If you’re tired of squinting or driving super slow at night in your Jeep Wrangler, your stock lighting system could be to blame. Even with high beams, it may not have the brightness or power to light up what’s in front of you.
That’s when you should consider a light bar for your Wrangler. Available in a variety of styles and price points, light bars can provide the lighting you need, whether you’re camping in the middle of nowhere or tackling a late-night drive in the middle of nowhere. Here are some of the best light bars for Jeep Wrangler.
Comparison of the Best Light Bar For Jeep Wrangler
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Factors to Consider Before Buying Light Bars for a Wrangler
Before you buy a light bar, it’s important to do your research as you would with any other product. The good news is that light bars are a relatively straightforward accessory that doesn’t require a ton of know-how to understand. Instead, you just need to familiarize yourself with some of a light bar’s options. By understanding what’s available, factors to consider, and how each pertains to your needs, you can select the ideal light bar for your Jeep Wrangler.
Number of Rows
Light bars typically come in one-row or two-row arrangements. In obvious fashion, single-row light bars don’t provide as much lighting as two-row options. However, two-row light bars are decidedly more expensive. Therefore, you have to decide how much light you need and your budget before you choose the number of rows on your light bar.
Size of the Bar
Although most light bars you see tend to span the entire width of the Jeep Wrangler, these products come in many different sizes for the sake of practicality and budget. The range is commonly between 4 inches and 30 inches with some variance in between. A smaller light bar has a sleeker profile and less lighting power while a longer one has a more “over the top” appearance with tons of lighting ferocity.
What Type of Driver You Are
Are you a Jeep driver that uses your Wrangler to run errands or drive around town? Or are you an avid off-road enthusiast that spends every minute of their free time hitting the nearest off-road terrain park? Which one you choose will have a profound impact on which light bar you choose.
If you’re someone who only goes off-road sparingly or you just want a light bar for the sake of aesthetics, a smaller product with less power is probably the better option for your needs and wallet. But if you’re out blazing new trails to the point where you forget about the time and drive home in the dark, a larger light with more brightness is the ideal choice.
Beam Patterns
Most light bars come with LED technology, which is up to 10 times brighter than outdated halogen technology. But the bulb isn’t always the most important facet of buying a light bar. It’s actually the beam pattern. Most light bars offer spotlights, floodlights, or a combo of the two. Spotlights are narrower but cut deep into the distance while floodlights are wider but don’t illuminate as far. If you want the best of both worlds, a combo light is your best option.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Light Bars For Jeep Wrangler
- OUR TOP PICK: RIGID SR-Series Pro 20" Lightbar
- RUNNER-UP: Diode Dynamics 30" Bumper LED Light Bar (SS30) Wrangler JL
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: ZROADZ 20" Slim Light Bar
Review of the Best Light Bars For Jeep Wrangler
The best light bars for the Jeep Wrangler are subjective in nature. You may love one brand or style while someone else is more than satisfied with the opposite. As a result, you should research numerous brands to get a feel for their capabilities, pros, and cons. If it’s your first time buying a light bar or you haven’t bought one in years, here are some of the best light bars for the Jeep Wrangler as reviewed by fellow Wrangler enthusiasts.
Best Overall
RIGID SR-Series Pro 20″ Lightbar
Specifications
Harness Included: Yes
Lumens: 15,840
Watts: 119
Voltage: 9 to 36
Dimensions: 20 inches by 2 inches
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Review
The Rigid SR Series Pro is proof that you don’t always have to go big or go home. Measuring in at 20 inches, this light still packs a punch with 15,840 lumens. With a one-two punch of sleekness and brightness, you’ll be glad you made the purchase the next time you’re out after dark on the open road.
Bottom Line
If you’re in the market for a smaller light bar that adds an astounding amount of brightness to your drive, the Rigid SR Series Pro Light Bar is a perfect choice. Despite a lackluster light pattern and a higher price tag, it’s one of the few 20-inch light bars that can cut through the darkness for nearly ⅓ of a mile. That should at least warrant a look.
Pros
1,463-foot beam distance
Engineered, designed, and assembled in the USA
Blacked-out circuit board for a more alluring, refined look
Hybrid optics that contain both floodlights and spotlights
Aluminum housing with powder-coating for weather and corrosion resistance
Cons
Expensive compared to similar options
Some buyers aren’t satisfied with the light pattern
Runner-up
Diode Dynamics 30″ Bumper LED Light Bar (SS30) Wrangler JL
Specifications
Harness Included: Yes
Lumens: 4,000 or 7,000 depending on the color
Watts: 137.2
Voltage: 9 to 24
Dimensions: 30 inches by 2.75 inches
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Review
If you want a 30-inch light bar that provides an aggressive look, the Diode Dynamics 30” Bumper LED Light Bar is an excellent choice. Offering three different light pattern configurations and over 3,400 feet of illumination into the darkness, this provides a mix of lighting and aesthetics that few other lights can touch.
