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The Best LED Headlights 2021

Best LED Headlights

Switching from halogen bulbs to LED headlights will provide much better visibility and the desirable white light output. They also have a longer lifespan and use less power, which is why many car owners are converting their headlights.

The best LED headlights is the Cougar Motor Conversion Kit, which combines reliable performance with excellent value for money.

It’s important to note that not all LED headlights will be compatible as some may need a conversion kit. Some options may be plug in and play, which makes the change from halogen headlight bulbs much easier.

Table of Contents

LED Headlights Comparison

LED HeadlightsLumensLight Output
Cougar Motor All-In-One7,2006,000K
OPT7 FluxBeam7,0006,000K
HIKARI Conversion9,6006,000K
BEAMTECH CSP8,0006,000K
SNGL Super Bright12,4005,500/6,000K
JDM ASTAR T110,0006,000K
LASFIT Kit7,6006,000K
Glowteck Conversion12,0006,500K
Win Power CREE7,2006,000K
SEALIGHT Kit12,0006,000K

When it comes to LED vs HID, many people will confuse them as the same type of light. However, this is incorrect as a HID kit use plug-in kits or are incorporated into a headlight unit with bulbs that feature xenon gas.

Although LED headlights may require additional adapters like the HID’s, they use a semi-conductor to generate light as opposed to a filament.

Below is a list of the best LED headlights that provide excellent light output and are easy to install with adapters and other hardware.

Best LED Headlights


1. Cougar Motor LED Headlights

One of the most popular conversion kits for LED headlights is by the Cougar Motor brand. They state that their bulbs are 200% brighter than standard halogens, which is due to the advanced CREE LED chips.

To ensure that these LED headlights run as cool as possible, they use an aluminum housing with powerful “TurboCool” fans.

Features of the Cougar Motors Kit include:

  • 7,200 Lumens
  • 6,000K cool white
  • 50,000 hours lifespan
  • Canbus ready to avoid warning lights
  • Available in 10 different bulb sizes
  • Works at -40 to +80 degrees
  • 3 year warranty

Overall, they are excellent all rounder LED headlights that combines value for money, build quality and performance. Cougar Motors even claim that they will work underwater and provide a 3 year warranty for peace of mind.

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2. OPT7 FluxBeam LED Headlight Kit


OPT7 are a highly reputable brand and their LED headlight kit is one of the most popular available. They provide up to 15 different bulb sizes with the choice of 4 different light colors to best suit your requirements.

It’s terms of the installation, the brand state that it is a complete plug and play kit that is made to replace the stock housing and sockets.

Other features of the OPT7 FluxBeam Kit include:

  • 7,000 Lumens
  • 5,000K or 6,000K light output
  • Advanced Roden LED driver
  • Plug and play kit
  • 2 year warranty
  • High-density extruded aluminum construction
  • 60 day money back guarantee

The OPT7 LED headlight are one of the best available but they do come with a premium price tag. However, they are built to the highest of standards with a variety of bulb sizes and light output to choose from.

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3. HIKARI LED Headlight Bulbs Conversion Kit

The HIKARI LED Headlights are suitable for those on a budget and are available in 10 different bulb sizes. Unlike other cheap alternatives, this kit comes with a 2 year limited warranty for peace of mind.

The brand state that they are up to 220% brighter than standard bulbs with a max light output of 9,600 Lumens.

Other features of the Hikari LED Kit include:

  • 6,000K cool white light output
  • Compatibility with most OEM dust covers
  • Adjustable beam design
  • Advanced copper heat dissipation
  • Operate in temperatures as high as 300 degrees
  • IP66 waterproof rating

The Hikari LED conversion kit offers excellent value for money and are very bright with 9,600 Lumens. You will not be disappointed with these LED headlights and they come with 2 years warranty for peace of mind.

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4. LASFIT LED Headlight Bulbs


LASFIT are highly rated LED headlights that are produced in the USA and come with a 1 year warranty. These headlights use the brands new and approved flip chips that offer an adjustable beam pattern.

They are designed to be plug and play headlights that provide the desirable white light output and high brightness.

Other features of the LASFIT LED Lighting include:

  • 7,600 Lumens
  • 6,000K cool white light output
  • IP67 waterproof rating
  • Works at -40 to +80 degrees
  • 30,000 hours lifespan
  • 14 different bulb sizes
  • 1 year replacement warranty

For those that want a simple installation, this will be one of the best options. It has no external driver and simply connects directly into OEM housing plugs. There is no wire cutting and the compact size means there is no tight fittings too.

