9005 vs 9006 Headlight Bulbs – What is the difference?
Shopping for the proper automotive lighting can be overwhelming. There are so many options that it takes work to keep them all straight. If you’re looking for a reliable upgrade from OEM halogen headlight bulbs, the best choices are 9005 and 9006.
They both offer excellent performance characteristics. However, subtle differences in their construction, wattage output, and lumens output must be considered before making a purchase decision.
Our comprehensive comparison guide will help eliminate the guesswork of choosing between 9005 vs 9006 bulbs. We’ll provide information on each bulb type, discuss their similarities and differences, and review other important considerations when selecting a new set of headlights so that you can confidently make an informed purchasing decision.
Difference between 9005 and 9006 headlight bulbs
Selecting the perfect light bulb for your specific needs can prove to be a daunting task. You’re instantly met with a sea of markers, sizes, and specs that all begin to blend. The most confusing comparison of all is the 9005 and 9006 headlight bulbs. Are they interchangeable? Is one more powerful than the other? Fear not, for we have done the research to help ease your concerns.
First things first – let’s break down the two bulb types. The 9005 bulb is a high beam, while the 9006 is a low beam or fog light. While the 9005 bulbs can work in the 9006 slots, the 9006 bulbs will not function correctly in the 9005 slots. It’s important to remember that the two lighting types should never be swapped between slots.
We’ll dive deeper into the differences between the two bulbs and highlight some of the best options.
-Application
For optimal functionality, sure bulbs are uniquely equipped. Single filament bulbs, like the 9005 and 9006, accomplish a solitary task. On the other hand, bi-lux bulbs such as the H4 sport two filaments, capable of high and low-beam functions. While purportedly more reliable, most manufacturers tend to favor single-filament bulbs.
- Exclusively used as the headlight high beam lamp is the 9005.
- The low headlight beam and front fog lamp bulb use the 9006.
-Power Draw
When selecting the correct headlight bulb for your vehicle, understanding the differences between 9005 and 9006 bulbs is crucial. Although they seem alike, their disparity could significantly impact your driving experience.
For starters, both bulbs operate using 12.8 Volts. However, the 9005 consumes 65 watts of power while the 9006 uses 55 watts. This variance directly impacts the bulb’s performance and, most importantly, compatibility with your car’s battery.
- The 9005 bulb draws 65 Watts.
- The 9006 bulb draws 55 Watts.
If you’re looking for a headlight bulb with more lighting power, 9005 is your best bet. With its powerful 65 watts, you’ll enjoy better clarity and a brighter road view.
Conversely, the 9006 is your go-to bulb if you prioritize power efficiency. Consuming only 55 watts will put less stress on your car battery while providing sufficient illumination.
-Beam Type
When selecting a new headlight bulb setup, remember that different bulbs are required for high and low-beam configurations. Although 9005 and 9006 bulbs may appear similar, they offer distinct benefits depending on your needs.
Opt for 9005 bulbs if you’re seeking improved high beam performance, as they boast a higher power rating that delivers exceptional brightness. Meanwhile, 9006 bulbs offer optimal low-beam illumination. Using the appropriate bulb for each type of beam ensures that your headlights provide the appropriate lighting for any driving situation.
-Brightness
In terms of brightness, the clear Winner is 9005. Utilized in high beam configurations, it is brighter and more vibrant than the 9006, as it draws more power.
Opting for 9005 will yield better high-beam performance and improve visibility. Overall, choosing 9005 over 9006 is a no-brainer!
-Range
9005 headlight bulbs are an ideal choice for better road coverage. Being more powerful, they produce a farther-reaching throw that ensures clear visibility of the roadside.
In contrast, 9006 bulbs may need to provide the same level of performance. Upgrade your driving experience by opting for quality 9005 bulbs today.
-Compatibility
To ensure proper compatibility, it’s important to remember that 9006 bulbs cannot be substituted for 9005 bulbs.
Although different conversion kits on the market can facilitate the installation of 9005 bulbs in a low beam 9006 socket, we highly advise against this as it could impair vision for oncoming drivers.
In rare situations, your vehicle may only permit 9006 bulbs. In such cases, temporarily employing a converted 9005 bulb might work until you find a permanent solution.
