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9005 vs 9006 Headlight Bulbs: What is the difference?

Discussion Topic: 9005 vs 9006 Headlight Bulbs – What is the difference?

Trying to differentiate between 9005 and 9006 bulbs? These numbers can be confusing as they are quite similar. Are you wondering which one is better or brighter? Do you need them for high or low beam? Look no further! This discussion thread will provide all the answers you need about the 9005 vs 9006 bulb, highlighting the key differences between the two.

“To improve visibility while driving, I plan to install fog lights and replace the bulbs in both my headlights and fog lights. After reading up on the subject, I discovered that 9005 bulbs are commonly used for high beams. However, I would like to clarify if the 9005 bulbs are suitable for both high and low beams, and if they can be utilized in the fog lights to activate when I turn on my brights.”

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9005 vs 9006 Headlight Bulbs: What is the difference?

Please refer to the table below for a quick comparison of 9005 and 9006 headlight bulbs, highlighting their key differences.

Bulb Size90059006
Base TypeP20dP22d 90°
Wattage6555
Lumen17001000
Lifespan320 Hours1000 Hours
Main Beam TypeHigh BeamLow Beam, Fog Light
Cross ReferenceHB3HB4

 

9005 vs 9006 (1)

-Lumens

The lumen rating provides an accurate measure of your headlight bulbs’ brightness potential and light output. With ratings ranging from 1000 to 1700 lumens, the higher the rating, the brighter and more efficient the illumination. Obtain a precise understanding of your bulbs’ performance and enhance visibility for a more appealing driving experience.

-Base

The 9005 and 9006 bulbs have different bases, which affect their compatibility with various headlight assemblies. The 9005 bulb comes with a P20d base, while the 9006 bulb features a P22d 90° base. Although these bases may appear similar, the smallest tabs of the bulbs have opposite directions – the 9006 tab turns clockwise, while the 9005 tab turns counterclockwise. This important difference prevents accidentally swapping the bulb types, ensuring proper usage.

-Connector

Both the 9005 and 9006 headlight bulbs have sockets with enclosed pins. Additionally, the distance between the two pins in the 9005 and 9006 sockets is nearly identical.

-Wattage

The 9005 bulb consumes 65 watts, while the 9006 bulb requires 55 watts. This variance in wattage results in disparities in both brightness and energy efficiency.

-Brightness

The 9005 halogen bulb surpasses the 9006 in terms of brightness, emitting 1700 lumens compared to the 9006’s 1000 lumens.

-Primary Usage

The 9005 bulb is commonly utilized for high beams, delivering brighter and more focused illumination. In contrast, the 9006 bulb is primarily employed for low beams, offering wider and less intense lighting.

-Lifespan

The lifespan of the 9005 halogen bulb is approximately 320 hours, while the 9006 halogen bulb can last for about 1000 hours. However, various factors, such as driving frequency and conditions, significantly influence the actual durability of a headlight bulb.

-Different Cross-compatibility

The 9005 bulb, also known as HB3, can be cross-referenced, and similarly, the 9006 bulb, referred to as HB4, can also be cross-referenced.

-Lighting Technology

Both 9005 and 9006 bulbs are available in standard halogen forms as well as LED lighting upgrades, offering a wide range of aftermarket options for users who desire advanced lighting solutions. If you are considering upgrading to 9005 or 9006 LED bulbs, take a look at our collection below to explore your options.

  • 9005/HB3 LED Headlight Bulbs
  • 9006/HB4 LED Headlight Bulbs
  • 9006 LED Fog Light Bulbs

-Beam Type

For better high beam performance, consider opting for 9005 bulbs due to their higher power rating. Conversely, if you are in need of low beam headlight bulbs, 9006 bulbs are the suitable choice.

-Range

9005 headlight bulbs offer increased power and a longer throw, effectively covering a wider area of the road compared to 9006 bulbs. Opting for 9005 bulbs not only improves road coverage, but also enhances visibility of the roadside. Make the obvious choice for better performance and increased safety.

About 9005 and 9006

9005 Bulb: A 9005 bulb is typically used for high beams, providing high-intensity light for optimal long-range visibility. It is a single-beam bulb designed to project light forward, making it an excellent choice for rural or poorly lit conditions.

9006 Bulb: A 9006 bulb is commonly used for low beams. It disperses light widely, illuminating the road directly in front of the vehicle and to the sides, offering appropriate lighting for regular driving conditions. Both bulbs serve their respective purposes, ensuring safe and efficient lighting for different situations.

The Best 9005 Bulb Options

1/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.

2/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?

3/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!

9005 vs 9006 (2)
9005 vs 9006 (2)

The Best 9006 Bulb Options

1/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.

2/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.

3/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.

9005 vs 9006 Headlight Bulbs: What is the difference?

Brad’s Car Tunes offers affordable 9005 and 9006 LED headlight bulbs, including combo packs with both options. Our LEDs provide crisp, bright white light for improved nighttime visibility. Whether you’re looking to upgrade from dull halogens or navigating the differences between 9005 vs 9006 bulbs, our guide aims to clear things up and help you choose the right replacement.

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Timothy Ballard

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.

1 thought on “9005 vs 9006 Headlight Bulbs: What is the difference?”

  1. The 9005 and 9006 bulbs feature a similar single-filament halogen design, but their distinct sizes prevent interchangeability between headlight housings. The 9005 bulb, with its higher wattage, excels in high beam applications, while the 9006, typically utilized for low beams, operates at a lower power level.

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