LED light bars are an important component of off-road and emergency vehicles. The light bars provide a high level of visibility and warning signal to other drivers. This makes the roads safer for everyone.
In this post, we will look at the key features to consider when purchasing an LED light bar, the top LED light bars on the market as well as the frequently asked questions.
Best LED Light Bars Buying Guide
There are a few important factors to consider to ensure you get the best LED light bar for your needs.
While LED light bars have become increasingly popular in recent years, it’s important to consider the size and brightness of the light bar, the number of beams, their wattage, their durability, and more.
That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to make sure you get the best LED light bar for your application.
The following are the important factors to consider when purchasing an LED light bar for your off-road truck:
Understand the Type of LED Light Bars
LED light bars come in various sizes, styles, and power output. You can also get LED light bars with different beam patterns and color temperatures.
Understanding the light bar types available will help you make the right choice and get the best possible lighting for your truck.
Consider Brightness Levels
Different LED light bars are available in a range of brightness levels, so it’s important to find one that will provide the level of illumination you need.
The brightness of an LED light bar is measured in lumens. The higher the lumens, the brighter the LED light bar. And the higher the lumens, the more expensive the light bar will be.
Generally, the brighter the light bar, the more visibility it will provide.
Consider the Durability
LED light bars are exposed to a lot of wear and tear. For this reason, go for light bars that are corrosion-resistant, waterproof, and heat-resistant. Aluminum or stainless-steel light bars can withstand harsh weather and rough conditions
Also, be sure to check out the warranty information to make sure that you’re covered if anything goes wrong with the product.
Consider the Weatherproofing
Go for LED light bars that are rated for rain, fog, and snow, as well as other adverse weather conditions.
Some LED bars are even rated for use in salt-water environments, making them a perfect choice for boats!
Make sure to double-check the specifications before making your purchase to ensure the LED light bar you select is suitable for your needs.
Consider the Mounting Type
Another important aspect to consider is the mounting type.
This can be broken down into two categories: permanent mounting and adjustable mounting. Permanent mounting means the light bar is secured to the vehicle’s body so that it cannot be removed, while adjustable mounting allows you to adjust the angle of the light bar to your liking.
Make sure to consider the mounting type that best fits your needs before you purchase an LED light bar.
Consider the Input/Output Voltage
Input voltage is the amount of voltage the light bar draws from a power source, while output voltage is the amount of voltage the light bar puts out.
Make sure to check the product specifications carefully to ensure that the input/output voltage matches your needs. Remember, if the voltage is too high, the LED light bar may overheat and cause a fire.
Consider the Beam Pattern
The beam pattern is the way the light is spread, with different patterns available for long-distance lighting, wide-angle lighting, and even spot lighting.
The most popular beam patterns are spot, flood, and combo (meaning a combination of the two). Spot beam patterns tend to be more focused and provide better distance visibility, whereas flood beam patterns provide more area coverage and improved peripheral vision.
Consider the Warranty Options
Most LED light bars come with a manufacturer’s warranty, but it’s important to read the fine print and make sure you have the coverage that you need.
Some warranties may be transferable, meaning you can transfer the coverage to the next owner if you decide to sell the LED light bar or the truck. It’s important to understand the conditions of the warranty before making a purchase to ensure you have the coverage you need.
Size and shape
LED light bars come in a variety of sizes and shapes, so it’s important to choose one that is the right fit for your vehicle. Consider the size and shape of your vehicle’s roof, as well as the type of use the light bar will be put to, when making your choice.
Number of LEDs
The number of LEDs in an LED light bar can also play a factor in its brightness and overall effectiveness. LED light bars with a larger number of LEDs will generally produce a brighter, more intense light.
Control options
Some LED light bars come with control options, such as the ability to change the color of the light or the ability to control the intensity of the light. Consider whether these options are important to you when making your purchase.
Legality
Start by finding out if LED light bars are legal in your state of residence.