-Luminous Flux
An essential factor in headlamp performance is Lumen, which indicates brightness levels. However, it’s important to note that bulbs like 9005 and 9006 have intentional lumen differences to avoid over-brightness on low beams and high beams.
Street-legal light manufacturers seldom state the lumen ratings, leaving drivers in the dark about their headlamps’ capacity. Fortunately, a wealth of data on aftermarket LED beams and other illumination gadgets for off-road and work purposes is available.
- The 9005 bulb is rated at 1200 to 1700 lumens.
- The 9006 bulbs are rated at 700 to 1200 lumens.
-Lifespan
The longevity of headlight bulbs varies among manufacturers, and opting for more expensive bulbs will naturally increase life expectancy. Unfortunately, frequent voltage fluctuation and issues with the vehicle’s electric circuit will decrease bulb lifespan, causing them to burn out more quickly.
Here’s a useful tip: While there’s no real difference between the lifespan of 9006 and 9005 bulbs, you’ll need to replace the 9006 bulbs sooner since it primarily produces low beams, which are used more often than high beams.
Refrain from letting the short life span of bulbs deter you. Most will give you 1,000 hours of usage, which equates to years of driving, even if you’re primarily on the road at night.
The Best 9005 Bulb Options
- Sylvania 9005 XtraVision Halogen Headlight Bulb
Sylvania XtraVision halogen headlights are a top pick if you’re looking for quality and value from one of the most trusted auto bulb manufacturers. With impressive down-road visibility and minimal glare, Sylvania’s OEM light source ensures street-legal compliance without worry.
To maintain optimal visibility, replacing the bulbs in pairs over time is recommended, as they naturally tend to dim. And the price? A mere $22.50 for a package that includes two bulbs. With the best of both worlds, Sylvania XtraVision halogen headlights offer an unbeatable combination of affordability and quality.
- Philips Automotive Lighting 9005 CrystalVision Headlight Bulb
The Philips CrystalVision halogen bulb offers a phenomenal HID look and bright white light at a fraction of the cost. Xenon HID seems amazing, but it’s an expensive and unreliable upgrade. Instead, opt for the Philips CrystalVision bulbs: an affordable solution that yields similar results.
During the day, the blue coating on the Philips CrystalVision bulbs gives off an excellent blue effect while staying completely street-legal and not altering the beam color at night.
While $32.50 is costlier than Sylvania, choosing the Philips bulbs lets you enjoy that cool blue hue and HID appearance. So why switch and level up your ride’s lighting game?
- Fahren 9005/HB3 LED Headlight Bulbs Conversion Kit
The Fahren 9005 LED Headlight bulbs offer significant improvements over classic halogen lights as they are brighter, more durable, and can last up to 50,000 hours! With an impressive 10,000 Lumens output, these are the most popular bulbs on Amazon, and it’s easy to see why.
That being said, ensuring these bulbs are street-legal before purchasing is crucial. Assuming you can run them legally, you’ll enjoy several benefits – brighter headlights that last long, all at an affordable price of just $34!
In summary, if you’re looking to upgrade your halogen bulbs, the Fahren 9005 LED Bulbs are an excellent choice for better visibility on the road.
The Best 9006 Bulb Options
- Philips Automotive Lighting 9006 X-treme Vision
For drivers who frequently hit the road at night, the Philips X-tremeVision 9005 bulbs can improve visibility without breaking street-legal limits. According to Philips, these bulbs offer up to a 100% increase in vision compared to the weakest street-legal bulbs.
When it comes to halogen bulbs, the X-tremeVision is a clear choice. The pack of two costs $36.70 on sale, and the top-notch illumination quality provided by Philips make the extra expense worthwhile. Your safety is worth it, after all.
- Sylvania – 9006 XtraVision High-Performance Halogen Headlight Bulb
Are you seeking an affordable, reliable way to match your 9005 high-beam bulbs? Look no further than Sylvania’s 9006 XtraVision High-Performance Halogen Headlight bulbs. These cheap bulbs offer superior down-road visibility and decreased glare, ensuring you’re seeing and being seen on the road.
With a reliable and robust design, Sylvania’s 9006 XtraVision bulbs will continue to shine bright for years. And at just $20 for a set of two, you won’t have to break the bank for quality lighting.
