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An evening or nighttime running workout can be a great way to get some outdoor training and avoid spending hours in the harsh sun, especially in the warm summer months. However, unless you’re training on a busy street, safety can be a real concern, especially when it comes to lighting. The last thing you want to do is slip and hurt yourself because you can’t properly see the ground, and that’s where running headlamps save the day. They also make you more visible to oncoming traffic, adding an extra layer of safety to your evening runs.
The best running headlamps are lightweight, have plenty of battery life to get you through your run, and ideally, have adjustable settings to help you find the perfect level of visibility for your next evening adventure. Whether you’re going on a long trail run, a walk around a dark neighborhood, or simply want a hands-free light source for your next evening adventure, we’ve got you covered.
Our team has tested some of the most popular headlamps on the market, and we’re here to share our top picks for a variety of needs.
The Best Running Headlamps
Best Overall Running Headlamp: Black Diamond Sprinter 500
Good for: Those looking for a long-lasting headlamp with plenty of features
Black Diamond Sprinter 500
Light Settings
Three brightness levels, variable dimming, optional strobe light
Power Source
BD 1800 rechargeable battery or 3 AAA batteries
Headband Material
Perforated elastic headband
Evening Runners
This adjustable headlamp is great for runners who train in dark conditions
Outdoor Users
This headlamp has IPX4 water resistance to withstand all sorts of weather conditions
Long-distance Runner
The battery lasts up to 100 hours, so it should last for nearly any type of running event
Pros
Cons
Power Source
Rechargeable battery pack (included) or 3 AAA batteries
Battery Life
Up to 100 hours on the lowest setting
The Black Diamond Sprinter 500 is an excellent headlamp that features a rechargeable battery, 100-hour battery life, multiple light settings, and red lights on the power bank for added safety and visibility.
What our tester says:
“I appreciate the red LEDs at the back power bank for rear visibility, and the locking feature helps eliminate the chances of bumping the settings mid-run. Perhaps my favorite feature, though, is the variable dimming and one-touch max lumens modes that allow you to fine-tune your brightness to your liking. The one-touch max quickly illuminates your surroundings with a single touch of the side button, too.”
If you’re looking for the best overall headlamp that’ll work for nearly any purpose, we recommend the Black Diamond Sprinter 500. This is a comfortable yet powerful headlamp with plenty of brightness, battery life, and versatility.
Our tester, Ben Emminger, NASM-CNC, NASM-CSNC, rated this a 5 out of 5 for brightness.
“The lumens range is between 6 and 500, which should be plenty for running endeavors,
Ben says. “Plus, the one-touch max controls allow you to quickly tap the side of the front LED lens for rapid illumination. I’ve used this feature when rounding corners on routes where I’m less familiar with the terrain—it’s also a blessing when using your headlamp for other needs like automotive repair or housework where lighting conditions change with each cast shadow.”
This brightness doesn’t negatively affect the battery life, which earns a 5 out of 5, as well. Black Diamond claims the battery life will last for up to 100 hours when used on the lowest setting, and Ben said the battery has held up tremendously well during his testing.
We also love the versatility of the beam shape and lighting modes, which, yet again, earn a 5-out-of-5-star rating.
“Perhaps my favorite feature is the variable dimming and one-touch max lumens modes that allow you to fine-tune your brightness to your liking,” Ben said. “The one-touch max quickly illuminates your surroundings with a single touch of the side button, too.”
If you need a comfortable, bright headlamp with plenty of versatility and a long battery life, this is a great option.
