For everything the Jeep Wrangler JK has to offer, it’s a well-oiled machine that’s sure to bring off-road prowess and an aesthetic appeal that few other vehicles can offer. However, if there was one major setback, it’s the headlights. If you’ve noticed the stock headlights are a bit dim, you aren’t alone.
Many other owners feel the same way. So if you want to illuminate the road to avoid suicidal deer or just to brave those mountain passes, check out the best headlights for the Jeep Wrangler JK.
Comparison of the Best Headlights For Jeep Wrangler JK
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Factors to Consider Before Buying JK Headlights
Before you buy a pair of headlights for the Jeep Wrangler JK, you should do your research first. Many factors go into consideration before buying any vehicle headlights, and the Jeep Wrangler JK is no different. Here are some of the components you’ll want to weigh as you hop on your journey to find the best headlights for the Wrangler JK.
Halogen or LED?
The stock headlights of the Jeep Wrangler JK are equipped with halogen bulbs. While there’s nothing wrong with these bulbs per se, you’re leaving a lot of extra brightness on the table in comparison to LED bulbs. Using less wattage, LED bulbs are up to 10 times brighter than halogen bulbs, giving you a burst of lumens that can illuminate the pitch-black road in front of you while also offering a life span of up to 50,000 hours. Although halogen bulbs are far cheaper, LED bulbs provide a better package at a price that’s not all that more expensive.
Light Patterns
The light patterns of headlights for the Jeep Wrangler JK can vary dramatically. Less reputable companies and Chinese-made components can cast light in a seemingly blurring, unfocused pattern. Conversely, a high-quality light has an excellent light dispersion pattern that’s more focused on the road ahead.
Budget
Headlights for the Jeep Wrangler JK cover a ton of price points. However, you shouldn’t necessarily blow a ton of money or opt for super-cheap alternatives. The idea here is to stick to your budget with a highly reputable company or a top-reviewed model. By doing so, you don’t put yourself in financial dire straits nor do you install a headlight that’s no better or worse than your current stock lighting.
Brightness
It’s all about brightness with regard to headlights for your Jeep JK. Officially measured in lumens, the brightness of the bulb determines how far the light can cut through the darkness. This is in stark contrast to wattage, which is the amount of energy it takes to produce the light and is often confused with lumens. The higher the number of lumens, the brighter your headlights will be. So if it comes down to watts or lumens, you’ll almost always want to opt for more lumens, which translates to improved brightness.
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Review of the Best Headlights for Jeep Wrangler JKs
Now that you have a basic idea of what to look for in headlights for a Jeep Wrangler JK, the next step is to check out some of the top products available. Featuring stellar reviews and a variety of specs that you’re undoubtedly searching for, here are some of the best headlights for the Wrangler JK.
Best Overall & Best Truck Lite LED
RIGID 7″ Round Truck-Lite LED Headlight Kit
Specifications
Harness Included: Yes
Lumens: 1,350 to 1,770
Color Temp (K): 6,000
IP Rating: 67
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Review
If you’re searching for the best headlights for the Jeep Wrangler JK that money can buy, Rigid 7” Round Truck-Lite LED Headlights is the product you’ve been looking for. Featuring a heating element that’s perfect for cold-weather climates and a lumen rating that rivals some off-roading pod lights, this product has everything you need in one package.
Bottom Line
Although the bulbless construction of these headlights is an interesting feature, you must replace the entire headlight if the LED lights fail. While rare with less than 50,000 hours, this could be a complication to think about. Otherwise, these headlights are some of the top aftermarket lights in the industry.
Pros
LED lighting
Three-year warranty
Resistant to shock and vibration
Heated to prevent caking of ice and snow
Protects to energy surges up to 600 volts
Cons
Heavy compared to OEM headlights
Bulbless construction requires the replacement of the entire headlight
Runner-up & Best JK Speaker Headlights
JW Speaker 8700 Evolution J2 Series
Specifications
Harness Included: Yes
Lumens: 1,770 to 3,200
Color Temp (K): 5000
IP Rating: 67
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Review
If brightness in a headlight is what you crave, the JW Speaker 8700 Evolution J2 Series will do more than suffice. Boasting 1,770 lumens on the low beams and 3,200 lumens on the high beams, it has an impressive glow that can illuminate the night. And with two proprietary technologies to improve beam pattern and visibility, safety is at an all-time high.