(Read: Are light bars illegal in New York)
Top LED Light Bars by Size
Best 52” Light Bars
| 52″ Light Bar | Size | Voltage | Wattage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nilight Triple Row LED Light Bar | 52″ | 9-30 Volts | 783 watts |
| Yitamotor 52-Inch LED Light Bar | 52″ | 32 Volts | 300 watts |
| Auxbeam Curved LED Light Bar | 52″ | 10~30 Volts | 300 Watts |
| Nilight 300W LED Light Bar | 52″ | 9-30 Volts | 300 Watts |
Best 50” Light Bars
| 50″ Light Bar | Size | Bulb Type | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nilight – 288W 50 Inch Light Bar | 50″ | LED | 10.08 pounds |
| Yitamotor LED Light Bar | 50″ | LED | 16.27 pounds |
| 4WDKING 250W WDK-S5-50 Screwless Design LightBar | 50″ | LED | 5.15 pounds |
| Auxbeam 70023822 288W LED LED Light Bar | 50″ | LED | 11.48 pounds |
| Autosaver88 648w Curved LED Light Bar | 50″ | LED | 6.61 pounds |
| 4WDKING LED WDK-D5-50 Light Bar | 50″ | LED | 7.8 pounds |
| Auxbeam 70023812 LED Light Bar | 50″ | LED | 11.37 pounds |
| Autosaver88 400w LED Light Bar | 50″ | LED | 8.25 pounds |
| Rigid Industries 150312 E-Series Light Bar | 50″ | LED | 15 pounds |
| Northpole Light 288W Curved Light Bar | 50″ | LED | 9 pounds |
Best 48” Light Bars
| 48″ Light Bar | Voltage | Size | Vehicle Service Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ledqusa LED Light Bar | 12 Volts | 48″ | Personal Preference |
| KUFUNG LED Light Bar | 16 Volts | 48″ | Car, Van, SUV, Pickup Truck |
| Nanpoku 48 Inch Light Bar | 12 Volts | 48″ | Van, SUV, Truck, Trailer |
| MIHAZ LED 48″ Tailgate Light Bar | 12 Volts | 48″ | Car, Van, SUV, Truck, Trailer |
| WinPower LED Tailgate Light Bar | 12 Volts | 48″ | Passenger Car, SUV, Truck |
Best 42” Light Bars
| 42″ Light Bars | Size | Voltage | Wattage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nilight ZH114 240W Curved Bar | 42″ | 9-30 Volts | 240 watts |
| YITAMOTOR 400W Curved Light Bar | 42″ | 60 Volts | 400 watts |
| oEdRo Curved LED Light Bar | 42″ | 12 Volts | 1128 watts |
| Nilight 42Inch 240W LED Light Bar | 42″ | 9-32 Volts | 240 Watts |
| AUTOSAVER88 Light Bar AUTO 4D | 42″ | 12 Volts | 240 watts |
| Northpole Light 42” Spot Flood Combo Light Bar | 42″ | 9V-32 Volts | 240 watts |
Best 40” Light Bars
| 40″ Light Bars | Size | Volts | Wattage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuff Stuff 40-Inch LED Light Bar | 40″ | 30 Volts | 240 Watt |
| 4WDKING 40-Inch LED Light Bar | 40″ | 12 Volts | 200 Watt |
| 4WDKING Single Row 40-Inch Light Bar | 40″ | 9-36 Volts | 200 Watt |
| KC Hilites C-Series 40-Inch LED Light Bar | 40″ | 30 Volts | 240 watt |
| DJI 4 X 4 40-Inch Quad Row LED Light Bar | 40″ | 12 Volts | 640 watts |
Best 38” Light Bars
| 38″ Light Bar | Size | Voltage | Wattage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xprite 38″ 30W Work Lightbar | 38″ | 12 Volts | 30 watts |
| BMPUG 210W LED Light Bar | 38″ | 12-24 Volts | 210 watts |
| LAMPHUS 38″ 32W LED Light Bar | 38″ | 9-30 Volts | 32 watts |
| Temco 38″ Industrial 304 W Light Bar | 38″ | 30 Volts | 304 watts |
