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Head-to-head · Best Rechargeable Headlamps

BioLite Range 500 vs Nitecore NU27 600

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

BioLite Range 500 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.5 vs 4.4). BioLite Range 500 is best for: backpackers needing fast charging. Read the strengths below before deciding.

BioLite Range 500
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Rechargeable Headlamps
BioLite Range 500
2 sources$70as of Oct 11

The BioLite Range 500 is a light, fast-charging headlamp putting out 500 lumens. Runtime reaches up to 200 hours on low and it recharges quickly. A 1Lumen reviewer measured 445 lumens output and 84 meters of beam distance. At $70 it comes recommended for backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts who want reliable, comfortable lighting.

Strengths
  • — Lightweight design at 2.6 oz (75 grams)
  • — Fast charging capability, 80% charge in 30 minutes
  • — Comfortable uni-body lamp/strap design with soft padded band
Watch-outs
  • — Unit can slip when little tension is applied to the band
$70 · Buy at bioliteenergy.comFull review →
Nitecore NU27 600
Ranked #3 in Best Rechargeable Headlamps
Nitecore NU27 600
1 source$44.95as of Oct 11

The Nitecore NU27 headlamp lets you dial color temperature between warm, neutral, and cool white, which covers a range of outdoor activities. Reviewers noted the light 1.98 oz body and USB-C charging that finishes in about 1.25 hours. Brightness modes are plentiful and performance holds steady across the color settings. Criticism landed on the removable headlamp body, which reviewers saw as having no practical benefit,. Hikers and campers who want a light, multi-function lamp will like it; anyone who needs a sturdier attachment system should look at other models.

Strengths
  • — Adjustable color temperature with warm white, neutral white, and cool white emitters
  • — USB-C charging with 1.25-hour charging time
  • — Lightweight design at 1.98 oz
Watch-outs
  • — Headlamp body can be easily removed from headband without practical benefit
$44.95 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

How they stack up

BioLite Range 500

The BioLite Range 500 reaches an 80% charge in 30 minutes, where the Knog Bandicoot 250 takes 4 hours to charge fully. It puts out 500 lumens against the Knog's 250 and costs more than the Knog. The Fenix HM50R v2 is brighter at 700 lumens and is rated IP68 against the BioLite's IP67.

Nitecore NU27 600

The Nitecore NU27 600 offers warm, neutral and cool white output, an adjustable color temperature it shares with the Nitecore UT27 MCT 800. It puts out 600 lumens from an 850mAh battery, against 800 lumens and a 1500mAh battery for the UT27. It is rated IP66 with a polycarbonate body, where the Fenix HM50R v2 is IP68 with aluminum construction, and it costs less than the Fenix.

Specs side-by-side

SpecBioLite Range 500Nitecore NU27 600
Weight75 g1.98 oz
Lumens500 lumens600 lumens
Beam Distance100m134 yards
Waterproof RatingIP67IP66
Battery1634 mAh lithium-ion850mAh LiPO
ChargingUSB-CUSB-C
Modes5 modes (White Spot, White Strobe, Red Flood, Red Strobe, White Flood)6
LED TypeWhite and Red LEDsNiteLab MCT UHE LEDs
MaterialAbs, PolycarbonatePolycarbonate
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