Whether you’re camping in the wilderness or taking an evening stroll with your dog, a reliable headlamp ensures you’re never left in the dark.
After over a decade of testing headlamps on night hikes, runs, and outdoor adventures, we still recommend the Black Diamond Spot—with the latest version being the Spot 400—as the best option for brightness, durability, and performance.
Everything we recommend
Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp
The best headlamp
The Spot 400 is a bright, easy-to-use headlamp with long battery life and reliable performance.
Whether you’re camping, hiking, or searching through a dark attic, the Black Diamond Spot 400 is a dependable choice. It offers a bright, adjustable beam, intuitive controls, and impressive battery life, making it a versatile option for both outdoor and indoor use.
The Spot 400 features two easy-to-use top buttons that allow you to switch between different lighting modes, including a red night vision light, a wide-angle floodlight, and an emergency strobe. At just 3 ounces, it’s lightweight yet durable, with a weather-resistant design and a lock mode to prevent accidental activation.
While brighter headlamps exist, the Spot 400 strikes the perfect balance between brightness, reliability, and affordability. Plus, it’s compatible with an optional rechargeable battery for added convenience.
Black Diamond Astro 300 Headlamp
Cheap but reliable
This budget-friendly headlamp is as bright as our top pick and lighter, but it’s less comfortable and missing some key features.
At just $20, the Black Diamond Astro delivers brightness comparable to our top pick despite a lower lumen rating. It’s also significantly lighter, making it a great option for those who prefer a more minimal design. During testing, it lasted 10 hours on high—matching our top pick—and features a simple, easy-to-use interface.
However, the Astro has some trade-offs. The headband feels less durable, and it lacks both a battery life indicator and a red light mode, which can be useful for preserving night vision. Despite these limitations, it remains a solid choice for household tasks or casual use. Plus, it’s compatible with the same add-on rechargeable battery as the Spot.
Petzl Bindi Headlamp
Best headlamp for runners
This ultralight, adjustable headlamp is ideal for running and high-movement activities. It’s comfortable and weighs just over an ounce but isn’t as bright as our top pick and has a shorter battery life.
Petzl Bindi: A Lightweight, Rechargeable Headlamp for Runners
After years of testing running headlamps that fell short, we were excited to find the Petzl Bindi Headlamp—a compact, rechargeable option that balances comfort, weight, and functionality. Unlike traditional headlamps with thick, bulky straps, the Bindi features an adjustable bungee cord headband that can be tightened with one hand while staying secure during movement.
With a 200-lumen output, the Bindi isn’t as bright as the Black Diamond Spot 400, but it provides ample illumination for nighttime runs or outdoor activities. It offers three brightness levels, plus a red-light mode for preserving night vision. However, its battery life is more limited than that of the Spot and Astro; it lasted around five hours on a full charge in our tests, compared to ten hours for the Spot. A color-coded indicator alerts you when it’s time to recharge.
Weighing just 1.2 ounces, the Bindi is our lightest headlamp pick and remains unobtrusive even during long workouts. Its low-profile strap makes it comfortable to wear with hats or helmets, and the adjustable beam angle allows for easy positioning. The main downside is the lack of a rear light, which some runners may prefer for added visibility.
Despite that minor drawback, the Petzl Bindi stands out as an excellent ultralight headlamp for runners, hikers, and anyone needing a compact, rechargeable light for active use.
Black Diamond Wiz Headlamp
Best headlamp for kids
Rainbow lights make this kids’ headlamp a fun, colorful choice for camping trips and backyard adventures.
The Black Diamond Wiz is a fun and practical headlamp designed specifically for kids. Unlike most other kids’ headlamps, which typically offer just red and white light, the Wiz cycles through a full spectrum of rainbow colors, making it an exciting choice for camping trips, backyard adventures, and bedtime fun.
One standout feature is its automatic shutoff after two hours, preventing accidental battery drain if a child forgets to turn it off. While the Wiz has only 30 lumens—much dimmer than an adult headlamp—this brightness level is ideal for kids, ensuring they won’t accidentally blind themselves or others.
The controls are slightly more complex than those on other kids’ headlamps, but our young testers had no trouble clicking through the various color options. With its playful lighting effects, kid-friendly features, and reasonable price, the Wiz is a great choice for little explorers.
