This is my buying guide on the best LED headlight bulbs for the Ram 1500 in 2024. Below is a quick summary of my top recommendations. Scroll further down to read my in depth, hands on reviews, for each headlight. Also see my real world tests and photos below.
Sealight X2 H11 Headlight bulbs
- Plug and play
- 20,000 lumens/set
- 6,500K Cool White
- +600% brighter than halogens (advertised)
- Best overall H11 LEDs
- The beam pattern covers the standard weak spot
- 60,000-hour lifespan
- 50W per set
- Compact external driver for easier installation
- Built-in 12,000 RPM turbo cooling fan
- Excellent heat retention and temperature
- 1-year warranty
Arismotor 9005 LED
Headlight Bulbs
- Plug and play
- Quality craftsmanship
- 20,000 lumens/set
- 6,500K Cool White
- +600% brighter than halogens (advertised)
- Best overall 9005 LEDs
- Excellent heat retention 85%
- 50,000-hour lifespan
- 120W per set
- External driver
- Built-in 12,000 RPM turbo cooling fan
- Lowest driver temperature I’ve seen so far
- IP68 Waterproof
- 2-year warranty
Nilight H13 LED
Headlight Bulbs
- Plug and play
- 10,000 lumens/set
- 6,000K Cool White
- +350% brighter than halogens (advertised)
- Best overall H13 LEDs
- Excellent beam pattern
- 50,000-hour lifespan
- 50W per set
- External driver
- Built-in 10,000 RPM turbo cooling fan
- Low temperatures of both the main unit and driver
- Heat retention of 82%
- IP67 Water resistant
- 2-year warranty
The Ram 1500 is one unique vehicle, and its after-market replacement parts aren’t always easy to source.
Headlights are an excellent example. The Ram 1500 has four lights and single bulbs are needed for high and low beams, and other models only have 2, where a dual beam bulb works best.
How do you know which ones are right? That’s why I’m here.
I’ve been testing headlight bulbs for over ten years, and I’ve seen my share of good and bad.
If you have a Ram with four lights, you’re best off with 9005 headlight bulbs in your high beams as they’re super bright. And H11 bulbs are excellent for low beams.
If your Ram has dual beam sockets, H13 bulbs are the best.
I’ve tested over twenty bulbs suitable for Dodge Rams and have come up with the best of each. Arismotor is my pick for the best 9005 LED bulb for high beams.
I’ve also recommended the best H11 for low beams and the best H13 for duals.
Get ready to learn about the best LED headlight bulbs for the Ram 1500.
Arismotor Best LED Headlight Bulbs for the Ram 1500
BEST RAM 1500 HIGH BEAMS
My Top Pick for 9005 High Beam Replacements
When it comes to choosing a single high beam replacement bulb for my Dodge Ram, I’ve got my money on the Arismotor 9005 LED. I’m totally blown away by how bright these bulbs are, not to mention their superior heat retention which allows them to last a lot longer.
The Specs They Promise
Arismotor boasts that its 9005 bulbs pack an impressive 20,000 lumens per set and are a staggering 600% brighter than halogens. That’s quite a statement to make! My own tests did confirm these bulbs’ brilliance, but six times as much? Let’s see.
The beam is adjustable by a full 360° and its super-focused pattern design enables a wider and farther lighting range.
The Kelvin color stands at a cool white 6,500K, something I believe is critical for high beams. Compared to the 3,000K amber/yellow color of factory halogens, I prefer white as it makes objects in the car’s path much more visible.
The body of these bulbs is crafted from aviation-grade aluminum, and it comes with a 12,000 RPM ultra-low noise turbofan for cooling. Power draw is about standard for 9005s, at 120 watts per set.
Arismotor touts these bulbs as lasting for a whopping 50,000 hours. Having never seen a bulb endure that long, I’m a bit skeptical about this claim. However, the two-year warranty does put my mind at ease somewhat.
