The Best Headlamps of 2024

The best headlamps are a hotly contested item here in the GearJunkie office. We each have our favorites, and the arguments get hot over the most important headlamp features, specs, and user interfaces.

So every year, we take them to the field and put them to the test head-to-head. We compare their modes and light up distant rock walls. We try their fit one after another to learn about comfort. And we wear them around the campfire, to learn which is most intuitive, which buttons work with gloves, and so forth.

But we don’t stop there. We also take the headlamps home and put them into some measurable testing. We charge them up, and then let them run on “high” mode to find out how they measure up with their claimed run times. And we compare the color rendering, throw distance, and other qualities of the light the lamps produce. Our testers range from former search and rescue personnel to ultramarathoners and rock climbers.

Don’t have time to read this whole article and just want a great, serviceable headlamp at a reasonable price? Just get the Black Diamond Spot 400-R. It’s the most well-rounded headlamp we tested and should function well in almost any use case, from hiking to hunting to mountaineering.

Where the Spot 400-R thrives forms the base of our recommendations. We judged the lights by a few criteria: battery run time, spotlight range, floodlight quality, user interface, size and weight, lighting modes, and price.

Scroll through to see all of our recommended buys. At the end of our list, be sure to check out our helpful Comparison Chart, Price and Value breakdown, and comprehensive Buyer’s Guide.

Editor’s Note: We updated this guide on November 11th, 2024, re-assessing our selection and adding the powerful Black Diamond Distance LT 1100.

The Best Headlamps of 2024

Best Overall Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot 400-R
Best Budget Headlamp: Petzl Tikkina
Runner-Up Best Headlamp: Coast FL85R
Most Comfortable Headlamp: BioLite 325 Headlamp
Best Ultralight Headlamp: Petzl Bindi
Best Multi-Power Headlamp: Petzl Actik Core
Best Headlamp for Running Ultramarathons: Black Diamond Distance 1500
Best Color Rendering Headlamp: Fenix HM 50 V2

Specs

Lumen output: 400 lumens; spotlight to 100 m
Rechargeable: Yes, micro-USB
Burn time: 225 hrs. on low; 4 hrs. on high
Weight: 2.6 oz.
Red light: Yes
Waterproof rating: IP67 (submersible)

Pros

Intuitive user interface
Long battery life
Lightweight

Cons

Not the brightest max output, but still plenty sufficient

The Spot 400-R ($65) has been around for years and has gone through good and bad iterations. But with the most recent refresh, Black Diamond gave us a small, powerful, and effective headlamp that makes it the best all-around headlamp. We’ve had this model in testing for two years now and it’s become my go-to favorite. It’s also proven itself very durable and capable in rough weather.

At 400 lumens max output, the spotlight clearly lights objects out to 100 m. While there are much more powerful headlamps on the market (and a few listed here), this is plenty of power for the vast majority of uses.

And for most users, the medium and low settings, which provide phenomenal runtimes of up to 225 hours on low (4 hours on high), give plenty of light for hiking or doing camp chores.

The user interface of this light is wonderfully simple and intuitive. It has two buttons. One turns it on and off. The other scrolls through settings of spot, proximity, red, and strobe. Hold the button to dim or brighten. It’s a simple, easy-to-learn method that works even with thin gloves.

The light is wonderfully small, weighing just 2.6 ounces. This makes it a great choice if you stow it in a backpack. Finally, it recharges through a common micro-USB charging port. So there’s no need to pack a special cord to recharge this lamp in the field or in your vehicle.

While all these specs are great, real-world testing proved the Spot 400-R is up to a lot of jobs. I used it on a Nebraska turkey hunt during which I camped for a week, and the light shined bright for the entire time. And it was the best-performing small headlamp of more than 20 tested in our longevity test!

Initially turned on high, it ran for more than 24 hours before going into a dim but useable “limp mode.” In doing so, it competed with much larger, more expensive headlamps and left its weight-class competitors in the dust.

Specs

Lumen output: 250 lumens, 10-60 m
Rechargeable: No; 3 AAA batteries needed
Weight: 3 oz.
Burn time: 120 hrs. on low; 2 hrs. max power
Red light: No

Pros

Affordable
Lightweight
Good runtime for the price

Cons

Doesn't come with a rechargeable battery

The Petzl Tikkina headlamp ($25) is just that — a headlamp. It’s not intensely bright, nor does it have a red light. But for $25, you get a decent headlamp that runs on batteries.

You can also purchase 1,250 mAh CORE rechargeable batteries for this lamp if you’re looking to be more eco-conscious.

The Tikkina is fairly lightweight, and it has a high runtime in low-light mode. It offers a low, medium, and bright type of light that easily adjusts via one button.

This headlamp easily fits into our KISS model of efficiency while managing to be at (or under) $20. The only downside is it doesn’t come with a rechargeable battery.

