This article recommends the best 1156 LED bulbs.
1156 bulbs are some of the most versatile bulbs around. You can use them as turn signals, DRLs, tail lights, and the like.
If you need to replace the 1156 bulbs on your vehicle, it’s a good idea to upgrade to LEDs. They will provide higher brightness and a more pleasing look overall.
And leading the pack of 1156 LEDs is LUYED’s offering. This is one of the brightest options on the market, as well as one of the most aesthetically pleasing.
I particularly liked its night time performance with the 6500K color profile.
I’ve been testing and reviewing headlight bulbs for over a decade. So if you need help finding that perfect one for your vehicle, you came to the right place.
Keep reading for more information about the best 1156 LED bulbs.
LUYED Best 1156 LED Bulbs
OVERALL BEST
With a stunning 1,700 lumens per bulb, these LUYED LEDs made the halogen headlights I was used to appear drab. We’re talking taillights, signals, backup lights, and daylight running lights (DRLs) that pack a real punch.
The high-tech 4014 102-EX LED chipsets give these bulbs their impressive power.
The HD projector lens caught my eye as it amplified the light, making LUYED feel like a champion in the lighting game. I found it hard to believe that they weren’t 2,000-lumen bulbs, given how bright they were during my testing.
Unlike most 1156s that I’ve used, which emit a warm to white light, these bulbs surprised me with their cool white light that had a hint of blue. This must be due to their 6,500K color temperature.
All of these features combined resulted in a beam that was as bright as daylight. I didn’t see any of the fuzziness or inconsistencies that I’ve come to expect with standard lights.
But what really blew me away was the bulb’s brightness in all directions. The LED chips are cleverly arranged around the body tube for full coverage.
This design detail resulted in a more precise and penetrating beam, enhancing my view and making my car more noticeable to other drivers.
These bulbs don’t come with colored beams, so if you’re considering using them as brake lights, ensure your car has colored housings.
I was also struck by the low power draw, which led to less heating.
Helping to control the temperature is the high-heat dissipation aviation aluminum body and the built-in intelligent IC driver, which stabilizes the input current.
Although these bulbs don’t have a fan, which isn’t typically necessary for lower-powered bulbs like the 1156s, I didn’t notice any significant temperature issues. Plus, a fan would only have increased power consumption without significantly impacting temperature control.
At 950mA at 12.2VDC, the current draw is somewhat on the high side for 1156 bulbs, so I was relieved to see the manufacturer’s power-saving measures.
And let’s not call them inefficient. At 11 watts per bulb, they’re quite low for 1156s with a 1,700-lumen output.
Thanks to this careful engineering, these bulbs boast a lengthy lifespan of 50,000 hours. That means I can say goodbye to frequent halogen replacements. I’m looking forward to years of consistent, high-quality lighting.
Installing these bulbs was a cinch. It’s a straightforward plug-and-play with a user-friendly push-and-twist dual-pin design. If you’ve ever changed a household bulb, this will be a walk in the park.
The bulb is only slightly longer than a standard halogen bulb, so it slipped right in. It also felt more sturdy, so I wasn’t worried about accidentally breaking it during installation.
I’d heard a few complaints about these bulbs failing after just a few days to weeks, but that wasn’t my experience, and it didn’t seem to be a widespread problem among other customers.
Yes, these are the most expensive bulbs on my list, but they’re still quite affordable. I’ve chosen them as my top pick for their balance of price, light output, and build quality.
Pros
- 1,700 lumens brightness
- More noticeable from further away
- 6500K color temperature looks nicer when illuminated
- More noticeable in low visibility conditions
- High quality aviation grade aluminum build
- Built-in intelligent IC driver
- Efficient power consumption and heat management
- Last over 50,000 hours
- 30-day free return
- Straightforward, plug-and-play installation
- Possible to use as headlights on smaller vehicles/tractors
- 11 Watts power consumption
Cons
- Often out of stock due to popular demand
- Power consumption is somewhat high for 1156 bulbs
VehiCode 1156 LED Bulbs
BEST BUDGET
With 700 lumens per bulb, you might think the VehiCode lacks a bit of shine. But don’t dismiss it too quickly, particularly considering its budget-friendly price point.
With a combined output of 1,400 lumens, I’ve found it to be a great fit as a tail, brake, or parking light. This versatile bulb is purpose-built for 12V low-voltage vehicles and efficiently illuminates everything from cars and campervans to ATVs, mopeds, and even electric scooters.
Its slightly lower brightness, though, meant I had to rule it out as a standout DRL choice.
If you’re after a more natural feel, this bulb also delivers a warm white or yellowish tint. It’s reminiscent of a halogen light, casting a softer, fuzzier light that’s easy on the eyes.
What surprised me is its versatility; it can also work well as a garden or patio light if needed.
