HID vs. LED Headlights: Which is Superior?

Wondering which bulb type comes out on top in the HID vs. LED headlight debate? We answer your question and explain why, over time, LEDs are the better choice for most drivers in the long run.
Written by Jason Crosby
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Headlights—they aren’t always the first thing that comes to mind when we think about our vehicles. That is, until we’re
driving at night
, encountering fog, or other inclement weather conditions. But when it comes to HID vs. LED headlights, you may wonder—which is superior? 
Overall, LED headlights have a slight edge when it comes to brightness, and they last 3x as long, but they’re also more expensive. If you’re looking to replace your reflective halogen bulbs, as many drivers are, you may settle for HIDs in order to save some money upfront, while still enjoying an upgrade in overall roadway clarity and visibility.  

What are HID headlights?  

A light source’s
brightness
is measured in lumens, something which LED bulbs have a high output of. One of the crucial differences between HID and LED bulbs is that the light they produce comes from different sources, which affects their appearance, cost, and effectiveness. 
Most people have heard of LED bulbs, which stands for light-emitting diodes. HIDs, or high-intensity discharge bulbs, are less well-known. 
According to
Car and Driver
, HIDs are powered by a specific mixture of gas and metals to produce a bright blue-white light via a chemical reaction. They’re also more energy efficient than halogen bulbs, but less so than LEDs. HIDs have a brightness of about 8,000 lumens and are rated to last about 15,000 hours. When comparing HID vs. LED headlights, HIDs are typically less expensive, aren’t as bright, and last about a ⅓ as long as LEDs. 
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HID vs. LED headlights: performance vs. cost 

LEDs are more costly, but are between 10-20% brighter than HIDs and have excellent roadway visibility, often upwards of 300 meters. When comparing HIDs vs LEDs, both are available in a variety of different colors, but most are white or white-blue when installed by carmakers. 
In terms of performance, LEDs are often $10-30 more expensive than HIDs. Some car owners may decide that they’re worth the investment, and for good reason. When comparing HID vs. LED headlights, LEDs are typically rated to last about 45,000 hours, and emit light instantly when the vehicle is turned on, as opposed to HIDs which turn on after a few moments, due to having a filament that needs to heat up first.  LEDs also have a superior brightness of 9-10,000 lumens.  
Overall, HID lights are a significant upgrade over traditional halogen bulbs and are cheaper than LEDs—at least initially. One aspect of LEDs that might sway car owners towards purchasing them instead is that, although more expensive, they’ll last up to 3x as long as HIDs. Meaning that car owners will save money in the long run by paying more initially. 

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MORE: LED vs. Halogen Headlights: Is One Better Than The Other?
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