Last updated: 16 February 2025
Table of contents
Intro
This headlamp recommendation list was created for the Polish Flashlight Enthusiats group on Facebook, as we often get questions about what headlamps to get. That also means there are only headlamps that are available for purchase for us in Poland (hence no brands like Thrunite or Zebralight).
I translated it to English, because I realized it might be useful for people that just want to compare the more popular models.
Check out the u/BrokenRecordBot headlamp recommendation list for best headlamps to get in the USA.
Below you will find a list of headlamps that I personally recommend. There are divided into different budgets and also by the special features they offer (colored light, small size etc.).
Headlamp types
At the moment there are two main popular headlamp types. A standard shape (with the LED in the center) and a right-angle configuration (in a shape of an L).
The right angle headlamps are often more versatile than the standard ones, as they can not only be used in a headband, but also in hand as a right-angle light. Such L-shaped flashlights can be placed on a surface or even stuck to metal with their magnet.
What’s driver regulation?
Driver is a device inside the flashlight that regulates power from the battery to the LED’s. This allows the user to adjust the brightness of the light.
Driver’s regulation defines how well the driver can sustain a stable brightness. A driver with poor regulation will decrease brightness as the battery discharges. A driver with good regulation will keep the brightness stable till the battery drains fully.
Driver’s regulation isn’t the same as it’s efficiency. There exist drivers that can sustain a stable output, but aren’t very efficient at it (of course, I’m not going into too much detail here).
Interactive photos
Each model on the list has a couple of photos. You can change between them with a swipe.
Flashlight’s info is contained in its card. You can fold the card to make comparison between models easier.
Graphs and photos with a watermark “GRZYBEK REVIEWS” can be compared against each other, as they were all created by me, with the same settings.
With those headlamps I also took all the lumen and throw measurements (using the Texas Ace 3.5″ Lumen Tube and a Uni-T UT383S lux meter), following the ANSI FL1 standard.
Prices of the headlamps may vary, so please check the links to get the current price of each headlamp.
10$ – 30$:
Sofirn H25LR
Sofirn D25LR/H25LR (~16$)
Aliexpress.com | Sofirnlight.com
Type: Standard
Weight: 96g
Brightness: 580lm
Throw: 101m
Cd/lm*: 4,5
Light: White and red
CRI*: ~90
Cell: 18650
Build-in charging: USB-C under tailcap
Magnet: None
Standard headlamp with white and red light. Simple UI. USB-C port hidden under tailcap. The headband has a clip-on design, so the light can be detached and attached faster than on a standard rubber headband.
The build quality of the host isn’t the best, but fully acceptable at this price point.
Wurkkos HD15
Wurkkos HD15
Aliexpress.com | Wurkkos.com (~22$)
Type: Right-angle
Weight: 118g (w/ cell, w/o headband)
Brightness: 1690lm
Throw: 160m
Cd/lm*: 2 – 7
Light: White (Wide & Focused)
CRI*: ~90
Cell: 18650
Build-in charging: USB-C
Magnet: Yes
HD15 has a broad range of use cases. It has 2 LEDs, one makes a wide beam, the other a focused one. You can change between them with a triple click from ON.
We get a rubber headband with two loops that hold the flashlight. The driver regulation isn’t bad, hard to get anything better for this price.
Sofirn HS40
Sofirn HS40
Aliexpress.com | Sofirnlight.com (6500K version) (~28$)
Type: Right-angle
Weight: 115g
Brightness: 1610lm
Throw: 192m
Cd/lm*: 6
Light: White
CRI*: 70
Cell: 18650
Build-in charging: USB-C
Magnet: Yes
Single LED. New version of the popular SP40 model. The driver temperature control is a bit aggressive, but it shouldn’t oscillate as much in real world use. Because of the shallow reflector, the light creates a pretty wide spill* with a focused hotspot*. There is pretty substantial tint-shift visible in the beam.
The headband is made of rubber with two loops for the headlamp.
40$ – 65$:
Sofirn HS42
Sofirn HS42 (~36$)
Aliexpress.com | Sofirnlight.com
Type: Right-angle
Weight: 110g
Modes: Both LEDs | Throwy | Floody
Brightness: 1601lm | 1370lm | 851lm (60lm red light)
Throw: 175m | 226m | 62m
Cd/lm*: 4.8 | 11 | 1.1
Light: White (wide & focused) and red light
CRI*: ~90
Cell: 18650
Build-in charging: USB-C
Magnet: Yes
Sofirn’s new model. Has 3 sets of leds, between which you can switch. With a triple click, you can change between a wide beam, focused beam, both and red light. I recommend getting it with the included battery.
