Owning one of the best headlamps is a must if you're a frequent astronomer, enjoy stargazing or simply find yourself outdoors after dark. With Black Friday coming up, now's a good time to pick one up at a discount. There are already a couple of deals out there, including the BioLite 330, which is discounted by 43% at Rei.
The best headlamps for astronomy and stargazing come in various shapes and sizes and you can pick one up no matter your budget. We've considered the most common use cases and price points to ensure you've got all the information you need to decide which might be the best for you.
You may also consider pairing up a headlamp with one of the best cameras for astrophotography or the best lenses for astrophotography. Wearing a headlamp can save you time and space, and it may be especially useful if you're looking for a tool to accompany one of the best telescopes or best binoculars as well.
Tantse Walter is a photographer and adventurer who's spent more than seven years facilitating global adventurous overseas expeditions. She loves getting into the nitty-gritty of sourcing and planning trips, and choosing the right gear for the job. Tantse enjoys taking creative, bright and bold photos of interesting people and places.
The quick list
We love the BioLite HeadLamp 425 for two reasons: one, it's excellent value for money and two, its battery (i.e. the main source of weight) sits at the back of your head, keeping it light and low-profile at the front.
Petzl's one of the best known headlamp manufacturers across the globe so you know you're buying a good quality product. We love the simple one-button operation here.
If you want something that's fun-looking but still practical and functional, this is the headlamp for you. It's waterproof and submersible, too.
Multipurpose headlamps rarely come better than this. Its light is detachable if you need a handheld flashlight, and is incredibly bright, maxing out at 2500 lumens.
The BioLite Headlamp 330 is one of the lightest headlamps we've tested, and while it's not the brightest on the market it's more than powerful enough for most uses.
If you're eco-conscious, this is the headlamp for you. Made from 100% recycled plastics and hemp, its been made with the environment in mind. Its functions are great too, with a tiltable lamp, optional rechargeable battery and intelligent lighting.
Load 4 more products ↴
At 550 lumens this is a great bright headlamp, and it's not going to break the bank. We love its aluminum casing, too, meaning its built to last.
Waterproof to a depth of one meter and with a IP67 rating for protection against dirt and dust, the Black Diamond Storm 400 is one of the most hard-wearing headlamps on this list.
The WindFire headlamp isn't for everyone: it's exclusively red-light, so if you want a white LED choose something else. But if you don't want to suppress your night vision, this is a great choice — and has some useful features.
Best headlamps we recommend in 2024
Why you can trust Space.com Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test and review products.
Best for astro
✅ You want to buy from a company that 'does good': BioLite reinvests its revenues to build a commercially sustainable business while bringing safe, affordable energy to families in India and Africa. That's over 3.6 million individuals to date and ambitious plans for the future.
✅ You want to charge using USB-C: That's one of the reasons it sits at the top of this list.
❌ You have tangle-prone hair: We're literally splitting hairs here — if you have long curly hair, the power cable (that feeds the battery to the lamp) will likely find its way into a tangle with you.
❌ You will use it to read books whilst lying on your back: If you're someone who likes to hold their book above their head to read while lying down, the rear battery pack will be uncomfortable to lie on.
🔎 BioLite Headlamp 425: A comfortable no-bounce headlamp that's incredibly lightweight. The rear red beam is an unusual feature, handy for group situations.
This headlamp is useful across a variety of situations, including for astronomers and astrophotographers, although it was initially designed for people who like to run in the evenings. As we discussed in our BioLite HeadLamp 425 review, one of our favorite things is how comfortable the headlamp is. Its battery is also placed at the back of the band, which means much better weight distribution and it doesn't feel too cumbersome to wear on the forehead. The power button also sticks out enough so it's easy to locate, even if you've got your running gloves on.
That said, some might find having a battery pack on the back of your head isn't all that practical. If you're going to be laid down — whether that's reading in bed or working under your car late at night — it's going to be uncomfortable to lie on. If those are primary uses for you, you might want to choose something else rather than a BioLite headlamp, which all mostly share this design choice. But for most other uses where you're upright and moving around, having less weight at the front of your head is a major plus.
