10 Best LED Headlamp in 2018 – Ultimate Buyer’s Guide
An LED headlamp is ideal for those that work in dark conditions, or just want an extra light. You can use it to read a book at night, or to work on your car. No matter how you want to use an LED headlamp, you can find a purpose for one. You should use one if you work in the dark a lot, and need to keep your hands free. If you’re looking for the best LED headlamp, this is the article you need to help you choose.
Table of Contents
- Considerations for Buying - Best LED Headlamps
- 10 Best LED Headlamp Reviews in 2018
- 1. Petzl - REACTIK+ Headlamp 300 Lumens
- 2. Fenix HP25R 1000 Lumen USB CREE XM-L2 U2 LED Headlamp
- 3. Black Diamond ReVolt Headlamp
- 4. Princeton Tec Vizz 165 Lumen Headlamp
- 5. Black Diamond Storm Headlamp
- 6. Yalumi LED Headlamp Spark Professional Floodlight
- 7. Coast HL7 Focusing LED Headlamp
- 8. Black Diamond Spot Headlamp
- 9. Princeton Tec Remix Headlamp
- 10. Petzl NAO Headlamp
- Final Verdict
Considerations for Buying - Best LED Headlamps
Beam Type
You should consider the beam type before deciding on one. There are wide or flood beams, spot and focused beams, or a combination. Depending on how you plan on using the headlamp, you may prefer one over the other. The best ones allow you to use either one, and you can switch it out easily.
If you’re looking for a headlamp, but aren’t sure which one would be better for you, the dual beam types will give you more options. They’re practical for just about any use, and you can always change the beam type easily when you want to.
Power
You should consider the power level of the headlamp so you can see everything around you. If you’re planning on spending some time outdoors, you should get a headlamp that has a high output. This allows you to see everything around you easily. If you’re planning on using it at home for reading, you need one that doesn’t need too much power output.
You can find headlamps that allow you to change the power output, or you can get a reactive headlamp. This work well for when you’re planning on going inside and outside. Since it changes automatically, you don’t need to press any buttons.
Beam Distance
The beam distance allows you to see everything further out. If you’re outside, you want to be able to see further away from you. There are some headlamps that are recommended for using them outdoors, since they have a further beam distance.
For those that want to read, you can find some that don’t have a far beam distance. You should consider how you’re going to use the headlamp, and what you need it for to make sure you get the right one. There are some that can work close and far, so you should check to see if it will work for you.
Run Time
You should find a headlamp that allows you to have the maximum amount of run time. You can tell if your headlamp needs the batteries recharged by how far the light is being delivered. When the light dims under the usable light feature, it will power down.
To ensure you get one that has a long run time, you want to make sure the battery will last. There are different ways to see how long the light will work, including different indicators. Depending on the battery type, you can recharge, or change out the batteries when it’s running low.
Weight
The weight of the headlamp is important, because you don’t want it to wear out your head and neck. Big and bulky headlamps are difficult to control, and you won’t want to wear it. Finding one that has a compact light will make it easy to see if you need to change it to fit your head. While most headbands are adjustable, the bulky light can get in the way. This is not useful, and you will need to find a way to make it work for you.
Brightness Levels
There are some headlamps that don’t allow you to change the brightness level, which is impractical for using indoors. You should find one that automatically changes, or has a different mode. You can find some that have high and low brightness, or can be used as a strobe. It depends on how you plan on using the headlamp, and what you need it to do.
10 Best LED Headlamp Reviews in 2018
1. Petzl - REACTIK+ Headlamp 300 Lumens
Energy Efficient
The headlamp is energy efficient, allowing you to have more light. You don’t need to worry about the battery, especially when it changes automatically. It’s ideal for anyone looking to keep their battery running longer. You won’t need to recharge it as much.
Mixed Beam
The mixed beam is activated by a light sensor, allowing you to change it when you need to. No matter where you’re planning on going, you can rely on the mixed beam to make it easy to see everything. It’s ideal for anyone to use.
Washable Headband
The washable headband has a two-part system, allowing you to fit it on your head perfectly. When you need to clean it, you can take the light off, and put the headband in the washer. It’s ideal for anyone that wants to keep their toys clean.
