16 best H4 bulbs

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Lighting devices in cars are a very important attribute not only of appearance, but also of driver's safety on the roads. In addition to standard operating rules, a lot of requirements are imposed on them, the main of which is serviceability and cleanliness when driving in the dark or on dark sections of roads.

Of course, the main role in lighting devices is assigned to lamps – without them, the headlights are just a beautiful trinket with a set of reflectors and deflectors. At the present stage, the main emphasis is on the production of lamps with H7 and H1 sockets – it is for such connectors that manufacturers lay power wires. However, there is still a high proportion of old cars on the market that use light elements on the H4 base. Precisely because of the prevalence of cars with similar headlight connectors, the magazine ranked the 16 best H4 lamps in five nominations and categories. The rating was based on consumer reviews and in-house expert opinions, based on independent comprehensive testing.

Rating of the best H4 lamps

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Best standard brightness H4 halogen bulbs	1	Philips Crystal Vision H4	RUB 1,115
	2	Osram Original Line Allseason H4	RUB 350
	3	General Electric H4 (50440U)	990 RUB
	4	NARVA H4 STANDARD 48881	135 RUB
Best H4 bulbs with increased light output	1	Clearlight Night Laser Vision + 200% Light, H4 base, 12V, 60 / 55W	840 RUB
	2	PHILIPS H4 3700K X-TREME VISION + 130%	RUB 1,090
	3	Mitsumoro + 130%	–
	4	Osram Night Breaker Laser (+ 130%) H4	RUB 1,650
	5	Bosch H4 Gigalight + 120%, 12V, 60 / 55W	RUB 1,060
Best H4 Bulbs with Long Life	1	Osram Ultra Life H4	RUB 535
	2	Philips LongLife EcoVision H4	305 RUB
	3	Bosch Longlife Daytime H4	266 r
Best H4 halogen bulbs with xenon effect	1	Koito whitebeam h4	RUB 1,535
	2	Bosch Xenon Silver H4	1 105 rub.
Best metal halide lamps	1	SVS H4 4300K	RUB 1,900
	2	Clearlight H4 4300K ​​Standart	RUB 550

Best standard brightness H4 halogen bulbs

Philips Crystal Vision H4

Rating: 4.9

The first line of the rating goes to the Philips Crystal Vision halogen lamp, in the opinion of many – the most reliable and durable model, the resource of which is more than 500 hours. Supplied in a standard paired set with 55 and 60 W powers, as they say, to your taste. A successful selection of white with a warmth of 4300 K and an intensity of 1100 lm allows you to achieve very good, long-range light – especially at long range, where the results are superior to Osram, General Electric, and the classic NARVA.

When working on low beam headlights, the Philips Crystal Vision H4 loses a little, maintaining an approximate parity with its main competitors. The highlighting range of objects on the road is clearly not up to par, but the absent-mindedness, and even with fine tuning, allows you to draw the contours of all potholes and irregularities in the road, as well as 'cling' to the roadside. If you look at the kit in terms of performance, then it is, in fact, ideal for its class. However, if we add a price here, then the unambiguity of superiority is gradually leveled.

Advantages

• more than 500 hours of service;
• excellent high beam;
• optimal balance of glow temperature and luminous flux intensity;
• first choice of experts.

disadvantages

• high price per set.

Osram Original Line Allseason H4

Rating: 4.8

Many distinguish Osram Original Line Allseason as the most 'strangled' lamp for working with high beam headlights, they say, from the parameters of range and accuracy, manufacturers have chosen the second. It seems to be right, because on cars with high headlights and correct user adjustment, it turns out quite well. The yellowish light, the temperature of which is 3000 K.

The strongest component of the Osram Original Line Allseason is its low-light performance. The magnificent cut-off line, comfortable for the eyes, even at dusk, absent-mindedness allows you to competently maneuver among the irregularities and defects of the roadway. The joke is that with much more significant performance indicators, the cost of one such lamp is commensurate with the cost of previous competitors in the face of General Electric and NARVA. The resource ranges from 350-400 hours, and this also benefits the model.