As with most budget lights, you’ll wind up spending more money over time as you buy more and more batteries. But for those looking to avoid a big hit to the wallet, it’ll get the job done on a $20 bill.

Specs

Lumen output: 700 lumens max; floodlight to 70 m, spotlight to 200 m
Rechargeable: Yes, rechargeable battery pack via USB
Burn time: 8.5 hrs. on low; 1 hr. 45 min. on high
Weight: 4.5 oz.
Red light: Yes

Pros

Large, easy-to-use buttons
Rechargeable, but also compatible with alkaline batteries
Top-notch long throw distance

Cons

Shorter run time (9 hours at low light)

If one of our editors had their pick for the best headlamp, it would be the Coast FL85R ($63). What do they love about this big, burly beast of a lamp?

First, it’s got giant buttons for bigger hands that have trouble with smaller buttons. And this makes it much easier to operate while wearing gloves.

You can use these to easily flip from white to red light as well as change the power of your light. Second, you can either use the rechargeable battery pack or switch batteries out for alkaline.

This is a nice feature, especially if you forget to recharge things on the regular. It’s also easy to move from floodlight to spotlight with a simple turn of the dial on the lamp.

But what really blew us away in testing is the long throw of this somewhat modest headlamp. Thanks to the zooming lens of the spotlight, it easily outshined all the headlamps in our test, especially at long distances. Sure, the light quality was not as nice as the Fenix (more on this later), but to clearly see faraway objects, the Coast was a winner.

There are several cons to this headlamp. First, the runtime, even on the low-light setting, is extremely short at under 9 hours. So, you’ll prob want to pack those extra alkaline batteries.

Second, it’s a bit bulkier than some of the lights on this list. Some users noted it bounces a little and can drag down on your forehead.

But as far as simple, robust, and bright go, the Coast FL85R is a winner.

Specs

Lumens output: 325; floodlight to 15 m, spotlight to 70 m
Rechargeable: Yes, micro-USB
Burn time: 40 hours on low, 3 hours on high
Weight: 1.75 oz.
Red light: Yes

Pros

Comfortable
Very light
Sweat-wicking headband

Cons

Short throw range

The BioLite 325 ($50) is a paradigm-shifting headlamp due to its incredibly comfortable headband. This 325-lumen model replaced a previous 330-lumen model in the BioLite lineup, and it was a major improvement because the 325 packs almost as much power but has a much smaller battery and less weight.

While our previous choice was hotly contested by the GearJunkie crew, the BioLite 325 is a much more broadly loved headlamp. Thanks to reengineering to put the battery in the front, as well as better button configuration, the BioLite 325 is an excellent choice for many situations so long as you don’t need huge power or run time.

Want a headlamp for sitting around the campsite? This might be the best on the market. And it’s so comfortable, you’ll never rush to take it off.

The BioLite 325 has a single big button. Press it once to turn it on or off. Press the button continuously to scroll through red, white, and strobing modes. To turn the light up or down, press and hold it once on, and the light dims and brightens. Users find it intuitive and simple.

The light has a decent run time, although many others will outperform it in this capacity. But for a very reasonable price, this is a perfect, comfortable headlamp that can handle light uses like short hikes, camping, or housework with ease.

Specs

Lumen output: 6-200 lumens
Rechargeable: Yes, micro-USB
Weight: 1.2 oz.
Burn time: 50 hrs. on low; 2 hrs. max power
Red light: Yes

Pros

Very Lightweight
Easily adjustable fit
Good value

Cons

Lesser runtime

This well-loved and super-light headlamp is a solid option for those sick of bulky headbands and heavy lights. At 1.2 ounces, the Petzl Bindi ($44) is crazy minimal. And it still boasts fair runtime and decent lumens in comparison to everything else on this list.

The adjustable drawstring band is minimalistic, and it can easily go over your head, hat, or hood. It boasts a 4.7-star rating on Amazon, and the fast adjustment is a huge bonus. Folks love this for search and rescue, running, camping, and anything where a minimal approach is needed. The tilt is highly adjustable, and the cord itself is reflective for safety.

Really, this is a well-loved headlamp at a decent price with a use-case scenario that covers most outdoors people.

Now, for the negatives. The Bindi, while a functional headlamp, is not powerful. At 200 lumens, it has just enough light to comfortably walk on a rough trail. It’ll do the job around camp, but just barely. And with a very small battery, you only get two hours of runtime at 200 lumens. On low, the Bindi’s lighting is very minimal.

So this one is a good choice for those who value lightweight over all else. It provides a minimal level of lighting. So for ultralight backpackers who only need a few minutes of lighting a day, it’s a great way to save weight. Many campers and hikers, though will want a more substantial light.

Read our full review of the Petzl Bindi Headlamp.

