Wurkkos HD20 vs Nitecore NU25
Quick take: The Wurkkos HD20 costs $1 less; the Wurkkos HD20 is brighter (2,000 vs 400 lm); the Wurkkos HD20 throws farther (283m vs 113m); the Nitecore NU25 runs longer on high (4 vs 2 hrs).
| Spec | Wurkkos HD20 | Nitecore NU25 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $35 | $36 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Headlamp | Headlamp |
| Lumens | 2,000 lm | 400 lm |
| Candela | 20,000 cd | 3,200 cd |
| Beam distance | 283m | 113m |
| Runtime | 2 hrs (high) | 4 hrs (high) |
| Battery | 21700 | Built-in |
| LED | LH351D + SFT-40 | CREE XP-G3 S3 |
| Beam type | Balanced | Flood |
| Modes | 5 Stepped | 4 Stepped |
| UI | Simple | Simple |
| IP rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| CRI | 90 | 90 |
| Weight | 3.8 oz | 1.0 oz |
| Dimensions | 4.8 x 1.1 in | 3.5 x 1.5 in |
| Warranty | 1 Year | Lifetime |
What owners report
Wurkkos HD20
- ✓High-CRI neutral flood emitter alongside a dedicated spot
- ✓USB-C PD charging, and it works as a power bank for a phone
- ✓Excellent runtime and sustained performance on high from the 21700
- ✓Rugged enough to double as a standalone right-angle flashlight
- ✓Flood beam is well judged for close-range work
- ✗The largest headlamp most reviewers have handled — bulky on the head
- ✗Switching between emitters fails around half the time
- ✗The head strap is noticeably lower quality than the light
- ✗The XP-L HD spot emitter under-throws for the format at 141 m
- ✗UI niggles, including losing moonlight when you switch emitters
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