With the many options available to you, it can be difficult to identify the best HID conversion kit without spending hours on end and becoming an expert in the subject. We’ve already done that, so we wanted to compile all of our research about HID conversion kits into one extensive post. We hope you find this useful and a quick way to get the answers you’re looking for.
Our Picks for Best Hid Conversion Kits:
#1 – Kensun HID Conversion Kit
#2 – Innovited HID Conversion Kit
#3 – SDX HID Conversion Kit
What is an HID Conversion Kit?
An HID conversion kit is a collection of parts used to convert a vehicle’s stock halogen headlights to support HID bulbs. Most kits include:
- 2 HID headlight bulbs
- 2 ballasts
- Mounting brackets
- Installation instructions
If your vehicle is already equipped with HID headlights, please refer to our previous article about top HID headlights.
Considerations for our “Best HID Conversion Kit” Competition
There were several factors that we considered as we performed this analysis. We decided to make our top 3 selections based on the most important things to people when they shop for HID conversion kits. Finally, we settled on the following:
- Quality
- Ease of installation
- Color options
- Size options
- Customer reviews
- Price
We scored each hid conversion kit on those 6 factors on a scale from 1-to 5, then we added up the scores and let each kit fall in its rightful place.
Without further ado, the winner of our Best HID Conversion Kit Competition is…
#1 Best HID Conversion Kit: Kensun HID Xenon Conversion Kit
Available Color Options: Pink, Green, 3000K, 4300K, 5000K, 6000K, 8000K, 10000K, 12000K, 15000K, 20000K, 30000K
Warranty: 2 Years
Installation: “Plug & Play”
Technical Support Available from Manufacturer: Yes
Here’s what comes in the kit:
- Smart aluminum carry-case
- One pair of 9006 super-bright performance hid xenon bulbs
- 100% weather-proof, shock-proof, water-proof universal high-performance premium ballasts
- Mounting brackets
- Installation instructions
Here’s how the Kensun HID Conversion Kit scored in the 6 areas:
- Quality: 4
- Ease of installation: 4
- Color options: 5
- Size options: 5
- Customer reviews: 4.5
- Price: 5
- Total: 27.5 out of 30
Although this kit did not score perfectly in all areas, it performed the best of the three. Here are the pros and cons of this kit:
Pros:
- 12 Color Options: Kensun gives enthusiasts so many ways to customize their vehicles. They have options across the entire color temperature spectrum. Although some of them are not street legal, it’s nice to know you still have those options. In our humble opinion, if you want nice bright white and almost bluish light, go for the 6000K. If you’re not a fan of the almost blue look, go for 4300K or 5000K. You’ll be happy there.
- Many Size Options: With as many size options as this hid conversion kit offers, you’re very likely to find a kit that fits your vehicle. Regardless of the vehicle you have, it’s likely that you’ll find a size that fits your vehicle.
- High-Quality Parts: Based on customer reviews alone, it’s easy to see that this kit is made well. Although there are some reported quality issues, this kit satisfies the majority of those who installed it were very happy with this product.
Cons:
- Installation requires new parts: Yes, it is technically “plug and play. However, you’re not just throwing in new bulbs. You’re also adding ballasts. The ballasts do plug right into your factory wiring harness, but you now have to find a place to secure these ballasts. It’s not that big of a deal, but it is something. Most will use zip ties to secure them. Just make sure you don’t set them in there unsecured. They’ll knock around, which could damage the ballasts and perhaps other parts under the hood.
- Reported Quality Issues: I know how quality can be on the pros and cons lists. Well, as mentioned, a large majority of customers had no issues with quality, but some did. For that reason, they earned a con in the quality issues. The good news is that Kensun claims to be #1 in customer service, so if you ever do have any issues, rest assured they’ll take care of them.
Overall, the Kensun HID conversion kit is the best all-around kit available, and it comes at a very low price.
