Best Running Lights of 2025
The best lights, headlamps, handhelds, and rear lights — for running at night
The PowerTap on the Black Diamond Distance 1500 lights up the darkest trails. Photo by Billy Pudoff.
October 15, 2024
Home > Gear Reviews > Electronics
While the nights are getting longer as the days get shorter, it does not have to be harder to get those runs in. Thankfully you don’t have to log miles on the treadmill all winter (unless you want to). Lights specifically designed for running in the dark have come a long way in the last ten years since I have been using them. We tested eight running headlamps, three hand held lights and two wearables and four visibility lights during nighttime and early morning runs to help you make the best buying decision for you.
The keys for successfully running in the dark are to both see and be seen. If you are running on the road or in areas with cars, you will want to make sure that you are visible and able to actually see the path in front of you. With headlamps, wearable waist and chest lights, and handheld lights, it is easier to run in the dark. Tail lights and clip-on blinkers are so lightweight that you will forget you have them on, and they’ll keep you visible to those behind you — especially cars.
If you are getting up early before the sun rises and need an extra light to get started, or running in the evening after work or to avoid the lingering heat, we have you covered so you can see the road or trail in front of you and be seen by others.
I hope that you will fall in love with night running and enjoy all that it has to offer. It always feels like I am getting to be part of some secret that others don’t know about. There are usually less people on the trails and on the sidewalks. When you pass another nighttime runner it is like being in a club — there is a kinship there that goes beyond daytime running. So join the dark side, of running that is, and check out some of our favorite running lights to light your way.
We create reader-supported, objective, mission-driven gear reviews independently selected by our editors. This story may contain affiliate links, which help fund our website. When you click on the links to purchase gear, we may get a commission – without costing you an extra cent. Thank you for supporting our work and mission of outdoor coverage for every body! Learn more.
Running lights comparison table
| RUNNING LIGHT | TREELINE AWARD | CATEGORY | TYPE | WEIGHT | MAX LUMENS | VISIBILITY* | BATTERY LIFE** | BATTERY LIFE INDICATOR | IP RATING | RECHARGEABLE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Diamond Distance LT 1100 | Best overall Read why |
See | Headlamp | 108 grams | 1100/600 | 125/110 meters | power tap on 1100 and 4.25 hours on 600 | Yes | IP67 | Removable Battery Pack charges with USB C |
| Black Diamond Distance 1500 | Best Brightest Read why |
See and Be Seen | Headlamp with Backlight | 213 grams | 1500/800 | 117/95 meters | 1.7 hours on 800 | Yes | IP67 | Removable Battery Pack charges with USB C |
| Petzl NAO RL | Best Overnight Racing Read why |
See and Be Seen | Headlamp with Backlight | 145 grams/5.11 ounces | 1500 reactive/900 standard | 200/140 meters | 2.0 hours for both | Yes | IPX4 | Removable Battery Pack charges with USB C |
| Black Diamond Deploy | Best Lightweight Read why |
See | Headlamp | 39 grams | 325/180 | 52/40 meters | 2.5 hours/4.3 hours | Yes | IPX4 | Internal battery USB-C |
| NiteCore NU25 | Best Affordable Read why |
See | Headlamp | 56 grams/1.98 ounces | 400/200 | 64/45 meters | 2.66 hours/4.66 hours | Yes | IP66 | Internal battery USB-C |
| FlipBelt Running Light | Best Waist Light Read why |
Worn | Waist Belt Light attaches to FlipBelt | 159 grams (without belt) | 500/55 | 140/40 meters | 3.0 hours/12.0 hours | No | IPX6 | USB-C |
| Nathan Luna Fire 400 RX | Best Chest Light Read why |
Worn | Chest or waist | 62 grams with strap | 400/300 | not stated | 1.45 hours/2.15 hours | sorta | IPX4 | USB-C |
| Knuckle Lights Advanced | Best Hand Held Read why |
Worn | Handheld | 143 grams both together | 280 | not stated | 4 hours | No | IPX6 | Charging dock with Micro-USB |
| Nathan Hyperbrite RX | Best Tail Light Read why |
Be Seen | Tail Light | 17 grams | 16 | 731 meters | 30 hours | No | IPX4 | Micro-USB |
The winners
Best Overall running light: Black Diamond Distance LT
Lumens: 600 max, 1100 Power Tap
Weight: 108 Grams
Battery source: Rechargeable Li-ion battery
Waterproof: IP67
Rechargeable: USB-C
What we liked: Power Tap 1100 Lumens, longer battery life, multiple color modes, highest waterproof rating of the lamps we tested, great balance of weight vs. lumens
What we didn’t like: Price, battery cannot be charged separately from lamp
The Black Diamond Distance LT is our best overall running light since there isn’t a dark running situation where we would leave this one behind.
This headlamp has four color options: warm white, red, green and blue light. The Black Diamond Distance LT excels running on road, trail, highly technical terrain and overnight racing. With multiple light colors, red is great for preserving night vision, the green for reading topo maps and the blue for foggy situations. It is also dimmable, and has strobe lighting.
The battery life is about 3 hours on high, which is long enough for most regular night training runs, but not long enough for ultras or marathons. The battery meter lets you know when you are getting low so you won’t be stuck running in the dark.
