What is the difference between and headlight bulbs? Are and the same?
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Last updated: August 24,
is one of the most popular automotive headlight bulbs while is used relatively rarely on American and Japanese cars. Both are used across a variety of vehicles including cars, trucks, motorcycles, and in some cases, semi-trucks.
If you're in a hurry, let us save you some time - and are almost identical, you can technically replace one with the other if modifications are made to the locking tabs. Neither is better than the other, they simply have different designs and fit on different vehicles and/or different beams.
If you've landed on this article, you are most likely trying to figure out which of the two you need, if they are the same, if you could use either, or if they are different. In the following sections, we get to the bottom of this debate in great detail.
&#; IMPORTANT: Automotive light bulbs are vehicle-specific! If you're not sure which bulb size you need, use our Bulb Finder Tool, check your owner's manual, or contact your dealership to make sure you're buying the right bulbs to avoid fitment issues.
Let's get one thing clear - and are NOT the same. Why? Because of a few important differences discussed in the next section. However, you can use them interchangeably if you modify the locking tabs, although we do not recommend it.
While and bulbs look similar, have the same L-shape, and three locking tabs, are both used on-road vehicles and can be found on the same or similar vehicles, they each have unique locking tabs and wattage that ultimately make them different.
The main differences between and are their locking tabs, wattage, and their application:
The most important part of any electrical product is its connector (plug). If the connector doesn't fit, you can't connect the power, rendering your electrical product useless. Headlight bulbs are no different.
The and connectors are practically identical and fit into the same harness. Both have the same two prongs in an oval casing with the same spacing and dimensions, respectively.
The only difference is the tiny tabs inside the plug casing - the has two tiny tabs whereas the only has one as can be seen in the image above looking at the bottom right quadrant of each bulb.
Aside from the 3 points discussed in the previous section, these two bulbs have some other notable differences.
is occasionally used as a dual-beam bulb (for both the low and high beams in one bulb) while the is primarily used in fog lights and occasionally in low beams.
Note, however, that if your vehicle uses separate bulbs for each beam, you cannot use as both the low and high beams. is never used as a dual-beam bulb.
Compare all the differences and similarities between and side-by-side.
Brightness Up to 9,000 lm Up to 9,000 lm Lifespan Up to 45,000 hours Up to 45,000 hours Wattage 65W 55W Voltage 12V 12V Total Height 78 mm 79 mm MOL 55 mm 55 mm LCL 32 mm 32 mm Bulb Diam. 16 mm 16 mm Total Diam. 31 mm 32 mm Plug Width 46 mm 46 mm Plugh Height 15 mm 15 mm Plug Type 2 wide prongs 2 wide prongs Locking Tabs Plastic Plastic Beam(s) Low Beam, High Beam Low beam, Fogs Colors Yellow, White, Blue, Purple Yellow, White, Blue, Purple Available in Halogen, HID, LED Halogen, HID, LEDLooking to upgrade your or bulbs with better, brighter, and more durable lighting?
At XenonPro.com, we developed LED and HID bulbs that fit right into your vehicle. With the same design and plugs, our bulbs are incredibly easy to install and will improve your light output by up to 300%.
Check out our award-winning products backed by our industry-best Lifetime Warranty:
Need help choosing? Learn about the difference between LED and HID headlight bulbs.
To further illustrate the difference between the two, let's use the analogy of a TV remote and household batteries. The most common batteries are AA and AAA batteries.
Unless you've been living on a different planet, you've come across these at some point in your life.
and are both automotive bulb sizes just like AA and AAA are both battery sizes. Now, if your TV remote uses AAA batteries (the smaller ones), you know that you cannot use AA batteries. AA batteries are bigger and they simply won't fit in the TV remote's battery slot.
By that same token, inserting bulbs in a slot (or vice versa) will not work unless modifications are made to the locking tabs.
The bulb may not fit inside the assembly or lock into place but the plugs will be able to connect it to your vehicle's harness since they are the same.
There is a lot of misinformation out there on this topic saying that lasts longer than - this is simply false. All headlight and fog light bulbs of the same quality will have approximately the same lifespan.
