Investing into a LED light bar for your truck, SUV or ATV is an excellent way of improving your forward vision. They are designed to provide bright light that cuts through bad weather conditions and illuminate far into the distance.
The best LED light bar is the Rigid Industries E-Series, which is built to the highest of standards and available in lengths ranging from 10 to 50 inches.
As most light bars are designed to be used off road, you will want to pay particular attention to the build quality. Aluminum housing, polycarbonate lenses and high waterproof ratings are essential if you intend to use them off road.
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LED Light Bar Comparison
| LED Light Bar | Lengths | Lumens |
|---|---|---|
| Rigid Industries E-Series | 6 to 50 Inches | 13,800 |
| Nilight 162W | 25 Inches | 12,500 |
| OFFROADTOWN Quad Row | 12 to 50 Inches | 48,000 |
| KC HiLites 336 C-Series | 6 to 50 Inches | 11,760 |
| AutoFeel Kit | 42 to 52 Inches | 32,000 |
| Auxbeam Off-Road | 22 to 52 Inches | 30,000 |
| Xprite Ultra Thin | 8 to 50 Inches | 15,000 |
| Rigidhorse Single Row | 12 to 52 Inches | 30,000 |
| TURBO SII Curved | 32 to 54 Inches | 31,200 |
| Baja Designs S8 | 10 to 50 Inches | 12,000 |
Most LED light bars range from 5 to 50 inches, which is more than suitable for the majority of vehicles. Some off road enthusiasts even install multiple units for even further illumination. You can even add a LED tailgate light bar in order to light up the rear of your vehicle too.
Brightness may play a big part within your buying decision but as long as it is over 10,000 Lumens, it will be bright enough for most people. Installation is straightforward but having the correct mounting hardware and wiring harness does help.
Below is a list of the best LED light bars that are available in a range of lengths, brightness and are suitable for most budgets.
The Best LED Light Bar
1. Rigid Industries E-Series Light Bar
Rigid Industries are known for their LED light bars with a whole range of lights available. They do come with a premium price tag but the superior build quality and high performance outweigh the price tag. The E-Series model in particular is one of their most highly rated and is available in sizes ranging from 6 to 50 inches.
The brands patented hybrid optics combines both the lens and reflector to gain maximum light output from the LED. This results in light being emitted over a longer distance using a concentrated beam.
Other features of the Rigid Industries E-Series include:
- Lumens rated at 13,800
- Beam distance of 1,266 meters
- 165 wattage with an amperage draw of 11.96
- Uses their patented hybrid optics system
- Extruded aluminum housing
- Sealed polycarbonate lens
- Over-sized heat sinks to keep temperature down
Quality is at its finest with this Rigid Industries LED light bar and you will struggle to find an alternative that meets the build quality. There are cheaper options available but the E-Series is the best LED light bar available with multiple lengths to suit your vehicle.
Check it Out2. OFFROADTOWN LED Light Bar
OFFROADTOWN have teamed up with the Philips brand that are known for their headlight bulbs in order to create their LED chips. The inclusion of these chips means this LED light bar is able to combine an additional 2 rows of LED’s together.
Other features of the OFFROADTOWN Quad Row include:
- 48,000 Lumens at 480 watts
- Integrated thermal management to reduce heat
- IP68 waterproof rating with moisture breather technology
- Life span of over 50,000 hours
- 6,000K cool white temperature color
- Includes a 3 meter long wiring harness
Overall, if you are looking for the brightest LED light bar, the OFFROADTOWN is the best option. It’s available in sizes ranging from 12 to 50 inches and even comes with a 3 year warranty for peace of mind.
Check it Out3. Nilight 162W LED Light Bar
Although it’s a cheap option, the brand states that it has lifespan of over 30,000 hours and it even comes with a 2 year warranty for peace of mind.
Other features of the Nilight Light Bar include:
- 12,500 Lumens
- Die-cast aluminum housing
- IP67 waterproof rating
- 54 x 3W high intensity LED
- 6,000 to 6,500K temperature color
- Adjustable mounting bracket
It’s the best LED light bar for the money and considering the low price, it actually performs and is built to a high standard. Many cheap alternatives are known for using poor quality materials that cannot withstand tough conditions and simply break.
Check it Out4. KC HiLites 336 C-Series Light Bar
KC HiLites are another premium brand that are known across the offroading and truck communities. Their 336 C-Series LED light bar is a high quality example that is available in 6, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 inch lengths.
It has a forward facing dual row setup of CREE LED’s that produces 11,670 Lumens with a 6,000K color light output.
