Nitecore NU25 UL Headlamp Review

Bottom line

The Nitecore NU25 UL might be the unsung hero of ultralight headlamps. It’s functional, loaded with all the essential features, waterproof, and surprisingly affordable. While writing this review, we had to double-check the price multiple times because it feels and functions like a headlamp that costs double or more. We were impressed by how comfortable the NU25 UL is to wear, even for extended periods of 5+ hours. Initially, we weren’t sold on the shock cord-style strap, but after thorough testing, we really couldn’t find a reason to dislike it. The NU25 UL offers both spot and flood lights that can be used separately or together, allowing you to tailor the light to your specific activity. We’re often disappointed when rechargeable headlamps stick to the outdated micro-USB charging platform, but to our delight, the NU25 UL uses USB-C, allowing it to recharge from 0 to 100% in under an hour and a half. Overall, we love this headlamp for everything it offers at such a budget-friendly price.

We put the Nitecore NU25 UL to the test over six weeks, traveling from the Rocky Mountains to the Sierra and back again. This headlamp accompanied us through a variety of activities, including hiking, running, paddling, and climbing. We tested it in diverse conditions, from foggy, cold nights in the Sierras to crystal-clear desert mornings. Through every scenario, the Nitecore NU25 UL proved its versatility and reliability, making it a dependable companion for all adventures.

Check out our headlamp gear guide for more top picks, expert recommendations, and tips on selecting the best options available.

Illumination & Light Quality

We were impressed with the overall illumination and light quality of the Nitecore NU25 UL. The variety of brightness levels and light modes make this headlamp one of our favorites for illumination. None of the light modes, even on the highest setting, felt too harsh, and the blend of spot and floodlights was excellent for various nighttime activities such as climbing, trail running, hiking, and camping. The overall brightness was on par with headlamps boasting higher lumen ratings and far outperformed other ultralight models we tested. The main downside we found was the red light feature. In some cases, like entering a tent with sleeping campmates, the red light felt too bright. While we appreciated the extra brightness on the trail, we would prefer the option to dim the red light or switch to a single red light (the NU25 UL uses two) in certain situations.

Burn Time

Burn time is somewhat subjective since each user will use their headlamp differently. The maximum burn time will depend heavily on the light modes and brightness levels being used. That said, we found Nitecore’s claimed burn times to be accurate and comparable to other top performers like the Black Diamond Spot series and the Petzl Actik CORE. In high mode, you can expect around 2 hours and 40 minutes of burn time, while in low mode, you’ll get approximately 10 hours and 25 minutes. Most users will experience burn times between those two figures, depending on usage. In ultralow mode, Nitecore claims an impressive 45 hours of burn time, which could be incredibly useful for thru-hiking or emergency situations.

Weight

Weighing in at an astonishingly low 1.6 ounces, the Nitecore NU25 UL is one of the lightest headlamps we tested. Its minimal weight makes it ideal for ultralight-focused activities like trail running, long-distance hiking, and alpine climbing. The weight savings largely come from its slim shock cord-style strap, which, despite looking too minimal to hold the lamp securely during high-output activities, works exactly as intended.

While some might be skeptical about the strap’s size and stability, we found it surprisingly reliable and comfortable, even during intense movement. For those looking to cut down on every ounce without compromising essential features, the NU25 UL is an impressive choice.

Comfort

Headlamps with shock cord-style straps sometimes sacrifice comfort for weight, but we found the strap on the Nitecore NU25 UL to be more comfortable than other models with similar straps. Generally, we find traditional straps more comfortable for most users, but with an ultralight headlamp, you often have to make some sacrifices. While the strap was relatively comfortable, we did notice occasional tightness around our temples, causing sporadic discomfort. The NU25 UL has a bit of foam padding on the back of the headlamp, which minimizes plastic-to-skin contact and significantly improves comfort. Its ultralight design also reduces fatigue, particularly during vigorous activities like trail running.

Overall, the NU25 UL rates fairly high on our comfort scale, but due to its ultralight design, there are other, heavier headlamps we tested that were more comfortable.

Ease of Use

Like many leading headlamps today, the Nitecore NU25 UL uses a two-button design, which comes with a small learning curve during the first few uses. The larger main button turns the headlamp on and off by holding it down for about a second. Quick taps of the main button cycle through three brightness levels: high, medium, and low.

A double tap of the power button while the headlamp is off activates a useful ultralow mode. The smaller mode button toggles between the light modes: spot, flood, spot & flood combined, and red light mode. Double-tapping the mode button activates a strobe feature, and holding both buttons simultaneously enables the lock function. While remembering all the button combinations takes some practice, we’re confident that dedicated users will figure it out over time. This is one headlamp where reading the manual before use is a good idea. The buttons are also quite low-profile, so using the NU25 UL with bulky gloves can be tricky.

Features

The Nitecore NU25 UL packs most of the features found in high-end headlamps at a fraction of the cost. It offers a maximum output of 400 lumens, controlled by a two-button design. The headlamp includes both a spotlight and a floodlight, which can be used separately or together at varying brightness levels to customize your beam width and intensity depending on your activity.

The NU 25UL also features an ultralow function that is a great feature to use around camp. Other features include a bright red light mode to preserve night vision and reduce bug attraction, a lock function to prevent accidental power-on, strobe features in both white and red light modes, and USB-C fast charging. The built-in battery indicator helps you keep track of remaining power, while the glow-in-the-dark paracord-style headband ensures easy visibility in the dark. Overall, the NU25 UL delivers an impressive feature-to-price ratio that’s hard to beat.

Should You Buy the Nitcore NU25 UL?

The NU25 UL is a versatile, feature-packed ultralight headlamp that meets the needs of many outdoor enthusiasts without breaking the bank. It’s an excellent choice for night hiking, camping, backpacking, and trail running. At this price, it’s also great for everyday tasks like taking out the trash, walking the dog, or working on the car. However, with only 400 lumens, it’s not ideal for those needing a super bright light for more technical pursuits like night skiing or mountaineering. Additionally, since the headlamp isn’t rated for submersion, those who need a light for damp environments may want to consider other options.

What Other Headlamps Should You Consider?

If you like the NU25 UL but want to consider other options, check out these models or the rest of our lineup on the list of our favorite headlamps:

Petzl Tikkina Review: If the NU25 UL’s price point is a bit steep, you might want to consider the Tikkina. You’ll be sacrificing some features, and it’s not rechargeable, but it saves you $12. The Tikkina has single-button functionality which makes it a bit easier to use than the NU25 UL. 

Black Diamond Spot 400 Review: If budget isn’t a concern and you’re looking for a headlamp with higher-quality materials and true waterproofing, we recommend checking out the Black Diamond Spot 400. It costs a few bread loaves more, but we believe the extra cost is justified for certain users.

Petzl Bindi Review: The Bindi is more expensive but it’s also even more ultralight than the NU25 UL. It is not quite as versatile because its battery life and lumen rating are both lower than its Nitecore competitor.