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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 | |
Recommended Bulbs for H4 vs H7
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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.
For the full H4 specification, what the performance-bulb brightness claims actually mean, and the UK legal position on LED retrofits, see H4 bulbs explained.
Recommended Products
Philips RacingVision GT200
Up to 200% more light than the legal minimum standard (Philips’ own claim)
Osram Night Breaker Laser
Up to 150% more light than the minimum ECE R112/R37 requirement (OSRAM’s own claim)
How we check fitment for this guide
We cross-reference fitment figures against manufacturer specifications and OE-supplier catalogue data where available, and matched to the standard codes that actually govern fit — battery type/group sizes, wiper lengths and fitting types, bulb fitment codes, tyre size markings, and oil specifications. We work by make, model, year, engine, and build date, because a single model can take different parts across its life. Where the right part depends on your exact vehicle, we tell you to confirm by registration or VIN. More on our method →