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Xenon vs LED lights: what's the difference

Table of content

  1. What is the difference between xenon and LED headlight bulbs?
  2. Xenon vs LED: Which type is better?
  3. Is it time to change your headlights?

Halogen light bulbs have been commonplace in the automotive industry since way back in the 1970s. Although they are still used as the standard bulb in many vehicles, these warm yellow lights are becoming outdated as more manufacturers and consumers are turning to more efficient, longer lasting alternatives. Xenon and LED car headlights outshine their halogen predecessors, consuming less energy and emitting a brighter light.

What is the difference between xenon and LED headlight bulbs?

xenon headlights

Xenon bulbs

Xenon lights, a.k.a. high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps emit a bright white-blue light that is similar to natural daylight. Like halogen headlights, the bulbs are filled with a gas but instead of using a metal filament, HID lights use electrodes. An electric arc is created between the two electrodes and as the electric current passes through, the gas is ignited to produce light.

One of the main advantages of not having a filament is that the bulbs last much longer than standard halogen components. Xenon headlights last approximately 2,000 - 2,500 hours compared to just 400 - 1,000 hours for standard lights. They are also 2-3 times brighter. Popular brands offer bulbs for both single beam and dual beam lighting systems. Dual beam bulbs known as bi-xenons are single bulbs that perform both high beam and low beam functions.

LED bulbs

LED car headlights haven’t been around as long as their counterparts and, up until recently, have mostly been used in high-end, premium vehicles. They do not contain any gas but rather operate using what is known as solid state lighting technology. This essentially means that instead of emitting light from a vacuum or using gas, the light is emitted from a piece of solid matter - the light-emitting diode. The diode is a semiconductor that glows as an electric current passes through its microchip.

TYC 20-6066-25-2 Headlight Left, H7/H7, for right-hand traffic
Reviews - 5
Parts Details
  • Left-hand / Right-hand Traffic: for right-hand traffic
  • Lamp Type: H7 / H7
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info: without electric motor
  • Fitting Position: Left
  • Vehicle Equipment: for vehicles with headlight levelling (electric)
  • Registration Type: ECE approved
  • Version: V-System, W / O Indicator Lens
  • TYC: Headlight
  • Item number: 20-6066-25-2
  • Our price: £ 97,99
  • Condition: New
Details
TYC Headlight Left, H7/H7, for right-hand traffic
Article number: 20-6066-25-2
£ 97,99
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-38%
E1 3255 HELLA 1EX 010 818-351 Headlight Left, LED, D1S/H7, D1S, H7, LED, Bi-Xenon, 12V, for right-hand traffic
Parts Details
  • Left-hand / Right-hand Traffic: for right-hand traffic
  • Lamp Type: LED, D1S / H7, D1S, H7
  • Light Function: with cornering light, with indicator (LED), with position light, with daytime running light (LED), with high beam, with low beam
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info: without bulb, without LED control unit for indicators, without LED control unit for daytime running- / position ligh
  • Fitting Position: Left
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info Info 2: without ballast, with motor for headlamp levelling, with glow discharge lamp
  • Vehicle Equipment: for vehicles with Xenon light
  • Light Design: LED, Bi-Xenon
  • Registration Type: ECE approved
  • Number of light functions: 6
  • Country Specific Design: Europe
  • Voltage [V]: 12
  • Check OE number
  • paired article number: 1EX 010 818-361
  • without lettering: Mercedes-Benz, BiXenon
  • Assy. / disassy. by qualified personnel required!
  • HELLA: Headlight
  • Item number: 1EX 010 818-351
  • Our price: £ 496,85
  • Condition: New
Details
HELLA Headlight Left, LED, D1S/H7, D1S, H7, LED, Bi-Xenon, 12V, for right-hand traffic
Article number: 1EX 010 818-351
compared to RRP £ 804,85

