This is my buying guide on the brightest 9011 headlight bulbs in 2024. Below is a quick summary of my top recommendations. Scroll further down to read my in depth, hands on reviews for each 9011 headlight bulb. See real world tests and photos below.
Bevinsee V45 9011 LED
Headlight Bulbs
- Plug and play
- 22,000 lumens/set
- 6,000K Cool White
- +600% brighter than halogens (advertised)
- Brightest budget 9011 LEDs
- 100,000-hour lifespan
- 120W per set
- 15000 RPM silent turbofan
- External driver
- IP68 Water resistant
Alla Lighting 9011 LED
Headlight bulb
- Plug and play
- 10,000 lumens/set
- 6,000K Xenon White
- +400% brighter than halogens (advertised)
- Brightest overall 9011 LEDs
- 30,000-hour lifespan
- 50W per set
- External driver
- IP65 Water resistant
Fahren Termitor 9011 Replacement LED Headlight
- Plug and play
- 22,000 lumens/set
- 65000K Cool White
- +600% brighter than halogens (advertised)
- Runner-up for brightest 9011 LEDs
- 50,000-hour lifespan
- 120W per set
- External driver
- 12000 RPM turbofan
- IP68 Water resistant
For high-beam or daytime running lights, the 9011 bulb is a popular choice. In fact, many people are choosing to replace their 9005/HB3s with 9011s.
Since this headlight bulb needs to be bright, I recommend upgrading from factory halogens (average lumens 1,000) to LEDs, as they’re significantly brighter.
How do I know this? I’ve been using and testing car headlights for over ten years, and I’ve seen my fair share of good and bad ones.
In a market with so many choices, it’s hard to know which ones to buy. I’ve done that work for you. I tested twelve 9011 headlight bulbs, and I’ve come up with the three brightest.
Alla Lighting gets my pick for having the brightest 9011 LEDs; I’ve also listed two 9011 alternatives, one for the budget conscious and a close contender for the brightest.
Let’s see the brightest 9011 LED headlight bulbs.
Alla Lighting Brightest 9011 Headlight Bulbs
OVERALL BRIGHTEST
Top Pick for Brightness
The Alla Lighting 9011 LED headlight bulbs claim my top spot for brightness. They are not only remarkably bright but also demonstrate excellent light retention and a perfect beam pattern.
Claimed Specifications
Interestingly, Alla Lighting doesn’t boast of having the highest lumens, with only 10,000 per set, but they still manage to shine impressively bright. This led me to wonder if Alla perhaps isn’t overselling their products like other brands.
The bulbs allegedly outshine factory halogens by a staggering 400%. Stay tuned to find out if my test results matched their claim.
These bulbs emit a beautiful 6,000 xenon white Kelvin color. This is a marked improvement from the 3,000 amber/yellow of halogens, crucial for seeing obstacles more clearly on the road.
Their cooling system is engineered using the latest 6063 aviation aluminum heat sink technology. The bulbs have a double-sided laminated copper substrate with high thermal conductivity and a built-in high-speed heat dissipation fan. But does all this tech keep them cool? We’ll find out soon.
They generate 50 watts of power per set, which is reasonably low compared to others I’ve tested.
Unlike other brands that claim their headlight bulbs will last between 50,000 and 100,000 hours, Alla appears more realistic by listing these bulbs at 30,000 hours. With a 1-year warranty included, this sounds about right.
These bulbs carry an IP65 water-resistant rating. Although it’s not the highest, they should hold up well in rainy or foggy conditions.
Alla suggests that a decoder may be needed to avoid CAN bus errors, but neither other drivers nor I required it.
First Impressions
Alla Lighting is rapidly becoming one of my go-to headlight brands, mainly due to its consistent quality and reliable products.
At first sight, these bulbs looked neat. They had a solid, sturdy feel, and I found myself drawn to their space-age silver look.
They feature an adjustable collar, and the external driver is of standard size, so keep that in mind if your headlight fitting is a tight space.
There’s an instruction manual included, but it’s not really needed as these bulbs are a true plug-and-play solution.
I found these to be great-looking headlight bulbs, and I was eager to put them to the test.
Test Drive
My approach to testing is always the same. I set up a lux meter 50 feet away from the 9011 headlight bulbs. My tests are designed to compare these LEDs with factory halogens rather than other LEDs in the range. At the projector test level, halogens average between 725 and 910 lux.
With their 10,000 lumens, I was expecting these bulbs to be bright, and my tests confirmed this.
The Alla Lighting 9011 LEDs clocked in an initial lux rating of 1,752, making them around two and a half times as bright as standard halogens. Quite impressive!
Even more impressive was the fact that after 27 minutes (the average US commute time), they retained 84% brightness at 1,472 lux. Considering the average retention rate is 77%, that’s some solid heat retention.
The initial rating for the reflector test was 3,140 lux, almost 350% brighter than halogens. So Alla’s 400% claim is fairly accurate. Again, the heat retention was excellent at 84%, giving 2,638 lux.