Bottom Line
At 30 inches long, most would think the Diode Dynamics Bumper LED Light Bar would provide lighting akin to a Metallica show, but that’s not the case. But that might be the only drawback to this model. It’s perhaps the most affordable light bar in the 30-inch range, and with 7,000 lumens, it’s no slouch. It’s a victory for the budget-conscious buyer, but if you need more significant lighting, you may want to look elsewhere.
Pros
Highly affordable
Can illuminate up to 3,440 feet
Available in spot, driving, or combo
Available in amber and white colors
Advanced total internal reflection optics
Cons
Only a three-year warranty
Only available for the Wrangler JL
More for aesthetics than brightness
Best for the Money
ZROADZ 20″ Slim Light Bar
Specifications
Harness Included: No
Lumens: 9,600
Watts: 100
Voltage: 10 to 30
Dimensions: 21.75 inches by 2.75 inches
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Review
If you want to maximize your lighting power without a giant piece of hardware affixed to your Jeep, the ZROADZ 20” Slim Light Bar provides you with the product you need. With a spot/flood combo for better all-around depth and width and easy installation, you can slap this light bar on in a few hours and be ready to tackle the great outdoors.
Bottom Line
Although the lack of a wiring harness is annoying and a three-year warranty a bit worrying, an excellent amount of lighting power, the “unbreakable” lens, and the lighting pattern should sway the indecisive buyer.
Pros
Easy to install
Spot/Flood combo
“Unbreakable” lens
Die-cast aluminum housing
Slim look provides an inconspicuous appearance
Cons
Only a three-year warranty
Have to buy wiring harness separately
Best Jeep Bumper Light Bar
RIGID SR-Series Pro 10″ Lightbar
Specifications
Harness Included: No
Lumens: 7,920
Watts: 60
Voltage: 9 to 36
Dimensions: 10 inches by 2 inches
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Review
If you’re looking for proof that good things come in small packages, look no further than the Rigid SR Series Pro 10” Light Bar. Available in two colors to match your Jeep’s aesthetic and with all the hardware included it’s just as satisfying to install it as it is to see the finished product. And with a light pattern that’s praised by many customers, you can see the open road ahead of you.
Bottom Line
While most light bars that fall into this range are severely lacking in illuminating power, the SR Series Pro is a surprising entrant into the market. And with a price that’s far below longer lights, budget-conscious buyers can get more bang (and light) for their buck.
Pros
Interior switch included
Spot and flood combo light
Universal fit across all Jeep Wrangler models
Engineered, designed, and assembled in the USA
Power-coated aluminum housing available in black or white
Cons
Expensive compared to competitors
May not have the lighting power necessary for hardcore off-roaders
ZROADZ 6″ Slim Light Bar
Specifications
Harness Included: No
Lumens: 2,900
Watts: 30
Voltage: 10 to 30
Dimensions: 6 inches by 2 inches
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Review
Smaller doesn’t mean inferior, or at least that’s the case with the ZROADZ 6” Slim Light Bar. Measuring in at a slim 6 inches, this light still has up to 2,900 lumens, giving it enough power for light off-roading or a worklight for late at night. Plus, a lifetime warranty gives you some peace of mind, which is always a great buying point.
Bottom Line
Although the ZROADZ 6” Slim Light Bar doesn’t have the lighting power of its larger siblings, it’s not exactly a dud. For those that don’t need to mimic the surface of the sun, this light bar does the trick. And with a low price tag, you’ll have a bit more money for more mods!
Pros
Slim, sleek styling
Cool white light beam
Limited lifetime warranty
Installs on all Wranglers produced from 1966 to 2021
Combo spot and floodlights for improved lighting in more conditions
Cons
Lacking in power for practical off-road applications
May not have the aesthetic some buyers are looking for
Diode Dynamics 50″ Hood LED Light Bar (SS50) Wrangler JL
Specifications
Harness Included: No
Lumens: 6,400 to 11, 200 depending on color
Watts: 259
Voltage: 9 to 24
Dimensions: 49.75 inches by 2.75 inches
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Review
When you want to make a statement, nothing compares to the Diode Dynamics 50” Hood LED Light Bar. Available for the latest-generation Jeep Wrangler JL, this light bar provides illumination of over 4,200 feet, making it one of the most powerful options available.
