Projector Vs Reflector Headlights

Projector Vs Reflector Headlights

Most car owners do not have a choice what type of headlight units their vehicle has.

There are always ways to modify or change your headlights but before considering any modifications, read through the differences between projector and reflector headlights.

Here you will see the pro’s and con’s of both headlight units designed to help you understand what your headlights do.

Quick Navigation

What Are Projector Headlights
What Do Projector Headlights Look Like
Benefits Of Projector Headlights
What Are Reflector Headlights
What Do Reflector Headlights Look Like
Benefits Of Reflector Headlights
TL/DR The Conclusion

What Are Projector Headlights?

Projector Headlights

Headlight projector schematic
The concept of projector headlights have been around since 1911 and although the idea is over 100 years old, the design was never commercially introduced until the early 1980’s.

Projector headlights use an ellipsoidal lens with the purpose of projecting a clean cut beam pattern that minimises the risk of obscuring the vision of oncoming traffic.

What Do Projector Headlights Look Like?

At first glance, projector headlights are really easy to spot.

When looking at your headlights head on you will see a fishbowl lens that is positioned in front of the headlight bulb.

What a projector headlight looks likeoutside a projector headlightclose up of a projector headlight

Benefits Of Projector Headlights

Many drivers prefer having a vehicle with projector headlights as they are considered visually appealing and have a few benefits over reflector headlights.

  • More focused beam pattern
  • Will not blind other road users
  • No dark spots
  • Significantly brighter in a focused spot than reflector headlights
For maximum vision when driving at night, projector headlights focus more light at a point giving the impression of a brighter light.

What Are Reflector Headlights?

Reflector Headlights

Reflector headlights are another type of headlight unit that your vehicle may be manufactured with.

They are generally smaller than projector headlights in depth and are cheaper to produce.

 

What Do Reflector Headlights Look Like?

Reflector headlights are quite recognisable due to their dome interior.

The optics to distribute the light in the desired pattern are designed into the reflector and can often be completely bespoke to your vehicle make or model.

reflector headlightsthe inside of a reflector headlightWhat a reflector headlight looks like

Benefits Of Reflector Headlights

As opposed to projector headlights, reflectors can’t really compare very well in terms of both style and performance. The main benefits for having reflector headlights would be that they are cheaper to produce and aren’t as deep as projector headlights.

Unfortunately you can’t really choose what type of headlights your vehicle has. There are ways to alter this by retro fitting headlights to your vehicle but keep in mind that this can often cause errors.

Reflector headlights produce a bigger beam pattern that covers a larger surface area as opposed to projector headlights.
There may be a risk of glare if your bulbs are not aligned correctly which could not only be a reason for failing an MOT but can also blind other road users.

Conclusion

It Doesn’t Matter What Type Of Headlight Unit You Have

After nearly 20 years in the automotive industry, ABD has always came to the same conclusion. No headlight unit is truly better as they both have their pro’s and con’s.

You Still Get The Same Amount Of Light Output

Projector vs reflector headlights has always been a big discussion between car owners but at the end of the day, you still get the same amount of light output from both methods.

Both types of headlight units are simply different methods of directing light so let’s use an example.

For arguments sake, we’re going to say both vehicles and environments are exactly the same. The only difference will be the headlight units.

If we put a brand new pair of H7 Night Breaker Lasers in our dipped beam and turn on our lights, we would still get the same amount of light output and brightness. As you can see from the example below, the only difference would be the width of the beam pattern.

reflector v projector

The Best Outcome

For the best results, it shouldn’t matter what type of headlight units you have but instead you should keep on top of their maintenance.

Car cleaning products are essential and making sure you have the best car bulbs possible will always be better than trying to compensate between reflector and projector headlights.

If you’re unsure on the best bulbs for your vehicle then try our simple car bulb guide.

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John
2 years ago

I have a Kia Picanto with projector headlights. I have upgraded the H7 bulbs with Philips X-tremeVision +130% and they passed the MOT test regards alignment which hasn’t been changed. However I was regularly getting flashed by oncoming drivers so changed the offside bulb back to standard. No flashing now but I can’t see very well. Would you expect projector headlights to need realignment when fitting upgraded bulbs?

Jon
1 year ago
Reply to  John

I think it’s quite possible for different bulbs to produce a slightly different pattern. If the part of the filament that emits light ends up in a different position within the housing, it could have an impact. Putting a heavy load in the boot will change vertical alignment too (which could dazzle other drivers), unless you have fancy self levelling lights (many cars have adjustment for this in the cabin). I believe it’s recommended to have headlamp alignment checked after changing bulbs anyway. There shouldn’t be a high cost involved and most MOT garages should be able to do it. You can do a passable job with a level surface and a wall, but TBH it’s better to get a proper job done.

Glyn Lewis
2 years ago

Can you have projector lights with your normal headlights

Trevor
3 years ago

Hi looking to replace mains lights and maybe the fog spots , just purchased a Toyota Landcruiser 05 plate

seen the kit you’re suggesting, but does that cover both main lights and dipped beam Thank you

Rob RILEY
3 years ago

Hi I have a 2014 ford custom,

H7 headlight bulbs, projector headlight i would like to upgrade to hid bulbs , white and bright,

Which would you recommend

Many thanks Rob..

Suresh
3 years ago

I have a Toyota Prius t spirit,do I need a reflector headlight unit

Dave salter
3 years ago

I have a zafira tourer VA64AXG i would like to change the headlight bulb to brighter white been told it might not work because I have automatic light and faulty bulb display

Ron Cooper
3 years ago

I have a VW Golf 2013 Mk7 and want to i

probe the light especially dip beam Not keen on complicated conversions wondered about Philips extreme +150 or 200 % replacements. Any advice also wanted to clean the outside glass to give best possible output.

Car reg is SNZ6939 if that helps

Admin
Dean Michael
3 years ago
Reply to  Ron Cooper

Hi Ron,

I myself have a Mk6 Golf and upgraded the headlights to a H7 HID conversion kit that’s now 400% brighter than the standard bulbs.

No complications, it took about 30 minutes to install and nothing really can compare in my opinion.

As for the outside of your headlights, I’d highly recommend Crystalite by Twenty20.