bulbs that can cover far distances up ahead, the Night Breaker® Laser is a serious contender.

Key Features

• 12-Volt, 55-Watt
• Brightness: 1350 Lumens
• Extra light output: 150%
• Color temperature: 3200K
• Color scheme: warm yellow
• Lifespan: 250 hours
• 2-year warranty

Pros

• Produces a 20% whiter light
• Long-distance “laser” beam
• Generous warranty

Cons

• Slightly shorter lifespan than the competition

5. Philips X-tremeVision Headlight Bulb

Philips’ lighting solution is, without a doubt, solid. Like Sylvania and HELLA, Philips has been in the car lighting industry for over 100 years. Its maturity reflects on the numerous halogen replacement bulbs it offers, suitable for an incredibly wide range of vehicles.

The X-tremeVision variant, in particular, is Philips’ jack of all trades, thanks to the 130% extra light output over OEM bulbs and a long lifespan of 400 hours. Added to that is a nice looking warm yellow 3400K color temperature, an affordable pricing scheme, DOT compliant safety certification, and a decent 2-year warranty. With this combo, it’s no wonder that the X-tremeVision bulbs have been best-sellers for years.

There’s not much to report regarding drawbacks either, apart from the higher power requirement. The H11 fitment, for instance, needs 65 watts of power, which is higher than all the other bulbs on this list that only requires 55 watts. But after all, if you want more powerful headlights, that also comes with higher power consumption. Just be careful not to forget to turn off your lights after you park your car if you don’t want to end up having to jump-start a dead battery later.

Key Features

• 12-Volt, 65-Watt
• Brightness: 1350 Lumens
• Extra light output: 130%
• Color temperature: 3400K
• Color scheme: warm yellow
• Lifespan: 400 hours
• 2-year warranty

Pros

• Long lifespan
• Much brighter than OEM
• Generous warranty

Cons

• Slightly higher power consumption

6. Sylvania SilverStar® Ultra Headlight Bulb — Premium Pick

Sylvania SilverStar® Ultra is the brand’s flagship halogen bulb with an outstanding performance. Thanks to a few advanced technologies, the product excels at delivering higher brightness and broader visibility.

For instance, Sylvania uses cobalt blue nanocoating and patented tri-band technology to make the SilverStar® Ultra generate a 4100K color temperature. Hence, these high-tech bulbs produce a bright neutral white color just like the HELLA Optilux® we reviewed earlier, but with a higher light output, 50% more than OEMs to be exact.

The SilverStar® Ultra is aiming to attract a more premium market. It’s an innovative product made by a company that knows its way around making excellent halogen bulbs, justifying its premium price. However, we found it awkward that the priciest bulbs on the list would also have the shortest claimed lifespan, at 125 hours. But once again, this is not very surprising. Just as more powerful engines will break more frequently, brighter light bulbs will also burn faster. The only option for brighter lights that also last longer is to go with LED headlight bulbs instead.

This product is certainly not for everyone due to the higher price tag, but it should be on your radar if you fancy yourself super bright halogen bulbs that are still road legal. If you want the best halogen light bulbs on the market, this is it!

Key Features

• 12-Volt, 55-Watt
• Brightness: 1345 Lumens
• Extra light output: 50%
• Color temperature: 4100K
• Color scheme: neutral white
• Lifespan: 125 hours
• 1-year warranty

Pros

• High tech halogen bulbs
• Reputable manufacturer
• More intense down-road and side-to-side visibility

Cons

• Pricey
• Shorter lifespan

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the different types of headlight bulbs?

There are three different types of headlight bulbs: Halogen, Xenon, and LED. Halogen ones are the most common and have been used on pretty much every car before 2000. Xenon lights were all the hype at the beginning of the Noughties and everyone wanted those blueish/purplish headlights. However, due to the unreliability of their ballasts and significantly higher price tag, they never really reached widespread use.

LED lights are the new best thing. They last longer than halogens and are much more reliable than Xenons. But still, they are kinda pricey, and hence, are definitely not for everyone.

What are the benefits of using halogen headlight bulbs?

Although Xenon and LED lights are newer, brighter, use less energy, and sometimes last longer, halogen bulbs are still the most reliable and most mature headlight tech available. Halogen bulbs are also cheaper to produce, so they’re generally more affordable to replace. Besides, this bulb type is readily available for most vehicles (especially the old and classic ones).

Unless you own a sports car and are willing to bank significantly more on your headlight bulbs, halogens are the way to go!

When do I need to replace the halogen headlight bulbs in my car?

This question is quite simple to answer: whenever you are ready to see a little better at night!

If you find your current headlights too dim and barely helping your vision at night, switching for more powerful options is your best bet. Of course, you can also wait for a bulb to burn before replacing them.

But as a general rule, most people think that their headlights are just bright enough—until they install a new set and notice the difference.

Still not convinced? Try a set of SilverStar® Ultra. Once you try them, you won’t want to go back to stock bulbs ever again.

How do I replace halogen headlight bulbs?

Although car headlights come in different shapes and sizes, replacing halogen bulbs is pretty much always the same.

1. With the lights turned off, open the hood and seek the wiring that leads to the electrical connector behind the headlight
   
2. .Identify the bulb you want to replace. Older cars (and some new ones) have different bulbs for the high and low beams.
   
3. Remove the corresponding connector (you usually only need to pull or push a little click and it will come out easily). Pull (or twist) out the bulb from the bulb socket.
   
4. Install the replacement bulb. It’s worth mentioning that halogen bulbs are fragile as they’re filled with gas, so you want to be careful not to crack them. It’s also best not to touch the glass portion, as the oils from your finger may create a hotspot that could cause the bulb to burn prematurely. The use of gloves or paper towels during installation is definitely recommended. And just in case, only hold them by the plastic end.
   
5. Once replaced, put the bulb assembly back into the bulb socket and reconnect the connector. Repeat this process for the other side. If one side is dimmer than the other or blown, while the other seems to be working alright, the other one will most probably burn out soon too. It’s always advised to replace headlight bulbs in pairs, explaining why replacement bulbs are often offered in twin packs.
   
6. Once the connectors are plugged back in, you can try turning on the headlights. The new bulbs should light up just fine. If one of the bulbs doesn’t work, try wiggling the connector a bit. If it still doesn’t work, you might have another problem hiding somewhere, like a blown fuse.

Of course, this is just a general procedure and your car may differ. Some cars may require other components to be removed to access the bulbs while others may use a significantly more complicated procedure (I’m looking at you Porsche Cayenne!). When in doubt, make sure to take a look in your car’s owner manual. The specific replacement procedure should be in there.

Verdict

While frequently overlooked, bright headlight bulbs are an essential thing when driving at night. Therefore, it’s never a good idea to compromise on the quality of your headlights.

Although HIDs and LEDs are definitely the future of automotive headlights, modern-day halogens are still there to save the day (more accurately, the night) if you want an affordable lighting solution. Of course, halogens are pretty old and not as bright as other headlight types. However, some really good models can still produce decent brightness and pass the test of time without costing you an arm and a leg.

Nonetheless, just like with everything in life, you get what you paid for in the halogen world too. If you want decent-performing budget bulbs, go for the Sylvania XtraVision®. On the other hand, if you have more cash to spare and seek a bright and elegant white-colored bulb, feel free to go with either the HELLA Optilux® Extreme White XB or Sylvania SilverStar® Ultra.

But overall, we feel like the sweet spot is the reasonably priced Philips X-tremeVision. It’s a complete package of shimmering bright and long-lasting halogen bulbs, equipped with a generous 2-year warranty. You just can’t go wrong with Philips!

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