Other features of the KC HiLites 336 C-Series include:
- IP67 Waterproof rated with waterproof connectors
- On-board thermal management
- Single light with dedicated wiring harness
- Precision reflectors with a GORE membrane
- Over 50,000 hours lifespan
- Extruded aluminum housing
- Resistant to moisture and dust
The brand state that their light bars have been designed for durability and can withstand even the harshest of environments. The KC HiLites 336 C-Series is a premium option for enthusiasts looking at the best and it’s a great alternative to the rigid industries.
Check it Out5. AutoFeel LED Light Bar Kit
The brand provide this kit with 2 light bars, 4 light pods and 6 mounting brackets to provide maximum illumination of the road.
Other features of the AutoFeel Light Kit include:
- Spot and flood combo beam
- 32,000 Lumens output
- Waterproof and dustproof (IP68)
- Adjustable to 0, 15, 90 or 180 degrees
- 50,000 hours lifespan
- 52 and 22 inch light bars
- Two lead wiring harness
- Includes a 3 year warranty
The complete AutoFeel light bar kit offers excellent value for money and the high quality LED’s produce bright white light output. The brand offer the kit in other sizes but the 52 and 22 inch light bar setup is compatible with most cars or trucks.
Check it Out6. Auxbeam 5D Series Light Bar
The Auxbeam brand offer multiple different LED light bars but the 5D series is the best model they offer. It’s 52 inches long with 100 LED chips that offer intense white (6,000K) light output via the innovative 5D optic design.
To maximize the durability, the brand uses an aluminum adjustable mounting brackets and shell with stainless steel components.
Other features of the Auxbeam 5D Series include:
- 30,000 Lumens
- IP67 waterproof and dustproof rated
- Lifespan of over 50,000 hours
- Unbreakable polycarbonate lens
- Oversized and grooved heat sink
- CE & ROHs certified
Overall, it’s a premium LED light bar that is built to the highest of standards with a rugged construction and unbreakable lens. The brand also offer multiple different sizes and less advanced options for those that are on a tight budget.
Check it Out7. Xprite Ultra Thin LED Light Bar
Some light bars can be fairly bulky and once installed to your truck or ATV, that can look odd and even block air flow. However, Xprite offer a thin light bar that is only 1.22 inches tall and available in lengths ranging from 8 to 50 inches.
To ensure that the thin construction can withstand tough conditions, it uses an aluminum alloy body with sealed housing.
Other features of the Xprite Ultra Thin include:
- 15,000 Lumens
- 6,000K hyper white color
- Amber glow as a backlight
- Optical 4D lens design
- IP67 waterproof rating
- Steel mounting hardware with adjustable angles
- Includes 115 inches of wiring and quick connect plugs
The slim design and ambient backlight are impressive features that are not found with any of the alternatives. The Xprite LED light bar is a great all-rounder and comes with all the hardware needed to successfully mount it with ease.
Check it Out8. Rigidhorse Single Row LED Light Bar
It’s available in multiple lengths that includes 12, 22, 32, 42 and 52 inches long to best suit your requirements.
Other features of the Rigidhorse Single Row include:
- Durable aluminum alloy housing
- Adjustable stainless steel mounting bracket
- 30,000 Lumens light output
- 6,000K color temperature
- IP67 waterproof rating
- 8D reflective cup lens
- Includes a 2 year warranty
The Ridgidhorse light bar is an excellent all-round option that combines performance and value for money. The high powered LED’s provide bright illumination of the road ahead and the brand state they have a lifespan of over 50,000 hours.
9. TURBO SII Curved Light Bar
Although it’s a cheaper alternative, it still uses a high quality aluminum alloy housing, which is IP67 waterproof rated and dustproof.
Other features of the TURBO SII include:
- Over 50,000 hours lifespan
- CE, FCC, IC and ROHS certified
- Suitable for all weather usage
- 32, 42 and 52 inch length options
- All mounting hardware included
- 104 LED chips
- Includes a 1 year warranty
If you want a curved LED light bar without paying too much, the TURBO SII is a great choice. It’s been built to a high standard and delivers bright white light up to 31,200 Lumens, which is more than ideal for most applications. For peace of mind, it has been certified by the major standards and has a one year warranty included.
Check it Out10. Baja Designs S8 LED Light Bar
The Baja Designs S8 is also a great alternatives to off roading lights because they are design to withstand a lot of punishment. This can be seen by the IK10 rating that tests against mechanical impact and of course the IP67K waterproof rating. It has a moisture block that allows it survive up to 9 feet of water and being sprayed by a pressure washer.
