Holly MeyerThe weekend has come and you’re making plans with your friends for your first camping trip. While making a list, headlamps are among the top. But as a novice camper, you have limited knowledge about headlamps and simultaneously want to stick to your budget.
This article will help ease your worries. I have listed the top 5 headlamps under $50. After reading this guide, you can buy a quality headlamp without blowing your budget.
The List:
A hands-free light is an essential outdoor tool and should be part of your EDC kit. A headlamp is not subjected to camping only. It can be used in all outdoor night activities and in the dark. A headlamp is supposed to be fixed on your head while walking the dog in the evening and it must be a part of the road trip, mountaineering, hiking, trail running, biking, caving, skiing, and backpacking.
There are numerous options for headlamps, but I have created this list to recommend a headlamp that you can love and use for a longer duration. Scroll through to find a perfect headlamp for yourself.
Quick overview:
- Black Diamond Spot 400 – the perfect headlamp.
- Nitecore NU25 400 UL – an ultra-lightweight headlamp.
- Princeton Tec Snap RGB – best long burn and multi-functional headlamp.
- VITCHELO V800 Headlamp – best budget headlamp with good battery life.
- Bushnell PRO Rechargeable 400L – best headlamp for work.
Black Diamond Spot 400
The Perfect Headlamp
- Size: 1.88″ x 4″ x 3″ (D x W x H).
- Weight: 0.264 pounds.
- Battery cell composition: alkaline.
- The number of batteries: 3 AAA batteries (included).
- Burn time high/low: 200 hrs. /2.5 hrs.
- Lumen output: 400 lumen /328 ft. (100 m.)
- Waterproof rating: IP67 (submersible).
- Rechargeable: yes, micro-USB.
- Package includes: batteries.
- Suitable for: hunting, hiking, skiing, backpacking, mountaineering, trekking, running, climbing, and military use.
Why buy?
At the top of the list, it has to be Black Diamond Spot without thinking twice, as it is the best headlamp. It has been the favorite headlamp of climbers and skiers for years because of its effective features. The latest model, the 400, is even brighter due to the spotlight feature.
The design of the Black Diamond Spot 400 is slim with 3 AAA alkaline batteries. It has excellent battery life, and the beam distance has surpassed many powerful headlamps with higher-lumen outputs. It also has another version of 400-R that contains a lithium-ion rechargeable battery.
The user has full control of the brightness of this headlamp. With only one touch, the power tap technology switches the headlamp to full brightness from dimmed power (and vice versa). The brightness can be adjusted with the power button. The digital locking feature ensures the safety of the headlamp. Hence, it is a bright headlamp with all these convenient features.
It may take some attempts to fully understand the functions and workings of the black diamond spot 400, but the quality and features at such a price justify that glitch.
- Pros:
- Water-resistant.
- Reliable performance.
- Long-lasting battery life.
- Light-weight.
- Good burn-time.
- Integrated battery life reader.
- Digital locking.
- Cons:
- A rechargeable battery is sold separately.
Nitecore NU25 400 UL
Ultra-Lightweight Headlamp
- Size: 2.37″ x 0.98″ x 1.45″ (D x W x H).
- Weight: 0.1 pounds.
- Battery cell composition: lithium-ion.
- The number of batteries: 1 lithium polymer battery (included).
- Burn time high/low: 10.4 hrs. / 2.7 hrs.
- Lumen output: 400 lumen / 210 ft. (64 m.)
- Waterproof rating: IP66.
- Rechargeable: yes, micro-USB.
- Package includes: headband, headlamp, and charging cord.
- Suitable for: outdoor activities like camping, running, and backpacking.
Why buy?
If you want a rechargeable headlamp, then it is the one. The name ‘Nitecore’ is very famous for flashlights and headlamps. Nitecore NU25 UL 400 headlamp is my go-to option because it has features that are mostly available in expensive headlamps. The weight and design of this headlamp are designed efficiently. Weightless main light fixes smoothly on your head and gives a comfortable feeling.
The 400-lumen is bright with 10 different light modes and 3 lamp options. It has triple outputs of the spotlight, auxiliary red light, and floodlight. Dual switch modes are also easy to operate with separate buttons. I really enjoy high red mode, especially in the dark, as it protects my night vision. The beam quality is excellent, and different modes provide even illumination.
The in-built lithium-ion battery charges quickly using a USB-C cord. It only takes 1 hour to charge the battery fully. Also, the battery lasts quite a long if you keep it in the right mode. Compared to other headlamps, it is very easy to understand and use. Hence, Nitecore NU25 UL 400 is an incredibly lightweight and compact headlamp.
- Pros:
- Super lightweight.
- Comfortable head strap.
- Water-resistant.
- Rechargeable.
- Adjustable light modes.
- Several lighting options.
- Excellent battery life.
- Fast charging.
- Four power indicators show the remaining battery life.
- Cons:
- UI is somewhat complicated.
Princeton Tec Snap RGB
Best Long Burn and Multifunctional Headlamp
- Size: 5.83’’ x 5.35’’ x 2.2’’ (L x W x H).
- Weight: 0.218 pounds.
- Battery cell composition: alkaline.
- The number of batteries: 3 AAA batteries (included).
- Burn time high/low: 155 hrs. / 10 hrs.
- Lumen output: 300 lumen / 164 ft. (50 m.)
- Waterproof rating: IPX4.
- Rechargeable: yes, micro-USB.
- Package includes: SNAP head unit, handlebar attachment, headlamp attachment, two-way carabiner mount and clip.
