How we Test

From Unknown to Fact

We utilize specific automotive housings, including the most common makes and models to provide a comprehensive result for the viewer. H7, H11, and 9005 bulbs are currently tested in halogen and aftermarket LED & HID situations, and D2S for OEM HID bulbs to ensure uniformity for results. Please keep in mind that other makes and models may differ, however our aim is to provide a comparison between each bulb brand and model in a controlled environment.

All tests are:
  • UNBIASED and true. We do not allow paid sponsors or endorsements
  • all tests performed at 12.75v
  • performed in a 0 lumens environment (pitch black)
  • tested in various headlight, foglight, etc. housings, and will vary depending on bulb type, however with consistant procedures/housings for ratings/results
  • verified peak brightness after specific warm-up times, as well as ambient brightness for certain bulbs types where it is important as well as glare amounts
  • taken using genuine and brand new products to ensure the most accurate results

High quality test equipment is used to ensure the most accurate and fair measurement possible. OE/factory equipment is utilized. We keep our test details updated and are subject to change (as we continue to enhance our processes). Please see below for all specifics.

LED Test Details (Test Platform 2.0)

Reflector Headlight Specific Test Details:

  • An OEM 2013 VW Jetta (MK6) halogen headlight reflector (H7/H7) & an OEM 2013 Buick Lacrosse halogen headlight reflector (H11/H9) were used for all reflector low and high beam results set at 25 feet (7.62 meters). Percentage values are compared to a new OSRAM Basic halogen bulb. Test results are per bulb (each). Due to limited sizes, some product results may be adjusted and only tested in one specific headlight

Reflector Fog Light Specific Test Details:

  • An OEM 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 halogen fog lamp reflector (H7) was used for all reflector beam results set at 12 feet (3.66 meters). Three peak lux points are taken; Center, Left, Right, and results are averaged. Beam pattern score is based off additional glare

Projector Headlight Specific Test Details (PLEASE NOTE: currently on 1.0 Test Platform, in process of upgrading to 2.0 Platform):

  • An OEM Hella Premium bi-halogen headlight projector (H7) was used for most low and high beam results. An OEM 2016 Toyota Camry low beam headlight projector (H11) & an OEM 2014 Kia Cadenza high beam projector (H9) were used where H7 was unavailable. All headlights set at 25 feet (7.62 meters). Percentage values are compared to a new OSRAM Basic halogen bulb. Test results are per bulb (each). Due to limited sizes, some product results may be adjusted and only tested in one specific headlight

Projector Fog Light Specific Test Details:

  • An OEM 2012 Subaru Outback halogen fog lamp projector (H7) was used for all reflector beam results set at 12 feet (3.66 meters). Three peak points are taken; Center, Left, Right, and results are averaged

Number of Samples used on each chart: 2-6/each rating (low peak lux, high peak lux), at least 4 total for overall score

Overall Score is weighted from 1/3 of each Lux and Lumens categories (weighted; low-beams biased)

The LED charts compare the products to a stock halogen bulb (new OSRAM Original / Long-Life), and is sorted by best star rating (top to bottom) in each price category

Lumens is per bulb (1). Result is taken at exactly 2 minutes of runtime with ambient cooling. Integrating Sphere used for all lumens tests

Overall Score baseline for a Stock Halogen bulb is 1.5 Stars (baseline)

Percentage values are compared to a new OSRAM OE/Stock halogen bulb, starting at 0%

Lux test results are per bulb (each, averaged). Result is taken at 2 minutes of runtime

Other Test Result Details:

  • Lifespan hours:  LEDs ran 20hrs/day (with 24min breaks every 2hrs) until usable light was less than 75%
  • CAN-BUS Compatiblity tested on a 2013 VW Jetta US-Spec, your result may vary
  • Claimed LED Brand is assumed based on sales material and may not be accurate
  • Dimmable as DRL tested at 6 volts on non-PWM, your result may vary depending on the vehicle
  • Heat Sink Temperature taken after 5 minutes runtime directly on heat sink (actual bulb will be hotter)
  • Noise reading taken at 3inches away from fan/heatsink

Halogen Test Details (Test Platform 2.0)

Reflector Headlight Specific Test Details:

  • An OEM 2013 VW Jetta halogen headlight reflector (H7) was used for all reflector beam results set at 25 feet (7.62 meters). Percentage values are compared to a new OSRAM Basic halogen bulb. Test results are per bulb (each)

Projector Headlight Specific Test Details:

  • An OEM 2009 Mercedes E550 halogen low beam headlight projector (H7) was used for low-beam results, and an OEM 2017 Kia Sorento halogen high beam projector (H7) was used for high-beam results, all at 25 feet (7.62 meters). Percentage values are compared to a new OSRAM Original halogen bulb

Number of Samples used on each chart: 2/each rating (low peak lux, high peak lux, lumens), 6 total for overall score