Who this is for
This guide is for anyone looking for a hands-free lighting solution that’s more convenient than a traditional flashlight. A headlamp provides bright, directional light while keeping your hands free, making it an essential tool for a variety of situations. Whether you’re car camping, working on a home improvement project, taking your dog out for a late-night walk, or searching for something in a dark attic or closet, a reliable headlamp can make these tasks easier and safer.
Headlamps are also useful for outdoor enthusiasts who need dependable illumination for hiking, backpacking, or night fishing. If you’re a runner who trains in low-light conditions, a lightweight and secure-fitting headlamp can improve visibility and safety. And for kids, a fun and easy-to-use headlamp can enhance backyard adventures and camping trips.
In this guide, we’ve tested and selected the best headlamps for a range of needs, from powerful all-purpose models to specialized options for running and kids. No matter your activity, we have a recommendation to help you see clearly in the dark.
How we picked and tested
Comfort and Wearability
To assess overall comfort, we wore each headlamp continuously for two hours, noting any pressure points, discomfort, or irritation caused by the straps or weight. We paid special attention to how well the headlamp stayed in place during movement, whether it caused headaches due to tightness, and if any adjustments were necessary over time.
Lumen Count and Brightness
Lumens measure the total amount of light emitted, but higher lumens don’t always mean a better headlamp. According to Victor Kabo, co-founder of Bookman Urban Visibility, increasing lumens can compromise weight, battery life, and cost. Instead, we focused on practical brightness:
- For general use: 200–300 lumens proved sufficient.
- For extended outdoor activities: We found that 400-lumen headlamps lasted longer when dimmed to 200 lumens.
- For kids’ models: We made an exception, allowing for lower lumen counts.
Since lumen numbers don’t account for beam quality, we also analyzed beam length and shape.
Beam Distance and Shape
A narrow, focused beam works best for tasks like running or working in tight spaces, while a wider flood beam is preferable for camping and general outdoor use. We prioritized models offering both beam options for versatility.
Battery Life and Power Source
Although most everyday users don’t require more than five hours of runtime, nearly all tested headlamps exceeded 10 hours. We favored headlamps that support both rechargeable and AAA batteries—rechargeable models generate less waste over time, though their initial environmental impact is higher.
Weight and Portability
Weight impacts comfort and usability. We tested headlamps weighing between 1.2 ounces and 8 ounces, with lighter models being ideal for high-movement activities like running, and heavier models offering more powerful beams and longer battery life.
Bulb Type and Lighting Features
We exclusively tested LED headlamps due to their brightness and efficiency. Most models also featured red LEDs, which help preserve night vision and prevent accidental blinding.
Durability and Drop Test
Starting in 2024, we conducted a drop test by dropping each headlamp from waist height onto pavement three times at different angles. This simulated real-world accidents to ensure no catastrophic failures in build quality.
Once we finalized our list, we gathered our top picks and ordered additional newer models, testing a total of 38 headlamps: 17 between 2019 and 2020, 10 in 2023, and 11 in 2024. Each headlamp underwent a series of rigorous tests to evaluate real-world performance.
Battery Performance Test
Manufacturer battery-life claims can be misleading, so we conducted our own controlled battery test. We set each headlamp to its highest brightness setting and monitored performance over a 12-hour period. Every hour, we checked whether the brightness had dimmed or if the headlamp had completely shut off, allowing us to gauge actual runtime and consistency.
Beam Quality and Light Performance
To evaluate beam quality, we tested each headlamp in a completely dark closet, shining their spot and flood beams onto a white wall. This allowed us to identify hot spots, check for uniform light distribution, and compare the overall beam clarity. We also noted any flickering, uneven illumination, or distracting artifacts that could impact usability in real-world scenarios.
Usability and Everyday Functionality
Over several weeks, we integrated each headlamp into common household tasks:
Searching for items in dimly lit closets
Working in tight, dark spaces under sinks
Handling DIY home projects requiring hands-free illumination
For running headlamps, we conducted early morning and evening test runs in winter conditions when natural light was scarce. We assessed how well each headlamp stayed in place, whether it bounced during movement, and how easy it was to adjust the brightness mid-run.
