Head torches: every model compared

New to head torches? How to choose a head torch

Ledlenser

HF6R

Full details

2026 mid HF: 900 lm boost, Adaptive Light Beam, IP67

HF6R (2026)

Best overall

Current

Overall score6.5 out of 10,Top of the range

How we score

RRP £79.95

Light

Light output, brightest setting: 600 lm
Boost mode: Yes
Boost light output: 900 lm
Beam distance: 165 m
Light output, lowest setting: 20 lm
Figures to ANSI/PLATO FL 1: No

Burn time

Burn time, brightest setting: 3.5 h
Burn time, lowest setting: 60 h

Power and charging

Power: Removable rechargeable battery
USB-C charging: Yes

Features

Red light: Yes
Automatic brightness: Yes
Lock: Yes

Weight and protection

Weight: 130 g
Dust and water rating: IP67

1 variant

Compare Ledlenser HF6R, Black
503319Black

Ledlenser

HF7R

Full details

2026 HF7R: 1200 lm boost, Adaptive Light Beam, IP67

HF7R (2026)

Current

Overall score6.4 out of 10,Mid-range

How we score

RRP £119.95

Light

Light output, brightest setting: 600 lm
Boost mode: Yes
Boost light output: 1,200 lm
Beam distance: 190 m
Light output, lowest setting: 20 lm
Figures to ANSI/PLATO FL 1: No

Burn time

Burn time, brightest setting: 3 h
Burn time, lowest setting: 60 h

Power and charging

Power: Removable rechargeable battery
USB-C charging: Yes

Features

Red light: Yes
Automatic brightness: Yes
Lock: Yes

Weight and protection

Weight: 134 g
Dust and water rating: IP67

1 variant

Compare Ledlenser HF7R, Black
503349Black

Black Diamond

Storm+

Full details

2026 Storm+: USB-C rechargeable, 750 lm, IP67

Current

Overall score6.2 out of 10,Mid-range

How we score

RRP £85

Light

Light output, brightest setting: 750 lm
Boost mode: No
Beam distance: 149 m
Light output, lowest setting: 35 lm
Figures to ANSI/PLATO FL 1: Yes

Burn time

Burn time, brightest setting: 4.5 h
Burn time, lowest setting: 80 h

Power and charging

Power: Built-in rechargeable battery
USB-C charging: Yes

Features

Red light: Yes
Automatic brightness: No
Lock: Yes

Weight and protection

Weight: 114 g
Dust and water rating: IP67

2 variants

Compare Black Diamond Storm+, Black
BD6207300002ALL1Black
Compare Black Diamond Storm+, Pewter
BD6207301016ALL1Pewter

Ledlenser

H9R

Full details

2026 H9R: 2000 lm boost, Adaptive Light Beam, RGB light

H9R (2026)

Current

Overall score6.0 out of 10,Mid-range

How we score

RRP £159.95

Light

Light output, brightest setting: 1,000 lm
Boost mode: Yes
Boost light output: 2,000 lm
Beam distance: 240 m
Light output, lowest setting: 20 lm
Figures to ANSI/PLATO FL 1: No

Burn time

Burn time, brightest setting: 3 h
Burn time, lowest setting: 100 h

Power and charging

Power: Removable rechargeable battery
USB-C charging: Yes

Features

Red light: Yes
Automatic brightness: Yes
Lock: Yes

Weight and protection

Weight: 283 g
Dust and water rating: IP67

1 variant

Compare Ledlenser H9R, Black
503355Black

Black Diamond

Distance LT 1100

Full details

Running lamp with a swappable battery: 1100 lm boost, IP67

Current

Overall score5.8 out of 10,Mid-range

How we score

RRP £100

Light

Light output, brightest setting: 600 lm
Boost mode: Yes
Boost light output: 1,100 lm
Beam distance: 110 m
Light output, lowest setting: 7 lm
Figures to ANSI/PLATO FL 1: Yes

Burn time

Burn time, brightest setting: 4.25 h
Burn time, lowest setting: 120 h

Power and charging

Power: Removable rechargeable battery
USB-C charging: Yes

Features

Red light: Yes
Automatic brightness: No
Lock: Yes

Weight and protection

Weight: 108 g
Dust and water rating: IP67

1 variant

Compare Black Diamond Distance LT 1100, Black/alloy
BD6206029309ALL1Black/alloy

Black Diamond

Storm

Full details

2026 Storm: USB-C rechargeable, 550 lm, IP67

Current

Overall score5.8 out of 10,Mid-range

How we score

RRP £65

Light

Light output, brightest setting: 550 lm
Boost mode: No
Beam distance: 137 m
Light output, lowest setting: 35 lm
Figures to ANSI/PLATO FL 1: Yes

Burn time

Burn time, brightest setting: 4 h
Burn time, lowest setting: 70 h

Power and charging

Power: Built-in rechargeable battery
USB-C charging: Yes

Features

Red light: Yes
Automatic brightness: No
Lock: Yes

Weight and protection

Weight: 102 g
Dust and water rating: IP67

3 variants

Compare Black Diamond Storm, Black
BD6207290002ALL1Black
Compare Black Diamond Storm, Octane
BD6207298001ALL1Octane
Compare Black Diamond Storm, Tundra
BD6207293010ALL1Tundra

