Back in the 1960s, the automotive industry was making great advances in the quality of vehicle illumination, the most significant of which was the introduction of halogen bulbs, which included the H1 bulbs, to replace the incandescent bulbs commonly used in vehicle headlights. H1 bulbs are still widely used for both low and high-beam headlights in various vehicles. Their design allows for relatively easy replacement and installation, and they provide a good balance between brightness and durability, with good road illumination and a reasonable lifespan.
The invention of the halogen bulb marked a significant advancement in automotive lighting technology, improving road visibility for drivers and increasing safety. While halogen bulbs have been the mainstay of the automotive industry for decades, technology is catching up with the introduction of LED (Light-Emitting Diode) and HID (High-Intensity Discharge) headlights, which offer improved efficiency and increased brightness, leading to a gradual shift in the automotive industry towards these newer technologies.
Best H1 bulbs at a glance:
Editor's choice: Osram Night Breaker Laser - Buy now from Amazon UK
Best for value: 10 Pack Eurolec H1 Halogen Bulbs - Buy now from Amazon UK
Best for contemporary look: Osram Cool Blue Intense - Buy now from Amazon UK
However, H1 bulbs are still used in many vehicles today, especially in older models or in vehicles where costs may prohibit the use of the more expensive technology, as they remain a reliable and cost-effective solution for vehicle lighting. So, let's take a look at some of the best H1 bulbs available
Best H1 Bulbs
Via AmazonMake sure you order the correct bulbs for your vehicle by inputting your registration number into the Amazon Garage.
Pros
- Great choice of bulbs
- Easy to select the correct bulbs for your car
Cons
- May need Amazon Prime for free delivery
Editor's choice
With the Osram Night Breaker, you get a road beam of up to 150m long with some decent additional side vision. With a colour temperature of 3500K, they provide a more contemporary, whiter light than standard halogen bulbs. The downside to this is that the brighter output may come at the expense of longevity, which could be an issue if the headlamp bulbs in your vehicle are difficult to replace; however, if you have easy access, you may be willing to make that call.
Pros
- Long beam
- Whiter light
Cons
- Lifespan may not be as long as less powerful bulbs
Best for improved brightness
The Philips WhiteVision Ultra has an even higher colour temperature than the Osram Nightbreaker, with an output of up to 4200K, giving a more contemporary white light. They don't provide the same intensity as HID or LED bulbs but they do score over the majority of basic OEM standard bulbs. Once again, the higher output may have a slight effect on the longevity of the bulbs.
Pros
- Contemporary look
- Brighter light
Cons
- Still not at HID levels yet
Best for budget
These bulbs are a direct replacement for the majority of factory-fitted H1 bulbs. The pack of ten offers excellent value, meaning each bulb actually costs less than £1.50. Whether being fitted to head or fog lamps, they will give a good performance but there is no real upgrade or improvement on the illumination from OEM bulbs. If you mainly drive in well-lit urban environments, these could be the perfect budget choice for you.
Pros
- Great value
- Multi-pack
Cons
- At the price, none really
Best for lifespan
Changing a headlamp bulb in some of today's cars can be a complete nightmare, involving the removal of various bits of trim. If you are in that position and looking at bulbs that will reduce the incidence of failure, then the Philips LongLife EcoVision H1 bulb could be one to consider. The Philips UV Block Quartz Glass technology gives regular halogen brightness but will list up to four times longer.
Pros
- Long lifespan
- Good value
Cons
- No real increase in brightness
Best twin pack
www.halfords.com
Developed by Halfords to replicate manufacturers' standards, the H1 double-pack bulbs are made with a precise beam pattern that gets light where you need it on the road for more comfortable nighttime driving. Remember, if you don't fancy tackling the replacement yourself, Halford will do it for you for an additional fee.
Pros
- OEM quality
- Twin pack
Cons
- No improvement in brightness
Best contemorary look
If you want to improve the brightness of your headlamps and give them that contemporary blue tinge without upgrading to Xenon bulbs, the Osram Cool Blue Intense might just fit the bill. The colour temperature of these lamps is up at 5000K, which takes you away from a yellowish light to give a crisp, cool white output. For the price, it's a reasonably inexpensive way of giving your car a contemporary look.
Pros
- Crisp, white light
- ContImproved brightness
Cons
- Still not as bright as Xenon or LED
FAQ's
What are the main types of halogen bulbs commonly used in the UK?
The most common halogen vehicle bulbs include:
H1 Bulbs: These are often used in main beam headlights and some fog lights.
H4 Bulbs: Also known as "dual-beam" bulbs, they have both high and low-beam filaments and are commonly used in many vehicles for both functions.
H7 Bulbs: Commonly found in newer vehicles, used for low beams and main beams.
H11 Bulbs: Typically used in fog lights and some vehicles for low beams.
9005 (HB3) Bulbs: Primarily used for main beams.
9006 (HB4) Bulbs: Often used for low beams.
What is the average lifespan of a halogen bulb?
Halogen bulbs will generally last for between 500 and 1,000 hours, depending on the type of bulb and its use. The more frequently the headlights are used, the shorter the lifespan. Higher-quality bulbs tend to last longer than cheaper alternatives, and extreme temperatures, vibrations, and rough driving conditions can affect the bulb's lifespan, too.
Will halogen bulbs be replaced by newer technology?
It's almost inevitable that in the course of time, they will be gradually phased out and superseded by improved solutions. LED technology appears to be the frontrunner as these bulbs consume less power, have a longer lifespan and offer versatility in colour temperature and design.
_Alex Boyd _is a Commercial Content Writer at CAR and Parkers and loves travel, gardening, DIY and music.__