For rechargeable models, we examined charging ease and efficiency:
How intuitive the charging system was
The time required for a full charge
Whether there were clear battery level indicators
Comfort and Extended Wear Testing
In 2024, Alex tested each headlamp by wearing it for two continuous hours, identifying any discomfort or pressure points that could develop over prolonged use. For users needing a headlamp for extended periods—such as campers or night-shift workers—this was a critical test.
Durability and Drop Test
To assess durability, we conducted a drop test by dropping each headlamp three times from waist height (about 3 feet) onto pavement. We observed whether any models cracked, lost functionality, or showed significant wear after impact.
Diverse User Feedback
In 2024, several headlamps were tested by a group of paid testers representing a variety of body sizes, physical needs, and comfort preferences. Their feedback helped determine:
Which models fit securely across different head shapes
Whether adjustments were easy for users with limited dexterity
How well headlamps performed for different activities
Testing Kids’ Headlamps
For children’s models, we enlisted two experienced young testers—kids who have grown up with gear-testing parents. They used the headlamps in everyday adventures, including:
Camping trips
Backyard exploration
Indoor play and reading in the dark
Their reactions helped us gauge not only fun factor and usability but also whether the headlamps were intuitive for young users to operate on their own.
Our pick: Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp
Why We Recommend the Black Diamond Spot
The Black Diamond Spot has been our top pick since 2012, and for good reason. While there are headlamps with brighter beams and more advanced optics, the Spot consistently hits the sweet spot where price, reliability, performance, and usability intersect.
Balanced Brightness and Practicality
With a 400-lumen output, the Spot provides more than enough brightness for most tasks, whether you’re hiking, camping, running, or working on DIY projects. Unlike some high-lumen headlamps that drain their batteries quickly, the Spot is optimized for efficient energy use, providing long-lasting illumination without excessive power consumption.
Intuitive Controls and Versatile Modes
One of the standout features of the Spot is its easy-to-use interface. It has two top buttons that let you cycle through different lighting modes without confusion. The headlamp includes:
- A red LED for preserving night vision
- A proximity floodlight for a wider field of view
- A strobe mode for emergency signaling
- A lock mode to prevent accidental activation
These features make the Spot adaptable to various situations, from reading in a tent to navigating dark trails.
Reliable Battery Life and Power Options
Battery longevity is crucial for headlamps, and the Spot excels in this area. It runs for several hours on high and can stretch even longer on lower settings. For added convenience, it’s compatible with both AAA batteries and a rechargeable battery pack, giving users flexible power options.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Built with rugged outdoor use in mind, the Spot is:
- IPX8-rated, meaning it can withstand full submersion in water
- Designed to handle drops and impacts without compromising functionality
Whether you’re caught in a downpour or accidentally drop it on rocky terrain, the Spot keeps working.
Great Value for the Price
While premium headlamps exist with sharper optics and additional features, they often come at a higher cost. The Spot remains affordable without sacrificing essential performance, making it the best all-around choice for most people.
If you need a reliable, bright, and easy-to-use headlamp at a reasonable price, the Black Diamond Spot is hard to beat.
Brightness Levels That Fit Every Situation
The Black Diamond Spot 400 delivers more than enough brightness for most activities. While its maximum output of 400 lumens is powerful, we found that we rarely needed to use it at full intensity.
For everyday tasks—like walking the dog at night or setting up camp after sunset—the 200-lumen medium setting was more than sufficient. This setting provided clear visibility while also extending battery life, making it the go-to choice for most outings.
When less light is needed, such as for reading a map, rummaging through a tent, or preserving night vision, the lowest setting of 6 lumens worked perfectly. It provided just enough illumination without being overly harsh or draining the battery unnecessarily.
By offering a range of brightness levels, the Spot 400 ensures you have the right amount of light for any situation, from intense night hikes to subtle illumination for close-up tasks.
Versatile Beam Options for Every Situation
The Black Diamond Spot 400 provides two beam shapes and two color options, making it adaptable to various activities.
- The main spot LED projects a focused white beam, illuminating objects up to 100 meters away—ideal for hiking, running, or walking your dog at night.
