Morimoto XB vs. AlphaRex Nova: Which F-150 Headlight is King?
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The 2015–2020 Ford F-150 is one of the most capable trucks ever built. But if you have the XL or XLT trim, you were short-changed in one major department: The Headlights.
The factory chrome housings with halogen bulbs look cheap, and their night-time output is lackluster at best.
The solution? A full LED Headlight Assembly swap. This gives you the stunning "C-Clamp" DRL outline found on the high-end Lariats and Platinums, plus the safety of modern Bi-LED projectors.
But which brand do you trust? The market is dominated by two giants: Morimoto (the established premium choice) and AlphaRex (the innovative challenger with the "Ice Cube" projectors).
Both cost over $1,000. Both feature sequential signals and black housings. But they shine very differently. In this guide, we compare the beam patterns, start-up animations, and warranties of the Morimoto XB and AlphaRex Nova to help you decide where to invest your money.
Compare Headlight Series
Which beam pattern is right for you?
|
Series / Brand |
Technology |
Style |
Best For |
|
Morimoto XB |
Bi-LED Projector. |
OEM+. Clean, blacked-out housing. |
Performance. The benchmark for output and warranty (5-Year). |
|
AlphaRex Nova |
Quad-LED Projector. |
Aggressive. "Ice Cube" 3D lenses. |
Style. Famous for the "Start-Up" light show. |
|
AlphaRex Luxx |
LED Projector. |
Modern. AlphaBlack look. |
Value. Great output at a mid-tier price. |
|
Spyder / Anzo |
Halogen/LED Hybrid. |
Custom. "Switchback" DRLs. |
Budget. Getting the "C-Bar" look for less. |
Frequently Asked Questions (Headlights)
Do I have to remove the grille to install these?
Yes. Ford designed the 13th Gen F-150 so that the headlight bolts are hidden behind the grille and the fender flares. You must remove the radiator cover, unbolt the grille, and pop the fender flares loose to get the headlights out. It sounds intimidating, but it typically takes about 1-2 hours with basic hand tools.
What are "Switchback" signals?
"Switchback" refers to the LED outline strip.
- Running Mode: It glows White (DRL).
- Turning Mode: It switches to Amber and flashes (or sequences) when you hit your turn signal.
- Result: It switches back to White automatically when the turn signal cancels.
Will these blind oncoming traffic?
Not if aimed correctly. Projector headlights (like Morimoto and AlphaRex) have a sharp "Cutoff Line." This means the light stays on the road and out of the eyes of other drivers. However, because you are installing a new housing, you MUST aim them after installation using the adjustment screws on the back of the light.
See the road like never before.
Upgrade to premium LED projectors with sequential signals. Shop our verified collection of [2015–2020 F-150 LED Headlights].