Headlamps: Reviews

Headlamps are incredibly useful; they might not be terribly attractive to wear, but freeing up your hands from holding a flashlight makes almost any activity better, from hiking, crafts/hobbies and night-time strolls around the neighborhood. A headlamp can also make a good addition to a home emergency kit. The best models have long battery life, a bright beam and a comfortable headband. We compared expert and user ratings to find standout models.

Princeton Tec Quad

Best wide-beam headlamp

*Est. $30

Estimated Price

Comparison tests give this waterproof 4-LED headlamp the best scores for comfort (with an elastic headband), making it ideal for use during power outages and for campsite use. The 2.9-ounce Princeton Tec Quad throws a wide beam up to about 95 feet, so it's best for closer task lighting than for long distance. A strobe mode is available for emergencies, and there are three light-output settings. You can use three AAA batteries of any type (including rechargeables) for up to 150 hours.

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Princeton Tec Eos

Long distance LED headlamp

*Est. $40

Estimated Price

The Eos headlamp can throw a narrow beam of light up to about 190 feet, so reviewers say it's better for biking, running or night hiking than for closer tasks. It does have adjustable brightness (plus a strobe function), but the narrow beam still makes it less ideal as a general-use task light. The Eos weighs 3.7 ounces and reviews say the headband is both secure and comfortable. A voltage regulator keeps brightness from the three AAA batteries consistent longer than on most headlamps. It comes with a lifetime warranty.

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Petzl e+LITE

Lightest headlamp

*Est. $30

Estimated Price

If light weight is a priority and you don't need a long throw distance, reviews say the 1-ounce Petzl e+LITE is tiny. However, it doesn't get the best battery life (45 hours max) and can only throw light about 60 feet. The light can also clip to a hat or dog collar. The e+LITE has both a strobe mode and red LED for preserving night vision. Many owners like this model for running or walking at night. The pricier Petzl Tactikka Plus (*est. $45) includes a red filter, throws light further and gets much better battery life, but it weighs 2.7 ounces.

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Princeton Tec Apex Pro

Brightest 3-watt LED headlamp

*Est. $90

Estimated Price

For most uses, the Apex Pro headlamp is overkill -- it puts out three times as much light as most others, and it can project the beam as far as 280 feet. But if long throw is your priority, the Apex Pro gets excellent reviews. The tradeoff is the heavier weight of 6.1 ounces. A separate 4-LED array provides a wider beam for task lighting.

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Everlite EL8 Solar Headlamp

Solar headlamp

*Est. $50

Estimated Price

The 3-ounce Everlite headlamp is powered by a small solar panel that can charge itself even under tree cover. It can throw light up to up to 60 feet and has a strobe mode. With optional accessories you can use the solar panel to charge a cell phone. This unique headlamp is an option for those who don't want to worry about batteries and can let the headlamp recharge during the day. Once charged, the lithium-ion batteries can hold a charge up to a year.

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