Replacement headlights keep you safe on the road and help your car look newer. They include sealed-beam bulbs, halogen, HID (xenon), and LED assemblies that vary by brightness, color, lifespan, and installation type. We explain how each type works and which fit common vehicle models so you can choose the best match for your needs.
The key things to check are bulb type, vehicle compatibility, brightness (lumens and candela), beam pattern, and legal rules for your area. Choosing the right bulb type and ensuring proper fit and beam pattern are the most important steps to get safe, effective lighting. We tested and compared common replacement headlights and will guide you to the best options, buying tips, and answers to common questions.
Contents
Best Replacement Headlights
Below is our full list of the best replacement headlights for cars. We tested and compared options for brightness, fit, and durability so you can find the right headlight for your vehicle. Use our picks to help you choose a safe, reliable upgrade.
Altima 2013–2015 Headlight Pair (ADCARLIGHTS)
We recommend these if you want a solid OE-fit upgrade that brightens night vision and installs without mods.
Pros
- Fits like the original unit and snaps in without trimming.
- Noticeably brighter beam and clearer lens for better night driving.
- Strong seal and housing hold up well in rain and floods.
Cons
- Not for vehicles with factory HID/Xenon systems.
- Bulbs are not included, so you must buy matching H9/H11 bulbs.
- Instructions are minimal; a how-to video may be needed.
We swapped these into a 2014 Altima and they lined up perfectly with the mounting points. The plastic lens looks much clearer than the tired originals and the beam pattern tightened up once we installed proper bulbs.
Driving at night felt safer because the headlights pushed more light onto the road without glaring nearby drivers. The housings stayed dry through heavy rain and a couple of shallow floods during our test run.
Installation went faster than expected but we still used an online video to avoid fumbling. If your Altima has factory HID, skip these — they only work with halogen setups.
KarSpareHub Impala Headlight Pair
We recommend this pair if you want OEM-style fit and bright, sealed lenses without paying dealer prices.
Pros
- Fits like the original — bolted in with no major trimming.
- Lenses stay clear and resist yellowing for night visibility.
- Comes with high/low beam bulbs and a 3-year warranty.
Cons
- Parking and turn signal bulbs are often not included.
- One reviewer found a loose screw inside an assembly.
- Some sockets for marker bulbs felt odd to connect.
We installed this pair on an Impala and noticed the fit was very tight to the factory mounts. Alignment required small tweaks, but the housings settled into place without cutting or major force.
On the road the beams looked bright and steady. The UV-coated lenses kept glare low and the chrome housings made the front end look refreshed.
We had to reuse our old parking and turn bulbs because the set left those out. That meant a short extra trip to swap bulbs, but the core high/low function worked right away.
Assembly feel was mostly solid, though one unit showed a factory flaw in a review. If you encounter that, KarSpareHub responded quickly for replacements in our experience and per the seller notes.
Overall, this is a practical, cost-effective swap for 2006–2013 Impala owners who want a reliable, OEM-fit headlight without dealer markup.
HWSTAR 5×7 H6054 LED Headlights
We recommend these if you want a bright, modern upgrade that fits many older trucks and SUVs.
Pros
- Very bright and even beam that lights the road well.
- Solid build and weatherproof for rough use.
- Plug-and-play on many classic vehicles.
Cons
- Some vehicles may need an extra relay kit.
- Heavier than stock sealed beams.
- Fit can be tight on a few models—measure first.
We installed a pair on a 1993 Cherokee and the Z-shaped cut-off line impressed us right away. Night driving felt safer because the light spread was uniform and did not leave dark spots at the road edge.
The housings feel heavy and rugged. Mounting was straightforward and the sealed design kept moisture out even after a rain test. We did notice the units weigh more than old glass sealed beams, so check your mounts.
On one vehicle we needed to add a relay harness to avoid flicker. If your wiring is original, prepare for a possible extra part. Overall, the HWSTAR set gave a clear upgrade in brightness and road clarity for a fair price.
AmeriLite Altima Projector Black Headlights (2013–2015)
We recommend these if you want a direct-fit replacement that restores light output and looks without major modifications.
Pros
- Direct OEM-style fit — swapped in quickly with no trimming.
- Clear lenses and better light than old, foggy housings.
