Xenon Vs. LED Vs. Halogen Headlights

For better visibility, you need to ensure that you are using the correct headlights when you're driving at night. There are so many options available, and it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. That’s why it’s vital to evaluate the Xenon vs. Before you make a decision, compare LED and halogen headlights.

To determine the advantages and disadvantages of different types of headlights, we evaluate them. Also, we will help you choose the right headlight for your needs. 

What is Xenon Headlights?

HID headlights are available in Xenon, a kind of HID light. HID is high-intensity discharging and has been used since at least the 1990s. What’s unique about these headlights is the gas used for startup.

HID lights operate like neon counterparts because the current passes through the tube that’s filled with gas. There are also electrodes at each end of the tube. Passing current causes the opposite electrodes to move, which stimulates the Xenon and halide gas. This spark creates current by ionizing the Xenon with high voltage. 

Xenon Headlight Pros

1. Efficient

The HID headlights use more energy at startup than the halogen ones. But once the HID bulbs are in operation, they consume much less energy. In general, HID bulbs require less power to run than their halogen counterparts.

You will achieve greater efficiency by requiring less engine power and placing less stress on your alternator. Although you will only make a small savings on fuel costs, each dollar saved is worth it. 

2. Strong Illumination

You can get dual beam from some HIDs. Bi-Xenon projectors are capable of producing both low beams and high beams. 

This additional control allows you to get more light where it's most needed. Xenon light can create a wider beam that halogens, and can even reach farther. You might find that the beam is not enough to provide sufficient illumination in some situations. 

The white light from HID bulbs can also be used to give you the appearance of daylight. You won’t have to worry as much about the strange yellow glow that is provided by some headlights. 

3. Long-Lasting

Xenon lights are made to last. While the average HID bulb can last for around 2000 hours, there are many on market that have a rating of up to 8,000 hours. Xenon is a much more cost-effective option than halogen lights that can last for as long as 2,000 hours.

If you replace halogen with Xenon, the bulb will need to be replaced once per person. You will also save money over the long-term. 

Xenon Headlight Cons

1. Very high prices

Although they last longer than halogen lighting, upfront costs will be higher. This added expense does have some advantages and may not be as expensive as you thought if you break it down hourly.

Xenon lights can last up to 3 times as long as halogens, so you should compare their prices. Figure out your per-hour cost and you will see that there isn’t that big of a difference, other than you need to put out more money upfront with Xenon. 

2. Additional Glare

HID bulbs are notorious for their glare. Due to the glare from the Xenon lamp, many drivers dislike seeing it.

The beams hitting the rearview mirrors can cause problems for other cars. That’s why some states have made certain HID bulbs illegal. 

What is LED Headlight?

These LED headlights work in a way that is unlike others. The semiconductor's holes are lined with negative electrons. These electrons are responsible for producing light-emitting diodes as they move.

The electrons entering one of these low-energy holes release photons, which leads to electroluminescence. This is the process that creates the visible beam we are accustomed to. 

LED headlight pros

1. They are powerful

LED bulbs don’t need a lot of power to work. Plus, there’s no warm-up time as what is found with HID bulbs. The LED headlights can be turned on instantly to produce a beam.

You still have full brightness, even though you use very little power. This instantaneous illumination will ensure that even the most darkened roads are illuminated. 

2. Efficient

Even though LED bulbs are bright, they consume very little energy. Because of the unique design, your car engine isn’t taxed. 

LED lights aren’t going to drain the power needed to achieve maximum on-road performance. You might notice a slight increase in fuel consumption. 

3. Precise Beam

LED headlights are more precise than HIDs and offer better beaming. There are many shapes and sizes of LED lights. 

Automobile manufacturers can create unique looks with LED bulbs by using a wide variety of methods. That’s why you see the bulbs used in light strips and headlights alike. 

Conversion of LED Headlight

1. Questions about Fitment

The cooling mechanism for LED bulbs is a specially designed assembly. That’s why LED headlights can’t be used in every vehicle. 

For the LED bulbs to function, there must be enough room for the cooling system. In some cases, you can retrofit the assembly, but it’s often easier to use LED headlights if that’s already what’s installed in the vehicle. 

2. Very high prices

It is likely that you will spend more money on LED bulbs than on halogens. These bulbs can be even more costly than Xenon-style headlights. 

If you don’t spend a lot of time driving at night, you might not find this cost worthwhile. If you drive regularly after sunset, however, these benefits can be very valuable. 

What are Halogen Headlights and How Do They Work?

The most common form of halogen light found in cars is the halogen lamp. The bulb contains nitrogen and argon gas to create the light beam. In the middle of the design is a tungsten filament. 

The filament heats rapidly as an electric charge is transferred from the vehicle to thetungsten. Incandescence is created when the gas in the bulb becomes glowing. 

Halogen Headlight Pros

1. It's easy to find

The most widely available halogen headlights on the market are the halogen. Because of the vast use, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding replacement halogen bulbs for your vehicle.

Your car probably came equipped with halogen lamps, which makes it easier to search for the best replacement. However, you can also find the information in your owner’s manual if you aren’t sure what to buy. 

2. This product is intended for average use

If you are only traveling at night for short distances or you don’t do it frequently, halogen bulbs will probably supply everything you need. 

The halogen light isn’t meant to last long, but if you aren’t using it, this won’t be an issue. For most drivers, the halogen light offers everything that’s needed. 

3. Affordable

Halogen headlights are the cheapest of the three we’ve reviewed. A replacement set can be purchased for $15. You can also replace the bulbs yourself for a great deal.

You are still saving money even if the bulbs need to be replaced every 2 years. The most cost-effective repair you could make to your car is changing the headlights. 

Halogen Headlight Cons

1. Heat

A lot of heat is created by Halogen lighting, which produces more than other alternatives. It is the lighting design that creates heat. 

The light uses more energy to generate heat and beams, so you will see an increase of your energy consumption. If you have a weaker battery, halogen lighting can strain your electric system. 

2. Highly Sensitive

The sensitive nature of halogen bulbs is also a concern. Even fingerprints can affect the bulb's ability to work.

When you replace halogen lightbulbs, you want to wear gloves, so the oils from your hands don’t transfer to the surface. The heat from the bulb can spread unevenly if oil is not removed. This could lead to premature wear. 

3. Shorter Lifespan

Halogen headlights have a very short lifespan. This is the biggest problem. Average lifespan of a halogen bulb is between 450-1000 hours. That’s not much when you compare the performance of the other two options.

However, you don’t have to spend a lot on these bulbs, making them a better value for some drivers. If you aren’t driving a lot at night, this shorter lifespan isn’t going to matter too much to you. 

The Right Headlights to Fit Your Vehicle

The cheapest option is the halogen bulb, but you can’t expect superior performance. While Xenon HIDs offer a bright beam, it is important to give them time to heat up. However, LEDs will last longer, however, not all vehicles can have them. 

With so many options to choose from, it’s difficult to know which headlight is right in every situation. It’s more a matter of what you prefer. You have the choice to use multiple bulbs in many vehicles, but you will need to make minor adjustments.

When in doubt, read the owner’s manual to see what the manufacturer recommends. To find out what your vehicle is capable of accommodating, you can speak with your local dealer.