Specs

Lumen output: 450 lumens max (90 m throw) for 2 hours
Rechargeable: Yes, also compatible with AAA batteries
Burn time: 2 hours on high, 130 hours on low (8 lumens)
Weight: 75 g
Red light: Yes

Pros

Good value
Rechargeable and compatible with AAA batteries
Comfortable

Cons

Average long-range power

When you want a headlamp that just works simply with plenty of power for the vast majority of outdoor uses, the Petzl Actik Core ($69) is hard to beat. And while it performs as well as most of the lights on this list, it wonderfully can use multiple battery types — AAA batteries or the included Petzl Core rechargeable battery.

Let’s start out with the thing you’ll notice — the user interface. It has a single button on top. Press it once to turn it on. Push it again to increase to full brightness. Press and hold for a red light. It couldn’t be much simpler.

We tested the power and light quality of the Actik Core while camping in the Colorado Rocky Mountains this spring. It offers a nice, even light at close range. Its long-range power is middle-of-the-pack (several other models have better range). And other lights (particularly the fenix models) have much better color rendering, meaning you see color better under their light.

But what we love is the Actik Core uses both the included rechargeable Core battery and AAA batteries. It requires no adapter, so you can switch between them in the field or even carry AAAs as a backup on longer trips.

Of course, it has a red beam. We will barely consider using a headlamp without one, as it’s critical in maintaining night vision, not blinding friends around camp, and conserving battery life.

At about $70, the Actik Core is great. The headband is comfortable, and it’s easy to use. Unless you need a lot of power or a longer range, this headlamp is an excellent choice.

Specs

Lumen output: Up to 1,500 lumens
Rechargeable: Yes, via USB-C or micro-USB
Burn time: 40 hours on low
Weight: 7.5 oz.
Red light: Yes
Rear light: Yes
Waterproof rating: IP67

The Black Diamond Distance 1500 ($200) is a powerful headlamp with a very easy-to-change magnetic battery pack attachment system. It offers an unwavering, clear light beam that varies from up to 1,500 lumens on high (for 100 minutes) or a very serviceable 300 lumens on low for 8 hours.

Our tester Lucy Haines used the Distance 1500 during her podium finish of the Leadville 100 ultramarathon, where it kept her moving from sunset until she crossed the finish line at 3 a.m. She loved the “idiotproof battery situation” that allowed her to switch batteries in less than 10 seconds while moving through aid stations.

Haines also loved the ability to access the very bright, 1,500-lumen “boost” mode with a simple tap to the side of the light. That shot 10-second boost mode allows runners to power up the light briefly to navigate tricky sections of trail or verify whether that weird object is real, or just a hallucination.

The BD Distance 1500 comes with a customizable, removable Comfort Cradle strap over the top, which keeps it from bouncing during runs. In testing the headlamp was very comfortable and never faltered on its way to the podium.

Specs

Lumen output: 700 lumens
Rechargeable: Yes
Weight: 2.5 oz.
Burn time: 42 hrs. (claimed) on low, 3 hrs. on high
Red light: Yes

Pros

Simple user interface
Impressive color rendering

Cons

Not the longest runtime

The HM 50R V2 ($60) is a crazy powerful headlamp for its size. It weighs just 2.75 ounces yet punches out a whopping 700 lumens on turbo mode (400 on high). And it can run a long time even with its tiny battery (3 hours on high, or 48 on low).

The user experience is wonderfully simple. There is a single button on the side. It’s easy to find. Push it once to turn it on. Push again to increase power. Repeat for more. Push and hold for red. Push and long hold to lock. Easy peasy.

Thanks to the diminutive nature, our testers barely noticed this headlamp while testing. It fits great and is extremely comfortable.

The only negative, compared with the Black Diamond Spot 400-R, is that the Fenix died early during our runtime test, turning off after about 7 hours after being started on “high” mode. But in fairness, it shined bright during the test until it shut down. We’ve experienced great longevity in real-world applications so far.

Fenix gives us one exceptional headlamp in the HM 50R V2. For many people, especially those who want good color rendering, it should be high on the list.

Specs

Lumen output: 1,000 (high), 400 (flood)
Rechargeable: Yes, USB-C
Burn time: 23 hrs. on flood low; 5 hrs. on spot
Weight: 5.60 oz.
Red light: Yes
Waterproof rating: IP68 (submersible)

Pros

Very durable; IP68 Submersible
Long 149 meter beam throw
Good runtime
Great user interface, compatible with gloves

Cons

Heavy
Just 5 modes, fewer than many lights

Packing an IP68 rating, an easy user interface even with gloved hands, and solid overall performance, the Coast WPH30R is a great all-around headlamp. But where it really shines is in its durability and easy-to-use simplicity. GearJunkie editor Sean McCoy tested Coast WPH30R during a long autumn of elk and deer hunting in Colorado.

