Best Exterior Car Lights of 2025

Robert Reyes Avatar
Robert Reyes
Last Updated: Jan 17, 2025

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Exterior car lights are an essential component of any vehicle. They serve multiple purposes, including illuminating the road ahead, signaling to other drivers, and enhancing the overall appearance of the car. There are various types of exterior car lights, including headlights, taillights, turn signals, and brake lights. LED lights are becoming increasingly popular due to their energy-efficiency and brighter illumination. Additionally, there are various styles and colors of exterior car lights available, allowing drivers to customize their vehicle's look. Overall, exterior car lights are an important safety feature that also adds to the aesthetics of a car.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

DODOFUN 12V LED Bulbs (Pack of 10) Cover #TOP 1
DODOFUN 12V LED Bulbs (Pack of 10)
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Partsam 8" LED Utility Strip Light Bar Cover #TOP 2
Partsam 8" LED Utility Strip Light Bar
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Augeny USB LED Car Interior Lights Cover #TOP 3
Augeny USB LED Car Interior Lights
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Exterior Car Lights

#TOP 1

DODOFUN 12V LED Bulbs (Pack of 10)

DODOFUN-T10I
DODOFUN 12V LED Bulbs (Pack of 10) Cover
DODOFUN 12V T10 W5W 194 168 175 2825 LED Bulbs for Car Interior Map Dome Door Trunk Cargo Light and Exterior Tag Number License Plate Light Replacement Xenon White Pack of 10

The DODOFUN LED Bulbs are designed to enhance your car's lighting with their bright 6000k white glow. Each bulb boasts a powerful output of over 320 lumens, ensuring you have ample visibility in your vehicle's interior. With a lifespan of 50,000 hours, these bulbs offer long-lasting performance, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Their non-polarity feature makes installation a breeze—just plug them in and enjoy the instant brightness. Plus, they are environmentally friendly, containing no harmful materials like mercury or UV radiation, making them safe for both you and the planet.

What We Like
Bright illumination
Easy installation
Good fit
Improved appearance
What We Don't Like
Light direction can be unbalanced

Partsam 8" LED Utility Strip Light Bar

GTCV-0872374942
2*White
Partsam 8" LED Utility Strip Light Bar Cover
Partsam 2Pcs 8" Utility White 30 LED Strip Light Boat Light, Sealed 8 Inch Exterior/Interior Lights Bar for Truck Trailer Camper RV Car Pickup Van, Under Hood Lights, Side Marker, Dome Lights

The Partsam 8" LED Utility Strip Light Bar is a great choice for lighting or decorating the interior and exterior of boats, RVs, campers, trailers, trucks, and motorhomes. It comes with two pieces of 8" white LED strip lights with 30 LED and 12V DC, and a black rubber gasket for mounting to all surfaces. The lights measure 8" from side to side and 3/4" wide, and are 100% waterproof. Customers have found them easy to install and have used them for a variety of purposes, from tractor cabs to golf carts to sailboats.

What We Like
Sturdy construction
Easy to install
Good amount of light
Vibration-resistant rubber base
Versatile applications
What We Don't Like
Exposed connections
No lumen specification
#TOP 3

Augeny USB LED Car Interior Lights

USB LED Car Interior Atmosphere Lamp
Purple
Augeny USB LED Car Interior Lights Cover
Augeny 4 PCS USB LED Car Interior Atmosphere Lamp, Plug-in USB Decor Night Light, Portable Auto Ambient Lighting Kit, Universal Vehicle Interior Accessories for Most Cars (Purple)

The Augeny Car LED Lights are a stylish and practical addition to your vehicle. With easy plug-and-play installation, you can illuminate your car's interior without worrying about batteries dying or voice activation issues. Choose from various colors to match your mood, creating a cozy atmosphere while driving. These lights are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, ensuring that they won't drain your car's battery. Plus, their versatility allows you to install them in various dark spots, enhancing visibility and ambiance throughout your vehicle.

