The 10 Best Rechargeable headlamps  Jun 2023

Headlamps come in a variety of designs—selecting the right headlamp for you will depend on your specific needs. Some things to consider when choosing your headlamp are bulb type, battery type, and several other effects. We’ve outlined the benefits of each type below so you can pick the headlamp that is best suited for your needs.

LED bulbs: Headlamps utilizing LED light will come equipped with compact and long-lasting bulbs. LED bulbs are highly efficient and use less battery power than other types of bulbs. However, it is important to note that this savings in battery power comes at the cost of the beam. LED bulbs tend to cast a wide glow as opposed to a more focused beam.

Xenon and Halogen bulbs: These traditional bulbs are larger than LED bulbs. Although they require more battery power, these bulbs boast stronger and more focused beams.

Removable batteries: Many headlamps have removable batteries that can be recharged, though some have a built-in battery that cannot be removed. People who need to use their headlamps for long periods of time (such as on an outdoor trip) will benefit from removable batteries. This way you can bring multiple charged batteries along and not worry about having to recharge until it is convenient for you. However, for those who have ample opportunities to recharge between uses, (such as housework or shed work) a non-removable battery will work just fine. 

Multiple effects: Headlamps are becoming more and more customizable as technology progresses. There are many special features that you can find in headlamps such as water resistance, strobe lights in case of emergency, and a red light for nighttime use. The special features that you desire will depend on the types of activities you intend to use your headlamp for. 

Based on all the consumers’ reviews we’ve scanned, these are the top things they mentioned about their new stuff:

Battery life: Rechargeable headlamps should be able to withstand a certain amount of usage before it is time to recharge. Many consumer reviews report on the battery life of each model and give you an estimate of how long the power can last before a recharge is needed.

Comfort: The main purpose of a headlamp is to allow the user more comfort and flexibility in activities. Many reviews mentioned comfort as an important criterion when evaluating a product. Most users are pleased with lightweight headlamps and comfortable cloth straps.

Multiple settings: The happiest customers were those who found that their headlamps suited their own needs perfectly. Athletes seem to be satisfied with water-resistant headlamps while some campers prefer waterproof models that can be used in the rain. Users that make use of their headlamps for multiple activities endorse models with reactive lighting.

• Headstrap: If you plan to strap your headlamp over a helmet or a hardhat, make sure to pick a headlamp with a long, adjustable strap. If you are an athlete or planning to take your headlamp on some extreme sporting activity, consider purchasing a headlamp that straps around the head as well as over the top. The last thing you need during a night run or evening climbing excursion is for your light to slide down your forehead.
• Brightness: The brightness of your bulb is measured in lumens. A higher lumen number indicates higher brightness. Keep in mind that higher lumen bulbs tend to use more energy and burn out faster.
• Beam distance: Think about how far ahead you need your lamp to shine. For examining objects up close, such as car maintenance or reading, consider a low beam (also called wide or flood beam). For lighting up longer distances such as the path on a night hike, consider a high beam (also called spot or tight beam). For users who desire both low beams and high beams, choose a model that features reactive lighting. These headlamps have adjustable beams that will give you more flexibility and at the same time saves battery.
• Special features: If you are looking for a headlamp for the specific purpose of camping or hiking outdoors in the night, you should really consider a red light beam equipped headlamp. The red light will allow you to see clearly in the night without disturbing wildlife that may be nearby.

Petzl: Perhaps the most popular and well-known brand for headlamps, Petzl was founded by an avid caver in the 1970s by the name of Fernand Petzl. It has a reputation for providing quality equipment for both professional and leisure activities.

SureFire: SureFire is an American company that was founded for the purpose of selling laser sights for firearms. Nowadays they sell all sorts of equipment, but their expertise and a majority of their products fall into the category of illumination.

Coast: An established tool provider for many years now, Coast is a proud pioneer in portable LED technology. Coast is a family company located in Portland, Oregon, that boasts both quality and quantity.