What Are the Best F-150 LED Headlight Upgrades by Trim Level and Budget?

Upgrading the headlights on a Ford F-150 can be literally a night-and-day difference. Even some of the newer F-150 models still come with old-school halogen headlamps, which are lacking in terms of performance, to say the least. Even with the higher trims, the lights can still be improved upon. In short, a headlight upgrade is worth it. With options ranging from simple light bulb replacements to full projector assemblies, the right choice comes down to your trim and how much you want to invest. We’re here to help you make that choice.

DIY or Professional Installation?

Before diving into product recommendations, it’s worth talking about installation itself. If you’re a DIY enthusiast, swapping a bulb for an LED will be simple for you. However, when it comes to upgrades involving the replacement of the entire headlight housing, it gets a lot more involved. Especially when making the change from halogen to LED. Plug-and-play assemblies, like those sold at our store, simplify the installation process because they are typically designed for direct replacement with factory connectors. Nonetheless, if you’re unfamiliar with wiring or concerned about the alignment of the lights, professional installation is the better and safer option. A specialized shop will ensure the beam pattern is properly adjusted so you don’t blind oncoming drivers and that all electrical connections are secure.

Entry-Level Trims - XL & XLT

For XL and XLT owners, the headlight upgrade will be the most significant. The jump from halogen to LED headlights is huge. The stock halogen lights that are usually on these trims give a yellowish beam that doesn’t reach far into the distance and struggles on dark backroads and in bad weather. The change here is foremost about performance. A cost-effective upgrade is the OLM Essential Series LED Headlights, which come in at around $800. They are a direct plug-and-play replacement for factory halogen headlights, which makes them suitable even for a DIY installation. The brightness and general performance are not on par with something like the OLM’s Infinite Series, but they are still a significant upgrade, keeping price in mind. If you’re after something even more affordable, a good entry-level option is the sole replacement of the bulbs, while keeping your factory headlight assembly. With that said, avoid the cheapest option and shell out around $200 for something like the Infinity Beam LED Headlight Bulbs, which you can use as a direct H7 replacement for a plug-and-play installation.

Mid-Level Trims - Lariat & King Ranch

Mid-level trims like the Lariat and King Ranch offer more standard features and better lighting. Still, the performance of the headlights can be a little lacking. With a higher trim model, we recommend slightly more advanced headlights than we would’ve for the XL and XLT options. A great option in this category is the OLM Infinite Series LED Headlights. Priced at around $1,500, these headlights have a unique look with an all-black housing covered by a clear lens. The aesthetic is further complemented with snow-white DRLs and four powerful LED projectors. In short, with the OLM Infinite Series, you get a sporty yet luxurious look and excellent lighting.

High-End Trims - Platinum & Limited

At the top of the range, trims like Platinum and Limited are already equipped with premium LED headlights from the factory. That doesn’t mean aftermarket options have no place. More than improving the lighting itself, the goal is to customize, as aftermarket LEDs come in unique styles that can separate your truck from every other on the road.

The Morimoto XB LED Headlights are what we recommend in this category. The bright Osram 5000K LED daytime running lights will set you apart, together with the headlight design using a combination of a black housing and a clear lens. The Morimoto XB headlights are particularly good for their sharp beam cutoffs and improved peripheral lighting. Priced around $1,900, they are on the expensive side, but the performance and looks are worth it. The Morimoto XB is the way to go if your F-150 is already equipped with high-end headlamps from the factory, but you still want a slight edge and sharper looks.

Get Your F-150 LED Headlights Now

No matter which F-150 trim you drive, upgrading headlights to LED can be a significant change for the better. With XL and XLT trims, you’ll see the most dramatic transformation for sure, turning weak halogen beams into sharp LEDs, matching modern cars. Higher-end trims may not experience such drastic improvements with aftermarket LED headlamps, but even then, it can bring the truck’s capabilities a little further and enhance the design.

Whatever trim level you drive, find your F-150’s new headlights here at AmericanTrucks. A massive selection, excellent customer support, and fast shipping makes it stress-free to shop right here.