Headlamps come in handy when you need your hands-free for whatever reason. They offer the best illumination as long as the brightness is perfect and you can rely on one even when working on delicate projects. However, you must ensure that it has all the necessary features for whatever job and of Corse, the price has to be ideal for your budget. Below are the best headlamps under $100. We also have a great article outlining the best headlamps under $50 if you are on an even tighter budget.
Fenix HL60R 950 Lumen USB rechargeable CREE XM-L2 T6 LED Headlamp
Lightweight, Bright, Comfortable Best Headlamps Under $100
If you want to go light but bright, HL60R is the best choice you have. The headband is super durable and comfortable thus will make wearing it even for longer hours totally bearable. It is also very bright as it delivers 950 lumens thus illuminating up to 127 yards. You can rely on it for all your adventures including cave explorations and with four brightness levels plus a red light, this is the most versatile headlamp for this price range.
Durable housing, waterproof
If your intention is to use your headlamp on the outdoors, then you have no option than to go for a very durable choice. For the Fenix HL60R durability is not questionable as it features an all metal housing thus withstanding any challenges thrown at it. This is mainly why it is said to be the best for tough outdoor environments. It is also waterproof thus can be used under various weather conditions and does not spoil from splashes, rain or being submerged in water for some time.
Consistent brightness, easy to operate
Brightness consistency is key if you want to have an easy time with your best headlamps under $100. For this light, the output is digitally regulated thus there is no change to brightness even when the battery charge levels go down. It features a USB charging port for ease and convenience of recharging and comes with the needed battery to run it. It is also easy to operate as it features a side switch that helps you move from one setting to another with ease.
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- USB rechargeable light
- 18650 rechargeable battery included
- 950 lumens thus super bright
- Four brightness levels plus red light thus very versatile
- Easy to operate through a single side switch that’s easy to access
- Very lightweight
- All metal housing
- ANSI rated
- 127 yards beam distance
- Waterproof (IPX8 rated)
- Digitally regulated output for constant brightness
- Feels a little warm while on high mode but it’s nothing excessive
Petzl Tikka XP Headlamp
This is a great headlamp, but it is not designed to be used under heavy rainy conditions. It is however bright with three different brightness settings. So, if you don’t mind a headlamp whose weather resistance is rated IPX4 then this the best option. First, it weighs very little. Thus you can have it on throughout your dynamic activities, and the fitting around your head is pretty comfortable thanks to the elastic and mixed fabric headband. It makes a great choice for camping, as long as it is not during rainy seasons, reading as the low is actually low thus perfect for campsite up-close work as well, and running as it has a perfect RED light level plus much more thanks to the constant brightness.
It is also designed to support an easy operation even with your gloves on so there is no reason to stop whatever you are doing to switch from one mode to the other. Again, this headlamp has a battery life management feature in the best headlamps under $100 category thus it alerts you when the charge level is getting too low. You will also love the fact that it automatically switches to reverse mode when batteries are almost drained. You can thus have your path illuminated for as long as possible even when you don’t have spare batteries. Plus, the light comes with 3 AAA batteries to kick you off.
The beam is nicely shaped, and there is no strobe effect. The high level is bright plus the medium is totally useful. There is actually no reason why one should not invest in this headlamp. You will also get to enjoy various light modes (Wide, uniform, mixed, focused, boost, strobe), which makes this headlamp very versatile and if you like the rechargeable batteries you can go for lithium or Ni-MH as they are compatible.
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- Nicely shaped beam
- No strobe effect
- High is bright, and medium is totally useful
- Perfect RED light level
- Three different brightness settings
- Lightweight (85g)
- Digitally regulated output delivering constant brightness
- Batteries included
- Weather resistant rated IPX4
- 180 lumens
- Various light modes (Wide, uniform, mixed, focused, boost, strobe)
- Battery life management
- Automatically switches to reverse mode when batteries are almost drained
- Easy to operate even with gloves on
- Total comfort from and elastic and mixed fabric headband
- No strap going over the scalp. Just around the head due to its size
Black Diamond Storm Headlamp
Lightweight with an adjustable head strap
For comfort purposes, this headlamp is designed to be considerably lightweight bearing an adjustable head strap. You can thus use it in various projects or outdoor activities for many hours without any discomfort. This is mostly important for people who use their headlamps frequently as it is hard to deal with an uncomfortable headlamp on a daily basis.
