How we researched this guide
We compared 5 color-changing auxiliary lights from one maker, Auxbeam, because that maker publishes the mode, wattage and control details this topic needs: 2 pod pairs at 3 inches, 1 light bar at 20 inches, and 2 rock-light kits at 8 pods and 2 pods. We checked maker listing records for every light, including part numbers ZD000895-AB, ZD000867-AB, ZD000644, QPAB011600 and QPAB010360, and we reviewed owner-facing coverage from 3 independent guides about the Color Play pods and the rock-light family. No product in this guide was trialled by this site, and every figure below is a maker rating or a paraphrased owner report with a link.
We rejected lights whose ASIN, wattage class or control method could not be verified from a listing record or a manual record, and we print Not published wherever the evidence checked gave no figure, rather than guessing. The key finding of this guide is that color-changing lights split into two jobs: driving lights that change color for fog, dust and signalling, and accent lights that change color for looks. Mixing those jobs up is how buyers end up with a pretty light that cannot see down a trail, or a bright light that cannot do a colour show.
The 30-second answer
The best color-changing auxiliary lights are the Auxbeam Color Play RGBW LED Pod Lights 3 inch, 116W for most buyers, because they combine a real driving beam with 7 dynamic gradient cycle backlight colours, RGBW colour changing, a spot-flood combo beam and clear plus amber inner covers. Buy the Auxbeam Color Play Amber and White LED Pods 3 inch, 100W if the priority is amber and white signalling with DRL and turn signal in one unit. Buy the Auxbeam 6-Mode Amber and White LED Light Bar 20 inch, 420W for maximum forward coverage with six modes and a strobe. Buy the Auxbeam RGB LED Rock Lights 8 pods for a full app-controlled underglow show, or the Auxbeam RGB LED Rock Lights 2 pods for a small accent job without a controller. Check local rules before using coloured lights on public roads, because many jurisdictions restrict coloured forward lighting to off-road use.
Best overall
Auxbeam Color Play RGBW LED Pod Lights 3 inch, 116W
The Auxbeam Color Play RGBW pods are the pick for most buyers. They are 3-inch pods rated at 116 watts with a spot-flood combo beam, 7 dynamic gradient cycle backlight colours and RGBW colour changing, plus clear and amber inner covers for fog and dust.
Best amber and white signalling
Auxbeam Color Play Amber and White LED Pods 3 inch, 100W
The Auxbeam amber and white pods are the pick for signalling-first buyers. They are 3-inch pods rated at 100 watts with 11,600 lumens, a spot-flood combo beam, amber and white DRL plus a turn signal, and TIR optics, with a 2-year warranty.
Best light bar
Auxbeam 6-Mode Amber and White LED Light Bar 20 inch, 420W
The Auxbeam 20-inch bar is the pick for maximum forward coverage. It is rated at 420 watts with six modes including a strobe and a memory function, and it changes between amber and white for fog, dust and signalling.
Best rock light show
Auxbeam RGB LED Rock Lights 8 pods
The Auxbeam 8-pod rock lights are the pick for a full underglow show. They are app and remote controlled with Bluetooth, a brake mode, music and voice sync, and aluminium housings, so the whole underside of the vehicle becomes the display.
Best small accent kit
Auxbeam RGB LED Rock Lights 2 pods (no controller)
The Auxbeam 2-pod rock lights are the pick for a small accent job. They are waterproof RGB pods without a controller, so they suit a buyer who wants colour under a bumper or in a wheel well without the full app-controlled kit.
Quick compare: color-changing auxiliary lights side by side
| Light | Power | Type | Best for | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auxbeam Color Play RGBW LED Pod Lights 3 inch, 116W | 116 W | RGBW pods | Gradient backlight | Check Price |
| Auxbeam Color Play Amber and White LED Pods 3 inch, 100W | 100 W | Amber/white pods | DRL + turn signal | Check Price |
| Auxbeam 6-Mode Amber and White LED Light Bar 20 inch, 420W | 420 W | 20 in bar | 6 modes + strobe | Check Price |
| Auxbeam RGB LED Rock Lights 8 pods | 8 pods | App + remote | Brake + music sync | Check Price |
| Auxbeam RGB LED Rock Lights 2 pods (no controller) | 2 pods | No controller | Small accent | Check Price |
Pods and bars are driving lights; rock lights are accent lights. That distinction matters more than any single spec, because a buyer who confuses them ends up with a pretty accent that cannot see down a trail. Our LED light bars guide covers the wider bar market.