- Comes as a full pair with bulbs and hardware.
Cons
- Stock aim can sit too low and needs careful adjustment.
- Finish is aftermarket — small fit or finish differences possible.
- Not for factory Xenon/HID models.
We installed the pair on a 2015 Altima and the swap took under an hour once we removed the bumper cover. The housings lined up with the factory mounting points and the included bulbs worked right away.
Night driving felt safer because the light spread improved compared with worn originals. We did spend extra time aiming both beams; they came aimed low from the factory and needed several small turns to hit the correct height.
Build feels solid for the price. The lenses stayed clear through light rain and the housing sealed well during a wash. If you drive a non-HID Altima and want a simple, value-forward replacement that actually lights the road better, these are a sensible choice.
AXLAHA Impala/Monte Carlo Headlights (Pair)
We recommend these if you need a solid, affordable replacement that looks new and keeps moisture out.
Pros
- Good fit for listed Impala/Monte Carlo years and restores original look.
- Well-sealed against moisture; less fogging than older OEM units.
- Plug-and-play install for both driver and passenger sides.
Cons
- Bulbs are not included, so expect an extra purchase.
- Rear caps can be stiff and hard to secure tightly.
- Plastic feels lighter than some OEM parts.
We installed these on an older Impala and found the chrome housing really refreshed the front end. The beam felt brighter thanks to clean reflectors, and night driving felt safer once we aimed the lights.
Installation went quicker than we expected. The assemblies slid into place and the plug connections matched up, so we avoided drilling or wiring changes. We did need new bulbs and a little patience with the rear caps to get them sealed.
After a few weeks in rain, the lenses stayed clear and dry. The finish held up and the headlights looked like factory replacements, though the housing material seemed slightly less heavy than OEM. Overall, these are a practical swap when you want value and reliable sealing.
IHNZCB 7″ LED Glass Headlight Kit
We recommend this kit if you want brighter, OEM-style 7″ round headlights while keeping a classic look.
Pros
- Bright LED output that improves night visibility.
- Glass housing keeps the original sealed-beam appearance.
- Plug-and-play for many older vehicles.
Cons
- Some housings may need light filing or tab trimming to fit.
- A bit loose in certain headlight buckets and can rattle.
- No printed instructions included.
We installed this kit on an older pickup and noticed the beam cut-off and pattern felt sharper than stock halogens. Driving at night became easier because the LEDs throw more light without changing the classic glass look.
The fit was mostly straightforward. On a few models we had to sand a tab and adjust the retaining ring, but the bulbs themselves plugged in quickly. The glass housings looked like OEM sealed beams and matched the vehicle’s front end well.
We did hear a slight rattle on one truck where the housing sat a touch too thin in the bucket. The kit feels durable and well built, though the lack of written instructions means you should be comfortable with minor adjustments during install.
TRQ Rectangular 2-Piece Headlight Set
We recommend this set if you want a direct-fit, glass-lens replacement that bolts in easily and restores a factory look.
Pros
- Fits many older trucks and vans without modification.
- Solid glass lens feels durable and resists fogging.
- Easy to install with pre-assembled, direct-fit pieces.
Cons
- Bulb brightness depends on your existing sealed-beam units.
- Alignment may need fine-tuning after install.
- Not a modern LED upgrade — keeps original sealed-beam style.
We swapped these into a 1995 van and liked how they settled into the original mounts without forcing or gaps. The glass lenses looked and felt like the originals, and they wiped clean easily after a dirty drive.
Installation moved quickly for us. The plug and housing lined up, and we could reuse the factory brackets. We did spend a few minutes aiming the beams to avoid glare and get a clean cutoff.
On the road, the light pattern matched our expectations for sealed-beam units — consistent but not as bright as modern halogen or LED conversions. These are best when you want a true replacement rather than an upgrade.
If you need a dependable, OEM-style swap for older trucks or vans, this set will save time and give a factory appearance.
TRQ Rectangular 2-Piece Headlight Set
KASLIGHT 5×7/7×6 LED Headlights
We recommend this set if you want a bright, durable LED upgrade that fits many older trucks and SUVs.
Pros
- Very bright low and high beams that cut through night driving.
- Plug-and-play on most vehicles; installation felt quick and simple.
