Before we tackle a detailed comparison between the two contemporary lighting technologies xenon and LED, we would first like to give you a general introduction to halogen, xenon and led headlight bulbs and lighting technologies for automobiles:
Halogen
The probably cheapest and most proven form of headlights is operated with halogen bulbs. A distinction is made between classic reflector lights, where only the cover or diffusing lens of the bulb and the reflector determine the light output. The more modern variant with projector headlights can better direct the light output with lenses directly in front of the bulb. Although they are inexpensive to replace, they only have a short service life.
Xenon
Headlights with xenon gas lamps have been around since the 1990s and are therefore a tried and tested technology, but they were still much more expensive and less common than halogen lights, especially in the early days. Xenon lamps have a significantly better luminous efficacy than halogen bulbs and produce a cold white, almost blue, light. Cars with xenon lamps are considerably more expensive than with halogen for various reasons. A high-voltage signal, produced with a special control unit, is necessary to generate the arc. Due to the high light output, the vehicles call for additional measures to protect other drivers from dazzle, for example, a headlight cleaning system and automatic headlight levelling.
LED
The most modern technology of the three – LED headlights – is available in different variants. In addition to those that have an LED light unit behind a lens, similar to halogen projector headlights or xenon headlights, there is also the variant of the LED matrix light. In this case, many LEDs with different illumination are connected together and are switched on in such a way that there is permanent illumination, and only the LEDs that could dazzle another road user are switched off.
Should I purchase LED or Xenon lights?
If you are considering buying a new car with LED or xenon headlights, the first question is bound to be the cost. Even though prices differ from vehicle maker to vehicle maker, the following is clear: Xenon headlights are less expensive than "regular" LED headlights, which are also less expensive than LED matrix lights.
Light output
With an LED matrix light, you see better than with a normal LED headlight, with which you usually still have a better light output than with Xenon headlights. The LED matrix light is of course the clear winner, as it offers permanent illumination at a high beam level except in areas where there is oncoming traffic or pedestrians. When we look at the difference between LED projector headlights and headlights with xenon bulbs, the difference is significantly smaller – as each offers two levels: low and high beam, each of which applies to the entire illuminated area. Nonetheless, it is usually the situation that "regular" LED light systems also have a marginally higher luminous efficacy than xenon headlights.
Appearance
The classic look of halogen lights is not exactly modern with its yellowish light. Both xenon and led car headlights usually have a bluish light and there is hardly any visual difference between xenon and LED projection lights. Details such as LED daytime running lights or LED turn signals are much more important than the lights' lighting system. Depending on the manufacturer, the individual matrix components are not arranged like normal round lights and can give the vehicle an even more individual and modern look.
LED vs Xenon – so, which one is better?
It is difficult to say whether xenon or LED is better. An LED light has a longer service life than a xenon bulb and usually does not need to be replaced at all during the normal service life of a car. However, these lights usually have to be replaced completely, whereas a xenon bulb can be changed like a light bulb. If you are concerned about price, then xenon could be the less expensive choice – this depends on the extra cost of an LED lighting system and, in the case of maintenance, how old they are. But if you are concerned with maximum light output for optimum safe driving, then nothing beats an LED matrix system at the present time.
Only with slightly older used cars can it be said that xenon headlights are probably cheaper to maintain due to the increased risk of an LED headlight breaking. Another disadvantage of xenon headlights is that not only the xenon bulb, but associated elements, can have a defect and would then have to be replaced by a workshop. However, such defects hardly ever occur during the normal service life of a new car. Ultimately, you have to decide for yourself which light system is right for you based on the points listed above and your car manufacturer's price list.