Finally, they come with an IP68 waterproof rating, the highest on the scale. This means these bulbs can withstand snow, fog, sandstorms, and heavy rain without succumbing to the elements.
My Firsthand Experience
Arismotor is a newcomer to the market, but it’s clear they’re not playing around when it comes to their products.
Their packaging is simple, but sports a neat logo on the box. Inside, you’ll find a brief two-page manual. But given that these are plug-and-play, it’s pretty much redundant.
My initial impressions of the bulbs are positive. They feel robust and I can sense the quality of the craftsmanship that’s gone into making them. I particularly admire the solid grate protecting the fan.
The adjustable collar clicks into place nicely and stays there, a bonus considering I’ve seen a few shaky ones recently.
There’s a slim core that I suspect contributes to the impressive beam pattern.
To add, there’s a braided cord linking the standard-looking external driver box which aids in heat management.
All in all, I can tell that these bulbs are of high quality and have been carefully put together.
My Personal Tests
I have a standard testing process for all my LED bulbs. I use a lux meter placed 20 feet away from the bulb. I’m not evaluating the lumens per bulb; I’m comparing them against factory halogens. In the reflector test, halogens have a lux rating of 725 and 910 for the projector test.
The Arismotor 9005 LEDs hit an initial lux rating of 1,602 in the projector test. This is over twice the value for the halogens, making them an excellent choice for your Dodge Ram’s high beams.
After the average US commute time of 27 minutes, the lux rating had fallen to 1,362 lux, or 85%. This is quite an achievement, considering the average is only around 77%.
The reflector test also yielded superb results. The initial lux rating was 2,860, thrice that of the halogens, falling to 2,432 lux, or 85%, after 27 minutes.
These bulbs produced a typical beam pattern with a sharp cut-off leading to slight fuzziness at the top and bottom left and top right. With such a high light output, they are very well controlled.
There’s a little confusion when it comes to the wattage. They’re marketed as 60 watts each, but I only clocked 40 watts. A printing error, perhaps?
The 85% heat retention led me to question the effectiveness of the turbofan. But after 27 minutes, the unit was only at 132°F, and the driver was at a record low of 109°F. This indicates that the driver is doing a fantastic job keeping the light bright and heat minimal.
Feedback from Fellow Drivers
The Arismotor 9005 LED bulbs are fairly new to the scene and currently hold a 4.3/5-star rating.
Customer feedback has been largely positive, with praise for Arismotor’s customer service and the ease of installation of these bulbs.
Despite the company’s claim, it seems unlikely that these bulbs will last the full 50,000 hours. But considering the lower operating temperatures, I wouldn’t be too surprised if they held out longer than expected.
Pros
- Plug and play
- Quality craftsmanship
- 20,000 lumens/set
- 6,500K Cool White
- +600% brighter than halogens (advertised)
- Best overall 9005 LEDs
- Excellent heat retention 85%
- 50,000-hour lifespan
- 120W per set
- External driver
- Built-in 12,000 RPM turbo cooling fan
- Lowest driver temperature I’ve seen so far
- IP68 Waterproof
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- May not last 50,000 hours
Sealight X2 H11 Headlight bulbs
BEST RAM 1500 LOW BEAMS
Top Pick for H11 Low Beam Replacements
When it comes to outfitting my Dodge Ram with four headlights, H11s are my go-to low-beam replacements, with the Sealight X2s stealing the show as the best in my book.
What They Promise
Sealight bills its X2 H11 LEDs as a powerhouse, promising 20,000 lumens and claiming they’re a whopping 600% brighter than standard halogens. That’s quite a statement!
Just like the Arismotor 9005s, they shine at 6500 Kelvins of cool white, adding that much-needed clarity to objects ahead on the road.
These bulbs pledge a focused beam pattern devoid of any dark spots or uneven patches, offering visibility of up to 1,600 feet.