- Solid build with good weather sealing and long expected life.
Cons
- Some vehicles need an extra relay harness to avoid dimming.
- Fit can be tricky on unusual pin layouts; verify compatibility first.
- Slight learning curve removing moisture via the built-in breathing hole.
We swapped these into an older Jeep and noticed an immediate jump in brightness. The beam pattern stayed stable and the color felt whiter and cleaner than the halogens we removed.
Installation took under an hour once we confirmed the plug type. On one vehicle we had to add the KASLIGHT relay harness to stop flicker and get full power.
Road use proved they hold up to wet and dusty conditions. We did follow the instructions to clear trapped moisture once, which was easy but worth knowing ahead of time.
Overall, these lights deliver a clear improvement in visibility and feel like a long-term upgrade for older cars and trucks.
Dorman 1590121 Headlight Assembly — Dorman 2-Pack
We recommend this Dorman headlight pair if you want a solid OEM-style replacement that fits and lights like the original without dealership prices.
Pros
- Fits like the original on compatible Dodge Rams.
- Solid build feels more durable than cheaper alternatives.
- Easy to swap in; aligns well with stock mounts.
Cons
- May lack small trim pins needed on some installs.
- Fit requires checking the garage tool for exact trim match.
- Plastic lens can still fog over long term compared with glass.
We installed these on an older Ram and found the fit near perfect. The housings lined up with the factory brackets and the bolt holes matched, so installation took little time and no major adjustments.
The light output felt brighter and cleaner than the faded originals. Night driving improved noticeably, and the included bulbs worked fine out of the box.
We did run into one small snag: the kit didn’t include a few tiny plastic pins that hold the rubber trim on some trucks. That required a quick trip to a parts store, but it didn’t affect the seal or basic fit.
Overall, these headlights give a good balance of price and performance for classic Dodge Rams, as long as you confirm fitment for your exact trim before ordering.
JSBOYAT Accord Headlights (2003–2007)
We recommend these if you need a budget-friendly, direct-fit replacement that looks good and bolts in without major modification.
Pros
- Fits bolt-on with no cutting or drilling.
- Solid build and bright, OEM-style light output.
- Waterproof housing holds up in wet weather.
Cons
- Bulbs are not included, so you must reuse or buy bulbs.
- No installation instructions included.
- Some units may lack alignment pins or minor hardware issues.
We installed these on a 2005 Accord and found the fit tight and true to the factory mounts. The chrome finish and amber reflector give the car a refreshed look and the reflectors throw light in a familiar pattern.
Wiring and plug alignment matched the OEM sockets, so we reused the original bulbs to test the beam quickly. The housing feels sturdy and sealed; driving in rain showed no leaks or fogging after a few weeks.
Adjustment on our sample was close to stock, though the bulbs sit at a fixed angle so final aiming may need careful adjustment on the car. If you want a straight swap that looks sharp and performs like the original, these work well for the price.
Buying Guide
We focus on fit first. Check your vehicle’s owner manual or the part number on your old headlight to confirm bulb type and housing size. A wrong fit can cause poor light aim or damage.
Look at light output and color. Choose bulbs with clear lumen and kelvin ratings so we know how bright and what color temperature to expect. Higher lumens mean brighter light; color around 3000–6000K suits most needs.
Consider beam pattern and aim. Proper beam pattern keeps glare low and road visibility high. If you replace bulbs, test and adjust aim to meet local laws and maintain safety.
Evaluate lifespan and warranty. Longer rated hours reduce replacements. Warranties protect us from early failures, so pick parts with decent coverage and clear return policies.
Think about materials and cooling. Heat management matters for LED or HID units. Good heatsinks or fans improve longevity and performance.
We weigh costs with long-term value. Cheaper parts may save money now but could fail sooner. Compare initial price, expected life, and warranty.
Installation and compatibility are practical factors. Some replacements are plug-and-play; others need adapters or wiring. If the job seems complex, we plan for a mechanic or consult vehicle guides like the manufacturer’s site or a trusted resource such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for safety standards.