Bottom Line
If you’re a true off-roader, nothing can compare to a 50” light bar. And while this may be overkill to the commuter or errand-runner, a Wrangler off-roader will know exactly where that extra money went. Plus, they’ll be glad they pulled the trigger.
Pros
Easy to wire and mount
Amazing price for the size
Can illuminate up to ⅘ of a mile
Available in both white and amber
Comes in spot, driving, or combo configurations
Cons
Only has a three-year warranty
Not available in A-pillar or bumper mount
Top Brands in the Lighting Space
Diode Dynamics, ZROADZ, and Rigid make spectacular light bars, as well as other lighting products for Jeeps, SUVs, trucks, ATVs, and more. And while these companies exhibit excellent quality, they aren’t the only light manufacturers in town. Like with many other types of aftermarket parts, light bars are popular enough to warrant several competitors not listed above. If you want to shop around even more, here are some top brands in the lighting space.
Baja Designs
Founded in 1992, San Diego-based Baja Designs is a reputable firm that’s been a huge player in light bars and other vehicle lighting products for nearly three decades. Although it originally started as an aftermarket dealer of motorcycle lighting, the company quickly expanded into an array of off-road lighting products, including light bars. Known as the self-proclaimed “Scientists of Lighting,” Baja Designs dedication to research and development has given it a strong reputation for the best high-intensity discharge (HID) lights that money can buy.
Extreme LED
Founded in Colorado in 2011, Extreme LED is a relatively new player in the aftermarket lighting space. But what it lacks in prestige, it makes up for in quality. Started by an electrical engineer with a penchant for creativity and a knack for supply chain logistics, the company has grown to become another reputable name in the aftermarket lighting industry. With affordable pricing and superior technology, it’s not really a gamble if you decide to go with Extreme LED.
KC Hilites
KC Hilites is the OG of the aftermarket lighting world for off-road vehicles. Started in 1970 in Arizona, the husband and wife duo of Kim Brown and Carol Brown, KC Hilites started out of necessity. When the pair couldn’t find lights to illuminate off-road terrain, they took it upon themselves to forge a new lighting company. Today, the company has its third generation of products on the market and stands as a testament to American ingenuity and perseverance.
Price Points of Light Bars
Just like many other aftermarket parts for your Jeep or other vehicles, the price points vary. However, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. With a budget range for all types of buyers, you can still find a quality piece of hardware that meets with your approval without breaking the bank.
Under $100
The amount of light bars under $100 is overwhelming, and while your mind might think that these are of inferior quality, that’s not always the case. But it does come with some obstacles. Many of the light bars in this range lack a wiring harness, may have cheap components that break after a year or two, or have lights that leave much to be desired. On the flip side, you can still get a functional light that won’t go over your budget.
$100 to $300
The $100 to $300 range of light bars is perhaps the proverbial sweet spot. Here you’ll find light bars with a sleek profile, high-quality LED lighting, excellent weatherproofing and corrosion resistance, and an included wiring harness. Lower-end brands may venture into this price point on their high-end models while more established brands can provide their entry-level models here.
$300 and Up
If money is no obstacle, a $300 or more light bar will come with all of the added accouterments. This includes lighting from one of the top companies in the light bulb and LED chip game such as Osram or Cree, as well as an even lighting pattern that provides a mix of top-notch spotlights and floodlights. Many of these also come with a lifetime warranty that can put your mind at ease, especially if you’re dropping half a month’s rent on one.
Light Up the Night With the Best Light Bar for the Jeep Wrangler
Being a Jeep Wrangler owner is all about “keeping up with the Joneses.” You see an owner that has something you like, you add it to your Jeep and vice-versa. The cycle seems to always continue. Yet a light bar does more than just add style to your vehicle. It adds a mix of safety, fun, and off-road capability that other aftermarket accessories can’t touch. So don’t just add any light bar. Use everything you learned above to find the perfect one. It’s your turn to light up the night.
People Also Ask
Light bars seem like relatively simple accessories. You find the one you want, wire it in, and away you go. But if you’re new to Jeep Wrangler ownership or light bars, you may have that one pressing question after you buy the part. Here’s the answer to the most common question that people also ask.
If you want to successfully install a light bar to keep it out of harm’s way while also establishing the broadest amount of lighting space, you essentially have three options to mount your Jeep light bar.
Mounting on the bumper provides a lower light profile and often is easier to wire the light with only minor drilling or modifications. You can also mount the light bar on the lower windshield pillar to illuminate a wider area, although you typically have to purchase additional hardware. The final popular spot for mounting a Jeep light bar is on the A-pillar. If you off-road in places with open spaces, this mounting location can provide more illumination to the sides while also letting your headlights and high beams do their job below.