Overall, Sean is very impressed with the user interface. “It was my go-to headlamp during early mornings in camp and late nights on the trail. I used it in rain, snow, and cold conditions. And through it all, I really appreciated the wonderful simplicity of the single button. Just press it once and the light turns on. Press it again to cycle through modes. It’s that simple”

And accessing a red light, which is useful both in camp and while hiking to and from hunting spots, is super easy with a double tap. While it is a little heavy, the WPH30R is really tough. It can handle water submersion up to 5 meters, which is way beyond most headlamps. That’s due to screw-down closures fitted with O-rings. These protect both the removable ZX850 Rechargeable Battery (included) and in-light USB-C charging port.

This light is simple enough to use with gloved hands. The on/off/adjust button is large and easy to find on the side of the light. So when it’s cold this light is a dream. It’s also nice for use when wet, or with dirty or oily hands. The large, tactile button is easy to find regardless. This isn’t the most powerful light on the list, but the 1,000 lumens is perfectly useful for most hiking, camping, hunting, or other general needs.

To save battery, you can use the light on low-power flood mode, which puts out 54 lumens for up to 23 hours. When you need more distance throw, the combined spot and flood mode kicks light out to a respectable 149 meters. Again, not top numbers, but entirely solid for most uses. Overall, the Coast WPH30R works great and hits a good price. For most outdoor activities, this is a nice, easy-to-use headlamp with a good rechargeable battery system.

Specs

Lumen output: Up to 1,100 lumens
Rechargeable: Yes, via USB-C
Burn time: 120 hours on low, 4.25 hours on high
Weight: 3.8 oz.
Red light: Yes
Rear light: No
Waterproof rating: IP67

Pros

Lightweight
Very stable
Batteries are rechargeable and swappable
Light can completely detach from battery for storage
Very powerful for its size

Cons

Power tap feature difficult to use with gloves on
Expensive

The Distance LT 1100 ($120) is similar to its big brother, the Distance 1500, and after getting our hands on this smaller light and putting it to the test on some evening runs and nighttime bouldering sessions, we had to give it a nod. Like so many of the BD headlamps in this guide, it’s bright, easy to keep charged, and has a well-designed user interface.

This light is designed for night running where stability is key, as a headlamp that bounces around will drive you crazy and make it more difficult to see. The Distance 1100 has a wide base and is fairly low profile for being so powerful. If you need to adjust the angle of the beam, the light tilts separately from the battery, so most of the weight stays stable and snug against your forehead. We found this feature great for running and just about every other time we wore the Distance.

Operation is simple. Pressing the right button turns the light off and on, and holding it down adjusts the brightness, while the left button toggles between beam, flood, and colored light modes. The buttons are chunky enough to operate with gloves on. On the side of the headlamp, a touch-sensitive button (not glove-friendly) lets you engage the “power tap” mode, which turns on both the flood and beam lights for a combined 1,100 lumens. This light runs at 600 lumens in the regular max power setting, so the tap is significant. 600 lumens feels plenty bright for running, and the power tap is useful when the trail splits and you need a bigger field of view to do a little route-finding. Hold down both buttons to lock the the headlamp off, or you can even detach the light from the battery, so there is no way of draining it during storage.

The Distance 1100 is twice the price of our top pick, the BD Spot 400, and it doesn’t have the battery life of the Distance 1500 (though you can buy extra batteries from BD and swap out for a freshly charged battery on the go). For folks who don’t want the heft of the Distance 1500, but need more power than the Spot for running or climbing, the 1100 hits the Goldilocks zone.

Specs

Lumen output: 1,000 lumens, 320 m
Rechargeable: Yes
Weight: 6.3 oz.
Burn time: 100 hrs. on low
Red light: Yes

Pros

Extremely bright
Effective reactive technology
Long runtime

Cons

Expensive
Heavy

If money is no object, the best headlamp we tested this year was the Ledlenser MH11 ($160). Why doesn’t it win overall? Well, it costs $180 and is simply overkill for many users.

It’s also a little complicated, with the ability to link to your smartphone via an app. While that isn’t a negative, it’s a bit unnecessary for most people.

So with those caveats out of the way, wow — the Ledlenser MH11 is amazing. It far outpowers the rest of the best headlamps with 1,000 lumens reaching an incredible 320 m into the darkness. And it does this with a simple, single-button user interface we loved in testing. But it does a whole lot more.

First, this headlamp uses reactive technology. That means it turns itself way down if you’re near objects and don’t need the full blast of the 1,000-lumen canon. You can watch it work as you move around, providing the just-right amount of light for the situation.

Next, it offers a wide range of colors — white, red, green, and blue. Read more about why all these colors have their functions below.

