Which high-brightness h4 car lamps are better? Which lamps with increased luminous efficiency in the H4 base are better?
Lamps with an H4 socket are used in car headlighting systems and contain a two-component spiral design, which allows you to combine low and high beam headlights in one device. The safety of driving a car at night primarily depends on the brightness with which such sources operate. There is a wide range of halogen lamps on the market - with bright or soft lighting, with xenon effect or a high resource reserve. Understanding the choice is sometimes not so easy.
Our review presents the best H4 halogens available for sale on the Russian market. The rating position of each lamp was determined based on the characteristics, cost and opinions of the owners, which motorists kindly shared in their reviews.
Best Standard H4 Halogen Bulbs
In the first category we will look at the simplest halogen lamps. In these models, manufacturers did not strive for increased brightness, increased service life or higher color temperature, thanks to which they managed to keep the price at a fairly low level. In addition, standard indicators of power, brightness and service life make such lamps the most versatile for any conditions of use.
In terms of technology, halogen lamps are not far removed from the good old incandescent lamps. There is still the same filament in the bulb. But instead of vacuum, the cavity is filled with inert gases with Br or Cl. It is also worth noting that H4 lamps contain two filaments at once. One of them is responsible for the low beam, the second for the high beam. Moreover, the parameters of illumination and even the temperature of the glow can differ radically. So, let's look at the ranking of the best in this category.
3 Osram H4 Original Line Allseason
Excellent visibility in difficult conditions weather conditions
Country: Germany
Average price: 330 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.5
Despite the fact that this model was in third place, lamps from Osram cannot be called bad. Yes, the price is higher than competitors. Yes, the dry numbers of the parameters don’t really stand out in any way. But the enormous popularity among users is not without reason. Significantly increases the illumination of the road surface, has a pleasant, non-irritating shade of lemon color. They “break through” well during rain and fog.
At the same time, halogen lamps do not overload the vehicle’s on-board network at all (the standard wiring going to the headlights does not heat up). In the reviews of owners who installed Osram H4 Original Line Allseason in their car, there is not even a hint of regret about the correct choice. In addition, they have a high resource. Judging by the experience of car enthusiasts, lamps “live” for at least a year and a half.
2 General Electric H4 (50440U)
Best price
A country: USA (manufactured in Hungary)
Average price: 170 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.6
The American company, although it has existed since the end of the 19th century, is not as popular in Russia as its competitors. Nevertheless, it is worth paying attention to the products of this company, if only because of the lowest cost. By spending no more than 200 rubles, you will receive a lamp of good quality. In addition to the low cost, buyers note a clear cut-off line and high brightness of the light beam. During operation, General Electric H4 is stable and shines quite brightly (color temperature 3,200 K).
Despite the more than attractive price, this halogen lamp has great “survivability”. So, in one of his reviews, the owner boasted that he has been using this product in his car for three years now. They also expressed satisfaction with the sufficient brightness and reliability of halogen lamps, because during this period they always turned on the headlights when driving at any time of the day. The only negative is that the lamp life is slightly lower than that of its competitors. In general, the General Electric H4 is a strong mid-ranger, but the lowest cost allows the American to take second place in the rating.
1 Philips H4 3200K Vision +30%
Highest brightness
Country: Netherlands
Average price: 220 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7
Despite the fact that in the name you can see the inscription “+30%”, this lamp should be classified as standard, because the increase is not so significant as to classify it as a class with increased brightness. Such a small increase allowed us to keep the cost at a fairly low level, which cannot but be considered an advantage. Finally, according to independent tests, this model has the best sign and roadside illumination in its class. The illumination indicators from the main beam are also good - 102 lux, which is one of the best indicators.
They perfectly illuminate the path ahead of the car, stand out among competitors with a balanced price and are not inferior in reliability to more expensive analogues. A powerful beam of light with a faint yellow tint provides the best results when driving at dusk, on foggy and rainy roads. They do not have the xenon effect, but for night driving they are the best choice in this category.
The best H4 halogen lamps with increased brightness
Unlike European countries, most of roads in our native and vast region remain without artificial lighting. Because of this, people who often move between cities at night have to use lamps with increased brightness in order to provide a longer and wider beam of light. Demand creates supply. Manufacturers began to produce models with brightness increased by 50% or more.
Interestingly, this is achieved not by increasing the lamp power (it remained at the level of 55-60W), but by using more refractory metals in the filament and pumping a special gas mixture into the flask under high pressure.
It is worth noting that when installing such lamps, you should be careful about adjusting the headlights so as not to blind oncoming cars. Also remember that increasing the brightness will reduce the life of the lamp, albeit only slightly. Our rating will help you choose the best lamps in this category.
3 General Electric H4 Megalight Ultra +90
Better visibility in bad weather
A country: USA (manufactured in Hungary)
Average price: 630 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.4
The last place in the rating is occupied by not the brightest, but very versatile lamps. Buyers note an excellent level of roadside illumination when the low beams are on. Color temperature also plays an important role - 3300K. This provides excellent visibility even in conditions of snow, rain or wet asphalt, in which the currently fashionable white light is useless. It is also impossible not to note the most low cost in this category – almost 2 times (!) lower than that of competitors.
Despite this, General Electric H4 Megalight Ultra halogen lamps cope with their task “excellently”, demonstrating a noticeable gain luminous flux in the central part of the illuminated area. And calm, yellowish light is most suitable for lighting at dusk. It also makes the path clearly visible in fog or rainy weather. The only drawback is the lack of special spraying around the low beam spiral, which should reduce the level of glare of oncoming cars.
