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Head-to-head · Best Rechargeable Headlamps

Nitecore UT27 MCT 800 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

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 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 →
Sofirn HS21
Ranked #5 in Best Rechargeable Headlamps
Sofirn HS21
1 sourceall derived$43as of Oct 10

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. 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
  • — 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

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.

Sofirn HS21

The Sofirn HS21 has a gesture sensor for hands-free operation and is listed at up to 2,300 lumens, against 700 lumens for the Fenix HM50R v2 and 800 lumens for the Nitecore UT27 MCT 800, though its flood output measured below the advertised figure. At 168.53g with battery and headband it is heavier than the Fenix at 78g and the UT27 at 74 g. Its IP65 rating sits below the Fenix's IP68.

Specs side-by-side

SpecNitecore UT27 MCT 800Sofirn HS21
Weight74 g (including battery)87g (without battery), 168.53g (with battery/headband)
Lumens800 lumensUp to 2,300 lm
Beam Distance168 metersUp to 230 m
Waterproof RatingIP66IP65
BatteryHLB1500 1500mAh lithium-ion1*18650 3.7V Li-ion
ChargingUSB-C (5V/0.5A)USB-C
ModesTurbo, High, Mid, Low, Red Constant-On, Red FlashingSpotlight, Floodlight, S+F, Red
LED TypeUHE MCT (Multi Color Temperature)Spotlight (1*Luminus SFT40), Floodlight (6*CSP1919), Red (3*HFL1-R)
MaterialPolycarbonateAluminum
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