Black Diamond Distance LT
The Black Diamond Distance LT is a bright choice for dark nights. Photo by Billy Pudoff.
The PowerTap with 1100 lumens is convenient and easy to use, especially for those scary “what is that up ahead” moments only to find out it is a tree stump and not a bear. We found ourselves using the PowerTap feature for fun quite a bit just to test it out, and found it makes a huge difference — you can see the whole trail light up with a decent peripheral. PowerTap is useful for unfamiliar areas of trail to get acquainted quickly and to find our car at the trailhead much faster.
The elastic headband is comfortable and holds the headlamp in place with minimal bounce. It does hold sweat and needs to be dried out after a hard run. If it gets really wet it needs to be tightened during the run.
We found the Black Diamond Distance LT super comfortable to wear. Photo by Billy Pudoff.
This headlamp has lots of features and it is worth reading the directions to get the most out of this light. For example, the headlamp separates from the battery, but the charging port is on the headlamp, not the battery. So you can’t charge a spare battery on its own without the light attached. This makes it more difficult to get spare batteries charged before a big event.
The Black Diamond Distance LT headlamp also won best running headlamp in our Best (and Brightest) Headlamps guide).
Best Brightest Running Light: Black Diamond Distance 1500 Headlamp
Lumens: 800 max, 1500 PowerTap
Weight: 213 grams
Battery source: removable battery
Waterproof: IP67
Rechargeable: Battery comes off for charging and extras can be purchased
What we liked: Power Tap to 1500 lumens lights up the whole trail in a second
What we didn’t like: Price, (I want to summarize that it has a ton of features beyond what the normal user would need and that it is the most complicated or complex of all the headlamps we tested but I can’t think of the right phrase or word to put here so I am writing this long note instead as a reminder to put that in later or if you are reading and have an idea please share with me).
This headlamp is a beast; it has the most features and brightest lumens of all the lights we tested. At 213 grams it is the heaviest of all the headlamps we tested, but it was shockingly comfortable to wear, it comes with a removable top strap for extra support. We found that we didn’t need the extra top strap for most occasions. During testing it was comfortable to wear with the added top strap and allowed us to feel more secure about not losing our headlamp on a technical trail. We were surprised that the top strap didn’t interfere with our long haired testers' ponytail.
Black Diamond Distance 1500 Headlamp
The top strap provides extra support on the Black Diamond Distance 1500 and the red light is great for group settings. Photo by Billy Pudoff
To reach the brightest function of this lamp you literally just tap the side of the light and it gives you full power, it is really fun to play with, we enjoyed it as a way to make the run more fun, power tapping to see what was ahead and waiting until we ran to the area where the light reached, like a mini fartlek but with light.
We love the different colored light options in this headlamp red, blue and green in addition to the white light. Similar to the Black Diamond Distance 1100 the colored lights help with activities beyond running on the trail like group settings and reading maps.
The battery pack on the back of the lamp helps distribute the weight evenly so it feels well balanced when running. Additional batteries are available for purchase and can be charged separately from the headlamp. The pack at the back curves to hold comfortably against our testers heads. This was also comfortable for both long hair and short haired testers. The optional top strap worked nicely with a ponytail or braid, the red rear blinker is off to the side so a ponytail above it is not obstructing the safety lights. We love that it has the rear blinkers built in for extra safety and visibility.
You have to read the instructions that come with this light. It has a lot of features and lighting options that are hard to figure out on their own. Some of the other lights we tested were much simpler to use out of the box. We also love that this headlamp came with its own padded zippered case, convenient for storage and travel. This headlamp is on the heavier side so it can be overkill for shorter runs so it likely won’t be the only headlamp you need in your stash.
Best Overnight Racing Running Light: Petzl NAO RL
Lumens: 900 standard, 1500 reactive
Weight: 145 grams
Battery source: Removable rechargeable battery
Waterproof: IPX4
Rechargeable: USB-C
What we liked: Reactive Lighting saves battery life, lighter weight than others of similar brightness, rear red light with separate on/off button
What we didn’t like: Harder to wear with ponytail and long hair, No front red light option
Reactive lighting works to conserve battery life and gets brighter when you need it. We had fun testing this by looking at our feet and then the trail far into the distance and watching the light get brighter almost instantly. The reactive lighting is super fast and responsive. Removable battery with extras available for purchase.
Lighter weight than the other 1500 headlamps we tested, which is great for overnight racing where grams count. Rear light has a red light bar across the battery that has its own switch for on/off/strobe controls. Single button operation in front of light is simple to use. This headlamp has an optional top strap for added support. We found this headlamp to be well supported without the top strap, but it did add some support when we tested it.
Petzl NAO RL
The Rear light on the Petzl NAO RL is great for visibility. Photo by Billy Pudoff.
As you cycle through the levels of light the light goes into an off mode before coming back on. Some testers did not like that it turned off completely when they wanted to change the brightness, they found it harder to change without stopping or slowing down.
There is not a red light option on the front of the headlamp, making this a less desirable option for some.
As noted above, the rear battery clip is rather tall and may affect long haired users with ponytails or braids. The lightweight elastic also got stuck in long hair on occasion.
