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7 Best Car HID Headlight Conversion Kits in 2022 – Reviews and Buying Guide
Updated on June 13, 2022 Robert Muñoz
Most cars have halogen or LED headlights, which shine some light onto the road in front and use reflectors in the light bays. However, you may have seen more powerful headlights on the road, and want to upgrade your car’s headlights to these.
Car HID headlights (or high-intensity discharge headlights) are very strong and can be seen from the road. They emit blue light and are excellent for driving at night or in rainy conditions (and especially on rainy nights). HID lights are powered by electricity or gas, depending on the type.
LED and HID headlights are the premiere headlight exchanges. Most older cars are equipped with halogen lights, which use gasoline, aren’t as bright, and don’t last as long. However, HID and LED headlights are much brighter than halogen and last much longer.
LED lights last a little longer and are a little brighter, but can overheat if you’re not careful. HID doesn’t run the risk of overheating but doesn’t use electricity. There are pros and cons to each option, but both HID and LED are excellent choices for a headlight upgrade.
If you have an older car, you probably need to switch out the headlights for HID lights. Luckily, it’s a pretty easy job. All that’s needed is a lightbulb switch using a conversion kit.
When you’re looking for conversion kits, it can be easy to grab the cheapest kit and hope for the best. However, although it might be easy to install and save you money, some of the less expensive options can scatter the light from the headlights. This not only makes it more difficult for you but can blind oncoming drivers.
To truly make the best decision for your car and everyone’s safety, you need to buy the best HID headlight conversion kits available. Of course, this doesn’t mean you have to break the bank—there are plenty of budget-friendly options that are safe and high quality.
The Best HID Headlight Conversion Kits in 2022
1. Round ‎SL-0075A Black Cree Headlights (Compatible with Jeeps) — Best Overall
3. Philips 42302C1 D3S Standard Xenon HID Headlight — Best for Dark Nights
4. Marsauto D3S HID Headlight Bulbs — Great as Replacement Bulbs
5. HYB Canbus Slim Digital HID Ballast — Best Budget Kit
6. Xentec 9006 (HB4) 8000K HID — Best for HID Bulbs
7. HID-Warehouse HID Xenon Replacement Bulbs — Best for a Quick Fix
Before You Buy: Car HID Headlight Conversion Kits Buyer’s Guide
The Best HID Headlight Conversion Kits in 2022
We researched for you and found the best of the best, and here they are!
1. Round ‎SL-0075A Black Cree Headlights (Compatible with Jeeps) — Best Overall
Cree LED headlights are budget-friendly and easy to install. On top of that, they are compatible with any round headlights (although you might have to buy extra equipment for vehicles like Land Rovers or Hummers).
Road legal and completely safe
Easy to install in any Jeep model
You will need extra material to adapt it to a Hummer or Land Rover
One of the biggest issues with finding good LED headlights is buying them for cars with unique headlight shapes. A Jeep is one of those cars—the factory headlights are never bright and they are round, which makes it extremely difficult to find headlights for anything less than a few hundred dollars.
Once you install Cree headlights and adjust the aim, you’ll be ready to hit the road.
Most of the time, you won’t even need the high beams with these lights. They are bright enough to get you through anything but the darkest country night or the thickest fog, so you don’t have to worry about high beams all that often!
Of course, these headlights won’t be great if you don’t have a Jeep or other compatible car. However, for those who want the best for their vehicle with round headlights, you’ll be able to install them quickly and start seeing better results immediately.
Bottom Line These are excellent headlights for Jeep owners who are ready to upgrade their factory headlights to a stronger beam. View Latest Price on Amazon →
2. Wisamic M020003 LED 5-3/4 5.75 inch Motorcycle Headlight — Best for Jeeps
Just like for Jeeps, you have to buy a custom headlight to fit a motorcycle. You cannot settle for the regular bulbs for sale, and a good HID or LED bulb can be very pricey. However, this round 5 ¾ inch will fit most types of motorcycle headlights.
Easy plug and play adaptor
Compatible with several bikes
Extremely bright and strong
Doesn’t fit all motorcycles
Some models might need a vibration dampener
Although it was made for the Harley Davidson Dyna Street Bob, this headlight is compatible with any motorcycle that uses a 5 ¾ inch headlight. This includes almost twenty different types of Harley Davidson motorcycles spanning the past thirty years or more.
