9005 vs 9006 Bulb: A Clear Comparison You Should Know

When it comes to automotive lighting, 9005 y 9006 bulbs are two of the most commonly used options for headlights and fog lights. At first glance, they might seem nearly identical—but they’re actually designed for different sockets, wattage, and purposes. Understanding these differences is crucial if you’re upgrading to LED or replacing your OEM halogen bulbs.

As an experienced LED headlight bulb manufacturer, we’ve helped thousands of customers choose the right model for their vehicle.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the key differences between 9005 and 9006 bulbs, including their connector types, brightness levels, typical applications, and whether or not they’re interchangeable.

If you’re unsure which one fits your car, this guide will make it clear.

What Are 9005 Headlight Bulbs?

The 9005 bulb is a single-filament headlight bulb commonly used for high beams in many vehicles. It’s also known as HB3, where “HB” stands for “Halogen Bulb” and the “3” refers to its specific shape and filament type. A standard 9005 bulb is halogen, not xenon.

In terms of performance, a typical 9005 halogen bulb produces around 800 to 1700 lumens and consumes 55 to 65 watts of power. However, the exact output may vary depending on the manufacturer and the specific bulb model.

Main Features of 9005:

Low Beam Use: Primarily used as a high beam bulb in many vehicles.
HB3 Compatibility: 9005 and HB3 are the same bulb, just with different part numbers.
Compatibilidad: The 9005 bulb fits many popular vehicle models from brands like Audi, BMW, Ford, GMC, Dodge, Chevy, Honda, Toyota, Nissan, etc.
Brightness & Wattage: Standard halogen 9005 bulbs produce around 800 to 1700 lumens at 55 to 65 watts

How To Install 9005/HB3 Bulb?

What Are 9006 Headlight Bulbs?

The 9006 bulb is a widely used halogen headlight bulb, commonly found in vehicles for low beam and fog light applications.

It’s also known by its industry designation HB4, with “9006” being the U.S. trade number.

When it comes to performance, a standard 9006 (HB4) halogen bulb typically delivers about 1000 lumens of brightness while consuming around 51 to 55 watts of power.

Main Features of 9006:

Function: Primarily used as a low beam and fog lamp.
HB4 Compatibility: 9006 and HB4 are the same bulb, just with different part numbers.
Compatibilidad: The 9006 bulb fits many popular vehicle models like Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford F-150, Nissan Altima, Jeep Grand Cherokee, GMC Sierra.
Brightness & Wattage: Standard halogen 9006 bulbs produce around 1000 lumens at 51 to 55 watts

How To Install 9006/HB4 Bulb?

Key Differences Between 9005 And 9006 Bulb

Característica	9005	9006

Beam Type	Luz de carretera	Luces de cruce/Niebla
Vatios	~65W (halogen)	~55W (halogen)
Lumen	1700LM	1000LM
Tipo de base	P20d	P22d 90°
Referencia cruzada	HB3	HB4

Tipo de base

The 9005 bulb features a P20d base, while the 9006 uses a P22d 90° base. At first glance, these bases may look similar, but they’re designed differently to prevent incorrect installation.

The key distinction lies in the orientation of the smallest locking tabs – 9005 turns counterclockwise, whereas 9006 turns clockwise. This opposite tab design ensures each bulb fits only its designated socket.

Connector Design

Both 9005 and 9006 bulbs use connectors with enclosed pins, and the distance between the pins is nearly identical. However, due to the base differences, they are not directly interchangeable.

Brightness Output

Brightness depends on both the bulb’s quality and its wattage. If a 9005 and a 9006 bulb share the same quality, technology (halogen, HID, or LED), and wattage, they will produce roughly the same amount of light. Among standard halogen options, the 9005 generally appears brighter because it draws more power—65 watts compared to the 9006’s 55 watts—but the difference is not dramatic.

Another important factor is the bulb’s position in the headlight assembly. Even if both bulbs are identical in performance, a bulb installed in the high beam will appear brighter due to its angle and beam focus—not because it’s inherently more powerful than the low beam.

