We have probably researched and written about more LED light bars, light pods and other LED vehicle lights than anyone. We breathe LED types, raw lumens, IP ratings, volts and amps like most people breathe air. Our in-depth analyses are based on the characteristics most important for most buyers including price, durability, installation ease, warranty coverage and, of course, superior brightness.
We see so many great products out there and fails, but occasionally there is a standout LED light bar that we want everyone to hear about. In this case, that’s the Auxbeam 20-inch light bar that we review in exquisite detail below.
If you are a first-time LED light bar buyer or are trying to boost your current lighting solution for recreation, home or work, please consider this one. We are sure you will not be disappointed.
Auxbeam 126W 20-Inch 42-LED Light Bar With Spot/Flood Combo Beam
A 20-inch dual-row LED light bar is one of the most popular sizes on the market for a wide variety of applications. In this category, the Auxbeam 20-inch LED light bar with combination beam is absolutely the best light bar for the money. Its illumination performance, sturdy build and low price make it one of the best light bars we have ever reviewed.
For starters, it delivers a dark-destroying super-bright beam from a total of 42 high-intensity, 3W, 50,000-hour LEDs arranged in two horizontal rows. It features a center section of 18 LEDs whose light is combined via special 3D reflector and lens optics to concentrate nearly 100 percent of each LED’s illuminating power forward.
This light bar’s Auxbeam 3D optics generate a penetrating, long-distance 30-degree spot beam. That beam is augmented by two 12-LED side sections that output a rich 60-degree flood beam. You end up with a hotspot-free broad and wide area of illumination that literally turns night into day.
In total, the 42 LEDs produce up to 12,600 raw lumens of cool white bright illumination that draw 10 or less amps of current from any 12V or 24V DC electrical system owing to high-quality LED driver circuitry. Numerous, deep and textured cooling fins efficiently wick away heat from the lamps and interior electronics that increase LED lifespan.
Both the 6063 die-cast aluminum housing and the unbreakable polycarbonate lens are sealed tightly against the intrusion of rain, fog, snow and dust. In fact, the IP67 rating of this outstanding light bar means it can withstand water immersion up to a depth of three feet for up to 30 minutes.
Our light bar review revealed that one reason this size of light bar is so popular is because it easily fits so many places such as bumper gaps, brush guards and overhead light rails. This Auxbeam light bar’s length and light weight also make it ideal for use as a portable light. It can be mounted on a tripod or via a clamp and run from any handy 12V battery, small generator or a residential solar panel.
Auxbeam facilitates this light’s mounting versatility with full-length sliding post mounts that permit about 45 degrees of vertical adjustment. Thus, you will find these commonly mounted on 4x4s, trucks, heavy equipment, ATVs and even motorcycles. Weighing only four pounds, they are also ideal for detachable worksite or campsite lights.
Features
- 42 top-quality 3W 6000K bright white LEDs
- Dual-row design efficiently doubles light capacity
- Housing-integrated cooling fins are textured to increase heat sink surface area
- Center 30-degree spot beam plus two 60-degree end-positioned flood beams
- Overall dimensions: 20 x 3.3 x 2.5 inches
- Weighs in at only 4.05 lbs.
- Two post mounts in a full-length channel can match any mount point
- Slotted mounts make accurate vertical aiming a breeze
- 9-36V DC voltage input range is supplied by precise LED drivers
- Draws 10A on a 12V DC system, half that amperage on 24V
- Respectable IP67 waterproof, dust proof and shockproof rating
- Two-year warranty against defects from Auxbeam
What Customers Are Saying
Of course, the number one feature customers expect from any light bar is astounding brightness. Their feedback and our own Auxbeam review confirm that this light bar “rocks” on that account as one customer put it. Most buyers find this single feature alone completely satisfying especially considering this light bar’s under-$40 price.
Besides oodles of light from an affordable light bar, they love how well this light fits most vehicles thanks to its compact length and the flexible, sliding post mounts. Most buyers’ applications include mounting one or more forward or rearward on Jeeps, trucks and SUVs. However, they are also extremely popular with ATV, UTV and boat owners for nighttime trail riding or fish spotting on lakes and rivers.
Heavy equipment operators in construction or mining tell us that they set these up on the sides to eliminate shadows and improve safety. They also are favored by farmers who must often run tractors, combines and other equipment after dark during the harvest season.
There are a rather small percentage of buyers dissatisfied with the quality of the mounts or that fact that some hardware was missing. Performance of the mounts often depends on how and where they are utilized, of course. Fortunately, Auxbeam is pretty good at providing any missing components or replacing defective lights if you contact them directly.
Pros / Cons
- Tons of light for a truly compact, lightweight LED light bar
- Super affordable LED lighting — under $40 — that fits almost anywhere
- Void-free, long-distance light projection with excellent roadside illumination
- Compatible with a large range of DC electrical systems on vehicles, equipment and boats
- Generous two-year warranty plus responsive customer service
- No wiring harness is included unfortunately. We can recommend this one.
- Instructions are lacking, but there are only two wires to connect.
Goldilocks Installation Size With Impressive Performance and Durability
Smaller light bars or LED light pods often are not bright enough for adequate trail or highway illumination, whereas 30-inch length or longer light bars are difficult to mount where you want them especially down low. This Auxbeam 20-incher offers just the right balance between brightness and ease-of-installation.
Our review of this light gave us a solid, positive impression of its capabilities, rugged design and usability for a wide variety of uses far beyond just lighting up the road. Whatever your application, whether it be recreational, industrial or agricultural, this light will do the job. It even makes an excellent portable light that you could run from a vehicle battery or a solar panel.
The value this light bar offers in terms of power illumination for such a budget-friendly price is quite compelling. We recommend that you buy one now to evaluate it for your specific lighting needs. We are confident you will be adding at least one or two more once you see its outstanding performance for yourself.