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5. SNGL Super Bright LED Headlights


If you want the brightest LED headlights, you can achieve this by using the SNGL conversion kit. Once installed, they are able to produce 12,400 Lumens with a crystal clear 6,000K bright white light output.

The brand offer these headlights in a choice of 11 different bulb sizes and the choice of 6,000K or 5,500K color options.

Other features of the SNGL LED Conversion Kit include:

  • 12,400 Lumens
  • Adjustable beam technology
  • LED drivers with overheat and fan failure protection
  • Canbus ready
  • Plug and play installation
  • IP67 waterproof rating
  • Up to 50,000 hours lifespan
  • 2 year warranty

The SNGL LED headlights provides the ultimate lighting performance and uses high quality materials to maximize reliability. However, it does come at a cost that might be out of budget for many car owners looking for a cheap upgrade.

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6. Glowteck LED Headlight Bulbs Conversion Kit


The Glowteck LED headlights are an affordable option for those that require maximum brightness. They provide 12,000 Lumens of light output and the conversion kit uses the latest CREE XHP50 LED chips.

The brand state that installation takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish and they simply replace the stock bulbs.

Other features of the Glowteck Conversion Kit include:

  • Up to 40,000 hours of light output
  • AirFLUX dual cooling for maximum heat dissipation
  • Copper core and aluminum coating
  • Adjustable beam pattern
  • Anti-glare body
  • Includes a 2 year warranty

Overall, they are a great option for those that require maximum brightness whilst remaining on budget. They may not be as high performing as the SNGL alternatives but they are the next best option at a fraction of the cost.

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7. JDM ASTAR T1 LED Headlights


Another bright pair of LED headlights are the JDM Astar Bulbs, which produce an impressive 10,000 Lumens without the need of an external driver. It is a complete conversion kit that contains everything required for the upgrade.

To maximize heat dissipation, it uses aviation aluminum housing that improves the efficiency and longevity of these bulbs.

Other features of the JDM Astar Kit include:

  • 10,000 Lumens
  • 6,500K light color
  • 5 different bulb sizes
  • 20,000 hour lifespan
  • IP65 waterproof rating
  • -40 to +80 degrees  temperature range
  • Plug and play connector
  • 1 year warranty

Overall, they are are efficient bulbs that produces the desirable xenon light output at 6,500K. However, the unique selling point of these bulbs is of course the brightness without the need of an external driver.

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8. BEAMTECH Aftermarket LED Headlights


Another affordable pair of aftermarket LED headlights are by the reputable BEAMTECH brand. They uses the latest CSP LED chips, which are double sided and are capable of producing 8,000 Lumens.

Compared with other cheap alternatives, these bulbs have a long lifespan of 30,000 hours, which is due to the low lamp heat.

Other features of the BEAMTECH LED Conversion Kit include:

  • 8,000 Lumens
  • 6,500K xenon white color output
  • Waterproof driver and connectors (IP65)
  • Multiple bulb sizes available
  • All-in-one design
  • Aviation aluminum housing
  • 1 year warranty

The BEAMTECH LED headlights is an excellent all-round option that offers great value for money. The “all-in-one” design makes it very easy to install with the brand stating it will be plug and play procedure for 95% of vehicles.

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9. Win Power LED Headlights


One of the cheapest LED headlight conversion kits is by the Win Power brand and they provide a 2 year warranty for peace of mind. There is a choice of 10 different bulb sizes that are suitable for a range of different light configurations.

If you intend to use these headlights in rugged conditions, the brand state they are shockproof and IP67 waterproof.

Other features of the Win Power Kit include:

  • 7,200 Lumens
  • 6,000K cool white light output
  • Lifespan of up to 50,000 hours
  • High speed fan to control the heat
  • Canbus ready and 10 bulb sizes available
  • Includes a 2 year warranty

The Win Power LED headlights are a cheap upgrade that provides reliable and high performing light output. Compared to similar priced alternatives, these bulbs uses advanced aviation aluminum with a efficient heat dissipation to maximize the lifespan.

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10. SEALIGHT LED Headlight Conversion Kit


The SEALIGHT conversion kit is designed to provide ultra bright light with an output of 12,000 Lumens. They are the cheapest pair of LED headlights that provide the most brightness for the money.