Petzl

SWIFT RL

Full details

Reactive lighting, 1200 lm boost, 92 g, removable battery

Current

Overall score5.7 out of 10,Mid-range

How we score

RRP £120

Bars and score: Black/orange (standard model)

Light

Light output, brightest setting: 800 lm
Boost mode: Yes
Boost light output: 1,200 lm
Beam distance: 115 m
Light output, lowest setting: 10 lm
Figures to ANSI/PLATO FL 1: Yes

Burn time

Burn time, brightest setting: 2 h
Burn time, lowest setting: 100 h

Power and charging

Power: Removable rechargeable battery
USB-C charging: Yes

Features

Red light: Yes
Automatic brightness: Yes
Lock: Yes

Weight and protection

Weight: from 92 g to 95 g
Dust and water rating: IPX4

4 variants

Compare Petzl SWIFT RL, Black/orange
E095BC00Black/orangeStandard model
Weight
92 g
Compare Petzl SWIFT RL, White
E095BC01White
Weight
92 g
Compare Petzl SWIFT RL, Jungle green
E095BC02Jungle green
Weight
92 g
Compare Petzl SWIFT RL, Black, Classic headband
E095BD00Black, Classic headband
Edition
SWIFT RL CLASSIC
Weight
95 g

Silva

Explore 5

Full details

Waterproof to IP68: 700 lm, USB-C, helmet mount included

Current

Overall score5.4 out of 10,Mid-range

How we score

RRP £69.99

Light

Light output, brightest setting: 700 lm
Boost mode: No
Beam distance: 115 m
Light output, lowest setting: 15 lm
Figures to ANSI/PLATO FL 1: No

Burn time

Burn time, brightest setting: 2 h
Burn time, lowest setting: 50 h

Power and charging

Power: Built-in rechargeable battery
USB-C charging: Yes

Features

Red light: Yes
Automatic brightness: No
Lock: Yes

Weight and protection

Weight: 116 g
Dust and water rating: IP68

3 variants

Compare Silva Explore 5, Black
38454Black
Compare Silva Explore 5, Blue
38459Blue
Compare Silva Explore 5, Yellow
38460Yellow

Ledlenser

HF4R

Full details

2026 rechargeable HF4: USB-C, AAA as backup, 650 lm boost

HF4R (2026)

Current

Overall score5.3 out of 10,Mid-range

How we score

RRP £49.95

Light

Light output, brightest setting: 400 lm
Boost mode: Yes
Boost light output: 650 lm
Beam distance: 120 m
Light output, lowest setting: 20 lm
Figures to ANSI/PLATO FL 1: No

Burn time

Burn time, brightest setting: 3 h
Burn time, lowest setting: 45 h

Power and charging

Power: Rechargeable or AAA batteries
USB-C charging: Yes

Features

Red light: Yes
Automatic brightness: No
Lock: Yes

Weight and protection

Weight: 92 g
Dust and water rating: IP67

3 variants

Compare Ledlenser HF4R, Black
503317Black
Compare Ledlenser HF4R, Forest green
503305Forest green
Compare Ledlenser HF4R, Smoky blue
503306Smoky blue

Black Diamond

Spot

Full details

2026 Spot: 3 AAA or BD 1500 battery, 450 lm, IPX7

Current

Overall score5.2 out of 10,Mid-range

How we score

RRP £45

Light

Light output, brightest setting: 450 lm
Boost mode: No
Beam distance: 116 m
Light output, lowest setting: 6 lm
Figures to ANSI/PLATO FL 1: Yes

Burn time

Burn time, brightest setting: 2.6 h
Burn time, lowest setting: 200 h

Power and charging

Power: Rechargeable or AAA batteries
USB-C charging: No

Features

Red light: Yes
Automatic brightness: No
Lock: Yes

Weight and protection

Weight: 86 g
Dust and water rating: IPX7

5 variants

Compare Black Diamond Spot, Black
BD6207280002ALL1Black
Compare Black Diamond Spot, Creek blue
BD6207284064ALL1Creek blue
Compare Black Diamond Spot, Octane
BD6207288001ALL1Octane
Compare Black Diamond Spot, Pewter
BD6207281016ALL1Pewter
Compare Black Diamond Spot, Tundra
BD6207283010ALL1Tundra

Black Diamond

Cosmo

Full details

2026 Cosmo: 3 AAA or BD 1500 battery, 350 lm, IPX7

Current

Overall score5.1 out of 10,Mid-range

How we score

RRP £35

Light

Light output, brightest setting: 350 lm
Boost mode: No
Beam distance: 62 m
Light output, lowest setting: 6 lm
Figures to ANSI/PLATO FL 1: Yes

Burn time

Burn time, brightest setting: 3.2 h
Burn time, lowest setting: 200 h

Power and charging

Power: Rechargeable or AAA batteries
USB-C charging: No

Features

Red light: Yes
Automatic brightness: No
Lock: Yes

Weight and protection

Weight: 88 g
Dust and water rating: IPX7

4 variants

Compare Black Diamond Cosmo, Black
BD6207270002ALL1Black
Compare Black Diamond Cosmo, Clean green
BD6207273018ALL1Clean green
Compare Black Diamond Cosmo, Desert sky
BD6207274007ALL1Desert sky
Compare Black Diamond Cosmo, Piton purple
BD6207275022ALL1Piton purple

