When it comes to automotive headlight bulbs, the options can be dizzying. This guide compares two of the most popular types—H11 and 9005—to help illuminate the differences. If your vehicle uses both bulb types, it means H11 is for the low beams and 9005 is for the high beams. Read on to gain insight into H11 vs 9005, so you can make an informed decsicion when it comes to headlight bulb replacement.

If you are looking for LED upgrades, check these collections:

H11/H8/H9 LED Headlight Bulbs
H11 LED Fog Light Bulbs
9005/HB3 LED Headlight Bulbs

What Are the Differences Between H11 and 9005 Bulb?

Let's start with a side-by-side comparison of H11 and 9005 headlight types.

Bulb Size H119005
Base Type PGJ19-2 P20d
Wattage 55 65
Lumen 1350 1700
Lifespan 270 Hours 320 Hours
Main Beam Type Low Beam, Fog Light High Beam
Cross Reference H8, H9, H16 HB3

Base Difference of H11 vs.9005

The H11 bulb uses a PGJ19-2 base. Whereas, the 9005 bulb uses a P20d base. This difference in base means that H11 and 9005 are not interchangeable. The bulb and the socket must match for the bulb to fit and work correctly.

Connector (Plug) of H11 vs. 9005

The connectors or plugs of these bulbs also differ. The H11 bulb's pins are closer together compared to the 9005 bulb. Additionally, the H11 bulb's plugs have tabs on both ends, a feature that the 9005 bulb's plugs lack.

h11 vs 9005 bulbs base and plug difference

Wattage

Typically, H11 halogen bulbs consume around 55 watts, while 9005 bulbs consume around 65 watts. This means that 9005 bulbs generally use more energy than H11 bulbs.

Brightness

Brightness is one of the most noticeable differences between H11 and 9005 bulbs. H11 bulbs are designed for use as low beam headlights, while 9005 bulbs are typically used for high beams. This results in a higher brightness level for the 9005 bulbs compared to the H11 bulbs.

Beam Type

H11 bulbs are frequently used for low beam headlights and fog lights. On the other hand, 9005 bulbs are commonly used for high beam headlights, providing a wider and more extensive range of visibility.

Lifespan

On average, H11 halogen bulbs have a lifespan of about 270 hours, while 9005 halogen bulbs last longer, about 320 hours. When it comes to LED, the lifespan can go up to 50,000 hours.

Cross-referenced Numbers

The 9005 bulb is also known as HB3. The H11 bulb is cross referenced with H8, H9, and H16 bulb size.

Bulb Technology

H11 and 9005 are both standard halogen bulb and they are both available in LED upgrades.

To summarize, the H11 and 9005 bulbs are not the same. They vary primarily in base style, socket fitment, power output, and optimal use case. H11 bulbs utilize a default wattage of 55 watts, making them ideal for low beams and fog lights. 9005 bulbs produce up to 65 watts, which is commonly used for far-reaching high beams.

Understanding Headlight Bulbs: H11 and 9005

What is an H11 Bulb?

The H11 bulb is a single filament halogen bulb that's predominantly used for low beams. It produces a defined cutoff, directing light forward and down. This makes it ideal for city driving, as the beam pattern won't blind oncoming traffic. H11 bulbs can go in both headlights and fog lights.

What is a 9005 Bulb?

9005 bulbs, also known as HB3, are single filament bulbs typically used for high beam headlights. They offer a long and narrow light pattern to illuminate further down the road.

Although the 9005 bulb shares the L-Shape design with the H11 bulb, they are not interchangeable. H11 and 9005 bulbs have different bases and connectors. They also use different wattages. So 9005 bulbs can't simply swap into H11 housings.

If you want to replace the headlight bulbs on your vehicle and struggle to find the right fit, or don’t know how to choose the right LED upgrades, read below.

Choosing the Right 9005 or H11 Headlight Bulb for Your Vehicle

When your headlights start to dim, it's time for an upgrade. But determining the right replacement bulbs for your vehicle can get confusing. To find it out, consult your owner's manual, which should specify the bulb type needed for your make and model.

You can also use the bulb finder tool on websites like SEALIGHT to input your vehicle information and get a recommendation. And of course, removing your original bulb to check the label is foolproof.

If you decide to upgrade to 9005 or H11 LED headlight bulbs for brighter illumination, pay attention to the LED beam pattern when comparing options. Look for LED bulbs that closely replicate the size, shape, and position of your stock halogen filament bulb. This helps maintain proper light projection.

Brightness is also key. Not all LED bulbs are created equal in terms of lumens output. In addition to lumens, there are also other metrics to look for when choosing the brightest LED headlight bulbs.

For frustration-free installation, choose user-friendly plug-and-play LED headlight bulbs that seamlessly replace your existing halogens.

And consider heat management - some LED bulbs have integrated fans while others rely on passive cooling. You can read our guide about LED cooling systems to decide which will work best for your vehicle.

SEALIGHT® S1 9005/HB3 H11/H9/H8 60W 6000K White IP67 LED Headlight Bulbs 2 Pairs
Sealight®
S1 9005/HB3 H11/H9/H8 60W 6000K White IP67 LED Headlight Bulbs 2 Pairs
4.77 star rating
(1835)
FAQs About H11 vs. 9005

Q: Can you make a 9005 bulb fit in an H11 headlight socket?

A: It is not recommended. While they may look similar, 9005 and H11 bulbs have different bases, connectors, and wattages. They are designed for specific applications and may not perform properly if swapped. Some vehicle forums discuss modifying 9005 bulbs to fit H11 sockets, but H11 bulbs cannot be adapted to 9005 sockets.

Q: Can I use a 9005 bulb instead of an H11?

A: No, 9005 and H11 bulbs are not directly interchangeable. Despite their similar L-shaped designs, 9005 and H11 bulbs have different wattages and light outputs. They will not work properly in each other's sockets.

Q: Are H11 and 9005 bulbs the same size?

A: No, H11 and 9005 are different automotive headlight bulb sizes. They have distinct specifications.

Q: Is an H11 or 9005 bulb better for high beams?

A: H11 bulbs use lower wattage and are better suited for low beams. 9005 bulbs have higher wattage ratings and mainly used as high-beam headlight bulbs.

We hope this guide has helped clarify the differences between H11 and 9005 headlight bulbs. For more guidance or to shop for 9005 LED or H11 LED bulbs, visit SEALIGHT.

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