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Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-07-25 Origin: Site
When it comes to upgrading or replacing your car’s headlights, the options can seem overwhelming—especially when you're deciding between similar bulb types like H11 vs 9005. Both are typical headlight bulbs found in both current vehicles, though, these two are not similar in terms of performance, brightness, beam speed, and connectors usage and hence, before settling on the choice one should know the difference between them.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about 9005 vs H11 headlight bulbs. Being a car owner, a buyer of auto parts or a distributor trying to stock up on the best, the comparison presented will allow making an informed choosing.
Before diving deep, let’s start with a quick snapshot of how the H11 vs 9005 headlight bulb differs in function and use:
Feature | H11 Bulb | 9005 Bulb |
Beam Type | Low Beam | High Beam |
Base/Connector Type | L-shaped | Straight |
Wattage | ~55W | ~65W |
Brightness (Halogen) | ~1350 lumens | ~1700 lumens |
Typical Use | Low beam, fog light | High beam, DRL |
Interchangeable? | ❌ No (different connectors) | ❌ No |
So, is H11 the same as 9005? No—they differ in function, output, and connector design. Let’s explore further.
One of the first questions car owners ask is: Is 9005 high or low beam? The solution is obvious, 9005 is a high beam bulb, which is made to deliver an intense, long-range lighting pattern that is ideal on dark roads and highways.
Conversely, H11 is a low beam bulb which provides more regulated beam when driving in the city as well as onsets. It avoids any glare, but it also allows visibility of the road.
When replacing or upgrading your lighting system, it is important that one comprehends on whether they need high beam vs low beam. The 9005 headlight bulb vs H11 comparison here is more about purpose than superiority.
When it comes to brightness, the 9005 vs H11 bulb comparison leans slightly in favor of the 9005. A very typical 9005 halogen bulb has an overall output in the range of about 1700 lumens, whereas a typical H11 has an output range of about 1300 to 1350 lumens.
Nevertheless, it is not all about the brightness. H11 bulbs are slightly dimmer and have a narrower beam, which makes it ideal for normal driving. 9005 bulbs are bright and give wide beam and are most appropriate at high speed or off-road.
The comparison is even greater when you are switching to LED bulbs. Depending on design, A 9005 LED headlight bulb vs H11 LED may display 20–30% more brightness.
Here we come to one of the important technical notations, the type of connector. People tend to think that H11 and 9005 are the same, and they are not.
H11 vs 9005 connector: They have different shapes—H11 features an L-shaped plug, while 9005 has a straight plug.
Despite attempts by some aftermarket kits to slim-fit them, they should actually not be, due to the risk of poor connection, overheating or fried bulbs.
Are H11 and 9005 the same? No, and it is not advisable to attempt to substitute them without any adapters.
So, if you're wondering, is 9005 the same as H11 or is 9005 and H11 the same, the technical answer is: Absolutely not.
You might come across bulb references like 9005 vs 9006 vs H11, or even H7 bulb same as 9005. This contributes to this confusion. This is a short explanation:
9006 is another low beam bulb similar to H11 with other socket.
H7 is a single-beam bulb used mostly in European vehicles.
9005 is for high beams, while H11 is for low beams.
The bottom line: These bulbs are not directly interchangeable without modification or adapters.
For distributors, this is a key consideration—always verify the OEM compatibility when sourcing or selling bulbs.
From a mechanic’s perspective, installing H11 vs 9005 headlight bulbs isn’t drastically different, but the connectors and beam housing must match precisely.
H11 bulbs typically snap into fog light or low beam enclosures.
The 9005 bulbs need a different alignment and usually act as Daytime Running Lights (DRL) or high beams.
In case you use a conversion kit, make sure they are provided with relevant wiring harnesses or adapters to prevent flickering or system errors.
The technical answer is that it is possible to exchange H11 and 9005 bulbs, but it will require either cutting, splicing wires, or perhaps will require replacing the assembly of headlights or changing the form of the reflector. This is not recommended, and unless of course you just want to work on a complete custom retrofit using compatible LED conversion kits.
And don't forget: there is a reason why there is factory fitment, safety, one reason, legality, one reason and performance, one reason.
The decision between h11 vs 9005 ultimately depends on:
Your vehicle’s design (check the owner’s manual or OEM bulb chart)
Your lighting need (low beam vs high beam)
Whether you want halogen or LED
Your budget and road conditions
If you're looking for low beam replacement, go with H11. For high beam or DRL, choose 9005.
For automotive parts distributors and global buyers, knowing the difference between H11 and 9005 isn’t just about specs—it’s about providing the right fit for your market.
Wrongly matched bulbs result in poor returns, customer complaints and even legal problems. When enumerating products, ensure that you jot the following particulars:
“9005 high beam bulb – Not interchangeable with H11”
“H11 low beam or fog light – Check connector type before ordering”
Whether you intend to stock or to buy the high-performance LED headlights H11 or 9005 types, Weiyao Auto Parts are one of the most recommended suppliers in this category.
✅ They are the top manufacturer of LED headlight bulb in China and have distributors in the USA, UK, Europa, Australia, and globally.
✅ Their products support H11 vs 9005 bulb types, LED conversion kits, and custom OEM solutions.
✅ Prioritizing durability, brightness, and rapid worldwide delivery, Weiyao Auto Parts is the optimal option when it comes to small companies as well as bulk purchasers.
In the battle of H11 vs 9005 headlight bulbs, there is no universal winner—just the right bulb for the right job. The H11 provides a good low-beam focus with a safe, secure light when compared to the 9005 that provides great high-beam power.
Learning what the technical differences are, what types of connectors there are and what is the issue with compatibility, car owners and auto parts professionals can make smarter purchasing decisions.
So the next time you’re faced with choosing between a 9005 headlight bulb vs H11, or asking is H11 same as 9005, you’ll know exactly what fits—and what doesn’t.
