People choose to drive Jeep Wranglers for countless reasons. Whether you are an off-road enthusiast that plans to hit the trails or a weekend warrior that needs the versatility of an urban commuter that can handle weekend getaways, the Jeep Wrangler is the perfect adventure-ready vehicle.
Unfortunately, the Jeep Wrangler’s factory headlights are not always up to the challenges Jeep enthusiasts throw at them. These shortcomings are why headlights are one of the most common upgrades Jeep drivers purchase.
If you are looking to replace the headlights on your Jeep Wrangler but don’t know where to start, there is no need to worry. We are here to help. We have provided this buyer’s guide to review the best Jeep headlight replacements available today!
Comparison of the Best Headlights for Jeep Wranglers
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What to Look For When Buying Jeep Wrangler Headlights
Headlights are one of the most significant safety features in your vehicle, and choosing the right replacement is essential. As with any part you install on your Jeep, you want to make sure you pick a well-built and durable product that performs well.
Materials
The materials used in the manufacturing of headlights will determine the overall durability and how long the lights will last. Look for high-quality materials that are water and moisture-proof, as well as resistant to dirt and dust damage. You also need your headlights to have a shockproof rating, especially if you plan on doing any off-roading.
Fit
Fit is also important. There is no sense buying a set of headlights if they are not compatible with your particular year and model. Then, of course, there is the issue of installation. Look for headlights that are easily installed and come with everything you need.
Cost
Aside from quality and performance, you also might want to consider the cost. Affordability is important, so make sure you are paying for a quality product rather than just a brand name.
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Review of the Best Jeep Wrangler Headlights
Let’s take a look at this year’s top picks.
Best Overall
JW Speaker 8700 J2
Specifications
Fitment Years / Generations: 07-’21 Wrangler & Unlimited
Harness Included? Not required
Color Temp (K): 5000
IP 67 Rated? Yes
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What Recent Buyers Report
Most buyers have been impressed with the improved brightness you get when you replace the Wrangler’s factory headlights with this set. The anti-flicker design seems to help, especially when driving in rough terrain.
The main issue buyers seem to have with these lights is the high price. They are expensive, but you get impressive performance. Given that headlights are worth investing in, the cost might not be an issue for everyone.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We liked these headlights for many of the same reasons that recent customers explained in their reviews – they perform well, install easily, and do not flicker. However, the reason they were runners up instead of our top pick was down to the price. These headlights are a little expensive, but you do get your money’s worth.
We liked the solid construction and the fact that you do not need to install an anti-flicker harness, which saves you some time and money during installation. We would have liked if JW Speaker included a better warranty, but that does not mean we expect these lights to have any defects.
Bottom Line
If you have the money, these lights are an excellent investment. They are incredibly bright and built to handle rough driving conditions that Jeep owners throw at them.
Pros
No cold weather delay
Simple plug-in installation
Do not require an anti-flicker harness
Dual burn high beam optics for extra brightness
ComfortLite high beams provide an improved beam pattern over stock lights
Cons
Poor warranty
Fairly expensive compared to other aftermarket headlights
Best for the Money
NF Nightfire NF829
Specifications
Fitment Years / Generations: 97-’17 Wrangler JK, TJ & LJ
Harness Included? No
Color Temp (K): 6500
IP 67 Rated? Yes
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What Recent Buyers Report
Most buyers were impressed first by the low cost and second by the relatively impressive performance. Overall, you get great value for money, which helps explain how they were our pick for the best affordable headlights.
Most users enjoyed the color options and the straightforward control app, even if it is a little bit gimmicky. The installation process was easy and did not require buyers to use many tools.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Given that these headlights were our top pick for the best budget-friendly headlight option, it will be no surprise that they stood out to us because of their low cost. Usually, with more affordable headlights, you get a low-quality product that barely improves the low brightness you get with stock Wrangler headlights; however, these headlights from NF Nightfire are a significant improvement.
While the color control app is an intriguing feature, you should always focus on performance and durability when choosing a headlight upgrade. Luckily, these headlights work well in both regards.
