Comparison Console
Nitecore NU25 UL vs Sofirn HS40
EDC Flashlights comparison. Compare price, weight, specifications, materials, and real-world use case.
Command Brief
Recommended read
Nitecore NU25 UL stands out as the lightest option for weight, with about a 31% gap from the closest alternative. Sofirn HS40 stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 16% gap from the closest alternative. Sofirn HS40 stands out as the highest output option for max lumens, with about a 400% gap from the closest alternative.
Decision Signals
What stands out
Sofirn HS40 stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 16% gap from the closest alternative.
Nitecore NU25 UL stands out as the most expensive option for retail price, with about a 19% gap from the closest alternative.
Nitecore NU25 UL stands out as the lightest option for weight, with about a 31% gap from the closest alternative.
Sofirn HS40 stands out as the heaviest option for weight, with about a 44% gap from the closest alternative.
Nitecore NU25 UL stands out as the lowest output option for max lumens, with about a 80% gap from the closest alternative.
Sofirn HS40 stands out as the highest output option for max lumens, with about a 400% gap from the closest alternative.
Sofirn HS40 stands out as the shortest runtime option for max runtime, with about a 82% gap from the closest alternative.
Nitecore NU25 UL stands out as the longest runtime option for max runtime, with about a 463% 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$37Most expensive
US$31.13Cheapest
Weight
45 g (1.59 oz)Lightest
65 g (2.29 oz)Heaviest
Length
60.1 mm (2.37 in)Shortest
111 mm (4.37 in)Longest
Output
Max lumens
400 lmLowest output
2000 lmHighest output
Max candela
1029 cd
Unknown
Beam distance
64 m (210 ft)Lowest
175 m (574 ft)Highest
Max runtime
2700 minLongest runtime
480 minShortest runtime
Power & durability
Battery type
Built-in 650mAh Li-ion
18650 battery
Charging type
USB-C (~1.5 hours)
USB-C (5V 2A)
Rechargeable
Yes
Yes
IP rating
IP66
IP68
Impact resistance
1 m (3 ft)
Unknown
Material
ABS plastic
Aerospace grade 6061 aluminum alloy, hard-anodized type III
Use case profile
Best for
Ultralight hikingBackpackingTrail runningAlpine climbingNighttime outdoor activities
EDCHeadlamp useWorklightCampingOutdoor activitiesHands-free illuminationRight-angle beam illumination
Common praise
Exceptional lightweight at 45g with good outputVersatile dual-beam (spot and flood) optionsAccurate and long runtimes especially ultralow modeFast USB-C charging (~1.5 hours)Comfortable and secure lightweight strapIP66 weatherproofing for rugged outdoor useClear battery level indicators
High max output of 2000 lumensRight-angle beam useful for headlamp and hands-free useLightweight at 65g body weightGood runtime on medium modesEffective dual-use as headlamp and flashlight toolWaterproof to IP68 standardUSB-C charging with battery indicatorStepless and stepped ramping modes
Common complaints
Red light mode is too bright and lacks dimming optionsNon-replaceable built-in battery limits long-term maintenanceUser interface is complex and requires reading the manualShock cord strap may not suit users preferring traditional padded bandsBattery capacity modest for extended multi-week trips
Lowest moonlight mode relatively floodier and lacks ultra-low sub-lumen outputNo built-in high CRI emitter optionSome users dislike new tube knurling and tailcap designMode spacing and lack of advanced firmware customization
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