Overall Score is weighted from 1/3 of each Lux and Lumens categories

The Halogen charts are sorted by best star rating in each product category/brand (top to bottom)

Lumens is per bulb (1). Result is taken at exactly 2 minutes of runtime with ambient cooling. Integrating Sphere used for all lumens tests

Overall Score baseline for a Stock Halogen bulb is 2.5 Stars (baseline)

Lux test results are per bulb (each). Result is taken at 2 minutes of runtime

 Lifespan ratings are currently based on one sample for each model, ran continuously at 12.82v until burnt out. Temperature controlled environment with no movement (for consistency)

Aftermarket HID Test Details (Test Platform 2.0)

Projector Headlight Specific Test Details:

  • An OEM 2009 Mercedes E550 halogen low beam headlight projector (H7) was used for projector #1 results, and an OEM 2017 Kia Sorento halogen high beam projector (H7) was used for projector #2 results, all at 25 feet (7.62 meters)

Reflector Headlight Specific Test Details:

  • An OEM 2009 VW Jetta (MK5) halogen headlight reflector (H7) was used for all reflector beam results set at 12 feet (3.66 meters)
  • PLEASE NOTE: Reflector tests will not longer be performed moving forward, and results will be removed in the future

All HID bulbs were ran at about 12hrs to ensure burn in for accurate lux and kelvin values

Original 35 watt (or 55 watt) ballast included with each kit was used for testing

Number of Samples used on each chart: 6/each rating (projector #1 (low) peak lux, projector #2 (high) peak lux), at least 4 total for overall score

Overall Score is weighted from 1/3 of each Lux and Lumens categories

The HID charts are sorted by best star rating (top to bottom)

Overall Score baseline for a Stock Halogen bulb is 1.0 Stars (baseline)

Percentage values are compared to an OSRAM OE/Stock halogen bulb (new)

Lux test results are per bulb (each) taken at exactly 5 minutes of runtime with ambient cooling

Lumens is per bulb (1). Result is taken at exactly 5 minutes of runtime with ambient cooling. Integrating Sphere used for all lumens tests

OE HID (Xenon) Test Details (Test Platform 2.0)

  • An OEM 03-08 Nissan Murano Bi-Xenon D2S Projector Lens, an OEM 04-08 Acura TL Bi-Xenon D2S Projector Lens, & an OEM 04-09 Lexus RX Xenon D2S Projector Lens were used for low beam and high beam (excludes Lexus RX Projector) results with a Morimoto 35watt Ballast, all at 25 feet (7.62 meters)

All HID bulbs were ran at about 12hrs to ensure burn in for accurate lux and kelvin values

Number of Samples used on each chart: 2/each per rating per projector/test (low peak lux and high peak lux, lumens excluded), 10 total for overall score

Overall Score is weighted from 1/2 of each Lux category

The HID charts are sorted by best star rating in each product category (top to bottom)

Overall Score baseline for a Stock OSRAM HID bulb is 2.5 Stars (baseline)

Percentage values are compared to an OSRAM OE/Stock HID bulb (new)

Lux test results are per bulb (each) taken at exactly 5 minutes of runtime with ambient cooling

Lumens is per bulb (1). Result is taken at exactly 5 minutes of runtime with ambient cooling. Integrating Sphere used for all lumens tests

 Lifespan ratings are currently based on one sample for each model, ran continuously at 12.75v with a 35W ballast until burnt out. Temperature controlled environment with no movement (for consistency)

Additional General Test Details

 Test Platform 1.0: distance tested is exactly 12' for headlights, 12' for fog-lights

 Test Platform 2.0: distance tested is exactly 25' for headlights, 12' for fog-lights

Beam images taken with the same camera exposure settings, color is near true to life but will vary depending on your viewing screen. NOTE: Images may differ based on old test procedures, we are in the process or re-taking all images

Kelvin/Color: Stock Halogen Color Temperature Kelvin is typically 3300k, Stock OE HID Color Temperature Kelvin is typically 4300k. Color shown is tested using a kelvin meter pointed at headlights output against a white test wall. Kelvin rating of 4000k has a yellow incandescent tint, 5000k is pure white, 6000k has a blue tint

 Lifespan results for year amounts based on 300hrs ran per year

We wil be bringing back column/data sorting in the future! We had to remove it to allow for responsive data flow. We appreciate your patience in the meantime

Additional tests are planned for future results. If you have any requests or products you would like to see tested, please feel free to contact us!

Disclaimer: Test results performed may be performed at different dates, Results are not perfect and may vary depending on many factors including but not limited to manufactering defects and environmental variables. See Terms & Conditions for further information. Test details last updated 9/21/2020.


If you have any suggestions or ideas on how we should be testing, please feel free to drop us a line! - Contact Us

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