Skip advert
Advertisement
Tips and advice

Car lights and headlights: complete guide to different light types and technologies

We fill in the gaps on Halogen, Xenon, Matrix LED and Laser headlights, and all their safety benefits

Headlights are one of the most important safety features on any car. Not only do they provide the driver with visibility in the dark, they also make the car itself more visible to other road users.

Over the years, roads have become busier, with manufacturers continually developing technology to make their cars safer. This has meant headlights have evolved from simple gas lamps to complex LED and laser units that can electronically adapt to the road ahead. Yet with several different types of headlights available on new cars today, it can be confusing to understand the differences between them.

HeroWhat are Blind Spot Monitoring systems?

For example, many people are quick to confuse LED headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights. Xenon and LED headlights are also easily mistaken for one another; both emit a whitish-blue glow, so can be somewhat difficult to tell apart at first glance. Furthermore, some motorists seek to upgrade their standard halogen headlights to brighter, xenon ones, unaware of the complicated laws surrounding them. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

Our handy guide is designed to detail the pros and cons of the most popular types of headlight: Halogen, Xenon, LED (Light Emitting Diode) and Laser. While some headlights such as Halogens are cheap and easy to buy and replace, more expensive types of headlights such as LED and Laser provide a much greater view of the road at night, alongside plenty of other advantages.

Follow the link to the next page to find out which type of headlight is best for you and your budget.

Want a car with all the latest safety features? Check out our list of the safest cars that you can buy

Car technology made simple

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

10 best car infotainment systems in 2025
Bet infotainment systems 2025
Best cars
18 Mar 2025

10 best car infotainment systems in 2025

What is a CVT gearbox? Reliability, pros and cons, and E-CVTs
Lexus LBX CVT
Tips and advice
17 Mar 2025

What is a CVT gearbox? Reliability, pros and cons, and E-CVTs

New Lexus RZ finally gets groundbreaking steer-by-wire tech in the UK
Lexus RZ 350e front quarter
News
11 Mar 2025

New Lexus RZ finally gets groundbreaking steer-by-wire tech in the UK

Adaptive cruise control: how does it work and is it worth it?
Cruise control buttons
Tips and advice
14 Feb 2025

Adaptive cruise control: how does it work and is it worth it?

Most Popular

New Toyota RAV4 to double down on hybrid power and rugged styling
Toyota RAV4 2026 front quarter
News
24 Mar 2025

New Toyota RAV4 to double down on hybrid power and rugged styling

New Audi A5 e-hybrid PHEV beats BMW 330e for speed and range
Audi A5 e hybrid front quarter
News
25 Mar 2025

New Audi A5 e-hybrid PHEV beats BMW 330e for speed and range

New Nissan Micra is a Renault 5 in Nissan clothing
Nissan Micra reveal
News
26 Mar 2025

New Nissan Micra is a Renault 5 in Nissan clothing

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

The 10 best electric cars in 2025
Bets electric cars 2025
Best cars
31 Jan 2025

The 10 best electric cars in 2025

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2025
Best cheap to run cars
Best cars
8 Jan 2025

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2025

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2025
Fastest hot hatchbacks 2025
Best cars
22 Jan 2025

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2025