The Petzl NAO RL has unique straps and a rear battery pack that can be swapped out. Photo by Sara Kruglinski.
Best Lightweight running light: Black Diamond Deploy
Lumens: 325, 180
Weight: 39 grams
Battery source: rechargeable by USB-C
Waterproof: IPX4
Rechargeable: yes
What we liked: Tiny and packable, wearable under a brimmed hat
What we didn’t like: Fewer lumens, shorter battery life
The Black Diamond Deploy is small and mighty. We loved so many things about it we had a hard time running without it. We loved this light for those late afternoon runs where you aren’t sure if you will make it home before dark, or those morning runs where you start out a few minutes before the sun fully rises. It is great for that inbetween season where you aren’t always running in the dark.
This light is designed to be worn under a baseball-style hat and nestle right under the brim, perfect for an incognito light once the sun comes up. No one can tell you have it on.
Black Diamond Deploy
The Black Diamond Deploy is designed to fit snugly under the brim of a hat. Photo by Sara Kruglinski.
There is no reason not to stash this light in your running gear, and it is also great as a backup headlamp since it is so light and small. It is very comfortable to wear and does not bounce around. There is a little padding where the light meets your forehead for comfort.
We really liked this light for road runs where you have some streetlights available to help light your way. However, 325 lumens isn’t quite bright enough on its own to be a stand alone light on long trails.
The battery life is also shorter than others, but the trade off is that this is super lightweight.
Best Affordable Running Light: NiteCore NU25
Lumens: 400 max, (200, 60, 6 lumens on high, medium, and low modes)
Weight: 56 grams or 1.98 ounces
Battery source: Rechargeable
Waterproof: IP66
Rechargeable: USB-C portWhat we liked: Lightweight, white/red lights, can switch out
headband
What we didn’t like: No replacement headbands available from Nitecore
The NiteCore NU25 has both white and red lights — the white light can be focused as a spotlight on the right, or a floodlight on the left or both at the same time for maximum output. There is also a solid red light and red strobe mode which is really nice to have in such an affordable model. The headlamp always comes on with both lights, so if you were using a red light and turn it off you have to cycle through the white light options to get back to the red light you were using.
The headband glows in the dark, making this simple to find at night. The actual light can be unclipped from the included headband so you can wear the reflective headband by itself or clip it to one you already own and like better. Oftentimes the headband with our headlamps can wear out before the light itself and this makes it simple to switch things up.
NiteCore NU25
This light is very comfortable to wear and lightweight, making it easy to carry for those runs early or late in the day where you get a little bit of sun and darkness. The headlamp is easy to stash in a pocket or wear over your hat, and is easy to forget it’s even there. This headlamp is also super easy to charge with a USB-C port located on the left side. There is a four dot battery meter as well so you will know when you need to start conserving power. With an IPX6 water resistance we felt confident that this light could withstand any sweaty or rainy run.
We love the red light mode that the NiteCore NU25 offers. Photo by Sara Kruglinski.
Unfortunately, NiteCore is not selling replacement headbands at this time, so you will have to find another solution if you wear yours out or lose it since the light does unclip from the band. The included band is one inch, and we were able to find several options on Amazon for a replacement. There is no padding between the headlamp and your forehead other than the strap. Some testers chose to wear a buff under this headlamp to make it more comfortable. For a budget option though, the light, modes, and general comfort is great.
Best Waist Running Light: FlipBelt Running Light
Lumens: 500, 55
Weight: 5.6 ounces
Battery source: rechargeable USB-C
Waterproof: IPX6
Rechargeable: yes
What we liked: Shockingly bright, feels very durable
What we didn’t like: FlipBelt holds a lot of sweat
The FlipBelt Running Light is designed to work in conjunction with a FlipBelt, so this running light is limited to those who own a FlipBelt.
The first thing we noticed with this light is how bright it gets on full strength. It was brighter than some of the headlamps we tested with the same lumens. When this light is paired with a well-fitting FlipBelt, there was ZERO bounce to it. We were able to clearly see the trail and road in front of us with no complaints.
FlipBelt Running Light
The FlipBelt Running Light adjusts up or down so you can see the trail clearly in front of you, with the Black Diamond Distance LT. Photo by Billy Pudoff.
The light can be adjusted to angle up or down so you can see more at your feet or farther down the trail. The light itself feels super durable, so we didn’t feel like we had to be super delicate with it. Since the light works with a FlipBelt, you get the bonus of now having a place to store your keys, phone, and snacks while you run.
We are looking forward to using this light in winter during storms since the lower angle light should help with visibility compared to a headlamp.
The light itself does get warm when it is on full power, other lights we tested didn’t get as warm as this one. The FlipBelt itself is made of 92% Micropoly Polyester and 8% Lycra fabric and our sweaty tester had it soaked all the way through on an evening run with sweat. It did dry out overnight. You also have to be aware of how you wear your shirt or jacket so that it is not covering the light as you are running.
