Comparison Console
Nitecore NU33 vs Sofirn HS42
EDC Flashlights comparison. Compare price, weight, specifications, materials, and real-world use case.
Command Brief
Recommended read
Sofirn HS42 stands out as the lightest option for weight, with about a 26% gap from the closest alternative. Nitecore NU33 stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 11% gap from the closest alternative. Sofirn HS42 stands out as the highest output option for max lumens, with about a 200% gap from the closest alternative.
Decision Signals
What stands out
Nitecore NU33 stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 11% gap from the closest alternative.
Sofirn HS42 stands out as the most expensive option for retail price, with about a 12% gap from the closest alternative.
Sofirn HS42 stands out as the lightest option for weight, with about a 26% gap from the closest alternative.
Nitecore NU33 stands out as the heaviest option for weight, with about a 35% gap from the closest alternative.
Nitecore NU33 stands out as the lowest output option for max lumens, with about a 67% gap from the closest alternative.
Sofirn HS42 stands out as the highest output option for max lumens, with about a 200% gap from the closest alternative.
Nitecore NU33 stands out as the shortest option for length, with about a 44% gap from the closest alternative.
Sofirn HS42 stands out as the longest option for length, with about a 80% 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$49.95Cheapest
US$56Most expensive
Weight
95.5 g (3.37 oz)Heaviest
71 g (2.50 oz)Lightest
Length
62.3 mm (2.45 in)Shortest
112 mm (4.41 in)Longest
Output
Max lumens
700 lmLowest output
2100 lmHighest output
Max candela
4578 cdLowest candela
11525 cdHighest candela
Beam distance
135 m (443 ft)Lowest
215 m (705 ft)Highest
Max runtime
8820 min
Unknown
Power & durability
Battery type
Built-in 2000mAh 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 and aluminum metal materials
Anodized aluminum
Use case profile
Best for
Night runningTrekkingHikingCampingOutdoor adventuresEmergency lighting
HuntingGeneral use requiring multiple beam typesUsers needing spot, flood and red lighting modes
Common praise
Compact and lightweight designMultiple lighting modes with high CRI optionLong maximum runtime of up to 147 hours on low modeUSB-C fast charging with approximately 1.5 hours charge timeComfortable to wear with adjustable headband and stable fitGood quality construction with durable materialsLockout mode prevents accidental activation
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
Sealed non-user replaceable batteryRed mode lacks low output levelIP66 rating less than some higher-grade headlampsNo PWM in LED driver, but this is generally positiveLimited tilt adjustment (only downward about 75 degrees)
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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