Bottom Line
Although some users state that flickering and moisture buildup is evident after less than a year, these cases are in the minority. So if you have extra money to throw at high-quality headlights, the JW Speaker 8700 Evolutions J2 Series will do the trick.
Pros
Plug and play installation
Carbon fiber pattern for a sleek look
DOT and Transport Canada certified
ComfortLite technology for improved beam pattern
Dual Burn technology for improved nighttime and off-road visibility
Cons
Some report problems with moisture buildup
Best for the Money
Oracle 7″ LED Headlights for CJ, TJ, JK
Specifications
Harness Included: Yes
Lumens: 3,600 to 4,800
Color Temp (K): 6,000
IP Rating: 67
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Review
For Wrangler JK drivers that want to make a statement, Oracle 7” LED headlights are the answer. Featuring color-changing LED halos around the headlight, you can adjust the color to fit your mood or the color of your vehicle. And with a raw lumen output of up to 4,800 lumens, they’re also one of the brightest headlights available on the market today.
Bottom Line
If you’re not privy to installing automotive parts without assistance, these headlights may provide some problems. But if you have the discipline and the determination to get the job done, you’re rewarded with a color scheme and brightness that competes with any other high-end headlights on the market.
Pros
Two-year warranty
Plug and play installation
Four different halo color options
No need for an anti-flickering harness
Colorshift halo allows you to choose the LED lighting at the touch of a button
Cons
Installation may be difficult for amateur DIYers
Halos may not last as long as the headlight itself
May require extra weatherstripping during installation
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Pro Comp 7″ LED Headlights Wrangler JK
Specifications
Harness Included: Yes
Lumens: 3,300 to 4,600
Color Temp (K): 6,000
IP Rating: 67
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Review
With an alluring white glow via 20 LED lights and excellent light dispersion, Pro Comp 7” LED Headlights are some of the best that money can buy. A polycarbonate lens is much more durable than glass, giving you extra protection when you’re on the highway or off-roading on some treacherous terrain.
Bottom Line
Pro Comp 7” LED Headlights are consistently ranked at the top of the aftermarket headlight realm due to brightness and excellent light patterns, but they also have their issues. The high beams may stick and some of the prongs on the plug and play can cause installation issues. But all in all, these are high-quality lights that should suit even the most finicky Jeep Wrangler JK owner.
Pros
Superb light dispersion
Easy installation with plug and play
Polycarbonate lens for extra durability
20 Luxeon LEDs for maximum brightness
Sealed back to prevent dust and moisture buildup
Cons
Some issues with plug and play
Issues with the high-beams sticking in place
Problems with the manufacturer honoring the warranty
LX-LIGHT LX-RHLFL746
Specifications
Harness Included: Yes
Lumens: 3,200 to 4,500
Color Temp (K): 6,000
IP Rating: 67
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Review
If you’re on a shoestring budget for your new headlights, don’t stress. These LX-LIGHT headlights are just what you’ve been looking for. What’s more amazing is that these aren’t just headlights; fog lights are also included, allowing you to swap out all four lights for a more uniform look. An IP67 rating ensures that your lights are properly sealed, adding yet another amazing element to these lesser known headlights.
Bottom Line
For the budget-conscious buyer or those looking for a bargain, LX-LIGHT headlights for the Jeep Wrangler provide LED lighting at a massive discount. With four lights instead of two, it’s also a comprehensive purchase, giving you the ability to make everything on your Wrangler look like you took it to an expensive aftermarket shop. Although installation can be difficult and there are some wiring issues, the reviews of most buyers suggest that these aren’t common occurrences. Overall, it’s a premium value buy that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Pros
DOT compliant
Highly affordable
Also comes with fog lights included
Comes with advanced Cree LED lighting
Cool white color that won’t blind oncoming drivers
Cons
Some modifications may be required
Some issues with wiring and other electrical problems
Buyers report some amount of flickering after a few months
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Top Brands in the Wrangler Headlight Scene
Even though the items listed above come from reputable manufacturers, they certainly aren’t the only options available on the market. If you aren’t wowed by the products here or you just want to see what else is out there, consider these top brands in the Wrangler headlight scene.
