Guide to LED Headlights vs. HID

LED headlights and HID headlights are two types of headlights. More people are choosing to install LED and HID headlights in their cars. LED headlights are brighter and have a longer range than reflective halogen lights, but HID headlights are similar in brightness and range.

The choice between LED and HID headlights depends on where you live, when you drive, and how often you travel at night. We've compiled the following list based on expert recommendations to help you choose one over the other.

LED headlights use light-emitting diodes to create the headlight beams. LED headlights have a longer life than regular halogen lights and brighter, whiter-colored light. People who drive around town typically prefer white-colored lights so that they can see better at night without blinding oncoming drivers that may be traveling along the same street.

LED headlights are popular in cities where there are plenty of streetlights, so city drivers do not have to use their high beam as often or at all. LED lights also last longer than HIDs and halogens. Some LED headlight manufacturers claim that their products can last up to 30,000 hours before needing replacement.

What Are LED and HID Headlights?

LED and HID headlights are the bulbs and equipment for cars that help drivers see better at night. Until recently, most car manufacturers installed halogen lights in their cars that use nitrogen and argon gases to heat a filament and produce light.

HID headlights, or high-intensity discharge headlights, are headlights that use a combination of gas and metals to produce a bright blue-white light when the filament receives heat.

Some HID lights don't use filament and instead charge xenon through electrodes with high voltage. HID headlights are premium headlights used for their brightness and ability to last a long time. This type of headlight is ideal for driving at night.

LED headlights are aftermarket HID headlights upgrades. Semiconductors use energy-emitting photons to create light. LED headlights can get hot, so some require additional fans or heat sinks to control the temperature.

How To Choose LED vs. HID Headlights

You need to figure out what you want from new headlights. If you drive more during the day, it might be cheaper to get halogen or HID headlights. If you're looking for a short-term solution, HID might be better.

Our pick for people who drive nightly is LED because they are bright and have a long life span. You should also consider your location. If you live in a rural area, LED headlights might be better because there are not many streetlights. If you live in a city, HID headlights might work better.

How To Replace/Install LED and HID Headlights

If your car has HID lights, you don't need to do anything special when you replace a broken or worn-out bulb. If your car doesn't have HID lights, you can buy a conversion kit to change the type of bulbs.