A lot of night driving requires the best headlights to give the best possible visibility. With so many types of headlights on the market, it might be a bit confusing trying to make sense of it all.
That’s why it’s important to discuss Xenon vs. LED vs. halogen before making a decision.
I look at the different headlight types and talk about the positives and negatives of each. I also make suitability suggestions based on the various top-selling models.
Xenon vs. LED vs. Halogen Headlights Differences
Halogen bulbs are the cheapest option, but don’t expect great performance from one. Xenon HID bulbs provide a strong beam, but require some warm-up time before reaching their full potential.
LEDs last the longest, but not every vehicle can use LEDs.
While this is a quick answer, there is much to discuss, so keep reading if you want to determine which type of light works best for you and your car!
What are Xenon Headlights?
Xenon is a types of HID headlight. HID headlight stand for high intensity discharge, which has been being built since the 1990s, with some first being used with BMW vehicles. What is remarkable about these headlights is the gas that is needed for startup.
HID lights work in a similar way to neon lights, because the current is sent through a tube that is filled with gas.
The tube also has electrodes at each end. The current flows between the opposite electrodes, exciting the halide salts and the Xenon gas. The high voltage spark ionizes the Xenon, which produces the current.
Xenon Headlight Pros
#1. Efficient.
HID headlights consume more energy than halogen lights when starting out, but afterward, they consume less energy than halogen lights.
With reduced energy consumption, less engine power will be required and there will be less strain on the alternator, which adds to your overall efficiency. You might only save a few cents worth of fuel, but that all adds up.
#2. Strong illumination.
Some more advanced HIDs can be used for a dual-beam application. Bi-Xenons are designed to work for both low and high beams with the use of a mechanical shutter inside the projector.
With a few more adjustments, you will be able to get so much more illumination where it is truly needed.
Another issue with traditional halogen lights is that depending on the technology used, xenon lights create a broader, farther-reaching beam than what you might be used to experiencing. There may be instances where you will feel like the low beam provides you with enough illumination.
HIDs also produce a crisp white beam which gives them a look closer to daylight. You won’t feel bad about the shade of yellow some lights produce.
#3. Long-Lasting.
Xenon headlights have a long service life. The average HID bulb could last 2,000 hours, but there are products on the market rated for 8,000 hours or more. Compared to how long the halogen light can last, any Xenon can provide a better value.
If you use Xenon in place of halogen, you may have to replace the bulbs once for every two or three times, other people may replace the halogen lamps. This would help you save money on replacement components.
Xenon Headlight Cons
#1. High Cost.
Although Xenon lights last longer than halogen lights, they will cost you more upfront. However, the additional money is justified with their extended use, and when you divide the cost by hour of use it may cost you less than you think.
With Xenon lights lasting two to three times longer than Halogen, you want to take this into account for price comparisons.
Knowing the per-hour cost, you will find that the price is not different, except you are just paying more upfront when you purchase Xenon.
#2. Added Glare.
A common complaint regarding HID bulbs is their ability to glare. Drivers coming toward you tend to hate looking at Xenon bulbs since they glare.
It can also be annoying for vehicles ahead of you when the beams hit the vehicle’s mirrors. That is why some states have banned certain HID bulbs.
What are LED Headlights?
LED headlights differ from other lights in their operation. Negative electrons travel through holes from the semiconductor, which creates the light-emitting diodes they are named for.
When an electron falls into one of the low-energy holes, photons are emitted, or electroluminescence occurs. This is a very fast process, and that is how we can see the beam you are accustomed to.
LED Headlight Pros
#1. Powerful.
LED bulbs require little power to activate, with no warm-up time as with HID bulbs. You turn on the LED headlights for an instant beam.
And even with minimal power, you have access to maximum brightness the moment you turn on the lights. With instant power, you know you have the burning rays to travel the darkest of roads.
#2. Efficient.
LED bulbs use little energy compared to the brightness. Because of the design of the LED bulb, it doesn’t tax your car engine.
So while your lights are on, your not draining any power needed for the full performance of the vehicle while on the road. As a result, you may notice a slight improvement to your fuel economy.
#3. Precise Beam.
You get a more precise beam of light from an LED headlight bulb than any HID bulb. An LED is able to be shaped in a variety of ways, which is the reason there are many different sizes and shapes of LED bulbs for vehicles.
Auto manufacturers are now able to use the LED bulbs in multiple ways to give you a unique look of the vehicle. That is why you see LED bulbs used in light strips and in headlights!
LED Headlight Cons
#1. Fitting.
LED bulbs use a specific assembly for cooling. This is why you can’t use LED headlights on every vehicle.
LED bulbs must have space for the assembly to work. Sometimes it’s possible to retrofit the assembly, but it can be easier if you already have LED headlights on your vehicle.
#2. High Costs.
You will spend more on LED bulbs than you would if you bought halogens. Sometimes they can also be more expensive than Xenon heads.
If you do not spend much time driving at night, then the cost at that point may not be worth it. But you will be glad you paid the cost if you are regularly on the road after sunset.
What are Halogen Headlights?
Halogen lights are the traditional type found in vehicles. The bulb contains nitrogen and argon gas to produce the light beam, while also housing a tungsten filament in the middle.
Electrical charge is sent to the tungsten from the vehicle, quickly heating up. The gas inside the light bulb glows creating incandescence.
Halogen Headlight Pros
#1. Easy to Find
Halogen headlights are the easiest bulbs to find. Because they are used so much, you should have no trouble buying replacement halogen bulbs for your car.
Most likely, your vehicle came with halogen lights, which makes your search that much easier. However, if you’re unsure, the owner’s manual has the information.
#2. Designed for Average Use
If you’re only driving short distances at night, or maybe you don’t drive in the dark much at all, then your halogen bulb is going to deliver everything you need.
Halogen bulbs are not designed to last long. However, if you’re not using it, then it really doesn’t matter. For most people, halogen bulbs provide you with everything you need.
#3. Affordable
Halogen headlights are the most affordable of the three we discussed. You can get a replacement pair of bulbs for about $15. What’s more, if you do it yourself, then you are really getting a good deal!
You can even change them every two years and still feel great about it. Replacing headlights is one of the least expensive repairs on your vehicle.
Halogen Headlight Cons
#1. Heat.
Halogen light bulbs produce more heat than other choices because of the physical design of the bulb itself.
Due to the fact that the halogen bulb needs more power to produce both heat and a beam, you will see an increase in your energy needs. In the end, halogen lights can strain the electrical systems, especially if you have a weak battery.
#2. Highly Sensitive.
Another issue with halogen bulbs is that they are extremely sensitive. Foreign substances create an issue with the operation of the bulb, including natural oils from fingerprints.
Whenever you replace halogen light bulbs, you need to wear gloves to ensure that natural oils from your hands do not transfers onto the surface of the bulb. If they are on the bulb, the heat will dissipate unevenly, thus causing premature wear.
#3. Shorter Lifespan.
The major complaint about halogen lights is that they have the shortest lifespan. Halogen bulbs typically last anywhere from 450 to 1,000 hours. That is not much time in comparison to the other two options.
On the other hand, you do not need to spend much for these bulbs, which is better value for some drivers. If you do not drive much at night, a short lifespan may not be as important for your situation.
Choosing the Right Headlights for Your Vehicle
It can be overwhelming to select the right headlight for any situation, but ultimately it is all about what you like. Many vehicles give you choices of different types of bulbs as long as you make some slight adjustments after installation.
If you’re uncertain look at your owner’s manual to see what manufacturer rate for you headlight. You can also ask your local dealership what your vehicle can take.