Bottom Line
If you want to upgrade your factory headlights but have to do so on a tight budget, you really cannot go wrong with these lights. You get some fun extra features and a more than capable set of headlights for your vehicle at a low price.
Pros
Affordable price
Simple installation process
iOS and Android compatible control app
Improved brightness over stock headlights
Multifunction RGB halo ring can generate 16 million colors
Cons
Low lamp distance
High beams have a poor spread
Best Jeep Wrangler Led Headlights
LX-LIGHT Black LED Headlights
Specifications
Fitment Years / Generations: 97-’17 Wrangler JK/JKU, TJ & LJ
Harness Included? Yes
Color Temp (K): 6000
IP 67 Rated? Yes
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What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers were impressed by the overall quality of these headlights. They enjoyed the black metal housing, which gives the Wrangler a more sophisticated look. In terms of brightness, most users found they were a significant upgrade over their previous headlight set up but worried that the high beam function did not disperse light as well as expected.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We enjoyed how durable and well-built these headlights are. A durable aluminum housing protects their high-performance CREE LED lamps. The lights themselves have a waterproof rating of IP67, which is ideal for backcountry driving.
The lengthy lifespan of the LEDs was impressive, especially given some LED headlights can suffer from reliability issues. The inclusion of LED fog lights brings this headlight kit together, and it was one of the reasons why it was our top LED pick.
The anti-flicker harness works well, and the built-in EMC function prevents radio interference, which can be an issue when you install some LED headlight kits.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a reliable LED headlight upgrade for your Wrangler, you cannot go wrong with this kit. The lights are bright, look great, and are durable enough to withstand the abuses of off-roading.
Pros
Simple installation
Comes with LED fog lights
More than 50,000-hour lifespan
Built-in EMC function and anti-flicker harness
Durable black aluminum housing looks good and offers reliable protection
Cons
Can be difficult to install the fog lights
Fit is less snug than you get with factory lights
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Best Headlights For Jeep Wrangler JK
Xprite HL-R7IN-90W+FL-R4IN-60W-DRL-W
Specifications
Fitment Years / Generations: 07-’18 Wrangler JK & JKU
Harness Included? Yes
Color Temp (K): 6000
IP 67 Rated? Yes
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What Recent Buyers Report
Most recent buyers found these lights were of great value and fit their Wrangler JK perfectly. However, some had issues installing the included fog lights, which are both times consuming and frustrating to connect.
The color control through the app was a nice touch, but the Bluetooth control can be unresponsive.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It can be a little tricky finding an aftermarket headlight kit that fits the Wrangler JK, so we were impressed when we found lights specifically for this model. They work well and come with some interesting extra features, such as the color control app and aluminum housing.
They perform well and are an improvement over the dimmer stock lights; however, clearer instructions would have helped. We also liked the effort Xprite put into protecting these lights by making them water and weather-resistant.
Bottom Line
Overall, if you own a Jeep Wrangler JK and you are looking for an improvement over your stock headlights, this kit is just what you need. They are great lights, and the price is reasonable for what you get.
Pros
Easy installation
Waterproof and weather-resistant
Features a durable DIE-cast aluminum base
Crisp white light output for improved visibility
Durable LED design made to withstand shock and vibration damage
Cons
High beam spread is fairly weak
Bluetooth color control unreliable
Best Halo Headlights For Jeep Wrangler
Sunpie J002
Specifications
Fitment Years / Generations: 97-’17 JK/JKU; ’04-’06 LJU; ’97-’06 TJ; ’81-’85 CJ-8; ’76-’86 CJ-7
Harness Included? No
Color Temp (K): 6000
IP 67 Rated? Yes
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What Recent Buyers Report
Most recent buyers enjoy the simple plug-in installation process but found that the instruction manual helped very little, and the fog lights required more work and an adapter.
In terms of performance, most buyers found these halo lights were a massive improvement over the standard halogen headlights and fog lights you get with the Jeep Wrangler. They produce a brighter light that helps with visibility, especially in rainy conditions.