Pros:
- Lock feature is ideal for walking around
- Ideal for any outdoor activity
- Reactive lighting is perfect for anyone
Cons:
- The buttons are sensitive
2. Fenix HP25R 1000 Lumen USB CREE XM-L2 U2 LED Headlamp
Rechargeable Battery
For those that want to save money on batteries, this headlamp only uses a rechargeable Li-ion battery to keep it powered. When you’re running low, you can plug it in for a bit to make sure you have enough battery life. It’s ideal for those looking to save money.
Dual Switches
You can switch the lights out easily when you’re using this headlamp. It controls the spotlight and the floodlight, making it perfect for switching in different light environments. You won’t need to struggle to change the lighting when you’re using this device.
Floodlight Beam
The soft flood light beam makes it easy to see everything in your area. Your eyes won’t hurt when you’re looking at something reflective. It’s ideal for those that love to wander around without too many landmarks. You will appreciate having this headlamp.
Pros:
- The light is bright
- Rechargeable battery is ideal
- Reasonably priced
Cons:
- It may be too big for some people
3. Black Diamond ReVolt Headlamp
Bright Lights
The lights provided by the headlamp include two white LED’s and two red LED’s that make it easy to see. You will have a bright light when you turn them on, making it practical for anyone needing a bright light. You can see just about everything in front of you.
Distance Modes
No matter if you’re sitting at home, or walking around, you can change the distance settings to help you see everything in the dark. It’s ideal for those that are walking around in a super dark area. If you need to see further out, just adjust the settings.
Power Meter
You can tell how much battery life you have when you’re using the headlamp. The three-level power meter stays on for three seconds after you turn on the headlamp. It’s ideal for those that need a notification when their battery is running low.
Pros:
- The quality is good
- The battery recharges
- The strap is well made
Cons:
- Not too much forward light
4. Princeton Tec Vizz 165 Lumen Headlamp
Red LED
The red LED makes it easy to read anything in the dark. You just have to press a single button to switch it to the red LED. It’s ideal for anyone looking for an easy switch on their headlamp. You don’t need to guess what you’re doing when you’re using it.
Dimmable Flood Beam
If you encounter anyone in the dark, you can dim the LED lights to make it easy to see people. No matter who you run into, you won’t have to set the light straight into their eyes. It’s ideal for those that want to communicate without blinding others.
Waterproof
When the weather is a lot damp out, you can rely on this headlamp to keep working. If it’s raining out, you won’t have to worry about the headlamp shorting out. It’s ideal for those that live in humid and wet areas to ensure the headlamp keeps working.
Pros:
- Red LED lights work well
- Waterproof is ideal
- Ideal for any outdoor sport
Cons:
- The batteries drain fast
5. Black Diamond Storm Headlamp
Power Tap
You can transition easily when you’re using this headlamp to show you everything. It transitions from full to dimmed power quickly, allowing you to increase or decrease the illumination. No matter where you are in the dark, you can quickly find where you are.
Red and Green LED
The two different LED options allow you to use it for night vision, and change it to strobing lights. You can rely on the lights to be found if you’ve lost your way in the dark. It’s the ideal way to signal for help in the middle of the night, and you’re lost.
AAA Batteries
The headlamp uses 4 AAA batteries, allowing you to change them out when the batteries die. You won’t have to wander around aimlessly when the older batteries are dead. You can change them out quickly to get yourself walking around again.
Pros:
- It is durable
- Easy to replace batteries
- The light is bright
Cons:
- The headband may be uncomfortable
6. Yalumi LED Headlamp Spark Professional Floodlight
Bright Lights
The bright lights can show distances up to 20 meters, allowing you to see just about anything in front of you. You can focus the beam up to 90 meters, and turn it to economy for saving battery life. When on economy, it will last up to 110 hours.
Batteries Included
The headlamp includes 3 AAA batteries, allowing you to see everything in front of you. No matter where you’re going, you can use the extra batteries as a backup. It’s ideal if you’re outside, and don’t have any place to recharge the headlamp.