#2 Best HID Conversion Kit: Innovited HID Conversion Kit
Available Color Options: Pink, Green, Purple, 3000K, 4300K, 5000K, 6000K, 8000K, 10000K, 12000K, 30000K
Warranty: 1 Year Parts Warranty
Installation: “Plug & Play”
Technical Support Available from Manufacturer: No
Here’s what comes in the kit:
- 2 55 W HID Bulbs
- 2 55 W AC Ballasts
- Installation instructions
Here’s how the Innovited HID Conversion Kit scored in the 6 areas:
- Quality: 4
- Ease of installation: 3.5
- Color options: 4.5
- Size options: 5
- Customer reviews: 4.5
- Price: 5
- Total: 26.5 out of 30
Although this kit did not score perfectly in all areas, it performed the best of the three. Here are the pros and cons of this kit:
Pros:
- Slim Ballasts: these come with comparatively slim ballasts, which are ideal for vehicles that don’t have much room under the hood for mounting additional hardware. Although these ballasts are slim, you won’t see a decrease in performance.
- 11 Color Options: Innovited provides 11 color options for this hid conversion kit. Most people will end up buying one of two kits, then 5000K or the 6000K, but it’s nice to know that you have options. Compared to Kensun, however, this kit gives you one less option.
- Several Size Options: Unless you own a rare vehicle, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding the size that fits your vehicle.
- Quality Parts: Reviews of this kit indicate that this kit contains high-quality parts. Amazon customers have given this kit 4.5 out of 5 stars after thousands of sales. This item is also the #4 best-selling product in the HID conversion kit category (the Kensun kit is #1).
Cons:
- Questionable mounting bracket: The mounting bracket that is connected to the ballasts allows you to use screws to secure the ballasts to the vehicle. I’m not a big fan of screwing things into metal. It feels too permanent. The best way others have gotten around this is to use strong double-sided sticky tape and stick it to a flat surface under the hood somewhere. Just make sure the thoroughly clean the surface area first for good contact.
In the end, the Innovited HID conversion kit was a very close second place against the Kensuns. Innovited has skipped the fancy carrying case and put money where it counts; into the product. Whether you choose to go with the Innovited kit or the Kensun kit, you’ll be thrilled either way.
#3 Best HID Conversion Kit: SDX HID Conversion Kit
Available Color Options: Pink, Green, 3000K, 4300K, 5000K, 6000K, 8000K, 10000K, 12000K, 15000K, 20000K, 30000K
Warranty: No warranty
Installation: “Plug & Play”
Technical Support Available from Manufacturer: They make claims of “Customer Service.”
Here’s what comes in the kit:
- 2 HID Xenon Bulbs
- 2 Water Proof, Shock Proof Ballasts
- Mounting Brackets
- Installation Instructions
Here’s how the SDX HID Conversion Kit scored in the 6 areas:
- Quality: 3
- Ease of installation: 4
- Color options: 5
- Size options: 5
- Customer reviews: 4
- Price: 5
- Total: 26 out of 30
A score of 26 is good but not as good as the others. Where this kit comes up short is in the quality. Many very satisfied customers had no issues, but a few too many did. The average rating on Amazon is only 4 stars instead of the 4.5 stars that the other two kits had. Four stars are good, but not great. The good news is that this kit is priced the lowest of the three kits, so you’re getting what you pay for. Roll the dice with this kit, or pay a little more for the better kit? Your choice. Chances are you’ll be happy with your choice.
Pros:
- 12 Color Options: SDX offers 12 color options, which is one more than is offered by Innovited. With 12 options, you’re bound to find the color you’re looking for.
- Several Size Options: Fitment will not be an issue with this kit either. You’ll find the size you need unless your vehicle is unique.
Cons:
- No Warranty: There is no warranty with this kit. When you buy headlight bulbs of any kind, it’s always good to have the peace of mind that if they show up and they don’t work, or if they burn out quickly, you’ll be able to get them replaced. SDX claims to be “#1 in customer service,” so there’s a good chance they’ll take care of you if something does happen, but it’s not written, so it’s tough to tell.
- Quality Issues: Based on customer reviews, it appears that there are some quality issues with this HID conversion kit. Most people are very happy and have no issues, but some do.
Conclusion
HID conversion kits have gained a lot of popularity over the years for being a simple way to improve your nighttime driving experience and give your vehicle that high-end luxury look. Frankly, HID technology is superior to that of Halogens.
Regardless of which kit you choose, make sure to take your time and install them correctly.
If you have personal experience with any of the above kits and would like to share it, please leave a comment below.