The distinct 6,000K white light was a standout. A light blue tint layered on the white made objects in front of me appear even more distinct.
Often, lights this bright have issues with the beam pattern, but that wasn’t the case with the Alla Lighting 9011s. They produced no shadows or dark spots, which was genuinely impressive.
The bulbs are advertised at 25 watts each, and my observation clocked them close at 23.6 watts.
My final test was for heat, and after 27 minutes, the main unit registered a very cool 135°F, and the external driver read 115°F.
I can confidently say Alla Lighting has a winner with this set of bulbs. They offer bright illumination, low heat, and an excellent beam pattern.
Customer Feedback
It seems other drivers are just as impressed with the Alla Lighting 9011 LEDs as I am, with a strong 76% giving them a 5-star rating.
Positive comments highlight their super brightness, suitability as high-beam replacements, easy installation, and no need for a decoder.
A few drivers reported they didn’t quite last the advertised 30,000 hours, but this isn’t surprising as many bulbs often fall short of this mark.
Conclusion
I’d be hard-pressed to find a better or brighter 9011 LED headlight bulb than Alla Lighting. They shine super bright, stay cool, and illuminate the road clearly and without any issues.
Pros
- Plug and play
- 10,000 lumens/set
- 6,000K Xenon White
- +400% brighter than halogens (advertised)
- Brightest overall 9011 LEDs
- 30,000-hour lifespan
- 50W per set
- External driver
- IP65 Water resistant
Bevinsee V45 9011 LED Headlight Bulbs
BRIGHTEST BUDGET
Best Budget Brightness
For less than $50 a pair, the Bevinsee V45 9011 replacement LED headlight bulbs offer a fantastic deal that’s hard to resist.
Stated Specifications
Bevinsee claims these headlight bulbs deliver a staggering 22,000 lumens, allegedly making them 600% brighter than halogens. Quite a bold statement, right? My tests brought the truth to light.
Just like others in this category, they project a 6,000 Kelvin cool white light, perfect for making objects in the vehicle’s path appear more distinct.
The bulbs are equipped with an upgraded CSP 3570 LED chip and provide a 360° adjustable beam pattern.
Their wattage measures 120 per pair, which is pretty standard for high-beam headlight bulbs.
As for cooling, they incorporate third-generation fluid cooling tech, and the built-in 15,000 RPM silent turbofan is linked with copper tubes. But the question is, does all this keep the temperature in check?
Bevinsee’s longevity estimate of 100,000 hours for these bulbs strikes me as an overstatement. I’ve never come across a headlight bulb lasting that long. However, given the 3-year warranty, it’s not unreasonable to expect them to last at least that long.
These bulbs have a top-tier waterproof rating of IP68, making them resistant to snow, fog, heavy rain, and even sandstorms.
First Impressions
I’ve always admired the Bevinsee range, and these bulbs didn’t disappoint. Their modern black chrome finish differentiates them from most other bulbs. They weigh a bit more than usual but feel solidly built.
Contrary to product images, the Bevinsee V45 H7s have a compact and robust external driver.
The included user manual is pretty generic. But considering how user-friendly these products have become, I’m not sure if manuals are even necessary anymore.
The Bevinsee V45 9011 LEDs come with a neat heat sink with 72 fins! You would expect that to keep the bulbs cool, right? Let’s find out.
Testing Time
The projector test showed an initial lux rating of 1,771, just slightly higher than the Alla Lighting bulbs, but at what expense?
27 minutes later, I measured a lux rating of 1,485, translating to 84% brightness retention, precisely matching the Alla Lighting bulbs.
In the reflector test, the bulbs started with an initial lux rating of 3,260, and after 27 minutes, they maintained a commendable 84% heat retention at 2,734 lux.
I registered 56.6 watts, pretty close to the manufacturer’s claim of 60 watts per bulb.
Here’s where the Alla Lighting bulbs outshone the Bevinsee ones. The Bevinsee driver heated up to 172°F, significantly hotter but not alarming. However, the central unit remained cool at 138°F.
One thing to note is that these bulbs must be aimed correctly. With their beam pattern, I noticed a much lower hot spot compared to stock bulbs. Be sure not to blind oncoming drivers!
Feedback from Other Drivers
75% of reviews awarded the Bevinsee V45 9011 replacement LED headlight a 5-star rating.
They particularly loved their incredible brightness and ease of installation.
As with others, some drivers reported that the bulbs didn’t last the full 100,000 hours as advertised, but honestly, do any?
The Final Verdict
If you’re looking to save some cash, the Bevinsee V45 9011 replacement LEDs are a fantastic choice. However, if you’re after longevity and lower heat generation, spending a few more dollars on the Alla Lighting bulbs might be a better call.
Pros
- Plug and play
- 22,000 lumens/set
- 6,000K Cool White
- +600% brighter than halogens (advertised)
- Brightest budget 9011 LEDs
- 100,000-hour lifespan
- 120W per set
- 15000 RPM silent turbofan
- External driver
- IP68 Water resistant
Cons
- May not last 30,000 hours
Fahren Termitor 9011 Replacement LED Headlight Bulbs
WORTHY CONTENDER
An Impressive Contender
Fahren produces some fantastic headlight bulbs, and these ones are my second choice for the brightest 9011 LED replacements. Despite their quality, they fell short of clinching the top spot for one reason, which you’ll discover in my testing results below.
