Running in the dark can be difficult at best and dangerous at its worst. However, many busy runners have to squeeze their runs in at early or late hours of the day, which means that running in the dark is inevitable at times. Whether you’re running on a highly trafficked road, a sidewalk, an unlit trail, or just your neighborhood, having a good running headlamp is essential.
That’s why we’ve researched Amazon to find the best
headlamps that runners can use to combat the difficulty of running in the dark.
Our following picks vary in size, material, durability, light strength, cost,
and other factors. However, they’re each highly rated on the Amazon platform by
customers like you.
The Top 10 Best Headlamps For Runners Who Run In The Dark
Below, take a look at Amazon’s 10 best overall running
headlamps, best budget headlamps, least expensive headlamps, best battery life
headlamps, and best light strength headlamps.
Description: This running headlamp has a black adjustable band to fit all head circumferences, as well as battery-powered LED lights. They are weather-resistant with a 45 degree adjustable head to direct light where you need it when you’re running. This is a pack of two, which gives extra value to the product.
Price: $
Durability: High durability due to water-resistant and shockproof design to withstand snow, rain, and other elements.
User Level: Beginner-Intermediate
IPX Rating: IPX4
Battery Life: 10+ hours
Light Strength: 200 lumens
Material: Polymer
Weight: 3 ounces
Portability/Packability (travel): Hands-free, lightweight, and portable for running.
Size: 6.5 x 2.75 x 2.25 inches
Power: Battery powered with 3x AAA batteries (not included in order).
What We Liked
- headband removable/washable
- Rain/Snow Resistant when running
- 7 different light modes including strobe
What We Didn’t Like
- Not rechargeable
- Headband is not durable
Description: This black and red GOFORWILD running headlamp features lithium batteries you can recharge with a USB cord, motion sensor, and ultra-bright LED light with 5 different lighting modes. It’s a value pack with 2 lamps, 2 USB cables, 2 bands, and 1 user manual.
Price: $
Durability: Splash waterproof (can be worn in rain but not submerged in water).
User Level: Beginner-Intermediate
IPX Rating: IPX4
Battery Life: 2.5 hours
Light Strength: 500 lumens
Material: ABS
Weight: 3.5 ounces
Portability/Packability (travel): Very portable and lightweight, hands-free.
Size: 7.83 x 4.25 x 1.93 inches
Power: 2 USB-rechargeable Lithium Polymer batteries required (included).
What We Liked
- 45-degree lamp tilt for directional lighting
- 200 meter light distance
- Motion sensor - easy use while running
- Rechargeable batteries
What We Didn’t Like
- Shorter battery life compared to other headlamps
- Lower IPX rating compared to other headlamps
Description: This is our first budget-friendly pick for running headlamps, with super bright LED lights that change between 5 different modes. It’s super lightweight with rechargeable batteries, an adjustable beam, and a high IPX rating.
Price: $
Durability: Water-resistant against even heavy rain for up to 2-3 hours.
User Level: Beginner-Intermediate
IPX Rating: IPX6
Battery Life: Up to 7 hours in high mode, up to 15 hours in low mode.
Light Strength: 500 lumens (maximum)
Material: Plastic
Weight: 1.48 ounces
Portability/Packability (travel): Easily portable and lightweight, and hands-free.
Size: 1.38 x 2.36 x 1.57 inches
Power: Rechargeable 1200mah lithium battery that takes 4 hours to fully charge with a USB port (micro USB cable included).
What We Liked
- Rechargeable battery with charging cord included
- Motion sensor allows you to easily operate while running
- Small and ultra-lightweight for ideal comfort
What We Didn’t Like
- LED light is cheaper/less reliable than those of competitor products
- f The battery may be less reliable than batteries of competitor products
Description: This is our second budget pick for running headlamps, especially since it’s a value pack of 2 fit for both adult and child sizes. The Vont headlamp features a bright and long-lasting VLED multifunctional light, ergonomic tilt, waterproof design, and a lifetime warranty with 24/7 customer support.