Best 36” Light Bars
| 36″ Light Bar | Size | Voltage | Wattage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nilight 36-Inch Model | 9-30 Volts | 234 watts | |
| Auxtings 36-Inch Combo Beam Light Bar | 12 Volts | 234 watts | |
| Lamphus 36-Inch Light Bar | 9-32 Volts | 234 watts | |
| XpriteUpgraded UTV-RSL-G2-RYWWYR 36-Inch | 12 Volts | – | |
| Auxtings 36-Inch Light Bar | 12 Volts | 234 watts |
Best 32” Light Bars
| 32″ Light Bar | Size | Voltage | Wattage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nilight – 70004C-A 32 Inch Light Bar | 32″ | 12 Volts | 180 Watt |
| DWVO 32” Light Bar with 8ft Wiring Harness | 32″ | 9-35 Volts | 390 Watt |
| Auxbeam 32” Light Bar | 32″ | 30 Volts | 180 Watt |
| MICTUNING 32inches 3B239C Curved Work Light | 32″ | 12 Volts | 180 Watt |
| AUTOSAVER88 LED Light Bar AUTO 4D | 32″ | 9-35 Volts | 300 Watt |
| MICTUNING 32 Inch Combo Led Light Bar | 32″ | 30 Volts | 180 watts |
Best 30” Light Bars
| Ranking | Product Name | Vehicle Service Type | Fit Type |
| 1 | 4WDKING 150W IP69K Combo LED Work Light | Car, Motorcycle, ATV, SUV, Truck | Universal Fit |
| 2 | Auxbeam 30 inch 198W LED Light Bar | Car, Motorcycle, ATV, SUV, Truck | – |
| 3 | Rough Country 30″ Curved LED Light Bar | Universal | Universal Fit |
| 4 | Xprite 30″ LED Light Bar | ATV, UTV, Truck | Universal Fit |
| 5 | 4WDKING IP68& Premium LED Work Light | ATV, SUV, Truck | Universal Fit |
| 6 | OFFROADTOWN 496W LED Driving Light Bar | Universal | Universal Fit |
Best 28” Light Bars
| Ranking | Product Name | Voltage | Wattage |
| 1 | Northpole Light 28-Inch LED Light Bar | 30 Volts | 180 Watts |
| 2 | Willpower 28-Inch LED Light Bar | 12 Volts | 180 watts |
| 3 | NR Nirider 28-Inch LED Bar | 12 Volts | 240 Watts |
Best 25” Light Bars
| Ranking | Product Name | Voltage | Wattage |
| 1 | Nilight 25-Inch Light Bar | 12 Volts | 3 watts |
| 2 | Nilight Store 25-Inch+Wire | 12 Volts | 180 watts |
| 3 | Turbo SII 162W 25-Inch Light Bar | 12 Volts | 162.00 watts |
Best 24” Light Bars
| Ranking | Product Name | Vehicle Service Type | Fit Type |
| 1 | Yitamotor 4-Pack LED Light Bar | Passenger Car, ATV, SUV, Truck | Universal Fit |
| 2 | Nilight Store Penton LED Light Bar | Car, Bus, Motorcycle, ATV | Universal Fit |
| 3 | Autosaver88 24-Inch Straight Light Bar | Passenger Car, ATV, SUV, Truck | Universal Fit |
| 4 | Yitamotor 2-Piece 24-Inch Light Bar | Car, Golf Cart, Motorcycle, ATV | Universal Fit |
| 5 | Optix Slim 24-Inch LED Light Bar | Truck | Slim |
Best 22” Light Bars
| Ranking | Product Name | Voltage | Wattage |
| 1 | Nilight 70003C-A 22-Inch Light Bar | 12 Volts | 120 watts |
| 2 | Rigidhorse Single Row 22-Inch Light Bar | 12 Volts | 180 watts |
| 3 | Xprite 22-Inch LED Light Bar | 12 Volts | 100 watt |
| 4 | Lightronic 22-Inch LED Light Bar | 12 Volts | 120 watts |
| 5 | DWVO 22-Inch LED Light Bar | – | 300 watts |
| 6 | Greatek 22-Inch LED Light Bar | 30 Volts | 120 watts |
Best 20” Light Bars
| Ranking | Products | Bulb Type | Fit Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nilight 20-Inch 126W LED Light Bar | LED | Universal Fit |
