When it comes to headlights, there are a lot of options available on the market. But among all the choices, two bulbs are the most popular: 9005 and 9006.
Although 9005 and 9006 light bulbs look very similar, they use different connectors. The 9005 has one additional connector compared to the 9006 bulb. However, the 9005 can be used with a 9006 connector by adapting it.
So which one is better? In this article, we will compare the two bulbs and help you decide which one is right for you.
Socket Congruity
Unfortunately, 9006 bulbs will not fit in a 9005 socket due to the bulb's larger base. However, you can use a 9005 bulb in a 9006 socket with some modifications. Usually, such modifications include trimming down the 9005's metal tab or removing it completely.
Upgrading to a 9005 bulb in a 9006 socket is often done by car owners who want to increase the light output from their headlights. The 9005 bulb has a higher wattage and produces more light than the 9006 bulb.
Socket compatibility is very important when a driver decides to upgrade to a new bulb. If the driver does not take socket congruity into consideration, they may end up with a headlight that does not properly fit their car.
9005 Bulb Characteristics
The bulb with one filament that can be used in both the high and low beam headlights is the 9005. Usually, lamps with one filament are used for the low beam, and those with two filaments are used for high beams. However, some manufacturers use 9005 bulbs for both purposes.
The 9005 automotive light bulb features a nominal power of 12 V: 60 W. Such voltage and wattage are the industry standards. It has the P20d 90° cap which is typical for most halogen headlight bulbs. Moreover, this base is frequently used for other applications, such as fog lights. The 9005 bulb's diameter is 2 inches (51 mm), and its length is 1.02 inches (26 mm). The light center length of this headlight bulb is 0.94 inches (24 mm).
This lamp has a light output of 1700 Lumens and a color temperature of an average 5000 Kelvin. These characteristics show that the 9005 bulb is a powerful and bright light source.
Pros of using this lamp:
- Bright light output
- Standardized size (can be used in various applications)
- Low power consumption
Cons of using this lamp:
- Short lifespan
- Not as bright as some other options on the market
9006 Bulb Characteristics
The 9006 or HB4 is a lamp that belongs to the first group of automotive light bulbs and can be used without general restrictions. It means that if you need a lamp for your brake lights or signal lights, in both cases it could be a 9006.
The 9006 automotive light bulb has the voltage of 12 V and a power of 51 W. Such a nominal power is usually applicable for the low beam headlights. The 9006 bulb has the P22d 90° cap which is used for other applications as well, such as fog lights. These bases are typical for many halogen headlight bulbs.
The color temperature of these lamps is less than 9005, but still, it`s 3100K which is considered to be white light. Automobilists like this lamp for its durability and relatively high brightness.
The advantages of using this bulb:
- The cap is more robust than that of the 9005
- The light is whiter than that of the 9005
- A larger number of manufacturers produce this bulb (9006)
The disadvantages of using this bulb:
- The beam pattern is not as good as that of the 9005
- This bulb does not last as long as some other options on the market
Specs Comparison
| Specs | 9005 bulb | 9006 bulb |
| Base | P20d 90° | P22d 90° |
| Number of filaments | 1 | 1 |
| Applications | Low Beam | Low Beam |
| Nominal power | 12 V: 60 W | 12 V: 51 W |
| Cross Compatibility | 9005XS, 9005, 9011, 9005CB, 9005XSCB, 9005SU, 9005L+, 9005ST, 9005XV, 9005EB, 9005XSST | 9006XS, 9006, 9006ST, 9006XV, 9006EB, 9006XSST, 9006CB, 9006HP, 9006XSCB, 9006SU |
Nominal Power
Drivers should know that the 9006 lamp has a wattage of 55W and the 9005 bulb has 51W responsively. The nominal voltage is 12V for both types. The 9005 emits more light than the 9006, but it also uses more power. The true wattage of the 9006 is actually lower than the 9005.