Advantages

• low purchase price;
• sufficiently high working resource: 350-400 hours;
• minimal risk of dazzling oncoming car drivers;
• excellent low beam.

disadvantages

• ineffective high beam.

General Electric H4 (50440U)

Rating: 4.7

One line above is a lamp from a not most popular company in Russia, very similar to the standard model with an H4 base from NARVA. The level of cost for both lamps is approximately the same: in the light of the systematic increase in prices for products, complete equality has been observed in recent years. The temperature of the light is also at the level: it is a dull white 3200 K, not the most suitable for impressive work of headlights on the far. Nevertheless, the General Electric 50440U tries its best: the increased luminous flux intensity (1000-1100 lm) provides good contouring and a clear cut-off line. Not to say that the high beam on these lamps is perfect, but better than on the NARVA STANDARD 48881.

The main emphasis in the operation of this model of lamps should be placed on the dipped headlights, since the balance of technical characteristics allows you to achieve a bright and concentrated light flux. The only annoying drawback of General Electric 50440U is the reduced resource of work: it hardly reaches 300 hours, according to most independent sources.

Advantages

• optimal light intensity;
• low purchase price;
• acceptable performance of low beam headlights.

disadvantages

• low working life.

NARVA H4 STANDARD 48881

Rating: 4.6

The German halogen lamp from NARVA in its standard form is the most favorite lamp of consumers – the factor of low price and not bad performance has led to high demand in the market. The excitement does not subside until now: neither the meager white (glow temperature is 3200 K), nor the flow intensity, which feels like it does not exceed 900 lumens, stop fans of budget repairs.

On the road in low beam mode, the NARVA H4 STANDARD 48881 shows almost the same results as the leader – Philips Crystal Vision. The drawing of the contours of any irregularities of the canvas is commensurate, as well as the range of their highlighting. But one has only to switch to the high beam headlights … and the parity is gone. At night, the weak balance of white intensity and brightness puts a heavy strain on the eyes, while in the twilight there comes a moment of absolute monotony of what is happening on the road. The cost is cost, but the characteristics allow you to effectively use this lamp only in the evening or for a short time at night – otherwise everything is at your own peril and risk.

Advantages

• very low price (150 rubles per lamp);
• good low beam (no worse than the leader of the rating);
• stability of work until the onset of the limit state.

disadvantages

• poor balance of light temperature and nominal flux intensity;
• not the best high beam headlights in the configuration with these lamps.

Best H4 bulbs with increased light output

Clearlight Night Laser Vision + 200% Light, H4 base, 12V, 60 / 55W

Rating: 4.9

The beauty of these lamps is far from the increased light output, as is commonly believed and what many users hope for. Their real value lies in the emission of white light – namely white, without any inclusions of yellowness and accompanying shades. On long trips on unlit roads, they do not contribute to severe eye fatigue: in this component, both Philips and Osram lag significantly behind.

Now let's go over the factor for which this rating category was started. Absolutely illiquid, Clearlight Night Laser Vision adds another 200 percent to the standard light output – this is the maximum brightness limit for use on public roads. They are much more expensive than competitors, but at the same time they have indicators that are inaccessible to them. Of course, in any set of positive factors, disadvantages can be isolated. There is such one here, and it lies in the problems with the duration of operation. According to user reviews, it could be one full season or several months. Therefore, whether the game is worth the candle is up to you.

Advantages

• the highest value of the light point of the allowed;
• clear cut-off section;
• extremely powerful high beam headlights – comparable to good LED bulbs;
• excellent illumination of roadsides when driving in low beam.

disadvantages

• there are problems with the stability of operation.

PHILIPS H4 3700K X-TREME VISION + 130%

Rating: 4.8

At a distance of a small step from the leadership in the ranking, a halogen lamp from Philips stopped, showing a 130% increase in brightness compared to standard samples. Only the incredible (in every sense) development from Clearlight was able to break this record, which, against the background of this, has small problems with the operational resource.

