A reliable head torch is one of the most essential pieces of camping gear you can own. We review the top 5 budget head torches that prove you don't need to spend a fortune to get a bright, durable, and feature-packed light for your campsite adventures.
Our Top Recommendations in Brief
- Editor's Choice: The Blukar Rechargeable Headlamp packs in modern features like USB-C and a motion sensor, making it our top pick.
- Best Value: For sheer value, the Gritin Headlamp (2-Pack) is impossible to beat for families or as a backup.
- Best Battery Life: The Blukar 4400mAh Headlamp is a powerhouse that doubles as a phone charger.
Quick Jump to Reviews
Detailed Budget Head Torch Reviews
đź’¸ Best Value (2-Pack)
Gritin Headlamp
For sheer value, it's impossible to beat this two-pack from Gritin. They run on standard AAA batteries, which is ideal for long trips. At 150 lumens, they provide ample light for tasks around the campsite like cooking or reading. They are incredibly lightweight and simple to use, making them a fantastic choice for families, scout groups, or as reliable backup torches.
Verdict
For sheer value, this two-pack is unbeatable. Perfect for families, scout groups, or as reliable backups to keep in the car.
🏆 Best Rechargeable
Blukar Rechargeable Headlamp
This Blukar headlamp is our Editor's Choice because it packs an incredible number of modern features into a budget-friendly package. It's impressively bright at 500 lumens, features a motion sensor for hands-free control, and charges via a modern USB-C port. The IPX4 rating means it can handle rain, and at just 70g, it's comfortable to wear for extended periods. It's a versatile and powerful head torch that's perfect for general camping and night-time walks.
Verdict
Our top pick. It packs modern features like USB-C charging and a motion sensor into a powerful, lightweight, and affordable package.
🧒 Lightest for Kids
Xndryan Headlight (2-Pack)
This two-pack is another fantastic value option, and their incredibly low weight makes them perfect for children. At just 41g before batteries, they are comfortable for smaller heads and won't feel bulky. The operation is dead simple, with a single button to cycle through the modes. They provide enough light for kids to read or find their way to the toilet block at night, and because they come in a two-pack, you can equip two children for a very low price.
Verdict
Extremely lightweight and simple to use, this two-pack is the perfect choice for equipping children without breaking the bank.
đź‘Ť Best All-Rounder
LE Headlamp Rechargeable
This rechargeable headlamp from LE is a superb all-round performer that balances features, performance, and price. It provides a solid 150 lumens of light, which is ideal for almost any campsite task. It's rechargeable and offers multiple lighting modes, including a useful red light setting that preserves your night vision—perfect for stargazing or checking on sleeping kids without dazzling them.
Verdict
A superb all-round performer that balances features and price. The addition of a red light mode makes it a highly practical choice for any camper.
🔋 Best Battery Life
Blukar 4400mAh High Capacity Headlamp
This is the powerhouse of budget head torches. It features a massive 4400mAh rechargeable battery that delivers an incredibly bright 1200 lumens and can last for a very long time on lower settings. Its unique feature is that it doubles as a power bank, allowing you to charge your phone in an emergency. With a high IPX6 water resistance rating, it's built to withstand heavy rain. It's heavier, but for those who need maximum brightness and battery life, it's an unbeatable choice.
Verdict
The powerhouse of budget head torches. If you need maximum brightness, an extremely long-lasting battery, and the ability to charge your phone, this is an unbeatable choice.
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing a Budget Headtorch
Brightness (Lumens)
For general camping tasks like cooking, reading, and walking around the campsite, 150-300 lumens is more than enough. If you plan on doing any night hiking, look for 400 lumens or more for a brighter, more focused beam.
Battery Type: Rechargeable vs. AAA
Rechargeable USB head torches are eco-friendly and cheaper to run long-term. They are perfect for weekend trips. Disposable AAA batteries are ideal for longer trips where you won't have access to power, as you can simply carry a spare set.
Weather Resistance (IP Rating)
Look for an IPX4 rating or higher. This means the head torch is resistant to water splashes from any direction and is perfectly adequate for use in the rain.
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About the Author
Adam Brooks
For the last ten years, I've been enthusiastically getting rained on in fields from the Cornish coast to the Lake District. My passion for finding gear that actually works was born from one too many 'easy-pitch' tents that required an engineering degree and a marriage counsellor to assemble. I created Top Listed Products to provide honest, straightforward reviews for fellow UK campers, so you can spend less time worrying about your kit and more time enjoying that well-earned bacon butty.