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I Tested 7 Headlamps — The Results Were SHOCKING!
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I Tested 7 Headlamps — The Results Were SHOCKING!
Writtten and Edited by: Benjamin White
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If you love jogging at night, working on cars, camping, or just don’t want to get stuck in the dark, a good headlamp can be a game changer.
But should you buy an $8 headlamp from Amazon? Or spend close to $100 on a premium model?
To find out, I bought 7 popular headlamps and put them through a series of real-world tests. We measured brightness, comfort, nighttime visibility, battery life, and durability. Some of the results completely surprised me.
As always, none of these products were sponsored. We purchased everything ourselves so you can make the best decision with your money.
If you’d like to see the video of me testing these headlamps, you can watch at this link:
The Headlamps We Tested
| Headlamp | Price at Time of Testing |
|---|---|
| Foxelli MX20B | $7.56 |
| LHKNL Headlamp Flashlight (2-Pack) | $19.99 |
| BIAT Headlamp (2-Pack) | $21.19 |
| Danforce Bold-S | $35.97 |
| Nebo Transcend 1500 | $51.97 |
| Olight Perun 3 | $71.98 |
| Nitecore HC75 UHE | $99.95 |
Product Overview
The Foxelli MX20B is the budget option of the group. It features white and red light modes, a tilting lamp design, and runs on three AAA batteries that are included in the package. Foxelli claims the wide adjustable strap is comfortable enough that you’ll forget you’re wearing it.
Key Features
- White and red light modes
- Adjustable tilt
- AAA battery powered
- Batteries included
- Lightweight design
The LHKNL includes eight lighting modes, a built-in motion sensor, rechargeable battery, and battery level indicator. One package includes two headlamps, making it an attractive value option.
Key Features
- 8 lighting modes
- Motion sensor activation
- USB rechargeable
- Battery indicator
- Includes two headlamps
The BIAT takes a different approach with its 230-degree wide-beam design. Instead of a traditional spotlight, it wraps light across a broader area and includes a side spotlight for longer-range illumination.
Key Features
- 230° wide beam
- Motion sensor
- 6 lighting modes
- Splash-resistant design
- Rechargeable battery
The Danforce immediately stands out as a more heavy-duty option. It features three LEDs, adjustable focus, and a rear-mounted battery pack.
Key Features
- Adjustable focus
- Three LED design
- Rear battery pack
- Additional top support strap
- Built for outdoor use
The Nebo Transcend 1500 features an aircraft-grade aluminum body, magnetic base, and the ability to detach from the headband for handheld use.
Key Features
- 1,500 lumen output
- Aircraft-grade aluminum body
- Magnetic base
- Detachable flashlight
- Multiple brightness levels
The Olight Perun 3 is one of the premium options in this test. It features both white and red lighting modes and can also function as a handheld flashlight.
Key Features
- Up to 3,000 lumens
- White and red LEDs
- Magnetic charging
- Magnetic mounting base
- Detachable flashlight design
The most expensive headlamp in the lineup, the Nitecore HC75 UHE, is designed for serious outdoor work. It offers electronic focusing and premium durability ratings.
Key Features
- Up to 3,000 lumens
Electronic focus adjustment
Waterproof construction
Impact-resistant design
Long-distance beam throw
Test 1: Comfort Test
Before worrying about brightness, a headlamp needs to be comfortable enough to wear for long periods.
Comfort Ratings
| Headlamp | Comfort Score |
|---|---|
| LHKNL | 10/10 |
| BIAT | 10/10 |
| Foxelli | 9/10 |
| Danforce | 9/10 |
| Olight | 9/10 |
| Nebo | 8/10 |
| Nitecore | 8/10 |
Winner: LHKNL & BIAT
Both felt lightweight and comfortable during testing, earning perfect scores.
Test 2: Brightness Test
To measure brightness, I used a Lux Meter app positioned one foot from a wall. Each headlamp was tested at its brightest setting.
Brightness Results
| Rank | Headlamp | Lux Reading |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nitecore HC75 UHE | 10,155 |
| 2 | Nebo Transcend 1500 | 8,252 |
| 2 | Olight Perun 3 | 8,252 |
| 4 | Foxelli MX20B | 1,794 |
| 5 | Danforce Bold-S | 1,636 |
| 6 | BIAT | 612 |
| 7 | LHKNL | 380 |
Winner: Nitecore HC75 UHE
The Nitecore absolutely dominated the competition, producing over 10,000 lux and taking first place by a wide margin.