It will be especially great for fishing, because of the wide and focused beam and also because the red light won’t attract bugs to your face.
Sofirn HS21
Sofirn HS21 (35$~45$)
Aliexpress.com | Sofirnlight.com
Type: Standard
Weight: 132g
Modes: Both LEDs | Throwy | Floody
Brightness: 1970lm | 1600lm | 1170lm (100lm red light)
Throw: 227m | 273m | 87m
Cd/lm*: 6.5 | 12 | 1.6
Light: White (Wide & focused) and red light
CRI*: 70 – 97
Cell: 18650
Build-in charging: USB-C
Magnet: Yes
New Sofirn model. This headlamp, similar to the HS42, combines a wide beam, a throwy focused beam and red emitters. You can switch which LEDs you use by rotating the head ring. Each sets of LEDs you use remembers the last mode it was used in. So for example, you can walk around with the floody LEDs and then momentarily switch to the focused beam (having it set to Turbo before hand), just to check something in the distance.
The HS21 has an IR sensor that let’s you change modes and turn the headlamp OFF without touching the headlamp itself. Just swipe your hand by the right side of the headlamp (this feature needs to be enabled after turning the flashlight on).
It has a IP65 rating, so it should be able to handle even a heavy rain.
Compared to the HS42 it has more throw, better and brighter red light, more intuitive throw/flood beam changing mechanism, although a bit higher price.
Sofirn HS20 SFT40
Sofirn HS20 SFT40 (30$~40$)
Aliexpress.com | (SFT40, with battery) | Sofirnlight.com
Type: Standard
Weight: 124g
Brightness: 2040lm
Throw: 249m
Cd/lm*: 2 – 10
Light: White (Wide & focused)
CRI*: ~90 (Only wide beam)
Cell: 18650
Build-in charging: USB-C
Magnet: Yes
Similar to HD15, but the focused LED has noticeably better range. The focused (SFT40) and wide (LH351D) beam are controlled with separate buttons. USB-C port hidden under the tailcap.
I’d probably still choose the newer HS42 or especially the HS21 over this one, though, but it still isn’t a terrible option. It’s just that those two lights have better drivers and overall better performance, sustaining higher brightness when used for a longer time.
A cheaper version that uses the XHP50.2 LED exists, but I think the Wurkkos HD15 would be a better choice at that price. [Comparisons of the SFT40 and the XHP50.2 version.]
Skilhunt H300
Skilhunt H300 (~60$)
Aliexpress.com (HCRI) | Killzoneflashlights.com
Type: Right-angle
Weight: 106g
Brightness: 1541lm
Throw: 146m
Cd/lm*: 3,5
Light: White
CRI*: ~90
Cell: 18650
Build-in charging: Magnetic cable
Magnet: Yes
A newer model of the H04RC. Higher brightness and better sustained output. Every so slightly more expensive, tiny bit bigger. Uses the same great headband as the H04RC.
I’d recommend getting the cell separately as it’s usually cheaper than getting one with the light. Depends on where you live.
Wurkkos HD50
Wurkkos HD50 (~40$)
Type: Standard
Weight: 170g
Brightness: 3350lm (135lm red light)
Throw: 261m
Cd/lm*: 6 – 2,4
Light: White (Wide & focused) and red light
CRI*: ~90
Cell: 21700
Build-in charging: USB-C
Magnet: Yes
Has 3 LEDs, one shines far with a focused beam, second emits a wide beam and the third is red light (wide and focused beam can be used at the same time). It has 2 buttons, one controls the brightness, the second switches between different LEDs.
+90$:
Armytek Wizard C2 Pro
Armytek Wizard C2 Pro (95$)
Type: Right-angle
Weight: 115g
Brightness: 1700lm
Throw: 144m
Cd/lm*: 2,5
Light: White
CRI*: ~95
Cell: 18650
Build-in charging: Magnetic cable
Magnet: Yes
One of the better headlamps available on the market. Great driver with high sustained output and good regulation. High CRI LED. The body itself is durable, fall resistant. Above average headband.
10 year warranty. I recommend to buying from Killzone, not straight from Armytek.