- The floodlight LED casts a wider beam, perfect for camping, cooking, or working in a dark space where peripheral vision is essential.
- The red LED preserves night vision, preventing harsh glare when reading maps or setting up gear in the dark.
- All three LEDs are fully dimmable and can reach a maximum output of 400 lumens.
Lightweight and Comfortable for Extended Wear
At just 3 ounces, the Spot 400 is light enough to forget you’re wearing it, even on long hikes or late-night runs. The polyester and spandex headband provides a snug yet breathable fit, ensuring comfort even during sweaty activities.
User-Friendly Controls with Smart Features
The Spot 400 is designed for intuitive operation, featuring:
- A raised main button that makes turning the light on/off and adjusting brightness easy, even in gloves or cold conditions.
- A secondary button to toggle between spot, flood, and red light modes.
- A lock mode, preventing the headlamp from accidentally turning on in your backpack—a rare but useful feature.
- PowerTap Technology: A quick tap on the starburst icon instantly boosts brightness to max, and another tap dims it back down—ideal for quickly spotting something in the distance.
With its versatile beam settings, lightweight comfort, and intuitive controls, the Black Diamond Spot 400 is a top-tier headlamp for outdoor adventures and everyday tasks alike.
Flexible Power Options and Reliable Battery Life
The Black Diamond Spot 400 offers two power choices:
- It runs on three AAA batteries (included).
- It’s compatible with Black Diamond’s BD 1500 rechargeable lithium-ion battery (sold separately).
This flexibility means you can use rechargeable power for daily use and swap in disposable AAA batteries in a pinch—a major advantage over the Spot 400R, which has a built-in, non-removable battery.
Battery Life That Lasts
In our tests:
- The Spot 400 ran on high for 3 hours, exceeding its official 2.5-hour rating.
- It continued running beyond 3 hours, though with a gradual drop in brightness.
- After 10 hours, we turned it off—by that point, it was too dim for tasks like reading maps or navigating rough trails.
A battery-life indicator lets you know when power is running low and displays battery levels when you press the main button.
For those who want a rechargeable headlamp, the Spot 400 plus the BD 1500 battery is the best choice—offering the convenience of rechargeability with the backup of disposable batteries when needed.
Built to Handle Rain and Rough Use
The Spot 400 is water-resistant with an IPX8 rating, meaning it can survive being submerged up to 1.1 meters for 30 minutes. We tested this by dropping it into a bucket of water—it kept shining even while underwater. However, the battery compartment did take on moisture, so this rating is meant for accidental exposure, not prolonged submersion. Letting it dry overnight restored full functionality.
Exceptionally Durable
This headlamp can take a beating. We:
- Tossed it into backpacks on long hikes.
- Lost it in messy car trunks for days.
- Let a toddler play with it (it survived).
- Even ran it through a dryer cycle—no damage.
Black Diamond backs the Spot 400 with a three-year warranty, making it one of the toughest headlamps available.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
Focused Beam and Learning Curve
The Spot 400 has a small hot spot at the center of its beam, where the light is most concentrated. This is particularly noticeable when you need long-distance illumination, such as trail running at night or making a midnight trip to the campsite bathroom. While the beam is bright and effective, some may prefer a more evenly diffused light for certain tasks.
One downside is the instruction manual, which consists only of pictograms, similar to IKEA instructions. This can make the learning process a bit frustrating, as you’ll need to tap through each setting to figure out how everything works. However, once you get the hang of it, the Spot 400 is intuitive and easy to use.
Budget pick: Black Diamond Astro 300 Headlamp
A Budget-Friendly Alternative: The Black Diamond Astro 300
The Black Diamond Astro 300 delivers many of the same great qualities as the Spot 400 but at less than half the price, making it a solid budget pick. It’s a reliable, no-frills headlamp that’s bright enough for general use, whether you’re working in a dark garage, digging through storage, or handling power outages.
However, for outdoor adventures like hiking, running, or camping, the Astro 300 has some notable limitations. Unlike the Spot 400, it lacks a battery-life indicator, so you won’t get a warning before the light dims. It also doesn’t have a red-light mode, which is useful for preserving night vision or being less disruptive to others around a campfire.
