H11 vs 9005 vs 9006: What's the Difference?
These three bulb sizes show up in most vehicles on the road. They look similar, but they're not interchangeable. Here's the quick breakdown.
Quick Comparison
H11 (also H8, H9)
- Low beam bulb
- L-shaped base with tab lock
- 55W standard
- Most common low beam in vehicles 2010+
- Sometimes referenced as HB3 equivalent, but NOT interchangeable with 9005/9006
9005 (HB3)
- High beam bulb
- Angled base, 65W standard
- Also used in some DRL applications
- Higher wattage than H11 and 9006
- Most common high beam across all makes
9006 (HB4)
- Low beam bulb
- Angled base, 55W standard
- Very common in vehicles from 2000 to 2015
- Different connector tab position than 9005
- Gradually being replaced by H11 in newer models
They Look the Same. Why Can't I Swap Them?
All three are similar sized bulbs with single-beam designs. But the base has different tab positions and the electrical connector is different. If you try to put a 9005 in a 9006 socket, the tabs won't line up and the plug won't fit. Same deal with H11.
Some people file down the tabs to make them fit. Don't do this. The wattage differences and beam patterns are designed for specific applications. A 65W high beam bulb jammed into a low beam socket is going to blind everyone on the road. And your wiring harness wasn't built for the extra load.
The tabs and connectors exist for a reason. They keep the wrong bulb out of the wrong socket. Trust the engineering on this one.
Which One Does Your Car Use?
Your car likely uses a combination. A common setup is H11 for low beams and 9005 for high beams. But every vehicle is different. Some older models use 9006 for low beams instead of H11.
Your owner's manual lists the exact bulb for each position. You can also pull the existing bulb and read the number printed on the base. That's the fastest way to know for sure.
Or you can skip the guesswork entirely and use our vehicle fitment tool to look it up by year, make, and model.
LED and HID Versions
All three sizes are available in halogen, LED, and HID. When upgrading to LED or HID, you still need the correct base size. An H11 LED replaces an H11 halogen. A 9005 LED replaces a 9005 halogen. A 9006 LED replaces a 9006 halogen.
The base and connector stay the same. Just the light technology changes. So figure out which bulb number your car needs first, then decide whether you want halogen, LED, or HID in that size.
Common Vehicles and Their Bulbs
Here's a quick reference for some of the most popular vehicles. These cover the halogen trim levels.
| Vehicle | Low Beam | High Beam |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Camry (2018+) | H11 | 9005 |
| Honda Civic (2016+) | H11 | 9005 |
| Ford F-150 (2015-2017) | H11 | 9005 |
| Chevy Silverado (2014-2018) | 9006 | 9005 |
| Toyota Corolla (2014+) | H11 | 9005 |
| Honda Accord (2013-2017) | 9006 | 9005 |
Always verify for your specific year and trim. Some trims come with different headlight setups, especially if LED or HID was an option from the factory.
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