While it does feature a white beam option, it doesn’t quite reach the full 6,000K mark, but it’s not too far off.
For a bulb in this price range, the beam spread is impressive. Nine of its twelve chips circle the tip, and three project straight out, providing intense light in a straight line and at various angles.
This configuration significantly improved visibility to others, especially when reversing or maneuvering at night.
One major advantage of the lower power is that it only operates at 1.3 watts per bulb. In comparison to other LEDs, it’s a lightweight. I didn’t have to worry about it draining my vehicle battery.
Combining all these factors, the bulb emits ample brightness for your vehicle to be easily spotted.
On the downside, these bulbs are neither CANBus error-free nor anti-hyper flashing, which may require extra decoders to bypass potential issues. But if you’re confident they’re a good fit for your vehicle, this shouldn’t pose a problem.
Its compatibility range is broad, covering everything from Harley Davidson, Kawasaki, and Suzuki to Ducati. To ensure a perfect fit, you can check out the guide on the manufacturer’s website.
Just like most 1156 bulbs, it has a standard bayonet base. The installation was so straightforward that I had it done in a jiffy. Just remember to keep an eye on the polarity during installation.
With a rated lifespan of 30,000 hours, it may not be able to compete with premium LEDs, but it definitely shines in the budget category. Plus, it leaves any halogens or stock bulbs in the dust.
The VehiCode might not be perfect, but it undoubtedly delivers more than you’d expect from a bulb in this price range. You get superb nighttime visibility and a choice of beam colors, all for less than half the price of most competitors. Now, that’s a real steal.
Pros
- Aluminum finish
- 3000K color temperature
- 1,800 combined lumens
- Good direct and wide angle projection
- Can be used on a wide range of vehicles
- 3 different colors: warm white, natural white, and warm
- Simple bayonet-style connector
- Lasts up to 30,000 hours
- Exceptionally low powered at 1.3 watt per bulb
- Easier to spot your vehicle in low visibility conditions
- 1-year warranty
- Most affordable bulbs on this list
Cons
- Not as high-powered as other bulbs
- Some concerns about build quality
Auxbeam 1156 LED Bulbs
WORTH CONSIDERING
I’ve got to say, these 1556 bulbs from Auxbeam are a total game-changer. They’re packing a phenomenal 6,000 lumens of brightness, outshining even some high-beam headlights and making them twice as bright as my previous top pick.
Their brightness can be a little too blinding, to be honest. So, take note – these might not be legal on all roads due to their incredible power. But, if you’re looking for visibility, I’m telling you, you won’t find another 1156 bulb that comes close to this one.
One cool aspect that caught my eye is their 6500K Xenon White beam. It’s not something you stumble upon every day and it casts this slightest hint of blue, giving it a more pleasing aesthetic. Don’t worry though, it’s not so blue that it messes with your visual clarity compared to pure white.
Each of these babies is loaded with an astounding 24 3020 SMD chipsets. What does that mean? It means they’re spreading light from almost all directions. Add to that a high-refraction condenser lens, and you get more focused, direct light.
So, if you’re considering these for your headlights, prepare for a beam that stretches out far, giving you plenty of time to spot and react to anything that comes your way.
Now, they might be a little too bright for the inside of your vehicle, but I’d vouch for them as a solid pick for tail lights, DRLs, and other external lights. They could work pretty well as headlights for smaller vehicles, too.
Almost any 12V vehicle will happily house these bulbs. Like other 1556s, they come with your standard bayonet connector. But remember, they’re polarity-sensitive, so keep that in mind when you’re fitting them. The great news is, they slot into a wide variety of CK/SRCK and US sockets.
Now, these bulbs do pull a substantial 33 watts each. It might seem a bit high, but when you see the light they emit, it’s hardly surprising.
In terms of build quality, these bulbs have my seal of approval. They’re CE/FCC/RoHS Compliant, so you can rest easy knowing they meet safety and reliability benchmarks.
They even come with a full 6063 aluminum housing, a plus that helps with heat management and boosts durability. Plus, the in-built constant current IC driver ensures performance stays consistent.
When I lined it up against the VehiCode, the Auxbeam’s build quality and performance were visibly superior. With a whopping 50,000 hours of operation promised, backed up by a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty, it’s not hard to see why.
That said, if we put the brightness aside, I still think the LUYED outdoes it in terms of efficiency and reliability. I’ve seen more complaints about the Auxbeam flickering and facing other errors, for example.
Pros
- Unmatched 6,000 lumen brightness
- 6,500K cool white color temperature
- 24 3020 SMD chips
- 360° angle of projection
- Far beam throw thanks to high-refraction condenser lens
- Can be used as DRLs
- Don’t have to worry about overheating
- Full 6063 aluminum body
- CE/FCC/RoHS Compliant
- Power efficient lighting
Cons
- Only offered in one color profile
- Not as reliable as LUYEDs
