10 Best Budget Headlamps 2025 in the United States

The BLACK DIAMOND Spot 400 is a durable headlamp designed for various outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, running, and more. With 400 lumens of brightness, it provides ample light for most nighttime tasks. The headlamp's PowerTap Technology is a standout feature, allowing users to quickly switch between maximum brightness and dimmed power, which can be very handy in different scenarios.

The Brightness Memory function is also useful as it lets you maintain your preferred brightness setting without having to readjust every time you turn it on and off. The red night vision mode, with both dimming and strobe options, is beneficial for preserving night vision and for use in emergency situations. Additionally, an integrated battery meter display helps you keep track of how much power you have left, preventing unexpected battery drain.

It is lightweight and made from durable polycarbonate, which makes it easy to carry and resistant to wear and tear. Being waterproof adds to its durability, especially in wet conditions. However, the battery life might not be as long as some other models, depending on the settings used. Also, while it has various modes, some users might find toggling between them a bit cumbersome. If you are looking for a versatile, budget-friendly headlamp with good brightness and useful features, the BLACK DIAMOND Spot 400 is a solid choice.

The Nitecore NU25 400 UL is a budget-friendly headlamp that packs a punch with its 400 lumens brightness. This makes it a strong candidate for activities like backpacking, biking, jogging, and camping. Its lightweight design, enhanced by the paracord headband, makes it comfortable and easy to wear for extended periods.

The versatility of having multiple light modes—spotlight, floodlight, and dual auxiliary red LEDs—adds to its appeal by catering to varied lighting needs. Additionally, the headlamp is USB-C rechargeable, which is convenient for on-the-go use since it can be charged from any USB power source. This makes it both travel-friendly and eco-friendly as you won't need to keep buying disposable batteries.

The IP66 water resistance rating ensures it can handle rain and splashes, adding to its durability for outdoor use. However, its runtime is 2 hours, which might be a bit short for longer adventures, requiring you to recharge more frequently. At 1.6 ounces, it is truly lightweight, but the plastic construction might not be as robust as other materials. For its price, it offers substantial brightness and useful features, making it suitable for budget-conscious adventurers who need reliable illumination without breaking the bank.

The Energizer LED Headlamp PRO (2-Pack) is a solid choice for those looking for budget-friendly headlamps. Each headlamp offers a brightness of 260 lumens, which is quite powerful and ensures a beam distance of up to 80 meters. This makes it suitable for a variety of activities such as camping, running, and emergencies. The headlamp is lightweight at 6.7 ounces, making it comfortable for extended use.

Its IPX4 water resistance means it can handle splashes and light rain, adding to its versatility in outdoor conditions. The headlamp includes three modes—high, spot, and wide—allowing you to adjust the lighting based on your needs, and the dimming control feature helps to customize the brightness from 10% to 100%. The inclusion of batteries is a nice touch, ensuring it's ready to use out of the box. However, the product is made from plastic, which may not be as durable as other materials. This headlamp is particularly well-suited for those needing a reliable and affordable lighting solution for both indoor and outdoor activities.