When selecting expensive running accessories, it can be overwhelming being faced with too much choice – especially with gadgets like running headlamps! Based on our experience and reviews from road and trail runners across multiple brands and retailers, this post summarizes the Lookfly-recommended shortlist of the best running headlamps available.
Key considerations when selecting a running headlamp
The following are key to consider when deciding which running headlamp to buy, and will vary depending on how and when you intend on using it:
- Brightness output (lumens)
- Battery life
- Comfort
- Water-resistant
- Additional features such as locking function (to stop you accidentally turning it on while it is in your running hydration pack / backpack).
Top 5 highly-rated running headlamps
Lightweight running headlamp
This innovative Petzl Bindi Headlamp is ideal when you want a lightweight headlamp with a minimum of weight and a very small headband. It fits easily into a pocket so is great to take with you when the sun is setting and you know you’ll need a light at the end of your run.
backcountry.com 
moosejaw.com 
Amazon.com 
Eastern Mountain Sports 
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Simple, low-profile running headlamp
If you want a low-profile headlamp which uses replaceable (as opposed to rechargeable) batteries, the Nathan Halo or the Black Diamond Spot headlamps are both great choices.
holabirdsports.com 
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Daily run… or mountain ultra running headlamp
The Petzl Reactik+ is a highly rated running headlamp which is suitable for anything from your regular morning run to an overnight ultramarathon run, and features app-control, reactive lighting technology, a long-life rechargable battery, and a fit that is comfortable on your forehead even when worn for hours on end on the trails. The lumen output is greater than the running headlamps listed above, and it is proven to last through the night for up to 15 hours.
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Running headlamp for wilderness ultramarathons
The recommendations above assume you are looking for a high-quality headlamp that can be comfortable worn for several hours at a time, but do not need it to be super-bright or have a super-long-lasting battery, which can have weight and/or price implications. These are, however, features you may want if you are planning on running an ultramarathon through the night.
The best headlamp we have seen for long ultramarathons is the Petzl Nao, which has all the features you would need, at a reasonable price.
Eastern Mountain Sports | Price history for Petzl Nao + Headlamp | |
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For more reviews, prices and running kit…
If you’re planning on running in the dark or low light, also consider whether you need to wear more clothing with reflective features, so you can be seen more easily by other road or trail users and have a read of these posts for suggestions:
Have a browse on our site to read reviews, compare prices, and check out our curated range of dedicated running clothing, shoes and accessories across hundreds of running brands and multiple retailers.
