It’s that time of year again: people are frantically trying to figure out what type of bulb they should get for their vehicle to make sure they can properly see in the dark winter days ahead. Unfortunately, dozens of different bulb types and sizes make shopping for new lights a problematic affair.
Whether to buy H11 bulbs vs. 9005 bulbs, in particular, is a commonly-asked question and not very straightforward to answer. Namely, selecting the best bulb for your vehicle depends on your specific needs. This article will explore the factors that play into that decision, including lifespan, illumination, wattage, and more.
Let’s dive in!
H11 vs. 9005
The debate between H11 and 9005 bulbs is one that many car owners encounter and for a good reason as these bulbs are frequently found in modern headlights. Still, to fully understand the difference between these two types of bulbs, you should first know how high and low beams work.
Low beams are typically used at nighttime and in poor weather conditions. They are basically the headlights you use all the time. On the other hand, high beams can illuminate twice as far as low beams and are aimed much further ahead. High beams are only used in the darkest conditions when no other vehicles are directly ahead of you.
The brightness and angle of high beams can be distracting to other drivers, so they are best used when no one’s around.
Simple right? So what about the H11 and 9005 then?
Can you choose one over the other?
What is an H11 Bulb, And What is it Used For?
The H11 is a low beam light bulb. It doesn’t have that “blinding effect” that high beam bulbs have on other drivers. Indeed, the H11 has a sharp cut-off, making it excellent for city driving. The bulb has a moderately intense beam and emits about 200 to 350 lumens of brightness—bright but not over-the-top either
The H11 has the same L-Shape design as the 9005, but they are not cross-compatible. Instead, the H11 bulb is similar to and compatible with other low beam lights such as the H8 bulb, H9 bulb, and H16 bulb. For example, you can replace an H9 bulb with an H11 bulb, the only difference being their respective wattages. An H11 bulb illuminates at 55W, while the H9 bulb is slightly brighter at 65W.
You may also come across a different variant of the bulb called H11B. It’s important to know that both the H11 and H11B also have L-shaped plugs, but just like the 9005, they aren’t interchangeable. The two types do not fit into each other’s sockets due to the configurations of the pins connecting inside the socket.
The H11 bulb also comes in two different types: Quartz-Ion, LED and Xenon, each significantly brighter than traditional halogen bulbs and often slightly colored green, blue, or purple depending on the “color temperature” of the bulb. But besides the color variation and brightness, the three types are quite similar from the outside. It’s how they work that differs—but that’s really out of the scope of this article (we’ll cover that in an upcoming article).
Moving on!
What is a 9005 Bulb, And What Is It Used For?
The 9005 is typically used as a high beam light bulb, provides a wider beam angle, and can emit up to 600 lumens for maximum visibility over long distances and around corners. This bulb also has a pre-focused beam pattern producing an intense white color. Hence, it is ideal for nighttime driving when drivers typically need more depth perception than during daylight hours.
As explained earlier, the 9005 has the same L-shape as the H11, but they are not compatible. The closest thing to the 9005 is the 9006; the two types are nearly interchangeable. A 9005 bulb can fit into a 9006 socket, but a 9006 bulb won’t fit a 9005 socket—a question of pins once again. The key difference between both is their wattage and intended use: the 9005 is a 65W high beam bulb, and the 9006 is a 55W low beam bulb.
9005 bulbs are also available as Quartz-Ion, LED, and Xenon alternatives and just like H11s, they all come with the same connector and thus, are all interchangeable.
Still, interchangeable or not, it’s essential to know what laws exist in your area to avoid being pulled over for having faulty headlights. Different states and countries have different laws and I honestly have no idea how it is elsewhere but in most US states, retrofits and using anything else than OEM bulbs is prohibited anyway. So make sure to keep an eye on that.
The Difference Between H11 and 9005 Bulbs
Lifespan
H11 and 9005 bulbs both have relatively long lifespans. An H11 can last an average of 30,000 hours, while a 9005 can last up to 50,000 hours. However, it’s important to mention that despite having a shorter lifespan than the 9005, the H11 still lasts longer than most headlight bulbs.
Compatibility
H11 bulbs are compatible with other low beam lights such as H8, H9, and H16, while 9005 bulbs are only compatible with 9006 and H13 bulbs. However, H11 and 9005 bulbs are not mutually interchangeable.
Don’t try to fit an H11 in a 9005 socket or vice versa, it won’t work.
Illumination and Wattage
Halogen H11 bulbs have a maximum wattage of 55W, equivalent to about 350 lumens. The bulb itself has a beamed focus, and can’t cast light over long distances.
Halogen 9005 headlight bulbs go up to 65W and have a maximum output of 600 Lumens. They also give off brighter beams with a broader and further illumination spread.
Quartz-Ion and Xenons models are a totally different story since the lumen output depends on a wide range of factors including their respective color temperature and power output (we’ll also have to cover that in another article, though).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are 9005 and H11 bulbs interchangeable?
No, the 9005 and H11 bulbs are not interchangeable. Despite having a similar L-shaped design that makes them look the same, they have different wattage and illumination capabilities and will not work in each other’s sockets. Attempting to use a bulb where it doesn’t belong may cause damage to your vehicle’s electrical system so just don’t.
You sure? Is there really no way to fit an H11 into a 9005 socket?
Well ok. If you really want to do it for some reason, yes, with a conversion, it could be done.
However, it’s not advisable.
Is it OK to use a 9006 instead of an H11?
No, you cannot use a 9006 bulb instead of an H11 bulb. The two types have different pin configurations and just won’t fit.
Can I use a 9006 to replace a 9005?
No, a 9006 bulb will usually not fit into your existing headlight housing. But anyway, the pins are also configured differently between the two and just won’t work.
Can I use fog light bulbs as headlights?
Yes, in some cases, it could be done. Still, always consult your state’s vehicle regulations beforehand to avoid getting fined.
Are 9005 bulbs brighter than H11 bulbs?
Yes! 9005 bulbs are designed to cast more light and a more comprehensive illumination range than other headlight bulbs.
How long do H11 bulbs last?
The H11 bulb lasts an average of 30,000 hours. Length can vary depending on the quality of the product and material used in manufacturing. Still, the H11 bulb lasts longer than most regular halogen headlight bulbs.
Last Words
With that being said, the H11 vs. 9005 debate is not really one. Both bulbs aren’t interchangeable so there is no real “choice” here—you will have to go with whatever was already on your car. Always consult your car owner’s manual before replacing parts to avoid damaging any component. Unless you know what you are doing, I would strongly advise against modifying your vehicle’s headlights since you can easily do more harm than good here.
Not to mention that when installing aftermarket HID and LED headlights, it’s never just a question of “switching” light bulbs. HIDs require ballasts to be installed and LEDs will rarely fit into your car’s stock connectors. If you are just replacing a burned light bulb, go with whatever the manufacturer recommends.
Finally, it’s essential to be aware of your state’s or country’s regulations and laws because they can vary depending on where you live. There’s really no point in switching for another light bulb to save a few bucks only to end up being fined a little later down the line anyway.
If you feel like we missed anything, don’t hesitate to drop a comment below and let us what you think!
