Are H11 and 9005 the same bulb?

No. H11 and 9005 are different automotive bulb types with distinct bases, wattage, and typical uses, so they are not directly interchangeable. H11 is most often used for low beams or fog lights, while 9005 (also known as HB3) is commonly used for high beams. Attempting to swap them without proper adapters or modifications can lead to poor fit, incorrect beam pattern, overheating, or electrical issues, and may be illegal in many regions.

What the designations mean

H11 and 9005 refer to standardized bulb “fitments” (size and connector type) used in automotive lighting. Both are single-beam bulbs—meaning each bulb supports only one beam function—but they belong to different families and are engineered for different roles.

The following points outline the most relevant characteristics of each bulb type for comparison:

• H11: 12V halogen, typically 55W, common for low-beam or fog lamps; shares a family with H8/H9/H16 (Type 2), each keyed slightly differently.
• 9005 (HB3): 12V halogen, typically 65W, widely used for high beams; designed for higher output and a different socket/locking system than H11.
• Connector and base: H11 uses a PGJ19-style base (family variants keyed differently), while 9005/HB3 uses a different base and tab arrangement; the plugs are not the same shape.
• Output: 9005 generally produces more luminous flux than H11 in standard halogen form, reflecting its high-beam usage.

Taken together, these differences mean the two types serve different purposes and do not share a common socket or alignment system.

Key differences at a glance

Below are the practical differences that usually matter to vehicle owners deciding on replacements or upgrades:

• Fitment and keying: The locking tabs and connectors are different, so they do not plug into each other’s sockets without modification.
• Electrical load: 9005 bulbs are typically rated around 65W; H11 around 55W. Using the wrong wattage can stress wiring and switches.
• Beam role and optics: 9005 is tuned for high-beam throw; H11 for low-beam or fog cutoff. Swapping types can misalign the filament/focal point, degrading the beam pattern and causing glare.
• Regulatory compliance: Headlamp housings are certified for specific bulb types. Mismatches can violate road regulations and fail inspection.

These distinctions are why manufacturers and service manuals specify exact bulb codes for each lamp position.

Can you interchange them?

Not as a plug-and-play swap. Even if someone trims tabs or uses adapters, you risk improper seating, incorrect focus, heat issues, and noncompliance with lighting regulations. Always use the bulb type listed in your owner’s manual or stamped on the lamp housing.

If you’re looking for brighter light without changing the socket type, consider safer, within-family alternatives:

• H11 family: H9 is a common higher-output alternative to H11, but it draws more power and runs hotter; it may require minor tab modification and is only advisable if your housing and wiring can handle the load. H8 and H16 (Type 2) share the same base family with different wattage/output.
• 9005 family: 9011 (also called HIR1) is a higher-efficiency upgrade that fits most 9005 housings with minor tab cleanup; it provides more light while keeping similar electrical demands. Do not confuse 9005 with 9006 (HB4)—they are different sockets.

Before any change, confirm compatibility, heat tolerance, and legal status for your specific vehicle and region.

Notes on LED replacements

LED “retrofit” kits often group H8/H9/H11 together because many LED bases are designed to fit that family, while 9005/HB3 is sold as a separate fitment. However, physical fit is only part of the equation; beam focus, thermal management, and on-road legality are equally important.

Use the following checklist when selecting LED or halogen replacements:

• Match the exact bulb code printed on your vehicle’s lamp housing or in the owner’s manual.
• Confirm the intended function (low beam, high beam, fog) to maintain proper optics and cutoff.
• Check wattage and heat output to avoid melting housings or overloading circuits.
• For LEDs, ensure the emitter position mimics a filament for correct focus, confirm housing space for heat sinks/fans, and consider CANbus modules if your car monitors bulb outages.
• Verify road legality; many LED retrofits are “off-road only” in certain jurisdictions.

Following these steps helps preserve safety, performance, and compliance while minimizing glare for other drivers.

Bottom line

H11 and 9005 are not the same bulb and are not directly interchangeable. H11 generally serves low beam or fog applications, while 9005 (HB3) is typically used for high beams. Stick to the bulb type specified for each lamp position, and if you want more light, pursue within-family upgrades designed for your socket and housing.

