d2s vs d2r Headlight Bulbs | What’s The Difference

In this article, we’ll be focusing on the main differences between the D2S and D2R HID headlight bulbs.

Because of the similar naming scheme, it is often believed that the D2S and D2R headlight bulbs are exactly the same. However, there are a number of differences between the two when it comes to performance, compatibility, fitment, and shape of the bulb base.

The main difference is the D2S HID bulbs are designed to be used in a projector headlight setup whereas the D2R bulb is designed for a reflector setup. Another noticeable difference is that D2R has a painted shield on the glass which the D2S lacks.

If you need help choosing the right headlights for your car, allow us to help. We have over a decade of experience working with headlights so we know what they’re all about.

D2S	D2R
Projector style headlight bulbs	Reflector style headlight bulbs
Doesn’t have a painted shield on glass	Has a painted shield on glass
3200 lumens	2800 lumens brightness
Notches in the bulb base are spaced further apart	Notches in the bulb base are spaced closely
Notches in the base are spaced further apart to fit in projector style headlights	Closely spaced notches allow for easier fit in reflector style headlight assemblies

D2S and D2R Bulbs Compared

Headlight style

First and foremost, the main difference between the D2S and D2R headlight bulbs is the type of headlight assembly they fit into. Specifically the D2S headlight bulbs are especially designed to be used in a projector style headlight assembly.

D2R headlight bulbs on the other hand, are designed to fit into reflector style headlights. The build and fitment of these two headlight bulbs is also dependent on the type of headlight they are designed to fit into.

Brightness

Another major difference between the D2S and D2R bulbs is their brightness output. D2S is the clear winner here, offering 3200 lumens of brightness per bulb. D2R bulbs do not lag that far behind, coming in at 2800 lumens of brightness per bulb.

Among HID headlight bulbs, these are some of the brightest and most vibrant options available.

Design of bulb base

The fitment and physical design of these bulbs differs greatly. Firstly, there are specific notches cut into the base of each bulb that allow them to be fitted into the headlight assembly. In D2S headlight bulbs, the notches in the bulb base are spaced further apart from each other. This allows them to fit easily into projector style headlights.

In D2R headlight bulbs however, the notches in the bulb base are spaced closer together, allowing them to be fitted more easily in a reflector style headlight assembly. This also means that the two headlight bulbs are non interchangeable.

Paint

One of the defining characteristics of the D2R headlight bulbs is that they have a painted shield on the glass. This is in line with other reflector style headlight bulbs, which require a painted shield to reduce any stray reflections or loss of useful light output.

This enables the setup to deliver better, less wasteful output. D2S headlight bulbs, by virtue of being projector style bulbs, do not require a painted shield on the glass and you won’t find any black lines on the D2S bulbs either.

Colour profile

While subtle, there is a difference in the colour profile of these HID headlight bulbs. The D2R bulbs, because they have a painted surface, are able to cut off the yellow hues in the light output.

This makes the light appear a little bit cooler and more pleasing to look at. D2S bulbs, because they do not have a painted surface, have a slightly warmer, yellow tinged hue to them. If you are looking for a cooler, more aesthetic look, D2R is the go-to.

Conclusion

So, in summation, D2R bulbs and D2S bulbs differ quite a bit from each other. D2R bulbs are meant to be used in reflector style headlights, whereas D2S bulbs are designed to be used in projector style headlights.

D2S bulbs are brighter, but D2R has a cooler light output. Finally, the bases of these two bulbs are also different and you cannot use them interchangeably. For more of our thoughts on the best HID bulbs, check out our reviews of the best D2S and D2R headlight bulbs.