Fully dust & waterproof housing in Best Headlamps Under $100
This headlamp will survive in just any weather condition or environment as it is fully dust proof thus any hiker or camper will find it very helpful. It is also fully waterproof thus you can confidently use it even under the rain, and it comes out strong even after an accidental submersion in water. Again, the headlamp performs excellently under salt water environments thus no limitations environment wise.
Very bright with both red & green night vision modes
The headlamp delivers up to 250 Lumens thus its brightness is totally reliable when looking for the best headlamps under $100. If you like a really the brightest headlamp, then this should be the best choice for you. Also, you get to enjoy both red & green night vision modes, so you preserve your night vision perfectly. You can go running late at night or early in the morning and be able to illuminate your path for safe running. The housing is a sleek one, and you can regulate the lamp for a constant brightness.
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- Very bright- 250 lumens Max
- Power Tap Technology
- Battery power indicator
- Sleek housing
- Fully dust & waterproof
- Red & green night vision modes
- Perfectly bright and compact illumination
- Best for saltwater environments
- Regulated for constant brightness
- Changing batteries is very easy
- Adjustable head strap
- Lightweight
- Comes with 4 AAA conventional Duracell batteries
- No carrying case
Irontria LED Headlamp 3XML T6 w/ Rechargeable Batteries, a Wall Charger, Perfect for Camping & Hiking
People who like camping and hiking will love this headlamp. It offers total comfort for easy long hours of hiking, and it is also stable and lightweight with an adjustable head strap for that snug fit to keep it in place throughout. You will also love the rechargeable option as it makes it more convenient to use and recharge when on the go. It also eliminates the need to keep buying and changing disposable batteries.
It is a super bright headlamp in the best headlamps under $100 market that enables you to see clearly for up to 100 yards. You can thus confidently rely on it for all your projects plus you will feel more comfortable even when running or if hiking alone as with it you can see the surrounding areas clearly. It is also 90-degrees rotatable thus enabling you to focus on whatever area you want to be illuminated with ease.
Most importantly, you can wear it around your head for as long as you want as it is heatproof thus it doesn’t feel hot after wearing it continuously for some time. The headlamp is also waterproof thus ideal for any outdoor environments or any wet working environment. It also features a red light for locational guidance especially when you are camping or hiking with your friends.
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- Super-bright headlamp
- Rechargeable
- Features four working modes
- Lightweight
- Stable and comfortable
- Durable construction from rubber and aluminum alloy
- 90-degrees rotatable
- Heatproof & waterproof
- Features a red light for locational guidance at the back
- Rechargeable
- Comes with a wall charger
- A little heavier than most other headlamps but it’s stable and comfortable.
Coast FL85 540 lm Dual Color Focusing LED Headlamp
Very bright with a great beam spread
Now, if your projects or activities requires both flood and spot beams from time to time, then this is the headlamp that you should settle for. Especially if you are looking for the best headlamps under $100. The brightness is also pleasing as it is ideal for just any activities and this makes this headlamp a very versatile one. It is also very reliable as it enables you to handle any situations as they come thanks to the two beams.
Separate operating buttons and waterproof
Most people dislike some headlamps because switching from one mode to the other is always a hustle due to complicated operating options. But, with this headlamp, you will have the easiest time changing modes as it has separate buttons for each mode. You can thus switch from one to the other as soon as possible. The twist focus technology also comes in handy when you need to focus the light on a specific direction. It is also waterproof thus enabling you to use it in just any environment.
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- Twist focus technology
- Both White & Red beam colors
- 540 Lumens for up to 172 meters beam distance
- Features both flood and spot beams
- Features separate operating buttons
- Weather proof (IPX4)
- Features a red LED light
- Has a reflective safety strap thus perfect for use in any environment
- Runs on either alkaline or rechargeable batteries
- Cap clips included
- The style does not seem so modern
Conclusion about the best headlamps under $100
Headlamps are a must if you like to have your hands free while working, camping or hiking. The list above contains our top five picks for best headlamps under $100 so if this is your budget you will easily choose one with the right features for you. With headlamps, weatherproof, durability and brightness are a priority, so we hope this article helps you get the best.