Headlights for Ford F-150
If you are reading this, most likely you have an F-150 truck, and you are looking for an alternative to your stock headlights. Well, there may be different reasons, why you consider aftermarket headlights. Maybe you just wish to refresh the front fascia of your truck, maybe you are looking for better visibility at night, or perhaps the stock lights got damaged and you are looking for the aftermarket option, that will not break the bank.
[ratemypost-result]Trust us, we’ve been working with the lights installation, restoration and adjustment for years, and we know, what people like about the lights, and what’s annoying for many. We get many calls and e-mails from people asking to help them find the best headlights for their F-150s, so we decided to come up with an expert article that will help people narrow their choice of headlights for their trucks.
What are the best headlights for F-150?
Cutting long story short, there is no single answer, as different people have different needs and preferences. Plus, people have different budgets they are ready to spend on the lights and installation. Some can do the installation by themselves, as long as they have instruction, some prefer having the lights professionally installed. Besides, different headlight manufacturers offer many great designs, and you need to pick the lights you like. And, as we all know, tastes differ.
As you see, it’s hard to say, which headlights are the best for your F-150. But we can say, what headlights are really worth considering because of their quality, the way they are built, etc. After all, all the recommendations we provide are based on our experience. We hope this article will be of help to you.
1. Projector headlights with a DRL bar by Spyder [2009 – 2014 Ford F-150]
It’s fair to say, that Spyder headlights are really the most popular aftermarket headlights among our customers. There are many reasons for this, including great value for the money and quite an easy installation. Check out this article to see details on how to align Spyder headlights and get a better idea of what products this manufacturer offers.
Features & what we love
We have selected these lights as the top lights we recommend for the F-150s as they look sharp and do not have any annoying details. After all, F-150 is a big boy and we believe, it does not need colorful LED stripes or 3 halo rings on each side. These lights look serious and custom, and the DRL bar takes after the shape of the light and refreshes the design of the front fascia. If you are into that blacked out look, consider black Spyder headlights for your truck, as they will look like a continuation of the grille. If you like chrome, then pick chrome lights and enjoy that moderate custom touch.
These Spyder lights are made great, the quality of wires and connectors is good enough, so you will not have problems with short circuits, rust, etc. in the future. The plastic is also good. We’ve installed dozens of these lights, and we know, that they are sealed right, and the ventilation holes work. So, you will not have problems with the moisture in the lights. Sure thing, there may be minor moisture in the lights after car wash or rain, but it will disappear quickly.
Weaknesses
There is one thing we do not like about Spyder lights. The exterior plastic lens is way more fragile than the lens of the OEM headlights. So, it will chip sooner. If you want to prolong the lifespan of your Spyder lights, it is a good idea to apply a layer or two of that protective UV coating right away. Also, you can consider a thin headlight protective film by Weathertech or any other brand you like.
Color options and part numbers
As we’ve mentioned before, there are 2 color alternatives for these Spyder headlights.
Chrome projector headlights with an LED DRL bar
Black projector headlights with an LED DRL bar
Why buy?
Now, let’s see these particular halo headlights we have picked as an absolute editor’s choice among all aftermarket headlights available for the 2009 – 2014 Ford F-150. We love these headlights look, as they look really sharp. Some customers even say that this truck should come with such headlights from the factory. Anyways, here are several good reasons to pick these lights as an upgrade for your F-150:
- Reasonable price. This is a great way to jazz up your F-150 for around $300.
- Easy installation. These headlights do not require any modifications to your F-150. The installation is plug-and-play, and if you have basic technical skills, you will be able to install these lights.
- Focused beams. These projector headlights feature a lens, that projects the light emitted by the bulb.
- You do not need an extra inverter to make sure the LED portion works fine. These Spyder headlights will not throw errors, like many other cheap aftermarket headlights with built-in LEDs.
- 2 color options. These headlights by Spyder are available in 2 color options: chrome (with clear lense and chrome-plated background) and black (clear lens and black background).
What is included?