If you prefer something a bit smaller, the Black Diamond Sprint 225 is another great option to consider.
| Brightness | 6-500 lumens |
| Weight | 3.7 ounces |
| Battery type | BD 1800 rechargeable battery or 3 AAA batteries |
| Battery life | Up to 100 hours |
| Warranty | 3-year warranty |
Best Rechargeable Running Headlamp: PETZL Iko Core
Good for: Those who want a headlamp with a rechargeable battery pack
Light Settings
Three light modes
Power Source
Rechargeable lithium-ion battery or 3 AAA batteries
Headband Material
AIRFIT semi-rigid headband
Evening Runners
This adjustable headlamp is great for runners who train in dark conditions
Outdoor Users
This headlamp has IPX4 water resistance to withstand all sorts of weather conditions
Long-distance Runner
The battery lasts up to 100 hours and should last for nearly any type of running event
Pros
Cons
Power Source
Rechargeable battery pack (included) or 3 AAA batteries
Battery Life
Up to 100 hours on the lowest setting
The PETZL Iko Core is a lightweight running headlamp that can be powered by a rechargeable battery pack or three AAA batteries. It features three lighting modes and lasts up to 100 hours.
What our tester says:
“I love how comfortable and lightweight it is, but I have had headlamps that were less than $50 that offer a lot more settings and are brighter than this one (though they are quite bulky).”
For those who don’t want to deal with constant battery replacements, the PETZL Iko Core running headlamp can be a great choice. To be fair, most headlamps we’ve tested have a rechargeable battery, but in our testing, this lamp lasted even longer than PETZL claimed it would.
Our tester, Amanda Dvorak, ISSA-CPT, ISSA-CNC, went out of her way to test the battery life against the manufacturer’s claims.
“The battery life is listed as up to 100 hours if you use the lowest setting and 2.5 hours on the highest setting,” Amanda explains. “I fully charged the battery it came with and then turned the headlamp onto the highest setting and let it run. It actually lasted close to 4 hours.”
Not only does this lamp have a great battery life, but it earns 4 out of 5 for comfort, as well. Amanda has owned two other headlamps for walking her dog at night and said the flashlight lens is often large and bulky. In comparison, the Iko Core has a much smaller light that’s far more comfortable.
This headlamp also earns 3.5 out of 5 for the beam shape. It’s not entirely customizable, but Amanda noted, “There are three lighting modes, and it’s really easy to switch between them with the press of a button. The beam naturally gets wider as the power gets higher, but you can’t really customize the beam shape.”
Our biggest callout is the price, which only earns 2 out of 5 stars due to the relatively high cost at the time of writing, which ranges from $75-$90 on Amazon, depending on the season. However, it’s still a great headlamp, especially if you can get it on sale.
If you’re looking for the most budget-friendly headlamp, we recommend the Black Diamond Sprint 225.
| Brightness | 6-500 lumens |
| Weight | 2.72 ounces |
| Battery type | Rechargeable lithium-ion battery or 3 AAA batteries |
| Battery life | Up to 100 hours |
| Warranty | 3-year warranty |
Best Budget Running Headlamp: Black Diamond Sprint 225
Good for: Those looking for an affordable headlamp
Black Diamond Sprint 225
Light Settings
Six brightness settings and strobe feature
Power Source
Power Source
Headband Material
Elastic headband
Evening Runners
This adjustable headlamp is great for runners who train in dimmer conditions
Outdoor Users
This headlamp has IPX4 water resistance to withstand all sorts of weather
Budget Shoppers
This affordable headlamp is priced to fit most budgets
Cons
Power Source
Rechargeable battery pack (included) or 3 AAA batteries
Battery Life
Up to 20 hours
The Black Diamond Sprint 225 is a lightweight, affordable running headlamp. It’s not as bright as other headlamps, and the battery doesn’t last as long, but it’s a great choice for shorter evening or early-morning runs.
What our tester says:
“I really love how lightweight and comfortable this is. It’s not quite as strong as other headlamps I’ve used, but for the low cost, this is a great lamp. I wouldn’t use this in the middle of the night, but in the evenings or early mornings where there’s a little bit of natural light, this is a good option.”
If you’re looking for a running headlamp that won’t break the bank, the Black Diamond Sprint 225 is a great choice and earns 4 out of 5 for the value.
You’ll sacrifice a few features compared to more high-end headlamps, but it can still be a great option that’ll get the job done for most purposes.
I’ve been testing this headlamp on evening dog walks and give it 4 out of 5 stars for comfort. It has a very light and thin elastic band and a relatively small lens. Compared to a different model I have, this is significantly lighter, and it’s easy to forget you’re wearing it.