When it comes to bulbs, lifespan is measured in lighting hours. Standard replacement halogen bulbs can last as little as 180 hours while higher quality halogen bulbs can go up to 500 hours or so. Premium LED or HID bulb upgrades such as ours can last well over 10,000 hours.
Another consideration is the beam in which the bulb is used. For instance, if a is used in the low beams (or fogs) and in the high beams (brights), the will logically outlast the .
This isn't because the is better or has a longer lifespan, it's because most drivers never use their brights, and those who do seldom use them for very short periods when necessary. A recent study by the IIHS found that only 9-18% of vehicles used high beams. So, perspective matters!
Both and are available in a variety of lighting technologies. From the factory, these bulbs always come in standard halogen but they can both be upgraded to LED or HID using what is commonly known as conversion kits.
For more information on halogen to LED conversion kits and halogen to HID conversion kits, check out our popular post Can I Put LED or HID Bulbs in My Stock Headlights?
Brightness depends on the quality of the bulb and the wattage. A and a bulb will emit the same amount of light if they are the same quality, same technology (halogen, HID, LED), and have the same wattage.
Looking at standard replacements, the will technically produce more light because it has a higher default wattage (65W) compared to the (55W) but it won't be significant.
Another consideration is the beam in which the bulb is used. Assuming both bulbs have the same quality, technology, and wattage, a bulb positioned in the high beams (brights) will appear to produce more light. This is simply because of the angle of the bulb and light, not because the bulb is brighter than its low-beam counterpart. You can learn more on this topic here.
Standard bulbs are 55 watts whereas standard bulbs are 65 watts. The comes in a higher wattage because they are often used in high beams and some cases as dual-beam bulbs, which require more output.
Both and are rated 12 volts. Most automotive headlights and fog light bulbs are 12V.
If you've been reading along, you will already know the answer to this question. You can technically fit a into a headlight by making modifications to the locking tabs. You can also fit a into a headlight by making modifications to the locking tabs.
As explained in previous sections, each bulb has its unique locking tabs, wattage, and application so although they can theoretically be used interchangeably with some modifications, we do not recommend it.
If you've been reading along, you already know that the only difference between the two will be the locking tabs, the plugs, and the dimensions of the bulb.
JG Auto Lighting Product Page
When it comes to upgrading your and/or bulbs from halogen to LED there is not much of a difference. Each bulb size is available in the same range of wattages and colors, and the installation processes are identical.
For example, here at XenonPro, we offer both bulb sizes in 25-, 35-, and 45-watt options and in 4 color options (white, yellow, blue, and purple). You can check them out below:
Similarly to LED, when upgrading your and/or bulbs from halogen to HID there is not much of a difference. Each bulb size is available in the same range of wattages and colors, and the installation processes are the same.
At XenonPro, we offer both bulb sizes in 35-watt and 55-watt in 7 color options ranging from yellow to white to purple. You can check them out below:
is the same as HB3, H10, H12, , , , , , and . It is not the same as .
is the same as HB4, , and H1R2. It is not the same as .
is found on a variety of car makes such as Dodge, RAM, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, and Subaru and in popular models such as the RAM , Forester, and Sienna.
To see which bulbs you need, use our Bulb Finder Tool, check your owner manual, or contact your dealership to make sure you're buying the right bulbs and avoid fitment issues.
Technically yes if modifications are made to the locking tabs but we do not recommend it.
Technically yes if modifications are made to the locking tabs but we do not recommend it.
No. Brightness depends on the quality of the bulb and the wattage. Both will produce the same amount of light if they have the same specifications.
Looking at standard replacement halogen bulbs specifically, is technically slightly more powerful because of its higher wattage.
No. Brightness depends on the quality of the bulb and the wattage. Both will produce the same amount of light if they have the same specifications.
Looking at standard replacement halogen bulbs specifically, is technically slightly more powerful because of its higher wattage.
No. Neither bulb is better than the other, they are just different and used on different vehicles. This is like asking if a shoe size 8 is better than a size 10.
You'll need to buy the bulb size that fits your vehicle just like you'll need to buy the shoe size that fits your foot.