We love, that these headlights come with everything needed, including the bulbs. It is not a secret, that many manufacturers ship their headlights without the bulbs for the high and low beam. And it may be a real challenge to find out the bulb size, as aftermarket headlights normally have bulb sizes that differ from the stock ones. So, here is what comes in the box:
- H7 low/high beam (included – for halogen headlights);
- box;
- installation instruction.
Installation
As it was noted before, the installation is pretty simple, just plug-and-play. However, if you need more detailed instructions, we’ve got one! Just follow this link to get step-by-step installation instruction for Spyder headlights (2009 – 2014 Ford F-150).
Restrictions
There are certain things that you need to know before you go ahead and buy a pair of these lights for your Ford F-150.
- Consider the bulb type you have. These lights will fit only F-150s with stock halogen bulbs (part # PRO-YD-FF15009-LBDRL-BK for black or PRO-YD-FF15009-LBDRL-C for chrome). If you have HIDs (xenon bulbs), you will need part # PRO-YD-FF15013-LBDRL-HID-BK (black) or PRO-YD-FF15013-LBDRL-HID-C (chrome). Refer to the table below. If you order the wrong headlights, these lights will not work.
- Model years these lights work with are 2009 – 2014.
- Note, that in some states aftermarket headlights may be not street-legal. So, it is always a good idea to check this before making a purchase.
Part numbers & bulb types
It is very important to consider the bulb type you have in your Ford from the factory before buying new aftermarket headlights by Spyder. You may have halogen or HID headlights from the factory. Note the part numbers and fitment information before you place your order.
| Color | Type of bulbs | Part number | Price & availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black | Halogen | PRO-YD-FF15009-LBDRL-BK | CHECK |
| Black | HID | PRO-YD-FF15013-LBDRL-HID-BK | CHECK |
| Chrome | Halogen | PRO-YD-FF15009-LBDRL-C | CHECK |
| Chrome | HID | PRO-YD-FF15013-LBDRL-HID-C | CHECK |
Spyder headlights on the F-150
2. Projector headlights with a DRL bar by Anzo [2015 – 2017 Ford F-150]
Anzo headlights are extremely popular among many car and truck owners. It’s fair to say, that Anzo headlights are normally a bit more expensive than the headlights by Spyder or Spec-D. Though, in many cases, they offer a design that looks better on cars and trucks.
We don’t want to say, that Anzo is better than Spyder or vice versa. In the case of these particular lights, the truck really gets that unique touch and finished look. Below we will compare these Anzo lights with very similar headlights by Spyder. We believe, that these Anzo lights not only look better, but also adjust better and as a result, you are getting the more focused beam.
By the way, if you want more information about Anzo, how the manufacturing process works and how their lights are adjusted, check out this article about Anzo.
Features & what we love
We have selected these lights as one of the best headlights to offer our readers, as these lights are decently priced, and make that aggressive front fascia of the F-150 truly unique. When you look at the truck with these lights installed, it seems like they add the detail that the manufacturer has missed.
Unlike the similar Spyder headlights, these ones feature a sequential DRL. It means that the DRL U-bar will work as a turn signal when needed. We love these lights for easy installation and good instruction that comes in the box. In case if due to some reason you haven’t got one, scroll a little down, we’ve got our own instruction with pictures that we will gladly share.
Weaknesses
- There is one thing we do not like about these Anzo lights. In fact, this can be said about almost any aftermarket lights. The exterior plastic lens is way more fragile than the lens of the OEM headlights. So, it will chip sooner. If you want to prolong the lifespan of your Anzo lights, it is a good idea to apply a layer or two of that protective UV coating right away. Also, you can consider a thin headlight protective film by Weathertech or any other brand you like.
- There is one more thing we are not happy about, when talking about these articular headlights. Anzo does not offer the same headlight assembly for the F-150s that feature factory HIDs. In other words, if you have xenon headlight bulbs from the factory, these Anzo headlights are not an option for you.