Best Chest Running light: Nathan Luna Fire 400 RX
Lumens: 400, 300
Weight: 62 grams with the strap
Battery source: Internal rechargeable by USB-C
Waterproof: IPX4
Rechargeable: YES
What we liked: Multiple ways to wear, lightweight
What we didn’t like: Battery life is short
We loved the versatility of the Nathan Luna Fire 400 RX. There are multiple ways to wear this light — it comes with an elastic strap that can be adjusted to fit around your chest, waist, or hips. You can also remove the strap and clip it to your shirt or running vest. One Treeline Review tester even tried it on their hat and it worked there as well.
This light did bounce around a little more than some of our other lights. We found that the included chest strap was a little looser than we liked, but the light can clip on to any strap you already own or a running vest. When we used this on our running vest it was much more stable.
The battery life on this light is a little shorter than other lights, but long enough for most runs.
Nathan Luna Fire 400 RX
Adjusting the strap the Nathan Luna Fire 400 RX chest band running light. Photo by Sara Kruglinski.
Best Handheld running light: Knuckle Lights Advanced
Lumens: 280 together
Weight: 143 grams together
Battery Source: Rechargeable on charging dock
Waterproof: IPX6
Rechargeable: yes
What we liked: Comfortable to use, adjustable for different sized hands
What we didn’t like: You have to charge these on the included dock and if you misplace it you can't charge them an alternate way.
Everyone who tested the Knuckle Lights Advanced seemed genuinely surprised at how much they loved running with them. It was fun to hand these to a tester and watch their face light up with delight.
These lights are in the handheld category, but they actually are being held outside your hands. They wrap around your fingers and knuckles, leaving your hands free to grab other things. It is nice to have something on your hands but still have the use of your hands for other things as you are running. We were able to check our GPS watch and the map on our phone while holding these lights.
These are truly a grab- and- go light. There are three settings: a high, low and strobe. Simple to use, no directions are necessary.
Knuckle Lights Advanced
The Knuckle Lights Advanced work great together. Photo by Billy Pudoff.
The two lights click together with magnets, making it easy to hold them in one hand if needed for extra light. With two lights — one in each hand — there was no change to the brightness of the path in front of us as we were running, since one light would be pulled back and another would come forward.
There was also something comforting about holding something that could be potentially useful in a self-defense situation, though that is not what these lights are intended for. But as a woman who runs alone (especially in the dark), it gave me a sense of added safety.
We tested the Knuckle lights Advanced with smaller and larger hands and they work well for everyone. Photo by Sara Kruglinski.
We also loved these lights because they were able to fit a wide variety of users — even those with very large hands could use them on the largest setting. We also like that they come in pairs. You can share one with a friend in a pinch if their light goes out.
Best Tail running light: Nathan HyperBrite RX
Lumens: 16
Weight: 17 grams
Waterproof: IPX4
Rechargeable: Micro USB
What we liked: Size and price
What we didn’t like: So small and light it is easy to lose
Not only is the Nathan HyperBrite RX a cute tiny light, it’s also affordable. We love the simple single button operation and it clips pretty much anywhere you need it to go. We even clipped it to one of our headlamps that did not have a rear light.
This light has four modes, and a simple click of the button takes you to the next mode. The three blinking modes help increase visibility from drivers on the roads at night and save battery.
This is a light you wear not for your benefit to see, but to make sure that you are seen from behind. This light does the job. It is bright and lightweight and it is easy to forget that you are wearing it. We have also used these on dog leashes and collars for added visibility for our running buddies.
Nathan HyperBrite RX
The Nathan HyperBrite RX fits on the back of the FlipBelt for extra visibility. Photo by Billy Pudoff.
Other running lights we tested
BioLite 800 Pro
Lumens: 800, 500
Weight: 150 grams
Battery source: 3,000 mAh Li-ion Rechargeable Battery
Waterproof: IPX4
Rechargeable: yes, and pass-through charging works with included cable
What we liked: Pass-through charging and comfortable band
What we didn’t like: Heavier than others with similar lumens
The BioLite 800 Pro is highlighted in our Best Reflective Gear for Running in the Dark guide . This is a great running headlamp, the band is the softest and most comfortable of all the headlamps we’ve tested. We love how it feels next to our skin — there was no need to add a layer underneath it. The band also reacts well with sweat, increasing in stickiness a bit so we didn’t have to make as many adjustments to it while running and sweating.
BioLite 800 Pro
The BioLite 800 Pro has a built in rear light, paired here with the Nathan Lightbender RX. Photo by Sara Kruglinski.
We appreciate the large area of rear lights for visibility on the road and trails. The rear light is controlled with a separate button so you can turn it on and off as needed to save battery. Having both front and rear lights is a plus, since that is less gear to remember out the door.
Additionally, we love the pass-through charging on this headlamp, allowing us the ability to run all night with it by connecting it to an external battery pack. We also appreciate how bright this light is and how well it lights up the trails.
The BioLite 800 Pro has nice bright light. Photo by Sara Kruglinski.
This was a contender for best overall, but we found the rear pack a little bulky, especially when you compare it to the Black Diamond Distance 1100 which has more lumens with no rear battery pack. It also isn’t as water resistant as the Black Diamond 1100, which for sweat and rain is an important factor for us.
This light is a solid choice for any runner, it is bright enough for most users and has multiple light modes for types of trail and road.
