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Head-to-head · Best Rechargeable Headlamps

BioLite Range 500 vs Nitecore UT27 MCT 800

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 and Nitecore UT27 MCT 800 score essentially the same (4.5 vs 4.5). Pick the one whose trade-offs match your priorities — the strengths and watch-outs below are where they actually differ.

BioLite Range 500
Ranked #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 UT27 MCT 800
Ranked #2 in Best Rechargeable Headlamps
Nitecore UT27 MCT 800
2 sourcesall derived$54.95as of Oct 11

The Nitecore UT27 MCT is a light, rechargeable headlamp for outdoor use, with 800-lumen output and a Multi Color Temperature (MCT) LED system covering three color temperatures. Reviewers noted the IP66 rating and 1-meter impact resistance, which hold up to rugged treatment. Build quality on previous versions came up as a concern. Hikers, climbers, and campers who want a reliable, multi-function light are the audience, though its 14.5-hour capacity may fall short for anyone needing long runtime at maximum brightness.

Strengths
  • — Multi Color Temperature (MCT) system with three color temperatures (3000K, 4500K, 6500K) and varying CRI values
  • — IP66 rating for waterproof and dustproof performance with 1-meter impact resistance
  • — Rechargeable HLB1500 lithium-ion battery included with USB-C charging capability (full charge in 1 hour 45 minutes)
Watch-outs
  • — Limited battery life at maximum output (up to 14.5 hours with stable output)
$54.95 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

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 UT27 MCT 800

The Nitecore UT27 MCT 800 puts out 800 lumens, against 600 lumens for the Nitecore NU27 600 and 700 lumens for the Fenix HM50R v2. Like the NU27 600 it offers three color temperatures and an IP66 rating, short of the Fenix's IP68. At 74 g with battery it is heavier than the Knog Bandicoot 250 at 59.5g, which puts out 250 lumens.

Specs side-by-side

SpecBioLite Range 500Nitecore UT27 MCT 800
Weight75 g74 g (including battery)
Lumens500 lumens800 lumens
Beam Distance100m168 meters
Waterproof RatingIP67IP66
Battery1634 mAh lithium-ionHLB1500 1500mAh lithium-ion
ChargingUSB-CUSB-C (5V/0.5A)
Modes5 modes (White Spot, White Strobe, Red Flood, Red Strobe, White Flood)Turbo, High, Mid, Low, Red Constant-On, Red Flashing
LED TypeWhite and Red LEDsUHE MCT (Multi Color Temperature)
MaterialAbs, PolycarbonatePolycarbonate
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