Other features of the Baja Designs S8 include:
- Lumens rated at 12,000
- 5,000K temperature color
- Replaceable lenses and optics
- Waterproof and submersible (IP 69K)
- Exceed Mil-Spec testing
- Low amp draw at 9.99 amps
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Aluminum frame
Apart from the premium price tag, the Baja Design LED light bar is certainly one of the best available. It’s also available in a range of sizes that range from 10 to 50 inches but the price does increase with the larger length options.
Check it OutLED Light Bar Buying Guide
Lighting up the road ahead of you for clearer vision can be very beneficial for both on and off the road. It allows you to spot hazards far easier and improves the appearance of your vehicle in the dark too. Many people are even using the lights within a domestic setting such as LED garage lights due to their low cost.
You may notice that the cost of LED light bars do vary massively between certain brands. This is primarily due to the build quality and types of materials used within the housing, lens and mounting hardware. You do pay a premium but they are going to last far longer than cheap alternatives.
To help you make an informed buying decision, we have produced the below buying guide regarding LED light bars.
Housing of the Light Bar
One of the most important aspects of any LED light bar is the housing. Not only is it used for protection but it also need to handle heat dissipation. Brand that manufacturer their light bars to use cheaper materials such as plastic housing will suffer from a far low life span.
Aluminum housing is found on most premium examples and provides a much better look and feel to the light bar. It is also the best material for managing heat emission from the LED lights.
Waterproof Rating and Moisture Resistance
As the light bar will remain outside of the car, it will need to be resistant to water damage. The minimum waterproof rating you should expect is IP67 but ideally you will want higher than that. Most premium examples such as the Rigid Industries and Baja Design have a rating of IP69K. This means it is able to be immersed in water and withstand being sprayed by a pressure washer.
To ensure that the light emitted from the light bar is not disrupted, its important that they are sealed correctly. Most premium examples will include a moisture block or patented technology to help avoid this common problem.
Mounting Location
The two most common areas to mount a LED light bar are above the windshield, roof cross bars or on the top of the front bumper. Depending upon its usage, you may want to mount it above the windshield as it is less likely to become damaged. Low down location are prone to damage from debris or off roading hazards.
Of course, there is nothing stopping you installing two light bars with one being above the windshield and the other on the bumper. However, depending upon your vehicle, you may want to install aftermarket fog lights instead for low down lighting.
Brightness of the LED
When it comes to the brightness of the LED light bar, we recommend looking for 10,000 Lumens and above. This is more than enough light to improve your forward vision but of course, there are many much brighter lights available.
Rigid Industries claim that their light bar with 13,000 Lumens is able to project light to a distance of 1,266 meters. Therefore, this should provide you with clear indication of whether the brightness is suitable for your requirements.
Many people make the mistake of purchasing a LED light bar just because it has the most amount of brightness. This is a benefit but you will want to look at the light bar as a whole, which include checking the build quality, life span and other specifications.
LED Temperature Color
White light is the most desirable color when it comes to a LED light bar but there are other options. You may opt for a yellow light between 4,000 and 5,500K or the opposite end of the scale (7,000 to 9,000K), which is more of a blue or purple color.
The most popular temperature color is between 6,000 and 6,500K, which produced a cool white color. If you have installed LED headlights, we highly recommend attempting to match the temperature color.
Length and Height
The most popular length for light bars that are mounted above the windshield is 50 inches. For those installing them on the bumper, the 20 to 30 inch alternatives are the most popular. Of course, every vehicle differs and its critical that you take measurements before purchasing.
Heights really do differ with some brands providing a thicker light bar for additional light and other providing an ultra slim alternative. Depending upon the amount of light you require and the appearance you desire will rely on your own preferences. It is worth noting that some light bars that are too thick may increase wind noise.
Hardware and Connectors
In order to ensure that installation goes smoothly, you will want to ensure all the mounting hardware and wires are included. Depending upon the type of vehicle, you may have to extend the length of the wiring to reach other connectors.
With most premium light bars, you will receive high quality hardware that are designed to last and won’t corrode overtime. However, you can always choose an aftermarket mounting kit that included adjustable mounts to suit your vehicle.
Conclusion
When it comes to light bars, you really do get what you pay for. Sticking to the best LED light bar brands will ensure that you are not left disappointed. We are big fans of the Rigid Industries and Baja Designs light bars and they have far more to offer than what you see within this article.
All of our recommendations cover a broad range of budgets and are available in sizes from 6 to 50 inches. They are a great upgrade for trucks and SUVs that make a huge difference when driving at night and make a huge improvements whilst off roading too.
