To keep it simple, 9005 and H11 are two different intensity bulbs available for vehicles. 9005 bulbs are used for high beams while H11 is used for low beams as it produces low intensity comparatively. Besides this major difference, they are also different in terms of compatibility, lumen, durability, and wattage.
In this article, we are going to discuss the pros and cons of using these bulbs and we will also share the best bulbs in the market for you. Let’s get into the details of h11 vs 9005.
Related guide: 9005 vs 9006 vs H11: Understand the Difference
The H11 LED Headlight Bulbs
H11 LED headlight bulbs are best known as “normal” bulbs that most vehicle owners use. As mentioned above, they are used for low beam light and their angle suits the best for lightning. These bulbs are not only used for fog lights but also for headlamps.
These bulbs are commonly used in cities because they do not blind other drivers on the road. H11 LED headlight bulb comes in L-shape and is compatible with L-shaped bulbs such as H8, H9, and H16.
Pros and Cons of H11 LED Headlight Bulbs:
Pros:
- Ideal for driving in the cities.
- Can be used as fog lights and headlamps.
- The low intensity makes it easier for other drivers on the road
- It is durable because it features low heat dissipation.
- Consumes only 55 watts
- Compatible with H8, H9, and H16 bulbs
Cons:
Not helpful while driving on a very dark road
Recommended H11 LED Headlight Bulbs
SEALIGHT X1 H11 LED Headlights are one of the best H11 headlight LED bulbs you can consider. It is highly recommended to use these bulbs as they provide 400% more brightness compared to Halogen bulbs. Moreover, the SEALIGHT h11 led bulbs kit provides you with 40W 14000LM per pair that will ensure 6000K xenon super-focused bright white light. The lifespan of the bulb is 20 years and installation takes only 10 minutes.
Customer review on SEALIGHT X1 H11 LED headlight bulbs:
"I LOVE these bulbs. My headlights were converted to HID lights and I ended up hating them because the ballasts did not last long and they were difficult to mount correctly and so on. These are just plug and play and they look BETTER than HID, last longer, and end up being cheaper over their lifetime. I wish they were a bit brighter but there are options for that out there, so that's on me. If these fit your car, go for it!" - Posted by R. Waldrop
The 9005 Headlight Bulbs
If you are looking for high intensity bulbs, then 9005 headlight bulbs are perfect pick for you. They are great for providing bright light even if the road is absolutely dark. They simply have double the intensity of H11 LED headlight bulbs. These bulbs are usually used for high beam light.
Pros and Cons of 9005 LED Headlight Bulbs:
Pros:
- 9005 LED Headlight Bulbs are brighter compared to any standard bulb.
- They make your vehicle look aesthetically good when you turn them on.
- They are durable, which means you can easily use them for 20 years.
- They can also fit in low beam socket, if required.
- 9005 LED Headlight Bulbs provide directional lightning and dissipate low heat.
Cons:
- Consumes high voltage.
- Can blind other drivers.
Recommended 9005 LED Headlight Bulbs
SEALIGHT S1 Scoparc 9005 LED Headlight Bulbs. They are 300% brighter compared to halogen bulbs and they are powered by a high-power CSP chipset. It takes only 5 minutes to install and there is no polarity. The lifespan of the bulbs is 20 years and they are equipped with an external driver. It also comes with an IP67 rating and an intelligent external controller.
Customer review on SEALIGHT S1 9005 LED headlight bulbs:
"These were much brighter than my stock halogen lights and the installation was plug and play. In my Hyundai Elantra, the headlights are a little hard to reach but it can be done by someone with smallish hands. without taking off the fender" - Posted by Siddhan
Note: You can also click here to shop for a wide collection of 9005 LED headlight bulbs.
H11 vs 9005 Headlight Bulbs: The Differences
Let’s check out what are the differences between these two headlight bulbs in different categories:
Wattage. It is important to learn about the power your bulbs are going to consume before you buy them as it impacts your vehicle’s performance. While the H11 bulb draws only 55 watts, 9005 consumes 65 watts.
Lumen. As far as Lumen is concerned (which determines the intensity of the bulbs), H11 provides 1200 lumen while 9005 has an intensity of 1700 lumen. This is the reason why 9005 provides brighter light compared to H11 bulbs.
Longevity. Considering the lifespan of these bulbs, H11 can run for 30,000 hours while 9005 can be your vehicle’s friend for more than 50,000 hours. Due to this, H11 is cheaper compared to 9005.
Beam Type. The key difference between both the bulbs is simple: where you will be placing them. H11 is used for low beams while 9005 is used for high beam lights.
Compatibility. 9005 can be used in the H11 socket if there is a modification process involved. However, H11 bulbs cannot fit in the 9005 sockets because the H11 socket is bigger in size.
Conclusion
Many people question whether H11 is the same as 9005 or not. The simple answer is no. They are not the same. But yes, they both are L-shaped because of which many car owners might get confused.
Also, they are not completely interchangeable as 9005 can be used in the H11 socket but not vice versa. In conclusion, if you are thinking about which one should you choose, then it depends on your usage.
If you are someone who drives on a darker road or on a rough road that consists of dust or holes, then you should opt for 9005. It will provide you with high intensity, which will increase your visibility.
However, if you are driving around the city. For instance, if you use your vehicle to pick up kids from school or go grocery shopping often, then you don’t want to blind other drivers around you. Hence, it completely depends on your vehicle’s usage before buying the bulbs.