Light finder: how many watts will the auxiliary circuit carry?
Enter the total wattage planned for the auxiliary driving circuit, not for accent lighting. The finder routes only to driving lights in this guide: pods at 100 or 116 watts, or the 420-watt bar. Rock lights are accent lighting and are not routed by wattage, because their wattage was not published in the evidence checked; choose the 8-pod kit for a full show or the 2-pod kit for a small accent job directly.
How to choose color-changing auxiliary lights
Driving light or accent light
Driving lights throw a beam down the road or trail, while accent lights wash a surface with colour. Pods and bars are driving lights; rock lights are accent lights. Choose the job first, because a rock light cannot replace a pod, and a pod cannot do an underglow show, no matter how many colours either one offers.
Colour range: amber, white or full RGB
Amber and white pods change between two useful colours for fog, dust and signalling, while RGBW pods add a full colour range plus a gradient backlight for show use. Amber cuts through airborne particles better than white, which is why fog and dust buyers should prioritise amber. Full RGB is a show feature first and a driving feature second.
Beam pattern: spot, flood or combo
A spot beam reaches far and narrow, a flood beam spreads wide and short, and a spot-flood combo balances both. Trail driving at speed needs spot reach, while slow technical driving needs flood spread, and most buyers are best served by a combo. Check the beam description before ordering, because a flood-only light disappoints at speed.
Control: switch, remote or app
A plain switch is the simplest control, a remote adds mode selection without an app, and an app adds colours, patterns, music sync and brake modes at the cost of setup time. Rock-light buyers who will actually use the app should buy the app kit, while buyers who will leave the lights on one colour should save the money and buy the simpler kit.
Wiring and circuit capacity
Auxiliary lights draw real current: 100 watts at 12 volts is about 8 amps, and 420 watts is about 35 amps. Every light in this guide needs its own fused relay circuit, sized for its draw, and never a shared factory lighting circuit. Check the vehicle alternator and battery capacity before adding a high-draw bar.
Legality on public roads
Coloured forward lighting is restricted in many jurisdictions, and strobes and coloured beams that are legal off-road may be illegal on public roads. Check local rules before using coloured lights on the road, and use white driving light plus amber fog light on the road where the rules require it. This guide covers off-road and show use first.
Output and mode data: the lights in this guide
| Light | Wattage | Modes and colour | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color Play RGBW pods | 116 W | RGBW, 7 gradient backlight | Maker listing |
| Amber and white pods | 100 W | Amber/white, DRL, turn signal | Maker listing |
| 6-mode bar | 420 W | 6 modes, strobe, memory | Maker listing |
| Rock lights 8 pods | Not published | App, brake, music, voice | Family manual |
| Rock lights 2 pods | Not published | RGB, no controller | Maker listing |
Wattage and mode rows come from maker listings and family manuals, and Not published means the evidence checked gave no figure. A beam-distance figure was not published for any light in this guide, so none is claimed. Our off-road light bars guide covers beam choice for trail use.
Lights by budget
| Tier | What you get | Example pick | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small accent | A 2-pod colour accent with no controller | Auxbeam RGB LED Rock Lights 2 pods (no controller) | Check Price |
| Signalling | Amber and white pods with DRL and turn signal | Auxbeam Color Play Amber and White LED Pods 3 inch, 100W | Check Price |
| Colour driving | RGBW pods with gradient backlight | Auxbeam Color Play RGBW LED Pod Lights 3 inch, 116W | Check Price |
| Full show | An 8-pod app-controlled underglow kit | Auxbeam RGB LED Rock Lights 8 pods | Check Price |
| Maximum coverage | A 420-watt bar with six modes | Auxbeam 6-Mode Amber and White LED Light Bar 20 inch, 420W | Check Price |
There are no prices in this guide, by site rule, so judge a tier by what it buys: beam, colour range, control and coverage. A tier that buys a show feature nobody uses is not better value than a tier with a beam the buyer uses nightly. See our exterior LED light bars guide and our beginner off-road light bars guide for the wider market.
