Nitecore NU25 vs Nitecore LR60
Quick take: The Nitecore NU25 costs $4 less; the Nitecore NU25 is brighter (400 vs 280 lm); the Nitecore NU25 throws farther (113m vs 45m); the Nitecore LR60 runs longer on high (6 vs 4 hrs).
| Spec | Nitecore NU25 | Nitecore LR60 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $36 | $40 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Headlamp | Lantern |
| Lumens | 400 lm | 280 lm |
| Candela | 3,200 cd | 500 cd |
| Beam distance | 113m | 45m |
| Runtime | 4 hrs (high) | 6 hrs (medium) |
| Battery | Built-in | 18650 |
| LED | CREE XP-G3 S3 | High CRI LED + UV |
| Beam type | Flood | Flood |
| Modes | 4 Stepped | 4 Stepped |
| UI | Simple | Simple |
| IP rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| CRI | 90 | 90 |
| Weight | 1.0 oz | 3.8 oz |
| Dimensions | 3.5 x 1.5 in | 4.5 x 2.0 in |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime |
What owners report
Nitecore NU25
- ✓45 grams — one of the lightest headlamps available anywhere
- ✓Dual spot and flood optics that blend well for varied activities
- ✓Feels as bright as headlamps rated much higher
- ✓USB-C charging, full in about an hour
- ✓IP66 weatherproofing and a broad consensus as best in class among thru-hikers
- ✗The minimal strap can feel tight around the temples over long sessions
- ✗Newer versions dropped the 0.9-lumen super-low red mode
- ✗Sealed 650mAh cell — no swapping in a fresh one on a long trip
- ✗Runtime is limited by that small cell at high output
- ✗IP66 handles rain but isn't submersion-rated
Nitecore LR60
- ✓90+ CRI diffused beam — rare in a lantern and immediately noticeable
- ✓Takes two 21700s or 18650s and works as a power bank for phones and tablets
- ✓Powerful magnet holds it vertically or horizontally on steel
- ✓Tilting steel ring for hanging, plus adjustable brightness and direction
- ✓USB-C charging, more durable than micro-USB
- ✗Pricey for a 280-lumen lantern
- ✗IP66 covers rain but not submersion
- ✗280 lumens is modest if you want to light a large area
- ✗Little independent review coverage compared with Nitecore's flashlights
- ✗Two cells to buy and keep matched