Furthermore, USB-C charging is a great bonus—no need to dig out batteries or find older cables! It charges quickly too: the BioLite can go from empty to full in just about two hours. And when it's in use, we've thoroughly enjoyed its four tilt positions, which make it very versatile and allow you to see both distant and close objects.
One last plus: by buying it you're even supporting BioLite's mission to reduce CO2 emissions and increase access to clean energy.
- Read our full BioLite HeadLamp 425 review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | The lamp sits flat to your forehead, the battery sits at the back of your head so it's pretty comfortable, its available in three colors |
| Functionality | USB-C charging with a 'reserve mode' that provides an hour of backup light |
| Performance | The battery lasts a long time and it's very comfortable to wear, the red rear flood is novel too |
Best general purpose headlamp
✅ You want to use it for stargazing or astro: This headlamp lets you turn the red light on without cycling through white light modes so you don't ruin your night vision.
✅ You like a choice of power options: You can use either three regular AAA batteries or use the included CORE rechargeable battery.
✅ You are most comfortable buying from well-known brands: Petzl is a trusted and respected brand, known for quality and reliability.
❌ You want USB-C charging: The biggest downside to this headlamp is that it uses Micro-USB charging, not USB-C. It's not a deal breaker, we just prefer carrying/storing fewer cables.
❌ You need to be able to use it continuously: You can't use this headlamp whilst it's charging like you can with some other models.
🔎 Petzl Actik Core 450: This is a reliable and durable headlamp with a choice of power options. If you don't mind using a Micro-USB cable to charge, there's nothing else to fault.
We couldn't have been more pleased with the Petzl Actik Core 450 when we when we reviewed it, with this headband offering a solid and versatile build made by a reputable manufacturer. There's also a hefty warranty (two years on the battery and five on the lamp) that adds to the list of things to love about it.
In fact, the only thing we didn't really like about the Petzl Actik Core 450 is the fact it has a micro-USB charger. We'd have preferred a USB-C (who wouldn't?), but it's a small price to pay when everything else is so excellent. This is a multi-functional headlamp with a low-profile body and snug fit. It's incredibly comfortable on your head and can be worn in just about any situation.
We've found this to be a particularly good headlamp for stargazing. Of particular note is its red light feature: you can turn it on with a long press without needing to cycle through all the white light settings first. It means you have almost no risk of ruining your night vision.
The Core 450 is versatile in that it comes with a rechargeable battery but can also run on standard AAA batteries. We love that it gives us options and a sense of security: if it runs out of charge, you can simply pop in some batteries until you can next charge it. It does mean carrying around some batteries, but it's worthwhile for extra peace of mind.
It's worth noting that the Petzl Actik Core 450 is the exact same product as the TACTIKKA Headlamp, which comes from the same company. However, the TACTIKKA is targeted towards fishing/hunting/military niches, but it may mean you come across it in different stores. There's also a newer model, the Actik Core 600, which is a little brighter (600 lumens), has a Phosphorescent reflector to help you find it in the dark and a pouch that you can use to make a lantern (for when you're in your tent).
- Read our full Petzl Actik Core 450 review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Lightweight with plastic housing — feels nice in the hand, some might prefer something a little weightier |
| Functionality | Easy one button control, lockable, easy to adjust strap and open battery compartment |
| Performance | As you'd expect from Petzl — reliable, versatile with a great battery life |
Best for customization
✅ You love playing with tech: A unique feature of this headlamp is the 'ModeMaker app' (PC/Mac, not Smartphone) which lets you add more modes to the headlamp (e.g a Knight Rider mode and a party mode). You can design your own too.
✅ You want something waterproof and easy to clean: The silicone design of this headlamp makes it great for wet conditions and super easy to clean.
❌ You don't want people to ask questions: Because they will. This doesn't look like a typical headlamp, and the band doesn't look like a typical headlamp band either, so naturally, people will be curious.