2 Osram H4 Night Breaker Unlimited +110%
The most comfortable light temperature
Country: Germany
Average price: 1180 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7
Over the many years of its existence, the Night Breaker line from Osram has earned many rave reviews from car enthusiasts. The 2017 models are in no way inferior to their predecessors. The brightness is one of the best on the market - +110%. Of course, it’s a long way from the leader of the rating, but this is enough for most drivers. I would also like to note the fairly high color temperature - 3800K - which provides higher comfort for the eyes. Finally, Night Breaker stands out with a fairly high resource.
The cost of these lamps is practically no different from the leader. So what prevented Osram products from taking a leading position? Brightness. Still, we choose the best halogen lamp with increased brightness, and therefore we will consider this indicator the most important.
1 Philips H4 3700K X-treme Vision +130%
The most powerful luminous flux
Country: Netherlands
Average price: 1170 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7
Once again, the first place was taken by a lamp from Philips. In this case, the reason for the victory was the highest brightness. +130% is one of the highest values of all lamps with increased brightness. Moreover, judging by user reviews, Philips managed to partially overcome the problem of short service life, because for some car enthusiasts the lamp worked for about 2 years, which is not possible for every standard model. It is also worth noting the clear cut-off line, which makes driving at night more comfortable for both the owner and oncoming motorists.
Owner reviews, which are almost all positive, highly appreciate the light output of this halogen lamp. It illuminates the roadside well, and the intensity with which the X-treme Vision source shines is evenly distributed across the entire width of the illuminated space and has an almost clear, rather than diffuse, contour on the sides.
The best H4 halogen lamps with xenon effect
Models of this type are also called “improved visual comfort” lamps. Thanks to the same high color temperature as metal halide (xenon) lamps, representatives of this category provide the best comfort for the eyes, because the temperature of 4000-4500K is closest to daylight. In addition, such light is better reflected from road signs, which helps the driver notice them a little earlier than with standard headlights.
However, it is worth considering that in pursuit of fashion, you may encounter such an unpleasant and even dangerous effect as a light curtain. This is a situation where white light is reflected from droplets of rain or snow and returns to the driver's eyes, causing him to see only a thick white veil. It is because of this that when driving frequently in bad weather, it is recommended to choose lamps with a yellowish tint.
If it’s much more important to you appearance your car, you are welcome to our rating of the best lamps for improved visual comfort.
3 MTF-Light Vanadium H4
The whitest light
Country Russia
Average price: 900 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.3
Despite all the patriotism, we cannot seriously recommend this lamp for purchase. Yes, the color temperature is almost 5000K, which is closest to daylight, but the manufacturer achieves this result by simply painting the bulb blue. Moreover, the biggest problem is not the paint, but the absence of a reinforced filament, which leads to a significant decrease in the level of illumination of the road surface, because the light emitted by the spiral is simply absorbed by the paint. In addition, many users note that the operating time is not the longest.
However, the luminous flux spectrum of this halogen lamp is as close as possible to white, which creates a certain xenon effect. If you conduct a comparative power test with other models in this category, the MTF-Light looks very decent. True, in fog and twilight the lighting is not entirely comfortable due to the high absorption of white light, but this property is equally applicable to all sources emitting at this frequency.
2 Koito H4 Whitebeam Premium 4500K
High directivity of the light beam
Country: Japan
Average price: 1530 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.5
In second place are very correct xenon lamps. These “halogens” underwent their “baptism of fire” during the Le Mann hour race. The Koito H4 Whitebeam Premium was able to confirm its endurance and best advantages at the Paris-Dakar rally. Having successfully passed the test in such difficult conditions, they received a well-deserved reward - recognition from leading automobile concerns that entered into direct supply agreements with Koito for the original equipment of cars.
Unlike cheap Chinese counterfeits, the model from the Koito company received not only a painted bulb, but also a brighter spiral, which together allows you to get a white-blue tint of light without losing any brightness. Indeed, buyers praise the very long (according to some statements, up to 3 kilometers, which we, of course, doubt) beam. It is also worth noting that the low beam is slightly more yellow than the high beam. This provides better visibility in precipitation. Finally, buyers note a fairly long lamp life. The only drawback of Whitebeam Premium that comes to mind is the price. Still, paying more than 1.5 thousand rubles for 2 lamps is quite a lot.
1 Osram H4 4200K Cool Blue Intense
Best quality, optimal cost
Country: Germany
Average price: 720 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7
An attentive and knowledgeable reader will probably notice that the leader of our rating on some points is even slightly behind the silver medalist. However, it is Osram that occupies a leading position, thanks to the lowest cost in the class while maintaining good quality and parameters. Yes, the color temperature is “only” 4200K, instead of 4500 for Koito, but this is easily compensated by excellent illumination levels at the near and far edges. And considering that for the price that competitors are asking for, you can buy as many as 2 sets of Cool Blue Intense, this model becomes even more attractive.
Those car owners who decide to replace the standard lamps with Cool Blue Intense notice a bright glow that does not blur at the edges, but has a clearer border. And in general, the effect of xenon is such that you can’t tell the difference - they shine very powerfully, with a bluish tint. If the car is equipped with running lights, this will eliminate the need to “burn” the resource of halogens in vain, and therefore will allow them to illuminate the night road longer.
Best H4 Metal Halide Bulbs
Metal halide lamps (aka xenon) are considered one of the coolest on the market. this moment. They are installed from the factory only on fairly expensive cars, and therefore tuning enthusiasts either install halogen lamps with an improved visual effect, or spend a little more money on real xenon to make their iron horse look even more beautiful. On the one hand, this is completely justified, because xenon has a fairly high color temperature - about 4300K - the most familiar to the human eye. Thanks to this, the owner’s fatigue is reduced, and oncoming cars are a little less blinded.