Types: pods, bars and rock lights
| Type | Pros | Cons | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pods | Compact, aimable, paired | Narrower coverage than a bar | Ditch and bumper mounts |
| Light bar | Wide forward coverage | Large, high draw | Roof and bumper mounts |
| Rock lights | Full underbody colour show | Accent only, no driving beam | Show and trail meets |
| Amber/white | Fog, dust and signalling | No full RGB range | Mixed-condition driving |
A pod pair and a bar suit different mounts even when the wattage matches: pods aim independently, while a bar floods one wide front. Our portable LED light bars guide and our LED light bars guide cover both types.
Detailed reviews: 5 color-changing auxiliary lights
Each review below follows the same shape: why it is our pick, its key specs, what it fits, what owners report, who should not buy it, and what to pair it with. Every figure comes from the research notes for this guide, and Not published means the evidence checked gave no figure. A beam-distance figure was not published for any light here, so none is claimed anywhere in this guide.
Best overall: Auxbeam Color Play RGBW LED Pod Lights 3 inch, 116W
Best overall
Why the Auxbeam Color Play RGBW LED Pod Lights 3 inch, 116W is our pick
The Auxbeam Color Play RGBW pods are the pick for most buyers. They are 3-inch pods rated at 116 watts with a spot-flood combo beam, 7 dynamic gradient cycle backlight colours and RGBW colour changing, which means the same pair covers driving light, colour accent and backlight show without a second purchase. The kit includes 2 pods, 2 clear inner covers, 2 amber inner covers, a specific wiring harness, screw accessories and a user manual, and the housing uses aluminium, polycarbonate and stainless steel, so the colour feature does not come at the cost of build quality.
Auxbeam Color Play RGBW LED Pod Lights 3 inch, 116W key specs
- Size: 3 in
- Wattage: 116 W
- Beam: Spot-flood combo
- Colour: RGBW, 7 dynamic gradient cycle backlight
- Covers: Clear + amber inner covers included
- Material: Aluminium, polycarbonate, stainless steel
- Part number: ZD000895-AB
- Kit contents: 2 pods, covers, harness, screws, manual
- Water resistance: Waterproof (maker summary)
- Beam distance: Not published in the evidence checked
- Lumens: Not published in the evidence checked
- Warranty: Not published in the evidence checked
Auxbeam Color Play RGBW LED Pod Lights 3 inch, 116W: fits and best for
These pods fit a truck, Jeep, ATV or SUV owner who wants one pair of auxiliary lights that does driving, colour and show duty. They fit ditch-light, bumper or roof mounts where a 3-inch pod belongs, and they suit off-road and trail use where coloured backlight is legal and welcome. They do not fit a buyer who needs a published beam-distance figure before ordering, because the evidence checked gave none.
Auxbeam Color Play RGBW LED Pod Lights 3 inch, 116W pros and watch-outs
- 116 W spot-flood combo beam
- 7 gradient cycle backlight colours
- Clear and amber covers included
- Aluminium, polycarbonate and stainless build
- Beam distance not published in the evidence checked
- Coloured forward light may be restricted on public roads
- RGBW show features add wiring complexity
- Lumens not published in the evidence checked
Auxbeam Color Play RGBW LED Pod Lights 3 inch, 116W: what owners report
A review of the Color Play 116W pods describes 7 colours, an RGBW backlight and a gradient cycle, and notes that no specific beam-distance claims are published for the pods, which matches this guide's Not published cell. Source
Manual coverage of the Color Play RGB pod family describes 7 distinct colours, an RGB gradient cycle synchronisable between multiple lights, a two-button remote, an IP68 waterproof rating and drop and freeze testing. Source
Auxbeam Color Play RGBW LED Pod Lights 3 inch, 116W: who should not buy
Do not buy these pods if the priority is a published beam distance or a street-legal forward light, because the evidence checked gave no beam distance and coloured forward lighting is restricted in many jurisdictions. In that case the amber and white pods below are the signalling-first buy, and a plain white driving light is the street-first buy.
Auxbeam Color Play RGBW LED Pod Lights 3 inch, 116W: pair it with
Pair these pods with a dedicated wiring harness and a relay, so the 116-watt draw runs on its own fused circuit rather than through a factory switch. The 420W bar below is the companion for maximum forward coverage.
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Tip: aim pods slightly down and outward on first install, then adjust on a dark wall, because a pod aimed too high blinds oncoming drivers and wastes its own beam. See our LED light bar review for beam-pattern basics.