Why it Stands Out to Us
These lights had everything we were looking for in a good set of halo headlights. They offer much brighter light than the stock headlights and are protected with a durable metal housing.
They cast a whiter light than you get with more basic headlights, which helps drivers see up to 150 yards ahead in even the darkest conditions. We also liked that these headlights have a turn signal function, so they act as an all in one kit.
One of the things we noticed right away was how well Sunpie packages its headlights. There is little risk of damage during transport, and if there is, Sunpie will replace them no questions asked.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a high-quality halo headlight kit for your Wrangler, this kit will do the trick. There is little in the way of frills, so you are just paying for greatly improved driving visibility.
Pros
Includes halo fog lights
Waterproof IP67 rating
Durable aluminum housing
Comes with H4/H13 adapters
Stress-free wiring and installation
Cons
The instruction manual is poor
Fog light adapter sold separately
Best Jeep TJ Headlights
LX-LIGHT SL-0075A-black
Specifications
Fitment Years / Generations: 76-’86 CJ-7; ’81-’85 CJ-8; ’97-’06 TJ; ’03-’06 TJU & LJ; ’17-’18 JK; ’07-’18 JKU
Harness Included? Yes
Color Temp (K): 6000
IP 67 Rated? Yes
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What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers enjoy the look these headlights give their Jeeps. The blacked-out housing and darker lens cover give your Wrangler a sleek appearance. Of course, users also enjoyed the incredible level of brightness you get with these headlights. They are so bright that some users report being flashed by oncoming drivers that may have thought they left their high beams on.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We also liked the dark housing and smoky lenses, as we think they are a huge visual improvement over the factory Jeep headlights, but these lights stood out to us in terms of performance.
The brightness is incredible. If you do a lot of rural driving and need headlights that can help with night driving, you should look no further. It would be nice if they came with matching fog lights, but if you are just looking for high-performance headlights, these work well.
Bottom Line
These are some of the brightest headlights you are going to find for the Jeep Wrangler TJ. They look great, function well, and overall are just a great set of aftermarket headlights.
Pros
Simple plug-in installation
Built-in anti-flicker resistor
Comes with H4/H13 adapter
Black housing and lens cover looks nicer than stock lights
CREE Chip LED lights offer 50% more brightness than other headlight types
Cons
Can be a bit too bright for oncoming traffic
Polycarbonate lens covers are susceptible to scratching
Best Jeep Wrangler Mopar Led Headlights
Mopar LED Headlamps 82214333AB
Specifications
Fitment Years / Generations: 11-’18 Wrangler JK
Harness Included? Not required
Color Temp (K): OE
IP 67 Rated? OE
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What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers enjoyed how easy it is to install these headlights. Given that they are a direct replacement for the factory headlamps, they take as little as 15 minutes to install.
Most buyers enjoyed the increase in brightness you get with these lights and found they give their Jeeps a much better appearance, even when the lights are off.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Mopar is one of the more recognizable brands in the auto industry, so we had high expectations for these headlamps. Luckily, we were not disappointed. The installation process is straightforward, and they are probably one of the easiest headlight upgrades you can make.
You get the standard high-level of quality you would expect from Mopar parts, so there is little chance these headlamps will fail over time. We also really liked the darker look of these lights, which we thought offered a visual improvement over the factory headlamp setup.
Bottom Line
If you do not mind paying a little bit extra, Mopar headlamps are an excellent upgrade. They look great in any Wrangler and offer a significant improvement over stock Jeep headlights.
Pros
Easy installation
Incredibly bright
Long LED lifespan
Built for durability for off-roading
Provide a defined beam and impressive side lighting
Cons
Can flicker in cold conditions
Do not come with matching fog lights
Best Jeep Wrangler HID Headlights
Sunpie 8542082838
Specifications
Fitment Years / Generations: 97-’18 Wrangler JK, TJ, LJ, & CJ
Harness Included? No
Color Temp (K): 6500
IP 67 Rated? Yes
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What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers enjoy how customizable the color control feature is but find it can be tricky to figure out due to the app’s poor user interface. In terms of performance, most buyers are impressed with the level of brightness you get with these lights, which is a significant improvement over the stock headlights you get with any Jeep Wrangler.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We liked that these lights are durable and will last. The bulbs have a long lifespan, and the entire headlight resists water and impact damage. The integrated cooling system helps keep the lights functioning at top performance, even during long drives.
