14 Best Headlamps [Tested and Reviewed]

Black Diamond’s Spot 400-R Rechargeable Headlamp is one of the best headlamps we reviewed. At 400lm, this headlamp provides enough light for nearly any outdoor activity. It is equipped with 3 types of LEDs and lenses that produce spot mode, wide mode, and red. The wide mode was especially excellent for walks and hiking.

A dimming function allows you to choose which brightness level is right for you and the task. Its PowerTap function illuminates both the wide and spot modes simultaneously, so you get the best of worlds of seeing both near and far. Switching modes is also easy so you can save battery power for when you need it most.

Equipped with a memory function, lock function, and battery indicator, the headlamp is versatile for all outdoor use. It also has a waterproof rating of IP67, so it is resistant to immersion in water. Continuous lighting lasted 6 hours when using PowerTap, but on low-wide mode, it provided light for 24 hours, which means that the rechargeable batteries should last multiple days outdoors.

Black Diamond’s Spot 400 is the alkaline battery version of the 400-R Rechargeable headlamp. It has the same basic specifications of the Spot 400-R, and it too comes with 3 types of LEDs and lenses—spot mode, wide mode, and red.

Due to the change in battery type, this headlamp appears slightly dimmer. However, it remains one of the brightest headlamps we tested. Like the rechargeable version, its wide, spot, and red illuminations can be adjusted steplessly, and it also features the PowerTap function, which allows both spot and wide modes to be illuminated at the same time.

With a memory and separate buttons for mode and power switching, it is convenient to use even while wearing gloves. A lock function and battery indicator round out this top-of-the-line headlamp. Waterproofing is rated at IPX8, making it one of the most water-tight headlamps on the market. Using PowerTap, it remained on for 6 hours, and on low-wide mode, it lasted for 24 hours of continuous use.

Whether to choose the rechargeable or alkaline battery version of this headlamp is a matter of personal choice. Carrying extra batteries might seem inconvenient, but such batteries can be purchased cheaply in nearly any retail store, convenience store, or gas station. So, think carefully about how you want to power your headlamp before choosing one from the Spot 400 line.

Petzl’s Actik Core headlamp has a light output of 600lm, which is extremely bright. There is no distinction between spot and wide modes, but it illuminates both far and near at the same time. During a midnight hike, it was able to illuminate distant signs and obstacles. In pitch-black forests and open areas, it assisted with safe and comfortable hiking.

Lighting modes had four patterns—high, medium, low, and red. You can select the appropriate lighting according to the ambient brightness and use scenario. Its simple design allows changing modes with each press of a large button, making is easy to use even with gloves on. This headlamp features a lock function to prevent accidental lighting.

The waterproof rating is IPX4, which is adequate for most outdoor use, but it is not suitable for heavy rain or submersion. It is powered by alkaline batteries that lasted 6 hours on high and 24 hours on low. Bright and long-lasting, this headlamp is a great overall choice for those who want performance and ease of use.

Ledlenser’s MH10 headlamp is a high-end model for outdoor use. Its 600lm illumination can be freely adjusted by rotating the lens. Both spot and wide modes allow you to light up only the area you need, though it can’t illuminate near and far simultaneously.

No red LED is available, but it comes with color filters that can be placed over the lens, making the illumination either red and green when a filter is attached. When a filter is in place, there is no danger of accidentally turning on a white light, which is great when doing so might frighten animals or give your position away.

A lock function is standard, but this headlamp has no memory. Many LEDS turn on even when its on the dimmest mode, but the highest mode is the default when turned on. This is great for people who prioritize brightness, but it is quite jarring when your eyes have acclimatized to the darkness.

Its waterproof rating is IPX4, so it can handle light rain but nothing heavier, and no submersion. A large battery means that this headlamp can illuminate for a long time. The battery sits at the back of the head, providing a sense of balance. Although pricier than other headlamps, this one doesn’t disappoint when performance and longevity are needed, especially during long hikes in the dark and while exploring caves.

NITECORE’s NU25 UL 400 Lumens Ultralight Rechargeable Headlamp is compact and lightweight, weighing just 1.59 oz. The band is made of rubber, but the body is so light that it sits well on the head. Shaking while running and walking is thus no concern.

Although this headlamp is small, it puts out an impressive illumination for its size at 400lm. Wide mode is sufficient for most tasks, but spot mode was lacking in comparison to others. It features a red LED for those who think they might need one.

No memory means that the last illumination profile is not stored for recall, but its lock function stops it from illuminating accidentally while in transit. A battery level indicator makes it easy to see how much power is left for illumination, so unexpected shut offs are unlikely.