Finally, like our runner-up selection from Coast, it has a super easy-to-use zooming bezel. Just twist it a quarter-turn to go from wide to spotlight. It’s a great solution and one of the best we’ve used.

Beyond the price, there are only two cons to this headlamp. At 6.3 ounces, it’s among the heaviest in our testing. But given a whopping runtime of a claimed 100 hours (it won our runtime test handily), it may be worth the heft and cost for many users.

Second, it uses Ledlenser’s proprietary magnetic charging cord. Your other cords won’t work, so don’t forget to pack the headlamp-specific cord for your trip.

Specs

Lumen output: 500 lumens, 12-120 m
Rechargeable: Yes, lithium-ion with micro-USB
Weight: 3.5 oz.
Burn time: 350 hrs. on low; 7 hrs. on high
Red light: Yes
Waterproof Rating: IP67

Pros

Blue, green, and red light options
Effective waterproofing
Comfortable

Cons

Lower total duration burn time

For those of you not intimidated by a more technical tool, we can’t leave out the Black Diamond Storm 500 ($75). This lamp features not only white and red lights that can adjust up and down in intensity but also blue and green light options. Plus, there are five strobe options and a blinking SOS signal.

Red light is great for nighttime when our eyes are more sensitive to white light, while blue light is useful for reading maps in the dark, night fishing, and for hunters who need to spot an animal’s blood. Green lights are also helpful tools for hunting at night, as they won’t startle animals.

The headlamp is also certified to function up to 1 m beneath the water for up to 30 minutes. Score for snorkelers!

Bonus for eco-friendly shoppers: The elastic headband is recycled, thanks to Repreve fiber.

Best Headlamp Comparison Chart

Headlamp	Price	Max Lumen Output	Rechargeable	Max Burn Time	Weight	Waterproof Rating
Black Diamond Spot 400-R	$65	400 lm	Yes	225 hrs. on low; 4 hrs. on high	2.6 oz.	IP67
Petzl Tikkina	$25	250 lm	No	120 hrs.	2.8 oz.	IPX4
Coast FL85R	$63	700 lm	Yes	1 hr., 45 min.	4.5 oz.	IP54
BioLite 325	$50	325 lm	Yes	40 hours on low, 3 hours on high	1.75 oz.	IPX4
Petzl Bi ndi	$44	200 lm	Yes	50 hrs.	2.1 oz.	IPX4
Petzl Actik Core	$69	600 lm	Yes	130 hrs.	2.6 oz.	IPX4
Black Diamond Distance 1500	$200	1,500 lm	Yes	40 hrs.	7.5 oz.	IP67
Ledlenser NEO5R	$70	600 lm	Yes	35 hrs.	3.7 oz.	IP54
Fenix HM 50R V2	$60	700 lm	Yes	42 hrs.	2.75 oz.	IP68
Coast WPH30R	$70	1,000 lm	Yes	23 hrs. on flood low; 5 hrs. on spot	2.6 oz	IP68
Distance LT 1100	$120	1100 lm	Yes	120 hrs on low, 4.25 hrs on high	3.8 oz.	IP67
Ledlenser MH11	$160	1,000 lm	Yes	100 hrs.	6.3 oz.	IP54
Black Diamond Storm 500-R	$75	500 lm	Yes	350 hrs.	3.5 oz.	IP67

We test headlamps and compare brightness and run-time while considering the best applications for each model; (photo/Eric Philips)

How We Tested the Best Headlamps

The GearJunkie team has tested a huge variety of headlamps for countless miles in the woods and at campsites, from hunting to climbing peaks. We polled our crew to determine their absolute favorite headlamps and why. Author and hunt and fish editor Nicole Qualtieri first published this guide in early 2021, and the selection included 9 of the best headlamps available online.

Since then, we’ve refined this guide and kept it updated by testing the latest models. Since then, our list has grown to include 13 models, representing a diversity of manufacturers, from Black Diamond to Fenix.

Additionally, GearJunkie Editor Sean McCoy now contributes most of the testing and hands-on evaluation. Sean is a hunter, skier, runner, and all-round outdoorsman with over 20 years of experience putting gear through the ringer. For headlamps, Sean brings each model on long runs that stretch well past sundown and uses them at hunt camp, where they are put to the test in cold conditions and Sean can evaluate the user interface (the buttons) through a thick pair of gloves.

We’ve also tested many models in a group setting where we can make side-by-side comparisons of brightness and beam length. Our team has used these headlamps for spelunking, backcountry skiing, mountain biking, and running ultramarathons. We’ve also used these headlamps at home — pulling gear out of the crawlspace, unloading the rig post-road trip, and shoveling snow. The utility of a dependable headlamp is prolific.

Some of our editors have used their choice headlamp across every season for many years with no sign of deterioration or a desire to switch. Beyond our team’s experience, we also considered the most popular, most durable, and bestselling headlamps on the market as well as a broad range of price points and features.