Best amber and white signalling: Auxbeam Color Play Amber and White LED Pods 3 inch, 100W
Best amber and white signalling
Why the Auxbeam Color Play Amber and White LED Pods 3 inch, 100W is our pick
The Auxbeam amber and white pods are the pick for signalling-first buyers. They are 3-inch pods rated at 100 watts with 11,600 lumens, a spot-flood combo beam powered by TIR optics, and a 3-in-1 design that combines a main light, a daytime running light and a turn signal in one compact unit, with interchangeable lenses to switch between white for clarity and amber for fog or dust. The maker summary gives a 2-year warranty, which is the strongest warranty statement in this guide.
Auxbeam Color Play Amber and White LED Pods 3 inch, 100W key specs
- Size: 3 in
- Wattage: 100 W
- Lumens: 11,600 lm
- Beam: Spot-flood combo, TIR optics
- Colour: Amber and white
- Functions: Main light, DRL, turn signal
- Colour temperature: 6500K white / 3000K amber (maker summary)
- Chip: SST25 + 3030 double colour (maker summary)
- Lifetime: 50,000+ hours (maker summary)
- Part number: ZD000867-AB
- Warranty: 2 years (listing summary)
- Beam distance: Not published in the evidence checked
Auxbeam Color Play Amber and White LED Pods 3 inch, 100W: fits and best for
These pods fit a driver who wants auxiliary light plus signalling in one unit, especially for fog, dust and trail conditions where amber cuts through better than white. They fit ditch-light and bumper mounts on trucks, Jeeps, ATVs and SUVs, and they suit a buyer who values a published lumen figure and a 2-year warranty. They do not fit a buyer who wants full RGB colour changing, because these pods change between amber and white only.
Auxbeam Color Play Amber and White LED Pods 3 inch, 100W pros and watch-outs
- 11,600 lumens with a published figure
- DRL and turn signal in one unit
- Amber for fog and dust, white for clarity
- 2-year warranty in the listing summary
- Amber and white only, no full RGB
- Beam distance not published in the evidence checked
- 3-in-1 wiring is more complex than a plain pod
- Not a street-legal substitute for factory signals
Auxbeam Color Play Amber and White LED Pods 3 inch, 100W: what owners report
Maker summaries describe the 3-in-1 design as a main light, DRL and turn signal in one unit, with interchangeable lenses for white clarity or amber fog and dust performance, and TIR optics for a spot-flood combo beam. Source
Listing summaries for the amber and white pods repeat the same essentials: 11,600 lumens, 100 watts, thermal management for sustained output, and a low-profile design that keeps the rig agile. Source
Auxbeam Color Play Amber and White LED Pods 3 inch, 100W: who should not buy
Do not buy these pods for a full colour show, because they change between amber and white only and cannot do RGB gradients. In that case the RGBW pods above are the colour pick, and the rock lights below are the accent-show pick.
Auxbeam Color Play Amber and White LED Pods 3 inch, 100W: pair it with
Pair these pods with the same fused relay circuit as any 100-watt auxiliary light, and wire the DRL and turn-signal functions through their own leads rather than splicing into factory signal wiring without a diagram. The RGBW pods above are the colour companion at the same size.
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Tip: use amber in fog and dust and white on clear trails, because amber scatters less in airborne particles while white gives better clarity on open ground. Our slim LED light bar guide covers beam choice for mixed conditions.
Best light bar: Auxbeam 6-Mode Amber and White LED Light Bar 20 inch, 420W
Best light bar
Why the Auxbeam 6-Mode Amber and White LED Light Bar 20 inch, 420W is our pick
The Auxbeam 20-inch bar is the pick for maximum forward coverage. It is rated at 420 watts with six modes including a strobe and a memory function, which means the last mode returns when the bar is switched back on, and it changes between amber and white for fog, dust and signalling. A bar spreads light across a wide front in a way pods cannot match, which is why it belongs on a roof or bumper mount for open-trail and work-site use rather than as a ditch light.
