H4 vs H7 Headlight Bulb | Full Difference Explained

There are various models of car light bulbs in the auto engineering and automotive lighting market. Different car models require specific bulbs for an optimum upgrade, thus giving drivers the option of customizing their headlight style.

Among the many car headlight bulbs, H4 and H7 are the most popular models. So in this blog, we will have the H4 vs H7 light bulb discussions, so you can learn more about the differences between these bulbs and shop for the right bulbs for your car.

What is the H4 car light bulb?

Firstly, the H4 car light bulb was originally invented for use in race cars. However, its application was primarily restricted to European cars for decades.

H4 bulbs are known as dual beam headlight bulbs. That means each bulb has two filaments inside—one for the high beam and one for the low beam—so a single bulb can do both jobs.

To meet safety rules in other countries, a similar bulb called 9003 or HB2 was created. These bulbs provide a safer beam pattern that doesn’t blind other drivers. Today, thanks to advances in headlight technology, H4, HB2, and 9003 bulbs are mostly interchangeable. You’ll often see all three names on the same product packaging.

What is the H7 car light bulb?

H7 bulbs are quite popular and are most commonly used by German and other European auto manufacturers. Since their first introduction on the market in 1993, they have remained popular due to their small size.

In the past, you will find H7 Xenon bulbs on some luxury cars such as BMW, Audi, Mercedes and Volkswagen, however, due to the shortcoming of high-cost and glare light, they have been supplanted by LED bulbs.

What are the differences between H4 and H7 headlight kits?

One of the biggest differences between H4 and H7 bulbs is the number of filaments they have.

The H4 is also called the dual-beam headlight bulb because each bulb contains two filaments; one is for the low beam and the other for the high beam. When using the high beam, the low beam filament goes out briefly.

The H7 bulbs are single-beam headlight bulbs, which means that there is only one filament for either high or low beam. As for the H7 car bulb, it tends to be used for low beam, and you should buy another single-filament bulb for high beam such as H1. (The type of bulb needed is determined by your vehicle)

You can also take this table for a quick glance at another differences:

Feature	H4 Bulb	H7 Bulb
Filament	2 (High + Low)	1 (High or Low)
Stock Power	6V & 12V: 60/55W	12V: 55W
Lumen	1650/1000LM ±15%	1500LM ±10%
Design	Three-pronged attachment	Two-pronged attachment
Base Type	P43t	PX26d
Price	Higher price compared to H7	Lower price compared to H4
Output	The light output is lower than H7	The light output is higher than H4
Cross Reference	HB2/9003	/

After all, H4 bulbs can be classified as dual-beam headlights while H7 bulbs can be categorized as single-beam headlight bulb.

Are H4 and H7 bulbs interchangeable?

H4 and H7 are two different types of the headlight bulb. It is impossible to replace an H4 bulb with an H7. There are two main reasons why they aren’t interchangeable:

The type of base holder is different, so you can not try to insert the bulb into a different bulb’s socket.
More importantly, the plug of the lamp can not connect to the socket of the original car, so you can’t even light it up.

How To Install H4/9003 LED Headlight Bulb?

If your car uses an original H4 halogen bulb, you might be wondering—can you upgrade it to an H4 LED headlight bulb? The good news is yes, you can! Most H4 LED bulbs today are designed to be plug-and-play, so installation is usually quick and easy. In fact, the installation process is quite simple:

✅ Step 1: Take off dust cover

✅ Step 2: Remove the h4 halogen bulb

✅ Step 3: Twist led bulb socket, insert into the slot

✅ Step 4: Insert h4 led headlight in the correct position

✅ Step 5: Rotate the bulb clockwise

✅ Step 6: Connect the plug

How To Install H7 LED Headlight Bulb

The installation of H7 led headlight bulb is quite similar as H4, you can follow these steps:

✅ Step 1: Remove the dust cover (if present)

Some vehicles have a rubber or plastic dust cover protecting the bulb. Gently pull it off to access the bulb socket.