It is incredibly easy to install, with a simple three-prong plug to attach to the bike’s wiring. After that, all you need to do is secure the headlight and you can ride away. The advertised 400% increase in light is no joke–these headlights illuminate the road for huge distances and are ideal for night or country riding.
With integrated high and low beams, you can switch back and forth without changing the area lit up by the lights. The LED is a softer light than many HID or LED lights, so it won’t blind oncoming traffic. Of course, the price is a selling point too, with these headlights coming in at a fraction of the cost of similar products.
Bottom Line An excellent choice if your motorcycle is compatible! Especially great for those who drive on country roads at night. View Latest Price on Amazon →
3. Philips 42302C1 D3S Standard Xenon HID Headlight — Best for Dark Nights
When it comes to lighting and headlights, Philips corners the market on Xenon-powered bulbs. This is because the company invented the technology and makes most of the HID bulbs for car manufacturers today.
Works as a replacement for Philips bulbs
Matches original HID light bulbs
Works in most cars
Some bulbs are yellower in tint
Don’t fit in any cars that aren’t already outfitted for HID lights
Even when you have HID bulbs, they don’t last forever. Dealerships and mechanics will ask for several hundred dollars apiece (plus labor) to install a new headlight bulb. It’s easier to buy your own and replace it after watching some online videos or instructional websites. That’s where these bulbs come in.
The Philips Standard bulbs work in any car that already has HID headlights. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to replace your halogen or LED lights with these bulbs without replacing the entire system.
This isn’t a conversion kit, but it is a replacement for an HID light. If you already have HID lights, these bulbs will pop in and out and are a cinch to replace.
When shopping online, make sure that the bulb comes with the proper coding technology: a QR code to take you to the Philips website.
Many companies try to make duplicates, but they will be a waste of time and money and not work well in your car. The QR code and certification are essential in any online purchase of HID bulbs.
Bottom Line Great for people who already have HID headlights and need a replacement bulb. View Latest Price on Amazon →
4. Marsauto D3S HID Headlight Bulbs — Great as Replacement Bulbs
Mars Auto didn’t invent the Xenon technology like Philips, but they have found a way of mastering it without it being cheap and not working. These budget-friendly headlights work just as well but are much less expensive than the Philips brand. They are also totally blue without a hint of yellow light.
Three different options for various headlight sizes
Comes in a pair
The bulkier interface doesn’t fit in all cars
The cons? They’re a little clunky and don’t fit in every headlight slot. The size of the bulb itself is the same, but the wiring for the Mars Auto bulbs is all in a box that fits behind the headlight. It can be harder to fit this box under the hood if your car has flatter or wider headlights.
However, one size fits most with the Mars Auto headlight bulbs, and there’s no question that they’re just as bright as the others. They work well as replacements for standard bulbs as well, although you’ll have to buy more accessories to switch HID bulbs for halogens.
Despite the clunkiness, it’s relatively easy to install these headlights, with a simple plug opening in the bottom. If you get them in behind your headlight opening, they’re an excellent choice for the bluest light without breaking the bank.
Bottom Line Excellent for those who want the bluest light at the lowest possible cost. View Latest Price on Amazon →
5. HYB Canbus Slim Digital HID Ballast — Best Budget Kit
So you’ve got your HID bulbs, but you can’t attach them to your halogen headlights yet. This is because your conversion kit isn’t complete. You also need a ballast—something to switch the internal wiring in your car so the headlights don’t overload the wires and cause overheating. Once you’ve got both the bulbs and ballast, you’re ready to go.
Compatible with almost every car
Work for all HID bulbs
Some cars need extra decoding
Don’t work with lower-rated bulbs (without a relay)
You only need to take out your headlights, switch a few things around, and reinstall the lights. The ballast will change the wiring from halogen lightbulb to HID, making it safe for you to install your brighter light bulbs without damaging the engine.
These ballasts are almost universally convertible, making them convenient for any car model. Of course, they aren’t necessary if you already have HID lights, but will come in handy for the big switch from halogen to HID. They come with a one-year warranty to ensure any damage or issues you have are resolved.