Stated Specifications
The Fahren Termitor 9011 LED replacement bulbs share a striking resemblance in specs with the Bevinsees – a dazzling 22,000 lumens, advertised as 600% brighter than standard halogens.
They boast a slightly cooler Kelvin temperature of 6,500K. This cool white light lends an extra layer of clarity, which becomes particularly noticeable when driving at night.
Fahren pitches these bulbs as having a perfect beam pattern, boasting a wider angle and a longer reach of illumination. But did my tests corroborate these claims? Keep reading to find out.
With a carved heat sink design and an embedded turbo fan spinning at 12,000 RPM, one might think they’re well-equipped to stay cool. Unfortunately, my observations told a different story, and this is why they sit in the runner-up spot.
Fahren markets these bulbs as drawing 120 watts per set, which is pretty standard for headlight bulbs.
Mirroring many of its competitors, Fahren promises 50,000 hours of usage, supported by a 2-year warranty. However, I remain skeptical about any bulb enduring this long.
Like the Bevinsees, these also feature the top-tier IP68 waterproof rating.
My Observations
One of the things I appreciate about Fahren is their consistent packaging. Wrapped around the bulbs, there’s a black bag filled with zip ties, double-sided tape, and a mini alum wrench.
They also include a detailed instruction manual, which I found unnecessary given these bulbs are plug-and-play.
A close inspection of the bulbs reveals a resemblance in features and function to both the Fahren Forsher and Krieges. These are proven performers in the market.
What sets the Fahren Termitor’s apart are the anodized blue band at the base and the hefty fan guard. Additionally, they feature two copper heat pipes at the top for extra cooling.
The build material and overall quality feel impressively robust.
Test Results
The projector test registered a staggering initial lux of 2,250; these bulbs are seriously bright. However, as I anticipated, the brightness dropped to 1,665 after 27 minutes, reflecting a 74% heat retention rate, which falls below the average of 77%.
The initial reflector rating was an astonishing 5,200 lux, which plummeted to 74% or 3,848 lux after the same duration. While their brightness is undeniable, they struggle with heat retention, and the measured temperature confirmed that.
After 27 minutes, I recorded a whopping 211°F for the main unit and 121°F for the driver. They heat up way too quickly, leading to a decrease in brightness.
The hotspot is close to the cutoff, which is ideal but appears a bit blurry. The lower center, a common weak point, is more evident due to the high cutoff. However, the beam pattern is very controlled, and it’s wide and deep.
The published wattage is 60, but I measured 54, which is a slight drop but not a significant concern.
Feedback from Other Drivers
Reviewers gave the Fahren Termitor 9011 LED replacement bulbs an average rating of 4.3/5 stars.
Almost all reviews highlighted their incredible brightness and easy installation.
However, as expected, the heating issue cropped up in numerous comments.
The Final Word
All in all, the Fahren Termitor 9011 LED replacement bulbs are extraordinarily bright and offer excellent beam control, but their Achilles’ heel is their tendency to overheat. Nonetheless, if you’re a short-distance driver who prefers exceptionally bright lights, these bulbs could be the perfect fit for you.
Pros
- Plug and play
- 22,000 lumens/set
- 65000K Cool White
- +600% brighter than halogens (advertised)
- Runner-up for brightest 9011 LEDs
- 50,000-hour lifespan
- 120W per set
- External driver
- 12000 RPM turbofan
- IP68 Water resistant
Cons
- Gets hot very quickly
Frequently Asked Questions on 9011 headlight bulbs
I get asked a lot of questions about headlight bulbs, and these are the three most common ones about 9011s.
What can I use 9011 bulbs for?
9011 bulbs are generally brighter than others and are a perfect replacement for single high beams. Some drivers use them as daytime running lights (DLR) or even as replacement fog lights.
The beauty of 9011s is that they serve a range of purposes, so buying them in bulk makes sense.
Is the 9011 interchangeable with other bulbs?
Yes. The 9005/HB3 and the 9011 are interchangeable. A lot of the time, either bulb is marketed as fitting all three, so feel confident of replacing yours with 9011.
Why should I upgrade my halogen 9011s to LEDs?
There are three very valid reasons why LED 9011s are better than halogens — brightness, whiteness, and longevity.
Your standard factory halogen is around 1,000 lumens. LEDs start at 5,000 and go way up. The difference in brightness is noticeable immediately.
For safety reasons, the cooler the Kelvin temperature, the clearer objects appear in front or behind the vehicle. Factory halogens are standard 3,000K which is amber/yellow, and most LEDs are in the 6,000 range, which is white. This color provides much more clarity to objects.
Finally, halogens get hot very quickly, burn out fast, and must be replaced frequently. Most LEDs stay a lot cooler, last longer, and save money by not needing to be replaced as often.