Usability
When thinking of 9005 vs 9006 you should know that the former is used for high beams, while the latter is for low beams. Don`t mess them up! If you place a lamp that is meant for another beam, it will result in poor visibility. Let`s imagine the situation when you use 9005 for low beams. The light will be too intense and glare at oncoming traffic, which is pretty dangerous.
The 9006, on the other hand, is not as bright as the 9005. That`s why it`s used for low beams. The light emitted by this bulb is not intense and won`t blind other drivers.
Lifespan
The 9006 lamps usually have a longer lifespan than the 9005 bulbs. That is because they don`t produce as much heat as the 9005. The latter emits more light and, as a result, gets hotter. The heat produced by the 9005 can damage the bulb and shorten its lifespan.
So, if you`re looking for a headlight bulb that will last you a long time, go with the 9006. However, if the maintenance of the lighting system is not proper, then it is possible for the 9005 to have a longer lifespan.
Brightness Level
If you're looking for a brighter light, 9005 is the better choice. It uses more power than 9006 making it appear brighter and more vibrant. Choose 9005 if you want improved high beam performance and to be seen more easily on the road.
Thus, in case you need a bulb for a low beam, and you don`t want to use HID, 9006 is a good option. Moreover, for those automobilists who live in rural areas or go off-roading, the 9005 is a better pick as it offers more light.
Color Temperature
The 9005 bulbs usually have 3100K-6500K color temperatures. The 9006, on the other hand, has a lower color temperature of 2600K-3000K. So, if you want a whiter light, the 9005 is the better option. The type of light emitted by a lamp affects the driver`s visibility.
A whiter light is easier on the eyes and allows the driver to see better. The 9005 can be used in a variety of applications, such as in fog lights, daytime running lights, and even in car stereos. The 9006, on the other hand, is mostly used in low beam headlights.
9005 vs 9006 - What Is The Best Bulb?
The answer to this question depends on your needs and preferences. If you`re looking for a brighter light, go with the 9005. However, if you want a bulb that will last you a long time, the 9006 is the better choice. So, which one is right for you?
In case you are a motorist who wants the best of both worlds - long lifespan and bright light - we have some good news for you. There are certain types of bulbs that offer both. For example, the Philips X-tremeUltinon LED 9005 bulb has a lifespan of 11000 hours. That`s almost 5 times longer than the average lifespan of a 9005 bulb. And when it comes to brightness, this bulb is on par with the 9005. So, if you want the best of both worlds, this is the bulb you`re looking for.
What are the 9005 and 9006 bulbs replacements?
If you are looking for an alternative to the 9005, there are a few options available. There are HB3, H10, 9040, 9055, 9140, 9145, 9150, and 9155 lamps on the market. Each of those bulbs has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. For instance, the H10 lamps would be a good replacement if you're looking for a whiter light. However, they don't last as long as the 9005. So, if you want a bulb that will last you a long time, go with the 9006.
At the same time, the 9006 lamp may be replaced with 9012 and HB4 options. Both these variants are compatible with the 9006. So, if you want a brighter light, go with the 9012. However, if you're looking for a bulb that will last you a long time, the HB4 is the better choice.
To sum up, there is no clear answer as to which one is better - 9005 or 9006. It all depends on your needs and preferences. If you want a brighter light, go with the 9005. However, if you`re looking for a headlight bulb that will last you a long time, choose the 9006. In any case, we recommend doing some research and finding the right bulb for your car.
Bottom Line
The 9005 vs 9006 debate is one that has been going on for a while. And it doesn`t seem like there`s a clear winner. It all depends on your needs and preferences. If you want a brighter light, go with the 9005. However, if you`re looking for a headlight bulb that will last you a long time, choose the 9006. In any case, we recommend doing some research and finding the right bulb for your car.
Reviewed by Brent Ordway
Brent Ordway is an ASE-certified car technician. He has been working on cars since he was a teenager and loved helping people keep their vehicles running smoothly. Brent's skills as a mechanic are unrivaled. In 2022, he earned his place on the list of winners for the ASE Master Automobile Technician of the Year award.
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