Auxbeam 6-Mode Amber and White LED Light Bar 20 inch, 420W key specs
- Length: 20 in
- Wattage: 420 W
- Modes: 6, including strobe
- Modes detail: White, amber, white and amber, strobe white, strobe amber, white and amber strobe
- Memory: Yes (maker summary)
- Colour: Amber and white
- Beam: Spot-flood combo (retailer summary)
- Light sources: 120 (maker summary)
- Harness: 16AWG 10 ft wiring harness kit, 1 lead
- Material: Aluminium, bright black finish
- Lumens: Not published in the evidence checked
- Part number: ZD000644
- Water resistance: Not published in the evidence checked
- Warranty: Not published in the evidence checked
- Beam distance: Not published in the evidence checked
Auxbeam 6-Mode Amber and White LED Light Bar 20 inch, 420W: fits and best for
This bar fits a truck or SUV owner who wants wide forward coverage for trails, work sites and open ground, where a single bar replaces several pods. It fits roof and bumper mounts that can carry a 20-inch bar and its wiring, and it suits a buyer who values mode memory and a strobe for signalling. It does not fit a small vehicle or a buyer who wants a low-profile pod, because a 20-inch bar is a visible, high-draw fitting.
Auxbeam 6-Mode Amber and White LED Light Bar 20 inch, 420W pros and watch-outs
- 420 W for wide forward coverage
- Six modes including a strobe
- Memory function returns the last mode
- Amber and white for fog and dust
- Lumens not published in the evidence checked
- Beam pattern not published in the evidence checked
- High draw needs a dedicated fused circuit
- 20-inch size needs a suitable mount
Auxbeam 6-Mode Amber and White LED Light Bar 20 inch, 420W: what owners report
Maker summaries describe the bar as a six-mode amber and white unit with a strobe and a memory function, which is the combination buyers should expect from this part number. Source
Light-bar guides describe bars as the wide-coverage choice versus pods, and they note that mode memory matters in practice because re-selecting a mode on every start is a daily annoyance. Source
Auxbeam 6-Mode Amber and White LED Light Bar 20 inch, 420W: who should not buy
Do not buy this bar for a small vehicle, a low-profile install, or a full RGB colour show, because it is a large amber and white bar, not a pod and not an RGB unit. In that case the RGBW pods above are the compact colour pick, and the rock lights below are the show pick.
Auxbeam 6-Mode Amber and White LED Light Bar 20 inch, 420W: pair it with
Pair this bar with a heavy-gauge fused relay circuit sized for 420 watts, because a bar at this draw must never share a factory lighting circuit. The RGBW pods above are the companion for ditch-light coverage beside the bar.
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Tip: mount the bar behind the roofline or on a bumper with a wind deflector if wind noise appears, because a bare roof bar can whistle at highway speed. See our quality LED light bars guide for mount choices.
Best rock light show: Auxbeam RGB LED Rock Lights 8 pods
Best rock light show
Why the Auxbeam RGB LED Rock Lights 8 pods is our pick
The Auxbeam 8-pod rock lights are the pick for a full underglow show. They are controlled by Bluetooth app and remote, with a brake mode, music sync and voice sync, so the lights react to sound and to braking as well as to a chosen colour, and the aluminium housings suit underbody mounting where stone and water are constant. Eight pods cover wheel wells, underbody and bumpers together, which is why this kit, rather than the 2-pod kit, is the show buy.
Auxbeam RGB LED Rock Lights 8 pods key specs
- Pods: 8
- Control: Bluetooth app + remote
- App: Cool Motor app (family manual)
- Brake mode: Yes (family manual)
- Music sync: Yes (family manual)
- Voice sync: Yes (family manual)
- Chips: 30 x 5050 SMD per family video
- Water resistance: IP67 (family video)
- Material: Aluminium
- Part number: QPAB011600
- Wattage: Not published in the evidence checked
- Warranty: Not published in the evidence checked
Auxbeam RGB LED Rock Lights 8 pods: fits and best for
This kit fits a show, trail and meet-up owner who wants the whole vehicle lit from below, with app control for colours, patterns and music sync. It fits trucks, SUVs, ATVs and UTVs with accessible underbody mounting points, and it suits a buyer who will actually use the app rather than leaving the lights on one colour. It does not fit a buyer who wants driving light, because rock lights are accent lighting, not forward beams.
