Nitecore NU25 MCT UL review

The NU25 MCT UL is the weight and price pick. Nitecore lists it at 47 g including the bracket and headband, about half the weight of the Petzl ACTIK CORE, and the Nitecore Store sells it for $36.95, the lowest price on this list. Output tops out at 400 lumens with a 132 m throw, and the dual-core LEDs offer warm (3,000K), neutral (4,500K) and cool (6,500K) white light plus red, with 4 brightness levels and 3 special modes. Nitecore rates it IP66 for dust and water and 1 m for impact. Two differently shaped buttons let you work it by feel. The tradeoff is the battery: a built-in 700 mAh cell gives a 45 h maximum runtime and charges over USB-C, but it cannot be swapped, so a week-long trip needs a power bank. For thru-hikers counting grams and anyone buying a first headlamp, that is a fair trade.

Who it is for

ultralight backpackers and budget buyers

Price

$36.95 at the Nitecore Store (nitecorestore.com).

$36.95 Shipping calculated at checkout.
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 12, 2026.

Key features

• 47 g with bracket and headband
• 400 lumens and a 132 m throw
• Three color temperatures: 3,000K, 4,500K and 6,500K, plus red light
• Built-in 700 mAh battery with USB-C charging, 45 h max runtime
• IP66 rating and 1 m impact resistance

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: The lightest headlamp on this list
• Strength: The lowest price here at $36.95
• Strength: Warm light option helps in fog and rain
• Weakness: 700 mAh battery is the smallest here
• Weakness: Built-in battery cannot be swapped or replaced with AAAs
• Weakness: 400 lumen max is below most lamps on this list

Key facts

• Price: $36.95
• Max output: 400 lumens
• Weight: 47 g (1.66 oz)
• Battery: Built-in 700 mAh Li-ion, USB-C
• Water rating: IP66

Where it ranks

Nitecore NU25 MCT UL is No. 5 in our Best Headlamps verdict.