
What Is the Difference Between an HID and LED Light?
The difference between HID (High Intensity Discharge) and LED (Light Emitting Diode) lights is based on the technology they use to produce light, as well as their efficiency and lifespan.
HID Lights
HID (High Intensity Discharge) lights generate light through an electrical arc that occurs between two conductors within ionized gas. They require a warm-up period to reach full brightness, and their light output decreases over time as the materials inside the bulb degrade. HID lights also require more energy as they age, and their efficiency declines.
LED Lights
LED (Light Emitting Diode) lights produce light through a semiconductor material that emits visible light when an electrical current passes through it. LEDs reach full brightness instantly and maintain a consistent output throughout their lifespan. They are more energy-efficient than HID lights and have a longer lifespan.
3 common types of high-bay LED lights include:
How LED Improves on HID Light Fixture Options
When comparing HID and LED high bay lighting, LED technology has advanced significantly, overcoming many of the limitations of traditional HID lights.
- Lighting Quality: LED lighting quality is superior in terms of color rendering, color temperature and lumen output (compared to wattage used). These lights don't deteriorate or fade over time like HIDs do.
- Lifespan: LED lights have a much longer lifespan which means that they need to be replaced less frequently than HID varieties. This is particularly important when it comes to high bay lighting which requires lifts or scaffolding to reach the fixtures for removal and installation.
- Energy Costs: Although LED lighting is more expensive at the point of purchase, the price difference is more than made up in the long term due to the fact that they consume much less energy than an HID light fixture. This saves on utility costs over time, and they also don't waste energy emitted as heat.
- Focused Light: Finally, the types of HID lights listed above are omnidirectional, which means that they produce a 360-degree output. With high bay light fixtures, the light needs to be directed down and out towards the floor. Much of this is wasted or needs to be directed using a reflector. LED high bay lights have a more concentrated light beam which means that nothing is wasted. Plus, they don't need to warm up like HIDs do.
LED vs. HID - Which is Better?
HID lights are affordable and provide strong intensity for large areas, but LED lights offer better efficiency, longevity, and overall performance despite their higher initial cost. Here is a look at how HID and LED lights compare:
Attribute |
HID Lights |
LED Lights |
Lumen Output |
High, but fades over time |
High, consistent throughout lifespan |
Energy Efficiency |
Moderate |
High (60-80% more efficient) |
Color Rendering Index |
Low to Moderate |
High (better color accuracy) |
Warm-Up Time |
2-10 minutes |
Instant |
Lifespan |
10,000-20,000 hours |
50,000-100,000 hours |
Maintenance Frequency |
High |
Low |
LED Retrofitting for HID Fixtures
If you already have HID high bay lights installed in your facility, switching to LED doesn’t necessarily mean you need to replace the entire fixture. LED retrofit kits offer a cost-effective solution by allowing you to upgrade the existing fixtures to LED technology without full replacement.
Retrofit kits are designed to replace the internal components of HID fixtures with LED components. The process typically involves removing the old lamp and ballast and installing the LED light source and driver. This preserves the original fixture housing, saving on equipment and installation costs.
Retrofitting is ideal if your existing fixtures are in good condition and meet your current lighting requirements. However, if your fixtures are outdated or not compatible with retrofit kits, replacing them with new LED fixtures may be a better option.
Find The Light Fixture You Need at Warehouse-Lighting.com
Both HID and LED lights have their strong points. That said, comparing HID versus LED will likely lead you to consider LEDs first and foremost. Whether you want a high bay LED or HID light fixture, trust Warehouse-Lighting.com to help you find it — at the best price possible.
SHOP FOR WAREHOUSE & INDUSTRIAL LIGHTING FIXTURES
Condor Premium 2FT LED Linear High Bay Fixture, 85 Watt, 11560 Lumens, CCT Selectable 4000K/5000K, Comparable to 4 lamp T5, 6 Lamp 32W T8 or 250 watt HID

Condor Premium 2FT LED High Bay 155 Watt, 21080 Lumens, CCT Selectable 4000K/5000K, Comparable to 4 Lamp T5HO, 6 Lamp T8 or 320-400 Watt Fixture, 120-277v

Aries G3 LED UFO High Bay, 80/100/150 Wattage Selectable, 120-277V, 21,000 Lumen, CCT Selectable, Black Finish, Comparable to 320-400 Watt Fixture

Aries G3 LED UFO High Bay, 80/100/150 Wattage Selectable, 120-277V, 12,000/14,500/21,000 Lumens, CCT Selectable, White Finish, Comparable to 320-400 Watt Fixture

Shop energy-efficient Linear High Bay LED Lights. Perfect for warehouses and work areas, these fixtures offer long-lasting performance and cost savings.
View (106) Products
Shop Round UFO LED High Bay lights, ideal for high-ceiling industrial and commercial spaces. These round high bay fixtures provide powerful illumination.
View (82) Products
Shop High Bay LED Lights from Warehouse-Lighting.com. Our High Bay LED Lights offer superior illumination and efficiency, perfect for large industrial spaces.
View (205) ProductsConsider Watching These Videos as Well...

Difference Between T5 & T8 High Bay Lighting Fixtures
When choosing lighting solutions, it is always helpful to have a basic understanding of the different elements of lighting. When it comes to the difference between T5 and T8 high bay light...
Watch Video
The Differences Between Metal Halide Lights & Energy Efficient High Bay Lights
When changing out your lighting fixtures, there are many options available and it can become overwhelming. Many people want to change from fluorescent to something a little bit more powerf...
Watch Video
The Differences Between Metal Halide Lights & Energy Efficient High Bay Lights
When changing out your lighting fixtures, there are many options available and it can become overwhelming. Many people want to change from fluorescent to something a little bit more powerf...
Watch Video