Auxbeam RGB LED Rock Lights 8 pods pros and watch-outs
- 8 pods for full underbody coverage
- App plus remote control
- Brake mode and music and voice sync
- IP67 waterproof in the family video
- Accent lighting only, not a driving beam
- Wattage not published in the evidence checked
- App setup adds a learning step
- Not a street-legal forward light
Auxbeam RGB LED Rock Lights 8 pods: what owners report
Family manual coverage for the rock-light range describes app and remote control, a brake mode, music sync and voice sync, with daisy-chain wiring that simplifies installation versus older parallel wiring. Source
A family video for the 8-pod rock lights describes 30 LED 5050 SMD chips, an IP67 waterproof rating demonstrated by submersion while operating, plug-and-play connectors and the Cool Motor app with chasing, music and microphone modes. Source
Auxbeam RGB LED Rock Lights 8 pods: who should not buy
Do not buy this kit for driving light or for a small accent job, because rock lights do not throw a forward beam and eight pods are more than a small job needs. In that case the pods above are the driving buy, and the 2-pod kit below is the small accent buy.
Auxbeam RGB LED Rock Lights 8 pods: pair it with
Pair this kit with a fused circuit and a switch panel or relay, so the control box runs on its own protected supply rather than a shared accessory line. The 2-pod kit below is the companion for a second vehicle or a smaller area.
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Tip: test every pod and every mode before final cable routing, because finding a dead pod after the wires are loomed means redoing the whole run. Our LED light bars guide covers budget lighting planning.
Best small accent kit: Auxbeam RGB LED Rock Lights 2 pods (no controller)
Best small accent kit
Why the Auxbeam RGB LED Rock Lights 2 pods (no controller) is our pick
The Auxbeam 2-pod rock lights are the pick for a small accent job. They are waterproof RGB pods sold without a controller, which keeps the kit simple and the install short, and two pods suit a single wheel well, a bumper or a small underbody area rather than a full show. The no-controller design is a trade-off worth stating plainly: it lowers cost and complexity, but it also means no app control, no brake mode and no music sync unless a controller is added separately.
Auxbeam RGB LED Rock Lights 2 pods (no controller) key specs
- Pods: 2
- Controller: None included
- Colour: RGB
- Water resistance: Waterproof (maker summary)
- Material: Aluminium
- Part number: QPAB010360
- App control: No (no controller included)
- Brake mode: No (no controller included)
- Music sync: No (no controller included)
- Wattage: Not published in the evidence checked
- Lumens: Not published in the evidence checked
- Warranty: Not published in the evidence checked
Auxbeam RGB LED Rock Lights 2 pods (no controller): fits and best for
This kit fits a buyer who wants a small colour accent in one area, or a second vehicle that does not justify the full 8-pod kit. It fits a bumper, a single wheel well or a small underbody section, and it suits a buyer who prefers a simple install over app features. It does not fit a buyer who wants app control, brake mode or music sync, because this kit includes no controller.
Auxbeam RGB LED Rock Lights 2 pods (no controller) pros and watch-outs
- Simple install with no controller
- Waterproof RGB pods
- Suits a single area or a second vehicle
- Lowest complexity in this guide
- No app control, brake mode or music sync
- Only 2 pods, not a full show
- Wattage not published in the evidence checked
- Accent lighting only, not a driving beam
Auxbeam RGB LED Rock Lights 2 pods (no controller): what owners report
Maker summaries describe this kit as a waterproof RGB rock-light pair without a controller, which is the honest positioning for a small accent job rather than a show kit. Source
Family manual coverage for the rock-light range describes the app-controlled kits as the feature tier, which confirms by contrast that a no-controller kit trades features for simplicity. Source
Auxbeam RGB LED Rock Lights 2 pods (no controller): who should not buy
Do not buy this kit for a full show or for app features, because it has no controller and only two pods. In that case the 8-pod kit above is the show buy, with app, brake mode and music sync included.
Auxbeam RGB LED Rock Lights 2 pods (no controller): pair it with
Pair this kit with a simple fused switch circuit, since there is no controller to manage, and keep the wiring short and protected from heat and abrasion. The 8-pod kit above is the upgrade path when a full show is wanted.
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Tip: mount accent pods where they wash a surface rather than pointing at eyes, because indirect colour looks better and avoids glare. See our interior LED lights guide for accent-light placement ideas.