- Sealight 9005 & 9006 LED Bulbs Combo Package
I’ll incorporate a LED conversion for the 9006 halogen bulbs to ensure consistency. I’m excited to share this time that it’s a set of two 9005 and two 9006 bulbs.
You’ll love the Sealight combo package – it delivers five times the brightness of standard halogen bulbs, providing up to 14,000 Lumens per pair of lights. The light pattern is meticulously crafted to maintain oncoming traffic safety while maximizing your visibility.
The external driver chip is also separate from the bulb body, minimizing heat buildup and increasing the bulb’s lifespan. It comes in 4 bulbs for your convenience at an affordable cost of $70, comparable to Philips but with superior brightness.
FAQs About what is the difference between Sylvania 9005 and 9006
What bulb is the same as 9005?
The bulb that is the same as a 9005 is a 9006. They use the same halogen bulb type but are rated at different brightness levels and have different beam patterns for low and high beams.
What is the difference in lumens between 9005 and 9006?
The 9005 bulb is rated at 1200 lumens, and the 9006 is rated at 1000 lumens. This means that the 9005 bulb is brighter than the 9006.
Are 9005 and 9006 bulbs interchangeable?
No, they are not interchangeable, as low and high beams have different beam patterns. Additionally, 9005 bulbs require an H11 type of connector.
Can I use 9005 as the low beam?
Yes, you can use a 9005 bulb for a low beam. This bulb type is brighter than the standard 9006 bulbs, which are often used for low beams.
What cars use 9005 headlight bulbs?
9005 headlight bulbs are used in many different types of cars and trucks. Some popular models that use this bulb include the Honda Civic, Accord, Toyota Corolla, Camry, and more.
Can I use 9005 instead of H10?
No, you cannot use a 9005 bulb instead of an H10 bulb. These two bulbs are not interchangeable as they have different beam patterns and wattage ratings.
What bulb is the same as 9006?
The 9006 bulb is the same as the 9005 bulb. They use the same halogen bulb type but are rated at different brightness levels and have different beam patterns for low and high beams.
Is a 9005 bulb high or low beam?
The 9005 bulb is typically used for high-beam applications but can also be used for low-beam. You must check with local laws and regulations to ensure this type of bulb is street-legal in your area.
Can I use H11 instead of 9006?
No, you cannot use an H11 instead of a 9006 bulb. These two bulbs are separate as they have different beam patterns and wattage ratings.
Can you put high-beam bulbs in the low beam?
Yes, you can use high beam bulbs in the low beam, but it is important to check with your local laws and regulations to ensure this type of bulb is street-legal in your area. Additionally, using a higher-wattage bulb may cause damage to the headlight housing or other components. \
The Winner: the difference between 9005 and 9006
Choosing the right bulbs for the job is essential to get the most out of your headlight setup. Should you go with 9005 or 9006 bulbs? Well, it depends! Let’s take a closer look.
First off, let’s talk brightness. The 9005 bulbs are perfect if you want super bright high beams, but they could be better for low beams. On the other hand, the 9006 bulbs are more power efficient and won’t blind oncoming traffic, making them ideal for regular nighttime driving.
But wait, there’s more! You might think of swapping your bulbs to switch up your beams, but that’s not a good idea. 9005 and 9006 bulbs are not interchangeable! Always use the correct bulb, even if it might cost more. Trust us; it’s worth it for your safety and the safety of others on the road.
What if we told you that for the best lighting results, you might want to use both 9005 and 9006 bulbs? Yep, it’s true. Use 9005 bulbs for high and 9006 for low beams to get the best of both worlds.
Regarding cost, these bulbs are trendy, which means they are also very affordable. You might be tempted to try a cheaper alternative, but we don’t recommend it. Stick with 9005 and 9006 bulbs for maximum performance and long-lasting durability.
So, if you want brighter high beams, go with 9005 bulbs. For power efficiency and safe low beams, go with 9006 bulbs. And for the best lighting results, use both!
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I’m Timothy Ballard, owner of a used car dealership in Springfield. I love just about everything automotive, but I have a special place in my heart for trucks. I’m an ASE Certified Master Technician, so I know my way around a car. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling with my family and hiking new trails.