Ledlenser

NEO1R

Full details

39 g running lamp: 250 lm boost, magnetic charging, IP67

Current

Overall score5.1 out of 10,Mid-range

How we score

RRP £41.95

Light

Light output, brightest setting: 150 lm
Boost mode: Yes
Boost light output: 250 lm
Beam distance: 50 m
Light output, lowest setting: 20 lm
Figures to ANSI/PLATO FL 1: No

Burn time

Burn time, brightest setting: 3 h
Burn time, lowest setting: 15 h

Power and charging

Power: Built-in rechargeable battery
USB-C charging: No

Features

Red light: Yes
Automatic brightness: No
Lock: Yes

Weight and protection

Weight: 39 g
Dust and water rating: IP67

3 variants

Compare Ledlenser NEO1R, Black
502712Black
Compare Ledlenser NEO1R, Blue
502713Blue
Compare Ledlenser NEO1R, Lime
502720Lime

Silva

Seek 450 Recharge

Full details

Rechargeable Seek: USB-C, 450 lm, 69 g

Current

Overall score4.9 out of 10,Mid-range

How we score

RRP £39.99

Light

Light output, brightest setting: 450 lm
Boost mode: No
Beam distance: 90 m
Light output, lowest setting: 10 lm
Figures to ANSI/PLATO FL 1: Yes

Burn time

Burn time, brightest setting: 3 h
Burn time, lowest setting: 90 h

Power and charging

Power: Built-in rechargeable battery
USB-C charging: Yes

Features

Red light: Yes
Automatic brightness: No
Lock: Yes

Weight and protection

Weight: 69 g
Dust and water rating: IPX5

4 variants

Compare Silva Seek 450 Recharge, White
38530White
Compare Silva Seek 450 Recharge, Black
38552Black
Compare Silva Seek 450 Recharge, Blue
38553Blue
Compare Silva Seek 450 Recharge, Grey
38554Grey

Silva

Seek 600 Recharge

Full details

2026 Seek: USB-C rechargeable, 600 lm, 70 g

Current

Overall score4.9 out of 10,Mid-range

How we score

RRP £59.99

Light

Light output, brightest setting: 600 lm
Boost mode: No
Beam distance: 115 m
Light output, lowest setting: 10 lm
Figures to ANSI/PLATO FL 1: No

Burn time

Burn time, brightest setting: 2 h
Burn time, lowest setting: 75 h

Power and charging

Power: Built-in rechargeable battery
USB-C charging: Yes

Features

Red light: Yes
Automatic brightness: No
Lock: Yes

Weight and protection

Weight: 70 g
Dust and water rating: IPX5

2 variants

Compare Silva Seek 600 Recharge, Black
38717Black
Compare Silva Seek 600 Recharge, Grey
38731Grey

Ledlenser

H5R

Full details

2026 entry H series: 750 lm boost, 18650 cell, focus system

H5R (2026)

Current

Overall score4.8 out of 10,Mid-range

How we score

RRP £94.95

Light

Light output, brightest setting: 500 lm
Boost mode: Yes
Boost light output: 750 lm
Beam distance: 230 m
Light output, lowest setting: 10 lm
Figures to ANSI/PLATO FL 1: No

Burn time

Burn time, brightest setting: 4.75 h
Burn time, lowest setting: 80 h

Power and charging

Power: Removable rechargeable battery
USB-C charging: Yes

Features

Red light: No
Automatic brightness: No
Lock: Yes

Weight and protection

Weight: 187 g
Dust and water rating: IP67

1 variant

Compare Ledlenser H5R, Black
503220Black

Ledlenser

H7R

Full details

2026 H7R: 850 lm, 1200 lm boost, 300 m beam, 21700 cell

H7R (2026)

Current

Overall score4.8 out of 10,Mid-range

How we score

RRP £119.95

Light

Light output, brightest setting: 850 lm
Boost mode: Yes
Boost light output: 1,200 lm
Beam distance: 300 m
Light output, lowest setting: 15 lm
Figures to ANSI/PLATO FL 1: No

Burn time

Burn time, brightest setting: 4 h
Burn time, lowest setting: 120 h

Power and charging

Power: Removable rechargeable battery
USB-C charging: Yes

Features

Red light: No
Automatic brightness: No
Lock: Yes

Weight and protection

Weight: 252 g
Dust and water rating: IP67

1 variant

Compare Ledlenser H7R, Black
503221Black

Ledlenser

HF4

Full details

2026 entry HF: 3 AAA included, 450 lm boost, IP67

HF4 (2026)

Current

Overall score4.8 out of 10,Mid-range

How we score

RRP £34.95

Light

Light output, brightest setting: 300 lm
Boost mode: Yes
Boost light output: 450 lm
Beam distance: 100 m
Light output, lowest setting: 20 lm
Figures to ANSI/PLATO FL 1: No

Burn time

Burn time, brightest setting: 2.5 h
Burn time, lowest setting: 40 h

Power and charging

Power: Rechargeable or AAA batteries
USB-C charging: No

Features

Red light: Yes
Automatic brightness: No
Lock: Yes

Weight and protection

Weight: 102 g
Dust and water rating: IP67

3 variants

Compare Ledlenser HF4, Black
503316Black
Compare Ledlenser HF4, Forest green
503303Forest green
Compare Ledlenser HF4, Smoky blue
503343Smoky blue

