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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.

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The short answer

BioLite Range 500 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.6 vs 4.3). The gap is mostly about backpackers needing fast charging — read the strengths below before deciding.

BioLite Range 500
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Rechargeable Headlamps
BioLite Range 500
3 sources1 derived$59.95as of Aug 1

The BioLite Range 500 is a light, fast-charging headlamp putting out 500 lumens. A TreeLineBackpacker reviewer found it comfortable and easy to adjust, with a smooth uni-body design that avoids pressure points. Runtime reaches up to 200 hours on low and it recharges quickly, though there's no weather cover over the USB-C port. A 1Lumen reviewer measured 445 lumens output and 84 meters of beam distance. At $70 it comes recommended for backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts who want reliable, comfortable lighting.

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 AmazonFull review →
Sofirn HS21
Ranked #7 in Best Rechargeable Headlamps
Sofirn HS21
2 sourcesall derived$43as of Aug 1

The Sofirn HS21 is a T-shaped headlamp with an infrared gesture sensor, one spotlight LED, six floodlight LEDs, and three red LEDs. Reviewers liked the hands-free operation and the range of lighting modes, and the floodlight LEDs hit a high CRI at 99. Measured flood lumens didn't match the advertised figures, though: some reviewers reported output up to 30% lower. Bracket durability also came up as a build-quality concern. It suits people who want flexible lighting options with gesture control, but anyone who needs the lumen figures to be exact should look elsewhere.

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
$43 · Buy at flashlightgo.comFull review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

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

SpecBioLite Range 500Sofirn HS21
Weight75 g87g (without battery), 168.53g (with battery/headband)
Lumens500 lumensUp to 2,300 lm
Beam Distance100mUp to 230 m
Waterproof RatingIP67IP65
Battery1634 mAh lithium-ion1*18650 3.7V Li-ion
ChargingUSB-CUSB-C
Modes5 modes (White Spot, White Strobe, Red Flood, Red Strobe, White Flood)Spotlight, Floodlight, S+F, Red
LED TypeWhite and Red LEDsSpotlight (1*Luminus SFT40), Floodlight (6*CSP1919), Red (3*HFL1-R)
MaterialAbs, PolycarbonateAluminum
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