Still, if you need a simple, affordable headlamp to toss in your toolbox, glove compartment, or emergency kit, the Astro 300 is a great option.
A Lightweight, Surprisingly Bright Headlamp
The Black Diamond Astro 300 is impressively light, weighing just 1.5 ounces—one of the lightest headlamps we’ve tested (only the Petzl Bindi is lighter). Despite its small size, it delivers strong brightness that almost matches the Spot 400 after a few hours of use.
With a 300-lumen floodlight beam, the Astro provides a respectable 50-meter range. In our tests, it ran for 10 hours without noticeable dimming, far exceeding the four-hour runtime claimed in the manual.
The Astro also includes some of the Spot’s best features, like Brightness Memory mode (which remembers your last setting) and compatibility with Black Diamond’s rechargeable battery. Plus, it’s backed by a three-year warranty, making it a reliable, budget-friendly choice.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
A Simple Design with Some Trade-offs
The Black Diamond Astro 300 features a single LED, meaning it lacks a red-light mode and a dedicated spotlight. While its floodlight beam is great for general use, it doesn’t offer the same versatility as the Spot 400. Additionally, it doesn’t have a battery-life indicator, so you won’t get a warning before it runs out of power—a potential downside if you’re relying on it for long outdoor trips.
In terms of comfort, opinions were mixed. Jenni found the headstrap slightly rigid and itchy compared to the Spot’s softer band, while Kyle didn’t notice any discomfort. However, compared to most other budget headlamps, the Astro still felt reasonably comfortable for extended wear.
Best headlamp for runners: Petzl Bindi Headlamp
After years of testing disappointing running headlamps, Jenni finally found a favorite: the Petzl Bindi. Lightweight and comfortable, it’s priced like the Spot but so unobtrusive you’ll forget you’re wearing it—ideal for long runs.
The Petzl Bindi is both ultra-light and ultra-comfortable, making it a standout choice for runners. Weighing just 1.2 ounces, it’s the lightest headlamp we’ve tested—noticeably lighter than our previous running pick, the Black Diamond Sprinter, which was over 4 ounces. Instead of a bulky headband, the Bindi uses a bungee cord, which keeps it secure without needing an overhead strap. This design makes it easier to adjust with one hand and more comfortable to wear with a hat or ponytail, a common challenge with other running headlamps.
The Petzl Bindi: A Lightweight, Reliable Running Headlamp
Bright Enough for Night Runs
The Petzl Bindi delivers 200 lumens, which may seem modest compared to the Spot 400, but in real-world use, it felt just as bright as the Astro 300. During a night run in heavy rain, July found the Bindi’s brightness to be more than sufficient for clear visibility. Its beam distance of 40 meters isn’t as long as the Spot’s, but it was still far enough to safely navigate trails.
Adjustable Beam & Mount for Versatile Lighting
The Bindi’s body swivels on a plastic mount, allowing you to aim the light up or down. While the design looks delicate, it’s surprisingly stable and durable. The main LED can switch between three beam modes:
- Proximity mode (wide floodlight for up-close tasks)
- Movement mode (a mix of flood and spot for general running)
- Distance mode (a longer, more focused beam)
Unlike the Spot, all three settings lean toward wider illumination rather than a tight spotlight—perfect for runners who need to see the path in front of them. The red LED is also included for night vision.
Weather-Resistant & Durable
With an IPX4 rating, the Bindi is built to withstand rain and splashes, though it shouldn’t be fully submerged. Petzl backs it with a three-year warranty (the battery is covered for one year). Based on our experience with Petzl’s rugged designs, we expect the Bindi to hold up well over time.
A Few Trade-Offs
- No rear light: Unlike the Black Diamond Sprinter, the Bindi doesn’t have a rear-facing light. If you run near traffic at night, you may need a separate clip-on safety light.
- Shorter battery life: The Bindi lasted five hours in our tests—about half the run time of the Spot and Astro. If you need longer battery life, you might want to carry a portable charger.