One drawback is the brightness, which only reaches 250 lumens, earning 3 out of 5 stars. It’s worked well for my uses, but I’m mostly walking my dog around a dimly-lit neighborhood. I don’t think I’d want to use this lamp if I were going on a nighttime hike in the Las Vegas desert, but it’s great for exploring dimly lit areas.
It also has a built-in rechargeable battery that can last up to 20 hours. Again, this gets the job done for my needs, but compared to other lamps that have longer batteries or the option to use external batteries, it’s not quite as powerful.
This is a great budget-friendly headlamp, but if you want something with a bit more power and don’t mind spending more, the Silva Free H Trail Runner is a great option.
| Brightness | 6-250 lumens |
| Weight | 1.98 ounces |
| Battery type | Rechargeable lithium-ion battery |
| Battery life | Up to 20 hours |
| Warranty | 3-year warranty |
Best Running Headlamp for Ultrarunning: EdisonBright Fenix HL18R-T
Good for: Anyone looking for a headlamp with excellent battery life
EdisonBright Fenix HL18R-T
Light Settings
Three spotlight settings and two floodlight settings
Power Source
Rechargeable Li-Polymer battery
Headband Material
Lightweight reflective headband
Ultrarunners
This headlamp features a variety of light settings and an adjustable strap that’s comfortable to wear for extended sessions
Endurance Athletes
This headlamp can be adjusted with the turn of a knob without stopping to take it off, making it a great fit for long runs, bike rides, or hikes
Outdoor Users
This headlamp has IPX4 water resistance to withstand all sorts of weather conditions
Pros
Cons
Power Source
Rechargeable Li-Polymer battery
Battery Life
Up to 300 hours
The EdisonBright Fenix HL18R-T is a comfortable, bright headlamp with five light settings and an easily adjustable, snug headband. It’s versatile and easy to use, but the battery life is a little shorter than some competitors despite its listed lifespan.
What our tester says:
“I’m really impressed with how easy this headlamp is to use, especially the adjustment settings. You don’t have to take it off and adjust the size, you can simply turn a knob to loosen or tighten the band, which is an awesome feature.”
If you’re an ultrarunner who needs a powerful, comfortable headlamp with great battery life, look no further than the EdisonBright Fenix HL18R-T, our pick for the best headlamp for ultrarunning.
We’ll start with the battery life, which earns 5 out of 5 stars. This lamp has a rechargeable battery or the option to use three AAA batteries. Depending on the brightness setting, it can last up to 300 hours, and you can always keep spare batteries on hand if you need a quick replacement.
I also rate this 4 out of 5 for the beam shape. It has a total of five different settings at various brightness levels and lighting modes, including a strobe feature, spotlight, and floodlight.
My favorite feature, though, is the band itself, which earns 4 out of 5 for comfort. With most elastic bands, you have to remove the headband and adjust the strap, which can loosen over time.
The Fenix HL18R-T locks with the twist of a knob, which I can easily adjust without removing the lamp. This means I can put it on my head and simply twist a dial until it’s tight enough, and if it happens to come loose on the run, I can simply re-tighten it without stopping to remove the headlamp.
While I love the head strap on this LED headlamp, it is a little thicker than other options, so if you want something with a smaller, lighter band, you might love the PETZL Iko Core.
| Brightness | 4-500 lumens |
| Weight | 3.21 ounces |
| Battery type | Rechargeable Li-Polymer battery or 3 AAA batteries |
| Battery life | Up to 300 hours |
| Warranty | 3-year warranty |
Best Running Headlamp for Trails: PETZL Actik Core
Good for: Anyone looking for a great headlamp for trail running
PETZL Actik Core
Light Settings
Three brightness levels, tilt up or down, five settings including strobe and red light
Power Source
1250 mAh CORE rechargeable battery or 3 AAA batteries
Headband Material
Reflective elastic headband
Trail Runners
This lamp can tilt and has multiple light settings to illuminate a variety of terrains
Outdoor Users
This headlamp has IPX4 water resistance to withstand all sorts of weather conditions
Hiking
The lamp has multiple beam settings and can tilt up and down, great for illuminating uneven hiking trails
Pros
Cons
Power Source
Rechargeable battery pack (included) or 3 AAA batteries
Battery Life
Up to 100 hours
The Petzl Actik Core headlamp is a versatile headlamp that’s great for all conditions. It has both wide and focused beam settings, multiple brightness levels, red lights, and strobe lights, and the lamp can tilt both up and down.