They sport a 20,000 RPM built-in silent turbofan for cooling and consume a modest 50 watts per set.
Unlike its competitors, Sealight offers only a one-year warranty on these bulbs, which seems a little meager, especially considering the claimed lifespan of 60,000 hours.
I was unable to find an IP rating, so I’m guessing it falls somewhere between 65 and 68, though I suspect it’s on the lower end.
My Personal Take
Sealight consistently delivers excellent products at fair prices, and these bulbs are no exception.
The company is clearly customer-focused. The package comes with rubber gloves for safe handling and even includes zip ties and double-sided tape to secure the external driver.
There’s a detailed instruction manual in the box, but given that these bulbs are plug-and-play, I doubt it’s necessary.
Like all Sealight products, these bulbs feel solid and look well-crafted. Even from my first inspection, I’m reassured of their quality.
Sealight’s attention to detail is evident in the small touches, like the logo gracing the fan.
I do have a concern about the heat fan. It seems quite shallow, and I’m unsure if it’s powerful enough to keep things cool.
On the plus side, the external driver is exceptionally compact, which is a win as these components keep getting smaller, making installation in tighter spaces easier.
Overall, these bulbs are definitely easy on the eyes.
My Hands-on Tests
In the projector test, the Sealight X2 H11 LEDs kicked off with an initial lux rating of 954 lux. That’s 249 lux more than halogens, making them 130% brighter—a perfect fit for low beams.
My worries about the fan were unfounded! After 27 minutes, they only dipped to 88%, settling at 842 lux. That’s well above the average and seriously impressive.
In the reflector test, the Sealight X2s started with an initial lux rating of 1,864, 200% better than halogens, though not quite the 600% they advertise. After 27 minutes, they fell to 1,645 lux, holding at 88% again.
In terms of beam pattern, I wasn’t a fan of the very high cutoff, which has me doubting the promised beam reach of 1,600 feet.
I did, however, admire the excellent coverage of the typically weak spot in the lower center, despite some weakness on the upper and lower left.
Their advertised power draw is 25 watts each, and I measured a close 24.8 watts.
My concern about the shallow fan turned out to be misplaced. After 27 minutes, the main unit was only 113°F, and the driver 123°F. These incredibly cool operating temperatures could mean the bulbs will have a long life, though maybe not the full 60,000 hours.
Feedback from Other Drivers
It seems other drivers share my sentiment, endorsing the Sealight X2 H11 LED bulbs as excellent low-beam replacements. Their current rating stands at a solid 4.5/5 stars.
Customers rave about their stellar brightness, perfect beam pattern, and the ease of installation.
Interestingly, some comments suggest these bulbs don’t perform as well in snowy conditions, which could point to a lower-than-average IP rating.
To Sum It Up
When it comes to replacement lights for Dodge Ram low beams, I can’t recommend the Sealight X2 H11s highly enough.
Pros
- Plug and play
- 20,000 lumens/set
- 6,500K Cool White
- +600% brighter than halogens (advertised)
- Best overall H11 LEDs
- The beam pattern covers the standard weak spot
- 60,000-hour lifespan
- 50W per set
- Compact external driver for easier installation
- Built-in 12,000 RPM turbo cooling fan
- Excellent heat retention and temperature
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- May not work in cold, snowy conditions.
Nilight H13 LED Headlight Bulbs
BEST DUAM BEAMS FOR THE RAM 1500
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Top H13 Dual Beam Replacements
When it comes to dual beam bulbs for my Ram 1500 with only two headlights, I’ve fallen in love with the Nilight H13 LED.
What They Promise
Nilight has a reputation for keeping things real with their product specifications. Advertised at 10,000 lumens per set, they claim to be 350% brighter than standard halogens.
These bulbs promise a 360° illumination angle, providing a super-focused beam pattern with no dark spots or blinding oncoming drivers.
They glow at 6,000K cool white, which is perfect for dual beams as it offers a much clearer view of the road ahead.