£ 496,85
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
-41%
E4 10224 HELLA 1EL 247 014-831 Headlight set with bulbs, with motor for headlamp levelling
Reviews - 4
Parts Details
  • Quantity Unit: Kit
  • Indicator Colour: white
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info Info 2: with bulbs, with motor for headlamp levelling
  • Lens Colour: Crystal clear
  • Optical Impression: black
  • Number of light functions: 3
  • Voltage [V]: 12
  • Fitting Position: Left, Right
  • Lamp Type: H7 / H7, W5W
  • Left-hand / Right-hand Traffic: for right-hand traffic
  • Light Design: DE, Halogen
  • Registration Type: ECE approved
  • Light Function: with low beam, with high beam, with position light, without indicator
  • Reference number: 25
  • Assy. / disassy. by qualified personnel required!
  • HELLA: Headlight set
  • Item number: 1EL 247 014-831
  • Our price: £ 350,39
  • Condition: New
Details
HELLA Headlight set with bulbs, with motor for headlamp levelling
Article number: 1EL 247 014-831
compared to RRP £ 596,60

£ 350,39
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
-41%
E1 3999 HELLA 1EG 011 919-411 Headlight Left, H7/H7, PY21W, Halogen, 12V, for right-hand traffic
Reviews - 1
Parts Details
  • Left-hand / Right-hand Traffic: for right-hand traffic
  • Lamp Type: H7 / H7, PY21W
  • Light Function: with daytime running light (LED), with high beam, with indicator, with position light, with low beam
  • Fitting Position: Left
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info Info 2: with motor for headlamp levelling, with bulbs
  • Light Design: Halogen
  • Number of light functions: 5
  • Voltage [V]: 12
  • Check OE number
  • paired article number: 1EG 011 919-421
  • with lettering: HELLA
  • without lettering: BMW
  • Assy. / disassy. by qualified personnel required!
  • HELLA: Headlight
  • Item number: 1EG 011 919-411
  • Our price: £ 271,27
  • Condition: New
Details
HELLA Headlight Left, H7/H7, PY21W, Halogen, 12V, for right-hand traffic
Article number: 1EG 011 919-411
compared to RRP £ 467,65

£ 271,27
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
-36%
JOHNS 25 22 09-5 Headlight Left, H7/H7
Parts Details
  • Lamp Type: H7 / H7
  • Light Function: with indicator, with daytime running light (LED)
  • Fitting Position: Left
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info Info 2: without motor for headlamp levelling
  • Vehicle Equipment: for vehicles with headlight levelling (electric)
  • paired article number: 25 22 10-5
  • JOHNS: Headlight
  • Item number: 25 22 09-5
  • Our price: £ 150,41
  • Condition: New
Details
JOHNS Headlight Left, H7/H7
Article number: 25 22 09-5
compared to RRP £ 238,18

£ 150,41
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery

They have quickly become popular due to their energy efficiency and long-lasting light. As technology advances, LED headlight bulbs are becoming cheaper to produce. They typically generate less heat than incandescent bulbs and are able to illuminate a wider area.

Xenon vs LED: Which type is better?

 led headlights bulbs

There are several advantages to both types, although LEDs typically perform better when it comes to energy consumption, size, and illumination. Both of them generate a very bright light, however, xenon headlights are sometimes so bright that even the low beams can have a glaring effect on oncoming traffic. HID setups often feature a levelling system which automatically adjusts the light pattern to reduce glare.

In ideal conditions, LED lights can technically have a lifespan of up to 25,000 hours and consume at least 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs, such as halogen and xenon. They tend to be smaller and come in multiple different colours, allowing drivers to customise their headlights. On the other hand, the manufacturing costs for xenon lights are still much lower, making the components cheaper to replace.

Whichever you choose, xenon or LED headlights, you need to ensure that they can be installed on your car. Some cars that have a halogen light fitting will require the use of a HID or LED conversion kit. These are widely available on the aftermarket.

Is it time to change your headlights?

If the car spotlight bulbs or low beam headlight bulb has burnt out, you’ll need to replace it as soon as possible to comply with the government’s safety regulations and to prevent road accidents. When you shop online, you can find a huge variety of car headlight bulbs and compare prices to find the best deal for your car. Top manufacturers include HELLA, Philips, Bosch, and Valeo.