When you install these ballasts in your car, you won’t need very many tools. Some cars have difficult headlights to take out, so that might make it more difficult, but the ballasts themselves attach directly to the wires leading to the headlights. With an HID lightbulb and a ballast, you can have HID bulbs in under an hour.
Bottom Line An excellent accompaniment to HID bulbs for a full conversion kit. View Latest Price on Amazon →
6. Xentec 9006 (HB4) 8000K HID — Best for HID Bulbs
It can be a pain to get the ballasts and bulbs separately, especially if you aren’t sure whether they’ll be compatible with each other. There are full conversion kits available, and Xentec 9006 is one of the best of them. It comes with two ballasts and two bulbs—a full conversion kit.
Several different color options
Not compatible with every model
The most important thing to know about this kit is that it isn’t compatible with every car model. To be sure that a kit is compatible with your car, you might need to buy separate ballasts and light bulbs. However, for the cars that do work with this model, you’ll be able to do the entire conversion with one kit.
Although the whole kit is a little bulky, the company offers several different sizes (the link goes to the slim option). With these options, you should be able to fit both parts underneath your headlights with little to no problem.
The entire kit is budget-friendly, which can help if you’re redoing a whole car.
Although there is no guaranteed warranty on this set, the customer service department is excellent. If something breaks in shipping or goes wrong during installation, you will be able to return it and get a replacement or a full refund.
Make sure you’re following the instructions, however–it’s easier to get it right the first time.
Bottom Line The total package: a complete conversion kit with bulbs and ballasts for anyone wanting a one-stop-shop. View Latest Price on Amazon →
7. HID-Warehouse HID Xenon Replacement Bulbs — Best for a Quick Fix
These HID Xenon bulbs are warehouse priced, so they’re incredibly inexpensive. However, they aren’t officially made, so they might not last several years like the other bulbs on this list. But if you’re looking for a temporary solution to save some money, these bulbs are the way to go.
Come in multiple color options
DOT approved and road legal
Not compatible with all models
The lightbulbs are DOT approved, legal, and good for the roads, so they won’t blind other drivers or cause you to get pulled over. They also have both a high and a low beam, which is integrated depending on your headlight model. If you’re not pleased, you can return them under the two-year warranty!
The biggest con of these bulbs is that they don’t last as long and they aren’t entirely compatible with every model. You’ll have to compare the existing models on your car to the type on the website to ensure they match. Ballast is also necessary–if your car didn’t come with HID lights, you’ll have to install one!
Like many HIG bulbs, these have a quick plug-and-play installation and are easy to install or uninstall as needed. They come in multiple color options, from pure white to blue light. As long as your car is compatible with them, these headlights are an amazing budget-friendly solution for HID bulbs.
Bottom Line Great for a temporary fix if your headlights wear out or you haven’t bought HID headlights yet. View Latest Price on Amazon →
Before You Buy: Car HID Headlight Conversion Kits Buyer’s Guide
Now you have a list of excellent products to consider for your upcoming headlight conversion project. However, before you even start, you need to think about the various aspects of this job. When modifying your car, you are taking the responsibility of it into your own hands. Ensure that your conversion goes well with these tips.
Things to Look for in a Headlight Conversion Kit
If you’re wondering how to choose the best headlight conversion kit, you need to assess what your personal needs are.
There’s no one universally accepted “best,” because there are several types of cars, headlights, and budgets to take into account.
Here are some factors to look at when you’re thinking about switching headlights.
This post gives suggestions for headlights, ballasts, and bulbs, but it’s up to you to make sure they will be compatible with your car. A quick Google search should work, especially if you have the make and model handy.
When you buy any kind of car modification, it’s essential to know the legality of the change you’re making. Headlights are regulated, and there are plenty of illegal HID and LED headlights on the roads.
If you don’t want to get a ticket while driving with your headlights on, make sure your lights are DOT approved and road legal. This should be obvious by a DOT engraving on the front of the headlight or the side of the bulb. It will also be advertised as part of the bulb or light.
Of course, the price is a huge component. If money was no object, you could just bring your car to a mechanic and pay hundreds to a thousand dollars for a headlight switch. However, you want to save some money and do it yourself. So make sure you’re remaining within your budget.
