The 10 best headlamps to buy in the UK
A good headlamp makes outdoor exploration much easier, making it a worthwhile investment for anyone that loves the great outdoors. Offering hands free lighting, a headlamp also has uses beyond camping and hiking, so it’s always worth buying one of these versatile lights.
Check out the buying guide below for how to choose the best headlamp:
What are headlamps?
A headlamp is a portable light worn on the head. While designs vary, most headlamps are attached using one or two straps, allowing it to be worn on a bare head or with a hat, helmet or other form of headwear.
Why should you buy a good headlamp?
The best headlamps offer exceptional lighting with the convenience of being hands-free. This is handy in many situations, most notable for outdoor excursions such as camping or hiking, allowing the users to see in dark conditions while still being able to use their hands freely.
Furthermore, good headlamps provide powerful beams that make finding something in the dark much easier, regardless of where you might be. For instance, if you buy a headlamp for camping, you can still use it around the house should there be a power outage.
How to choose the right headlamp in 2024?
Choosing the best headlamp isn’t always easy if you’re unsure of what to look for. Here are some things to consider when choosing a headlamp:
- Brightness: When looking at a headlamp, brightness is the first thing to check. Measured in lumens, the higher the lumen count the brighter the bulb and headlamp are. It’s easy to assume that the best headlamps are those with the highest lumens, but this isn’t always the case. For instance, higher lumens drain a battery much quicker and increase the price of the headlamp, and there is a chance that it’s too powerful to be of any use too.
- Beam Distance: A bright headlamp doesn’t always equate to a long light beam, so consider the beam distance you require before buying. Those hiking at night will certainly want a headlamp with a good beam distance for seeing further afield as they walk, in which case halogen headlamps are the best choice. Those using the headlamp for camping may be fine with a LED or incandescent headlamp, which don’t carry beams as far but offer a brighter light over short distances.
- Battery: Headlamps use different types of batteries so make sure you identify this to make sure its suitable for your needs. For example, many headlamps use disposable alkaline batteries. These are certainly cheaper, but you run the risk of running out batteries without a replacement on hand. Lithium-ion batteries will significantly increase the price of a headlamp but are rechargeable, so may end up saving you more over the long term.
What is the best kind of headlamp in the UK?
There are a few options when it comes to types of headlamps, most of which relate to the type of bulb they use.
- LED Headlamp: The most common types of headlamps feature LED bulbs. This type of bulb doesn’t overheat, uses the lowest amount of power, and provides a very bright light. However, the light does take on a blue hue and the beam distance is often poor.
- Halogen Headlamp: A halogen headlamp is the best choice for beam distance, providing one of the strongest and brightest beams of any headlamp. One drawback is the fact that bulbs quickly heat up, which may be uncomfortable to wear, and makes them more likely to catch fire - handle with care!
- Incandescent Headlamp: An incandescent headlamp is one of the most affordable options available. While offering a very reliable, bright light, they do tend to drain batteries the quickest. Furthermore, the beam strength isn’t the best, meaning the spotlight is often poor and difficult to use for certain tasks.
Top 10 list of headlamps in the UK (2024)
The bestseller list compares brands and their headlamps. Which headlamp is the best?
- Waterproof and Lightweight: Waterproof and Lightweight headlights are great for all…
- Adjustable & Comfortable: 45 ° adjustable headlight base allows you to focus…
- Super Bright & COB LED technology: Adopting advanced COB-LED technology, the…
- IPX5 Waterproof & MultipurposeIPX5 waterproof rating, with good waterproof and…
- Adjustable & ComfortableThis headlamp can be adjusted at 45°, compact, lightweight…
- 8 Lighting Modes & Motion Sensor5 regular lighting modes: XPG White Light-COB…
- Waterproof & MultifunctionalSuper waterproof, with sealed battery compartment,…
- 90° Adjustable & StableThe headlight can be rotated 90°, just move up…
- USB RechargeableBuilt-in rechargeable 4400mAH battery. You can charge via the included…
- IPX5 Waterproof & MultipurposeIPX5 waterproof rating, with good waterproof and…
- Adjustable & ComfortableThe headlamp can be adjusted at 45°, which can easily…
- USB C RechargeableWith 1200mAh large-capacity rechargeable battery, one charge can…
- WATERPROOF & MULTIPURPOSE - The head light is IPX4 waterproof, preventing water…
- LIGHTWEIGHT & COMFORTABLE - The rechargeable headlamp is composed of soft silicone…
- 5 TYPES LIGHTS MODES - headlamp have 5 light modes: COB high brightness (100%) /…
- Adjustable Angle: Can be rotated at 45 degree up and down, this headlamp's beam…
- Lightweight & Adjustable: Weighing only 68g and with its easily adjustable, elastic…
- 6 Lighting Modes: 4 white light modes (Dimmable floodlight and spotlight). 2 red…
- Multifunctional Usages: Extremely right choice to adults and children used for jogging…
- Safe and Portable: The head torch can work safely and stably for a long time with…
- 3 Adjustment Modes: One-click control 3 light emitting modes-high/low/strobe. Meet…
- Lightweight and Battery PoweredThis LED headlamp weights 0.08 kilograms, is very…
- Multifunctional UsagesThis waterproof LED head torch is perfect for daily use and…
- Adjustable Angle The LED headlight base can be rotated at 60 degrees up and down,…
- IPX4 WATERPROOF & WIDELY USED- IPX4 waterproof camping headlight adopts high-quality…
- ULTRA LIGHT & WARNING HEADBAND- It is no longer bulky, this high lumen headlamp…
- CONVENIENT USB-C RECHARGEABLE- This bright USB led headlamp is powered by built-in…
- WIDE APPLICATIONS, DESIGNED FOR YOUSuper Bright head torch ideal for outdoor nighttime…
- IPX6 WATERPROOF & WEATHERPROOFSturdy aluminum construction for this head lamp…
- LONG RUNTIME & RECHARGEABLEHead torch rechargeable comes with a USB cable to…
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