But there are two main problems. The first is a complex installation. Yes, the lamps themselves are at the same level as good halogen lamps, but you will have to additionally buy an ignition unit for them, and sometimes even strengthen the standard wiring. The second problem is the lack of preparation (as a rule) of standard headlights for xenon lamps. Because of this, the light beam is directed incorrectly and therefore blinds all oncoming cars. However, if you are willing to pay more and spend time on adjustments, purchasing such lamps will only bring joy. You will find out which model to prefer in our rating.
3 Sho-Me H4
The brightest light
Country: South Korea
Average price: 890 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.5
The products of this brand are trusted by domestic owners due to their high quality and reliability. These H4 car headlight bulbs were no exception. Bi-xenon is characterized by high luminous flux power and low energy consumption, thereby reducing the load on the vehicle's electrical network. This has an indirect effect positive influence for the life of the generator and wiring.
Sho-Me H4 do not shine well, but just excellent. The bright beam does not scatter, “hits” much further, which is necessary for driving at night, and can have a glow temperature from 3,000 to 10,000 K (depending on the rating of the halogen lamp). When choosing, you should remember that the tests and tests carried out revealed the most balanced value of this parameter for automotive optics - 4,300 K. There are no negative points in the owner reviews: the lamps are reliable, durable, warm up quickly enough and provide ideal visibility on the night road.
2 Clearlight H4 4300K Standart
High reliability
Country Russia
Average price: 1230 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.5
The silver medalist is not far behind the ranking leader. There is the same warm white light with a temperature of 4300K. The same power of 35W. Car enthusiasts who have chosen Clearlight H4 4300K Standart note such positive properties of these lamps as:
- Excellent reflectivity;
- Driving at night is no longer a problem - the road is perfectly illuminated;
- Do not overload the on-board electrical network. Economical;
- Bi-xenon with a slight yellow spectrum - provides excellent viewing range in twilight, rain and fog.
In addition, many owners advise not to neglect the correct settings of the car’s optics - this will allow them to fully operate halogen lamps without interfering with other participants traffic. But this model also has weaknesses. Firstly, the price. It is approximately a third higher than that of the leader in the rating. Secondly, the quality is not the most stable. Yes, judging by the reviews, the lamp lives for more than one year, but there are situations when lamps from the same package differ slightly in color temperature. It seems like a small thing, but it’s unpleasant.
1 SVS H4 4300K
The optimum ratio of price and quality
Country Russia
Average price: 900 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7
Surprisingly, the average price for the winner of the rating was set at the level of good halogen lamps. For such a low cost, the buyer receives a fairly well-assembled xenon lamp, which not only is not afraid of shaking and shock, but also produces a pleasant warm light. Among other things, the owners note an interesting system for changing the direction of the light beam. In the standard position, the lamp shines strictly straight, but if you turn it clockwise in the socket, the beam moves down slightly, which allows you to form a clear cut-off line.
Owners really like the stable bright glow - the lamps do not flicker, heat up quite quickly and reach the specified power. The reviews have the most positive ratings, emphasizing the affordable cost and high performance characteristics of the model. Buyers who have installed Bixenon SVS H4 in their cars are firmly convinced that they have made the right choice.
Best Long Life H4 Halogen Bulbs
The best models of halogen lamps were selected for this category, which stand out noticeably from competitors with an impressive margin of safety and, as a result, a longer service life.
3 Bosch H4 LONGLIFE DAYTIME
High quality. Reliability
Country: Germany
Average price: 278 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.5
This German manufacturer produces a huge range of products that have one thing in common - reliability. Bosch H4 LONGLIFE DAYTIME halogen lamps are no exception, because they will last for the entire life of the car. The lifespan of the light device declared by the manufacturer is 3,000 hours – that’s 125 days. continuous operation. In fact, the lamp will last much longer. However, in order to achieve such survivability in conditions of constant vibration, the manufacturer was forced to sacrifice some other properties of the lamp.
The tests carried out have established that they do not shine as brightly as their competitors, and the radiation intensity is only sufficient to adequately illuminate the road 86 meters ahead of the car. However, they are popular among car enthusiasts for their practicality, and for the same reason they are included in our rating.
2 Philips H4 LongLife EcoVision
The best combination of price and quality
Country: Netherlands
Average price: 360 rub.
Rating (2019): 5.0
Products manufactured by Philips are always of the highest quality and meet ECE requirements. It is these characteristics that have been the engine of enormous demand among European consumers for a long time, and even more so among domestic ones. Thanks to the latest technologies, used in the production of halogen lamps for cars, they manage to improve and endow the product with exceptional properties.
A special feature of LongLife EcoVision is the guarantee of a long service life, which is four times longer than standard (3,000 hours!). The special strength of quartz glass and filament determine the excellent resistance of the halogen lamp to constant vibrations. In addition, a car lighting device can withstand any temperature difference without the slightest risk of damage. Owners who chose LongLife EcoVision H4 when replacing standard lamps are satisfied with their choice. Reviews often include such assessments as: “set it and forget it”, “well illuminated in rain and twilight”, “do not overload the electrical wiring” and other statements in a positive manner.
1 OSRAM Ultra Life
The most durable lamps
Country: Germany
Average price: 585 rub.