Lumens: 800, 500
Weight: 74 grams
Battery Source: Removable Battery
Waterproof: IP66
Rechargeable: Yes and AAA batteries can be used in a pinch
What we Liked: Has both warm and cool-toned white light, lightweight for 800 lumens
What we didn’t like: Durability concerns
The NiteCore UT27 800 Pro is bright and lightweight for its 800 lumens. Although it is an Amazon's Choice pick and bestseller, we didn't find it to be as good as other running lights we tested.
It has three color choices for light, a white and a yellow (warm) light in addition to a red light. The two buttons at the top are labeled W for the white light and Y for the yellow light, making it very simple to use out of the box. This was the only running light we tested with two button options for light like this. The yellow (warm) light is designed for rain, snow or foggy conditions. We also liked using the yellow light on open trails. One tester commented that yellow light may be better for those who get migraines or nausea when running with a headlamp.
NiteCore UT27
The battery compartment on this headlamp wasn’t the best, but the warm and cool tone light options were awesome.
We found the battery compartment difficult to open and not intuitive to use, it feels very flimsy — so much so that we are worried about breaking it and long-term durability. Our testers with larger hands also had a really hard time getting it open.
Also, we needed to wear a barrier between this headlamp and our skin to make it comfortable. The band has a single line of silicone that dug into our forehead and left an indentation after running. Other bands had different patterns of silicone and used different materials, so we didn’t have this issue with others.
Lumens: 500, 100
Weight: 79 grams
Battery Source: Removable Petzl Core Battery
Waterproof: IPX4
Rechargeable: Yes and AAA batteries can be used in a pinch
What we liked: Very lightweight and bright
What we didn’t like: Uncomfortable
The Petzl IKO CORE is extremely popular with trail runners for its ultralight build. It can be worn around the neck or as a headlamp. It has a unique design with a silicone band that holds it in place. One of our testers wore this headlamp on a 100-mile overnight ultramarathon. They really liked the lightweight band and that it did not hold onto sweat as they were running. This headlamp allows for micro adjustments of the angle instead of a few preset clicks. Overall this was not a winner for us but it is still an excellent running light ,and very bright at 500 lumens.
Petzl IKO CORE
However, our glasses-wearing tester found this really uncomfortable to wear with their glasses. The rear battery pack was also harder for our long haired tester to wear comfortably without getting hair stuck in the cord.
The Petzl IKO CORE has a battery compartment in the back. Photo by Billy Pudoff.
Another tester noted that after extended wear the band rubbed a raw spot on their ear. Comfort could be a tradeoff for high lumens in this ultralight design.
Lumens: 400, 300
Weight: 134 grams
Battery Source: internal rechargeable battery Micro USB
Waterproof: IPX4
Rechargeable: Yes
What we liked: Bright, good in snow and rain, red rear blinker
What we didn’t like: Hard to use hands while holding it
One of our testers has an older version of the Nathan Polaris 400 RX running flashlight that they have used for over ten years (and it still charges!). This flashlight has a rear red blinking light and an angled front light. It has a comfortable hand strap so you don’t have to worry about dropping it or gripping too hard while you are running.
Nathan Polaris Hand Torch 400 RX
The Nathan Polais 400RX has straps so you can relax your hands a bit while running. Photo by Sara Kruglinski
We love this light during snow or rain storms; the lower angle allows us to see the ground better than headlamps. This new version is brighter with a nice focused beam and was comfortable to run with for testers with large and smaller hands.
For road running we carry this in our street adjacent hand for extra visibility to cars. The rear blinker light helps increase visibility to drivers on the road. This is a great entry level light for those who are used to running with a traditional flashlight with the added benefit of a comfortable strap so you can relax your grip.
As much as we love this light it wasn’t our winner because you are still holding a flashlight in your hand and using this prevents you from being able to easily check maps on your phone or GPS watch like we could with the Knuckle Lights Advanced.
Lumens: 350, 210
Weight: 3 ounces
Battery Source: Rechargeable with micro USB
Waterproof: IPX4
Rechargeable: Yes
What we liked: Small, simple design
What we didn’t like: Some testers with larger hands were unable to use this light comfortably.
We really enjoyed testing the Knuckle Lights One light. It is small and easily fits into a pack or waist belt when you aren’t using it. We loved that it was rechargeable with just a cord and didn’t require a separate dock like the Knuckle Lights Advanced. This light was fun to hold and reminded our testers of drills where you run while holding eggs.
Knuckle Lights One
The Knuckle Lights One can be held multiple ways, depending on the best grip and comfort for you. For example: between the middle and pointer finger.
The Knucle Light One can also be held with four fingers and the thumb wrapped around the top. Photo by Sara Kruglinski.
There are two different ways to grab the light. We liked positioning the light between our middle and pointer fingers. It can also be held with four fingers wrapped around it and the thumb resting on top.
We found that we could stash this light into our waistband and still have it shine on the path while we checked our maps or ate a quick snack.
The thin wrist strap was helpful to prevent accidental drops and made us feel like it was secured to us. But because it didn’t work for our larger handed testers we could not make this light a winner. We do still recommend this light as a great option especially for road running or urban areas.
