H11 vs 9005 headlight bulbs: the difference, and are they interchangeable?
H11 and 9005 are two different halogen bulbs with different bases, so they aren’t interchangeable. On cars that use both, the H11 is usually the low beam and the 9005 (also called HB3) is the high beam. Fit the bulb your owner’s manual lists for that position.
What’s the difference?
- Base and connector: the H11 has a plastic base with an L-shaped connector; the 9005 has a different base and locating tabs. One won’t lock into the other’s socket without modification.
- Wattage: a standard H11 is 55 W and a standard 9005 is 60 W, so they also draw different power.
- Beam: each is designed for its own reflector or projector. A bulb forced into the wrong housing can scatter light and dazzle oncoming drivers.
What owner’s manuals list
In the manuals on this site, H11 is the most common halogen low beam bulb (listed in 133 model-year manuals), and 9005 appears as a high beam bulb in 25. Examples:
- 2021 Honda Civic Sedan: H11 low beam on 2.0 L models.
- 2022 Ford Ranger: H11LL low beam (non-LED headlamps). “LL” is Ford’s long-life version of the same bulb type.
- 2020 Ford Edge: 9005LL high beam.
Many newer cars have LED headlights with no replaceable bulb; see Halogen or LED headlights. Every vehicle is in Headlight bulb size by vehicle.
Headlight bulbs
Check your manual firstH11 halogen bulb
Shop on Amazon low beam on many cars
Check your manual first9005 halogen bulb
Shop on Amazon high beam on many cars
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