For more lighting options, check out our guide to the best headlamps for hunting, and if you’re looking to up your game in camp, have a look at the best camping lanterns.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Headlamp

Headlamp Bulbs: LEDs

Long gone are the days of light bulbs. Modern headlamps almost universally use LEDs (light-emitting diodes). These small, powerful light sources use a tiny fraction of the energy of bulbs. Today, thanks to LEDs, headlamps produce incredibly bright light and run for many hours on rechargeable batteries.

Red light headlamp inside tent — Testing the red light of a headlamp in a tent; (photo/Eric Phillips)

But did you know that all LEDs are not created equal? Yep, LEDs are a rapidly evolving technology. And when you get a good headlamp, one component that makes a big difference is which LED the brand uses.

Some of the very best headlamps use CREE LEDs. Using premium components, manufacturers can enhance headlamp power and light qualities like color rendering and warmth. So, when you spend a little more on a quality headlamp, this is just one of the reasons.

Black Diamond Spot 400 R headlamp — The **Black Diamond Spot 400 R** headlamp is the best for most people; (photo/Sean McCoy)

Color Options

The standard LED color is white (we’ll go into some variations on this in the Color Rendering section below). But many headlamps also have a red LED (or other colors) light.

We consider the red mode on a headlamp to be almost mandatory. That’s because red light preserves your night vision much more than white light.

So, by using a red light while cooking, around the campsite, or even while walking on a trail, you will still be able to see much more of the surrounding landscape, especially under a full moon. Red light also won’t wake up your tentmate as easily if you need to read or get dressed in the dark. And it’s the best color when hanging out with a group as it won’t blind your friends.

Some headlamps also have green and blue LED lights. Blue light is useful for night fishing and for hunters who need to spot an animal’s blood. Blue light also is a good choice for reading maps in the dark, because the tone picks up red lines on the page.

Green lights are a helpful tool for hunting at night. The color is brighter than red, provides better contrast, and won’t startle animals.

Regardless of the color options, be sure to take a little time to learn your headlamp’s user interface so you can switch between them as needed.

A GearJunkie headlamp tester casts a beam during testing; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Lumens (Brightness)

One of the most important components of a headlamp is how much light it produces. We measure this in lumens. Most headlamps have a low, medium, high, and sometimes “turbo” brightness setting, which users can manually adjust via buttons on the headlamp.

The higher the setting, the faster the battery depletes, so Turbo settings are often short-lived and regulated to preserve battery life. Some headlamps also have a dimming option that lets you gradually adjust the brightness level.

Our favorite headlamps range from about 300 to 1,500 lumens at their highest output. For nighttime adventures like trail running or uphill skiing, opt for a headlamp with a max output of at least to 300 lumens, which can spotlight obstacles and wildlife.

LEDs with higher lumens are better for faster activities or spotting far-off objects. But while higher lumens mean more energy consumption, you can always run your battery in low mode, which we recommend if you have a long time afield between recharges. High-speed activities like cycling are best with at least 1,000 lumens of available lighting, and more is better. Faster activities also require a longer beam distance, which we outline below.

Those looking for super-bright lighting can often do better with hand-held flashlights. Check out our guide to the best flashlights here.

Beam Distance & Type

An increase in lumens usually helps boost the distance the light travels, but there’s not a direct correlation. For instance, the Black Diamond Spot 400-R has 400 lumens and a max output of 100 meters Other factors influence how far the illumination travels, such as the LED placement, diameter, and beam type.

Most headlamps have two types of beams. The floodlight is broadly diffused to the area closest to you. This mode conserves battery power while reaching your immediate periphery.

The spotlight is a tight, concentrated beam of light that exposes the environment farther away and with a narrower field of vision. This setting sometimes requires more battery power, and often people manually click between the floodlight and spotlight.

Some headlamps automatically adjust between the two based on the objects in front of you. The automatic mode switch also preserves the battery. Others may use reactive technology to sense how much light to project, again, preserving battery life.

The distance between each headlamp’s floodlight and the spotlight is unique. For example, the BioLite 330 has an LED light of 330 lumens that reaches 16-75 m. The Coast FL85R is 750 lumens and extends 70-200 m — more than the length of two football fields.

One of our testers uses a Fenix headlamp while helping a stranded motorist near our camp test location; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Light Settings

Headlamps typically have multiple light settings that the user controls manually. Those options include a spotlight, which is the headlamp’s maximum light output and illuminates the environment farther away. A lower output setting concentrates light closer to you.

Some headlamps have a technology that automatically adjusts the low and max output based on the objects in front of you, which saves battery power. A handful of designs also have a strobe mode, which is helpful for visibility in areas with high vehicle traffic.