Spec comparison
| Spec | Auxbeam Color Play RGBW LED Pod Lights 3 inch, 116W | Auxbeam Color Play Amber and White LED Pods 3 inch, 100W | Auxbeam 6-Mode Amber and White LED Light Bar 20 inch, 420W | Auxbeam RGB LED Rock Lights 8 pods | Auxbeam RGB LED Rock Lights 2 pods (no controller) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 3 in pods | 3 in pods | 20 in bar | 8 pods | 2 pods |
| Wattage | 116 W | 100 W | 420 W | Not published | Not published |
| Lumens | Not published | 11,600 lm | Not published | Not published | Not published |
| Colour | RGBW | Amber/white | Amber/white | RGB | RGB |
| Control | Remote (family) | Switch | Switch | App + remote | None |
| Beam | Spot-flood combo | Spot-flood combo | Not published | Accent | Accent |
| Brake mode | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Music sync | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Part number | ZD000895-AB | ZD000867-AB | ZD000644 | QPAB011600 | QPAB010360 |
| Warranty | Not published | 2 years | Not published | Not published | Not published |
| Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Where a cell reads Not published, the evidence checked gave no figure and none is guessed. The control row matters: only the 8-pod rock-light kit offers app control, brake mode and music sync, while the 2-pod kit has no controller at all.
Installation & wiring basics
Install auxiliary lights on their own fused relay circuit, sized for the light's draw: about 8 amps for a 100-watt pair at 12 volts, about 10 amps for a 116-watt pair, and about 35 amps for a 420-watt bar. Mount pods on ditch-light brackets, bumpers or roof mounts, and mount the bar on a roof or bumper mount that can carry its length and weight, then aim on a dark wall before final tightening. For rock lights, test every pod and every mode before final cable routing, because a dead pod found after looming means redoing the run, and keep wiring away from heat, exhaust and moving suspension parts.
For wiring and switch-panel basics, see our slim LED light bar guide, our LED light bar review and our quality LED light bars guide. Check local rules before using coloured or strobe lighting on public roads, and use white driving light plus amber fog light on the road where the rules require it.
Safety essentials
1. Never aim auxiliary lights at oncoming drivers.
2. Never exceed the fused circuit rating for a light.
3. Never use coloured or strobe lighting where local rules forbid it.
4. Never share a factory lighting circuit with a high-draw auxiliary light.
5. Never route wiring near exhaust, heat or moving parts.
6. Never work on 12-volt wiring with the battery connected.
Three accessory picks from this guide, each with its own button: the RGBW pods as the colour driving pick, the 6-mode bar as the coverage pick, and the 8-pod rock lights as the show pick. For the wider market, see our LED light bars guide and our LED light bars guide.
Auxbeam Color Play RGBW LED Pod Lights 3 inch, 116W: The Auxbeam Color Play RGBW pods are the pick for most buyers. They are 3-inch pods rated at 116 watts with a spot-flood combo beam, 7 dynamic gradient cycle backlight colours and RGBW colour changing, plus clear and amber inner covers for fog and dust.
Auxbeam 6-Mode Amber and White LED Light Bar 20 inch, 420W: The Auxbeam 20-inch bar is the pick for maximum forward coverage. It is rated at 420 watts with six modes including a strobe and a memory function, and it changes between amber and white for fog, dust and signalling.
Auxbeam RGB LED Rock Lights 8 pods: The Auxbeam 8-pod rock lights are the pick for a full underglow show. They are app and remote controlled with Bluetooth, a brake mode, music and voice sync, and aluminium housings, so the whole underside of the vehicle becomes the display.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Light flickers | Loose ground or undersized wiring | Re-ground and check wire gauge |
| One pod dark | Dead pod or broken lead | Test the pod, then the lead |
| App will not connect | Bluetooth pairing or app version | Re-pair and update the app |
| Bar whistles at speed | Bare roof mount | Add a wind deflector |
| Colour stuck on one setting | Remote or controller fault | Test the remote, then the controller |
| Fuse blows repeatedly | Circuit undersized for the draw | Resize the fuse and wiring to the draw |
Who should NOT buy these
Drivers who need a street-legal forward light should not buy coloured or strobe auxiliary lights for road use: many jurisdictions restrict coloured forward lighting to off-road use. A plain white driving light plus an amber fog light is the road-legal combination where the rules require it.
Buyers who want a published beam distance should not buy any light in this guide on that basis: no beam-distance figure was published in the evidence checked for any of the five lights. Choose by wattage, beam description and lumen figure where published, and treat beam distance as unclaimed.
Buyers who want driving light from rock lights should not buy rock lights for that job: rock lights are accent lighting that washes a surface with colour, not forward beams. Our off-road light bars guide covers driving beams.
