Best Brake Light Bulbs of 2025

David Davis Avatar
David Davis
Last Updated: Jan 15, 2025

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Brake light bulbs are a crucial component of any vehicle's safety system. These bulbs are responsible for illuminating the rear of the vehicle when the driver applies the brakes, alerting other drivers of the vehicle's intention to slow down or stop. Brake light bulbs come in a variety of sizes and styles to fit different makes and models of vehicles. They are typically made of durable materials that can withstand the heat generated by the brake lights. It is important to regularly check and replace brake light bulbs to ensure optimal safety on the road.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

SYLVANIA Long Life Miniature Bulb for DRL and Back-Up Lights Cover #TOP 1
SYLVANIA Long Life Miniature Bulb for DRL and Back-Up Lights
ftb score rating icon 9.9
SYLVANIA Long Life Miniature Bulbs for DRL and Back-Up Lights Cover #TOP 2
SYLVANIA Long Life Miniature Bulbs for DRL and Back-Up Lights
ftb score rating icon 9.8
iBrightstar LED Brake Light Bulbs Cover #TOP 3
iBrightstar LED Brake Light Bulbs
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Brake Light Bulbs

#TOP 1

SYLVANIA Long Life Miniature Bulb for DRL and Back-Up Lights

7443LL.BP2
SYLVANIA Long Life Miniature Bulb for DRL and Back-Up Lights Cover
SYLVANIA - 7443 Long Life Miniature - Bulb, Ideal for Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and Back-Up/Reverse Lights (Contains 2 Bulbs)

The SYLVANIA Long Life Miniature Bulb is an ideal choice for your daytime running lights (DRL) and back-up/reverse lights. These bulbs are designed to last twice as long as other standard miniature bulbs, providing greater safety and lower maintenance. The bulbs are easy to install and show instant results, and should be replaced in pairs to ensure both bulbs burn evenly. With over 100 years of experience, Sylvania is the world leader in automotive lighting, and this product is a testament to their commitment to quality and durability.

What We Like
Easy installation
Bright and clear illumination
Affordable price
Fast delivery
Long life expectancy
#TOP 2

SYLVANIA Long Life Miniature Bulbs for DRL and Back-Up Lights

2357LL.BP2
2 Count (Pack of 1)
SYLVANIA Long Life Miniature Bulbs for DRL and Back-Up Lights Cover
SYLVANIA - 2357 Long Life Miniature - Bulb, Ideal for Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and Back-Up/Reverse Lights (Contains 2 Bulbs)

SYLVANIA Long Life Miniature Bulbs are ideal for your daytime running lights and back-up/reverse lights, offering easy replacement and longer life than most standard bulbs. Designed for durability, safety, and lower maintenance, these bulbs come in a pair, ensuring both lights are replaced at once. Sylvania sets the standard of quality for automotive lighting, with over 100 years in business serving OEMs and the aftermarket.

What We Like
Perfect fit for various models
Easy installation process
Fast shipping
Good overall value
Long-lasting performance
What We Don't Like
Color mismatch for some bulbs

iBrightstar LED Brake Light Bulbs

1157-3014 3030-54 3R
1157
iBrightstar LED Brake Light Bulbs Cover
iBrightstar 9-30V Super Bright Low Power 1157 2357 2057 7528 BAY15D LED Bulbs with Projector Replacement for Stop Tail Brake Lights, Brilliant Red

The iBrightstar LED Brake Light Bulbs come in a set of two with high brightness chips per bulb that provide 300% brighter light than the original halogen bulbs. These bulbs have a full aluminum housing with a projection lens for maximum light output and better heat distribution. They are easy to install and fit a variety of models. They are ideal for use as brake lights, tail lights, and daytime running lights. However, some vehicles may require a load resistor or flash relay to prevent hyper flash when used as turn signal lights.

What We Like
Bright illumination
Easy installation
Direct fit for standard sockets
No hyper flash issues
Well-built construction
What We Don't Like
May not fit all sockets
#TOP 4

SYLVANIA - 7443 T20 ZEVO LED Red Bulb

7443RLED.BP2
SYLVANIA - 7443 T20 ZEVO LED Red Bulb Cover
SYLVANIA - 7443 T20 ZEVO LED Red Bulb - Bright LED Bulb, Ideal for Stop and Tail Lights (Contains 2 Bulbs)

SYLVANIA - 7443 T20 ZEVO LED Red Bulb is a bright LED bulb that is ideal for stop and tail lights. It delivers a brighter and sharper light instantly for increased safety, giving drivers around you more time to react compared to standard incandescent bulbs' slower light up speed. These bulbs need to be replaced in pairs for optimum performance. A load equalizer may be required for optimal performance. Sylvania has a reputation for providing high-quality automotive lighting for OEMs and the aftermarket, with over 100 years of experience in the industry.