Petzl

ACTIK CORE

Full details

Multisport hybrid with the CORE battery, 625 lm, 88 g

Current

Overall score4.6 out of 10,Mid-range

How we score

RRP £77

Light

Light output, brightest setting: 625 lm
Boost mode: No
Beam distance: 115 m
Light output, lowest setting: 7 lm
Figures to ANSI/PLATO FL 1: Yes

Burn time

Burn time, brightest setting: 2 h
Burn time, lowest setting: 100 h

Power and charging

Power: Rechargeable or AAA batteries
USB-C charging: Yes

Features

Red light: Yes
Automatic brightness: No
Lock: Yes

Weight and protection

Weight: 88 g
Dust and water rating: IPX4

4 variants

Compare Petzl ACTIK CORE, Black
E065AB00Black
Compare Petzl ACTIK CORE, Blue
E065AB01Blue
Compare Petzl ACTIK CORE, Red
E065AB02Red
Compare Petzl ACTIK CORE, Green
E065AB03Green

Petzl

NAO RL

Full details

Reactive lighting for running: up to 1500 lm, 145 g

Current

Overall score4.6 out of 10,Mid-range

How we score

RRP £160

Light

Light output, brightest setting: 900 lm
Boost mode: No
Beam distance: 140 m
Light output, lowest setting: 10 lm
Figures to ANSI/PLATO FL 1: Yes

Burn time

Burn time, brightest setting: 2 h
Burn time, lowest setting: 80 h

Power and charging

Power: Removable rechargeable battery
USB-C charging: Yes

Features

Red light: No
Automatic brightness: Yes
Lock: Yes

Weight and protection

Weight: 145 g
Dust and water rating: IPX4

1 variant

Compare Petzl NAO RL, Black
E105AA00Black

Black Diamond

Distance 1500

Full details

1500 lm boost, swappable magnetic battery pack, IP67

Current

Overall score4.4 out of 10,Mid-range

How we score

RRP £180

Light

Light output, brightest setting: 800 lm
Boost mode: Yes
Boost light output: 1,500 lm
Beam distance: 95 m
Light output, lowest setting: 15 lm
Figures to ANSI/PLATO FL 1: Yes

Burn time

Burn time, brightest setting: 1.7 h
Burn time, lowest setting: 40 h

Power and charging

Power: Removable rechargeable battery
USB-C charging: Yes

Features

Red light: Yes
Automatic brightness: No
Lock: Yes

Weight and protection

Weight: 213 g
Dust and water rating: IP67

1 variant

Compare Black Diamond Distance 1500, Octane
BD6206948001ALL1Octane

Petzl

SWIFT LT

Full details

Rechargeable and 43 g: 380 lm, USB-C, reflective headband

Current

Overall score4.4 out of 10,Mid-range

How we score

RRP £53

Light

Light output, brightest setting: 380 lm
Boost mode: No
Beam distance: 70 m
Light output, lowest setting: 7 lm
Figures to ANSI/PLATO FL 1: Yes

Burn time

Burn time, brightest setting: 2 h
Burn time, lowest setting: 60 h

Power and charging

Power: Built-in rechargeable battery
USB-C charging: Yes

Features

Red light: Yes
Automatic brightness: No
Lock: Yes

Weight and protection

Weight: 43 g
Dust and water rating: IPX4

3 variants

Compare Petzl SWIFT LT, Black
E102AB00Black
Compare Petzl SWIFT LT, White
E102AB01White
Compare Petzl SWIFT LT, Desert/green
E102AB02Desert/green

Petzl

TIKKA CORE

Full details

TIKKA with the CORE battery: USB-C, 450 lm, 84 g

Current

Overall score4.4 out of 10,Mid-range

How we score

RRP £58

Light

Light output, brightest setting: 450 lm
Boost mode: No
Beam distance: 75 m
Light output, lowest setting: 7 lm
Figures to ANSI/PLATO FL 1: Yes

Burn time

Burn time, brightest setting: 2.5 h
Burn time, lowest setting: 110 h

Power and charging

Power: Rechargeable or AAA batteries
USB-C charging: Yes

Features

Red light: Yes
Automatic brightness: No
Lock: Yes

Weight and protection

Weight: 84 g
Dust and water rating: IPX4

4 variants

Compare Petzl TIKKA CORE, Black
E067AB00Black
Compare Petzl TIKKA CORE, Blue
E067AB01Blue
Compare Petzl TIKKA CORE, Brown
E067AB02Brown
Compare Petzl TIKKA CORE, White
E067AB03White

Black Diamond

Astro 300-R

Full details

Rechargeable Astro: built-in 1500 mAh battery, 300 lm

Longest burn time at full brightness

Current

Overall score4.3 out of 10,Mid-range

How we score

RRP £35

Light

Light output, brightest setting: 300 lm
Boost mode: No
Beam distance: 55 m
Light output, lowest setting: 6 lm
Figures to ANSI/PLATO FL 1: Yes

Burn time

Burn time, brightest setting: 6 h
Burn time, lowest setting: 140 h

Power and charging

Power: Built-in rechargeable battery
USB-C charging: No

Features

Red light: No
Automatic brightness: No
Lock: Yes

Weight and protection

Weight: 100 g
Dust and water rating: IPX4

5 variants

Compare Black Diamond Astro 300-R, Graphite
BD6206780004ALL1Graphite
Compare Black Diamond Astro 300-R, Azul
BD6206784004ALL1Azul
Compare Black Diamond Astro 300-R, Octane
BD6206788001ALL1Octane
Compare Black Diamond Astro 300-R, Alloy
BD6206781000ALL1Alloy
Compare Black Diamond Astro 300-R, Lilac
BD6206785018ALL1Lilac