What We Like
Easy USB connection
Compact and functional design
Affordable pricing
Low intensity lighting
Variety of colors available
What We Don't Like
Brightness can be excessive
Not sufficiently bright for some uses
#TOP 4

CXCCOI Blue LED Hood Light

car led lights
59inch Blue
CXCCOI Blue LED Hood Light Cover
Car LED Hood Light,Waterproof LED Light Strips Cool Monochromatic Car LED Light for Car Lights Exterior,Universal Car Accessories(59inch Blue)

The CXCCOI LED Hood Light enhances your driving experience with its bright, evenly distributed illumination, improving visibility during nighttime driving. The high-quality, waterproof design ensures safety while keeping the lights cool to the touch. With a simple installation process, you can easily apply the LED strip using strong adhesive without any tools, making it a hassle-free addition to your vehicle. This versatile light can serve multiple purposes, from ambient lighting to turn signal indicators, making it suitable for various vehicles, including cars, SUVs, and trucks.

What We Like
Awesome glow at night
Bargain price
Easy installation
Works with fog lights
What We Don't Like
Half the strip not working
Poor adhesive quality
#TOP 5

HERIS 2 Pack 12V LED License Plate Light

HER-12VLEDLIGHT-2PCS
HERIS 2 Pack 12V LED License Plate Light Cover
HERIS 2 Pack 12V LED Exterior License Plate Tag Light Interior Courtesy Dome Roof Door Step Cargo Underhood Lamp Total 12 White SMD Bulb Waterproof Rainproof Legal for Car Truck RV Trailer Boat Van

The HERIS 2 Pack 12V LED License Plate Light is a versatile and durable lighting solution for a variety of vehicles. Made from ABS material and high transmittance PC lens, these lights are waterproof and have a lifespan of 10,000 hours. Each light has 12 white SMD bulbs, providing bright illumination with low power consumption. The lights can be used for license plates, courtesy lights, dome/roof lights, trunk/cargo lights, and underhood lights. The two-wire design makes installation easy and convenient.

What We Like
Very bright illumination
Low power consumption
Versatile usage
Affordable price
What We Don't Like
Not specified for all applications
#TOP 6

Stacool 20PCS BA9S LED Bulbs

Car LED Lights Interior
Blue
1.08x0.44x0.44 inch
Stacool 20PCS BA9S LED Bulbs Cover
Stacool 20PCS Car LED Light Bulb,12146 64111 BA9S LED Bulbs for Fog Lights,License Plate Lights,Reading Lights,Super Bright Car LED Lights Interior Car Accessories Interior/Exterior (Blue)

The Stacool LED Bulbs provide super bright lighting for your vehicle's interior and exterior. Designed to fit various models, these bulbs ensure you have ample illumination, making nighttime driving safer and more comfortable. With a durable aluminum construction, they are built to withstand harsh conditions and resist damage. Their versatile applications allow you to upgrade everything from dome lights to license plate lights, enhancing your car's visibility and style. Choose from five vibrant colors to personalize your driving experience.

What We Like
Super bright illumination
Durable construction
Versatile applications
Multiple color options

Yoper LED Car Light Kit Set

2825, 194, 168, 175, 578, 211-2, 212-2
White Color
Yoper LED Car Light Kit Set Cover
Yoper LED Bulbs Light Car Kit Set T10 28mm 31mm 42mm Festoon Replacement for Interior Dome Map Door Trunk Courtesy White Package 32 Pieces

Yoper Car LED Bulbs Kit includes 32 pieces of LED lights suitable for various car interior applications. The package offers different sizes of festoon and T10 wedge lights, providing about 2 times the brightness of original bulbs. These LEDs are easy to install with plug-and-play functionality, requiring no additional parts or modifications. The pure white light at 6000k with 120 lumens brightness enhances visibility in your car, making it suitable for dome, map, license plate, and other interior lights.