❌ You want to charge using USB-C: This headlamp takes a USB-A charge. Though this is generally more readily available than micro or mini-USB, most people would choose USB-C.
🔎 Knog Bilby 400: A uniquely styled headlamp that gives users complete control in terms of light activation, lighting modes and order of operation. It is easy to wipe clean and is even submersible.
The Knog Bilby 400 headlamp is far fro your typical model but it will certainly stand out if you're into your gadets. The innovation shines through in the numerous features that you'll find included, and, made from medical-grade silicon, it looks quite different to other options in our guide. But it has a great lightweight build and it's easy to clean too.
In terms of useful features we like, with the ModeMaker app on PC, you can program your own modes to do just about anything. On the other side is a gimmicky but rather novel 'Party mode' and a Knight Rider mode — we'll leave you to have fun with those.
Along with those slightly obscure features, you'll find all of the usual bells and whistles here, which we've talked about in our in-depth Knog Bilby 400 headlamp review. It's dust-proof and waterproof up to one meter, with a rating of IP67. It has a USB-C charger, and its brightness of up to 400 lumens is plenty bright enough for most situations.
We found that its electronic tilt function wasn't as effective as the manual options found on other headlamps. But we do like its battery indicator and the fact it'll automatically lower the light if it's low on power — it'll do its best to ensure you don't end up in the dark on your way home. With a red light for astro and four brightness settings, we would definitely recommend this headlamp for stargazing if you like the silicone-based design. A replacement strap is available for a very reasonable price also.
- Read our full Knog Bilby 400 review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Unusual looking, band made from silicone — easy to clean |
| Functionality | Waterproof and submergible, customizable lighting patterns are quite fun, controls take some getting used to |
| Performance | Extremely bright, app is slick (only on Windows/Mac) |
Best multi-functional headlamp
✅ You use a flashlight for different hobbies or jobs: The three 'mounting' options make this a versatile flashlight — clip it to your pocket or bag, attach it to your head with the provided head strap, or attach it to something magnetic e.g the bonnet of a car or a tent pole.
✅ You require a very bright light: This is the brightest light on our list at 2500 lumens and a reach of 544 feet/600 meters.
✅ You want something strong and robust: This light is very sturdy and can even withstand being dropped on hard ground. It also boasts IPX8 waterproofing.
❌ You primarily want a headlamp: While the Olight Perun 2 can be used as one, it is pretty heavy to have on your forehead, not to mention the size of it. It's tiny for a flashlight, but massive for a headlamp.
❌ You want USB-C charging: This light can only be charged with its own dedicated charging cable.
🔎 Olight Perun 2: A robust and versatile flashlight that can be used in a multitude of situations thanks to it's three mounting options including occasionally being worn as a headlamp.
This model is far from the traditional headlamp you might find in our guide and more akin to a handheld flaslight that you can insert onto a head mount. This multifunctionality in the Olight Perun 2 is why we recommend it and consider it underrated in a crowded market.
The magnetic base to the flashlight component also means you can attach it to various surfaces including tent poles or tripods, while the accompanying pocket clip means you can clip it onto the front of your jacket, or a bag, too. Failing that, you can of course attach it to your head strap and use it as a standard headlamp.
It does mean it's a little bulkier than other headlamps on the list, but it's a small price to pay for the swathe of other functions you're getting here. In our Olight Perun 2 review (where we awarded it an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars) we praised its ultra-bright 2500 lumens, which can reach up to 544 feet — it's the brightest on this list. However, it lacks a red LED option which may be a turn-off for stargazers who need to preserve their night vision.
That extra size, however, means that the Perun 2 is unusually robust for a headlamp. For starters, it has an IPX8 waterproof rating, which makes it suitable for continuous immersion in water. Additionally, it's made from anodized aluminum, making it super strong. We've dropped one on hard ground from a height of one meter — and had no adverse effects at all.