The 9005 halogen bulb typically produces around 1700 lumens, while the 9006 offers approximately 1000 lumens. This makes the 9005 noticeably brighter, especially useful for high beam applications.

Primary Application

The 9005 is commonly used as a high beam bulb, providing more focused, intense light. The 9006, on the other hand, is primarily used for low beams, delivering a wider, softer beam pattern for closer-range visibility.

Vida útil

Standard 9005 halogen bulbs generally last around 320 hours, while 9006 halogen bulbs can reach up to 1000 hours. That said, actual lifespan can vary based on driving habits, road conditions, and electrical systems.

Cross-reference Numbers

In the automotive industry, 9005 is often labeled as HB3, while 9006 is referred to as HB4. These identifiers are useful when shopping for replacements or upgrades.

Lighting Technology Options

While both 9005 and 9006 were originally developed as halogen bulbs, modern versions are also available in LED, giving drivers access to brighter, more energy-efficient options in the aftermarket.

If you consider upgrading to 9005 or 9006 LED bulbs, check our collections below:

Can You Fit a 9005 Bulb in a 9006 Socket?

If you’ve been following along, you probably already know the answer.

Technically, a 9005 bulb can be fitted into a 9006 headlight—and vice versa—by modifying the locking tabs.

However, as mentioned earlier, each bulb has its own unique tab design, wattage, and intended use. So while it’s possible to make them interchangeable with some physical adjustments, we don’t recommend it. Using the wrong bulb type can compromise fitment, performance, and even safety.

9005 vs 9006: Which Bulb Should I Choose For My Car?

Both 9005 and 9006 bulbs are popular halogen headlight options, but they serve different purposes and are not directly interchangeable without modification. The first thing you should check is your vehicle’s original socket type.

The 9005 bulb is typically used as a high beam bulb in many vehicles. It fits a wide range of models from top car brands like Toyota, Ford, Honda, Nissan, GMC, Dodge, and more. If you’re wondering whether your vehicle uses a 9005 bulb, you can use automotive bulb finder for fast results. You can also refer to your owner's manual to confirm the correct bulb type.

The 9006 bulb, on the other hand, is commonly used for low beam headlights. It’s designed with a different socket and lower wattage, which makes it ideal for nighttime driving without blinding oncoming traffic. Like the 9005, it’s used in a wide range of cars—just be sure to check your vehicle’s specifications or consult your mechanic before buying.

💡Upgrading to LED?

At NAOEVO, we’ve been supplying both 9005 y 9006 bulbs to the aftermarket and OEM upgrade market for 19 years. Our LED versions are trusted by retrofitters and car enthusiasts across 50+ countries for their stable output, focused beam pattern, and easy plug-and-play installation. Whether you’re replacing a factory halogen or upgrading to LED, we offer tailored solutions that fit perfectly into your headlight housing without causing flicker or error codes.

Preguntas frecuentes

Are 9005 and 9006 bulbs interchangeable?

Not directly. While they may look similar and have the same base type, the tab design and polarity are different. A 9005 (high beam) can sometimes be modified to fit a 9006 socket (low beam), but it’s not recommended without proper adapters or modifications.

What is the main difference between 9005 and 9006 bulbs?

The 9005 bulb is typically used for high beams and operates at a higher wattage and brightness. The 9006 is designed for low beams and has a slightly lower wattage and light output. They also have different locking tabs to prevent incorrect installation.

Can I upgrade both 9005 and 9006 bulbs to LED?

Yes, there are LED versions of both 9005 and 9006 bulbs. Just make sure to choose high-quality, vehicle-compatible LED bulbs that match your car’s housing and beam pattern requirements.

Which is brighter—9005 or 9006?

9005 is brighter because it’s a high beam bulb. It usually operates around 65W, while the 9006 low beam operates around 55W. The difference in brightness is noticeable and intended for different driving situations.

How do I know which bulb my car uses?

Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual or look up your make and model online. You can also remove the current bulb and check the number printed on its base—it will typically say 9005 or 9006.

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