The Best Running Headlamps and Lights of 2025

Whether you're an early bird ticking off the miles before dawn or a night owl running well after the sun has already set, being able to see and be seen is essential for your safety. While the time of day greatly impacts how much lighting you will need to bring along, the location of your run also plays a major factor. For example, an ultramarathoner racing on some pitch-black trail in the middle of nowhere will require a different solution than an urban runner cruising down well-lit streets. Regardless of your circumstances, we are here to shed some light (pun intended) on the best options available for optimal visibility. From headlamps to belt lights to reflective vests and clip-on lights, in this guide, we break down the best options to help keep you safe on the path ahead.

Best Running Headlamps & Lights of 2025

• Best Overall Running Headlamp Black Diamond Storm 500-R Rechargeable Headlamp

• Best Running Headlamp for Trail Running Petzl Swift RL Headlamp

• Best Running Headlamp for Ultramarathons Petzl Nao RL Headlamp

• Best Budget Running Headlamp Black Diamond Astro 300 Headlamp

• Best Running Belt Light UltrAspire Lumen 600 4.0 Waist Light

• Best Handheld Running Light Nathan Polaris Handheld Torch 400RX

• Best Running Clip Light Nathan HyperBrite Mini 2 2-Pack Strobe LED Lights

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Have questions about which headlamp is right for you and your environment? We have the answers that can help you find the right headlamp. 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. Headlamps and belt lights are the best ways to provide illumination while keeping your hands free. These lights can be distinguished by a few primary factors, mainly by the amount of light they emit, their battery life, and additional features offered.

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. Keep in mind that lights with higher lumens will require more energy and have heavier batteries. Most of these lights offer a button or switch to toggle between the different levels of brightness: a max output for maximum visibility and a low setting to save battery. At Running Warehouse, we offer running lights that range from 60 to 500 lumens.

How many lumens do I need?

• City Running or running in well lit areas: 100-200 lumens
• Running in areas with low ambient light: 200-300 lumens
• Trail Running or areas with no ambient light: 500 lumens or more

Another key feature of headlamps and belt lights is how long the battery will last, also known as burn time. High-end lights typically offer longer burn times or extra features to help conserve the battery. Lights may be rechargeable, require batteries, or allow for both, as noted on our site in each light's "Product Details" section.

Each brand offers unique technology designed to aid in the performance of the light, the exact features of which will vary from model to model. Some models have settings that regulate the amount of light so that it won't dim as the batteries drain. Others include a sensor that detects ambient light and increases or decreases brightness automatically as needed. Certain lamps feature a dimming mode, allowing you to fine-tune your light output. To see which features a light offers, check out the "Product Details" section of the product page.

As important as it is to see the path ahead, it's equally important to be seen. Running clip-on lights are compact and ensure you are visible from all angles. Clip-on lights generally have two different modes: strobe (flashing) or constant. The flashing setting makes it easier for the eye to detect that you are a moving object, aiding visibility. Look for lights that can be securely attached and have a long, reliable battery life. Whether you choose to wear or carry your lights, having an external light source offers added safety and protection.

To choose the right light for your running needs, you'll have to factor in how much ambient light will be present on your run, and how long you'll be running in the dark.

If your runs are within about 45 minutes of sunrise or sunset, or if you'll be running under occasional streetlights, then any headlamp with at least 60 lumens will suffice. We find that 60 lumens provide plenty of light for most situations. All of the headlamps and belts we carry offer at least 60 lumens.

The darker your run, the more light you will need. If your run is well before sunrise or after sunset, and your route doesn't have any ambient lighting, a brighter light is crucial. In these conditions, we suggest a light with at least 100 lumens, but options that offer up to 500 lumens or more are also available.

If you are running for less than two hours in either low light or no light, any headlamp or belt light will offer you adequate battery life when fully charged. Keep in mind, that the lower the battery life, the more frequently you will need to change the batteries or recharge the light.

If you are running for longer than two hours, battery life will be critical. Base your decision on the longest stretch of time you will have between battery charges. For example, if you plan on running all night, choose a headlamp that can provide at least eight hours of consistent brightness.

Let's begin with the most common type of low-light running, road running. Most non-urban locations offer little ambient lighting, which means that you will need to have your own light source, as well as extra reflectivity to ensure you can be seen by passing cars. In this type of setting, a headlamp will suffice, but you may prefer the added brightness and comfort of a belt light instead. Your primary light will allow you to see the road ahead, but having a reflective vest or clip-on lights will help you be seen from behind. The combination of forward-facing lights with rear visibility is the ideal option for road running safety in low ambient light conditions.

Most urban or city locations offer the benefit of plenty of ambient light at all times of the day, so you won't need to carry as much of your own lighting. In this type of well-lit environment, it can be more important for your safety to focus on being seen by passing cars or cyclists. A reflective vest and clip-on lights can go a long way in helping keep you visible as you cruise through the streets. Additionally, if parts of your run are not as well illuminated, then we recommend bringing a headlamp to light the way.

Similar to road running, in trail running, you will need to supply all of your own lighting to see the path ahead and the surrounding area. With no ambient light and plenty of obstacles to avoid, you will want the brightest beams and most comfortable fit to get you through your run. For the trails, we recommend combining the brightness and low angle of a belt light with the maneuverability of a headlamp. The coupling of both types of lights offers more clarity at night by highlighting tripping hazards like rocks and roots, and if one light fails, you should still have enough visibility to safely finish your run.