No. Neither bulb is better than the other, they are just different and used on different vehicles. This is like asking if a shoe size 8 is better than a size 10.
You'll need to buy the bulb size that fits your vehicle just like you'll need to buy the shoe size that fits your foot.
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Disclaimer: The information contained on this page is provided free of charge to our visitors. It was prepared to the best of our abilities and with all the information available to us at the time of writing. We reserve the right to change, remove, or update any information contained on this page at any time and without notice to improve its accuracy. The most reliable method to determine the bulb size is by pulling your actual bulb(s) and reading the part number indicated directly on the bulb. The information compiled on this page comes with no guarantees or warranties.
Lasfit Official | August 19,
In modern society, with the continuous advancement of science and technology, people are paying more and more attention to the safety of driving at night. Therefore, equipping cars with high-quality headlights has become a necessity. Among the many headlight series available, the LED headlight bulb stands out as a top choice for many car owners due to its excellent brightness, durability, and ease of use. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on LED headlight bulbs, covering basic information, features, installation, and tips on choosing the right product, offering practical advice for car owners.
The bulb, also known as the HB3 bulb, is an electronic product used for mounting and emitting light in the headlights of automobiles or other motor vehicles. Typically made of yellow plastic with a small circular base and a metal head about 4 cm in diameter, the bulb uses DC power and is wired into the headlight's power line. Brightness and longevity vary by model and make, and it's crucial to select the appropriate bulb according to the vehicle manufacturer's specifications. When updating and replacing headlights, using the correct bulbs is essential for ensuring vehicle safety and proper operation.
Designed with a single filament, the bulb is typically used for high beams, while low beams often utilize a double filament design, such as the bulb. Commonly found in cars, motorcycles, and other automotive lighting systems, bulbs usually have a color temperature of K to K, providing bright and high-quality lighting. This design enhances visibility, thereby improving driver safety and road visibility.
It should be noted that the specific applicability of bulbs may vary according to the requirements of different vehicles and regions. When purchasing and replacing light bulbs, it is best to choose the appropriate light bulb model and power according to the specifications of the vehicle and the area.
bulbs have the following features:
Installing bulbs is straightforward. Follow these steps:
When selecting LED bulbs, consider the following factors:
Here are some top recommendations for LED headlight bulbs:
A1: bulbs are commonly used as high beams. The high beam provides stronger and farther lighting effects, suitable for use when driving at high speed or when long-distance lighting is required. However, specific usage may vary by region and vehicle model. Always use bulbs in compliance with local regulations and vehicle requirements.
A2: Yes, and HB3 are the same bulb model. They both represent manufacturer-standardized car high-beam bulb types, and therefore can be used interchangeably. Note that while the bulbs themselves are the same, different vehicles may have different lamp and electrical system designs. Confirm compatibility with your specific vehicle and adhere to local regulations and manufacturer recommendations.
What Vehicle does a headlight fit
?A3: headlight bulbs fit many models, especially newer vehicles. These bulbs are commonly used in high beams and are suitable for vehicles that require a brighter, more diffused beam. Due to their brightness and power, bulbs are often installed in larger vehicles such as SUVs, cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Some car models that use bulbs include the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Honda Accord, Toyota Corolla, Ford Explorer, and Volkswagen Tiguan, among others.
A4: Generally, fog lamps use H11 bulbs instead of bulbs. H11 bulbs are more common in fog lamp applications because they offer better scattering performance and are suitable for providing better visibility in foggy or adverse weather conditions. bulbs are typically used for high beams.
A5: If you need an alternative to a bulb, here are some compatible options:
A6: High beam halogen and high beam LED lights each have their advantages and disadvantages, depending on individual needs and preferences.
Advantages of high beam halogen lamps:
Advantages of high beam LED lights:
A7: No, bulbs are not dual beam. They are single beam bulbs, typically used for high beam headlights. Dual beam bulbs, like H4 or , have two filaments and can serve both high and low beam functions within the same bulb. For vehicles requiring dual beam functionality, you'll need a different type of bulb designed to switch between high and low beams.
By following this guide, car owners can make informed decisions when selecting LED headlight bulbs, ensuring safety and enhancing their driving experience.
For more Ledinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.