Key Differences
| Feature | H4 | H7 |
|---|---|---|
| Filaments | Two (dual beam) | One (single beam) |
| Function | Dipped + main beam combined | Dipped beam only (separate main beam bulb) |
| Wattage | 60/55W | 55W |
| Base Type | P43t (3-pin) | PX26d (2-pin) |
| Headlight Design | Single reflector for both beams | Separate reflectors per beam |
| Common On | Older/budget cars, some vans | Most cars since ~2000 |
| Interchangeable? | No — completely different | |
Which Does My Car Use?
You can’t choose between H4 and H7 — your car’s headlight design determines which you need. Use our bulb finder to check your specific model. As a general rule, if your car has separate bulbs for dipped and main beam, it uses H7 (dipped) + H1 or HB3 (main). If a single bulb handles both, it’s H4.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fit H7 bulbs in H4 sockets?
No. H4 has a 3-pin base (P43t) and H7 has a 2-pin base (PX26d). They are physically different and not interchangeable under any circumstances.
Is H7 better than H4?
Neither is inherently better — they serve different headlight designs. H7 systems tend to produce slightly more focused beams because each function has its own optimised reflector.
Are H4 bulbs being phased out?
Slowly. Most new cars use H7, LED, or matrix LED systems. H4 is still used on some budget models and commercial vehicles, plus it remains common in the used car market.