Battery Life

One of the biggest differentiators between headlamps is battery life. The best headlamps have a long life between charges, with some able to run for days on end without recharging.

But a little education goes a long way when it comes to extending battery life. By using the lower power settings and red light, most headlamps will run for many hours.

Some of the best on this list will run for more than 200 hours on low between charges! But using high will suck battery fast. For example, the Petzl Bindi Ultralight Headlamp battery lasts 2 hours in high-output mode and 50 hours in low-output mode.

Before you head out, make sure you understand how to toggle between the modes in order to manage the headlamp’s battery power.

Pull away the protective flap and plug it in! Most headlamps are easily rechargeable, like the BD Spot-R shown here. (photo/Matt Bento)

Rechargeable vs. Conventional Battery Headlamps

Most headlamps these days offer a rechargeable component, but some still rely on regular batteries. Both options can be great depending on how you use your headlamp.

First, note that rechargeable batteries cost a little more at the outset. But given they last for many, many charges, they will be much cheaper over time than buying new batteries over and over.

Next, note that modern rechargeable batteries have gotten really good. You’ll see in our runtime that many of these will run for days without a recharge. And in our testing, they all managed to run for 7 to 24 hours or more. If you need a recharge in the field, just bring a small battery bank to recharge your unit.

There are circumstances where replaceable AAA or AA batteries make the most sense. For example, those running overnight ultramarathons may want to carry an extra set of batteries so they can quickly switch them without having to wait for a headlamp to recharge.

But for most users, a rechargeable battery is reliable, functional, and much more efficient and environmentally friendly. Not only do you produce less waste, but rechargeable batteries require much less energy to produce than disposable batteries and can run for up to 3,000 cycles without losing effectiveness.

You’ll see some headlamps offer both rechargeable batteries and the option for AAA battery functions. These are a great option for folks who want to be sustainable but also might need to rely on the speed of a conventional battery every once in a while.

Biotite Headlamp 330 — GearJunkie editor Mary Murphy wears the Biolite Headlamp 330; (photo/Sean McCoy)

User Interface and Buttons

This is a sticking point for a few folks on the crew. One editor wanted a headlamp that could easily be used with gloves.

Some headlamps offer the ability for the user to program buttons and lighting on their own. As we said earlier, a few headlamps offer apps for a plethora of options.

But, for the great majority of headlamp users, that is really unnecessary and a time-consuming step. Our editors and testers all loved headlamps that were simple to use and didn’t require a steep learning curve.

It’s easy enough to take a few minutes to read the instructions and figure out how to use your headlamp. But for most headlamps, they’re intuitive enough to figure out right out of the box. Those are the headlamps that made our list this year — simply because they offer the least trouble.

Lockability

Most headlamps offer a lock button or switch that prevents them from turning on in your pack and wasting precious battery life (or starting a fire). If you plan to frequently store your headlamp in a bag or backpack, especially while hiking, lockability greatly improves reliability.

On this list, the Black Diamond Spot 400-r is a high-end headlamp with a well-made lock button. When you buy a headlamp, read the instructions to learn how to lock and unlock the light. It’s a valuable feature that will save you an unexpectedly dead headlamp when night falls.

Headband & Adaptability

Headlamps usually sit around the head against the forehead and hair. They typically include one front-facing LED attached to a stretchy elastic strap that’s wide, moisture-wicking, adjustable, and comfortable. The LED slides along the band and is removable, allowing the band to be washed.

There are uncommon headlamp designs, too. For instance, the LED light can be integrated into the band, like on the BioLite 330. Sometimes, a second strap crosses over the top of the head to support a heavier headlamp.

For minimalists, the Petzl Bindi Ultralight Headlamp is constructed with a thin, adjustable drawstring cord.

And other headlamps have a second light or the battery pack on the back of the strap. If you need to wear a hat or helmet, the headlamp will need to fit around that layer.

**Ledlenser NEO 5R** has a nice balance for running since the battery sits on the back of the head; (photo/Sean McCoy)

Headlamp Tilt

Some LED units are adjustable and click up and down to angle the light in an appropriate direction. This feature can be really nice in social settings when you’re trying not to blind another person or when reading a book. It also reduces neck fatigue if you can angle the light down at the right angle to illuminate the trail without craning your neck. Just don’t be surprised if your baseball hat bring blocks the light, so pro-tip; flip your baseball hat backwards when wearing a headlamp at night to get the best performance.

The BD Distance 1100 tilt design keeps the battery snug against your head for better stability while running; (photo/Matt Bento)

Weight

For us, comfort and a lack of bounce are key. Headlamp comfort is influenced by the type of band, adjustability, overall weight, and personal preference.

We’ve found bounce can occur with bulky or cheaply constructed designs that are less streamlined and ergonomic. The weights of our favorite headlamps range from 1.2 to 7 ounces. But heavier headlamps usually need a third strap that goes over the top of your head to ensure comfort for the user.