We'd recommend the Olight Perun 2 for people who want to use their headlamp for multiple uses. If you're the type of person who's going to use it for camping, late-night dog walking, fishing or transporting stuff around in the dark, we think you'll love this. But if you're wanting something lightweight and with a red light function, you're better off looking elsewhere.
- Read our full Olight Perun 2 review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Primarily a small flashlight but can be worn as a headlamp with the provided headstrap, albeit pretty chunky. We liked the magnetic base and pocket clip, and used them often |
| Functionality | Nice pocketable flashlight with different brightness settings, there isn't a red light though |
| Performance | Turbo mode is exceptionally bright, battery life seems good but there isn't a battery indicator apart from a vibration when the battery is less than 10% |
Best headlamp for comfort
✅ You're a runner: If one of your hobbies is running, this is an ideal headlamp thanks to it's 'no bounce' design. It also won't get in the way when you're looking through your scope or viewfinder.
❌ You have tangle-prone hair: As with the BioLite 425, due to the design of power cable (that feeds the battery to the lamp), you will likely find you get your hair stuck a few times when you take it off.
❌ You will use it to read books whilst lying on your back: If you're someone who likes to hold their book above their head to read while lying down, the rear battery pack will be uncomfortable to lie on.
🔎 BioLite Headlamp 330: An affordable lightweight headlamp from an admirable company that's easy to operate and comfortable to wear. ★★★★
The BioLite 330 is not among the best headlamps for a comfy fit, but also if you have limited fund. Its light won't shine as bright as a few others, but it's so small that you will barely notice it strapped to your forehead. So long as you don't need something that flood your view with the brighest light, it is a reasonable option.
Because of the BioLite's 'no bounce' design, it rests flat against your head and won't move around. Technically, it's a feature that's been designed with runners in mind but we can't think of any situation where a light that doesn't bob around won't be helpful. It's particularly handy when you're operating a telescope or camera because, crucially, it means the torch won't get in the way of a viewfinder.
We're pretty big fans of the fabric strap of the BioLite HeadLamp 330, too. It's made from an absorbent wicking material, which keeps it dry. Perfect if you're using it for late-night runs, but it'll come in handy in just about any situation. The reflective strip on the band is a nice touch, too, making the headlamp easy to find in the dark and, more importantly, keeping you visible to other people.
The one downside? It's micro-USB rather than USB-C, but it's not a dealbreaker. We'd still rather have that than have to change batteries regularly — and we do love the power indicator which shows you how much charge is left.
- BioLite also make power banks — check out the BioLite Charge PD series
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | A flat to your forehead headlamp where the battery sits at the back of your head with a comfortable reflective headband |
| Functionality | A lock mode to prevent accidentally powering on, Micro USB rather than USB-C |
| Performance | The no-bounce design is comfortable, build quality is excellent |
Best headlamp for the environment
✅ You're an environmentally conscious shopper: It's made from hemp and 100% recycled plastics.
✅ You'll use it for close-up work: The headlamp mount tilts 90 degrees and can hold itself in whatever position you choose.
❌ You don't want to purchase the extra battery: The battery adds around $40 to the headlamp cost. This is still much cheaper in the long run than buying new AAA batteries whenever they run out.
❌ You need something with a lock button: If you're someone who will throw this headlamp into your bag with all of your other kit, you run the risk of accidentally pressing the power button, turning the lamp on and subsequently draining your battery.
🔎 Silva Terra Scout XT: A fairly typically styled headlamp that can be tilted anywhere from 0-90% from your forehead. We love that the materials are responsible and recyclable.★★★★½
We love how environmentally conscious the design of the Silva Terra Scout XT is, with its body made from 100% recycled plastics and hemp, leaving a much lower carbon footprint than other headlamps — 90% lower, in fact. It also has a more distinct look which sets it apart from the rest.
We praised its range of useful features in our Silva Terra Scout XT review, giving it a highly favorable star rating in light of its utility. We are particularly impressed with its hybrid power design, which means you can use AAA batteries or purchase a separately-sold USB rechargeable battery, giving you choice of how you power the torch.