Armytek Wizard C2 Pro Max
Armytek Wizard C2 Pro Max – (115$)
Style: Right-angle
Weight: 152g
Brightness: 3500lm
Throw: 139m
Cd/lm*: 1.4
Light: White
CRI: 70
Cell: 21700
Build-in charging: Magnetic cable
Magnet: Yes
A bigger variant of the C2 Pro. 21700 cell. Longer runtimes and higher sustained output. High brightness, but the same throw, which makes it shine wider, more floody (lower cd/lm*). Because of the bigger cell, the weight also increases and you’ll feel it in your neck after extended use. If you need the longer runtimes, either get the C2 Pro Max or consider going with the C2 Pro and getting spare cells. I discussed this more later in the post.
10 year warranty. I recommend buying from Killzone, not straight from Armytek.
Acebeam H30
Acebeam H30
Type: Standard
Weight: 149g
Brightness: 4000lm
Throw: 171m
Cd/lm*: 1,8
Light: White and additonal red/green/high CRI (depends on version)
Cell: 21700
Build-in charging: USB-C under the cap
Magnet: Yes
A bigger, heavier headlamp running the 21700 cell. The brightest headlamp on the list. Good driver with great sustained output. A pretty standard rubber headlamp with loops.
Fenix HM65R-T v2.0
Fenix HM65R-T V2.0 (~100$)
Style: Standard
Weight: 140g (w/ headband)
Brightness: 1700lm
Throw: 185m
Cd/lm*: 5,4
Light: White (cold & warm)
CRI*: ~70
Cell: 18650
Charging: USB-C
Magnet: No
Updated HM65R-T. Has 2 LEDs, one cold (with higher brightness), the other warm in color. Both emitters have low CRI*.
Uses a “SPORT-Fit” mechanism that lets you adjust the headband size with one hand. Comfortable during use, but lack of the over-the-head band might make it too unstable for runners. Has 2 switches, which separately control the cold and warm LED. Sadly, you can use only one LED at a time.
Small headlamps:
Sofirn HS10
Sofirn HS10
Aliexpress.com | Sofirnlight.com (~18$)
Type: Right-angle
Weight: 51g
Brightness: 826lm
Throw: 139m
Cd/lm*: 6
Light: White
CRI*: ~90
Cell: 16340 600mAh
Build-in charging: USB-C
Magnet: Yes
Compact, light weight headlamp. One of the cheaper headlamps on the list. Keep in mind that lowering the size will impact the battery capacity, as the 16340 cell the HS10 uses has a 5 times lower capacity than a 18650 cell (~650mAh vs 3000mAh), but it does make it light weight. Rubber headband. Not great regulation. High CRI LED.
Armytek C1 Elf USB-C
Armytek C1 Elf USB-C (~55$)
Style: Right-angle
Weight: 76g
Brightness: 902lm
Throw: 109m
Cd/lm*: 3,3
Light: Białe
CRI*: ~90
Cell: 18350
Build-in charging: USB-C
Magnet: Tak
Small C2 Pro. USB-C port behind a rubber cover. Well made, cute, little flashlight.
No hassle 10 year warranty. One of the better small headlamps.
(Non-USB-C version): 1Lumen.com
Skilhunt H150
Skilhunt H150 (~54$)
Killzoneflashlights.com | Aliexpress.com
Type: Right-angle
Weight: 54g
Brightness: 480lm
Throw: 82m
Cd/lm*: 3,5
Light: White
CRI*: ~95
Cell: 14500 & AA/Ni-mh
Build-in charging: Magnetic cable (only 14500)
Magnet: Yes
Compact headlamp. Can run on 14500 cells and also AA batteries (dual-fuel). Similar, slightly updated headlamp that the H04RC and H300 use (it’s great).
Skilhunt H04RC Mini
Skilhunt H04RC Mini (~54$)
Aliexpress.com (Nichia 519A 4500K) | Killzoneflashlights.com
Type: Right-angle
Weight: 69g
Brightness: 567lm
Throw: 96m
Cd/lm*: 3,5
Light: White
CRI*: ~95
Cell: 18350 (~1000mAh)
Build-in charging: Magnetic cable
Magnet: Yes
A shorter and lighter version of the H04RC. Uses a smaller 18350 cell (1/2 lenght, 1/3 capacity). A close competitor to the Armytek C1.
Uses the same headband as the H04RC and H300.
With red light:
Red light is believed to not decrease night vision as much. It doesn’t draw as much attention and bugs aren’t attracted to it, so they won’t fly into your face.