Anzo headlights for the Ford F-150: Pros and Cons
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| These Anzo headlights for the F-150 look super aggressive and they just have a totally modern look. | However, these Anzo headlights are not perfect, as we have noticed slightly misaligned mounting holes |
| They totally change the look of the truck. | The halogen bulbs the manufacturer includes are not perfect as well. |
| They fit the style of the truck that many are looking for. | Alignment screw for the high beam is located too low, so one cannot adjust high beam without removing the headlight. |
Color options and part numbers
There are 2 color alternatives for these Anzo headlights. You can order a pair of chrome headlights (chrome background and transparent lens) or black ones (black background and clear exterior lens).
Chrome projector swtichback LED U-bar headlights
Why buy?
Now, let’s see at these particular aftermarket headlights. We absolutely recommend these headlights as a good alternative to the OEM F-150 headlights, and here is why. LED part of the lights along with that U-bar make the front fascia of your truck truly distinctive.
We know, that Anzo uses advanced CAD technology to build the LED in properly and make sure it will last. Here are several other reasons to consider Anzo headlights for your Ford F-150:
- Quick plug-and-play installation. You do not need any special tools or skills. Having basic tools, you will be able to get your headlights in.
- Built-in projector lenses, that ensure precise focusing and properly aimed high and low beams.
- High and low beam bulbs included. This is a good thing, since it is a good idea to make sure the lights work right after you install them. You will not be able to use your factory bulbs with these headlights, since they take different bulb size. From our experience we can say, however, that these are simple halogen bulbs you are getting with the headlight assembly by Anzo. It’s better to grab a pair of nice Philips or Sylvania bulbs if you want to benefit from bright light at night.
- 2 color options. These headlights by Spyder are available in 2 color options: chrome (with clear lense and chrome-plated background) and black (clear lens and black background).
- These headlights do not need a CCFL inverter. The headlights already feature everything needed not to throw errors.
What is included?
We love, that these Anzo headlights come with everything needed, including the bulbs. It is not a secret, that many manufacturers ship their headlights without the bulbs for the high and low beam. And it may be a real challenge to find out the bulb size, as aftermarket headlights normally have bulb sizes that differ from the stock ones. So, here is what comes in the box:
- H7 low/high beam;
- box;
- installation instruction.
Legal & quality standards compliance
These headlights by Anzo meet all US standards and are completely legal and secure. Below is the list of standards and supervising organizations that have tested these headlights.
- Headlights by Anzo meet ISO 9002 quality standard.
- QS 9000.
- These lights are approved by the SAE.
- Anzo headlights are completely road legal and meet DOT regulations.
- U-bar headlights by Anzo are compliant with FMVSS 108.
Installation
As it was noted before, the installation of these Anzo headlights is pretty simple and does not require any special skills or tools. It is similar to the installation of many other aftermarket headlights by the different brands. However, we’ve got the installation instruction for these particular headlights for you. Just follow this link to get step-by-step installation instruction for Anzo U-bar headlights (2015 – 2017 Ford F-150).
Restrictions
Here are certain things that you need to know before buying a pair of these Anzo lights for your Ford F-150.
- These lights will NOT fit F-150s with factory HIDs (xenon bulbs).
- These Anzo headlights are designed to replace factory headlights with halogen bulbs.
- Anzo offers this design of lights in 2 variants: chrome and black.
- Model years these lights work with are 2014 – 2017.
- Note, that in some states aftermarket headlights may be not street-legal. So, it is always a good idea to check this before making a purchase.
Part numbers & bulb types
Here is some technical information for you. It is very important to consider the bulb type you have in your Ford from the factory before buying new aftermarket headlights by Anzo. Remember, that these lights will not fit if you have factory HIDs. Note the part numbers and fitment information before you place your order.
| Color | Type of bulbs | Part number | Price & availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black | Halogen | 111357 | CHECK |
| Chrome | Halogen | 111358 | CHECK |
Anzo DRL switchback headlights on the F-150
3.”Mustang LED Tri-Bar” Style Projector Headlights by Recon [2015 – 2017 Ford F-150]
These lights feature that unique touch, as they were made to resemble those Mustang tail lights. As a result, Recon designers came up with aggressive aftermarket headlights, that work right on the Ford trucks. They have used accents and cues from other Ford products to make a sinister-looking headlight.