| 2 | Zmoon 20-Inch LED Light Bar | LED | Universal Fit |
| 3 | 4WDKING 20-Inch LED Light Bar | LED | Universal Fit |
| 4 | Nilight 18004C-A 20-Inch 288W LED Light Bar | LED | Universal Fit |
| 5 | Auxbeam 126W 20-Inch LED Light Bar | LED | – |
| 6 | Weisiji 252W 20” LED Light Bar | LED | Universal Fit |
| 7 | Northpole Light 126W 20-Inch LED Light Bar | LED | Universal Fit |
| 8 | Oedro 300W 20-Inch LED Light Bar | LED | Universal Fit |
| 9 | IJDMTOY Lower Grille 20” Light Bar | LED | – |
| 10 | Rigid Industries E-Series 20-Inch Light Ba | LED | Universal Fit |
Best 18” Light Bars
| Ranking | Product Name | Voltage | Wattage |
| 1 | AUSTINGS 18 inch 252W Combo Beam LED Light | 12 Volts | 252 watts |
| 2 | AUXTINGS 18 inch 108W Light Bar | 12 Volts | 108 watts |
| 3 | OFFROADTOWN 18” 360w LED Light Bar | 12 Volts | 360 watts |
| 4 | Willpower 18 Inch 252W Triple Row LED Bar | 12 Volts | 252 watts |
| 5 | OFFROADTOWN 272W LED Light Bar | 12 Volts | 272 watts |
Best 17” Light Bars
| Ranking | Product Name | Voltage | Wattage |
| 1 | Nilight – 60004C-A 17″ Light Bar | 9-30 Volts | 108 watts |
| 2 | Lumitek 17 Inch 108W Inch LED Light Bar | 9V-32 Volts | 108 watts |
| 3 | Willpower 72W Combo LED Light Bar | 12 Volts | 72 watts |
Best 14” Light Bars
| Ranking | Product Name | Light Source Type | Material |
| 1 | Yitamotor 14-Inch LED Light Bar | LED | Aluminum |
| 2 | Zmoon 14-Inch LED Light Bar | LED | Metal |
| 3 | Autofeel 14-Inch Light Bar | LED | Aluminum |
Best 12” Light Bars
| Ranking | Product Name | Material | Light Source Type |
| 1 | Nilight 12-Inch LED Light Bar | Aluminum | LED |
| 2 | Auxbeam 12-Inch LED Light Bar | Aluminum | LED |
| 3 | Lite-Way 12-Inch LED Light Bar | Aluminum | LED |
| 4 | Nilight 12-Inch LED light Bar | Aluminum | LED |
| 5 | Nilight A Triple Row Off-Road Light | Aluminum | LED |
| 6 | Zmoon Five Row 12-Inch LED Light Bar | Aluminum | LED |
Best 10” Light Bars
| Ranking | Product Name | Position | Bulb Type |
| 1 | 4WDKING 10-Inch LED Light Bar | Front | LED |
| 2 | Uni-Shine 10-Inch Slim LED Light Bar | – | LED |
| 3 | Rigid Industries e-Series 10-Inch Spot | – | LED |
| 4 | 4WDKING 10-Inch Double Row LED Light Bar | Front | LED |
| 5 | OZ-USA M-Series 10-Inch LED Mini Light Bar | Rear | LED |
Best 8” Light Bars
| Ranking | Product Name | Voltage | Wattage |
| 1 | Xprite 8″ Work Lightbar | 12 Volts | 30 watts |
| 2 | CO LIGHT 9610A-8 Inch Led Light Bar | 9-32 Volts | 30 watts |
| 3 | Braveway (9610L-8inch) Super Slim Led Light Bar | 12 Volts | 30 watts |
Best 7” Light Bars
| Ranking | Product Name | Voltage | Wattage |
| 1 | Naoevo 240W 7-Inch Light Bar | 12 Volts | 240 watts |
| 2 | Online LED Store (OLS) 7-Inch Light Bar | 12 Volts | 18 watts |
| 3 | Nilight 40001S-B 7-Inch | 9-32 Volts | 30 watts |
Best 6” Light Bars
| Ranking | Product Name | Voltage | Wattage |
| 1 | Yitamotor 2Pcs 6-Inch Light bar | 12 Volts | 18 watts |
| 2 | Swatow Industries 6-Inch LED Light Bars | 12 Volts | 96 Watts |
