Which is brighter, the Philips or the Morimoto?

The Morimoto XB is the brighter option. It runs at 5000K and works on 55W ballasts, which pushes more output than the 35W-only Philips.

The Morimoto is rated at 2500 hours. Philips does not publish a life figure for this bulb, but it keeps about 86% of its intensity after 200 hours versus 83% for the Morimoto.

Is the Morimoto worth the extra $4.41?

Yes if you want 5000K color or run 55W ballasts. If you want the stock 4300K look and a direct OEM fit, save the money and take the Philips.

Will the Morimoto work with my factory ballast?

It is listed as compatible with 35W and 55W ballasts and reported to work with finicky OEM Nissan and Infiniti ballasts. Check your connector is P32D-3 before buying.

Do either come as a pair?

Yes, both are sold as pairs of D2R bulbs. Only the Morimoto listing includes a ballast.

Which is better for a car with 55W ballasts?

The Morimoto. The Philips D2R is rated at 35W only, so it is not the right match for a 55W setup.

Philips D2R Xenon HID Bulb 35W 5000K (pair) vs Morimoto D2R XB 35W HID Bulbs 5000K

Buy the Morimoto XB pair if you want a 5000K aftermarket bulb that works on 35W or 55W ballasts and holds its brightness well. Buy the Philips pair if you want the OEM-standard 4300K color and a direct factory replacement. The Morimoto is about $4.41 more: $22.00 at eBay versus $17.59 at eBay, both as of November 5, 2026.

Today the Philips D2R Xenon HID Bulb 35W 5000K (pair) costs $65.96 less at its best price.

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