Top products related to this topic:

AUTODOC Bestsellers: parts at a good price

TYC 20-14374-15-2 Headlight Left, H7/H7, for right-hand traffic
Reviews - 2
Parts Details
  • Left-hand / Right-hand Traffic: for right-hand traffic
  • Lamp Type: H7 / H7
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info: without electric motor
  • Fitting Position: Left
  • Vehicle Equipment: for vehicles with headlight levelling (electric)
  • Registration Type: ECE approved
  • Housing Colour: chrome
  • TYC: Headlight
  • Item number: 20-14374-15-2
  • Our price: £ 121,14
  • Condition: New
Details
TYC Headlight Left, H7/H7, for right-hand traffic
Article number: 20-14374-15-2
£ 121,14
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
ABAKUS 216-1149R-LD-EM Headlight Right, H7, HB3, P20d, PX26d
Reviews - 7
Parts Details
  • Lamp Type: H7, HB3
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info: without bulb
  • Fitting Position: Right
  • Vehicle Equipment: for vehicles with headlight levelling
  • Registration Type: ECE approved
  • Operating Mode: Electric
  • paired article number: 216-1149L-LD-EM
  • Socket Type bulb: P20d, PX26d
  • ABAKUS: Headlight
  • Item number: 216-1149R-LD-EM
  • Our price: £ 145,38
  • Condition: New
Details
ABAKUS Headlight Right, H7, HB3, P20d, PX26d
Article number: 216-1149R-LD-EM
£ 145,38
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
VALEO ORIGINAL PART 046827 Headlight Right, for right-hand traffic
Reviews - 2
Parts Details
  • Left-hand / Right-hand Traffic: for right-hand traffic
  • Product line: ORIGINAL PART
  • Fitting Position: Right
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info Info 2: with motor for headlamp levelling
  • Weight [kg]: 4,94
  • Frame Colour: black
  • paired article number: 046826
  • VALEO: Headlight
  • Item number: 046827
  • Our price: £ 778,65
  • Condition: New
Details
VALEO Headlight Right, for right-hand traffic
Article number: 046827
£ 778,65
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
-21%
ABAKUS 552-1124R-LD-EM Headlight Right, H7, W5W, PY21W, H1, Crystal clear, for right-hand traffic, PX26d, BAU15s, P14.5s
Reviews - 29
Parts Details
  • Left-hand / Right-hand Traffic: for right-hand traffic
  • Lamp Type: H7, W5W, PY21W, H1
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info: without bulb holder, without bulb
  • Fitting Position: Right
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info Info 2: with motor for headlamp levelling
  • Vehicle Equipment: for vehicles with headlight levelling (electric)
  • Lens Colour (direction indicator): Crystal clear
  • Registration Type: ECE approved
  • Model Year from: 2006
  • Model Year to: 2010
  • paired article number: 552-1124L-LD-EM
  • Socket Type bulb: PX26d, BAU15s, P14.5s
  • ABAKUS: Headlight
  • Item number: 552-1124R-LD-EM
  • Our price: £ 86,50
  • Condition: New
Details
ABAKUS Headlight Right, H7, W5W, PY21W, H1, Crystal clear, for right-hand traffic, PX26d, BAU15s, P14.5s
Article number: 552-1124R-LD-EM
compared to RRP £ 109,62