Price: $
Durability: High durability, lasts long without jeopardizing function and performance, trusted by professional bikers, outdoor enthusiasts, military, police and security personnel. Waterproof and drop-resistant, indestructible in extreme conditions.
User Level: Intermediate-Expert
IPX Rating: IPX5
Battery Life: Up to 90 hours
Light Strength: 200 lumens
Material: Premium ABS
Weight: 1.83 ounces
Portability/Packability (travel): Lightweight, easily fits into a pocket, portable.
Size: 2.25 x 1.37 x 1.68 inches
Power: Battery-powered with 6 AAA batteries (included with purchase).
What We Liked
- Great budget choice
- Easy-to-use 7 light mode (Low/Medium/High/Strobe)
- Lifetime warranty
- Extremely long battery life
What We Didn’t Like
- Not rechargeable
- Not as bright as other headlamps
Description: This versatile headlamp is as durable as they come. Princeton Tec Vizz Has come a long way in their unique design and style.
Price: $$$
Durability: Waterproof with a design made to extend the life and wear of the headlamp in both cold and demanding conditions.
User Level: Expert
IPX Rating: IPX7
Battery Life: 110 hours
Light Strength: 420 lumens
Material: Plastic
Weight: 4.2 ounces
Portability/Packability (travel): Easily portable
Size: 3 x 3 x 3 inches
Power: Battery-powered with 3 AAA batteries (included in purchase).
What We Liked
- Easily switch from spot to bright light
- Durable Design
What We Didn’t Like
- Not as cheap as other models
Description: This black Princeton Tec headlamp is great for runners and takes our list as another option with the best battery life.
Price: $$$
Durability: Durable with water-resistant design.
User Level: Beginner
IPX Rating: IPX4
Battery Life: 150 hours
Light Strength: 300 lumens
Material: Plastic
Weight: 0.18 pounds
Portability/Packability (travel): Very lightweight and portable for running.
Size: 8.0 inches x 4.25 inches x 2.5 inches
Power: Battery-powered with 3 AAA alkaline batteries (included in purchase).
What We Liked
- Equipped with an asymmetrical single arm bracket
- easily accessible battery door
- Large push button switch
What We Didn’t Like
- Not rechargeable
- Only 2 light modes
Description: This running headlamp takes the spot on the list for best light strength, at a whopping 1200 Lm. It’s a value pack of 2 aluminum, battery-powered, extremely durable headlamps with rechargeable batteries.
Price: $$$
Durability: Extremely durable, water-resistant, weather-resistant, drop tested to withstand harsh conditions including snow and rain.
User Level: Intermediate
IPX Rating: IPX 6.5
Battery Life: 12-hour rechargeable battery usage time in low mode, 3 hours in high mode.
Light Strength: 1200 lumens
Material: Constructed from aviation-grade aluminum T6061.
Weight: 5.6 ounces
Portability/Packability (travel): Compact and lightweight enough to keep in your pocket.
Size: 3.54 x 1.38 x 0.97 inches
Power: Battery-powered with rechargeable high-performance 18650/2600 mAh batteries.
What We Liked
- 180 degree angle adjustment
- Adjustable headband
- Excellent waterproofing grade
- SOS light run time of 10 hours
What We Didn’t Like
- Not shockproof
Description: Another running headlamp with great light brightness. It has 5 different light modes, with a durable yet lightweight and comfortable design.
Price: $
Durability: High waterproof durability with an aircraft-grade aluminum alloy case and hard-anodized finish design.
User Level: Intermediate
IPX Rating: IPX6
Battery Life: About 2-3 hours
Light Strength: 1200 lumens
Material: Aluminum
Weight: 2.82 ounces
Portability/Packability (travel): Portable
Size: 4.21 x 3.15 x 1.65 inches
Power: Battery-powered with 1 USB rechargeable battery.
What We Liked
- 180 degree angle adjustment
- Simple and fast power supply
- LED beam that reaches 200 meters
- Great even in emergency situations
What We Didn’t Like
- Short Battery Life
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