Water Resistance

Some headlamps have an IPX or IP rating to show how resistant they are to water. IPX0 offers no barrier at all against precipitation, splashes, or sweat. IPX8 provides the greatest amount of protection against full submersion, like if you’re swimming with a headlamp on.

For instance, the Coast FL85R has an IPX4-rated construction, which is sweatproof but not fully waterproof. The Fenix HM 50R V2 has an IP68 rating meaning it can function while completely submerged up to a meter.

Price & Value

Headlamps span a big price range — from $25-$200. Quality choices can be found at both ends of the spectrum, and if you just need a headlamp to see around camp or keep in your car for emergencies, our budget pick will easily suffice. If you want to run or climb at night and are willing to spend a little bit more, you get some pretty cool features like rechargeable batteries, reactive light settings, and enough power to blind anyone headed in your direction.

Budget

If your budget is sub-$50, the Petzl Tikkina ($25) is a capable little headlamp for tooling around camp or working under the hood or under the sink. It runs on AAA batteries and emits a respectable 250 lumens (when the batteries are fresh). Spend $50, and you can upgrade to the Biolite 325, the least expensive headlamp with rechargeable batteries in our guide.

Mid-Tier

Spending $60 to $100 broadens your choices by quite a lot, and almost every headlamp in this price tier has rechargeable batteries. Our top pick is the Black Diamond Spot 400-R ($65), a 400 lumen light with a USB-C port for charging. If you’re hiking on trail or running along the road at night, it’s plenty bright. The Petzl Actik Core ($69) has a 130 hours runtime on its lowest setting and only weighs 2.6 ounces, so it’s a great option for backpacking.

It’s well worth spending a little extra for a brighter light like the BD Distance 1100 if you’re doing a lot of night running; (photo/Tucker Adams)

Premium

$150 and up will get you a high powered light cannon that attaches to your forehead. The $200 Black Diamond Distance 1500 takes the cake here, with a (you guessed it) maximum output of 1,500 lumens, an 8-hour runtime at the 300 lumen setting, and rechargeable batteries that can be swapped out mid race — awesome for ultrarunners, but overkill for most folks.

Frequently Asked Questions

A headlamp is an ideal tool for hands-on activities such as cooking in low light or pitch black. It’s also great for nighttime endurance sports like trail running.

We’ve used our headlamp for search-and-rescue scenarios, alpine starts for long hikes, backpacking, and even walking home in the dark. And of course, headlamps are great for projects around the house like auto repair or electrical wiring in a house.

First, decide what you’ll use your headlamp to accomplish. If you need to move through terrain with obstacles or wildlife, you’ll need more lumens — at least 300. If you’re a hunter or angler, you might want blue and green LED options.

Choose a design with a band that’s comfortable for your personal needs, including your head, skin, and hair. If you’re bouncing around or running, you might want a headlamp with a top strap.

Also, consider whether the battery duration is a match for your field hours. If not, you’ll need to decide if you want to carry extra batteries or a portable power bank to recharge the headlamp.

The brightest headlamp in our guide is the Ledlenser MH11 with 750 lumens. Other headlamps are even stronger. The Ledlenser MH11 delivers up to 1,000 lumens.

That said, headlamps with big-time lumens can require you to carry a separate battery case. They can also be clunky and less comfortable to wear on the head, especially during high-movement activities.

If we’re talking about lumens, our favorite bright headlamp is the Ledlenser MH11. The design boasts 1,000 lumens, and the battery lasts 100 hours on its low setting and 4 hours in high-output mode.

The amount of lumens you need in your headlamp depends on the use. We’ve found 200 lumens or less work fine for domestic tasks like pulling gear out of the storage area, loading the truck bed, or setting up at the campground.

If we need to travel through technical terrain, like trail running at night, we opt for at least 250-300 lumens. For spotting distant objects, look for at least 400 lumens with a spotlight mode.

The tags on our choice headlamps range from $20 to $180. The cost is related to the components like the quantity and types of LEDs. The sturdiness, weight, battery, lumens, and power are all price variables, too.

Personally, we’d rather invest in one headlamp with the features we want, even if it’s a bit more expensive. Headlamps can last for years, as long as they’re not repeatedly dropped, crushed, or knocked off the side of a boat.

Yes, we use the red light setting of our headlamps all the time! Most modern headlamps come with a red light setting. While red light settings cannot generate the brightness of the primary white light setting, they are extremely handy.

In social settings, red lights offer visibility without blinding your friends with overly intense brightness. Plus, they help you maintain your night vision while illuminating nearby objects.

When sharing a tent with other people, a red light is great for reading without lighting up the whole interior while others are trying to sleep. Additionally, red lights are less likely to attract mosquitos and other bugs.