What our tester says:
“The red lens feature can be helpful if I’m aware of the trail yet don’t want to be too visible or blinding to oncoming traffic. It’s a nice touch, especially for those traversing well-known areas.”
If you’re a trail runner, you know that exploring unstable, uneven terrain is part of the hobby, and the PETZL Actik Core is a great headlamp for your needs.
To start things off, the brightness can reach a powerful 600-lumen output, earning a 5 out of 5 for brightness. If you’re exploring a dark trail with limited natural light, this is plenty of light to illuminate your surroundings.
Not only is the light bright, but it’s versatile. You can choose from a focused spotlight if you want to see the ground ahead of you or a wider area of light if you want to illuminate a much wider area.
RELATED: Best Trail Running Shoes
You can also use the red light setting for safety features or if you want to illuminate your hiking path without blinding your fellow hikers.
Ben Emminger, NASM-CNC, NASM-CSNC, also added that it’s a great headlamp for camping.
“If you’re a fan of camping or the outdoors, in general, I highly suggest pairing this headlamp with the compatible Protective Carrying Case,” says Ben. “It essentially turns your headlamp into a standalone table or hanging light, perfect for providing visibility when gearing up for a run or clearing up your campsite before bed.”
With a listing price of over $80, it’s a little pricey and only earns 3 out of 5 stars for the value. Still, if you’re a trail runner, hiker, or camper who needs a powerful, versatile light, this is a solid option.
If you want something a bit cheaper and don’t need the full 600 lumens, the Black Diamond Sprint 225 is another good headlamp to consider.
| Brightness | 2-600 lumens |
| Weight | 3.1 ounces |
| Battery type | 1250 mAh CORE rechargeable battery or 3 AAA batteries |
| Battery life | Up to 100 hours |
| Warranty | 5-year lamp warranty, 3-year battery warranty |
Best Running Headlamp with Rear Light: Silva Free H Trail Runner Headlamp
Good for: Outdoor runners who want a rear safety light
Silva Free H Trail Runner Headlamp
Light Settings
Three brightness levels
Power Source
Hybrid rechargeable battery or 3 AAA batteries
Headband Material
Icon Description: Anti-slip headband with silicon string
Night Runners
This running headlamp has rear safety lights for increased visibility
Outdoor Users
This headlamp has IPX4 water resistance to withstand all sorts of weather conditions
Trail Runner
The hybrid light shines on both the ground in front of you and long distances, perfect for increasing safety on uneven terrain
Pros
Power Source
Hybrid rechargeable battery pack (included) or 3 AAA batteries
Battery Life
Up to 12 hours
Silva Free H Trail Runner Headlamp is a versatile headlamp with hybrid lighting, a rechargeable battery, and rear safety lights. It’s great for night runs, but it’s not as bright as other options, and the battery life is much shorter than competitors.
What our tester says:
“I like how lightweight this Free H Trail Runner is when worn, and the 3.8-ounce profile doesn’t hinder its wearability. The rear battery pack is thinner than other power sources I’ve used in my other headlamps, albeit with a more defined width that may compromise fitment when worn with a hat or headband. Plus, the anti-slip headband features a rubberized strip along its interior to help prevent movement during workouts.”
For nighttime runners who train on or near a busy road, safety is critical, and the Silva Free H Trail Runner Headlamp comes with a rear safety light to make sure any vehicles can easily see you, as well as a flashing, strobe mode you can activate for added visibility.