What We Like
Budget-friendly product
Bright, clean, crisp light
Easy installation
Durable and waterproof exterior bulbs
Complete set for all lights
What We Don't Like
Some flickering issues
Greenish hue in some bulbs
#TOP 8

Nowkont 28mm LED Light Kit

NOWYDD20001WH-10PCS
White
Nowkont 28mm LED Light Kit Cover
Nowkont Pack-10 Car 28mm 5050-3SMD LED Light Kit, 180 Degrees Super Bright Reading Light Sunshade Makeup Light, 6614F/6612F Plug and Play Long Life Bulb Replacement, Universal for Cars (White)

The Nowkont LED Light Kit offers outstanding features for your vehicle's interior lighting needs. With an IP65 waterproof rating, these bulbs remain reliable even in adverse weather, ensuring safety and visibility. Their wide application means you can use them for various purposes, such as reading lights or makeup lights, providing a bright and welcoming atmosphere. The upgraded chip technology enhances brightness while protecting your car's electrical system, and the easy installation allows you to simply swap out the old bulbs without any complex wiring. Enjoy a stable performance with these efficient LED lights.

What We Like
High-quality materials
Excellent durability
Stylish design
Comfortable fit
What We Don't Like
Higher price point

YOGEIER Car LED Bulb Set

YOGEIER-Led Bulb
white
YOGEIER Car LED Bulb Set Cover
YOGEIER Car Led Bulb, Led Combination Set of 24 Sets, Used for Car Interior/Indoor Map Dome/ Trunk / License Lights, Etc. (White)

YOGEIER Car Led Bulb is a set of 24 LED lights with three models (25 mm *10 mm, 30 mm *31 mm, 40 mm *10 mm). It is made of high-quality materials and can be used for a long time. It is suitable for a wide range of applications, such as indoor map light, ceiling light, license plate light, parking light, corner light, taillight, side marker light, instrument light, cargo light, taillight, ladder light, auxiliary light, etc. It is easy to install and compatible with all kinds of vehicles. Customers are satisfied with its brightness, easy installation, and the extra lights provided.

What We Like
Easy installation process
Significant improvement in brightness
Cost-effective solution
Includes compatible bulbs
What We Don't Like
Some bulbs may not work
Inconsistent quality noted
#TOP 10

PHINLION 194 LED Light Bulb Blue Super Bright Replacement Bulbs

Phinlion-T10-3030-6SMD-B
Blue
PHINLION 194 LED Light Bulb Blue Super Bright Replacement Bulbs Cover
PHINLION 194 LED Light Bulb Blue Super Bright 168 2825 W5W T10 Wedge 6-SMD 3030 Chipsets LED Replacement Bulbs for Car Interior Map Dome Parking Door Courtesy License Plate Lights

The PHINLION 194 LED Light Bulb Blue Super Bright Replacement Bulbs come in a pack of 2 and have a voltage of 12V~24V, with a power of 2.1W/bulb. The bulbs are designed with built-in intelligent constant current IC driver, not polarity sensitive, and have a whole aluminum body for excellent heat dissipation. These bulbs have a wide application range, including for dome light, map light, trunk cargo light, license plate light, and more. They are easy to install, with Canbus error-free plug and play for 99% of vehicles. Please double check the bulb size before ordering.

What We Like
Bright LED lights
Easy installation
Good color options
High-quality build
Unique appearance
What We Don't Like
Short lifespan
Inconsistent brightness
Buying Guide Image

How to Choose the Best Exterior Car Lights for Your Car

Introduction

When you're out on the open road, you want to be seen. Whether you're driving late at night or in an area with low visibility, having exterior car lights is essential for ensuring your vehicle is seen by other drivers. But with so many different types of car lights on the market, it can be difficult to know which ones are best for you. In this article, we'll help you choose the right exterior car lights for your vehicle.

Consider your Vehicle Type

The type of vehicle you drive will play a big role in choosing the right exterior car lights. For example, if you have a truck or SUV, you'll need a different type of light than if you drive a sedan. Trucks and SUVs need brighter lights that can stand up to the rigors of off-road travel. On the other hand, sedans need lights that are brighter but still look good and don't detract from the overall appearance of the vehicle.

