Comparison Console
Nitecore NU25 UL vs Sofirn HS42 Rechargeable
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 Rechargeable 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 Rechargeable 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 Rechargeable 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 Rechargeable 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 Rechargeable 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
1x 18650 3.7v unprotected lithium battery (included)
Charging type
USB-C (~1.5 hours)
USB Type-C
Rechargeable
Yes
Yes
IP rating
IP66
IP66
Impact resistance
1 m (3 ft)
1 m (3 ft)
Material
ABS plastic
Aluminum
Use case profile
Best for
Ultralight hikingBackpackingTrail runningAlpine climbingNighttime outdoor activities
HuntingGeneral outdoor useEDCCampingHikingFishing
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 sustained brightnessGood balance of price and featuresVersatile beam types (spot, flood, red)Lightweight and compact for a triple channel headlampUSB-C charging convenientRegulated output for stable brightness
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 protection (optic exposed)Magnet weak on thin metalLacks lanyard attachment includedTailcap design hinders flat tailstanding with lanyard attached
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