The 10 Best Headlamps For Runners
This review has been updated 13 times since it was first published in April of 2021. Don’t have time to jog during daylight hours, or just prefer getting your exercise in under the cover of darkness? If so, remember to take one of these runners’ headlamps with you, which keep you visible on busy roads and ensure you get back home safely. We’ve selected budget-friendly options as well as robust, feature-laden models that seem to do just about everything but tie your shoes.
10. Vitchelo V800
The Vitchelo V800 is a basic budget option for the casual runner or camper who needs a reliable spare light for going out at night. It’s compact and features several operating modes, but the battery life is a little on the short side.
- Fairly water resistant
- Plenty of colors to choose from
- Plastic body could be sturdier
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON
9. Coast FL85 Dual Color
The Coast FL85 Dual Color throws an impressively bright beam of light that can be quickly focused or unfocused by twisting the rim, allowing you to compensate for distance or foggy conditions. There’s also a fixed red LED for preserving night vision.
- High 615-lumens output
- Can run 13 hours on low
- Does not blink or flash
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON
8. GoMotion Corebeam Lightbelt
If you prefer not to wear your lamp on your head when out on a jog, the GoMotion Corebeam Lightbelt is an alternative worth considering. The 150 lumen light is attached to an elastic fabric that goes around your waist, giving it a stable platform to keep it from bouncing.
- High-visibility yellow
- Various sizes available
- Minimalist but effective
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON
7. Petzl NAO
The Petzl NAO’s unique corded straps do a great job of keeping it tight to your forehead, minimizing vibrations even during the most strenuous activity. But even more innovative is its reactive technology, which adjusts brightness based on your environment.
- Very powerful at 575 lumens
- Rechargeable via usb
- Not very budget friendly
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON
6. Foxelli USB Rechargeable
There’s no worrying about replacing batteries with the Foxelli USB Rechargeable, a best-selling unit that can provide up to 40 hours of constant operation on a single charge. It’s not the smallest or most powerful option out there, but it’s a decent value for the price.
- Includes micro usb cable
- Recharges in 4 hours
- Can be difficult to turn on
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON
5. Petzl Reactik+
With the Petzl Reactik+, the future is now. Using Bluetooth, it connects to your smartphone, on which you can adjust for the type of activity you’re engaged in as well as check the battery level. As you might expect, though, it’s not exactly inexpensive.
- Band is washable
- Red lighting mode
- Could be more intuitive to use
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON
4. Princeton Tec Remix
With its sleek, compact design, the Princeton Tec Remix is not only suitable for running, but is also a useful piece of equipment for hunters, campers or anyone else needing some illumination outdoors. A simple, single-arm bracket lets you direct its beam up or down.
Available with red or green leds
Large on-off push button
Customizable face
Resilient and well made
Fine price-to-quality ratio
Battery door is flimsy
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON
3. BioLite HeadLamp 330
You can hop, skip, and jump while wearing the BioLite HeadLamp 330, but thanks to its no-bounce design, it won’t flop or slip. Plus, it features a moisture-wicking fabric that will keep you cool but won’t soak up your sweat and then start to stink.
- Recharges via micro usb
- Feels well balanced
- Weighs a mere 69 grams
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON
2. Petzl Tikkina
The Petzl Tikkina is an affordable, well-rounded model that should serve the needs of both recreational and hardcore joggers. It comes in a variety of attractive colors, has a 150-lumens output, and features a super simple, one-button operation that’s never confusing.
- Can throw its beam 55 meters
- Three lighting modes
- Easy angle adjustment
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON
1. Black Diamond Spot
The Black Diamond Spot may look small — and it is — but with a 300-lumens output on maximum, it packs a big punch. It’s got a high IPX8 waterproof rating, so you don’t have to worry about using it in the rain or even dropping it in a stream.
- Practical brightness memory
- Handy lock mode keeps it off
- Uses three aaa batteries