Rating (2019): 5.0
The world leader in the production of lighting devices OSRAM (and also our rating in this category) does not skimp on innovation and uses only high-quality materials. Halogen headlights for Ultra Life cars are an improved product that performs its functions several times longer compared to similar lamps. The manufacturer guarantees uninterrupted operation for at least four years (2,000 hours). Such data was obtained as a result of intensive tests under different operating conditions of this unique product.
If you use modern LED running lights for daytime trips, then this period increases many times, and it is very possible that once replacing the standard lamps with OSRAM Ultra Life, the owner will forget about this component for the entire life of the car.
Over time, every vehicle owner is faced with the need to replace the light source in optical devices. Often, when organizing low or high beam, an h4 lamp is used. To avoid making a mistake in choosing a model, you can independently test the performance of different types. However, to save time, consumers often use already verified information about the performance of such devices.
Types of lamps
Since the safety of all road users depends on the quality of lighting, you should take the most responsible approach to the question of which h4 lamps are best suited for use in vehicles. At the moment, there are three main types of lighting devices with this series of bases:
- LED;
- xenon;
- bi-xenon;
- halogen.
All classifications have both advantages and disadvantages, analysis of which will allow each consumer to give preference to the most suitable type of h4 lamps.
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Name |
price, rub. |
Customer Reviews |
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Suitable for cars and trucks. The level of illumination is comparable to xenon ones, but is more comfortable for the driver and oncoming traffic. |
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They completely replicate the cut-off zone of demarcation without dazzling drivers of oncoming cars. |
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It has a cooling radiator made of a special alloy and is connected to the headlight using standard connectors. The light spot in the main illumination zone is 38100 Kd. |
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Compared to standard lamps, the light is 100% brighter, the light beam is 45 meters longer. High quality quartz glass. |
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The best offer on the market in terms of price and quality. The color temperature of the light flux reaches 3700K. Service life 10 months. |
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They give a bright, strong white light, but do not blind other drivers. Color temperature 4500K. Service life is one year. |
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Operating life 3000 hours. The light is pleasant - white with a blue tint. Color temperature 5000K. Vibration resistant. |
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The quartz glass flask is durable, resistant to vibration and stones. The light is bright, but repeats the cut-off zone of demarcation. |
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Bi-xenon. Manufactured using CREE technology, which increases the luminous efficiency. Diode type CREE-XM-L2. Output 2700 lumens. |
The best LED lamps with H4 base
Japanese LED bulbs with H4 socket are used for installation in the head lighting systems of cars and trucks. Last year's new product received recognition from car drivers due to its high lighting parameters, which are achieved even with the model's low power - 11W. A color temperature of 6500 K allows for a visually pleasing white light output. During operation, the product clearly delineates the cut-off zones, which eliminates the possibility of blinding the driver of an oncoming car.
Main parameters:
P6 H4
This model of light bulbs is designed to replace the halogen analogue of low beam, as well as high beam. As a result, visibility of the road area and roadside increases by more than three times. This factor is ensured by 8 diodes from the Philips Luxeon MZ brand.
Like the previous model, P6 H4 products completely replicate the cut-off zone without dazzling drivers of oncoming cars. The devices are cooled using a heat pipe and a rolling bearing.
Characteristics in numbers:
The products work perfectly in combination with different types of headlights and create light radiation 2.5 times stronger than their halogen counterparts. The operating life, according to the manufacturer, reaches 5000 hours. The product has the correct geometric shape of the luminous flux, which improves driving comfort. A radiator is used here as a cooling system; it is connected to the headlights via a standard connector.
Main characteristics:
The best halogen lamps with H4 base
A halogen lamp with a xenon effect should not only be bright, but also safe for all road users.
Devices from the Dutch manufacturer have a short service life compared to their LED counterparts - 8-10 months. The color temperature of the light flux reaches 3700K. Lighting devices operate from an electrical source with a voltage of 12 V. Power consumption varies between 55-60 W.
The product is a representative of the category of the most powerful and brightest halogen light bulbs from the Philips brand. The cost for a set of two lighting devices is 1100 rubles. Despite the increased flow rate, users claim that the color of the products is practically no different from the standard ones. But in general, the paws fully satisfy the driver’s needs.
German quality has always been at its best, this is confirmed by halogen car bulbs of the Osram brand from the “Super +30%” series. The devices of this model have a good color temperature of 3300K, as well as an increased luminous flux of 55-60W. The devices operate from a 12 V power source.
The product provides more than 30% more luminous flux compared to traditional straps. The cost of the set does not exceed 270 rubles. According to consumer reviews, for this amount Osram Super +30% is the best option.
This is also a representative of German-made products. The model is covered by a warranty period of one year. The color temperature of the device is 4500K, which creates a warm white light output with a power of 55-60W.
The model, like other variations, operates on a 12V mains voltage. The package includes two bulbs with H4 socket. The cost of the set varies between 570-630 rubles. The disadvantages of this model are fast heating and reduced working life.
The best xenon lamps with H4 base
Automotive lamps with increased luminous efficiency. Allowed only as standard optics.
H4 ClearLight for low and high beam
The product creates a bright White color glow, which provides maximum comfort to the driver while driving. The model is designed for installation on low and high beam lighting devices.
The package includes only one lamp with a rated power of 35 V. The device operates from a power source with a voltage of 12 V. The light is rich and pleasant for human vision due to the glow temperature of 5000 K. The cost for one lamp with a service life of up to 3000 hours is 700- 750 rubles.
Problems that the user may encounter include poor delineation of the cut-off zone. This aspect, combined with high color temperature, can cause blinding of oncoming drivers. Therefore, product owners need to try hard to adjust the level of headlights so as not to create problems for other road users.
