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Head-to-head · Best Rechargeable Headlamps

Fenix HM50R v2 vs Sofirn HS21

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

Fenix HM50R v2 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.5 vs 4.3). The gap is mostly about technical outdoor users — read the strengths below before deciding.

Fenix HM50R v2
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Rechargeable Headlamps
Fenix HM50R v2
3 sources$59.95as of Aug 1

The Fenix HM50R V2 weighs 2.75 ounces, puts out 700 lumens, and throws a beam 377 feet. Reviewers noted the IP68 waterproof rating and the USB-C charging cable in the box, though some disliked that activation takes a long press rather than a single click. The clip is stiff, which keeps it stable but makes reattachment hard for children. It handles technical outdoor tasks well, but the feature set is thin and there's no flood function.

Strengths
  • — Lightweight at 2.75 ounces, suitable for backpacking, running, and climbing
  • — Bright output of 700 lumens with a beam distance of 377 feet
  • — Durable aluminum construction with IP68 waterproof rating
Watch-outs
  • — Limited features with only 4 modes and no flood function
  • — Activation requires long press instead of single click
  • — Stiff clip makes it difficult for children to reattach the headlamp
$59.95 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Sofirn HS21
Ranked #7 in Best Rechargeable Headlamps
Sofirn HS21
2 sourcesall derived$43as of Aug 1

The Sofirn HS21 is a T-shaped headlamp with an infrared gesture sensor, one spotlight LED, six floodlight LEDs, and three red LEDs. Reviewers liked the hands-free operation and the range of lighting modes, and the floodlight LEDs hit a high CRI at 99. Measured flood lumens didn't match the advertised figures, though: some reviewers reported output up to 30% lower. Bracket durability also came up as a build-quality concern. It suits people who want flexible lighting options with gesture control, but anyone who needs the lumen figures to be exact should look elsewhere.

Strengths
  • — Features gesture sensor for hands-free operation
  • — Provides multiple lighting modes including spot, flood, and red LEDs
  • — Rechargeable 18650 battery with USB-C charging capability
Watch-outs
  • — Flood mode lumens significantly lower than advertised
  • — Build quality concerns with bracket snapping reported by some users
$43 · Buy at flashlightgo.comFull 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

Fenix HM50R v2

The Fenix HM50R v2 surpasses the Nitecore NU27 600 in brightness with 700 lumens versus 600, and offers superior durability with an IP68 rating. However, it's less user-friendly than the Petzl SWIFT LT, which has a simple one-button operation, and lacks the adjustable color temperature of the Nitecore NU27 600.

Sofirn HS21

The Sofirn HS21 distinguishes itself with its gesture sensor for hands-free operation, a feature not found in the Nitecore NU25 400 UL or Silva Trail Runner Free H. However, it's less bright than the Fenix HM50R v2, which offers 700 lumens, and lacks the straightforward operation of the Petzl SWIFT LT.

Specs side-by-side

SpecFenix HM50R v2Sofirn HS21
Weight78g (with battery and headband)87g (without battery), 168.53g (with battery/headband)
Lumens700 lumensUp to 2,300 lm
Beam Distance377 feetUp to 230 m
Waterproof RatingIP68IP65
Battery1*163401*18650 3.7V Li-ion
ChargingUSB Type-CUSB-C
Modes6 (Turbo, High, Med, Low, Red, Red Flash)Spotlight, Floodlight, S+F, Red
LED TypeCREE XP-G3 S4Spotlight (1*Luminus SFT40), Floodlight (6*CSP1919), Red (3*HFL1-R)
MaterialAluminumAluminum
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