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The Best Head Lamps for Working in the Dark
The best head lamps are comfortable to wear, easy to adjust, and have a bright light. The Coast XPH30R Head Lamp ticks all of those boxes, making it the top pick on our list. Keep reading to see the other head lamps!
Head lamps are incredibly useful when you’re in a low-light or pitch-black environment and need to use both hands. Mechanics, electricians, home inspectors, and plumbers frequently use head lamps for this very reason. For most situations, a flashlight can easily illuminate an area, but one of your hands is out of commission while you hold it.
View all Contents- Head Lamps FAQ
The Best Head Lamps
Best Overall
The Coast XPH30R Dual Power Head Lamp is an ideal product for those seeking a reliable, powerful, and convenient lighting solution. The head lamp is loaded with a plethora of features, starting with the Pure Beam Focusing Optic with Turbo Mode, which allows for a seamless transition between short and long-range viewing without any halos or hot spots. This product is also rechargeable, dual powered, and comes with its own Zithion-X rechargeable battery as well as compatibility with CR123 battery types; perfect for saving money on costly batteries.
The head lamp also features a removable head strap and mounting bracket to make the item used as a portable handheld flashlight. It is also IPX4 rated for water resistance and has been designed to withstand up to 1-meter drops. All of these features combine to make this an incredibly durable and reliable product that can light up your life even in harsh conditions, making it the best overall on our list.
Pros
- Very long battery life
- Extremely bright light
- Easy to adjust
Cons
- Can be uncomfortable during strenuous physical activities (like jogging or running)
Most Effective
The Skywin Rechargeable Hard Hat Head Lamp is one of the best headlamps for working in the dark. It stands out for its brightness and versatility. With its high-performing XPG+COB LED lights, this head lamp produces a brilliant 200-lumen output. Designed specifically for optimum nighttime visibility, it empowers nighttime adventurers with its red light headlight. As a tool that easily withstands heavy rain, this head lamp has a waterproof rating of IP44. In terms of convenience, this head lamp recharges via USB, making it a breeze to top up the battery on the go.
Pros
- Great light color variety
- Holds a long charge
- Very powerful light
Cons
- Uncomfortable when worn without a hard hat
Best Quality
Among all the different head lamp products on this list, the GearLight Head Lamp takes the cake. With this purchase, you’ll receive two head lamps, which is a great value from the get-go. You can either save the second lamp in the event that you damage it or lose your first one, or you could share the second lamp with someone else so you can both see more effectively without having to use your hands. The lamps themselves are quite bright, and they can run up to 10 hours or more at a time on the lowest setting. This gives you plenty of time to move around in the dark. You can even use the lamp all night if you plan your battery usage wisely. Plus, you can remove and wash the strap if it gets dirty. We’ve chosen this head lamp as the best overall pick for how much value you get out of a single purchase.
Pros
- Battery lasts for hours
- Great to use during strenuous physical activities
- Comfortable to wear
Cons
- Not completely water resistant
Most Lightweight
One interesting dynamic with headlamps that doesn’t apply to flashlights is the fact that you’re placing extra weight on your head. It’s not a lot of weight, but it is more weight than what you’re used to and some people may not enjoy that feeling. While there’s no way to make the head lamp weightless, there is a way to lessen the load and burden on your head. The Energizer Head Lamp is a great example of this. The strap and head lamp device itself are both incredibly lightweight. As long as you don’t adjust the strap too tightly, this head lamp doesn’t even feel like it’s there half the time. You get two head lamps per purchase, and both of them come with IPX4 water resistance so you can use the device come rain or shine.
Pros
- Very lightweight build
- Is resistant to water/weather
- Great light color variety
Cons
- May feel a little loose
Best Value
Are you looking for a pack of head lamps to gear up a bunch of friends or the whole family? This head lamp set by Vont comes with four head lamps per pack. This is more than enough for a single person, and you can share the multiple head lamps with others in your family or household. All the head lamps are battery-powered, and they even come with batteries so you can use them right out of the box. Other than being a great value for the money, these head lamps last quite a while. With up to 90 hours of battery life, these lamps are great for long-term use out in the wild or even doing outdoor chores in the dark at home. With impressive lighting features, these lamps come with seven different lighting modes.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Great to use during strenuous physical activities
- Drop-resistant & waterproof
Cons
- Can be difficult to change light modes
Fastest Recharging Times
Head lamps that use replaceable batteries are great for when you want to power the device wherever you are, but they end up costing quite a bit of money in the long run as you’ll need to constantly buy more and more batteries. That won’t be an issue if the battery is rechargeable, such as with this head lamp by LHKNL. The head lamp comes in a set of two and features a stylish strap that looks a lot more modern and hip than traditional head lamps. You also get a USB cable with your purchase so that you can start charging the device as soon as it arrives. The lamps are IPX4 waterproof, so you can use them any time of the day and in any type of weather.
Pros
- Is resistant to water/weather
- Super bright light
- Great tilt/light coverage
Cons
- Battery doesn’t last a very long time
Best Tiltable Light
Head lamps are great when you want to shine light in the direction you’re facing, but that also brings in a unique limitation that flashlights don’t have — you need to turn your head to wherever you want to shine the light. If you want to focus on a single space or object, that’s not much of an issue, but if you need to shine a light on many areas at once you’ll have to constantly turn your head. With this head lamp by Lighting EVER, that’s not nearly as big of a challenge. The head lamp can tilt downward 45 degrees, allowing you to see below you without actually tiling your head. This is great for walking or running in the dark as you can see where you’re stepping as you walk.
Pros
- Fast charging times
- Resistant to weather
- Easy to adjust
Cons
- Limited tilt ability
The Best Headlamp Buying Guide
What is a head lamp?
