Best Headlamp For Young Kids: Owl Headlamps for Kids

When we tested headlamps with actual children, we had a mix of age ranges—from toddlers to older teenagers.

When it came to the younger set, one headlamp was a big winner—this model by DX DA XIN.

Yes, it is super cute . . . but it also functions quite well as a headlamp for kids. Here’s more:

What We Liked

• Fun! This headlamp has both lights and (owl) sounds.

• Lightweight at 4.6 ounces. When it comes to kids and headlamps, those that are lighter are more loved. Some headlamps weigh in at 8 or 9 ounces . . . that’s too heavy for little kids.

• Strap goes over head for better fit for younger users.

• 4 light modes, including multi-color flash.

What Needs Work

• No rechargeable batteries. This unit uses 3 AAA batteries that aren’t included. 

Best Headlamp For Older Kids: Foxelli LED Headlamp Flashlight

This is our pick for kids and teenagers—a well-built headlamp that is super lightweight. We like how comfortable it is to wear and the adjustable band fits a wide range of sizes.

What We Liked

• Bright. This light has three modes: 45, 80 and 165 lumens. That’s good enough for most uses.

• Comfortable to wear.

• Red mode is helpful at night.

• Waterproof.

• Includes 3 AAA batteries.

• Headlamp can be tilted for different angles.

• Battery life is good at 4.5 hours in our real-world testing.

What Needs Work

• Batteries aren’t rechargeable.

Best Simple To Use Headlamp: BLITZU Led Headlamps

Sometimes, simpler is better.

Many headlamps on the market today can get overly complicated, with different light modes, motion activation and the like. 

For kids, we like to keep it simple—this headlamp gets the job done, at a price that is easy on the wallet. Our tester loved how simple it was to use.

What We Liked

• 7 light modes.

• Works with 3 AAA batteries (not included).

• Waterproof.

• Headlamp can rotate up to 45 degrees.

• Lightweight at 2.2 ounces.

• Comfortable to wear.

• Very bright.

What Needs Work

• Batteries need to be replaced after only a couple hours.

Best Budget-Friendly Headlamp: GearLight LED Head Lamp

If you need some bang for the buck when it comes to a kid’s headlamp, we like GearLight’s LED Headlamp Flashlight. Yes, this two-pack is affordable . . . but it also did well in our real-world tests. And kids liked it. 

What We Liked

• 7 light modes, including SOS, red beam on low and strobe.

• Good brightness for most uses. On high, this light has about 200 lumens—good for most uses like camping or hiking at dusk.

• Decent battery life (5 hours on high, according to our test).

• Comfortable to wear.

• 45-degree adjustability.

What Needs Work

• Replacing batteries = more money over the long term. If you plan to use a headlamp frequently, it may be less expensive over the long term to go with a rechargeable headlamp. This model isn’t rechargeable.

Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing products for the home and families since 1994. We do hands-on testing—we buy the products with our own money and evaluate with an eye toward quality, ease of use and affordability.

Here’s another key point: we don’t take money from the brands we review. No free samples, no sponsors, no “partnerships.” Our work is 100% reader-supported!