| 3 | Rigid Industries 106312 E-Series 6-Inch Light Bar | – | – |
| 4 | Partsam 6-Inch 36W LED Light Bar | 12 Volts | 18 watts |
Best 4” Light Bars
| Ranking | Product Name | Wattage | Voltage |
| 1 | Nilight 18W LED Light Bar | 18 watts | 12 Volts |
| 2 | Ambother 120W 4-Inch Light Bar | 60 watts | 12 Volts |
| 3 | Auxbeam 4-Inch LED Light Bar | 18 watts | 9 ~ 32V |
Best 2” Light Bars
| Ranking | Product Name | Vehicle Service Type | Fit Type |
| 1 | EBESTauto 2 Inch LED Lights | Offroad, SUV, ATV, UTV, Pickup | Universal Fit |
| 2 | AgriEyes Motorcycle Auxiliary Light Bar | Motorcycle, SUV, UTV, Truck, | Universal Fit |
| 3 | Chelhead Led Light Bars | Motorcycle, SUV, UTV, Truck | Universal |
FAQs
An LED light bar is a device mounted on the roof of a vehicle, typically a law enforcement or emergency vehicle, that contains a row or rows of lights. The light bars are usually high-intensity LEDs, and are used for a variety of purposes, such as traffic direction, signaling the presence of the vehicle, and providing a warning to other drivers.
When purchasing an LED light bar, it’s important to consider key factors such as brightness, durability, size and shape, number of LEDs, beam pattern, control options and weather resistance.
Spot beam pattern produces a focused and intense light, ideal for long-distance visibility and providing more intense light to a specific spot. Flood beam pattern produces a wide and dispersed light, suitable for short distance visibility and illuminating a large area.
The brightness of an LED light bar is measured in lumens. The higher the lumens, the brighter the light. When purchasing an LED light bar, make sure to choose one with a high lumen output to ensure maximum visibility.
Look for LED light bars that are weather resistant and can withstand a range of temperatures and conditions, such as rain, snow, and heat.
The installation of an LED light bar can vary depending on the type of vehicle and the specific light bar. Make sure to consult the manufacturer’s instructions for specific installation instructions. Basic steps include choosing the right mounting options, connecting the wiring, setting up the control switch, and ensuring that the light bar is securely installed.
Proper care and maintenance of an LED light bar will help to extend its lifespan and ensure optimal performance. Make sure to regularly clean the lens and housing of the light bar to remove any dirt or debris. Additionally, ensure that the connections and wiring are clean and free of corrosion, this can be done by regularly inspecting the wiring and connections, and cleaning them if necessary.
Related: What Gauge Wire for LED Light Bar?
Conclusion
When purchasing an LED light bar, it’s important to consider key factors such as brightness, durability, size and shape, number of LEDs, beam pattern, control options and weather resistance. The Nilight, Auxbeam and Wowlights LED light bars are all great options that offer high performance and durability. Ultimately, the best LED light
