Are H11 and H11B the same? This question often plagues many users, and despite their very similar names, I'm sorry to say that they are actually two completely different bulbs! What's even more troubling is that H11 is one of the most common bulb sizes in cars, so when people want to look up or buy an H11B, they often find and buy an H11 bulb, only to find out that it's not the right bulb for their vehicle - which is a real headache. Next, we'll take an in-depth and comprehensive look at H11 and H11B to help you make an informed decision about your vehicle's lighting upgrade.
|
Feature |
H11 |
H11b |
|
Primary Usage |
Low Beam, Fog Lights |
Low Beam |
|
Wattage |
55W/ Per Set |
55W/ Per Set |
|
Lumen |
1350lumen |
1400lumen |
|
Installation Method |
Plug-in |
Screw-in |
|
Interchangeable with |
H9, H8, H16(L type) |
/ |
|
Base Type |
PGJ19-2 |
PGJY19-2 |
|
average lifespan |
Up to 300 Hours |
Up to 900 Hours |
Key differences between H11 vs H11B bulbs
Bases
The first significant difference between the H11B and H11 bulbs is the base design. The H11 bulbs utilize the standard PGJ19-2 base, while the H11B bulbs are equipped with the PGJY19-2 base.
Socket
H11B bulbs are designed with an exposed connector, similar to a regular power plug for household electronics, with the two pins directly exposed. The H11 bulb has a built-in connector, where the pins are hidden inside the plug, giving it a more compact look on the outside.
Installation
The H11 bulb is relatively easy to install; just plug it directly into the socket. The H11B headlight bulb, however, requires a twist-lock installation into the socket. In reality, however, the complexity of installing headlights also depends on the design of the housing of the specific vehicle, and some vehicles may require additional maneuvers to install the bulb successfully, while others do not.
Parameter comparison between headlight bulbs H11 vs H11B
Power
The standard H11 and H11B halogen bulbs are both designed to be 55 watts in power, which is a common rating in automotive lighting systems.
Brightness
The difference in brightness between H11 and H11B headlight bulbs is not significant and is usually in the neighborhood of about 1350 lumens. The brightness of a bulb depends largely on its wattage and manufacturing quality. If H11B and H11 bulbs are the same in terms of wattage, type of technology (e.g., halogen, HID, or LED), and quality, then their light output will be essentially the same. As an example, the standard replacements on the market, both models usually operate at the same wattage and can therefore produce the same amount of light.
Lifespan
H11 bulbs typically last about 270 hours before the filament breaks down, while H11B bulbs last relatively longer, averaging about 930 hours. Actual life is also affected by a number of factors, including the brand and build quality of the bulb, the voltage stability of the vehicle, the frequency of driving, and the temperature and humidity of the environment. Under normal operating conditions, quality H11B bulbs tend to provide a longer lighting experience, reducing replacement frequency and maintenance costs.
Compatibility
The bulb H11 vs H11B has subtle differences in interface structure; the H11 utilizes a conventional socket, while the H11B is designed as a‘single beam base’ structure and is not directly interchangeable.
In addition, the H11 bulb is more versatile and adaptable, not only for the H11 socket but also compatible with several other headlight sockets, such as H8, H9, and H16, so it is more flexible in practical applications. The H11B bulb is designed as a specialized socket, which can only be matched with the H11B interface and does not support interchangeability with sockets such as H8, H9, or H16.
Usage
H11: Commonly used for low beam and fog lamps, with good versatility, suitable for a variety of car models.
H11B: Commonly used for low beam, can only meet the needs of specific vehicle lighting systems.
How to find the bulb I need
Check the owner's manual
Vehicle manuals typically detail the size and specifications of the bulb connector that is compatible with your specific vehicle model, including information on the applicable model number, wattage, base type, and more. Referring to this data in the manual is the surest way to ensure that you select the correct bulb and avoid installation problems or electrical malfunctions caused by a mismatched bulb. Therefore, when replacing a bulb, consulting the manual is the best step to ensure safety and proper function.
Using the bulb finder
You can use RIMTHIN Bulb Finder to easily find the bulb you need by entering the year, make, and model of your vehicle!
Check the bulb base
Often, you can also find your bulb by looking at the base of the bulb, which is labeled with the size and model number for user identification.
Upgrading to LED bulbs
The key benefits of upgrading to LED automotive bulbs include higher brightness, longer life, lower energy consumption, faster response time, and greater durability. LED bulbs provide better illumination and enhanced driving safety while reducing replacement frequency and energy consumption, making them a more energy-efficient and energy-saving option.
RIMTHIN specializes in making high-end LED automotive lights and combines top materials with innovative light source technology to create brighter, longer-lasting, and more energy-efficient lights. RIMTHIN stands for quality and reliability, and we have won the recognition of many customers through our strict production standards and relentless technological innovation!
Best of all, when you buy from RIMTHIN, shipping is free on all orders! And items can be easily returned or exchanged within 90 days. Browse RIMTHIN H11 LED Headlight Bulbs now to find your perfect match.
FAQ
Q: What is the difference between H11B vs H11 headlights?
A: The main difference between the H11B vs H11 bulbs is the base type. While both are the same size and shape, the H11B has a slightly different connector, which makes it compatible with certain vehicles that require a specific connection type.
Q: Can I use H11 instead of H11B?
A: It is not possible to replace H11B bulbs with H11 bulbs directly. It is not recommended to replace them directly because they have different structures and serve different purposes.
Q: Are H11 and H11B headlight bulbs the same?
A: No, they are not the same bulb, as they are very different in structure and function.
Q: Which vehicles typically use H11 bulbs?
A: H11 bulbs are commonly used in headlights or fog lights on mid-size and large cars, SUVs, trucks, and other vehicles. For example, vehicles such as the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Ford F-150 often use H11 bulbs.
Q: H11 vs H11B headlight bulb, which is better?
A:H11 is commonly used for low beam lights. It is a common low-power bulb that is widely used in the headlights of vehicles as a low beam.
Q: What is an H11B bulb?
A: The H11B bulb is a variant of the H11 series of bulbs, typically used in high-power and high-brightness applications. It is the same shape as the standard H11 bulb, but the H11B is slightly more powerful and brighter and is commonly used in vehicles that require more light.