Silva

Smini Fly

Full details

38.5 g rechargeable lamp on a 3 mm headband, 250 lm

Lightest

Current

Overall score4.3 out of 10,Mid-range

How we score

RRP £39.99

Light

Light output, brightest setting: 250 lm
Boost mode: No
Beam distance: 80 m
Light output, lowest setting: 10 lm
Figures to ANSI/PLATO FL 1: No

Burn time

Burn time, brightest setting: 1.5 h
Burn time, lowest setting: 20 h

Power and charging

Power: Built-in rechargeable battery
USB-C charging: Yes

Features

Red light: Yes
Automatic brightness: No
Lock: Yes

Weight and protection

Weight: 38.5 g
Dust and water rating: IPX5

5 variants

Compare Silva Smini Fly, Black
38452Black
Compare Silva Smini Fly, Rose
38463Rose
Compare Silva Smini Fly, Mint green
38464Mint green
Compare Silva Smini Fly, Blue
38634Blue
Compare Silva Smini Fly, Yellow
38635Yellow

Petzl

TIKKA

Full details

Compact hybrid: 3 AAA or CORE battery, 350 lm, 94 g

Current

Overall score4.0 out of 10,Mid-range

How we score

RRP £34

Light

Light output, brightest setting: 350 lm
Boost mode: No
Beam distance: 70 m
Light output, lowest setting: 7 lm
Figures to ANSI/PLATO FL 1: Yes

Burn time

Burn time, brightest setting: 2 h
Burn time, lowest setting: 110 h

Power and charging

Power: Rechargeable or AAA batteries
USB-C charging: No

Features

Red light: Yes
Automatic brightness: No
Lock: Yes

Weight and protection

Weight: 94 g
Dust and water rating: IPX4

4 variants

Compare Petzl TIKKA, Black
E061AB00Black
Compare Petzl TIKKA, Blue
E061AB01Blue
Compare Petzl TIKKA, Brown
E061AB02Brown
Compare Petzl TIKKA, Yellow
E061AB03Yellow

Black Diamond

Astro 300

Full details

Entry dual-fuel headlamp: 3 AAA or BD 1500 battery, 300 lm

Best value (based on RRP)

Current

Overall score3.6 out of 10,Mid-range

How we score

RRP £20

Light

Light output, brightest setting: 300 lm
Boost mode: No
Beam distance: 55 m
Light output, lowest setting: 6 lm
Figures to ANSI/PLATO FL 1: Yes

Burn time

Burn time, brightest setting: 4 h
Burn time, lowest setting: 140 h

Power and charging

Power: Rechargeable or AAA batteries
USB-C charging: No

Features

Red light: No
Automatic brightness: No
Lock: Yes

Weight and protection

Weight: 100 g
Dust and water rating: IPX4

4 variants

Compare Black Diamond Astro 300, Graphite
BD6206740004ALL1Graphite
Compare Black Diamond Astro 300, Azul
BD6206744004ALL1Azul
Compare Black Diamond Astro 300, Octane
BD6206748001ALL1Octane
Compare Black Diamond Astro 300, Creek blue
BD6206744064ALL1Creek blue

Black Diamond

Deploy Run Light

Full details

48 g running lamp: USB-C rechargeable, 325 lm, IPX4

Current

Overall score3.5 out of 10,Mid-range

How we score

RRP £55

Light

Light output, brightest setting: 325 lm
Boost mode: No
Beam distance: 52 m
Light output, lowest setting: 6 lm
Figures to ANSI/PLATO FL 1: Yes

Burn time

Burn time, brightest setting: 2.5 h
Burn time, lowest setting: 30 h

Power and charging

Power: Built-in rechargeable battery
USB-C charging: Yes

Features

Red light: No
Automatic brightness: No
Lock: Yes

Weight and protection

Weight: 48 g
Dust and water rating: IPX4

3 variants

Compare Black Diamond Deploy Run Light, Alloy
BD6206931000ALL1Alloy
Compare Black Diamond Deploy Run Light, Creek blue
BD6206934064ALL1Creek blue
Compare Black Diamond Deploy Run Light, Foam green
BD6206933041ALL1Foam green

Petzl

NAO LT

Full details

Running hybrid with the battery at the back, 600 lm, 90 g

Current

Overall score3.5 out of 10,Mid-range

How we score

RRP £85

Light

Light output, brightest setting: 600 lm
Boost mode: No
Beam distance: 75 m
Light output, lowest setting: 7 lm
Figures to ANSI/PLATO FL 1: Yes

Burn time

Burn time, brightest setting: 2 h
Burn time, lowest setting: 85 h

Power and charging

Power: Rechargeable or AAA batteries
USB-C charging: Yes

Features

Red light: No
Automatic brightness: No
Lock: Yes

Weight and protection

Weight: 90 g
Dust and water rating: IPX4

2 variants

Compare Petzl NAO LT, Black/white
E106AA00Black/white
Compare Petzl NAO LT, Orange
E106AA01Orange