Adjustable Headband
No matter who wants to use the headlamp, they can adjust the headband to make it fit comfortably. There is a lamp angle tilt, allowing you move the light to where you need it. When you need to read a map, it’s the best way to get good light on it.
Pros:
- Bright lights
- The dim setting is good
- The strobe light is easy to see
Cons:
- Need to cycle through the settings for the right one
7. Coast HL7 Focusing LED Headlamp
Durable
The headlamp itself and the headband are durable, allowing you to keep it for a long time. Even if you bump into things with the headlamp, you won’t have to worry about it breaking. It’s ideal for those that don’t want to replace a broken headlamp.
Pure Beam Focusing Optics
The pure beam focusing optics allow you to focus the beam where you need it to go. You can shape it to view wide areas, or keep a narrow beam focused in front of you. If you’re walking around in the dark, it’s practical for those that need to view more in the dark.
Long Distance
The light beam will go up to 357 feet, allowing you to see everything in front of you. No matter where you’re walking, you can tell if there is anything in front of you in the dark. You won’t run into any bumps or corners when you’re wearing this headlamp.
Pros:
- Great in low light
- Easy to use
- Offers plenty of options
Cons:
- The headband may not fit
8. Black Diamond Spot Headlamp
Power Tap Technology
You can rely on the power tap technology to help you change the light quickly and easily. You can dim the light when you need to, and brighten it up just as quickly. If you’re walking around, you need a headlamp that works well for you.
Red Night Vision
When you’re outside in the dark, you need to be able to see in the darkness. The red night vision makes it easy to read maps, or check out something without widening your pupils. Your eyes can read everything easier when it’s on the night vision setting.
Low Profile Design
The low-profile design makes it comfortable to wear, even if you’re wearing it for a few hours. For those walking around at night, you don’t need to readjust the headband to make it fit right. You’ll appreciate using this headlamp when you’re walking around with it.
Pros:
- Battery operated
- It is versatile
- Easy to switch lights
Cons:
- It may not fit everyone’s head
9. Princeton Tec Remix Headlamp
Compact
The compact design makes it ideal for anyone to wear. You won’t have to put up with a bulky light on your forehead. It’s ideal for those that need a smaller headlamp to keep out of their eyes. Anyone will appreciate the way the headlamp fits.
Water Resistant
For those that are living in humid and wet environments, you can rely on the headlamp to keep working. You won’t have to worry about the headlamp getting water inside. It makes it more durable, and reliable, especially when it is raining outside.
Battery Operated
The headlamp is battery operated, making it ideal for anyone to keep it up and running. When the batteries are running low, you can replace them easily. It’s ideal for those that need a headlamp with batteries. You won’t need to worry about charging it.
Pros:
- Good for indoors and outdoors
- Excellent brightness
- Powerful light
Cons:
- The headband might not fit
10. Petzl NAO Headlamp
Customized Lighting
The headlamp has software, allowing you to change the lighting for your own preferences. You can regulate the light intensity, and lighting time based on your activities. No matter if you go camping one week, and fishing another, you can change the settings.
Rechargeable Battery
For those that want to save money on batteries, they’ll be relieved to know that this headlamp has rechargeable batteries. It works easily in low temperatures, and is easily rechargeable. It uses a USB cord to charge, making it ideal for anyone.
Multifunction
The headlamp has multiple functions, and you can switch it with the push of a button. You can lock it, making it ideal for walking around a lot of brush. When it’s locked, you don’t need to worry about it switching modes on you. It’s ideal for anyone walking outside.
Pros:
- Ideal for any outdoor activity
- Rechargeable battery is ideal
- Easy to secure to your head
Cons:
- The battery life could be longer
Final Verdict
If you’re thinking about getting a headlamp, you may be wondering which one is right for you. There are plenty of options, but we recommend the Princeton Tec Remix Headlamp. It is compact, and you can adjust the headband to make it fit your head. It’s also waterproof, making it ideal for any wet environments. You can also choose from our top 10 list of best LED headlamps above.
Relevant Resources:
About the Author Kevin Fox
A passionate blogger! Editor at Chooserly, and a regular author at HuffingtonPost, LifeHacker & Forbes!
