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Head-to-head · Best Rechargeable Headlamps

Nitecore NU27 600 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

Nitecore UT27 MCT 800 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.5 vs 4.4). Nitecore UT27 MCT 800 is best for: climbers needing high brightness. Read the strengths below before deciding.

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 →
Nitecore UT27 MCT 800
Higher ratedRanked #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

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.

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

SpecNitecore NU27 600Nitecore UT27 MCT 800
Weight1.98 oz74 g (including battery)
Lumens600 lumens800 lumens
Beam Distance134 yards168 meters
Waterproof RatingIP66IP66
Battery850mAh LiPOHLB1500 1500mAh lithium-ion
ChargingUSB-CUSB-C (5V/0.5A)
Modes6Turbo, High, Mid, Low, Red Constant-On, Red Flashing
LED TypeNiteLab MCT UHE LEDsUHE MCT (Multi Color Temperature)
MaterialPolycarbonatePolycarbonate
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