Early on in its release, X-TREME VISION also faced the problem of limited usage times. Many users complained that the lamps were barely enough for one season, and that what lived and operated well in warm climates could not stand the cold. In the current realities, lamps calmly roll back for several seasons, giving out a stable luminous flux with good distribution along the side of the road and directly on the road. The contours of the glow turn out to be clear, and the high beam can even be correlated with medium-power LED lights.

Advantages

• the period of operation can last from 2 seasons;
• yellowish but comfortable light (temperature about 3700 K);
• very high luminous intensity.

disadvantages

• not found.

Mitsumoro + 130%

Rating: 4.7

A low-cost and highly liquid product in the retail market, sourced directly from Japan. The cost of one Mitsumoro lamp with an H4 base is about 380-420 rubles, depending on the region – this is the lowest indicator of all representatives of this category. It would seem that somewhere there is a catch, carefully disguised as a completely civilized product … but it is not. The sample shines better than standard bulbs, and honestly works out for several seasons without an obvious drawdown.

The only caveat to which you can make a claim is the temperature of the emitted glow. According to official data, it is 3900 K, but in reality it can be 300 K lower. That is, there is yellowness, from which, during a long trip in the dark, the eyes are simply tired. As for the view, the curbs (but this is mainly diffused light, barely outlining the contours) fall under the influence of the bulbs, but the main stream (about 80%) is directed towards the road.

Advantages

• very cheap samples;
• no problems with durability of use;
• acceptable distribution of directional luminous flux.

disadvantages

• a yellowish tint contributes to eye fatigue.

Osram Night Breaker Laser (+ 130%) H4

Rating: 4.6

Despite the fact that conceptually the Osram Night Breaker Laser is similar to the Bosch H4 Gigalight, many of the disadvantages of a competitive model are simply not there. Yes, 130 percent of brightness practically does not differ from 120-and “Boshevsky” ones, but they give more diffused light with an increase in the glow distance by an average of 40 meters. In addition, the glow temperature also added 20 percent – here it is 3900 K, practically devoid of a yellow hue.

But the main plus of the Osram Night Breaker Laser lies in the conscientiousness and honesty of Osram: the information on the packaging states that the service life of one such lamp may be lower than that of standard halogen lamps. The downside here is that they (in some strange way) do not always go well with different types of headlights. In the end, opinions on the Internet were equally divided: some of these lamps are scolded, saying that standard samples often give better light, while others, on the contrary, advocate them.

Advantages

• a more diffused stream of light, directed not only to the road, but also to the side of the road;
• the range of the operating range increased by 40 meters;
• acceptable price.

disadvantages

• resonant opinion about the quality of the supplied light. The ratio of satisfied and dissatisfied: 50/50;
• reduced service life.

Bosch H4 Gigalight + 120%, 12V, 60 / 55W

Rating: 4.5

The fifth place of Bosch H4 Gigalight is due to two factors: firstly, the promises, so famously given on the packaging, did not correspond to reality, and secondly, all this magnificence costs a lot of money, which obviously (according to users) does not deserve. But first, let's talk about the pros. The focusing of light in these bulbs, perhaps, can be considered one of the best in the segment in principle – the range of illumination is extremely high in both near and far operating modes. Secondly, Gigalight will appeal to those who like to ride in winter, as the light stands out against the snowy background.

Now about the sore point. In connection with focusing, there can be no question of any scattering and highlighting of the curbs – regardless of the headlight setting, only reflections from the headlamp reflectors that are successfully wedged in there get there, expanding the visibility zone by no more than 10 centimeters on each side. The same nuance negatively affects the comfort of being on the road for the oncoming traffic: even the dipped headlights are taken as the high beam, which causes problems with the dazzling of drivers. In general, let's conclude this: if the car is used only for off-road trips, then such bulbs will do just fine. For driving on highways at night, it makes sense to use them only in cars with overstated headlights.