Even if you’re trying to save money, you don’t want to buy the cheapest kit on the market, only to realize that it doesn’t work and your headlights aren’t street legal. Instead, do your research (well, we’ve already done it for you) and make sure you’re getting high-quality parts so they’ll last forever.
When you buy a kit, you will either have to buy the ballast and bulbs separately or buy them together. Whatever you do, make sure that you have both components. Budget for this as well–if you only buy bulbs, they won’t work without a ballast and vice versa.
HID Vs. LED: Which Is Better?
One of the biggest arguments in the high-power headlights world is whether HID or LED is better. Although we focused more on HID headlights in this post, there are some points to be made for LED lights as well.
HID lights tend to have more power, but don’t last quite as long
HID lights are powered by gasoline and heat, while LED lights are powered by electricity
HID lights don’t run the risk of overheating (LED lights need an extra component for safety)
Both are blue or white lights
Both are equally easy to install and replace
Both last much, much longer than halogen lights (and are up to 400% brighter)
With these facts, the decision to make for your car is really up to you. It’s usually easier to find HID bulbs and ballasts, while LED lights are premade and put into headlights. If you have a specialty car, you might have to work a little hard to find an HID light bulb that works for your vehicle.
HID bulbs are usually accepted as superior lights for strength and color. LED lights, on the other hand, work the best for longevity. The experts are pretty divided on this issue, so it depends on where you stand and your car’s make.
However, both of these lights are vast improvements over halogen lights, both in longevity and strength. Whichever one you end up choosing, you’ll be making a good decision for your headlights, safety, and the car itself.
Things to Know Before Hitting the Road With Your New Headlights
Now that you’ve made your decision, bought your kit, and finished the conversion, you might be ready to get on the road. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before you show off your new, high-power headlights to the world.
If you are replacing the entire headlight (in a Jeep or another custom-shaped headlight), you will need to aim your lights. Factory-installed headlights are aimed to be at a specific height so that other drivers aren’t bothered by the brights or standard lights. It’s especially crucial to adjust this height when you add the brightness of HID or LED lights.
To aim your headlights, play around with their tilt and height until they’re pointed downward and forward. You want to see the road ahead of you, but not blind other drivers and get flashed for having your “brights” on when they’re not. You can also adjust your headlights in a regular car.
Check the Hi-Beams Settings
Some HID and LED headlights automatically turn to high beams. This is problematic if you don’t want to blind other drivers (and we assume that you don’t). It also doesn’t work well if you live in an area that requires headlights during the day.
Check the settings and test out your new headlights before hitting the road with them. You will be able to tell the difference–just know which set belongs to the high beams and which one is regular strength.
Are HID Lights Legal on the Roads?
One of the most common questions we get about HID headlights is: are they legal in the United States? Well, that’s somewhat of a complicated question. First of all, any factory-installed HID headlights are legal without question. If your car came with HID headlights, you are driving legally.
Otherwise, it can become difficult, because of the legality of post-purchase modifications. However, as long as you buy headlights with the DOT insignia etched on them and make sure that you’re aiming them, you should be fine. The legality becomes an issue if the headlights are affecting other drivers.
Now you have available to you a list of the best car HID headlight conversion kits. You also know what to consider when choosing one.
Be sure whatever kit you get has the DOT insignia to ensure you won’t get in trouble on the road. When you’re installing your HID lights, aim them down, the way your original headlights were installed, to prevent blinding other drivers
Most important of all, make sure whatever you buy is compatible with your particular vehicle. There’s nothing worse than getting excited about your new conversion kit only to not be able to use it!
HID headlights can absolutely enhance your driving experience, especially for long night drives.
What you need to do next is just click on the link of the one you prefer, and you’ll finally have the headlights you’ve been wanting.
I’m Robert, a US-based auto electrician, auto mechanic, trained engineer and fanatic about all things motor vehicle. After studying engineering in college I returned to my original passion - car mechanics - and I ran a garage for a number of years serving my local community. Through my garage, I got involved in numerous road safety campaigns in my local area until eventually, I decided to share what I've learned with the world. Know more about me... You can follow me on LinkedIn.