If you’re interested in vehicles, you may have got into a discussion about which bulbs are best. Many mechanics are car enthusiasts discuss the H11 vs 9005. The 9005 and H11 are both lightbulbs that are commonly used in the headlights of cars and other vehicles.
These bulbs both work well in their own right and can control light intensity. They have many similarities, as well as a few differences. The standard car headlight has a low beam that is angled towards the ground so that motorists can see the road while driving during the dark. The H11 lightbulb is an example of a low beam.
| Bulb Type | H11 | 9005 |
| Image |  |
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| High/Low Beam | Low Beam | High Beam |
| Wattage | 55 | 65 |
| Compatiblity | H8, H9, H16 (L-Shaped) |
H10, 9040, 9055, 9140, 9145, 9150, 9155, HB3
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| Need One? |  |
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High beam headlights are also available, and these are more powerful, offering drivers greater illumination. High beams are able to illuminate twice the distance of low beam lights. You guessed it, the 9005 is a high beam lightbulb, but does this mean it’s better than the 9005? Read on to find out; this article will compare the H11 vs. 9005.
The Difference and similarity of the H11 vs. 9005 lightbulbs
The main similarity between these two light bulbs is their shape. They are both L-shape. That’s where their similarities end as one is a high beam and the other a low beam. The 9005 is able to fit into the H11’s socket, but the H11 can’t be used to replace the 9005. These two light bulbs have many differences, including the following:
Lifespan
Out of these two bulbs, it’s the 9005 that wins when it comes to lifespan. This bulb can operate for over 50000 hours, making it very long-lasting and durable. After fitting a 9005 into your vehicle’s headlights, it will last for ages without you having to worry about replacing the bulb.
The H11 is also long-lasting but generally has a slightly lower operational life at approximately 30000 hours. While this may seem quite a lot less, it’s worth noting that both these lifespans are very long when compared to standard headlight bulbs.
Illumination and wattage
The 9005 bulb has a wattage of 65W and a high illumination power. This is what makes it a high beam light. The H11, on the other hand, has a slightly lower wattage of 55W and is also less powerful, making it perfect for a low beam bulb.
Compatibility
The 9005 is compatible with other lightbulbs such as the H10, 9040, 9055, and HB3, amongst others. In contrast, the H11 bulb can work with H8 and H9, as well as H16 bulbs.
H11 vs. 9005
It’s hard to answer the question which is best, the H11 or 9005, as these are different bulbs which have both been designed for slightly different purposes. Both bulbs have many great features and are functional. They are both very long-lasting and durable and offer high performance. Let’s look at the pros and cons of the H11 vs. 9005.
The 9005 light bulb
- Lights Dim Over Time, Replace In Pairs: Be sure to replace both 9005 headlights at the same time for optimum performance. If one bulb burns out, the other isn't far behind. Replacing in pairs allows for premium visibility
- Brightest 9005 Headlight Equals Most Downroad Visibility: See all aspects of the road better with Sylvania's premium headlight bulbs, the Ultra Night Vision performance headlight
- Whiter Light For Added Clarity: Patented Tri-Band Technology helps provide the whitest 9005 light compared to Sylvania OE bulbs. Improve contrast and object visibility such as street signs and road hazards
- Sleek Style and Improved Safety At Night: Replace your standard 9005 bulb for this bright white halogen headlight that will increase your vehicles night time driving experience
- The Sylvania Standard Of Quality: With over 100 years in business, Sylvania is the world leader in automotive lighting for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and the aftermarket
The 9005 is a high beam lightbulb that is commonly used for vehicle headlights. It produces a bright light and can illuminate well ahead of the car while driving in the dark. This is great for anyone who regularly drives in dark conditions or in the fog.
This lightbulb can also be used in your fog light and is excellent when the weather and driving conditions aren’t ideal. It’s important to note that in some states, there are restrictions about using the 9005 lightbulbs, as they are so bright and can almost blind other road users.
The 9005 light bulb: Pros and Cons
Pros
- They are great for driving in pitch darkness or foggy conditions as they create a very bright light.
- Helps to improve the car’s aesthetics.
- The 9005 lightbulb has a very long life and many last well past 50000 hours of operating time.
- Durable
- High beam lightbulb
- Can fit into some low beam bulbs’ sockets
- An LED which dissipates low heat
- Provides directional lighting.
Cons
- The 9005 lightbulb consumes more power than other similar bulbs.
- This high wattage bulb may drain your car battery while idling.
- The bulb is very bright and may dazzle oncoming road users.
- The H11 light bulb
H11 Bulb
- Get Up To 30% More Vision On The Road Compared To A Standard Minimum Legal Requirements In Low Beam Headlamp Test Results
- Choose Philips Vision Headlights For Increased Comfort And Safety.
- Original equipment quality seal for the most reliable performance
- All Philips Upgrade Headlights Are Dot Compliant
The H11 lightbulb, unlike the 9005, it is a low beam light bulb. This makes it excellent to use normal driving conditions. This light bulb provides a standard low beam light. It can be used in both car headlamps, and fog lights.H11 bulbs are most commonly used in cities and areas of busy traffic as their light isn’t blinding. Like the 9005, the H11 light bulb has an L-shape; it is compatible with other low beam lights such as the H8, H9, and H16.
The H11 lightbulb: Pros and Cons
Pros
- low beam, great for typical driving on city roads.
- This bulb can be used in the headlamps and fog lights.
- Won’t cause blinding to oncoming traffic.
- Durable and long-lasting.
- Has a low heat dissipation feature.
- Compatible with other lightbulbs (H8, H9, and H16)
- 55 watts.
Cons
- None, It’s a good quality bulb
Conclusion: H11 vs 9005
Many people ask whether H11 bulbs are better than 9005 light bulbs and vice versa. Comparing these two light bulbs is difficult as they both have different purposes. Both the H11 and the 9005 are good quality light bulbs that are long-lasting and durable. The H11 is a low beam bulb, which is best for driving in busy areas or in the city.
The 9005 is great for driving on country lanes and roads as there is less traffic. As it’s a high beam light, it’s high-intensity lighting covers a greater area. This means you’ll be able to see further while driving and will be able to drive in very dark or foggy conditions. You should be aware that your headlights create a very bright light and dim them when you meet oncoming traffic. The light from 9005 light bulbs is very bright and can cause temporary blindness in other motorists.