- Suitable for: adults can use it as a headlamp, magnetic area light, flashlight, bike light, safety flasher, and lantern light.
Why buy?
Princeton Tec Snap RGB is an excellent choice for people who want a compact headlamp for various activities. It is multi-functional as it becomes a small handheld light after removing it from the headband. Unlike other headlamps, it serves other functions too, such as; it can be used as bike light and lantern light. The light has four output colors; white, blue, red and green.
Another prominent feature of this headlamp is that it has a magnetic touch. The lighting unit can adhere to metal surfaces due to its magnet. Typically, it sticks to the headlamp, lantern, and bike brackets. This feature is very beneficial. I stick it on different surfaces while working in the house. Hence, Princeton Tec Snap RGB is a versatile and flexible headlamp.
- Pros:
- Long burn time.
- Multiple mounts.
- Maxbright LED.
- Dimmable LEDs for customized brightness.
- 5 years warranty applicable.
- Magnetic feature.
- Detachable head unit.
- Multi-functional.
- Cons:
- Not completely waterproof.
- No locking feature.
- For some users, it is bulky on the forehead.
VITCHELO V800 Headlamp
Best Budget Headlamp
- Size: 2.44″ x 1.89″ x 1.46″ (D x W x H).
- Weight: 0.12 pounds.
- Battery cell composition: alkaline.
- The number of batteries: 3 AAA batteries (included).
- Burn time: 120 hrs.
- Lumen output: 168 lumen / 360 ft. (109 m.)
- Waterproof rating: IPX6.
- Rechargeable: yes, micro-USB.
- Package includes: Headlamp, Black Bracelet (only with a pack of 2), Vitchelo bracelet, and 3 x AAA batteries.
- Suitable for: adults and kids can use it for running, camping, cycling, hunting, reading, jogging, hiking, auto repair, and fishing.
Why buy?
VITCHELO V800 is for those people who want a budget-friendly but reliable headlamp. It is designed with 6 levels of white and red LED lights. Four levels of white light are high, low, medium, and blinking strobe, and the levels of bright red light are high and blinking strobe. It has two settings of red and white light with separate buttons. The adjustable light beam makes it even more convenient.
The extendable headband is durable and comfortable for users. A soft cushion is attached to the back of the headlight to protect it from any mark or heat on the forehead. So, you can wear it for longer without any annoyance. It is more like a jogging and cycling type of headlamp. It is also useful if you need to complete around-the-house chores or want to take the dog out in the dark.
It also provides a 60-day, no-questions-asked return policy. So, it has zero risk purchase policy because the brand is confident about its product. Vitchelo V800 is a great headlamp that preserves night vision and has long battery life, so highly recommended.
- Pros:
- Soft elastic headband.
- Bright spot mode beam.
- Foam padding for maximum safety.
- Separate red and white light buttons.
- Budget-friendly.
- Good battery life.
- Easy to use.
- Lifetime limited warranty.
- Cons:
- Less bright, with only 168 lumens.
- The locking feature is absent.
Bushnell PRO Rechargeable 400L
Best Utility Headlamp
- Size: 5.28’’ x 2.68’’ x 1.81’’ (D x W x H).
- Weight: 0.21 pounds.
- Battery cell composition: lithium polymer.
- The number of batteries: 1 lithium polymer battery (included).
- Burn time: 34 hrs.
- Lumen output: 400 lumens.
- Waterproof rating: IPX4.
- Rechargeable: yes, micro-USB.
- Package includes: rechargeable lithium battery, USB charging cord and headlamp.
- Suitable for: backpacking, climbing, hiking, hunting, running, reading, and much more.
Why buy?
Bushnell Pro Rechargeable 400L is one of the best rechargeable headlamps. So, it must be a part of your EDC for your next outdoor venture. The hundreds of positive reviews reflect that this headlamp is worth trying.
It supports three modes; high mode, low mode, and red mode. You can select the mode according to the surroundings and time. High mode provides ultra-light of 400 lumens. High spot mode holds a 115-meter beam distance, and high flood mode holds a 9-meter beam distance.
In low mode, battery life is conserved, and it provides great illumination for closer objects. Low spot mode holds a 47-meter beam distance, whereas; low flood mode holds a 4-meter beam distance. The third red mode is designed to protect night vision. So, all three modes are efficient in their functioning.
The rechargeable lithium battery and micro USB charging cord have solved the charging issues. You can fully charge your headlight in only 2 hours. Hence, Bushnell Pro Rechargeable 400L is a great value for money.
- Pros:
- Flexible 5 modes.
- Easy and quick charging.
- A very bright light that shines a long distance.
- Comfortable headband.
- 1-meter impact resistant.
- It holds one year warranty.
- Cons:
- Loud clicking sound.
Final Words
My list of top 5 headlamps under $50 comes to an end. Every person has their own preferences when buying a headlamp. All these headlamps are great, but the Black Diamond Spot 400 is my top pick as it is the best overall.
I hope you find this guide helpful, and if you did, give it a share.
FAQs
What should I consider when choosing a headlamp?
- Brightness/beam distance.
- Light settings.
- Battery type and status (rechargeable or not).
- Battery life.
- Waterproof rating.
- Weather resistance.
- Lighting mode.
- Carrying comfort (strap and pad).
- Weight.
- Price.
What is the difference between headlights and headlamps?
Headlamps are also often known as headlights, but both are slightly different. A headlamp is a device worn on the head that reflects light. In contrast, a headlight is the bright light beam that is produced by the headlamp.
Jay