Lumens: 6
Weight: 43 grams
Battery Source: Internal battery Micro USB
Waterproof: IPX4
Rechargeable: Yes
We liked that the Nathan Lightbender RX safety light features three colors of steady or blinking light so we could be visible while running. It also features a larger visible area so when worn around the arm you are visible from more angles.
However, we found this uncomfortable to wear with short sleeves or tank tops and needed to layer a sleeve or jacket underneath it.
Nathan Lightbender RX
The Nathan Lightbender RX has blue, red and green light. Photo by Billy Pudoff
Lumens: 16
Weight: 23 grams
Battery Source: Coin Battery CR2032
Waterproof: IPX4
Rechargeable: No
The Nathan HyperBrite Orb Strobe is easy to clip on and affordable. Four light modes allow you to be seen. It can clip on the back of a waist band or running vest or hip pack even a hat.
However we prefer the newer version with a rechargeable battery.
Nathan HyperBrite Orb Strobe
The Nathan HyperBrite Orb Strobe clips to the back of a shirt (or short/jacket) and pairs with the red light from the Petzl NAO RL rear light. Photo by Sara Kruglinski
Lumens: Unknown
Weight: 19 grams
Battery Source: Coin Battery CR2032
Waterproof: Not stated
The Knuckle Lights Tail Light Safety Blinker is the smallest light we’ve tested. It has a red and white light. This light attaches with a magnet and has a loop which works really nicely on the back of a running vest.
While a great size, we would prefer a rechargeable version of this light. We also felt that it could be a little brighter.
Knuckle Lights Tail Light Safety Blinker
What to look for in a running light
Our top five running headlamps. Photo by Sara Kruglinski.
Brightness (Lumens)
The lumens will dictate the brightness of the light. Most running articles recommend at least 500 lumens when you are running in complete darkness. I also like to consider the color of the light, a seemingly white light can be either yellow, white or blue in tone. The color of the light can make a difference especially if you are prone to headaches or nausea. I find that when I am using multiple lights it is best if they are all a similar color, mixing a blue headlamp with a yellow handlight can make me nauseous.
Some of the lights we tested, like the NiteCore UT27, have an option to switch between white and yellow light. You can then mix the headlight with a handheld or waist light that matches those colors.
Beam pattern
Many of the headlamps we tested have the option for a focused beam or for a flood light or a mix of both. The focused beam is great for spotting obstacles on the trail directly in front of you but you lose peripheral vision. Using the flood light allows for excellent peripheral vision and spotting turns on technical trails but you get less intense light right in front. Using both allows for the best of both lights, letting you see your surroundings and see the trail in front of you nice and clear.
The handheld and wearable lights are mostly a focused beam, making them a great addition to a headlamp with floodlighting.
The NiteCore UT27 has both warm and cool white light making it unique. Photo by Billy Pudoff.
Battery life
One of the most important factors after brightness is the battery life. Some of the ultralight models that we tested lacked long battery life and would not last a full overnight run. This may not matter to a runner whose runs are never longer than the shortest battery life expected on a lamp. Unlike backpacking lights where charging can be a hindrance at night, if you are running and going back to civilization every night it is easy to plug in your lamp and keep it charged for the next run.
Many of the lights we tested have a reserve battery, to prevent you from running out of light during your run. The lights will only go to full power when the battery is above a certain percentage of charge. This is another reason to always keep them fully charged before each run.
Rechargeability
Most of the lights we tested are rechargeable or feature rechargeable batteries. This is an important factor that we consider as disposable batteries have a long term impact on the environment. There were a few exceptions but those were mostly the tail lights and the nickel batteries last a very long time before they need replacing.
Weight
After considering brightness and battery life, weight is probably the next on the list in terms of importance. The brighter the headlamp and the longer the battery life, the heavier it will typically be, though there are a few exceptions in the mix. You just have to find a balance of these three factors that works for your needs. For example, the Black Diamond Decoy is one of the lightest lights that we tested, but the battery life is also one of the shortest as well as the lumens are some of the lowest.
Comfort and fit
The lights we tested vary in style and considerations need to be looked at as far as how you plan to wear a headlamp, with or without a hat or if you have long or short hair. We tested the headlamps on both long and short-haired individuals and with and without hats to see how they performed.
Weather resistance (Waterproof/Weatherproof)
Most of the lights we tested came with an IP rating of water resistance. If you are someone who perspires a lot or if you plan to run in a lot of rain and snow this is a very important factor to consider.
Durability
There may be a trade off between durability and weight in some of the lights, lightweight lights may have more plastic instead of metal components and require more care to prevent breakage.
The Black Diamond Distance LT has many settings, including a blue light. Photo by Billy Pudoff.
Ease of use
One button, two buttons, three buttons, multiple modes… If you don’t plan on using all of the fancy modes that some of the higher end models come with, a simpler one-button model might be the right choice. For shorter runs we preferred lights that were easy to charge with easy to use basic features.
Visibility features (Reflectivity/Additional Lighting)
The rear lights come with a few different options. You can have a steady light or a blinking light. The blinking light preserves the battery life and also has the benefit of being more noticeable to cars driving by.