Advantages

• high quality workmanship;
• extremely long-range model.

disadvantages

• extremely low leakage flux;
• problems with dazzling drivers in the oncoming lane;
• high price.

Best H4 Bulbs with Long Life

Osram Ultra Life H4

Rating: 4.9

The main, and for many, sufficient, advantage of Osram Ultra Life H4 lamps lies in the low price factor – the manufacturer was aware that if it was raised to the level of competitors, he would not be able to withstand any struggle. And so, it seems, everything is natural: the low cost is justified by the performance characteristics 'to match', and a resource of 2000 hours.

Perhaps one of the most annoying factors in the operation of Osram Ultra Life H4 is the yellow emitted light – not only does it heavily load the eyes, but also the lamps have to work on rather old, often clouded headlights, which is why any exit on unlit tracks will be akin to wandering in the dark. Regrettably, such lamps do not have a worthy alternative – either the working resource is low, or the glow does not stand up to criticism. Therefore, we will award them third place, and we will brand them as consumables for a very accurate drive within the illuminated roads.

Advantages

• 2000 hours of working life;
• sufficiently high-quality architecture, sensitive only to voltage drops in the on-board network;
• quite low, for halogens with an increased resource, the price.

disadvantages

• yellow tint of light with reduced intensity;
• very capricious to a permanent increase in tension.

Philips LongLife EcoVision H4

Rating: 4.8

The Philips LongLife EcoVision H4 earned the first line of the rating solely due to its wide distribution in retail – the Dutch manufacturer took the process of equipping the market more seriously than Bosch. As practice shows, the resource in the form of 3000 declared hours is ideal for both car drivers with dedicated daytime running lights, and without them.

A slightly controversial decision was to lower the glow temperature of the Philips LongLife EcoVision H4 to a yellowish light: at dusk and in the absence of extraneous light, the eyes start to get tired of it. Despite the increased working life, the dipped headlights tend to lose brightness, which is why, after a third of the rolled potential, it begins to frankly give up. However, this problem is typical for all halogens – for the same Bosch Longlife Daytime, this takes place, however, only after half the development of the assigned resource. But there are no complaints about the high beam: it usually survives until the end of operation, even without a hint of sitting down.

Advantages

• acceptable level of cost;
• good light distribution;
• high luminous flux intensity;
• about 3000 hours of the declared resource.

disadvantages

• the headlights give off yellowness – not the most pleasant for the eyes, especially at the time of decreasing the brightness for production.

Bosch Longlife Daytime H4

Rating: 4.7

Bosch Longlife Daytime H4 exactly repeats the success of similar lamps with H7 base, providing high-quality redundancy due to the presence of two tungsten filaments. Durability here turns out to be at the level of 3000 hours – exactly the same indicators have a model from Philips, located one line above. In general, the second place of this lamp is deserved only by its low prevalence in retail stores, and ordering from warehouses is a very long, but possible occupation.

The excellent low and high beam road illumination performance makes the Bosch Longlife Daytime H4 an almost ideal purchase kit. Users note a very comfortable white light (dull, but for halogens this is the norm), as well as a willing adjustment to the light supply model.

Advantages

• optimal distribution of light at long and near modes of operation;
• very high working resource;
• comfortable white light.

disadvantages

• very rare in retail – should be looked for only in catalogs, on order.

Best H4 halogen bulbs with xenon effect

Koito whitebeam h4

Rating: 4.9

The main charge of negative from Kioto lamps falls on the packaging – due to the fact that the domestic user is not very familiar with the writing of Asian countries, spitting in the direction of 'Chinese garbage' is heard very often. In fact, Kioto Whitebeam are almost premium Japanese-made halogen lamps, which for some reason ignore the Russian market in terms of translating information on the label. So, for example, the 125 / 135W indicated in large numbers is not the nominal power, but an equivalent, which indicates that this lamp shines like a 135 W halogen.