Silva

Seek 320

Full details

Entry hybrid: AAA or Silva Hybrid battery, 320 lm, 92 g

Current

Overall score3.1 out of 10,Entry

How we score

RRP £24.99

Light

Light output, brightest setting: 320 lm
Boost mode: No
Beam distance: 82 m
Light output, lowest setting: 10 lm
Figures to ANSI/PLATO FL 1: Yes

Burn time

Burn time, brightest setting: 4 h
Burn time, lowest setting: 110 h

Power and charging

Power: Rechargeable or AAA batteries
USB-C charging: No

Features

Red light: No
Automatic brightness: No
Lock: No

Weight and protection

Weight: 92 g
Dust and water rating: IPX5

4 variants

Compare Silva Seek 320, Blue
38528Blue
Compare Silva Seek 320, White
38546White
Compare Silva Seek 320, Black
38547Black
Compare Silva Seek 320, Grey
38548Grey

Silva

Free Pulse 1500

Full details

2026 trail lamp: 1500 lm Speed Mode, XS or S battery

Brightest

Current

Overall score2.9 out of 10,Entry

How we score

RRP from £129.99

Bars and score: XS battery (standard model)

Light

Light output, brightest setting: 1,500 lm
Boost mode: No
Beam distance: 185 m
Light output, lowest setting: 80 lm
Figures to ANSI/PLATO FL 1: Yes

Burn time

Burn time, brightest setting: from 50 min to 1 h
Burn time, lowest setting: No data

Power and charging

Power: Removable rechargeable battery
USB-C charging: Yes

Features

Red light: No
Automatic brightness: No
Lock: No

Weight and protection

Weight: from 230 g to 263 g
Dust and water rating: IPX5

2 variants

Compare Silva Free Pulse 1500, XS battery
38679XS batteryStandard model
Burn time, brightest setting
50 min
Weight
230 g
Compare Silva Free Pulse 1500, S battery
38680S battery
Burn time, brightest setting
1 h
Weight
263 g

Silva

Free Runner 1100

Full details

2026 running lamp: 1100 lm Speed Mode, pocket battery

Current

Overall score2.6 out of 10,Entry

How we score

RRP £109.99

Light

Light output, brightest setting: 1,100 lm
Boost mode: No
Beam distance: 155 m
Light output, lowest setting: 80 lm
Figures to ANSI/PLATO FL 1: Yes

Burn time

Burn time, brightest setting: 50 min
Burn time, lowest setting: 15 h

Power and charging

Power: Removable rechargeable battery
USB-C charging: Yes

Features

Red light: No
Automatic brightness: No
Lock: No

Weight and protection

Weight: 191 g
Dust and water rating: IPX5

1 variant

Compare Silva Free Runner 1100, Black
38678Black

Petzl

TIKKINA

Full details

Entry hybrid: 3 AAA or CORE battery, 300 lm, 92 g

Current

Overall score2.3 out of 10,Entry

How we score

RRP £24

Light

Light output, brightest setting: 300 lm
Boost mode: No
Beam distance: 65 m
Light output, lowest setting: 7 lm
Figures to ANSI/PLATO FL 1: Yes

Burn time

Burn time, brightest setting: 2.5 h
Burn time, lowest setting: 100 h

Power and charging

Power: Rechargeable or AAA batteries
USB-C charging: No

Features

Red light: No
Automatic brightness: No
Lock: No

Weight and protection

Weight: 92 g
Dust and water rating: IPX4

4 variants

Compare Petzl TIKKINA, Black
E060AB00Black
Compare Petzl TIKKINA, Blue
E060AB01Blue
Compare Petzl TIKKINA, Green
E060AB02Green
Compare Petzl TIKKINA, Red
E060AB03Red

Silva

Trail Runner Free 2 Hybrid

Full details

Cordless running lamp, Hybrid battery included, 500 lm

Current

Overall score2.3 out of 10,Entry

How we score

RRP £74.99

Light

Light output, brightest setting: 500 lm
Boost mode: No
Beam distance: 80 m
Light output, lowest setting: 50 lm
Figures to ANSI/PLATO FL 1: Yes