To ensure that beam pattern is suitable for night driving, each bulb has 16 CSP LED chips for maximum visibility.

Other features of the SEALIGHT Conversion Kit include:

  • 12,000 Lumens
  • 6,000K color output
  • Plug and play installation
  • Advanced electronic shielding technology
  • IP67 waterproof rating
  • Canbus ready

Although these LED headlights produce bright light, they do have a limited lifespan at only 30,000 hours. However, they are relatively cheap and will work with 90% of vehicles according to the manufacturer.

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LED Headlights Buying Guide

Upgrading to LED headlights provides a range of benefits such as a longer lifespan, white light output, low wattage usage and more. They are used in multiple locations that include brake lights, fog lights, interior lighting, day time running lights and more.

LED headlight bulbs are available in a range of sizes that include, H1, H3, H4, H7, H11, H13 and many others. You will want to ensure that you check the bulb sizes before purchasing one of the recommendations above.

To help you make an informed buying decision, we have produced the below guide regarding LED headlights.

Conversion Kit and Installation

As you can imagine, not all vehicle will be able to switch their halogen and replace it with LED headlight bulbs. Therefore, the majority of LED headlights come as a conversion kit that include the bulbs, adapters, connectors and a few other bits of hardware. Installation is easy and you can replace your bulbs in less than 30 minutes.

Depending upon your vehicle, either remove the headlight assembly (as shown below) or open the bonnet to access the rear of the headlight. Simply remove the halogen (avoid touching the glass) and then place the LED headlight adapter if required. Once put in place and stable, connect the LED bulb to the adapter and you are all setup. For those that like to see a video tutorial, check out this installation.

LED Headlight Conversion Kit

Light Color

As with all lights, the light output will be a certain color and referred to as a Kelvin rating. The Kelvin temperature chart determines the output color of the bulb where most LED lights fall between 3,000K and 6,500K. Opting for a light color over 6,500K often results is a blue hue to the light, which may not be street legal.

Brightness

Some car owners may want the brightest LED headlights they can get their hands on. If this is the case, you will want to pay attention to the Lumens ratings of each bulb. The higher the Lumens rating, the brighter the light output.

Heat Emission

One drawback of using LED headlights is that they produce heat when used for long periods of time. This is because LED bulbs use semi-conductors, which rely on temperature for its performance as a diode is required for low temperature output.

Therefore, you should ensure that the conversion kit uses a cooling system for heat dissipation to avoid any premature breakdown of the bulb due to excessive heat.

Canbus Light Malfunctions

A common issue that many people come across is the dreaded CanBus warning light, which is due to incompatibility with the vehicles computer and the new bulbs. No matter how many times you remove the error with a car diagnostic tool, as soon as you turn the light bulb on, it will reappear.

In order to overcome the issue, we highly recommend that you have installed the capacitor between the bulb plug and socket correctly. Loose connections is a popular cause for the CanBus error and it can be solved fairly easily.

LED Headlights

Are LED Headlights Road Legal?

When it comes to purchasing LED headlights, you will want to pay close attention to your state laws. There are laws that restrict street usage of bulbs that output certain colors (i.e. blue light) or bulbs that are simply too bright. For example, in Indiana there is a specific ruling for blinding lights as shown here.

However, the bulb itself is not the main issue, it is the reflector. This is because if your headlight reflector has been designed for halogen bulb, it will distort the beam pattern from the LED light. This has the effect of spreading the beam output, which can frustrate drivers on the other side of the road.

The likelihood of getting pulled over for using LED headlights is very unlikely as long as they are not blinding other road users. However, you should be warned that the majority are not DOT certified and may get you in trouble.

Conclusion

Introducing LED technology into your vehicle in the form of LED headlights can truly transform the appearance of your car. Not only that, they also produce additional visibility on the road, which makes night driving more safe.

Installation with conversion kits is made simple and all of our recommendations in this article are highly rated. Most people will not be too bothered but you should check the state laws regarding the LED bulbs you purchase as not all the kits you find are not DOT compliant. All of our recommendations are suited to a range of budgets and bulb sizes. We highly advise choosing headlights from a reputable brand to avoid any disappointment.

procarreviews author

Written By Dan

About the Author

Dan is an automotive journalist and owner of over 10 cars ranging from supercars, tuned cars, classics and your good old beater cars. He always likes to get his hands dirty with nut and bolt restorations or detailing sessions using the best products on the market.

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