£ 86,50
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
22148330 PHILIPS 12342CVUBW Bulb, spotlight H4 12V 60/55W P43t-38, 4300K, Halogen, CrystalVision ultra moto
Reviews - 1
Parts Details
  • Supplementary Info: CrystalVision ultra moto
  • Lamp Type: H4
  • Light Design: Halogen
  • Rated Power [W]: 60 / 55
  • Voltage [V]: 12
  • Packing Type: Blister Pack
  • Colour Temperature [K]: 4300
  • Socket Type bulb: P43t-38
  • PHILIPS: Bulb, spotlight
  • Item number: 12342CVUBW
  • Condition: New
Details
PHILIPS Bulb, spotlight H4 12V 60/55W P43t-38, 4300K, Halogen, CrystalVision ultra moto
Article number: 12342CVUBW
£ 12,00
Price per item
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-53%
ABAKUS 446-1133RMLEHM2 Headlight Right, D3S, LED, PK32d-5
Reviews - 3
Parts Details
  • Lamp Type: D3S, LED
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info: without bulb holder, without bulb
  • Fitting Position: Right
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info Info 2: with motor for headlamp levelling
  • Vehicle Equipment: for vehicles with headlight levelling (electric)
  • Registration Type: ECE approved
  • paired article number: 446-1133LMLEHM2
  • Socket Type bulb: PK32d-5
  • ABAKUS: Headlight
  • Item number: 446-1133RMLEHM2
  • Our price: £ 288,06
  • Condition: New
Details
ABAKUS Headlight Right, D3S, LED, PK32d-5
Article number: 446-1133RMLEHM2
compared to RRP £ 613,89

£ 288,06
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
TYC 20-3293-08-2 Headlight Right, H4
Parts Details
  • Lamp Type: H4
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info: without electric motor
  • Fitting Position: Right
  • Vehicle Equipment: for vehicles with headlight levelling (electric), for vehicles with headlight levelling
  • Registration Type: ECE approved
  • TYC: Headlight
  • Item number: 20-3293-08-2
  • Our price: £ 44,09
  • Condition: New
Details
TYC Headlight Right, H4
Article number: 20-3293-08-2
£ 44,09
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-49%
ABAKUS 100-1102N-LD-EN Headlight Left, Right, H4, 12V
Reviews - 21
Parts Details
  • Lamp Type: H4
  • Light Function: with position light
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info: without bulb
  • Fitting Position: Left, Right
  • Registration Type: ECE approved
  • Mounting Type: Fitting
  • Voltage [V]: 12
  • ABAKUS: Headlight
  • Item number: 100-1102N-LD-EN
  • Our price: £ 15,04
  • Condition: New
Details
ABAKUS Headlight Left, Right, H4, 12V
Article number: 100-1102N-LD-EN
compared to RRP £ 29,53

£ 15,04
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-44%
E1 2623 HELLA 1ZT 009 631-311 Headlight Left, H11, PY21W, D1S, Bi-Xenon, 12V, for right-hand traffic
Reviews - 33
Parts Details
  • Left-hand / Right-hand Traffic: for right-hand traffic
  • Lamp Type: H11, PY21W, D1S
  • Light Function: with high beam, with daytime running light, with position light, with indicator, with dynamic bending light, with low beam
  • Fitting Position: Left
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info Info 2: with bulbs, without ballast, without glow discharge lamp
  • Vehicle Equipment: for vehicles with dynamic bending light
  • Light Design: Bi-Xenon
  • Registration Type: CCC approved, ECE approved
  • Number of light functions: 6
  • Country Specific Design: China, Europe
  • Voltage [V]: 12
  • Check OE number
  • paired article number: 1ZT 009 631-321
  • Assy. / disassy. by qualified personnel required!
  • HELLA: Headlight
  • Item number: 1ZT 009 631-311
  • Our price: £ 706,91
  • Condition: New
Details
HELLA Headlight Left, H11, PY21W, D1S, Bi-Xenon, 12V, for right-hand traffic
Article number: 1ZT 009 631-311
compared to RRP £ 1275,67