Despite these light functions, the battery still earns 4.5 out of 5 from our tester, Ben Emminger. He said, “According to Silva, the battery pack can power this headlamp for up to 12 hours at its minimum setting, which still casts a 20-meter beam. While not the greatest power output I’ve seen in running headlamps, it should be sufficient enough for multi-mile excursions.”
While you might expect a headlamp with these sorts of safety features to be large and bulky, Ben still gave it a 4.5 out of 5 for weight and comfort.
“I like how lightweight this Free H Trail Runner is when worn, and the 3.8-ounce profile doesn’t hinder its wearability,” Ben said. “The rear battery pack is thinner than other power sources I’ve used in my other headlamps, albeit with a more defined width that may compromise fitment when worn with a hat or headband. Plus, the anti-slip headband features a rubberized strip along its interior to help prevent movement during workouts.”
The biggest drawback is the price, and with a retail price of around $80, this only earns a 2 out of 5 for the value. Still, you can’t put a price on safety, and if you’re a nighttime runner, the added safety lights make this lamp well worth the cost.
If you want to save money and get something a bit more affordable, we recommend the EdisonBright Fenix HL18R-T.
| Brightness | 50-400 lumens |
| Weight | 3.8 ounces |
| Battery type | Hybrid rechargeable battery or 3 AAA batteries |
| Battery life | Up to 12 hours |
| Warranty | 2-year warranty |
Other Running Headlamps We Researched
We chose our top six picks for the best headlamps, but here are a few others we considered that didn’t quite make the cut.
- LHKNL Headlamp Flashlight: This powerful light claims to reach an impressive 1,200 lumens, but several reviewers said it didn’t seem all that bright, and the quality wasn’t great.
- Nitecore NU25 Ultra Lightweight Headlamp: This is a popular headlamp with a lightweight design, but we simply like the strap design of the other lamps on our list a bit better.
How We Picked and Tested the Best Running Headlamps
To find the best running headlamps, we tested the most popular options we could find, taking them on runs, hikes, evening dog walks, and more. Whenever we test any kind of running gear, whether it’s shoes, shorts, or headbands, we always spend plenty of time with each piece of equipment.
This allows us to use our testing methodology to calculate a final score for each product, providing an unbiased score by rating each headlamp on a scale of 1-5 for a number of important categories. This includes:
- Battery Source and Life: What type of battery does the headband use, and what’s the battery runtime? Many headlamps use rechargeable battery packs, but some allow you to use standard batteries, if you prefer.
- Brightness: Headlamps can come in a variety of brightness levels, and this brightness is measured in lumens. We look for headlamps that can go brighter than 400 lumens, ideally, but even a 200-300 lumen headlamp can get the job done for many runners.
- Bulb Type and Features: Today’s running headlamps primarily use LED lenses for casting their beams. However, these lights can differ in terms of their available settings, which can include dimmable brightnesses, strobe settings, additional red beams for safety, and more.
- Price and Value: Headlamps are available at a variety of price points, so we made sure to test products at differing costs to give athletes a suitable pick, regardless of your personal budget.
Benefits of Running Headlamps
If you’re not sure why you’d need a running headlamp in the first place, here are a few of the most important benefits and reasons to consider purchasing one, especially if you run in the evening.
Hands-Free Lighting
Headlamps aren’t just for runners; they provide a convenient light source for all kinds of projects. Whether you’re walking your dog at night, cleaning a dark basement, hiking in the evening, or working on your car engine, a headlamp provides plenty of light while leaving your hands free to work.
Like the headlight on a car, a running headlamp allows you to focus on the task at hand rather than worrying about aiming a flashlight in front of you. Compared to something like night vision goggles, which can distort your vision, the bright light from a running headlamp can provide clear illumination for any task.
Safer Running
For those who love to use an app like Strava to regularly explore new trails and paths, a running headlamp can boost your confidence, according to Ben Emminger, NASM-CNC, NASM-CSNC.