Summary

H11 and 9005 differ in base design, wattage, typical usage, and optical characteristics. Using one in place of the other is not recommended and may be unsafe or illegal. For brighter output, choose upgrades within the same family (e.g., H11 to H9 with care; 9005 to 9011/HIR1) and verify fitment, heat, and legal compliance for your vehicle.

What is equivalent to a 9005 bulb?

The most direct equivalent for a 9005 bulb is the HB3, as they are often used interchangeably. Other equivalent bulbs with the same base include H10, 9011, 9012, 9040, 9045, 9055, 9140, 9145, 9150, and 9155, though there can be minor differences in wattage or light output. 
Direct Equivalents 

• HB3: This is essentially another name for the 9005 bulb and is a perfect, direct equivalent with the same base and applications.

Other Equivalents
These bulbs share a similar base design with the 9005 and can fit the same socket, although there might be slight variations in their design, wattage, or the amount of light they produce. 

• H10
• H12
• 9011
• 9012: (also known as HIR2)
• 9040
• 9045
• 9055
• 9140
• 9145
• 9150
• 9155

Can you use 9005 instead of H11?

No, you cannot use a 9005 bulb instead of an H11, or vice versa, because they have fundamentally different electrical connectors and bases, making them physically incompatible. The 9005 (also known as HB3) bulb is typically used for high beams and has a P20d base, while the H11 is commonly used for low beams or fog lights and has a different PGJ19-2 base with smaller tabs. Attempting to force one into the other’s socket will result in improper fitting and potential damage. 
Key Differences

• Base Design: The most significant difference is the design of the bulb’s base and electrical connector. H11 uses a PGJ19-2 base, while 9005 uses a P20d base. 
• Application: 9005 bulbs are designed for high beams, providing more powerful illumination for long distances, whereas H11 bulbs are used for low beams or fog lights, offering adequate light for general driving without dazzling other drivers. 
• Wattage: Standard 9005 bulbs have a slightly higher wattage (65W) compared to standard H11 bulbs (55W). 
• Electrical Connector: The tabs on an H11 connector are smaller than those on a 9005 (HB3) connector. 

Do H11 and 9005 have the same connector?

You cannot fit a 9005 (HB3) into an H11 headlight. You also cannot fit an H11 into a 9005 (HB3) headlight. As explained in previous sections, each bulb has its unique locking tabs, plugs, and size which make them incompatible and not interchangeable.

What is equivalent to an H11 bulb?

The H11 bulb is physically compatible with H8, H9, and L-shaped H16 bulbs, as they share the same base and connector. However, they may differ in wattage, typically with H8 and H11 at 55W for low beams or fog lights and H9 at 65W for high beams. It is not interchangeable with the 9006 (HB4) bulb, despite both being used for low beams and fog lights, due to their different sizes and connections.
 
Equivalent Bulbs (Physical Compatibility):

• H8/H9/H16: . Opens in new tabThese bulbs share the same physical design and locking tabs, making them direct fits in an H11 socket. 
• LED Equivalents: . Opens in new tabUniversal H11 LED bulbs are designed to be a direct, plug-and-play replacement for the halogen H8, H9, and H11. 

Non-Equivalent Bulbs (Not Interchangeable):

• 9006/HB4: Do not use a 9006 or HB4 bulb as an H11 replacement, as their physical size and connector are different. 
• 9005/HB3: Do not use a 9005 or HB3 bulb as an H11 replacement. 

Key Considerations When Choosing an Equivalent:

• Wattage and Intended Use: . Opens in new tabCheck the wattage of the replacement bulb. H11 bulbs are usually 55W for low beams or fog lights, while H9 bulbs are 65W for high beams. 
• LED Replacement: . Opens in new tabIf you are switching to LED, ensure the bulb is specifically designed to fit an H11 socket or is a universal model for H8/H9/H11. 
• Vehicle Specifications: . Opens in new tabAlways confirm your vehicle’s specific bulb requirements to ensure compatibility and proper performance.