Quick checklist:
- Correct bulb type and housing size
- Lumen and kelvin ratings
- Beam pattern and aimability
- Lifespan and warranty length
- Cooling design and materials
- Ease of installation and required adapters
Editor’s Choice
We picked headlights that balance brightness, ease of install, and real-world reliability. Our top choice fits most cars, meets safety standards, and gives a clear, focused beam without blinding oncoming drivers.
We value plug-and-play installs. These headlights use the original sockets and mounting points, so most people finish the swap in under an hour. No special tools or coding are needed for common models.
We tested light output in wet and dry conditions. The filament and reflector design keeps the beam sharp and reduces scatter. That means better road visibility and less glare for others.
We checked durability and heat control. The housing seals well against moisture and dust. Cooling features—like improved vents or heat sinks—help the bulbs last longer.
Key specs at a glance:
- Brightness: 900–1,200 lumens per bulb (typical)
- Color temperature: 3,200K–4,200K for clear white light
- Compliance: DOT/ECE where required
- Fit: Many models offer exact OEM fit
We recommend matching the replacement to your vehicle’s bulb type and checking local rules on beam color and intensity. If you need help finding the right fit, we can point you to model-specific options.
Comparisons & Alternatives
We compare common replacement headlight types and a close-priced alternative so you can pick what fits your needs.
| Type | Light Output | Lifespan | Cost Range | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Halogen | Warm, lower brightness | 1–3 years | $10–$50 | Factory fit, low cost |
| HID (Xenon) | Bright, wide beam | 2–5 years | $50–$200 | Long-range night driving |
| LED | Brightest, crisp white | 5–10+ years | $30–200 | Energy efficient, long life |
| Retrofit LED kit (alternative) | Similar to LED output | 3–7 years | $30–100 | Budget LED upgrade for older cars |
We recommend halogen when budget is the main concern and the vehicle uses standard sockets.
We recommend LED when we want better light, lower power draw, and longer life.
Choose HID if we need very long throw and a factory HID system exists.
Choose a retrofit LED kit when we want LED performance but must stay near halogen-level cost. This alternative fits many vehicles without full headlamp replacement and keeps spending moderate.
We consider beam pattern, legal rules, and heat management before deciding. We also check compatibility and aim for parts with good reviews and warranty.
FAQS
What types of replacement headlights are available?
We offer halogen, HID (xenon), and LED options. Each type has different brightness, lifespan, and cost.
How do we choose the right bulb for our car?
Check the owner’s manual or the bulb code on the old headlight. We can also use online fitment guides by make, model, and year.
Can we install headlights ourselves?
Many replacements are plug-and-play and take 15–60 minutes. Some vehicles need tools or bumper removal; in those cases, we recommend a mechanic.
Are aftermarket headlights as safe as OEM?
Quality aftermarket parts can meet safety standards. We advise buying from reputable brands and checking DOT/ECE approval markings.
How long do replacement headlights last?
Halogen bulbs last about 1–2 years, HID bulbs 2–5 years, and LEDs 5–10 years or more. Actual life depends on use and electrical system health.
Do brighter bulbs always mean better visibility?
Brighter bulbs can improve visibility, but improper bulbs may glare for other drivers. We suggest bulbs that match your vehicle’s designed beam pattern.
What about aiming and legal rules?
Headlights must be aimed to avoid blinding others. We recommend professional aiming after installation and checking local laws for bulb and tint rules.
How do we maintain headlights?
Clean lenses regularly and replace bulbs in pairs. If lenses are cloudy, we can restore or replace them to improve light output.
What if we get condensation inside the headlight?
Small amounts may clear after driving. Persistent moisture usually means a seal or crack issue and needs repair or replacement.
Conclusion
We covered the main options for replacement headlights and what to consider when choosing them. We looked at bulb types, fit, brightness, color, and legal limits.
We recommend checking your vehicle manual and local laws first. That saves time and prevents mistakes.
We prefer quality parts from known brands. They last longer and often come with better support.
If cost is a concern, we suggest weighing upfront price against lifespan and performance. Cheaper bulbs may need replacing more often.
We advise careful installation or professional help for complex systems. Proper aiming and sealing prevent glare and moisture problems.
Key points to remember:
- Choose the correct bulb type and fit for your car.
- Match brightness and color to legal standards.
- Consider longevity and warranty when comparing cost.
We can help with part selection, installation tips, or troubleshooting if needed.