We like using the steady light when we are running with a group on a trail and our running mates find the steady light nicer to follow than the blinking lights. On the road, we want to be seen and noticed by fast moving cars and the blinker is helpful. Most testers were unable to see their own blinky light since it was in the back and were able to run unbothered by any blinking.
To learn more about how to stay visible in the dark, check out our Best Reflective Gear for Running in the Dark guide.
Adjusting different lights in the front and rear to stay visible. Photo by Billy Pudoff.
Adjustability (Beam angle/Brightness levels)
Most of the lights we tested have some way to change the angle and direction of the light. Where you place the light will depend on your personal preference, speed, and terrain. We usually like to be able to see a few seconds ahead of us and depending on how fast we are going that may be a shorter or longer distance ahead.
Size and portability
The Knuckle Lights Tail Light Safety Blinker has a magnet loop. Photo by Sara Kruglinski.
These lights are generally sized bigger the brighter they are and the longer the battery lasts. Get the light that makes sense for the type of running you plan to be doing.
One of our testers runs in the morning and only needs a headlamp for about 30 minutes before the sun rises, something less robust like the Black Diamond Deploy is perfect in this situation. Those of us who end up running later in the evening and even starting in the dark need a brighter light, and smaller lights aren’t going to cut it for hours in the dark.
Price and value
Our affordable winner is a great option for any runner, if you aren’t sure that night running is for you, you can start with the affordable winner and then add a waist light or handheld as you get more into it. The ability to add lights to your set up can help keep the financial investment lower.
The goal should be to have the ability to have at least 500 lumens in order to see the trail clearly and handle speed at night, but this doesn't mean you can’t run with a 400 lumen headlamp to start.
How to choose the right running light for you
All the lights we tested for this story, worn together to make us extra bright. Photo by Sara Kruglinski.
Consider your running environment: Road runners have it the easiest when it comes to front illumination. Most roads are even surfaces compared to the trails, and may even have reflective markers. Trail runners, especially those who like to run in unfamiliar terrain, will need more lumens than those who are running on roads or even with the assistance of street lights. You will have to think about the type of running that you want to do in the future. Those who run with others will benefit from a lamp with a red light option, as it is always polite to use the red light around others.
Evaluate battery life: Select a light with sufficient battery life for the duration of your runs, especially if you do long-distance or trail running. Think about the longest runs you usually do during your week, you likely will be using a mix of the highest setting and middle settings during your runs especially as you get more comfortable with night running. If you are planning an ultra or overnight race, you don’t have to invest in a 1500 lumen light. Some of our more affordable options have easily swappable batteries and you can carry a few extras to get more hours on trail.
Prioritize comfort: Opt for a light that fits securely and comfortably, with adjustable straps or clips that suit your preferences. If you have the option try them on in the store and do some jumping jacks or jog in place to see how the headlamps fit and handle the bouncing. In winter we run with a beanie, which adds a layer of cushion, but in summer months on 100 degree days we run at night to escape the heat. When we wear the headlamp without a layer, it is important to be able to wear them next to our skin/hair if we are using them in warmer weather.
Check for weather resistance: Ensure the light is waterproof or weatherproof if you frequently run in rainy or wet conditions. Running in the rain or snow is a great experience with the right gear (link to treeline story here). Weather resistance also applies to sweat. I hate worrying if my sweat is going to damage my headlamp. If you don’t have this problem, I tip my hat to you, but if you are like me consider a higher waterproof-rated headlamp or light so you can sweat without stress.
Look for adjustable brightness levels: Choose a light with adjustable brightness to adapt to different lighting conditions and conserve battery life. The Petzl lights have a reactive light setting to save battery life giving you just enough light to see where you are looking. Lights with adjustable settings help save battery life allowing you to use dim or lower settings on areas where you don’t need the extra light to see.
The FlipBelt has single-button operation for simplicity and ease of use. Photo by Sara Kruglinski.
Assess portability and weight: Consider the size and weight of the light, particularly if you prefer something lightweight and compact. The smaller, more portable lights are great even if you don’t plan to run in the dark. I like carrying the Knuckle Lights One in a pack just in case it gets dark. The Black Diamond Deploy is another tiny option that fits easily in a pocket or vest until you need it.
Think about versatility: If you need a light for multiple activities, look for a multi-purpose option that can switch between headlamp, handheld, or clip-on modes. The Petzl IKO CORE is a unique option that can be worn around the neck or as a headlamp. Many of the lights we tested came with a white bag so you can use it in a tent or for camping as diffused lighting. We like the Knuckle Lights for late-night dog walks in addition to our runs.
Tips for running with a light
The Black Diamond Distance LT with the FlipBelt make a bright combo for running in the dark. Photo by Billy Pudoff.
Position the light properly: It may take a few minutes of your run to figure out the proper positioning for your lights. Depending on your speed you may want the beam of the light to be farther in front of you rather than focusing on your feet. Think of where you normally look when you run, and start with aiming the light there.
Use multiple lights: There are many advantages to having multiple lights at once. With two lights you don’t have to stress about burning out the battery since you have a backup. Using two front lights like a headlamp and waist light or handheld can increase the depth of field especially for technical trails. I always recommend wearing a tail light so you are visible from behind. They are affordable and lightweight.
