Skip advert
Advertisement

Headlight bulbs tested

Boost visibility on the long winter evenings with a new set of headlight bulbs. We test 15 top buys

All the driver aids in the world won’t help you avoid a crash if you can’t see where you’re going.

As the nights grow longer, we should all check our headlights; even if they still work, they dim over time. Plus, you could switch to upgraded bulbs, which claim to give up to 120 per cent more light than standard bulbs.

Advertisement - Article continues below

We went to Osram’s light tunnel in Herbrectingen, Germany, to see which will get you safely through the winter.

How we tested them

Our last test focused on the single-filament H7 bulbs commonly found in dipped beam headlamps. This time round, we look again at the twin-filament H4 versions, covering dipped and main beams in a single bulb.

We split our bulbs into two groups: those that provided up to 60 per cent more light than a standard bulb, and those that gave more than 60 per cent extra. All performance claims refer to the extra light delivered 50 to 75 metres ahead of the car – right where the driver needs it.

Don’t be surprised if you’re confused by the branding when buying. While our bulbs are sold by the likes of Ring and Halfords, they are often made by a different company, like Alite or Gerlux.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Octavia Estate

2022 Skoda

Octavia Estate

42,909 milesManualDiesel2.0L

Cash £15,537
View Octavia Estate
Focus

2020 Ford

Focus

31,458 milesAutomaticPetrol1.0L

Cash £14,573
View Focus
C1

2021 Citroen

C1

16,012 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £9,300
View C1
Range Rover Evoque

2023 Land Rover

Range Rover Evoque

20,995 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £26,800
View Range Rover Evoque

In the light tunnel, we used a VW Polo MkV headlamp, adjusted to legal glare levels, to measure dipped beam light from bulbs at two points 50 metres from the light, plus on the kerb at 75 metres. To get the all-important beam rating, we used an industry formula, adding the 50-metre readings together and doubling the 75-metre figures.

The rating is an average of two bulbs bought or selected from several samples to ensure those we tested are those you can buy. Prices are for a pair, and – with the exception of the Halfords bulbs – all are from online retailers. Price played a minor role in our ranking.

Verdict

Osram triumphed last time we tested H4 bulbs, and the Night Breaker Plus and Silverstar repeat their category wins here. The opposition should also be worried about the company’s new Silverstar 2.0, which was even better than our up to plus 60 per cent champ. Behind the Osram pair, the battle was closely fought. Narva edges second among the up to plus 60 per cent bulbs, while Ring’s Xenon Ultima narrowly secured the runner-up spot in the top class.

Up to 60 per cent1. Osram Silverstar2. Narva Range Power

More than 60 per cent1. Osram Night Breaker Plus2. Ring Xenon Ultima

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £37,230Avg. savings £3,710 off RRP*Used from £15,440
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,685 off RRP*Used from £16,811
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £12,008
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,464 off RRP*Used from £10,695
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!
Skoda Octavia vRS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!

A three-time Auto Express Family Car of the Year winner, paired with Golf GTI power, is our Deal of the Day for 6 July
News
6 Jul 2025
New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life
Volvo XC60 facelift - front tracking

New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life

This refreshed Swedish SUV focuses on familiar areas of strength to take on BMW and Audi
Road tests
4 Jul 2025