Burn time

Burn time, brightest setting: 1.5 h
Burn time, lowest setting: 7.5 h

Power and charging

Power: Rechargeable or AAA batteries
USB-C charging: Yes

Features

Red light: No
Automatic brightness: No
Lock: No

Weight and protection

Weight: 113 g
Dust and water rating: IPX5

1 variant

Compare Silva Trail Runner Free 2 Hybrid, Black
38288Black

Every model at a glance

Model	Status	Overall score	RRP	Awards
Ledlenser HF6R	Current	6.5, Top of the range	£79.95	Best overall
Ledlenser HF7R	Current	6.4, Mid-range	£119.95
Black Diamond Storm+	Current	6.2, Mid-range	£85
Ledlenser H9R	Current	6.0, Mid-range	£159.95
Black Diamond Distance LT 1100	Current	5.8, Mid-range	£100
Black Diamond Storm	Current	5.8, Mid-range	£65
Petzl SWIFT RL	Current	5.7, Mid-range	£120
Silva Explore 5	Current	5.4, Mid-range	£69.99
Ledlenser HF4R	Current	5.3, Mid-range	£49.95
Black Diamond Spot	Current	5.2, Mid-range	£45
Black Diamond Cosmo	Current	5.1, Mid-range	£35
Ledlenser NEO1R	Current	5.1, Mid-range	£41.95
Silva Seek 450 Recharge	Current	4.9, Mid-range	£39.99
Silva Seek 600 Recharge	Current	4.9, Mid-range	£59.99
Ledlenser H5R	Current	4.8, Mid-range	£94.95
Ledlenser H7R	Current	4.8, Mid-range	£119.95
Ledlenser HF4	Current	4.8, Mid-range	£34.95
Petzl ACTIK CORE	Current	4.6, Mid-range	£77
Petzl NAO RL	Current	4.6, Mid-range	£160
Black Diamond Distance 1500	Current	4.4, Mid-range	£180
Petzl SWIFT LT	Current	4.4, Mid-range	£53
Petzl TIKKA CORE	Current	4.4, Mid-range	£58
Black Diamond Astro 300-R	Current	4.3, Mid-range	£35	Longest burn time at full brightness
Silva Smini Fly	Current	4.3, Mid-range	£39.99	Lightest
Petzl TIKKA	Current	4.0, Mid-range	£34
Black Diamond Astro 300	Current	3.6, Mid-range	£20	Best value (based on RRP)
Black Diamond Deploy Run Light	Current	3.5, Mid-range	£55
Petzl NAO LT	Current	3.5, Mid-range	£85
Silva Seek 320	Current	3.1, Entry	£24.99
Silva Free Pulse 1500	Current	2.9, Entry	from £129.99	Brightest
Silva Free Runner 1100	Current	2.6, Entry	£109.99
Petzl TIKKINA	Current	2.3, Entry	£24
Silva Trail Runner Free 2 Hybrid	Current	2.3, Entry	£74.99

Every specification, variant and source: https://www.fairlyranked.com/uk/outdoor/head-torches/

Buying guide

What head torch specifications mean: lumens, beam distance, burn time and the FL 1 standard, power and charging, weight, red light, lock and IP rating.

How to choose a head torch

Last updated

Specifications last checked on 25 October 2026.

Notes

Light output, beam distance and burn times are the makers' own figures. Models marked Yes under Figures to ANSI/PLATO FL 1 are those whose maker says the figures follow that standard, which sets how each is measured: light output shortly after switching on, burn time until the light has fallen to a tenth of that output, and beam distance to where the beam is as bright as a full moon. Figures measured to the same standard can be compared directly; figures measured another way may not be.

Light output, beam distance and burn time on the brightest setting are all for the brightest white setting that stays on. A boost, a burst the maker limits to about two minutes or less or says steps down after a short time (Petzl's BOOST, Black Diamond's PowerTap, Ledlenser's Boost), is shown as boost light output. A setting the maker says runs longer is a lasting one: Silva's Speed Mode, up to 50 minutes while the lamp stays cool, is the Free series' brightest setting. Lamps with REACTIVE LIGHTING show Petzl's STANDARD LIGHTING figures.

Burn times are for the brightest setting that stays on and the lowest white setting, with the battery or batteries supplied, or with alkaline AAA batteries where none are supplied. Some head torches dim after a short time on their brightest setting, and the burn time on that setting then includes the time spent dimmed. Weight includes the batteries and the headband.

Red light means a red setting at the front that stays on, for reading a map or moving around camp; a red safety light at the back, steady or flashing, and a red light that only flashes do not count. Automatic brightness means a light sensor sets the brightness, which Petzl calls REACTIVE LIGHTING.

Where a model comes with a choice of battery or headband, the family shows the range of its weights and burn times across the versions sold here, each version shows its own figures, and the bars and score use the family's standard model, named under its details: the base colourway with the battery and headband the maker lists first.

Status follows the maker's listings in every region: a current model is listed by the maker, an upcoming one is announced but not yet on sale, and a discontinued one is no longer listed anywhere. A model the maker still sells elsewhere but not here is marked as not sold in the UK.

Prices are recommended retail prices (RRP) in pounds sterling, not shop prices.