Sunpie Headlights
Founded in 2008, Sunpie Headlights is a French producer of headlights for the Jeep Wrangler JK and JL, as well as Harley-Davidson Motorcycles. While the brand is somewhat underrated and undervalued in the United States, it’s slowly emerging as a brand that offers advanced lighting optoelectronics, giving it the edge over some of the other manufacturers in the industry. With continued innovation, Sunpie has become a leader in LED headlights, as well as several other lighting products.
Diode Dynamics
Based in St. Louis, Missouri, Diode Dynamics brings superb LED lighting technology that mixes with an affordable price point. Founded in 2006, the company was built from the ground up by a lighting enthusiast that put together his first LED headlights from parts he scavenged from Radioshack. Fifteen years later, Diode Dynamics has become a force in the aftermarket lighting industry, offering affordable and innovative LED products for the Jeep Wrangler JK and beyond.
Nilight
A subsidiary of lighting company Znder Inc., Nilight has emerged as a solid up-and-comer in the competitive headlight industry. Based in New Jersey, the company has made waves in the scene since its inception in 2014. With over 1 million headlights sold in just seven years, Nilight continues its trek toward a strong reputation for headlights and other automotive LED products.
Price Points of New Headlights
New headlights, like many other automotive parts, come in a wide variety of price points to fit your budget and needs. So whether you have a slim budget, mid-range, or no budget at all, you can definitely find a pair of new headlights that won’t leave you feeling like you overpaid. Here’s a quick guide on the various prices of headlights for the Jeep Wrangler JK. (All prices stated in pairs of headlights.)
Under $100
While you can find new headlights for your Jeep Wrangler JK for $100 or less, few people would advise that you do so. In this price range, you’ll often get super cheap components, which can lead to problems with wiring, durability, or resistance to weather. Oftentimes, headlights in this range come with a one-year or less warranty, virtually eliminating your peace of mind or even a new set of headlights if these ones should fail. While there are some quality outliers, you might want to avoid these unless you’re selling the vehicle or it’s absolutely necessary.
$100 to $500
The price range between $100 and $500 is the sweet spot in the new headlight scene, offering high-quality materials, excellent brightness, simple installation, and even a few added amenities such as different colors. These items will usually come with a longer warranty and may also have plug-and-play feasibility, making installation easier for the novice DIYer or aspiring mechanic.
$500 or More
If you journey into the $500 or more price range, you’re met with the best headlights that money can buy. A higher amount of lumens, simple installation, and a strong housing and lens are what await you for the money. However, one of the most noticeable aspects is the addition of features such as heating elements, which can clear the ice or snow off your headlights without the need for some firm scraping. Add in color-changing LED lights and military-grade aluminum housings, and this price range will check all the boxes.
Pair Safety and Allure With the Best Headlights for Jeep Wrangler JK
New headlights for the Jeep Wrangler JK aren’t just about adding a touch of flair to your vehicle. While they are a nice touch, you can’t put a price on safety. So if you’ve had trouble seeing the road late at night, grab a pair of some of these top-reviewed headlights, pop them into your Wrangler, and you’ll never look back.
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People Also Ask
Headlights are a fairly uncomplicated aftermarket part for the Jeep Wrangler JK, but you may also have some questions about how to install new headlights or how to adjust them. Here are the answers to these often-asked questions.
To successfully replace your Wrangler JK headlights, you’ll need a T-15 Torx driver to remove the screws that hold the headlight in place. In addition, you may also need a flathead screwdriver to help you lift out some of the other seals and components of the headlight assembly.
Aiming the headlights of the Jeep JK is surprisingly easy. On the upper portion of the headlight, there are two screws that you can adjust with a T-15 Torx driver. This allows you to bring your beam pattern up and out or down and in.
To aim the headlights, measure from the ground to the middle of your headlight. Then, pull your Jeep close to a wall with the front end facing it. Make a mark on the wall at the same height as your headlights and adjust the beam using the Torx driver. This will let you see how high or low you’re adjusting the headlights until you find the ideal height.
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