Comparison Console
Nitecore NU25 UL vs Sofirn HS42
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 37% gap from the closest alternative. Nitecore NU25 UL stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 34% 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 UL stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 34% gap from the closest alternative.
Sofirn HS42 stands out as the most expensive option for retail price, with about a 51% gap from the closest alternative.
Nitecore NU25 UL stands out as the lightest option for weight, with about a 37% gap from the closest alternative.
Sofirn HS42 stands out as the heaviest option for weight, with about a 58% gap from the closest alternative.
Nitecore NU25 UL 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 UL 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 86% 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$37Cheapest
US$56Most expensive
Weight
45 g (1.59 oz)Lightest
71 g (2.50 oz)Heaviest
Length
60.1 mm (2.37 in)Shortest
112 mm (4.41 in)Longest
Output
Max lumens
400 lmLowest output
2100 lmHighest output
Max candela
1029 cdLowest candela
11525 cdHighest candela
Beam distance
64 m (210 ft)Lowest
215 m (705 ft)Highest
Max runtime
2700 min
Unknown
Power & durability
Battery type
Built-in 650mAh Li-ion
18650 Lithium-ion rechargeable (button top unprotected)
Charging type
USB-C (~1.5 hours)
USB-C in body
Rechargeable
Yes
Yes
IP rating
IP66
IP66
Impact resistance
1 m (3 ft)
1 m (3 ft)
Material
ABS plastic
Anodized aluminum
Use case profile
Best for
Ultralight hikingBackpackingTrail runningAlpine climbingNighttime outdoor activities
HuntingGeneral use requiring multiple beam typesUsers needing spot, flood and red lighting modes
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 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
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
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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