✅ Step 2: Find and remove the H7 halogen bulb

Unplug the power connector attached to the bulb. Then, twist the bulb counterclockwise (or release the metal clip, depending on your car model) and carefully remove it from the housing.

✅ Step 3: Install the H7 LED bulb

Insert the new H7 LED bulb into the socket. Make sure the LED chips are facing sideways (at 3 and 9 o’clock positions) for proper beam pattern. Twist to lock it in place or secure it with the metal clip.

✅ Step 4: Connect the LED driver and plug in the power

Connect the LED bulb to the driver (if it has one), then plug the driver into the car’s original headlight connector.

Best H4 LED Headlight Bulb Recommendation

NAOEVO S4 Pro H4 LED Headlight Bulb

If you are looking for H4 LED bulbs that have multiple functions to escort you in all adverse weather. NAOEVO’s S4 pro series is a perfect pick for you!

These H4 LED bulbs were designed by NAOEVO and feature 3 color lighting modes. The 6500K white is perfect for driving at a normal night, however, when you caught in extreme weather, the 4300K warm white and 3000K yellow better break through the fog, raindrops, snow, and haze in the air, giving drivers clearer sight against the bad weather.

Equipped with the large-size flip chip, these H4 LED headlight kits are likely to deliver 60W 7200LM per set, which is three times brighter than halogen. They feature precise optics technology, which helps to project uniform and broad light onto the ground clearly.

These H4 LED bulbs are designed as small as halogen bulbs so they can be installed into the headlight housing easily. The IP67 waterproof means they can tolerate prolonged submersion under pressure and are storm-resistant. As they are made from sturdy 6063 aluminum and equipped with high-speed mute fan, they can work for over 30,000 hrs.

SPECIFICATION

Power	60W 7200LM Pair
Chip	943MIL+355MIL dual color flip chip
Color	6500K/4300K/3000K
Warranty	2 Years
Heat Dissipation	7500RPM Fan + 6063 Aluminum
Installation	Plug and play

Best H7 LED Headlight Bulb Recommendation

NAOEVO NG H7 LED Headlight Bulb

If you’re looking for high-brightness and stylish H7 LED headlight bulbs, then consider getting NAOEVO NG LED headlight bulb. With an high output of 180W 21600LM per set, these H7 LED headlight kits are estimated to be 600% brighter than ordinary halogen bulbs.

What’s more? The heat sink of the NG H7 bulb is inspired from soaring eagle. The more eye-catchy and gorgeous design upgrades your headlight to a new level. They also offer far and wide illumination to make it easier for you to detect road hazards and avoid accidents.

As a result of their dual copper heat pipe, 6063 aluminum bodies, and 12,000 RPM high-speed cooling fans. These awesome H7 LED conversion kits achieve three times faster cooling capacity, thus lasting over 50,000 hours lifespan.

SPECIFICATION

Power	180W 21600LM Pair
Chip	6*70MIL flip chip
Color	6500K
Warranty	2 Years
Heat Dissipation	7500RPM Fan + Copper Tube + 6063 Aluminum
Installation	Plug and play

Conclusion

Both H4 and H7 headlight bulbs have their own strengths—H4 offers dual beam functionality, while H7 provides focused single-beam performance. The right choice depends on your vehicle type and lighting needs. Always check your car’s manual before upgrading.

In this blog, you will learn:

What is the H4 car light bulb?

What is the H7 car light bulb?

What are the differences between H4 and H7 headlight kits?

Are H4 and H7 bulbs interchangeable?

How To Install H4/9003 LED Headlight Bulb?

How To Install H7 LED Headlight Bulb

Best H4 LED Headlight Bulb Recommendation

NAOEVO S4 Pro H4 LED Headlight Bulb

SPECIFICATION

Best H7 LED Headlight Bulb Recommendation

NAOEVO NG H7 LED Headlight Bulb

SPECIFICATION

Conclusion

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