Due to their versatility and good price-to-performance ratio, some headlamps from this section have already been mentioned earlier in the article. However, there are additional headlamps worth recommending, especially if red light is a priority.
Repeated headlamps have collapsed descriptions. I’m listing these models twice to allow for easier comparison with the other ones.
Sofirn H25LR
Sofirn D25LR/H25LR (~16$)
Aliexpress.com | Sofirnlight.com
Type: Standard
Weight: 96g
Brightness: 580lm
Throw: 101m
Cd/lm*: 4,5
Light: White and red
CRI*: ~90
Cell: 18650
Build-in charging: USB-C under tailcap
Magnet: None
Standard headlamp with white and red light. Simple UI. USB-C port hidden under tailcap. The headband has a clip-on design, so the light can be detached and attached faster than on a standard rubber headband.
The build quality of the host isn’t the best, but fully acceptable at this price point.
Wurkkos HD15R
Wurkkos HD15R
Aliexpress.com | Wurkkos.com (~32$)
Type: Right-angle
Weight: 122g
Brightness: 929lm (241lm of red light)
Throw: 78m
Cd/lm*: 1,6
Light: White and red
CRI*: ~90
Cell: 18650
Build-in charging: USB-C
Magnet: Yes
Wurkkos HD15, but the focused channel was replaced with a red LED. Light color can be changed with a triple click from ON. The light will remember which color was last used and turn back on in that color.
Sofirn HS42
Sofirn HS42 (~36$)
Aliexpress.com | Sofirnlight.com
Type: Right-angle
Weight: 110g
Modes: Both | Throwy | Floody
Brightness: 1601lm | 1370lm | 851lm (60lm red light)
Throw: 175m | 226m | 62m
Cd/lm*: 4.8 | 11 | 1.1
Light: White (wide & focused) and red light
CRI*: ~90
Cell: 18650
Build-in charging: USB-C
Magnet: Yes
Sofirn’s new model. Has 3 sets of leds, between which you can switch. With a triple click, you can change between a wide beam, focused beam, both and red light. I recommend getting it with the included battery.
It will be especially great for fishing, because of the wide and focused beam and also because the red light won’t attract bugs to your face.
Sofirn HS21
Sofirn HS21 (40$~45$)
Aliexpress.com | Sofirnlight.com
Type: Standard
Weight: 132g
Modes: Both LEDs | Throwy | Floody
Brightness: 1970lm | 1600lm | 1170lm (100lm red light)
Throw: 227m | 273m | 87m
Cd/lm*: 6.5 | 12 | 1.6
Light: White (Wide & focused) and red light
CRI*: 70 – 97
Cell: 18650
Build-in charging: USB-C
Magnet: Yes
New Sofirn model. This headlamp, similar to the HS42, combines a wide beam, a throwy focused beam and red emitters. You can switch which LEDs you use by rotating the head ring. Each sets of LEDs you use remembers the last mode it was used in. So for example, you can walk around with the floody LEDs and then momentarily switch to the focused beam (having it set to Turbo before hand), just to check something in the distance.
The HS21 has an IR sensor that let’s you change modes and turn the headlamp OFF without touching the headlamp itself. Just swipe your hand by the right side of the headlamp (this feature needs to be enabled after turning the flashlight on).
It has a IP65 rating, so it should be able to handle even a heavy rain.
Compared to the HS42 it has more throw, better and brighter red light, more intuitive throw/flood beam changing mechanism, although a bit higher price.
Wurkkos HD50
Wurkkos HD50 (~40$)
Type: Standard
Weight: 170g
Brightness: 3350lm (135lm red light)
Throw: 261m
Cd/lm*: 6 – 2,4
Light: White (Wide & focused) and red light
CRI*: ~90
Cell: 21700
Build-in charging: USB-C
Magnet: Yes
Has 3 LEDs, one shines far with a focused beam, second emits a wide beam and the third is red light (wide and focused beam can be used at the same time). It has 2 buttons, one controls the brightness, the second switches between different LEDs.
Armytek Wizard C2 WR
Armytek Wizard C2 WR (~85$)
Type: Right-angle
Weight: 110g
Brightness: 1000lm (230lm of red light)
Throw: 97m
Cd/lm*: 2
Light: White and red
Cell: 18650
Build-in charging: Magnetic cable
Magnet: Yes
It’s a Wizard C2 Pro, but with a slightly dimmer main white LED and a secondary red LED. Definitely one of the brightest red-light headlamps on the list, although it somewhat lacks in max white light brightness. Still highly recommended, though.