Its light, which reaches a maximum of 350 lumens, isn't the biggest on this list but it's bright enough, and stretches up to 65 meters in front of you. It comes with a red light, too, which is not quite bright enough to navigate terrain but came in handy when operating equipment like cameras and telescopes.
However, our favorite feature of the Silva Terra Scout XT — aside from how eco-friendly it is — is probably the tiltable lamp. It moves a full 90 degrees and will stay in any position you place it in. It makes it very versatile, then, useful in numerous situations. It also boasts an IPX4 waterproof rating, so you know you're safe to use it even in a heavy downpour.
However, the lack of a lock function on the power button was a bit disappointing and means that you'll have to be more careful when packing it in your kit bag. Whilst some of the headlamps on this list offer more powerful lighting, this is a highly affordable headlamp that will make you feel like you're doing your bit for the planet on your night-time adventures.
- Read our full Silva Terra Scout XT review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | We like that this 'traditional looking' headlamp made from hemp and 100% recycled plastics |
| Functionality | The full 90 degree tilt is helpfull, as is the IPX4 waterproof rating though we missed a 'lock' function |
| Performance | The red light is bright enough for close up work, the white LED stretches to 65m |
Best headlamp for brightness
✅ You like the traditional headlamp style: This headlamp looks exactly how you'd expect a headlamp to look, no additional features or anything 'showy'.
✅ You need something durable: The aluminium casing will protect the headlamp from knocks, bumps and impacts of up to one meter.
❌ You want a headlamp that can be submerged: If you're working around water, you might find additional comfort in having a headlamp that can be fully submerged, just in case of accidents.
❌ You don't like seeing a tint in your white LED: During our review, we found the white light emitted a slight green hue.
🔎 Nitecore NU31: A durable headlamp that's built to last in all environments and weather. There's a slight green tint in the white light, but this wouldn't bother most users. ★★★★½
As we wrote in our Nitecore NU31 review, we really enjoyed this headlamp's design, especially the reflective band that means you remain visible to all those around you. Beyond that, it's an affordable option that has enough features to be considered useful for stargazers.
Among its biggest plus-points is the Nitecore NU31 headlamp's aluminum body that gives it a much more sturdy and premium quality than others conventionally made from plastic. The model also boasts an impressive IP66 waterproof rating, so you can use it without fear in rough conditions and poor weather.
What's particularly handy is the USB-C charging functionality of the Nitecore NU31. It doesn't require a special cable and you don't need to worry about having store-bought batteries in stock for it. It can be plugged in to charge without needing to take the battery out, and you can even continue to use it while it's charging. Makes it a bit tricky to use when it's attached to your head in that situation, but if you're charging from, say, a laptop, we can see it still coming in handy.
There's a range of useful settings on the NU31, too. Crucially, it includes a red light mode which is useful for astronomers and astrophotographers who want to maintain their night vision. It doesn't have the widest or biggest white light beam compared to other headlamps on this list, however, although it stretches to 145 meters, which should still be adequate.
- Read our full Nitecore NU31 review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | A 'traditional looking' headlamp, made durable with aluminum casing |
| Functionality | USB-C charging and it can be used while plugged in |
| Performance | The white 550 lumen LED stretches to an admirable 145 meters and heat dissipation is effective |
Best for inclement weather
✅ You're an underground explorer: Get a headlamp that is hobby-proof — this headlamp is protected from both dirt and waterproof to one meter.
✅ You'd like a green light: Where red is best for preserving night vision, green is best for showing more detail — great for map or book reading.
❌ You want something rechargeable: The biggest downside of this headlamp is that it takes 4 x AAA batteries.
🔎 Black Diamond Storm 400: A headlamp that is completely protected from dirt and water ingress, a great headlamp if you have different hobbies that require a headlamp. We'd recommend investing in some rechargeable batteries and a charger. ★★★★
The Black Diamond Storm 400 is perfect for use in all kinds of weather conditions thanks to its IP67 rating. This means it's completely protected against dirt and dust, and it's waterproof up to 3.2 feet (1 meter) for 30 minutes. This makes it ideal for anybody who usually spends time outdoors, whether you're a hiker or a caver.
