The Best Running Headlamps and Lights of 2026

Our top choice across the board, the Black Diamond Storm 500-R Rechargeable Headlamp, stands out with its affordable price pack and variety of features. Designed to be used in various weather conditions, the Black Diamond Headlamp features a 500-lumen light with a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 150 hours. It has an IP67 dust and waterproof rating, a comfortable recycled REPREVE headband, and RGB night vision settings for close-range use. The PowerTap™ feature allows quick light adjustments by tapping the headlamp's housing.

Highlights:

• Rechargeable 1500 mAh Battery
• 500 Lumen max output
• Moderately priced, approachable to all athletes

Packed with features designed for trail running, the Petzl Swift RL Headlamp is lightweight, functional, and delivers powerful performance. This headlamp provides up to 1100 lumens of brightness for up to 155 meters of visibility. It features a rechargeable battery with a minimum burn time of 7 hours on its REACTIVE setting (automatically adjusting the degree of illumination based on surroundings), combined with easy-to-use brightness and beam settings, making it our top pick for hitting the trails. The ergonomic headband with reflective details reduces bouncing and improves visibility. Also included is a red light with two modes: continuous for night vision preservation and strobe mode for location visibility up to 150 meters.

Highlights:

• Reactive lighting to changing trail lightning conditions
• Red lightning to preserve night vision
• Rechargeable battery

For ultramarathon runners and outdoor enthusiasts, we recommend the Petzl Nao RL Headlamp, offering ultra-bright 1500-lumen illumination in a lightweight 145-gram design. This headlamp features a wide, uniform beam with mixed beam options for close and distance vision and three white lighting levels, with REACTIVE LIGHTING® technology that automatically adjusts brightness to ambient light, optimizing burn time and reducing manual adjustments. Also included is rear red lighting for nighttime visibility, a comfortable and balanced design rear battery pack, and a lithium-ion rechargeable battery via USB-C with a 5-hour minimum burn time in REACTIVE LIGHTING® mode. Additional features include a multifunction lockable switch, a reflective headband, and a storage pouch that doubles as a lantern. The Petzl Nao is water-resistant (IPX4) and has a charging time of 3.5 hours.

Highlights:

• Bright lighting with 1500 Lumens
• Lightweight design
• Long battery life

The Black Diamond Astro 300 Headlamp is optimal for our budget-conscious runners, offering essential features in a lightweight 54-gram design. With a 300-lumen output and IPX4 stormproof rating, it provides reliable lighting in any condition. The dual-fuel functionality allows the use of a rechargeable BD 1500 Li-Ion battery or affordable alkaline batteries, adding flexibility and cost savings. It includes brightness memory, a vertically adjustable pivot, dimming and strobe modes, and a lock mode to prevent accidental activation. Suitable for running, hiking, or reading, the Black Diamond Astro combines functionality and performance in an affordable package.

Highlights:

• Dual-fuel functionality with rechargeable batteries or AAA batteries
• 300 Lumen output
• IPX4 stormproof rating

The UltrAspire Lumen 600 4.0 Waist Light offers a hands-free way to illuminate your path. Featuring 3D Lighting technology, which casts shadows on uneven terrain for better visibility, this belt light adapts to any terrain and is one of the best in the market. With 600 lumens of light and a broad flood cone, there is enough illumination for your darkest hours. The UltrAspire also has a removable pocket for extra storage, a Race Fit system for a comfortable and fatigue-free fit, and a conical belt to aid natural breathing.

Highlights:

• 600 Lumen with Steady Beam illumination
• 3D lightning technology helps you navigate uneven terrain
• Storage capacity

For a long-lasting handheld option, the Nathan Polaris Hand Torch 400RX is a reliable lighting tool for walks, hikes, and runs. This handheld light features a comfortable, grip-free design with an adjustable strap and a unique 24-degree torch angle for optimal path illumination. The sustainable Li-ion rechargeable battery provides up to 26+ hours of power on low settings and includes rear strobe alerts for added safety. With an IPX4 weather resistance rating, this light can withstand various conditions. Key features include front and rear LEDs, convenient Micro USB charging, and a battery life of up to 7+ hours on high, 14+ hours on medium, and 26+ hours on low.

Highlights:

• 400 lumen brightness
• Long lasting battery with 3 modes
• Secure straps for comfortable hold

For the best compact, clip-on light option, the Nathan HyperBrite Mini 2 2-Pack Strobe LED Lights help increase visibility during early morning or evening runs. These small lights attach easily to apparel, shoes, hats, or other gear, making them super functional. The white and red lights provide front and rear visibility, respectively, and feature strobe and constant lighting modes, operating with an easy on/off button. Delivering 8 lumens of brightness (which is visible up to 2,400 feet), powered by two replaceable CR2032 coin batteries, the Nathan Clip On lights have an IPX4 weather-resistant rating.

Highlights:

• Two pack with white and red strobes
• High visibility
• Secure clips

Light is crucial for both safety and confidence when running in the early morning or dim evening. You not only want enough light to see your path and surroundings, but you also need light to be seen by passing vehicles if you're planning on road running. Key features to look for include adjustable brightness modes, lightweight design, comfortable fit, rechargeable batteries, reflective elements, and wide or focused beam options. Trail runners may also benefit from reactive lighting or boost modes for steep or technical terrain.

Headlamps and belt lights are classified according to the total amount of visible light emitted, also referred to as lumens. The number of lumens provided by a light indicates how bright it will be and how far ahead of you the light will be cast. The higher the lumen, the higher the level of brightness.

The number of lumens you need for running depends on where and when you run. For city running or well-lit streets, 100–200 lumens is typically sufficient. In areas with low ambient light, 200–300 lumens provides better visibility. For trail running or completely dark environments, runners should choose a light with 500 lumens or more to safely see uneven terrain and obstacles.

Keep in mind that lights with higher lumens will require more energy and have heavier batteries. At Running Warehouse, we offer running lights that range from 60 to 500 lumens making it easy to choose a light that matches your terrain, run duration, and visibility needs.

Both headlamps and belt lights work well for running, but each has advantages. Headlamps move with your line of sight and are ideal for trail running. Chest lights provide a more stable beam, reduce bounce, and help reveal terrain texture, making them popular for road and gravel running.