HID Headlights vs LED Headlights
Both HID and LED headlights shine brighter than halogen lights, but HID headlights use xenon gas to produce light while LED headlights conduct electricity.
Written by Abbey Orzech
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
Table of Contents
- HID headlights
- LED headlights
- HID and LED headlight types
- Which to choose: HID vs LED?
- Installing HID vs LED headlights
- How to find affordable car insurance
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HID headlights create their light by burning xenon gas, and LED headlights give off light by conducting electricity through a diode. Both types of lights emit brighter and longer-lasting light than traditional halogen bulbs, but LED lights have a lower running temperature and a longer lifespan than HID headlights.
Functional headlights are crucial components of your vehicle for helping you navigate through the darkness and precipitation. While most cars have traditional halogen bulbs that emit a warm glow, they don’t always illuminate our paths well. HID and LED headlights, on the other hand, produce brighter light that reaches farther for safer driving and easier visibility.
To help you understand the key differences between HID headlights versus LED,
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HID headlights
HID headlights are different from halogen lights in that the source of light is different and they produce a brighter light than halogen light bulbs.
HID headlights use a combination of xenon gas and rare metals to create their light, so they are also referred to as Xenon headlights. This form of light production gives off a bright white-blue color as opposed to the soft warm yellow of halogen bulbs.
When this tech was first introduced, HID headlights were considered the premium option and were installed in luxury vehicles. Now, however, they are more common and used because of their increased brightness, lifespan, and energy efficiency. While more expensive than their halogen fellows, HID headlights are no longer just for luxury vehicles.
LED headlights
LED headlights differ from both halogens and HID lights in that they conduct electricity through a diode to produce their light. In fact, LED stands for Light-Emitting Diode.
LEDs are brighter, longer-lasting, and more energy-efficient than halogens and HID headlights, but they are more expensive because of the extra technology needed to keep them cool. Without the built-in heat sink and fan, LED bulbs would get too hot too quickly.
HID and LED headlight types
There are two different types of headlights that you can get for either HID or LED headlights: dual-beam and low beam. You generally can’t choose which headlight type to get as it is based on how your vehicle is equipped. Here’s the difference between the two:
Dual-beam
Dual-beam headlight types use just one bulb that functions as both a high beam and a low beam at your will and a switch. You can turn either the high beam or the low beam on and the other one will turn off.
Dual-beam headlights are ideal for vehicles with headlights that will fit only one bulb.
Low beam
Low beam headlights, in contrast, use two bulbs. One bulb functions as the high beam while the other functions as the low beam, and you can choose whichever one you want to be on.
Vehicles that have spots for two bulbs in the headlights ideally have low beam lights.
Which to choose: HID vs LED?
The right headlights for your car will depend on the details of your vehicle and your preferences regarding the following factors:
- Brightness: HIDs light up a larger swath of road, but improper installation can create more of a glare, thus less dependable light. LEDs by themselves are brighter.
- Color: HIDs can be found in seven colors—golden yellow, pure white, alpine white, bright white, ice blue, pure blue, and purple blue. LEDs typically have four colors—white, blue, yellow, and purple.
- Size: If you’re changing your halogen lights to LED or HID headlights, you’ll need to purchase a conversion kit because neither new type of light will fit in the old halogen spot. However, LED lights are generally smaller and more compact than HID lights.
- Lifespan: Both HID and LED lights last significantly longer than halogen lights, but LED lights are the clear winners when it comes to longevity. They can last more than 20,000 running hours while HIDs can last around 5,000 running hours.
- Price: Upfront costs for LED lights are more expensive than upfront HID costs, but LED lights will require less maintenance and last much longer, saving you money in the long term.
- Energy efficiency: Both LED and HID headlights are far more energy-efficient than halogen headlights. LED lights run with 85% more energy efficiency and HID lights run with 75% more energy efficiency than halogens.
- Lens construction: In general, HID lights work better with projector lenses, while LED lights are suited to reflector lenses.
MORE: How to turn on headlights
Installing HID vs LED headlights
The installation process for each type of headlight will be unique to the specific light installation package you have, so be sure to consult the instructions. The process may be different depending on the model and year of your vehicle.
If you plan to convert your headlight system from halogens to HID or LED, it will take longer and be more involved than simply switching out bulbs.
Before you begin the actual installation, be sure it’s something you’re able to do. Installing headlights incorrectly can cause them to shine in other drivers’ eyes rather than on the road, which will make for dangerous driving all around. If you have any hesitations, it’s best to take your car to a trusted mechanic.
How to find affordable car insurance
After you select your ideal headlight with the perfect color to match your style, make sure your car insurance policy is just as spruced up and geared towards your needs! When you use
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Are HID headlights or LED headlights better?
It depends on the type of lens your vehicle’s headlights have. Generally, HID lights are better for projector lenses, and LED lights are better for reflector lenses.
Will LED headlights last longer than HID headlights?
Yes, LED headlights can typically last for over 20,000 running hours while HID headlights can last around 5,000 running hours.
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