The product is produced with a wide variety of color temperatures and can have an indicator of 2800, 4300, 5000, 6000 K. This allows consumers to choose the most suitable option for creating optimal conditions ride. The bulb of the light device consists of durable quartz glass, the base is made of ceramics. Therefore, the light bulb is not afraid of mechanical stress and vibration.
Wiring with soft silicone winding ensures uninterrupted supply of electricity and eliminates the possibility of cracking of the external part. The luminous flux of the product varies depending on the temperature parameter - from 3000 to 3300 Lm. The price for one unit is 1800 rubles. As for the disadvantages, consumers cited a relatively high cost, taking into account the fact that the package includes only one light bulb.
The products of this brand are manufactured on modern equipment, which sets precise manufacturing parameters. The design uses a metal housing, which makes it possible to combine the operation of the light bulb with ignition units with a power of 50W and this without losing the functionality of the light device itself.
In addition to everything, there is an increased light output of +50%, which means that the light cone of the light bulb is 50 m longer than traditional analogues. The products are manufactured taking into account the difficult Russian operating conditions, so they are suitable for work in both warm and cold seasons. In addition, the model is often used to equip motorcycles with lights.
Main technical characteristics:
According to driver reviews, this model has no significant drawbacks.
What the law says
What frightens drivers most is the hypothetical liability for using gas-discharge products. This has a right to exist, but only if the alteration was carried out in makeshift conditions, and the headlights themselves are not designed for xenon and bi-xenon.
If the factory equipment provides for the installation of gas discharge devices, they are certified and receive compliance class D. This means that the luminous flux is adjusted and is safe for all road users.
It’s a completely different matter when the factory equipment is for halogen, incandescent or LEDs, and the craftsmen insert xenon. This is indeed a gross violation of the rules for operating vehicle lighting devices, which entails the imposition of an administrative fine.
VIDEO: Choosing the brightest lamp with H4 base
The factory installs ordinary Osram or, at best, Philips lamps, whose light output fully corresponds to the power declared on the packaging. Accordingly, the stock lamps produce 55/60 watts of light in the low and high beam modes. This luminous flux power is only enough to illuminate a deserted highway. In the city, and even on highways, today there is a lot of different lighting, and oncoming cars sometimes completely absorb the luminous flux of your car’s headlights, forcing you to drive in the dark for a certain time. Also, regular lamps are not very good in rainy weather or when there is a covering of snow on the highway. Let's consider interesting options for light bulbs in the H4 base to replace the standard ones.
Bosch +90% - ideal light with long lasting performance
One of the most interesting lamps that you can imagine for the H4 base is a product from Bosch. This brand is predictably expensive, but its products are not just high quality, but amazing in all respects. Bosch +90% bulbs delight with their brightness and also offer the following characteristics of the light beam from the head optics:- pure white light, which does not tire the eyes during long trips or on difficult sections of the road;
- excellent directionality of the light beam, highlighting objects that are far enough away;
- excellent work in combination even with not the latest reflectors, amazing performance;
- long life - Bosch products original origin always breaks records for service life;
- real plus 90 percent of a standard 55-60 Watt light bulb, which is felt upon first installation.
Osram Night Breaker Unlimited – great light, but not very long
Almost all lamps with increased light output, which we are considering in today's review, offer an excellent option for replacing stock light bulbs, but do not last very long. If a standard lamp can easily live for ten years in normally working optics, then Osram products with increased potential have a limited lifespan. However, Night Breaker lamps offer the following benefits: - amazing light output - if you install Night Breaker Unlimited, you will no longer want to change the optics to any other option;
- quite decent work even in headlights with some deposits on the reflectors or cloudy glass;
- no need for special preparation to install a lamp with increased luminous efficiency;
- very pure white light stream, it is possible to purchase Osram lamps with blue coating on glass (xenon);
- the cost is quite high, but the benefits of using the lamp completely justify the purchase.
Philips XTreme Vision +130% - amazing H4 lamps
It must be admitted that the apogee of the development of light bulbs with increased luminous efficiency can be called Philips products. If you are willing to pay a lot of money for good light, it's time to look at Philips XTreme Vision +130% halogen bulbs. There are also more affordable lamps on sale with +100% potential. The main advantages of Philips products are: - very noticeable differences with all other bulbs in the H4 base, brighter light and excellent output;
- excellent quality of the light beam, white and pure light helps relieve fatigue from the driver’s eyes;
- a car even with very poor optics will perfectly illuminate the road, shining twice as brightly and further;
- The lifespan of the lamps, at least as indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging, is much longer than usual offerings.
Let's sum it up
KOITO White Beam III lamps can be added to the list of leaders, but they cost incredible amounts of money and are not available on the shelves of specialized stores. Narva lamps, related to budget proposals, have proven themselves to be excellent, and it should also be noted that long life ordinary General Electric light bulbs of American origin. The three options for light bulbs in the H4 socket presented in the comparative review are the most technologically advanced and best-price-quality options on the market. However, not every store will offer you three options to choose from. For example, expensive Bosch is much more difficult to find than the very popular Osram. Make the right choice and maintain excellent optical quality in your car.The modern market offers a wide selection of headlights. Nowadays there are three common types: xenon, halogen and LED. An ignorant person will ask: “Why don’t you talk about incandescent headlights?” This is the last century.
What distinguishes halogen and LED h4 lamps, a review of the best 2018–2019, which model to choose, the pros and cons of each type, reviews - you will find in the article.
H4 lamps: review of the best 2018–2019
Let's look at what distinguishes h4 diode lamps from others. Car enthusiasts note their low energy consumption and long service life. LEDs do not have a filament, so they are shockproof. Let's choose the best models of 2018–2019.