Buyers who want app features without the app should not buy the 2-pod rock-light kit expecting app control: it includes no controller, so it has no app, brake mode or music sync. The 8-pod kit above is the app-controlled buy.
Small-vehicle owners should not buy the 20-inch bar without checking the mount: a bar needs a roof or bumper mount that can carry its length, and a small vehicle may not have one. The 3-inch pods above fit where a bar cannot.
Final verdict
Best overall: Auxbeam Color Play RGBW LED Pod Lights 3 inch, 116W — Check Price
Best amber and white signalling: Auxbeam Color Play Amber and White LED Pods 3 inch, 100W — Check Price
Best light bar: Auxbeam 6-Mode Amber and White LED Light Bar 20 inch, 420W — Check Price
Best rock light show: Auxbeam RGB LED Rock Lights 8 pods — Check Price
Best small accent kit: Auxbeam RGB LED Rock Lights 2 pods (no controller) — Check Price
FAQ
Are color-changing auxiliary lights legal on public roads?
It depends on the jurisdiction and the colour. Many jurisdictions restrict coloured forward lighting, strobes and coloured beams to off-road use, and require white driving light plus amber fog light on the road. Check local rules before using coloured lights on public roads, and use the off-road and show modes only where they are legal.
What is the difference between RGBW pods and amber and white pods?
RGBW pods change across a full colour range with a gradient backlight, while amber and white pods change between two useful colours for fog, dust and signalling, plus DRL and turn signal. RGBW is a show feature first, while amber and white is a driving feature first, so the choice depends on whether the buyer wants a show or a signal.
Do rock lights help me see the trail?
No. Rock lights are accent lighting that washes the underside and surroundings with colour; they do not throw a forward driving beam. For trail vision, buy pods or a bar, and treat rock lights as a show and camp-light addition rather than a driving light.
How many amps does a 420-watt light bar draw?
About 35 amps at 12 volts, since amps equal watts divided by volts. A 100-watt pod pair draws about 8 amps, and a 116-watt pair draws about 10 amps. Every light in this guide needs its own fused relay circuit sized for its draw, never a shared factory lighting circuit.
What does the memory function on the 6-mode bar do?
It returns the bar to the last mode used when the bar is switched back on, instead of resetting to a default mode. That matters in practice because re-selecting a mode on every start is a daily annoyance, especially for a driver who always uses the same mode.
Can I control the 2-pod rock lights with the app?
No. The 2-pod kit includes no controller, so it has no app control, brake mode or music sync. The 8-pod kit includes app and remote control with brake mode, music sync and voice sync, and it is the buy for anyone who wants those features.
What is TIR optics?
TIR stands for total internal reflection: a lens design that shapes the beam into a spot-flood combo, balancing focused distance with wide coverage. The amber and white pods in this guide use TIR optics, which is why they claim a spot-flood combo rather than a single beam pattern.
Why is amber better in fog and dust?
Amber light scatters less in airborne particles than white light, so it cuts through fog and dust with less back-glare into the driver's eyes. That is why the amber and white pods and the amber bar mode matter for mixed-condition driving, while white gives better clarity on clear ground.
Do I need a relay for auxiliary lights?
Yes. A relay lets a small switch control a large current safely, and a fuse protects the circuit if a wire shorts. Auxiliary lights at 100 to 420 watts must run on their own fused relay circuit, sized for the draw, and never through a factory switch or a shared factory lighting circuit.
Sources
Product sources (maker pages and listing records): Auxbeam Color Play RGBW pods listing record; Auxbeam amber and white pods listing record; Auxbeam 6-mode bar listing record; Auxbeam 8-pod rock lights listing record; Auxbeam 2-pod rock lights listing record; Color Play RGB pods manual video.
Owner and review sources: Color Play 116W pods review; Rock-light family instruction manual; Rock-light family video: IP67, chips, app modes.
Further reading: Color Play 100W flood pods manual video; Color Play 100W combo pods manual video; Six-modes kit retailer description: modes and combo beam.
Listing records are linked through the Check Price buttons in this guide; ASINs and part numbers are listed in the research notes for this guide.
By Leo, Founder, WinchInsider
Leo writes WinchInsider buying guides from maker specifications, manuals and owner reports, so readers can compare products on verified figures rather than headline claims.
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Top pick: Auxbeam Color Play RGBW LED Pod Lights 3 inch, 116W
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