Check battery life: Most of the lights we tested only work on full power when they are fully charged and then they go into a reserve mode with lower power as they get closer to running out of battery. This reserve mode is super helpful so you are less likely to get stuck someplace in the dark. To avoid having to use reserve mode at the beginning of your run make sure the light is at full power, if they are locked you can usually tap a button to trigger the battery meter to blink the current charge.
Adjust brightness: This is a fun one. You are either going to be running in the dark and hopefully watching the sun come up, which means you can start with the brightest light and slowly taper it off as the sun rises. This method is also recommended for any runs that start in the full dark sky, start with a bright light as as your eyes adjust it becomes easier to taper off to the lower light levels. Some evening runners will start with a lower light setting as the sun sets and increase brightness as it gets dark on an evening run.
Secure the light for comfort: To preserve the straps on your lights, try to use them on a looser setting and tighten them up as needed. Some of the lights were more comfortable under a headband or clothing.
Test in different conditions: I tested all the lights in a dark bedroom with no mirrors before trying them on a run. I wanted to make sure I was going to have enough light to see the trails once it got really dark. I also tested them in my backyard at night running in place and making sure I was able to see the light and that my hat/hands/knees weren’t blocking the beam.
Carry a backup: If you have two lights you already have a backup. Some of the lights we tested have extra batteries and they are lightweight to carry for long runs.
Mind your pace: Don’t expect to run your usual pace at night, especially at first. It is slower for most people, even accomplished ultrarunners slow their pace at night. It is harder to see, so don’t be discouraged.
Use red light mode: Red light mode is wonderful for preserving night vision, and for pre or post-run hang outs with your running crew. Red light is also helpful for sneaky off-trail bathroom breaks.
The four lights we tested here are all meant to help others see you while you are running. Photo by Sara Kruglinski.
Stay visible to others: The tail light and rear lights on some headlamps are essential for any nighttime road running so you can be seen. The blinky lights can be seen from 2,400 feet away. On the trail, the blinky lights can help runners behind you keep track of you and make you visible to SAR if needed in an emergency.
Snow and rain: Handheld and waist lights are generally better than headlamps for snow and rain. The lower angle to the ground helps cut the “star wars” effect of the snow or rain falling. Again, clip-on lights can be great for this. Use the focused spot beam instead of the floodlight. Sometimes lower lumens can make it easier to see. Running in snow and rain are usually going to be slower runs, but it can be a really fun experience.
Running lights care and maintenance tips
Various lights use different types of batteries, charging methods, straps, and ways to wear. Photo by Sara Kruglinski.
Most of the lights we tested have rechargeable batteries, it is important to not “overcharge” the batteries and unplug them once they are fully charged. We like to throw ours on the charger post run and check back after an hour or two so it is ready to go for the next run.
Your headlamp will probably be pretty sweaty after a good run, so you will want to make sure it is dry before putting it away for storage. Many of the lights we tested came with storage bags. We use the bags to keep everything together and to protect the light from getting scratched or scuffed.
If your light has a lock setting, use it so you don’t accidently drain the battery before your next run. There is nothing worse than getting ready for an evening run and realizing your lamp is dead. Likewise, if you decide to get extra batteries for your headlamp keep the extras fully charged and check the battery life on your extras before you head out.
Most of these lights have rechargeable batteries that can drain in cold weather. I left a headlamp in my car in winter and found the battery dead, even though I had fully charged it last time after using it. I try to store my lights inside away from extreme temperature swings.
The Nathan Luna Fire 400RX has an adjustable elastic strap. Photo by Sara Kruglinski.
The elastic straps can wear out with excess salt from sweat. Depending on your waterproof rating you may need to spot clean your headband to keep it in top shape. A damp washcloth can do wonders removing sweat and salt. Make sure it is fully dry after cleaning.
How we researched and tested
All the Headlamps we tested for this story. Photo by Sara Kruglinski.
We spent hours researching lights for running and narrowed down our list to search for the best running lights. We read reviews on other sites, and talked to other runners, sometimes for hours, about their favorite lights and why they love them. We also considered lights for different types of running, weather, heat and cold, and terrain.
We narrowed down our list to our top 16 running lights, and tested them out running on the trail and road in a variety of conditions and weather. We did jumping jacks with wearable lights to see if they would fall off or bounce around.
We ran mostly in the evening hours into nighttime, getting to enjoy the stars outside, along with getting to see all the nocturnal animals on the trails. We also drained the batteries and charged them back up to see how easy they were to charge.
Sara with her dog on a hike.
About the author / Why you should trust us
Sara discovered running in high school and never really stopped. What started as a way to spend time with her dad before school in the mornings morphed into a lifelong love for the sport. She loves running marathons and half marathons both on road and trail and has a wall full of finisher medals. A self proclaimed night owl, she won’t be found running before sunrise unless she has paid for a race entry. Sara has spent many hours running at night, she loves the solitude on the trails and the cooler weather in the summer. In addition to running she can be found skiing, snowboarding in winter and backpacking or thru hiking with her dog in summer. As a former member of SAR, she believes that safety should always be a priority in any outdoor adventure and having lights for running, especially in winter when the days are so short, is essential.
To see all of Sara Kruglinski stories, check her author page.
