Head-to-head · Best Rechargeable Headlamps

BioLite Range 500 vs Sofirn HS21

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

BioLite Range 500 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.5 vs 4.3). The gap is mostly about backpackers needing fast charging — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Rechargeable Headlamps

BioLite Range 500

4.5

$59.95as of Jun 7

The BioLite Range 500 is a lightweight, fast-charging headlamp that delivers 500 lumens of illumination. TreeLineBackpacker reviewer found it comfortable and easy to adjust, with a seamless uni-body design that eliminates pressure points. The unit offers up to 200 hours runtime on low and charges quickly, though it lacks a weather cover for the USB-C port. 1Lumen reviewer noted its 445 lumens output and 84-meter beam distance. This headlamp is recommended for backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a reliable, comfortable lighting solution at $70.

Strengths

— Lightweight design at 2.6 oz (75 grams)
— Fast charging capability, 80% charge in 30 minutes
— Comfortable uni-body lamp/strap design with soft padded band

Watch-outs

— Missing weather cover on USB-C port
— Unit can slip when little tension is applied to the band

$59.95 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #5 in Best Rechargeable Headlamps

Sofirn HS21

4.3

$54.99as of Jun 7

The Sofirn HS21 is a T-shaped headlamp featuring an infrared gesture sensor, one spotlight LED, six floodlight LEDs, and three red LEDs. Reviewers praised its hands-free operation and multiple lighting modes, with the floodlight LEDs offering high CRI at 99. However, discrepancies between advertised and measured flood lumens were noted, with some reviewers reporting up to 30% lower output. Build quality concerns regarding bracket durability were also mentioned. This headlamp suits users seeking versatile lighting options with gesture control, though those prioritizing exact lumens may want to consider alternatives.

Strengths

— Features gesture sensor for hands-free operation
— Provides multiple lighting modes including spot, flood, and red LEDs
— Rechargeable 18650 battery with USB-C charging capability

Watch-outs

— Flood mode lumens significantly lower than advertised
— Build quality concerns with bracket snapping reported by some users

$54.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

BioLite Range 500

The BioLite Range 500 offers faster charging than the Knog Bandicoot 250, which charges in 30 minutes versus 2.1 oz's 2.5 hours, and provides more consistent runtime at 200 hours on low. However, it's not as bright as the Fenix HM50R v2, which delivers 700 lumens, and lacks the IP68 waterproofing of the Fenix.

Sofirn HS21

The Sofirn HS21 distinguishes itself with its gesture sensor for hands-free operation, a feature not found in the Nitecore NU25 400 UL or Silva Trail Runner Free H. However, it's less bright than the Fenix HM50R v2, which offers 700 lumens, and lacks the straightforward operation of the Petzl SWIFT LT.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	BioLite Range 500	Sofirn HS21
Weight	75 g	87g (without battery), 168.53g (with battery/headband)
Lumens	500 lumens	Up to 2,300 lm
Beam Distance	100m	Up to 230 m
Waterproof Rating	IP67	IP65
Battery	1634 mAh lithium-ion	1*18650 3.7V Li-ion
Charging	USB-C	USB-C
Modes	5 modes (White Spot, White Strobe, Red Flood, Red Strobe, White Flood)	Spotlight, Floodlight, S+F, Red
LED Type	White and Red LEDs	Spotlight (1Luminus SFT40), Floodlight (6CSP1919), Red (3*HFL1-R)

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