A headlamp is a device that you wear on your head that emits bright light in the direction that you’re facing. Headlamps can be as bright as flashlights and can even have multiple lighting modes for different uses. Many headlamps are waterproof to a certain degree, so you can use them even when it’s raining.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Head Lamp?
Hands-Free Operation: It allows you to keep both hands free to handle tools or materials without holding a flashlight.
Improved Visibility: Headlamps provide focused illumination exactly where you need them, especially in dimly lit workshops or when working on intricate details.
Safety: It enhances safety by illuminating potential hazards, such as sharp tools, protruding objects, or uneven surfaces, reducing the risk of accidents. They let you see where you’re facing: Because the headlamp is attached directly to your head, you can see where you’re going no matter where you face. It’s very convenient when walking in the dark or when you need light over an area you’re inspecting, like the underside of a car.
Parts of a Head Lamp
Lens
The front portion covers and protects the light source. It can be made of glass or plastic and may have features like reflectors or diffusers. Bulb or LED The light source itself, either a traditional incandescent bulb or a more modern LED (Light Emitting Diode), determines how bright the headlamp’s light is.
Reflector
Found behind the bulb or LED, it directs and focuses the light beam forward. Reflectors can be smooth or textured to control light dispersion.
Battery Compartment /USB Charge Port
This is the designated area within the headlamp housing where the battery is inserted and secured or where the physical USB cable port that can charge the internal battery is.
Housing
This is the main body of the headlamp that houses the light source and batteries.
Headband and Strap Adjuster
This is the strap that goes around the head to hold the headlamp in place; the tightness of the headband, which can be altered to comfortably fit different head sizes, can also be altered.
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Head Lamp
Brightness and Beam Type
Lumens: Higher lumens indicate greater brightness. For general use, 100-300 lumens are sufficient; for outdoor activities like hiking or caving, opt for 300+ lumens.
Light Modes: Some headlamps offer multiple light modes (low, medium, high) for different scenarios. Beam Type: Adjustable beams (flood, spot, or both) offer versatility. Choose based on your activities—flood for proximity lighting, spot for distance.
Battery Type & Battery Life
Battery Type: Headlamps use either disposable (like AAA) or rechargeable (often via USB) batteries. Rechargeables are cost-effective long-term but may need charging.
Runtime: Consider how long the headlamp lasts on a single charge or set of batteries, especially for extended use.
Comfort and Adjustability
Lighter headlamps are more comfortable for extended wear & the head straps should be adjustable for a secure fit without discomfort.
Durability
Materials: Look for headlamps made from robust materials like high-quality plastics, aluminum, or alloys. These materials are durable and lightweight, making them ideal for outdoor activities.
Impact Resistance: Headlamps designed for outdoor use often have impact resistance ratings. This indicates their ability to withstand drops and bumps without breaking or malfunctioning. Look for ANSI FL1 standard ratings or manufacturer-specific impact resistance details.
Water Resistance
IP Rating: Look for an IPX rating, which indicates the level of protection against water and dust ingress. For example, IPX4 means the headlamp is splash-resistant from all angles, while higher ratings like IPX7 indicate submersion resistance (up to a certain depth and time).
Seals and Enclosures: A good headlamp will have rubber gaskets or O-rings around battery compartments and switches to prevent water from entering the battery compartment.
Tips When Using a Head Lamp
Battery Management
Carry spare batteries or ensure your headlamp is fully charged before use, especially for longer activities or trips.
Proper Storage
Store your headlamp in a cool, dry place to prolong battery life and prevent damage when not in use.
Don’t face anyone while the lamp is on
Headlamps, in many cases, are just as strong as flashlights. While it may be easy to control where to aim your flashlight, that’s not always the case regarding headlamps. Prolonged exposure to bright lights can damage the eye, so if you don’t want to cause any injury to others, be sure never to face anyone directly with a powered headlamp. If you must face them, turn the lamp off first.
Use the tilt function as needed
One special feature of headlamps is that some can be tilted. This tilt allows you to face the lamp down and see what’s below you without moving your head down. This feature is quite useful when you want to see where you’re going without tilting your head down.
Keep lenses clean
Clean the lenses of your headlamps regularly to remove dirt, grime, and haze that can reduce light output and visibility. Use a soft cloth and non-abrasive cleaner.
Head Lamps FAQ
Do I need to wash my head lamp strap?
You may want to wash the strap if it gets dirty. To do this, use a mild detergent and warm water to hand wash the strap. It’s easiest to use a cloth or sponge to do this so you don’t accidentally get the head lamp component wet. Afterwards, let it air dry.
Are head lamps better than flashlights?
Head lamps are more useful in certain situations than flashlights. For example, if you’re fixing the car at night, wearing a head lamp is better than trying to hold a flashlight because you’ll be able to use both of your hands. It ultimately depends on the situation.
How long do head lamp batteries last?
This depends on the type of battery used as well as the quality of the battery. Head lamps can last for up to 90 hours or more in certain conditions.
What are the different types of headlamps?
- Basic LED Headlamps: Affordable and straightforward, suitable for general use.
- High-performance Headlamps: Brighter LEDs with multiple light settings and longer battery life.
- Rechargeable Headlamps: Use built-in batteries that can be recharged via USB.
- Emergency Headlamps: Include features like red light mode for signaling and emergencies.
How do you maintain a headlamp?
- Clean: Wipe with a soft cloth and mild detergent to remove dirt and grime.
- Inspect: Regularly check batteries, seals (for waterproof models), and straps for wear.
- Store Properly: Keep in a cool, dry place; remove batteries if stored for a long time.
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures: High heat or cold can affect battery life and performance.
Are headlamps safe to use?
Yes, headlamps are generally safe when used according to manufacturer instructions. Avoid looking directly into the light to prevent temporary vision impairment.