- Sho Me g7 Ih;
- Led headlight;
- Bosch gigalight;
Philips X-treme Vision differs from standard beam lengths. It is 45 meters longer. This beam allows you to see holes in advance. Car enthusiasts note the quality and wear resistance of the product. X-treme Vision is a leader in its price segment. Philips h4 sold in pairs. The average cost is 1000 rubles. 
- Beam length.
- Wear resistance.
- The glass allows the headlight to work after damage.
- Depending on the car model, the lighting angle may change.
I recently purchased X-treme Vision. The light output of the beam is increased, as stated by the manufacturer. But the lighting angle is very small. They didn't fit my car. Suitable for some.
Sho Me g7 Ih
Sho Me g7 lh are equipped with original chips from Philips. One of the brightest compact LEDs. Light flux – 3500 Lumens. Color temperature – 5000K. The design of the model is equipped with copper radiators. Sho Me g7 Ih work efficiently for a long time, maintaining the original parameters. 4500 rubles is the average price.
- Built-in deceptions.
- Wear resistance.
- Copper cooling system.
- Brightness.
- Price.
Excellent brightness! I bought it for my father for his birthday, then I bought it myself. I like everything, they work without any complaints.
Osram is a company from Germany. Let us immediately note the German quality of the model and the powerful light. Visibility with night breaker is 40 meters. The distance is average, but sufficient to prevent a dangerous situation. The light of night breaker does not tire your eyes. The high beam is white, and the low beam is yellow. With these you can easily travel hundreds of kilometers. 890 rubles – approximate cost.
- The safe distance is greater.
- The eyes don't get tired.
- Suitable for dusty roads and use in fog.
- Price and characteristics.
The Germans increased the price significantly, but the quality is not much better than standard headlights. Before you buy, think about it - is it worth it? On the plus side, the distance is 40 meters, the light is brighter.
Led headlight
Led Headlight produces 0.7 times more light than halogen. This seventh generation model is easy to install in any car. Philips H4 LED lamps were installed. There are deceptions in the model. Therefore, your on-board computer will never “lie”. The average price is a thousand rubles.
- Durable body made of a special alloy.
- Powerful light.
- Deceptions.
- Poor high beam.
I took these headlights because I killed the old ones. The high beam on them is not very good, and the driver jams the radio. There are advantages, but for me they are insignificant. The deceptions work.
With standard power, Koito has learned to double the brightness. The Japanese manufacturer supplies 4 lamps in a set. Whitebeam light reproduces xenon headlights. This effect was achieved due to the blue bulb and silver tip. It is inexpensive - 1500 rubles.
- Your eyes won't get tired on long trips.
- Brightness.
- Headlights are blinding in the rain.
The lamps are okay, but visibility is poor in wet weather. Apart from xenon, there is little good on the market. This doesn't work in St. Petersburg.
Bosch gigalight
Headlights almost never tire your eyes. White color. Intensive. Close to daytime. The brightness of the headlights, due to the ice lamps, is 1.5 times higher than standard ones. 1000 rubles – approximate cost.
- Good visibility in the snow.
- Range of the light beam.
- They are blinded.
- Poor visibility in wet weather.
At first I liked the headlights until I drove in the rain. There is no visibility at all. If you turn up the light, oncoming cars wink to tell you to turn it off, it blinds you. I barely made it home. If you do not live in the Sahara or where it is dry and warm, I do not recommend it.
Painted in yellow, in places purple. They have an unusual design. Aurum shines a pleasant yellow. The eyes don't get tired. Suitable for long driving trips. Replacement takes no more than 10 minutes. Average price – 700 rubles.
- Price.
- The eyes don't get tired.
- Wear resistance.
- Low light.
When it’s raining outside, they shine better than standard ones. Everything is visible on the asphalt. Water doesn't eat up light. When it’s not raining, it’s also at the highest level. But a little dull. For this price one of the best options!
The best halogen lamps for cars h4 high brightness
High-brightness halogen lamps for cars h4 have the usual operating voltage and power –12v 60 55w . But the light from the former is much brighter. The beam length in such models is also increased. The name usually indicates the gain. Let's look at the best model in this category.
MTF-LIGHT ARGENTUM+80% H4
They shine with the usual yellow light, as the name suggests - Argentum. The color temperature of the model is 4000. Good Korean halogen lamps that do not require replacing the wiring in the car. Installation is easy. Compared to standard ones, the beam length increases by 15 meters and the brightness by 80%. Price – about 820 rubles.
- Beam length.
- The eyes don't get tired.
- Brightness.
- There are no cons.
An excellent model for its price. Brightness and distance are above standard, have not yet broken. Easy installation. I advise you to buy it and try it yourself.
MTF-LIGHT ARGENTUM+80% H4
Which h4 low beam lamps are the best?
Which h4 low beam lamps are the best is a difficult question. After all, products are usually evaluated according to several characteristics. We tried to find out which model has the best low beam among others.
Plus 90 gives 1.5 times more brightness than standard. The lamps are available in three versions with different sockets: H1, H4, H7. Painted silver. This makes the Plus 90 almost invisible under the headlight. Increased distance and brightness allow the driver to see in all conditions. Cost – 900 rubles. Let's look at the advantages and disadvantages:
- The highest resource among all the representatives of standard headlight lamps discussed above.
- Excellent light output, almost twice as high as the stock base ones.
- A unique technology for directing the light beam, which is one of the most important achievements of the company.