Test 3: Real-World Night Visibility
Numbers are helpful, but what really matters is how these perform outdoors.
Standout Performers
Nitecore HC75 UHE
- Brightest beam overall
- Wide illumination pattern
- Made the backyard look almost like daytime
Olight Perun 3
- Excellent balance of throw and width
- Illuminated the entire yard clearly
Danforce Bold-S
- Strong circular beam
- Excellent long-range visibility
Budget Winner
Foxelli MX20B
Despite being the cheapest headlamp tested, it provided plenty of usable light and easily illuminated objects 25 feet away.
Test 4: Waterproof & Water Resistance Test
Headlamps claiming waterproof protection were submerged underwater for 15 seconds.
Water-resistant models were sprayed with a hose for 15 seconds.
Water Test Results
| Headlamp | Result |
|---|---|
| Foxelli | Passed |
| LHKNL | Passed |
| BIAT | Passed |
| Danforce | Passed |
| Nebo | Passed |
| Olight | Passed |
| Nitecore | Passed |
Winner: Everybody
Every headlamp survived its water test and continued functioning properly afterward.
Test 5: Drop Test
Next, all headlamps were dropped from waist height onto the ground.
Drop Test Results
| Headlamp | Result |
|---|---|
| Foxelli | Passed |
| LHKNL | Passed |
| Danforce | Passed |
| Nebo | Passed |
| Olight | Passed |
| Nitecore | Passed |
| BIAT | Failed |
What Happened?
Every headlamp survived its water test and continued functioning properly afterward.
After the drop test, the BIAT began flashing uncontrollably and could not be turned off. Even after repeated attempts, the light continued malfunctioning.
This was the only headlamp to fail the durability testing.
Test 6: Battery Runtime Test
All headlamps were set to maximum brightness and left running continuously.
Runtime Ranking
| Position | Headlamp | Runtime Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nebo Transcend 1500 | Still Running |
| 1 | Foxelli MX20B | Still Running |
| 3 | LHKNL | Outlasted BIAT, Olight, and Nitecore |
| 4 | Danforce Bold-S | Outlasted BIAT, Olight, and Nitecore |
| 5 | BIAT | Died after approximately 1 hr 42 min |
| 5 | Nitecore HC75 UHE | Died after approximately 1 hr 42 min |
| 7 | Olight Perun 3 | Died after 1 hr 12 min |
Biggest Surprise
The Olight was the second most expensive headlamp tested, yet it was the first to die.
The Nitecore also disappointed in battery life considering its premium price tag.
Final Verdict
Best Budget Headlamp
For under $10, the Foxelli impressed me the most.
Pros:
- Extremely affordable
- Comfortable
- Great battery life
- Durable
- Bright enough for most users
Cons:
- Not the brightest light tested
Best Mid-Range Headlamp
The Nebo delivered incredible brightness while still maintaining excellent battery life.
Pros:
- Tied for second-brightest
- Long battery runtime
- Magnetic base
- Can be used as a handheld flashlight
Cons:
- Slightly less comfortable than some competitors
Best Premium Headlamp
If budget isn’t a concern, the Nitecore is simply on another level when it comes to brightness.
Pros:
- Brightest headlamp tested
- Excellent beam quality
- Waterproof
- Durable
- Comfortable despite its size
Cons:
- Expensive
- Battery runtime was shorter than expected
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the brightest headlamp available?
In our testing, the Nitecore HC75 UHE produced the highest lux reading at 10,155 lux, making it the brightest headlamp in this comparison.
Are expensive headlamps worth it?
It depends on your needs. Premium models like the Nitecore and Olight produced significantly more light, but budget models such as the Foxelli still performed surprisingly well and offered longer battery life.
What is the best headlamp for camping?
The Nebo Transcend 1500 is an excellent camping choice because it combines strong brightness, long battery life, and the ability to detach and function as a handheld flashlight.
What is better: lumens or lux?
Lumens measure total light output, while lux measures how much light reaches a specific area. Lux testing often gives a better representation of real-world brightness.
Are headlamps waterproof?
Many modern headlamps offer either waterproof or water-resistant ratings. In our testing, every headlamp survived its water exposure test and continued functioning afterward.
Bottom Line: If you’re trying to spend as little money as possible, buy the Foxelli. If you want the best balance of performance and features, get the Nebo. And if you simply want the brightest headlamp money can buy, the Nitecore takes the crown.
