Until recently, all vehicles used to have the same style of headlight housing. However, today we have two types of headlights: (a) projector and (b) reflector. Reflector headlights are the older style commonly found on cars made in the early 2000s or before. On the other hand, projector headlights are the newer option, although not every new car is equipped with them. In this article, we will explore the differences between these two headlight types and discuss their respective advantages.

Reflector headlights

Reflector headlights have been a standard feature on vehicles since the invention of electric headlights. They consist of a bulb enclosed in a steel bowl with mirrors placed within to reflect light onto the road.

In the past, sealed beam headlights were used, where the shape of the light beam was determined by the lens in the front of the headlight. These headlights could not have their casing removed to replace a burned-out bulb.

However, advancements in technology during the 1980s led to the development of reflector headlights that used mirrors inside the housing to guide the beams. This eliminated the need for sealed lenses, making it easier to remove or replace bulbs.

Even today, many new vehicles are still equipped with reflector headlights due to a few advantages that make them popular:

• They are cost-effective to produce, making them a preferred choice for manufacturers.
• They occupy less space within the vehicle compared to projector headlights.

Projector headlights

The growing popularity of projector headlights can be attributed to several advantages they offer:

• Enhanced brightness: Projector headlights are notably brighter compared to reflector headlights.
• Reduced glare: By directing the light down towards the road, projector headlights minimize the risk of blinding other drivers.
• Even light distribution: Unlike reflector headlights, projector headlights provide a more uniform and consistent light output, eliminating darker spots.
• Compatibility with Xenon HID bulbs: Projector headlights are designed to work effectively with Xenon HID bulbs, which are unsuitable for reflector headlights as their intense light can cause glare and discomfort to other drivers.

Overall, projector headlights offer improved visibility, reduced glare, and a more even light distribution, making them a popular choice among drivers seeking enhanced lighting performance.

Which is the best?

When searching for the optimal headlights, drivers prioritize brightness while ensuring the safety of others on the road. Projector headlights, brighter than reflector headlights, minimize the risk of blinding oncoming traffic.

Additionally, they offer the advantage of using xenon HID bulbs instead of older halogen ones. Considering these factors, it becomes evident that projector headlights outperform reflector headlights.