The Nilight H13 bulbs come equipped with an aviation aluminum heat sink and a built-in 10,000 RPM silent cooling fan.
Drawing a mere 50 watts per pair, these bulbs are energy-efficient. As long as they stay cool, they should easily surpass the 2-year warranty, although hitting the advertised 50,000 hours might be a stretch.
Rated as IP67 waterproof, they’re not the most resilient out there, but they can still withstand heavy rain, snow, and fog.
My Personal Experience
Nilight products frequently land in the top 20 best sellers.
This company also goes the extra mile for its customers, providing anti-static gloves, zip ties, and double-sided tape in the package. They include a basic manual too, but since these bulbs are plug-and-play, it’s largely unnecessary.
What I absolutely adore about these bulbs is their space-age aesthetics. They have a sleek design, with an abundance of silver and a uniquely inverted adjustable collar.
The copper board that the chips are mounted on is only 0.04 inches thick. I’m curious to see how this influences the beam pattern—if it improves it, I’ll be seriously impressed. Check out my test results below.
These bulbs are superbly crafted, boasting quality all-metal materials.
My Hands-on Tests
In the projector test, I noted an initial lux rating of 1,437, dipping to 1,173—82% of the original value—after 27 minutes. In the reflector test, I saw an initial 2,690 lux, which dropped to 2,176, maintaining 82% again.
This makes these bulbs just over 300% brighter than halogens, much closer to the advertised claim of 350% than the Arismotor and Sealight X2s.
The beam pattern, influenced by the thin control board, was a key point of interest for me. It seems to work well, with the light well controlled, just showing some slight blurring at the cutoff in the usual spot lower center and the bottom left.
While advertised at 25 watts, I measured 23.8 watts, demonstrating Nilight’s dedication to accuracy.
After running for 27 minutes, I recorded temperatures of 129°F for the main unit and 136°F for the driver. These are decent temperatures, which explains the 82% heat retention.
Feedback from Other Drivers
The Nilight H13 LED bulbs are highly popular, boasting nearly 12,000 ratings and averaging an impressive 4.5/5.
Customers frequently praise their easy installation, high-quality construction, and impressive brightness.
However, as expected, the bulbs don’t seem to reach the ambitious 50,000-hour lifespan.
In Conclusion
If you’re in need of dual beam lights for your Dodge Ram, look no further than the Nilights. They’re super-bright and maintain excellent heat retention.
Pros
- Plug and play
- 10,000 lumens/set
- 6,000K Cool White
- +350% brighter than halogens (advertised)
- Best overall H13 LEDs
- Excellent beam pattern
- 50,000-hour lifespan
- 50W per set
- External driver
- Built-in 10,000 RPM turbo cooling fan
- Low temperatures of both the main unit and driver
- Heat retention of 82%
- IP67 Water resistant
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- CAN bus errors in some vehicles
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Dodge Ram 1500 Headlight Bulbs FAQ
Dodge Ram drivers contact me with tons of questions. Here are the four most common.
Can I put LED bulbs in my RAM 1500?
You can and you should. I recommend upgrading from halogens to LEDs as they last longer, offer more brightness, and have a cooler Kelvin color.
It’s not just the headlight that can be upgraded to LEDs. Brake lights, interior lights, and fog lights can all benefit from LED power.
What size bulbs does the Dodge RAM use?
The Dodge Ram comes in two fit-outs. Four headlights or two. If there are four, a high and low-beam bulb should be purchased, the 9005 bulb is best for high, and H11 is best for low.
Dodge Rams with only two headlights are dual beam, and the H13 bulb takes care of that nicely.
Will my RAM 1500 need a conversion kit for LEDs?
Some Ram drivers may experience some flickering or dashboard errors when they change from halogens to LEDs. The solution is to install a conversion kit or a decoder, which will remove any CAN bus errors and allow the bulbs to perform at their optimum.