For runners who prioritize comfort, lightweight design, and ease of use, the Petzl Bindi is an excellent choice.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
Rechargeable Convenience—With a Few Considerations
The Petzl Bindi is USB-rechargeable only, meaning you won’t be able to swap in fresh batteries if it runs out of power mid-run. It’s best to charge it after a few short runs or one long session to avoid getting caught in the dark.
Fortunately, the battery indicator system makes it easy to monitor power levels:
- Green = Plenty of charge
- Yellow = Moderate charge
- Red = Time to recharge soon
One thing to note: The Bindi arrives completely uncharged, so you’ll need to plug it in before first use. It also charges via Micro-USB, which is becoming less common compared to the USB-C ports found on many newer rechargeable headlamps. If you don’t already have a Micro-USB cable, you may need to keep one handy.
Best headlamp for kids: Black Diamond Wiz Headlamp
A Headlamp That’s Both Practical and Fun for Kids
Headlamps aren’t just for serious outdoor adventures—they can also be a fun and exciting gadget for kids to enjoy while camping or playing in the backyard. The kids we know love using them for everything from pretending to be red-eyed monsters to imagining themselves as rainbow unicorns. And honestly, who are we to judge?
With this playful spirit (and safety) in mind, we’ve chosen the Black Diamond Wiz as our top headlamp pick for kids. It’s designed to be durable, easy to use, and sized just right for smaller heads. Plus, it offers fun lighting options that make nighttime adventures even more exciting.
A Kid-Friendly Brightness That Lasts
The Black Diamond Wiz isn’t the brightest headlamp out there—and that’s a good thing. With a maximum output of 30 lumens, it provides just enough light for kids to explore their surroundings without blinding themselves (or anyone else).
One of the biggest perks of the Wiz is its impressive battery life. It runs on two AAA batteries, and those 30 lumens last a surprisingly long time. To prevent unnecessary battery drain, the headlamp automatically shuts off after two hours—a smart feature for forgetful little adventurers.
During our 12-hour battery test, we had to turn the Wiz back on every two hours, but by the end of the test, it was still shining bright. This far exceeded Black Diamond’s advertised five-hour run time on high, proving that this little headlamp can keep up with even the most energetic nighttime explorers.
A Fun Splash of Colors
The Black Diamond Wiz isn’t just a headlamp—it’s a rainbow light show for kids. It features a variety of fun, colorful light modes, making it perfect for campfire storytelling, backyard adventures, or just goofing around indoors.
While these colorful beams don’t travel very far—certainly not the promised 26 feet—they still provide plenty of illumination for close-up play. More importantly, the softer glow is safer for kids, reducing the risk of them accidentally staring into a too-bright beam.
A Few Quirks (That Kids Love Anyway)
Setting up the Wiz takes a little effort. The battery housing is tough to pry open—a safety feature to prevent kids from easily accessing the batteries. Once the two AAA batteries are in, the headlamp automatically starts in Rainbow mode, cycling through its colorful display.
Switching between the different modes can feel a bit random and unpredictable, but our kid testers loved the surprise factor. Instead of frustration, they found it exciting, eagerly clicking through to see which color would come next.
Built Just for Kids
The Black Diamond Wiz is thoughtfully designed with young adventurers in mind. Weighing just under 2 ounces, it’s light enough that kids will barely notice it on their heads. The head strap is easily adjustable, making it simple to fit a variety of head sizes—from toddlers to older kids.
Durable Enough for Rough Play
Kids can be tough on gear, but the Wiz is built to last. It boasts an IPX4 water-resistance rating, meaning it can withstand rain, splashes, and even the occasional accidental dunk in a puddle. Whether kids are running through the backyard, exploring a campsite, or playing flashlight tag, this headlamp can take a beating and keep shining.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
Not the Brightest—But That’s the Point
The Black Diamond Wiz isn’t the brightest headlamp we tested, and that’s actually a good thing for a kid-friendly design. With just 30 lumens, it provides enough light for fun nighttime play without being overwhelming or harsh on young eyes.
However, if you’re an adult looking for a headlamp that can illuminate dark trails, assist with household tasks, or help you find items in deep closets, the Wiz won’t be powerful enough. In that case, we’d recommend one of our other top picks, like the Black Diamond Spot 400 or Petzl Bindi, which offer brighter beams and more functionality.