If we ignore all the problems with the translation, you will find that the Koito Whitebeam H4 is one of the few products that provide a verified luminous flux in both the low and high beam headlights. There are no gaps here: the distribution of the flow affects both the road and part of the curb, as is required by common sense. The 'range' is high, but the flow does not blind oncoming drivers. The cost, as befits a good product, is high, but durability is also attached to it – the lamps will definitely last more than one season.

Advantages

• durability of work;
• light with a temperature of 3700 K;
• competent distribution of the luminous flux.

disadvantages

• packaging extremely unfriendly to the domestic user.

Bosch Xenon Silver H4

Rating: 4.8

The Xenon Silver H4 is a successful attempt by Bosch to create a xenon effect halogen lamp, in which the balance and accuracy of characteristics have become higher than the indicators of durability. The low price of these lamps hides about 400 passport hours before the contacts burn out, which completely eliminates the difference with the much more tenacious model from Kioto.

We figured out the shortcomings, but what about the pros? A very high-quality work on the selection and balancing of the light temperature can be entered into this category – it is not only comfortable for the eyes, but also differs from set to set only by some units (according to the standard, issuing 4300 K). In addition, it is possible to note the excellent study of the design, due to which there are no obvious gaps in the highlighting of the roadway and peripheral sections, as well as a high 'range', tied to the intensity of the directed light flux. Well, in the light of the absolutely unfriendly packaging of a competitive lamp, we note a box oriented towards the Russian market with information in Russian. A trifle, but nice.

Advantages

• excellent study of the design, which gives an optimal distribution of low and high beam over the area of ​​work of headlights;
• verified glow temperatures from set to set – amazing accuracy;
• low price for a set on the market.

disadvantages

• low cost is offset by a small labor resource.

Best H4 Metal Halide Bulbs

SVS H4 4300K

Rating: 4.9

The first place in the rating goes to the SVS bi-xenon lamp on the H4 base, which has one very interesting feature of manual adjustment. It consists in the following: the standard position in the nest allows you to achieve a strictly direct glow – the so-called maximum range mode. A slight clockwise rotation adjusts this intricate balance by lowering the beam slightly to achieve a clear cut-off.

There are other advantages of xenon lamps in the lamp, such as quick warming up and reaching the rated power, as well as the neutralized flickering effect. The glow temperature in them meets the accepted standards and is 4300 K – this is natural white light. Despite the high build quality and, as noted by users, a long working life (about 800 hours), the SVS H4 lamp costs a set of good standard halogen lamps. This is another plus in the model's piggy bank and another competitive advantage.

Advantages

• a unique method for adjusting the glow distance;
• high intensity of the light beam;
• up to 800 hours of guaranteed work;
• no flicker effect and quick warm-up.

disadvantages

• not found.

Clearlight H4 4300K ​​Standart

Rating: 4.8

In fact, Clearlight H4 Standart is an exact analogue of SVS H4, whose light temperature and rated power are identical to the competitor: 4300 K and 35 W, respectively. However, the difference lies in the intricacies of tuning when installed in a headlight: while an interesting 'rotary' balancing system is implemented in SVS, then in Clearlight everything is tied to the reflectivity of the lenses and the location of the deflectors of the headlights themselves. We lower them below – we get clear contours and a drawing of the roadway. We raise it higher and enjoy the range of the glow, while annoying the drivers of oncoming cars (which we in no way urge you to do).

In terms of implementation parameters, Clearlight H4 Standart is at a different level than its main competitor in terms of rating. The build quality is obviously higher, which is confirmed by both the price and the appearance. However, even in such a seemingly ideal system, one very surprising feature crept in. As practice shows, within the framework of one set, users periodically come across lamps with different glow temperatures: from warm white with a yellowish tint to natural white. This annoying nuance became a barrier that did not allow this model to reach the position of the category leader.

Advantages

• high build quality;
• satisfactory working life (over 800 hours);
• low load on the on-board network;
• excellent high beam.

disadvantages

• within the framework of one set, lamps with different values ​​of the glow temperature (from 3900 to 4500 K) may come across.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.