This headlamp’s waterproof rating is IP66, which is sufficient to withstand heavy rain. Using it for several days in damp conditions should thus be no problem. A small battery, however, means that illumination is shorter than other headlamps, but its USB-C charging port makes charging the battery convenient. We recommend using this one as a backup to your primary headlamp, turning to this one in case of malfunction or if a friend forgot theirs.

Ledlenser’s MH5 headlamp has a maximum illumination of 400lm, which makes it great for camping and hiking. The lens can be rotated to adjust the light distribution, and you can freely change the illumination from spot to wide.

 
In addition to a bright mode, this headlamp also offers subdued low and moderate modes, and a red LED, allowing you to choose from among several brightnesses and color to suit your needs. A battery indicator makes it easy to know when it requires charging so you never get caught without power.

It comes with a convenient clip to carry it on your belt or wear it on your chest. It lacks a lock function to prevent accidental illumination, and its protruding operating button can easily be pressed unintentionally. The headlamp’s waterproof rating is IPX4, so light rain is no problem, though heavy rain and submersion are out. Battery life is excellent, allowing several days of occasional use before needing to be recharged. However, charging requires a proprietary cable, so if you misplace the cable or forget to take it with you, you’ll have to do without this headlamp when the batteries wear out.

COAST’s XPH30R is a popular product from the company’s professional series. It features a sturdy aluminum body that is equipped with a magnet. When detached from the headband, it doubles as a work light. At 1200lm in boost mode, this headlamp is extremely bright, though the mode can be used only for short periods. Its high mode is 500lm, which is still impressive for casual use.

By rotating the lens, you can freely change the illumination, and its wide and spot modes make close work and seeing far easy and convenient. It lacks both a lock function and memory, so its operation is more basic than other headlamps. However, its body is durable, so it is less prone to breakage from drops or accidental misuse.

 
The batteries last a long time, but it is heavy, and its center of gravity pulls forward, making it less comfortable to wear on the head in comparison to lighter and more balanced headlamps. Its brightness, longevity, and an included magnet for mounting mean that this headlamp can double as a work light.

Black Diamond's Astro 300 Headlamp has a maximum illumination of 300lm, and its low price makes it one of the company’s best sellers among beginner outdoor enthusiasts. This headlamp has no distribution adjustment; it offers only a wide-angle mode, so it illuminates distant areas poorly. Although it excels at close range, its low illumination in comparison to other headlamps is disappointing if throwing a lot of light is needed.

Illumination is white only, but brightness can be adjusted seamlessly, allowing quick selection to a variety of situations. Since it lacks advanced illumination modes, it operates simply using a single, large button, so it can be operated easily, even with gloves on. A lock function prevents accidental activation.

Battery life is excellent, and its waterproof rating is IPX4, so light rain won’t interfere with this headlamp’s operation. Its simplicity and low price make this headlamp perfect for beginners and those who are unsure of whether their outdoor adventures will continue, or for those looking for a solid backup light.

PETZL’s Tikkina headlamp is an entry-level light that is priced low and has a maximum brightness of 300lm. It lacks multiple functions such as wide and spot modes, offering only a single wide-range illumination. It struggles to illuminate distant areas, but it does well enough up close.

Operation is simple, with lighting modes of low, medium, high, and red cycled through with multiple pushes of a button. Thus, it is easy to use without having to memorize or consult an instruction manual. The addition of a red mode is especially useful for preserving night vision and maintaining your ability to see.

A lock function prevents accidental illumination and its buttons are easy to press, even with gloves on. Battery life is sufficient for long hikes over several days, and since it uses alkaline batteries, replacing dead batteries is easy and inexpensive. However, rechargeable batteries are sold separately if you prefer powering the headlamp that way.

 
A waterproof rating of IPX4 means that light rain is no problem. Overall, this headlamp illuminates well enough for general use. It is lightweight and low priced, so if that matters to you, consider taking this headlamp on your next outing.

Petzl’s Bindi headlamp is small and lightweight at just 1.23 oz., making it one of the lightest headlamps we tested. It is thus comfortable to wear, and it stays in place while walking or running. It produces a wide beam, so although it is great for close use, it is less useful when needing to identify distant objects, signs, or animals.

This headlamp's brightness might be unsatisfactory for very dark environments. It seems that brightness was sacrificed for size and weight when designing this headlamp. However, it is easy to use, and it is constructed to avoid accidental operation. A battery life indicator clearly tells you when power is running out, though since battery capacity is low, expect to use it sparingly while outdoors.

We recommend this headlamp as a backup to your main one, though it might be especially useful to those who run in cities and other places where ambient lighting is available.