The 5 Best Tacoma Headlights on the Market

There’s no question that the Toyota Tacoma is one of the best, most complete trucks you can buy. Straight from the factory, Tacomas are well-equipped for just about anything you might throw at them. From hauling mulch to reaching remote off-road locations to transporting kids to and from school, the Toyota Tacoma is the perfect do-it-all mid-size truck.

Even with its superb design and equipment of the lot, many Tacoma owners find it fun to modify their trucks to improve certain features and make the vehicle more their own. Whether your Tacoma comes with halogen or LED headlights, opting for aftermarket lights is a popular choice among enthusiasts. From the unique designs available to the increased light output, there are a number of reasons to swap your factory headlights for aftermarket alternatives.

If you find yourself considering this simple yet impactful modification, you’ve come to the right place. At TacomaBeast, we’ve been able to do hands-on testing with numerous aftermarket Tacoma headlights and determine which are the best. Read on for our top 5 picks for the best Tacoma headlights.

What Makes a Great Aftermarket Headlight?

When considering new headlights for your Toyota Tacoma, it can be difficult to narrow down all of the options and determine which is best for you. While there are many Tacoma aftermarket headlights that get the job done, we’ve found that the best ones strike a balance between the following four factors–ease of installation, light features, light output, and price.

The lights that made our list of the best Toyota Tacoma headlights excelled in all four categories to varying degrees, giving you a spectrum to choose from depending on your needs.

The Best Tacoma Headlights

Based on the criteria above, we installed and tested the top 5 Tacoma aftermarket headlights in a head-to-head comparison. Each of the lights excelled in its own way, with a few rising to the top of our list as the comparison progressed. In order of price from lowest to highest, the Tacoma headlights included in this comparison were as follows.

• Spyder Auto 16-21 Projector Headlights w/Sequential Turn Signal
• Alpha Owls 2016-2020 Quad-Pro LED Projectors
• Morimoto 2016-2022 XB LED Headlights
• Alpha Rex 16-22 TRD Pro Style LED Projectors
• Spyder Auto 2016-2020 Multi-Beam LED Headlights

Spyder Auto Projector Headlights for Toyota Tacoma

The most budget-friendly Tacoma headlight on this list checks in at just over $400. While the adage of getting what you pay for often holds true, this headlight performed admirably in our testing. The daytime running light (DRL) left a lot to be desired, but when it came to the light output that matters to the majority of buyers, these headlights held their own against the stock Tacoma LEDs. Both the low and high beam measurements were comparable to the factory lights–and close to the middle of the pack–despite these headlights being the most affordable by far.

Alpha Owls Quad-Pro Tacoma Headlights

With a unique design that differentiates them from the other options, the Alpha Owls Toyota Tacoma Headlights are an excellent choice for those looking to add a little flair to their truck. These headlights also tested in the middle for most light measurements, making them a solid choice at a reasonable price. While their appearance may be polarizing, there is no doubt that they are a solid option in the sub-$1000 range.

Morimoto XB LED Headlights for Tacoma

The Morimoto aftermarket headlights for the Toyota Tacoma are sleek and simple with a clean DRL and optional sequential turn signal. They are the only headlights we tested that allow you to utilize the sequential turn signal feature or opt for a traditional blinking setting. When compared to the factory Toyota LED headlights, Morimoto consistently outperformed them, only falling short in the DRL brightness test. Installing these headlights is a breeze thanks to clearly-labeled wiring.

Alpha Rex LED Projector Toyota Tacoma Headlights

Neck and neck with the Morimoto headlights in terms of performance–and arguably the most similar in appearance–the Alpha Rex LED Projector Headlights are a stellar option for Tacoma owners. They ranked in the middle to upper echelons of our testing while also providing some unique lighting features that set them apart from the pack. They even topped the DRL brightness test when it came to aftermarket options. The startup sequence, for example, feels like the truck is greeting you as you approach. It’s a small touch that demonstrates the thoughtfulness that Alpha Rex put into their design.

Spyder Auto Multi-Beam Headlights for Toyota Tacoma

When it comes to brightness, no other headlight came close to matching the Spyder Auto Multi-Beam Tacoma Headlights. The low beams and high beams proved to be the brightest tested, making these lights a great option for anyone on the hunt for the most powerful headlights for the Tacoma. When it comes to design, these headlights have perhaps the most unique turn signal of all the lights we compared, giving them a bit of novelty that identifies them as top-of-the-line.

The Best Headlights for Toyota Tacoma

If you have a Tacoma and are interested in replacing your factory headlights with aftermarket alternatives, there are several quality options available to you. We hope you found the results of our testing helpful as you weigh the pros and cons of the top 5 headlights for Toyota Tacomas. The good news is that you can’t go wrong with any of the headlights on this list!

You can find all of the headlights mentioned here on our website, along with a host of other Toyota Tacoma parts, accessories, and gear. If you would like more guidance on your journey to the perfect headlights for your truck, feel free to reach out to us. Our team is knowledgeable and ready to help you reach your vision for your dream Toyota Tacoma.