Sofirn/Headlamp

Sofirn HS20

Name: Sofirn HS20
Brand: Sofirn
Price: 22 USD
Availability: InStock

Budget high-CRI headlamp from Sofirn. The HS20 delivers good tint and output for camping and hiking at an impressively low price.

Beam profile

Balanced, about 27° wide. A usable hotspot with enough spill to see around it.

Estimated from 1,100 lm ÷ 6,500 cd — how this works

$22

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Specifications

Output: 1100lm
Peak intensity: 6500cd
Beam distance: 161m
Emitter: LH351D 5000K
Colour rendering: 90 CRI
Beam type: Flood
Cell: 18650
Runtime: 2.5 hrs (high)
Modes: 4 Stepped
Interface: Simple
Water/dust: IPX8
Dimensions: 4.0 x 1.0 in
Weight: 2.0 oz
Warranty: 1 Year

Manufacturer figures, measured to ANSI FL1 where the brand states it.

Features

High CRI (90+)USB-C Charging Waterproof (IP67+)

What owners report

Sofirn HS20/5 sources reviewed

A dual-beam 21700 headlamp with independent flood and spot emitters, each on its own button — an interface reviewers single out as unusually sensible, because neither beam depends on the other. Around $40 buys a genuinely powerful headlamp with USB-C charging that supports PD and can run while charging at reduced output, so runtime is effectively unlimited with a power bank.

The blunt criticism is weight. It's heavy enough to cause discomfort and headaches over a long session unless you wear it with a thick band or over a hat, and the balance is off. Reviewers consistently recommend it for camping and hiking rather than running. The headband mount holds the light securely but is frustrating to get out again, and neither tailcap has a magnet — an omission several reviewers said they kept wanting.

Consistently praised

Independent flood and spot emitters, each with its own dedicated button
USB-C with PD support, and it runs while charging at reduced output
High CRI available on the flood channel
Around $40 for output and runtime well beyond that price
Long runtime from the 21700, extendable indefinitely from a power bank

Common complaints

Heavy — uncomfortable over long sessions and prone to causing headaches
Poorly balanced; reviewers advise against it for running
The headband mount is secure but frustrating to remove the light from
No magnet on either tailcap
Almost too many brightness levels, several of which feel redundant

Questions people ask

Is it suitable for running?: Reviewers say no. The weight and balance make it bounce and press uncomfortably. For camping, hiking and work where you're moving less, it's excellent.
What's the advantage of two separate emitters?: You get a wide flood for close work and a spot for looking down the trail, and because each has its own button you can switch between them instantly rather than clicking through a shared mode sequence.
Can it run while plugged in?: Yes, at reduced output. With a power bank in a pocket that makes runtime effectively unlimited, which is a real advantage for long night work.
Does it come off the headband?: It does, but the mount grips hard enough that reviewers found removal frustrating. There's no magnet in the tailcap to make it useful as a standalone work light either.

Sources (5)