“Running headlamps can also serve as a confidence booster, particularly when looking to tackle new roadways and trails,” says Ben. “If you’re setting off into new terrain yet aren’t exactly sure that your run will end before dusk, these small, packable accessories can help ensure you return to your vehicle or home safely under adequate light. Some running headlamps specifically designed for trail running can also feature whistles built into the profile, which can be helpful if you need assistance when out on your own.”
RELATED: How to Plan a Running Route
Nighttime Visibility
If trails aren’t your thing, running headlamps can also be tremendously useful for those who run in dark neighborhoods. Visibility is a big concern; not just for you, but for any oncoming vehicles.
Contrary to common belief, nighttime exercise has been shown to improve sleep quality1, but when training in the dark, safety is critical.
Many running headlamps feature reflective materials or, even better, safety lights in the back of the headband to make sure vehicles can see you.
Ben Emminger also pointed out that additional safety gear can improve your safety. He said, “Pairing a running headlamp with hi-vis apparel can be a great way to ensure you stay safe during nighttime runs. These small precautionary steps can help you stay visible to other cars and patrons.”
Buying Guide: What to Look for in Running Headlamps
If you’re having a hard time choosing the perfect headlamp, here are the most important things to consider when shopping.
Battery Life
Most headlamps will last for the duration of a race or training run. However, if you’re going to be embarking on an extended trip, a longer battery life can come in handy and save you from having to worry about charging your headlamp between uses.
Consider how you’ll typically be using your lamp and what sort of battery life is required to support your activities. Some headlamps also allow you to use multiple battery sources, like AAA batteries, instead of the rechargeable pack. This is a great backup option if you’re going on an extended trip and won’t be able to recharge your lamp, as you can simply bring extra batteries.
Brightness
Think about where you’ll be using your lamp, as this can help you choose the proper brightness. If you’ll be on a sidewalk with street lights and simply want an extra boost, you may not need the brightest possible light, which may also bother fellow runners if you’re in a busy area.
RELATED: 17 Tips for Running Etiquette
However, if you’re going to be running on dark trails away from artificial light, you may want to choose something that can produce plenty of lumens to brighten your surroundings, or something with a dimmer, ambient light for activities like backpacking or camping.
Safety Features
Some headlamps feature safety features like a strobe light or red safety lights on the back. This can help increase your visibility if you’re running on a busy road near traffic or if you need to use your strobe light to signal for help.
While trail runs don’t necessarily need red safety lights, the strobe light can be a good safety tool. Some lights are even preprogrammed to strobe in an S-O-S pattern for rescue situations.
Adjustability
Some headlamps can be easily adjusted without removing them, simply by turning a knob or tightening a strap. Others require you to take it off to properly size the headlamp.
Many headlamps also allow you to adjust the lens angle, so you can point it up or down depending on what are you’re trying to illuminate.
If you’re going to be going on extended runs, hikes, or nighttime adventures, you may want to consider a headband that’s easy to adjust on the go. Otherwise, you may find yourself stopping every few minutes to readjust a loose strap.
Materials
Finally, you’ll want to consider the materials your running headlamp is made of. If you’re running in the rain or any sort of wet environment, you’ll want to make sure to choose a water-resistant headlamp. You can look for ratings such as IPX4 or IPX6, which can withstand exposure to water splashes and light rain.
You should also consider the size and materials of the headband. Some are lightweight, thin bands, while others have larger surfaces, so consider your preferences and what seems comfortable for your needs.
Experts Who Contributed To This Article
FAQs About the Best Running Headlamps
How do you choose the best running headlamp?
When choosing a running headlamp, the most important factors to consider are the brightness, battery capacity, and any additional safety features you may need like reflective surfaces and safety lights. It’s important, too, to consider what sort of environment you’ll be training in, which can help you choose the right headlamp.
How bright should a headlamp be?
Brightness is measured in lumens, and while headlamps can range from 200-1,200+ lumens, we think that 200-300 lumens will be sufficient for most users.
What’s the best running headlamp?
References
- Stutz, J., Eiholzer, R., & Spengler, C. M. (2019). Effects of Evening Exercise on Sleep in Healthy Participants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), 49(2), 269–287. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-018-1015-0
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