While the customizable color options are a fun feature, there are quite a few other headlight upgrades you can make that also have this feature. We mostly assessed these lights based on their ability to produce bright, functional light, in which regard they impressed.
Bottom Line
These headlights are a fairly significant upgrade on the headlights you would find in a stock Jeep Wrangler. The price is right, and the performance is what we want from a headlight upgrade.
Pros
Waterproof rating of IP67
Durable, maintenance-free design
Color controlled with a mobile app
Built-in internal fan and integrated cooling system
Produce as much as 400% more light than stock headlights
Cons
Somewhat expensive
App and Bluetooth color control can be frustrating
Sunpie 8700-2
Specifications
Fitment Years / Generations: 07-’18 JK/JKU; ’04-’06 LJ; ’97-’06 TJ; ’76-’86 CJ-7; ’81-’85 CJ-8
Harness Included? Yes
Color Temp (K): 7000
IP 67 Rated? Yes
We may earn commission from purchases made from our links, at no additional cost to you
What Recent Buyers Report
Most buyers are impressed with the brightness and performance of these replacement headlights. They also really enjoy the smoky black lens, which gives the lights a cool aesthetic during the day. In terms of cosmetics and functionality, these lights get high grades; however, some users struggled during installation and found the high beam setting was not as bright as they expected.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The reason this headlight kit was our top choice is for the simple fact that it presents a significant upgrade over the stock headlights you get with any Jeep Wrangler. For a reasonable price, you get a headlight kit that increases brightness and makes driving at night that much safer.
While we appreciated extra features, such as the smoky lens cover and fun color control app, what we cared about was performance. The brightness is there, and these headlights have a durable construction that lasts. The bulbs have an impressive lifespan and seem more durable than stock Jeep headlights.
Bottom Line
Overall, these are fantastic headlights that hit all our expectations for performance, affordability, and sturdiness. If you are looking to upgrade your stock headlights, then Sunpie’s headlight kit is a great option.
Pros
Integrated cooling system
Easy plug-and-play installation
Comes with H4 to H13 adapter, which will fit most models
Low power consumption gives the lights a 30,000-hour lifespan
High-performance CREE chips for incredible brightness in both high and low beam settings
Cons
Color control app is difficult to use
High beam setting could be brighter
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When Is It Time to Replace My Jeep Wrangler Headlights?
While all vehicles eventually need to have their headlights replaced, it is a known fact that the factory headlights in Jeep Wranglers are a weak spot in an otherwise rugged vehicle.
Owners often complain the headlights are dim, unreliable, and susceptible to damage during off-road driving. For most people, the decision to replace their Wrangler’s stock headlights comes down to the fact that they want something brighter. Brighter headlights help with visibility during night driving, which improves safety.
Others choose to upgrade their headlights because they want something more rugged and reliable than what you get with the factory setup. If you feel your factory lights are not bright enough or that they are beginning to dim, it is time to take a look at replacing and upgrading them.
Troubleshooting Headlights
Most headlight issues are quick fixes, even if you have little mechanical experience.
Troubleshooting LED Headlights
If your lights do not turn on, unplug the connector, rotate 180 degrees, and then re-plug the connector. Fix flickering issues by adding a set of warning cancellers/capacitors.
Troubleshooting HID Headlights
If you have unresponsive lights, you should unplug the connector, rotate the two-pin connector 180 degrees, and then reinsert the connector. If the lights flicker, you can test their power by connecting them directly to the vehicle’s battery. If the lights work, you have a power issue, which would mean replacing the power relay harness.
Pros and Cons of LED Headlights
If you still need help deciding which headlights are right for you, here are some things to consider about LED headlights.
