Comparison Console
Nitecore NU25 MCT vs Sofirn HS42
EDC Flashlights comparison. Compare price, weight, specifications, materials, and real-world use case.
Command Brief
Recommended read
Nitecore NU25 MCT stands out as the lightest option for weight, with about a 30% gap from the closest alternative. Nitecore NU25 MCT stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 29% gap from the closest alternative. Sofirn HS42 stands out as the highest output option for max lumens, with about a 425% gap from the closest alternative.
Decision Signals
What stands out
Nitecore NU25 MCT stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 29% gap from the closest alternative.
Sofirn HS42 stands out as the most expensive option for retail price, with about a 40% gap from the closest alternative.
Nitecore NU25 MCT stands out as the lightest option for weight, with about a 30% gap from the closest alternative.
Sofirn HS42 stands out as the heaviest option for weight, with about a 42% gap from the closest alternative.
Nitecore NU25 MCT stands out as the lowest output option for max lumens, with about a 81% gap from the closest alternative.
Sofirn HS42 stands out as the highest output option for max lumens, with about a 425% gap from the closest alternative.
Nitecore NU25 MCT stands out as the shortest option for length, with about a 46% gap from the closest alternative.
Sofirn HS42 stands out as the longest option for length, with about a 87% gap from the closest alternative.
Specification Profile
Relative dimensions at a glance
Each axis is normalized against the largest raw value among the products in this comparison. Farther outward means a larger value, not necessarily a better result. Axes with an unverified value are omitted.
Price & carry
Retail price
US$39.95Cheapest
US$56Most expensive
Weight
50 g (1.76 oz)Lightest
71 g (2.50 oz)Heaviest
Length
60 mm (2.36 in)Shortest
112 mm (4.41 in)Longest
Output
Max lumens
400 lmLowest output
2100 lmHighest output
Max candela
4351 cdLowest candela
11525 cdHighest candela
Beam distance
132 m (433 ft)Lowest
215 m (705 ft)Highest
Max runtime
2700 min
Unknown
Power & durability
Battery type
Built-in 700mAh Li-ion battery
18650 Lithium-ion rechargeable (button top unprotected)
Charging type
USB Type-C
USB-C in body
Rechargeable
Yes
Yes
IP rating
IP66
IP66
Impact resistance
1 m (3 ft)
1 m (3 ft)
Material
PC
Anodized aluminum
Use case profile
Best for
Night runningTrekkingHikingCampingOutdoor adventuresEmergency lightingUltra lightweight outdoor lighting
HuntingGeneral use requiring multiple beam typesUsers needing spot, flood and red lighting modes
Common praise
Lightweight and comfortable with 50g weight including bracket and headbandMultiple color temperatures for versatile lightingLong maximum runtime up to 45 hours on ultralow modeUSB-C charging with fast recharge time (~75 minutes)Durable with IP66 waterproof and 1 meter impact resistanceIntuitive dual button interface for easy operation even with glovesLockout mode for safe transport
High maximum output for a headlamp of this sizeMultiple beam types: spot, flood, and red LEDsUSB-C onboard chargingLightweight and compact form factorGood build quality with anodized aluminum bodyAffordable price point
Common complaints
Limited impact resistance to 1 meterBeam distance moderate compared to high power flashlights
No glass lens, optic exposed and prone to scratchingImpact resistance only rated to 1 meterRed LEDs output lower than expectedLanyard hole design prevents tail-standing with lanyard attached
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