Let’s start with the basics. First, this new set of recon lights are equipped with a projector low beam lens. Now, this lens design allows the headlight to project light more effectively than the traditional reflector style for safer and brighter driving. What we gravitate towards is the U-bar outlined on the outside of the headlight, as well as the lighted gills on the inside.
If you’re a Ford fan, you know that for designs similar gills like these on the 2015 and up Mustangs. Recon took that same signature Ford look and incorporated them into lights and it definitely works!
Recon Headlights: Things to Know
This is an in-depth look at a brand new product from Recon lighting. Before we dive into the installation process, let us have a little history lesson on the guys behind the making of these headlights. When it comes to custom truck and SUV lighting, the team over at Recon puts their heart and soul into manufacturing only the best aftermarket custom lighting.
They are constantly researching to build lights that are made with the best technology, as well as being completely compatible with all the cool tech that’s equipped on your late-model truck or SUV. Currently, they are working on new tail lights for 2015 to 2017 F-150s. They are designed to be completely compatible with the factory blind-spot monitoring.
When we say the lighting, we mean everything you could want they manufacture:
- headlights;
- taillights;
- auxiliary lighting;
- fog lights;
- LED light strips.
Check out more information about the Recon manufacturing process, headlights adjustment, etc., see our complete guide to Recon lighting.
Pros & Cons
Even though these Recon headlights look great are made right, considering the quality of seals and connections, there are still some things that we did not like about them. We decided to list all strengths and weaknesses into one table to make it easier for you to make a decision.
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| ✔ Distinctive design; ✔ Made in accordance with the Ford styling tweaks; ✔ Excellent quality of materials (connectors, seals, plastic); ✔ Easy installation (no cutting/wiring needed, just plug-and-play); ✔ Street legal in 50 states; ✔ Meet the following global standards: ISO9001: 2000 certification and ISO/TS 16949; ✔ High and low beam bulbs are included. | ✔ More expensive than similar headlights by Spyder and Anzo; ✔ Do not have switchback DRL function; ✔ Manufacturer’s warranty is only 90 days. |
Technical characteristics
As long as we have already noted the main things we wanted to tell you about these headlights, let’s get closer to the technical specifications about these headlights.
- Let’s start with the fact, that these Recon headlights come with everything needed to use them on your F-150 once you are done with the installation. It means that you get the installation instruction in the box, along with wiring and headlight bulbs you need. To be honest, though, it’s better to get the other bulbs, as the ones you get with the headlight assy are so-so. You can keep the turn signal bulb, though.
- The bulb sizes for these headlights are H7 (low), H1 (high), 3157 (turn signal).
- Installation will take you less, than an hour for both sides, as long as you have the basic tools and your vehicle is clean, meaning you do not have to get through a layer of mud to get to the screws. To install the lights, you will need to connect 2 plugs, that’s all.
- These Recon headlights will not work for the F-150s with LED/HID headlights. So, you can buy a set as long as your truck has got factory halogen headlights.
- Recon Mustang-style headlights for Ford F-150 are absolutely street-legal in 50 states.
- These lights meet ISO9001: 2000 certification and ISO/TS 16949 quality standard.
Installation instruction
Now, let’s get a closer look at the headlights that we are installing on the 2015 – 2017 Ford F-150. These headlights by Recon are part number 264290BKC. When it comes to the installation, these lights are a direct bolt-on with no modifications needed and no wiring, just simply plug and play. Follow this link to see detailed step-by-step instruction with pictures!
Recon headlights with LED Tri-bar installed
ABOUT SUSAN ANDREWS
Susan is a technical writer with years of experience in technical sphere. Besides, she is a car enthusiast and never loses an opportunity to visit car events and racing. She is anxious about everything that is fast, loud and bright. Now she is a technical writer at HaloHeadlights.com and is glad to share her knowledge in the car lighting spere with the readers.
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