Pros
- They tend to have a much longer lifespan than other types of headlights
- There is no brightness delay with LED
- More energy-efficient, meaning they convert power to brightness rather than heat
- LED lights have much more in the way of customization potential. You can alter the color as well as more precisely control the brightness
- They produce a whiter light, which can help with visibility, especially compared to the more yellow light you get with traditional bulbs
Cons
- LEDs tend to be more expensive than other types of headlights
- Heat is. dispersed to the emitter, which means they often need heat control systems
Types of Headlights
As you have probably noticed, there are several types of headlights available to choose from, and each has its advantages and disadvantages.
HID vs LED Headlights
LED headlights last much longer than HID. They have similar levels of light output, but LEDs illuminate instantaneously, while HIDs tend to have a delay before reaching full brightness.
LED vs Halogen Headlights
LEDs tend to be brighter and usually last much longer, but they cost more than halogen headlights, and they can be a little bit trickier to install and replace. However, halogen headlights cast a more traditional, yellow light, which some drivers prefer.
LED vs Xenon Headlights
LED headlights tend to be brighter than Xenon headlights; however, the difference is not as big as you might suspect.
Xenon lights can be a little bit more affordable, which is why some people choose them over LEDs, but in terms of performance, you are probably better off choosing LED headlights.
Which should you choose? When it comes to choosing the right type of headlight for your particular vehicle, personal preference and budget tend to be the deciding factors. While more traditional halogen headlights are very affordable and easy to find, they lack the brightness you get with the more modern lighting options, like LED and Xenon lights.
How to Wire Halo Headlights Jeep Wrangler
Wiring Jeep Wrangler halo headlights is not nearly as complicated as you might expect. Here’s a simple outline to get you started.
- Release and raise the hood.
- Remove screws/clips in the front grill to gain access to the existing headlights.
- Place one hand at the bottom of the grill to pop it up and use your other hand to pull it out.
- Remove the screws that hold the metal ring around the headlights.
- First, remove the metal ring and then remove the old headlights.
- Unplug both sets of headlights.
- Replace everything in the exact reverse order but using your new halo headlights.
- Connect the halo headlights to the anti-flicker LED module box. Then, connect the module box to the headlight harness. If you need an H13/H4 adapter, connect it to the headlight harness.
- Tap signal wires to the left and right turn signal positives. Connect the other side of the wires to power.
If you would like a straightforward breakdown of how to connect halo headlights to your Jeep Wrangler, be sure to follow the video below. We provide a full overview of the steps we provided above!
Conclusion
All of the headlights featured in our buyer’s guide met our high standards for quality, performance, and value. Given that replacing headlights is a common upgrade, but also one that is tied to safety, you must purchase a headlight kit you can rely on. We feel confident that our top picks are all great choices.
Quick Summary – Best Jeep Wrangler Headlights
Here’s a quick summary of the best Jeep Wrangler headlights:
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People Also Ask
Before you go ahead and purchase a new set of headlights, you may have a few questions. While all of the headlights we featured in our buyer’s guide are street legal, it is worth considering that some of the headlights do feature color settings that are illegal to drive with at night in certain areas.
If you have any questions regarding the legality of any sort of aftermarket headlight setup, you should always consult the local and state regulations where you live. With that said, we have attempted to answer some of the more common headlight questions below:
Turn on lights and adjust one at a time using a screwdriver. The owner’s manual will explain how the adjusters function.
Yes, they are legal. Halo lights are becoming so accepted that some car manufacturers even include them as their stock light option.
Yes, as long as the lights are white or white with an acceptable tint of yellow.
As long as the bulbs do not exceed brightness restrictions, LED lights are legal.
The legality of yellow headlights varies from state to state. Some places have more lax laws regarding yellow lights, while others ban them. It is best to consult the legal code in your particular state before driving with them.
Blue spectrum headlights are illegal in most places because they impede the visibility of oncoming traffic.
Who Worked on This?
Brian
Editor
A master of organization, Brian helps keep everything running smoothly for Your Jeep Guide.
No Jeep yet but we’re working on that!
Cory
Writer
Cory loves his XJ and frequently thrashes it through the hills. He’s constantly fixing something.
“What fenders?”
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