What We Like
High brightness levels
Easy installation
Long-lasting performance
Excellent reflector utilization
Good customer support
What We Don't Like
Potential hyperflashing issues
Requires additional resistors
#TOP 5

SYLVANIA 921 Basic Miniature Bulb

921.BP2
Clear
SYLVANIA 921 Basic Miniature Bulb Cover
SYLVANIA 921 Basic Miniature Bulb, (Contains 2 Bulbs) (921.BP2)

The SYLVANIA 921 Basic Miniature Bulb (921.BP2) is a brake light bulb made from high-quality material, produced by a trusted OEM light source supplier. It is easy to install as a direct replacement bulb and legal for on-road use. SYLVANIA's Application Guide in the Technical Details can be used to confirm compatibility. It is recommended to replace bulbs in pairs for optimal performance as lights dim over time. This bulb is vehicle-specific and ensures long-lasting durability for brake lights.

What We Like
Better than previous LED lights
Great price
Long-lasting performance
Perfect fit for specific models
What We Don't Like
Not compatible with all vehicles
#TOP 6

Alla Lighting Upgraded LED Strobe Brake Lights Bulbs

Alla-STR-2835-7443-39R-Red
Pure Red
Alla Lighting Upgraded LED Strobe Brake Lights Bulbs Cover
Alla Lighting Upgraded T20 7440 7443 LED Strobe Brake Lights Bulbs, Red Flashing Stop Lamps, W21W 7440LL 7443LL Strobe LED Taillights Replacement for Cars, Trucks, SUVs, Vans

Alla Lighting Upgraded LED Strobe Brake Lights Bulbs are a set of 2 bulbs that provide 360° full angle illumination light output with a projector lens. Equipped with 39 high-quality LED chips, these bulbs are perfect for replacing rear brake stop lights, back-up reverse lights, and center high-mount stop (3rd brake) lights in cars, trucks, SUVs, and RVs. The built-in USA-made smart IC driver ensures the best light performance and longer lifespan.

What We Like
Bright and visible lights
Effective brake flashing feature
Easy installation process
Good value for money
What We Don't Like
Some longevity concerns
Possible dash warning issues
#TOP 7

SYLVANIA 7440 SilverStar Mini Bulbs

7440ST.BP2
White
SYLVANIA 7440 SilverStar Mini Bulbs Cover
SYLVANIA - 7440 SilverStar Mini Bulb - Brighter and Whiter Light, Ideal for Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and Back-Up/Reverse Lights (Contains 2 Bulbs)

The SYLVANIA SilverStar Mini Bulbs provide a brighter and whiter light, making them ideal for daytime running and reverse lights. Since lights tend to dim over time, it's best to replace them in pairs to maintain optimal performance. These bulbs are designed to deliver a whiter light through a unique filament and gas mixture, enhancing visibility on the road. With their low maintenance and high durability, you can enjoy a safer driving experience with fewer replacements. Trust in Sylvania's century-long reputation for quality in automotive lighting to ensure you get the best performance.

What We Like
Super bright lighting
Easy to install
Great value for price
Longer-lasting than OEM
Clean white light
What We Don't Like
Not LED bulbs
#TOP 8

Torchbeam 3157 3156 LED Bulb

3157 LED Bulbs
3157/3156
Torchbeam 3157 3156 LED Bulb Cover
Torchbeam 3157 3156 LED Bulb Tail Brake Lights Red 600% Brighter, 3056 3057 4057 4157 3457 Brake Stop High Mount Stop Tail Taillights for Cars, Non-polarity, 3030 38-SMD, Pack of 2

The Torchbeam LED Bulb is a 3157 3156 red LED bulb that is 600% brighter than halogen bulbs. With 38-SMD 3030 LED chips per bulb, it produces maximum brightness output and provides a 360° full view angle with an HD projector. This means that you will be able to see farther and clearer when driving, even in rainy or foggy conditions. The bulb is also CANBUS ready, which prevents error codes and odd flickering on 95% of vehicles. It has a long lifespan of up to 50,000 hours, making it 100 times longer lasting than halogen bulbs. The Torchbeam LED Bulb is perfect for replacing stock halogen bulbs and is suitable for various applications, including brake lights, high-mounted stop lights, rear side marker lights, and rear turn signal lights. Please note that if you experience occasional speed flash, you may require a load resistor.

What We Like
Bright illumination
Easy installation
Great customer support
Perfect fit
Improved safety
What We Don't Like
Possible hyperflash issue
RFI interference with radio
#TOP 9

Wagner BP3157LL Light Bulb

Wagner
BP3157LL
Assorted
2 Count (Pack of 1)
Wagner BP3157LL Light Bulb Cover
Wagner Lighting Wagner BP3157LL Light Bulb - Multi-Purpose (Card of 2)

The Wagner BP3157LL Light Bulb, also known as the Wagner Light Bulb, is a high-quality multi-purpose bulb designed specifically for hardworking vehicles. With its superior performance and exceptional durability, this bulb is perfect for drivers who require long-lasting lights. The bulb features a longer life span than standard miniatures, making it ideal for those who drive long distances or in challenging conditions. Its extra strong filament can withstand vibration and shock, ensuring that it won't break prematurely. Additionally, the bulb is DOT/SAE compliant, meeting or exceeding industry standards. Whether you have a commercial, emergency, fleet, rideshare, or delivery vehicle, the Wagner BP3157LL Light Bulb is a reliable choice that provides peace of mind on the road.