£ 706,91
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
22118630 PHILIPS BlueVision Moto 12972CVUBW Bulb, spotlight H7 12V 55W PX26d, 4300K, Halogen
Parts Details
  • Product line: BlueVision Moto
  • Lamp Type: H7
  • Light Design: Halogen
  • Rated Power [W]: 55
  • Voltage [V]: 12
  • Packing Type: Blister Pack
  • Colour Temperature [K]: 4300
  • Socket Type bulb: PX26d
  • PHILIPS: Bulb, spotlight
  • Item number: 12972CVUBW
  • Condition: New
Details
PHILIPS Bulb, spotlight H7 12V 55W PX26d, 4300K, Halogen
Article number: 12972CVUBW
£ 15,63
Price per item
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-35%
E1 2100 HELLA 1ER 247 017-051 Headlight Left, W5W, PY21W, H7/H7, FF, Halogen, 12V, for right-hand traffic
Reviews - 3
Parts Details
  • Left-hand / Right-hand Traffic: for right-hand traffic
  • Lamp Type: W5W, PY21W, H7 / H7
  • Light Function: with low beam, with indicator, with high beam, with position light
  • Fitting Position: Left
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info Info 2: with bulbs, with motor for headlamp levelling
  • Light Design: FF, Halogen
  • Registration Type: ECE approved
  • Number of light functions: 4
  • Country Specific Design: Europe
  • Voltage [V]: 12
  • Check OE number
  • Reference number: 25
  • paired article number: 1ER 247 017-061
  • Assy. / disassy. by qualified personnel required!
  • HELLA: Headlight
  • Item number: 1ER 247 017-051
  • Our price: £ 161,51
  • Condition: New
Details
HELLA Headlight Left, W5W, PY21W, H7/H7, FF, Halogen, 12V, for right-hand traffic
Article number: 1ER 247 017-051
compared to RRP £ 252,24

£ 161,51
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
TYC 20-3431-05-2 Headlight Right, H4
Reviews - 13
Parts Details
  • Lamp Type: H4
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info: with bulb holder
  • Fitting Position: Right
  • Vehicle Equipment: for vehicles with headlight levelling (mechanical)
  • Registration Type: ECE approved
  • TYC: Headlight
  • Item number: 20-3431-05-2
  • Our price: £ 27,86
  • Condition: New
Details
TYC Headlight Right, H4
Article number: 20-3431-05-2
£ 27,86
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-41%
ABAKUS 442-1140L-LD-EM Headlight Left, H1, H7, yellow, P14.5s, PX26d
Reviews - 20
Parts Details
  • Lamp Type: H1, H7
  • Light Function: with indicator
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info: without bulb
  • Fitting Position: Left
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info Info 2: with motor for headlamp levelling
  • Vehicle Equipment: for vehicles with headlight levelling (electric)
  • Lens Colour (direction indicator): yellow
  • Registration Type: ECE approved
  • Frame Colour: black
  • paired article number: 442-1140R-LD-EM
  • Socket Type bulb: P14.5s, PX26d
  • ABAKUS: Headlight
  • Item number: 442-1140L-LD-EM
  • Our price: £ 97,79
  • Condition: New
Details
ABAKUS Headlight Left, H1, H7, yellow, P14.5s, PX26d
Article number: 442-1140L-LD-EM
compared to RRP £ 166,97

£ 97,79
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
TYC 20-5965-05-2 Headlight Right, H7, H1, for right-hand traffic
Reviews - 1
Parts Details
  • Left-hand / Right-hand Traffic: for right-hand traffic
  • Lamp Type: H7, H1
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info: without electric motor
  • Fitting Position: Right
  • Vehicle Equipment: for vehicles with headlight levelling (electric)
  • Registration Type: ECE approved
  • TYC: Headlight
  • Item number: 20-5965-05-2
  • Our price: £ 58,00
  • Condition: New
Details
TYC Headlight Right, H7, H1, for right-hand traffic
Article number: 20-5965-05-2
£ 58,00
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-23%
ABAKUS 431-1172R-LD-EM Headlight Right, H4, P43t
Reviews - 5
Parts Details
  • Lamp Type: H4
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info: without bulb
  • Fitting Position: Right
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info Info 2: Housing with black interior, with motor for headlamp levelling
  • Vehicle Equipment: for vehicles with headlight levelling
  • Registration Type: ECE approved
  • Operating Mode: Electric
  • paired article number: 431-1172L-LD-EM
  • Socket Type bulb: P43t
  • ABAKUS: Headlight
  • Item number: 431-1172R-LD-EM
  • Our price: £ 77,22
  • Condition: New
Details
ABAKUS Headlight Right, H4, P43t
Article number: 431-1172R-LD-EM
compared to RRP £ 101,33

£ 77,22
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs

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