Compared to other headlamps on this list, the Black Diamond Storm 400 packs in a lot of useful features. One of our favorites is its 'PowerTap' technology: It allows you to switch between the highest and lowest brightness settings with just one movement, negating the need to cycle through all of the options.
Its downside is perhaps the fact it doesn't have USB recharging: instead, it relies on 4x AAA batteries to power it up, so you'll always need to a stash at hand. You can of course opt for rechargeable batteries, and we'd recommend getting a spare set so you can always have a back-up. Handily, there's a battery life indicator built into the headlamp so you'll always know how much charge you have remaining.
- Take a look at the Best stargazing tents for the ultimate skywatching experience
Best exclusively red headlamp
✅ You don't want to risk ruining your night vision: Almost of of the headlamps in this guide feature both red and white LED lights. It isn't impossible to accidentally toggle on to a white mode when you don't want one. This headlamp eliminates this problem.
❌ You'd be happier with a longer warranty: Although this is a fairly inexpensive headlamp, the 12-month warranty isn't particularly generous.
❌ You occasionally want a white light: This goes without saying; this headlamp only has a red light. There is no capability for white or green light.
🔎 Windfire Headlamp: A great headlamp if you want to absolutely eliminate the risk of switching a white LED on and ruining your night vision. ★★★½
The WindFire Headlamp is incredibly useful for stargazers or those engaging in astrophotography, but not many other kinds of users. That's because it'sa red-light headlamp that allows people to keep their night vision intact. There is no white light option at all, so there's no danger of accidentally soiling your view by flicking to it.
While the red light of the WindFire will give you some visibility, it's obviously not as useful as a white light for simple navigation or seeing your way around. For that reason, we'd suggest looking elsewhere if you're looking for a headlamp to use for exploring.
We particularly like the 90-degree pivot movement on the WindFire. It helps you to see the ground right in front of you, preventing trips and falls in the dead of night. Never ideal, particularly when carting around expensive astrophotography equipment.
It features USB charging, so you don't have to worry about having a stack of batteries available. And there's a 12-month warranty with each purchase, too, so you're fully covered if anything should go wrong.
- See our top picks of the Best star trackers
Best budget headlamp
✅ You're prone to losing things: Let's face it, no matter how hard some of us try — we'll still end up losing our items. With this pack, not only do you get a 'second chance,' as there are two in the pack, but they are also cheap enough to replace without getting too upset about your loss.
❌ You want something rechargeable: This model requires 3 x AAA batteries, though they do last for a good amount of time.
❌ You want something that 'feels' premium: The cost of this headlamp set is low; although we think it's great quality for the price, it doesn't feel like the premium quality of those models from the more prestigious branded headlamps.
🔎 Vont Spark Headlamp: If you only need to use a headlamp very occasionally or just want one or two spares lying around in case of power cuts, these will fit the bill. ★★★
While not quite as capable as some of the other options on our list, the Vont Spark is a great choice if you're on a budget. It's really well made and highly versatile, and it comes with a lifetime warranty that means you're covered if anything goes wrong without throughout the duration of your time with it.
The Vont Spark has seven different lighting settings, activated by cycling through them. Alongside the primary white light, you'll also find a red light which can be activated separately by holding the button down for three seconds. Once you've selected the mode of light you'd like and it's been left on for an extended period, the headlamp allows you turn it off with one touch, meaning you don't have to cycle through all of the modes just to power down.
The Vont Spark headlamp has a comfortable headband and a 45-degree tilt so you can pivot the angle of the light beam to suit your preference. You will need three AAA batteries to power it, although they do last for a good amount of time. It's also waterproof, which is a huge plus, rated to IPX5, meaning it's protected against low-pressure streams from any angle — which includes rain.
Best Headlamps Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best headlamp?
