The Difference Between Projector and Reflector Headlights

What Are Projector Headlights?

Projector headlights are an advance in headlight technology. This type of headlight was first introduced in luxury vehicles in the 1980s. Projector headlights use a reflector, lens, shutter, and bulb to project the light forward in a more focused beam pattern.

This is commonly accomplished by using halogen bulbs mounted, facing each other, inside the headlight housing, although newer projectors use other lighting technologies like LED bulbs. The projector is positioned between these two bulbs.

This allows for better lighting control than typical flood or spot beams on most vehicles. Projectors produce more distinct and independent light beams due to a series of prisms and lenses that point the light. This improves visibility at night and makes headlight alignment easier.

What Are Reflector Headlights?

Reflector headlights are an older design that has been standard on vehicles since the invention of electric headlights. Many automakers still use reflector headlights because they are less expensive to manufacture.

Reflector headlights consist of a bulb encased in a steel bowl. In the 1980s, technological improvements led to reflector headlights using mirrors inside the housing to guide the beam. The mirrors are positioned in the bowl to reflect light on the road. 

The use of mirrors eliminated the need to seal the housing, making it easy to remove and replace bulbs. 

Shop now for headlights with reflector housing

Types of Projector Headlights

HID projector headlights

There are three main projector headlights: halogen, HID, and LED. Each type has advantages and disadvantages that should be considered before purchasing.

• Halogen projector headlights are the most common type. They are also the least expensive, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious shoppers. Halogen headlights are filled with a gas that helps to emit a bright white light. Halogen bulbs are also commonly used in reflector headlights.
• HID projector headlights use xenon gas to produce a bright white light. HID headlights are three times more luminous than halogen headlights, making them a good choice for drivers who want to improve their visibility on the road. HID lights, like any brighter lighting technology, can annoy oncoming drivers because of their brightness. 
• LED projector headlights, the newest technology, are increasingly popular in modern vehicles. They use light-emitting diodes to produce a super bright white light, are energy-efficient, and outlast halogens and HID headlights. LED projector headlights can survive for many years and even outlive their vehicle.

Projector vs. Reflector Headlights: What’s the Difference?

A BMW with projector headlights

Not long ago, all headlights functioned the same way: They used one bulb to generate light. Then, reflectors bounce that light in different directions, creating a wide beam.

Meanwhile, projector headlights use a lens to focus the light from one or more bulbs in a precise path. This leads to better lighting control over your front lights, ideally aiming them to illuminate the road. Projectors are also used in puddle lights that shine a customized logo from a car door to the pavement.

Reflector headlights are also used for applications other than headlights. They use mirrors to reflect all the light from one bulb in multiple directions. The light is diffused and spread out to create a wider beam. For that reason, they are commonly used as daytime running lights. 

Pros and Cons of Projector and Reflector Headlights

Like with most features, there are tradeoffs with each of these headlight designs. Your decision might come down to your budget, preferences, and vehicle.

Reflector:

• Inexpensive
• Easy to replace if one burns out
• Offer good light output
• Smaller, so they take up less space than projectors
• On the negative side, they don’t offer as much control of the light beam

Projector: 

• Brighter than reflector headlights
• Better visibility and more control over the light beam
• Reduced likelihood of blinding other drivers
• More energy efficient 
• Longer lasting 
• Compact in size and take up less light housing room 
• Available in varying shapes and sizes
• Projector headlights are more expensive than reflectors 

Should You Use LEDs in Projector Headlights?

LED projector headlights

One important choice is whether to use LED lights for projector headlights. Here’s what you should consider:

• Beam pattern: LED lights come in various beam patterns. The more focused the beam, the more powerful it will be.
• Color: LED lights come in various colors. White is the most popular choice, but you can find other colors like blue and red. Be aware of local laws regarding light colors. 
• Durability: LED lights are more durable than halogen bulbs, lasting longer.
• Light Quality: LED lights are brighter than halogen bulbs, giving your projector headlights a robust look. However, they also tend to produce a lot of glare.
• Price: LED lights cost more than traditional halogen bulbs. 
• Size: LED lights come in various sizes, so choose the right size for your projector headlights. A larger light provides a brighter, more powerful beam.

A warning: Safety experts recommend using the bulb technology originally provided in your headlamps. Most aftermarket LED bulbs are not DOT-approved for on-road use. These bulbs are notorious for compromising the vision of oncoming drivers.