Sources (87) Close

Alpinetrek, Petzl SWIFT RL jungle green (opens in a new tab) checked 25 October 2026
Alpinetrek, Petzl TIKKA CORE brown (opens in a new tab) checked 25 October 2026
Alpinetrek, Petzl TIKKINA green (opens in a new tab) checked 25 October 2026
Black Diamond UK store, Astro 300 (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Black Diamond UK store, Astro 300-R (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Black Diamond UK store, Cosmo (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Black Diamond UK store, Deploy Run Light (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Black Diamond UK store, Distance 1500 (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Black Diamond UK store, Distance LT 1100 (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Black Diamond UK store, Spot (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Black Diamond UK store, Storm (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Black Diamond UK store, Storm+ (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Black Diamond, Astro 300 instructions (M14511_C) (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Black Diamond, Astro 300-R instructions (M14513_C) (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Black Diamond, Cosmo instructions (M15439_C) (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Black Diamond, Deploy 325 instructions (M14813_B) (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Black Diamond, Distance 1500 instructions (M14745_B) (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Black Diamond, Distance LT 1100 instructions (M14970_A) (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Black Diamond, Spot instructions (M15442_C) (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Black Diamond, Storm instructions (M15445_A) (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Black Diamond, Storm+ instructions (M15448_A) (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Cotswold Outdoor, Petzl Nao RL 1500L (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Cotswold Outdoor, Petzl Swift LT 380 (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Cotswold Outdoor, Petzl Tikka 350L (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Cotswold Outdoor, Petzl Tikkina 300L (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Deporvillage, Petzl SWIFT LT black (opens in a new tab) checked 25 October 2026
Deporvillage, Petzl TIKKA CORE white (opens in a new tab) checked 25 October 2026
Deporvillage, Petzl TIKKINA red (opens in a new tab) checked 25 October 2026
Facewest, Petzl ACTIK CORE green (opens in a new tab) checked 25 October 2026
Facewest, Petzl TIKKA CORE black (opens in a new tab) checked 25 October 2026
Go Outdoors, Petzl ACTIK CORE black (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Go Outdoors, Petzl ACTIK CORE red (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Go Outdoors, Petzl NAO RL black (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Go Outdoors, Petzl SWIFT RL orange/black (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Go Outdoors, Petzl TIKKA black (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Go Outdoors, Petzl TIKKA blue (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Knivesandtools, Petzl SWIFT RL white (opens in a new tab) checked 25 October 2026
Ledlenser UK, H5R 2026 (opens in a new tab) checked 25 October 2026
Ledlenser UK, H5R quick user guide (1J12A0712, 2026) (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Ledlenser UK, H7R 2026 (opens in a new tab) checked 25 October 2026
Ledlenser UK, H7R quick user guide (1J12A0716, 2026) (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Ledlenser UK, H9R 2026 (opens in a new tab) checked 25 October 2026
Ledlenser UK, HF4 2026 (opens in a new tab) checked 25 October 2026
Ledlenser UK, HF4 and HF4R quick user guide (1J12A0711, 2026) (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Ledlenser UK, HF4R 2026 (opens in a new tab) checked 25 October 2026
Ledlenser UK, HF6R 2026 (opens in a new tab) checked 25 October 2026
Ledlenser UK, HF7R 2026 (opens in a new tab) checked 25 October 2026
Ledlenser UK, NEO series quick user guide (1J12A0477) (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Ledlenser UK, NEO1R (opens in a new tab) checked 25 October 2026
Ledlenser, NEO1R technical data (checked by hand) (opens in a new tab) checked 25 October 2026
Outside, Petzl TIKKA brown (opens in a new tab) checked 25 October 2026
Petzl GB, ACTIK CORE (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Petzl GB, NAO LT (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Petzl GB, NAO RL (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Petzl GB, SWIFT LT (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Petzl GB, SWIFT RL (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Petzl GB, SWIFT RL CLASSIC (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Petzl GB, TIKKA (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Petzl GB, TIKKA CORE (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Petzl GB, TIKKINA (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Petzl, TIKKINA technical notice (E0161900B) (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Silva UK, Explore 5 (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Silva UK, Free Pulse 1500 (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Silva UK, Free Runner 1100 (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Silva UK, Seek 320 (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Silva UK, Seek 450 Recharge (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Silva UK, Seek 600 Recharge (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Silva UK, Smini Fly (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Silva UK, Trail Runner Free 2 Hybrid (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Silva, Free Pulse 1500 (international site) (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Silva, Free Runner 1100 (international site) (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Silva, Free Runner 1100 manual (2026-06-16) (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Silva, Free series 2026 manual (2026-06-17) (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Silva, Seek 320 and 420 manual (2025-08-28) (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Silva, Seek 600 Recharge (international site) (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Silva, Trail Runner Free 2 Hybrid (international site) (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Silva, Trail Runner Free 2 Hybrid manual (2025-12-17) (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
SportsShoes.com, Petzl ACTIK CORE blue (opens in a new tab) checked 25 October 2026
SportsShoes.com, Petzl TIKKA yellow (opens in a new tab) checked 25 October 2026
Tiso, Petzl NAO LT white (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Tiso, Petzl SWIFT LT white (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Tiso, Petzl SWIFT RL black/orange (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Tiso, Petzl TIKKA CORE blue (opens in a new tab) checked 22 October 2026
Trekkinn, Petzl SWIFT RL black, Classic headband (opens in a new tab) checked 25 October 2026
Trekkinn, Petzl TIKKA brown (opens in a new tab) checked 25 October 2026
Wildbounds, Petzl ACTIK CORE green (opens in a new tab) checked 25 October 2026
Wildbounds, Petzl NAO LT orange (opens in a new tab) checked 25 October 2026

Loading the comparison…

Filter and sort

HF6R

Light

Burn time

Power and charging

Features

Weight and protection

1 variant

HF7R

Light

Burn time

Power and charging

Features

Weight and protection

1 variant

Storm+

Light

Burn time

Power and charging

Features

Weight and protection

2 variants

H9R

Light

Burn time

Power and charging

Features

Weight and protection

1 variant

Distance LT 1100

Light

Burn time

Power and charging

Features

Weight and protection

1 variant

Storm

Light

Burn time

Power and charging

Features

Weight and protection

3 variants

SWIFT RL

Light

Burn time

Power and charging

Features

Weight and protection

4 variants

Explore 5

Light

Burn time

Power and charging

Features

Weight and protection

3 variants

HF4R

Light

Burn time

Power and charging

Features

Weight and protection

3 variants

Spot

Light

Burn time

Power and charging

Features

Weight and protection

5 variants

Cosmo

Light

Burn time

Power and charging

Features

Weight and protection

4 variants

NEO1R

Light