- Warranty from the most famous manufacturer of automotive accessories and spare parts in the world.
- Highest illumination intensity, but without dazzling drivers with low-beam headlights.
- 90% increased light output compared to standard incandescent lamps.
- Excellent visibility and best review over long distances even in bad weather conditions (rain, fog, etc.).
- High quality workmanship and premium design - the silver top and blue coating create a blue flickering effect even when the headlights are off.
- There are no cons.
The best h4 LED lamps low/high
A good solution for a car would be h4 low/high beam LED lamps. In such models, two types of light are combined in one. The light changes focus - and the distant one changes to the near one.
Quality product from South Korea. Includes: 2 lamps, 2 wires and 2 plugs.
The main advantage of the model is separate wiring. This increases the overall viability of the system. The design has been significantly refined and improved compared to standard xenon. 2500 rubles – approximate price models.
- Wear resistance.
- Long service life.
- Water protection.
- Consumes little energy.
- Stable work.
- All-weather.
- There are no cons.
A good choice when replacing standard lamps. Be careful with your choice. The model has two manufacturers: China and Korea. The second ones are better. What exactly? The light is better, there is almost no glare from oncoming traffic. Installed without lenses. Everything is fine, I've been using it for a year and a half.
The best xenon lamps
Recently, cases of converting halogen headlights to xenon ones have become more frequent. Why is this happening? The power consumption of the latter is almost twice that of halogen ones. The light output of xenon headlights is greater than that of halogen headlights (3000 Lumens versus 1550). Service life is longer, more than 5 times. Let us immediately note that converting halogens into xenon ones is illegal! Let's consider the best option for a xenon lamp for headlights.
Power is 35 W. The brightness of Sho-Me is 4300 K – 2600 Lumens. The service life of this model is at least 2000 hours. Glow temperature – 4300 K, color – white-yellow. Operating voltage – 12 V. The model is not suitable for all car enthusiasts. Setting 4300 K involves combining low and high beam in one lamp, changing the focus. In order for this bi-xenon bulb to work, an ignition unit is required. Price – about 800 rubles.
It has a number of advantages and disadvantages:
- The presence of a “bleeder” in the ignition unit.
- High quality.
- Light and power are at a decent level.
- Long working time.
- Wear resistance.
- Rich white daylight.
- All-weather.
- Easy to install.
- Low price.
- It blinds oncoming cars if configured incorrectly.
- Color may vary depending on headlights.
The new lamps are much better than the standard old ones. Brightness and distance benefit greatly. One of the disadvantages is that incorrect settings blind the oncoming traffic. The best xenon headlights in this price category, and among others, one of the best. I recommend!
Main technical parameters of lamps: power, light flux, housing heating, color temperature
- Base type. Each lighting fixture has its own base. For streets - E40, for LED lamps - GU and G. The most common sockets for headlights are H4 and H7.
- Power. This characteristic tells you how many watts the light bulb consumes.
- Colorful temperature. Measured in K. Characterizes the color of the light beam. For incandescent lamps the color temperature is about 2000, for LEDs it is 4500–5000K up to 6000. These values are always indicated on the packaging.
- Voltage. LED lamps operate at a voltage of 12 or 24 V. Power from the network is supplied through a converter.
- Light flow. This characteristic is measured in Lm/W (Lumens per Watt). The light output is 5–6 times greater than that of incandescent light bulbs. This means that they shine much brighter.
- Case heating. Frequently asked question buyer: “How hot does an LED lamp get?” A cooling system is hidden inside any such structure. The degree of heating depends on the power of the light bulb.
All these characteristics indicate the advantage of diode lamps over conventional ones. That is why the use of second ones in headlights is a thing of the past. The efficiency of a diode lamp is significantly higher than an incandescent lamp. This can be seen from the characteristics. When choosing a lamp for headlights, be guided by the above parameters. Most characteristics are indicated on the product label.
Marking
For 2018, there are several types of headlights. All of them are enshrined in the second section of the Technical Regulations. If there is an incandescent light bulb inside the headlight, it is marked with the following letters: C – high beam, R – low beam, CR – dual-mode.
Carbon halogen markings are similar to incandescent lamps. The only difference is the addition of the letter H at the beginning (HR, HC, HCR). For xenon, the letter D is added to the marking (DR, DC, DCR).
H4 lamp test
To find out how good the lamps are, they are tested in laboratory conditions. Products are rarely checked in the store. Find out how this happens in the video below.
How to install h4 lamp
Installation of halogen pairs is simple. It does not require special knowledge or skills, but takes a few minutes. The headlight bulb will only fit in one position. How to install an LED in a headlight is described in the instructions. The pinout is clear.
Installing xenon and bi-xenon lamps requires special knowledge and skills. To do this, we recommend contacting a car service center.
When installing, do not forget that you are not alone on the road. You cannot install a light that will blind oncoming cars. Replace one with another with caution - the norms are prescribed by law. Do not under any circumstances replace halogen lamps with xenon lamps!
Often, even in the daytime, visibility on the road can be very poor, which is why you may not notice an approaching car. In connection with this, traffic regulations have been changed and today low beams must be turned on while driving on all vehicles, regardless of the time of day. And these are not just wishes addressed to drivers, but a current regulation, non-compliance with which may result in a fine of 500 rubles (more details in Article 12.20 “On violation of the rules for the use of external lighting devices”).
Such requirements and reasonable meaning lead any car enthusiast to the question: “Which low beam lamps are best to use?” To answer this, you must first understand the differences between these lighting devices.
How do lamps with different markings differ from each other?