What We Like
Easy installation
Bright illumination
Good value for price
Durable construction
Quick delivery
What We Don't Like
Lower wattage than expected
Minor design detail issue
#TOP 10

Auxbeam 3156 3157 Red LED Bulbs

FG6Y65T
Auxbeam 3156 3157 Red LED Bulbs Cover
Auxbeam 3156 3157 Red LED Bulbs, Super Bright 3056 3057KX 4157K 3047K 3157LL 4057K 3457 LED Brake Stop Tail Lights Taillights for Cars Trucks Motorcycles, 3030-SMD 12V, Pack of 2

Upgrade your car, truck, or motorcycle with the Auxbeam LED Bulbs. These super bright bulbs are much brighter than the original ones, providing 4000 lumens of light output. With a full aluminum housing for heat dissipation and a built-in constant current IC driver, these bulbs offer more stable performance and are more than 400% brighter than halogen bulbs. The non-polarity design makes installation a breeze, and the bulbs have a long service life of over 30,000 hours. With a 360-degree beam angle and ultra-bright LEDs, these bulbs maximize lighting output and provide better visibility on the road. Plus, they are CE/FCC/RoHS compliant and come with a 1-year replacement warranty. Upgrade your vehicle's lighting with the Auxbeam LED Bulbs today!

What We Like
Extremely bright light
Easy installation
Good night visibility
Good quality and durability
What We Don't Like
Compatibility issues with some vehicles
May require additional resistors
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What type of bulb is in a brake light?

Brake lights can have LED or halogen bulbs. The most common fittings for brake lights are P21/5W and P21W.

2. How do I know what brake bulb I need?

To determine the correct brake bulb for your vehicle, you can refer to your vehicle handbook's lighting section or remove the old bulb and check its application number. The application number may begin with D, H, or P.

3. What cars does a 7443 brake light bulb fit?

The 7440 and 7443 brake light bulbs are commonly used as turn signal, tail light, and backup bulbs in various car models, including Hondas, Chevrolets, Scions, VWs, and Toyotas.

4. Can I put LED bulbs in my brake lights?

Yes, you can upgrade your brake lights to LED bulbs. LED bulbs offer increased visibility, quicker reaction time, and lower power consumption compared to incandescent bulbs. However, it's important to ensure compatibility with your specific vehicle model.

5. Do you need all 3 brake lights?

According to US federal regulations, motor vehicles must have a third brake light, along with all other stop lamps, which should remain steadily lit while in use.

6. Why is one brake light not working but the bulb is good?

If one brake light is not working despite having a good bulb, it could be due to a faulty socket. Check if the socket connections are dirty, corroded, or if the wiring is worn out, causing intermittent connection issues.

7. Can I use a 7443 bulb instead of a 7440?

A 7443 bulb can be used instead of a 7440 bulb for signal filament purposes. However, a 7440 bulb cannot be used as a replacement for a 7443 dual filament bulb.

8. Can I use 7440 instead of 7443?

No, a 7440 bulb cannot be used in place of a 7443 bulb. The two bulbs have different shapes and sizes, making it possible for a 7443 bulb to fit into a 7440 socket, but not the other way around.

Editor's Notes

During our brake light bulb research, we found 24 brake light bulb products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 176,561 customer reviews through our big data system to write the brake light bulbs list. We found that most customers choose brake light bulbs with an average price of $13.84.

The brake light bulbs are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of brake light bulbs, including SYLVANIA, iBrightstar, Alla Lighting, Torchbeam, Wagner. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 54,965 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
David Davis Avatar

David Davis has rich experience as a mechanic and a general repairman in the automotive industry. It has given him plenty of knowledge in automobile repair, auto parts, and all kinds of tools. In his spare time, he enjoys assembling and disassembling parts for cars.

Brake Light Bulbs Comparison Table

#TOP1
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#TOP5
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#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand SYLVANIA SYLVANIA iBrightstar SYLVANIA SYLVANIA Alla Lighting SYLVANIA Torchbeam Wagner Auxbeam
Item Package Quantity - 1 2 1 1 2 - 1 - 1
Specific Uses For Product - Interior Lighting, Exterior Lighting Indicator Light - - Brake Light, Center High-Mounted Stop Light - Brake Lights, Tail Lights, Stop Lights, Parking Lights, Daytime Running Lights, Turn Signal Lights, Marker Lights - Indicator Light
Color - - Brilliant Red(Normal) Red Clear - - Red - Red
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.9
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