Skilhunt H200
Skilhunt H200 (50$~60$)
Killzoneflashlights.com | Skilhunt.com | Aliexpress.com
Style: Right-angle
Weight: 100g
Brightness: 1600lm (135lm red light)
Throw: 147m
Cd/lm*: 2
Light: White and Red
CRI*: 95 – 70 (?)
Cell: 18650
Build-in charging: Magnetic cable
Magnet: Yes
One of the newer Skilhunt headlamps. 2 white LEDs and 1 red LED.
I’d recommend getting the cell separately as it’s usually cheaper than getting one with the light. Depends on where you purchase.
How to make your headlamp last longer
I get a lot of people concerned about runtime ask me, why not go for a 21700 headlamp? Wouldn’t it give me a longer runtime?
It’s important to remember that 21700 headlamps will be noticeably heavier than 18650 models, which can put strain on our neck after prolonged use.
Which is why I’d recommend to purchase additional 18650 cells and carry them on person. This way we keep the weight off our head and can have as much additional runtime as we need.
Of course, 21700 headlamps still have their benefits (higher sustained output, less frequent cell swaps, higher brightness etc.).
Headlamps that use 3xAAA vs Li-ion
When giving recommendations, I try to avoid headlamps that run this cell configuration.
- By using AAAs, instead of recharging, you need to keep buying them, which can get very expensive in the long run. The cost to recharge a li-ion cells is close to nothing.
- As far as weight goes, a 18650 Li-ion cell carries the equivalent capacity of 7 AAAs, but weights as much as 4 of them.
For people that need something lighter, the 18360/16340 headlamps might be a good choice. Another option is a dual-fuel 14500/AA light, which can use alkaline cells in a pinch. - In case high output is needed for a short period of time, li-ion cells can discharge a much higher current than any alkaline cells, making them more versatile.
Below is a runtime grapth of a Skilhunt H03 (Sanyo GA 18650) in blue and a Petzl Tactkka+ (3xAAA) in red.
Terminology
Hotspot, Corona, Spill:
Cd/lm:
A good way to determine the beam profile of a flashlight is to divide its candela (cd) by the lumens (lm) it produces. In return, we will get the cd/lm ratio.
The bigger the number, the more focused the light will be. The lower the number, the floodier it will be.
Ofcourse, it’s not a golden rule. The size of the hotspot, corona and spill are determined by the depth and size of the reflector (e.g. Sofirn HS40 has a shallow reflector, which causes the hotspot to be small and the spill to be very wide).
Here’s an approximate scale of what those values mean:
- 0.1 cd/lm: light bulb
- 1-3: flooder
- 5-15: balanced EDC-style beam
- 30: compact thrower
- 100: dedicated thrower
- 500+: extreme thrower
- 10000: laser
CRI:
CRI is color rendering index. CRI is (simplified) a scale from 0-100 of how accurate a source of light is to the light of the sun. High CRI light will show accurate colors, where low CRI light might make some colors seem unsaturated or oversaturated.
CRI can be very important/noticeable to differentiate colors in some situations.
Here’s a low and high CRI source of light compared on meat:
Low CRI light often makes the reds unsaturated (as seen above and below). Below you can see why e.g. high CRI light can be important for medical professionals.
Light temperature:
Great information, but all of that and no Wurrkos HD20?
Don’t forget that 21700 lights will indeed run on a 18650, usually just fine, saving the weight.
Looking for a really indepth comparison of the HD15 and HD20.
There is also a good Sofirn HS41, I think this is my favorite flashlight, I replaced the reflector and LEDs in it, the Wurkkos HD20 is also good, I replaced the spotlight lens in it, also the Wurkkos HD50, it maintains brightness worse than the Acebeam H30, but it costs 2 times less, and since a flashlight of this size and weight is rarely used, I think it is better to buy a light flashlight and a powerful flashlight for the same money. Wurkkos recently came out with a great headlamp for the 14500 – the HD10, I love it. I have 2 Wurkkos HD15s and they have a much smoother thermoregulation curve than the one shown in this article. I also like the Nitecore HS68, it has high brightness and smooth adjustment between low and high beam.
Thank you for your reply. I definitely need to update this list with the new models that came out since I published it originally.