Today, lamps with one or two incandescent filaments (spirals) are produced. The latter allow you to use lighting elements for both near and far illumination; to do this, you just need to switch from one light to another. Single-strand analogues are more difficult to use. In more detail, there is the following classification:
- H1 - used for high beam headlights and sometimes for fog lights (designed for a four-headlight system).
- Lamps in the H2 base are used for low and high beams, as well as fog lights. This type of lighting elements is practically not found today.
- H3 - only for fog lights.
- H4 automobile lamps are used in traditional European two-headlight systems for high and low beam.
- H7 automobile lamps are also used for high and low beam in four-headlight systems.
The last two types are used most often. If we talk about their differences, then H7 are single-filament lighting elements, and H4 have two spirals, but are inferior in the characteristics of the new model. This is especially true for the service life (for the H7 it is twice as long). And, of course, like all the lamps described above, each type has its own base design.
Since H4 and H7 lamps are most often used for low beam, let's talk about them in more detail.
The best lamps in the H4 base
If we talk about which H4 low beam lamps are the best, then we should rely primarily on the glow power. If you do not leave the city, it is better to take 60 W bulbs, and for country trips 130 W.
As for the choice between halogen and LED lamps, it’s worth saying right away that although LED lighting elements are more economical, they are not suitable for headlights designed for H4 halogens.
Firstly, in order for an LED bulb to be comparable in light output to a halogen lamp, its size will be much larger, and if you use a compact model, then you will get very little light output from it - a vicious circle.
Secondly, if you install LED analogues in headlights for H4 halogens, their beam will be out of focus, the light will become blurred, because of this, in turn, the illumination of the roadway will significantly deteriorate.
Thirdly, a large number of LEDs will result in the semiconductors not being cooled.
Healthy! Automakers are developing special diode headlights, but have not yet been able to solve the cooling system issues for such elements.
Therefore, in order to achieve the best performance, it is recommended to use high-brightness H4 halogen lamps for cars from trusted manufacturers.
As for H7 lamps, they also have their own characteristics.
The best lamps in the H7 base
If we talk about which H7 low beam lamps are better, then today there are many modifications of lighting elements of this type. Models may differ in production technology, varieties, light and many other parameters. Only the standard power remains unchanged, which is 55 watts. However, today you can also find high-brightness halogen lamps for cars H7 on sale.
If you use h7 diode lamps for low beam instead of halogen ones, then the problems will be the same as in the first case: overheating and the need to use special optics, since without this it is impossible to adjust the light beam.
However, LED lighting is advancing and developing by leaps and bounds, so the moment is not far off when it will be possible to use this type of lamp for low beam. This is not surprising because in the future the H7 low beam LED lamp is much more convenient and profitable to use. Excellent light, durability and resistance to vibrations and shocks - all this characterizes lighting elements of this type.
As for manufacturers of low beam lamps, it is best to buy products from trusted companies that have proven themselves in this industry.
The best manufacturers and models of H4 and H7 halogen lamps
If we talk about the best brands, then according to testing the following models performed best:
- Koito. A Japanese company specializing in lighting technology, which produces halogen low and high beam lamps adapted for Russian conditions. Koito Whitebeam III H7 lamps (2 pieces) now cost about 1,800 rubles, and the same model for the H4 base will cost a little less - 1,500 rubles.
- Osram. Although competitors are trying to prove that the lamps from this manufacturer blind drivers in oncoming traffic, there is no official evidence or tests confirming this. On the contrary, Osram products are distinguished by quality and reliability. Car enthusiasts noted Osram SilverStar lamps as the best on the market, costing 550 rubles for the H7 base and 770 rubles for the H4.
- Philips. The eminent corporation repeats Osram's developments and produces lamps with the same light beam characteristics. However, Philips halogens also inspire confidence in quality. A Philips Visio Plus +60% lamp with an H4 base costs 550 rubles, and for an H7 about 1,200 rubles for two jokes.
- Bosch. The Hungarian manufacturer has been famous for its quality for many years now. Good luminous flux, providing the necessary illumination of both the roadside and near, as well as distant zones. A Bosch Plus 90 H7 lamp (2 pieces) will cost about 1,400 rubles, and a similar Bosch Plus 90 H4 lamp will cost 1,200 rubles.
When talking about the best low beam lamps, we did not touch on the topic of xenon, and there are several reasons for this.
A few words about xenon
Halogen and LED lamps do not yet reach the power of modern xenon lighting elements, so why not use more durable (up to 2500 hours) lamps?
Of course, xenon has one undeniable advantage. Such lamps convert only 7% of energy into heat, and halogens convert only 40%. This means that almost all of the electrical energy expended is converted into a powerful luminous flux. But, alas, this is only one side of the coin. In fact, the use of such lamps is unprofitable for several reasons:
- The cost of xenon is several times higher than halogen and LED lamps. This is due to the fact that such lighting will require additional equipment (the minimum kit includes a lamp and an ignition unit, the full kit includes optics, a headlight, and much more). Lamps of this type themselves cost about 10,000 rubles.
- Not all xenon can be used in the Russian Federation; more precisely, only the one that was installed at the car manufacturer’s plant can be used. You can easily get a fine for “handicraft” Chinese analogues, and when you undergo maintenance, you will have to get rid of the prohibited lighting.
- Xenon units use quite a lot of energy from the generator, and accordingly, fuel consumption increases.
In custody
To summarize, we can say that so far halogen lamps for low beam remain the most convenient and inexpensive. When choosing them, you need to pay attention to the manufacturer and power characteristics. It would be a good idea to familiarize yourself with the official tests that manufacturers usually provide to customers on their websites.