9005 vs. HB3 Headlight Bulb: What’s the Difference?
Difference Between 9005 and HB3 Headlight Bulbs | Flashark Racing

Wondering about the difference between 9005 and HB3 headlight bulbs? Spoiler alert: there isn’t one! These two names actually refer to the same bulb. It’s like calling the same superhero by their alter ego—same hero, different name. The 9005 and HB3 labels come from different naming systems, but rest assured, they are fully interchangeable. So, whether your high beam housing says 9005 or HB3, you’re good to go with either! Read on to learn more about 9005 vs HB3.

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What’s the Difference Between 9005 and HB3 bulbs

The difference between 9005 and HB3 bulbs mainly lies in their naming conventions and geographical usage. Here’s a breakdown:

Naming Conventions:

  • 9005: This is the designation commonly used in the United States.
  • HB3: This is the designation used in Europe and other parts of the world.

The automotive industry has developed differently in various parts of the world, leading to regional naming conventions and standards. The US and Europe developed their own systems for categorizing and naming automotive parts, including headlight bulbs.

Usage:

  • 9005: Often referred to by this name in the American automotive market.
  • HB3: Recognized under this name in Europe and in international standards.

To bridge these regional differences, organizations like the United Nations have worked on creating universal standards. Despite these efforts, the legacy names (9005 in the US and HB3 in Europe) have persisted in their respective markets.

Standards:

The United Nations established universal standards to ensure consistency in bulb classification across different regions. Under UN Regulation 37, HB3 is classified in Group 1, indicating it’s approved for use as a headlight bulb. Meanwhile, 9005 serves as the corresponding US trade number. Over time, different regions have developed preferences for specific terms and standards, leading to the continued use of both 9005 and HB3 designations. 

What’s the Difference Between 9005 and HB3 bulbs

Equivalent to HB3 and 9005

The 9005 and HB3 bulbs have a few equivalents, though their full equivalence can vary based on certain factors. Here’s a look at the equivalents and their level of interchangeability. The HB3 and 9005 bulbs are equivalent, along with several other bulb sizes: H10, 9040, 9055, 9140, 9145, 9150, and 9155.

H10 Bulbs:

The H10 bulb is often considered equivalent to the 9005/HB3 bulb. Both have similar bases and can fit into the same socket, but there might be differences in wattage and light output.

9005XS:

The 9005XS is a variant of the 9005 bulb. The "XS" indicates a straight base, making it suitable for different mounting situations compared to the standard 9005, which has a right-angle base.

While the bases may be similar, the wattage and voltage of equivalent bulbs can differ. For instance, H10 bulbs typically have a lower wattage compared to 9005 bulbs. This can affect the brightness and heat output. The beam pattern can vary slightly between different bulbs even if they fit the same socket. This affects how light is distributed on the road, which can be important for visibility and safety.

Even if a bulb is considered an equivalent, it’s crucial to check the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications to ensure compatibility. Some vehicles may have unique requirements for heat dissipation, electrical connections, or housing space.

9005 HB3 Headlight Bulb Specs

If your aging hb3 9005 halogen bulb are dim or broken, it may be time to switch to LED bulbs. The 9005 HB3 bulb is a single filament headlight bulb used primarily in the high beam of many vehicles. The Flashark LED 9005 HB3 headlight is suitable for night driving and low light conditions.

  • Bulb Size: 9005/HB3
  • Light Power: ‎80W (40W/bulb)
  • Color Temperature: Bright White 6500K
  • Luminous Flux: 18000LM/set (9000LM/bulb)
  • Lifespan: Over 50,000 hours
  • LED Quantity: 2 bulbs (1 Pair)
  • Heat Dissipation Mode: Fan Dissipation
  • Certification: IP67 Water and Dust Seal, CE, RoHS
9005 HB3 Headlight Bulb Specs

Best 9005 HB3 LED Headlight Bulbs

When searching for hb3 bulb 9005, you'll want to look for products that match the specifications and quality standards of your vehicle. 

 

Flashark L1 9005 hb3 led headlight bulbs adopt 7035 highly bright Top-Automotive LED chips which provide a total of 80W, 180000 lumens light output per set. Make signs, reflectors, and lane markings highly visible on rural roads and in mountainous areas, offering you a safer vision. Our built-in intelligent CSP LED chips are compatible with 99% of vehicles' systems. For certain vehicles, an additional CANBus decoder may be required. For more LED 9005 HB3 headlight bulb, please visit Flashark website. 

Best 9005 HB3 LED Headlight Bulbs

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