Consider the Type of Lighting

There are two main types of exterior car lights: halogen and LED. Halogen car lights are the most common type of car lights and are usually the least expensive. They provide bright, focused beams of light and are easy to install.

LED car lights are becoming increasingly popular due to their energy efficiency and long life. They provide brighter, whiter light than halogen lights and are more resistant to shock and vibration. They also tend to be more expensive than halogen lights.

Consider the Features

When it comes to exterior car lights, there are a few features you should consider. The first is brightness. Brightness will determine how visible you are on the road, so it's important to choose a light that will provide enough illumination.

You'll also want to consider the beam pattern of the light. Different beam patterns will provide different levels of illumination, so make sure to choose one that will give you the coverage you need.

Finally, you'll want to consider the mounting options. Most lights will come with either a permanent mount or a removable mount. Permanent mounts are more secure, but can be difficult to remove. Removable mounts are easier to remove and can be used in different locations.

Conclusion

Choosing the right exterior car lights for your vehicle can be a challenge. But by considering your vehicle type, the type of lighting, and the features you need, you can make sure you have the right lights for your needs. Taking the time to research and compare the different types of car lights available will help ensure you have the right lights for your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can you put LED lights on the outside of your car?

Yes, you can install LED lights on the exterior of your car. It's a relatively simple process, as most LED car strip light packages come with everything you need. However, before installation, it's important to check if there is enough space under your vehicle to safely and neatly attach the LED strips.

2. Is underglow illegal in NY?

In New York State, most underglow lights or underbody lights installed on cars and motorcycles are illegal. However, there is an exception. Under-glow lights in the color white are allowed, as long as they don't flash or oscillate.

3. Is underglow illegal in PA?

In Pennsylvania, neon underglow lights are considered illegal. The state prohibits all additional aftermarket vehicle lighting, which includes neon underglow.

LED headlight bulbs, despite their energy efficiency and long lifespan, can produce harsh lighting that can dazzle other drivers and pedestrians. This makes them illegal and dangerous to use on the road. The brightness and glare of LED bulbs can be a hazard, leading to restrictions on their usage.

5. Where is the best place to put LED lights in a car?

For LED lights in a car, it is recommended to mount them in specific locations. One should be placed in the driver footwell, one in the passenger footwell, and one under each seat towards the back seats. Additionally, it's important to secure the wires under the dash using electrical tape to prevent them from falling while driving.

6. Can you have red and blue lights on your car in NY?

In New York, red and blue lights on cars are generally reserved for authorized emergency vehicles such as police, fire, and ambulance vehicles. These lights are not allowed for regular vehicles on public roads.

7. Can you drive around with underglow lights on?

Underglow lights are generally legal as long as they remain covered and unlit while driving on public roads. It is important to ensure that the lights do not flash or include the colors red or blue, as those are typically reserved for emergency vehicles.

Editor's Notes

During our exterior car light research, we found 24 exterior car light products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 34,114 customer reviews through our big data system to write the exterior car lights list. We found that most customers choose exterior car lights with an average price of $6.82.

The exterior car lights are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of exterior car lights, including DODOFUN, Partsam, Augeny, CXCCOI, HERIS. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 113 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Robert Reyes Avatar

Robert Reyes is a dedicated writer from San Francisco with a bachelor of degree in mechanics and a bachelor of degree in marketing. He focuses on making some complicated topics simple and enjoys explaining complex and technical things in an easy-to-understand way.

Exterior Car Lights Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand DODOFUN Partsam Augeny CXCCOI HERIS Stacool Yoper Nowkont YOGEIER PHINLION
Color T10 2*White Purple 59inch Blue - Blue White Color White white Blue
Auto Part Position Center Outer Inside Front Center Right - Right - Right -
Item Package Quantity 1 - - - - 1 1 10 24 1
Specific Uses For Product - Boat Lights - - Exterior, Interior Used as Indicator Lights, Car Interior Lights and Tail Lights - - License Plate Light Dome Light, Interior Light, Map Light, License Plate Light
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.8
ftb score rating icon 8.8
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