Overall the best headlamp is the BioLite HeadLamp 425, which has moved ahead of the Petzl Actik Core 450 because of the USB-C compatibility. The Knog Bilby 400 Headlamp is also an incredibly good headlamp thanks to full waterproofing and customization factor, though it's aesthetic might not be for everyone.
What is the best headlamp for camping?
The Petzl Actik Core 450 is a great headlamp for camping. It's durable, reliable, bright but comfortable, and has a white and red light option. We'd choose this one over the BioLite for camping because the BioLite's battery sits at the back of the head—perhaps a pain if you want to lie on your back to do some bedtime reading.
We also found the Olight Perun 2 a fantastic light for camping thanks to its clever design features. It's also super bright! We loved how you can attach it to a tent pole via its magnetic base and even set a three or nine-minute timer so that it will automatically turn off without you needing to leave your sleeping bag.
What is the best budget headlamp?
We think the Vont Spark LED Headlamp two-pack is the most cost-effective headlamp. It's IPX5 water resistant, has seven light modes, a red light, rechargeable Lithium polymer battery and best of all there are two so you can share with a friend. All of this for around $25, we think, is a great deal, though we can't vouch for the longevity of the product if used daily.
Which headlamp is the most comfortable?
What headlamp is best for running?
The BioLite HeadLamp 330 is the most comfortable headlamp we've tested. It has a 'no-bounce' design to help runners, with a reflective strip on the rear for added safety.
What is the brightest headlamp?
In keeping with its flashlight design, the Olight Perun 2 is the brightest light on our list at an impressive 2500 lumens. However, this is extremely bright and may be overkill for your needs.
If you're looking for a more traditional headlamp design and you require a red light as well as a white light, then the Nitecore NU31 headlamp is the brightest option. It offers 550 lumens on Turbo mode whilst still maintaining a five-hour runtime thanks to its 1,800 mAh rechargeable battery.
What makes a good headlamp?
Not all headlamps are made the same. Some feature long-reaching, super-bright beams, some feature extra straps for support and some feature a red light as well as a white one, which helps with your night vision.
These different features help in different scenarios — for example, you'll need the extra straps if you're running or climbing. It takes a while for our eyes to adapt to seeing in the dark but even a millisecond of white light can stimulate the rods and ruin your night vision, so the red light allows you to see but doesn't affect your ability to see in the dark once you turn it off.
Headlamps can also be waterproof to different levels and have different styles of buttons and straps, which suit different preferences and functions. We've summarized all the best headlamps on the market, so no matter your intended use, you're sure to find something that ticks all of your boxes.
Any of these headlamps can be used as an excellent skywatching or astrophotography companion, as each of them has red lights and dimmable modes. The other features and specifications come down to personal preference and budget, although our chosen models aren't miles apart in these respects. Personally, we'd insist on rechargeable batteries because they are environmentally and economically better.
Comfort is also key, and having tried on numerous headlamps in different conditions, we'd recommend having a material that is absorbent and breathable, wicking, wipe clean or hand washable, as all of the above are. The headband should also be fully adjustable in size.
How we test the best headlamps 2024
To guarantee you're getting honest, up-to-date recommendations on the best headlamps to buy here at Space.com we make sure to put every headlamp through a rigorous review to fully test each device. Each headlamp is reviewed based on a multitude of aspects, from its construction and design to how well it functions and its performance in the field.
Each headlamp is carefully tested by either our expert staff or knowledgeable freelance contributors who know their subject areas in depth. This ensures fair reviewing is backed by personal, hands-on experience with each headlamp and is judged based on its price point, class and destined use.
We look at how easy the headlamps are to operate, whether they're water or dustproof, their power supply and ease of charging (if applicable). We consider the materials used and the reputation of the suppliers to ensure you're buying a genuine, good-quality product.
With complete editorial independence, we at Space.com are here to ensure you get the best buying advice on headlamps, whether you should purchase a device or not, making our buying guides and reviews reliable and transparent.
Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more! And if you have a news tip, correction or comment, let us know at: community@space.com.
