H11 and 9005 (HB3) are two commonly used headlight options, each serving different purposes.
H11 bulbs are typically used for low beams and fog lights, a balanced light output ideal for everyday driving. In contrast, 9005 (HB3) bulbs are designed for high beams, brighter and more focused.
No, HB3 and H11 are not the same bulb. They are different headlight bulb standards with distinct specifications and are generally not interchangeable.
Here are the key differences:
Base/Connector Type:
HB3: Uses a P20d base. This base has three flat tabs of specific sizes arranged around the plug.
H11: Uses a PGJ19-2 base. This base has a distinctive twist-lock design with two wide plastic tabs and one small metal tab.
Power (Wattage):
HB3: Typically rated around 60W (at 12.8V).
H11: Typically rated around 55W (at 12.8V).
Plug/Connector:
HB3: Uses a specific HB3 plug (often a flat plug with offset tabs).
H11: Uses a specific H11 plug (usually a more square plug with pins aligned differently). You cannot plug an HB3 bulb into an H11 socket or vice-versa without an adapter.
Common Applications:
HB3: Primarily used as a High Beam (or sometimes as a dedicated DRL bulb) in many vehicles (especially Japanese and some US models). Often designated as “9005″.
H11: Primarily used as a Low Beam bulb in a wide range of modern vehicles (Japanese, American, European). Also sometimes used for fog lights.
In Summary:
Physically Different: The bases look different and won’t fit into each other’s sockets.
Electrically Different: They have slightly different wattages (though close).
Plug Incompatible: Their wiring harness plugs won’t connect to the wrong bulb.
Generally Not Interchangeable: You cannot replace an H11 bulb with an HB3 bulb or vice-versa without modifying the socket/wiring, which is not recommended as it can damage the wiring or connectors and cause poor electrical contact/failure.
Always check your vehicle’s owner’s manual or a reliable bulb finder tool to confirm the correct bulb type for your specific make, model, and year.
Post time: Jul-08-2025
