A good, reliable head torch is essential to keep you running through the dark – whether you’re taking on a 24-hour race or you just want to get your training runs in through the winter months.

A head torch will not only help you avoid trips and falls (as well as puddles) when you’re out running but will also help you be seen by pedestrians and traffic.

Check out our pick of of the best high vis running gear.

What to look for in a head torch for running

A good head torch for running should fit well and not bounce about as you run along. It needs to easily turn off and on and not be too heavy. How bright you need your head torch to be will depend on what sort of running you’re doing with it. Running around a city with patchy streetlights will need a less powerful beam than trail running in the middle of the night.

The best head torches for running

Our expert team of testers have put a whole raft of head torches through their paces. Keep reading for their recommendations, or jump straight to specific reviews below:

• Best for comfort: Exposure Lights HT Lite head torch
• Best value: PROVIZ Antares Running Headlamp
• Best for long-distance overnight running: Black Diamond Distance 1500 Headlamp 
• Best for battery life: Black Diamond Sprinter 500 Headlamp 
• Best for light modes and colours: Claymore Heady+
• Best lightweight: Silva Smini

Best for comfort: Exposure Lights HT Lite head torch

Exposure Lights HT Lite head torch technical details

Weight: 137g
Lumens: 520
Battery life: 36 hours per charge
Rechargeable? Yes
Charge time: 2 hours
RRP: £110

What our tester said

“I found this head torch really comfortable to wear and it stayed in place throughout an 8 mile run. The head torch weighs 137g is designed with a 50:50 weight distribution front and back (light at the front, battery at the back) which helps it feel more balanced. I didn’t experience any bouncing or moving about of the light while I was running.

“The head torch offers 520 lumens of light and 36 hours of battery life from one charge. There’s a single button to operate it and switch from high to low beam. Holding this button will not only give you a standard flashing mode but also an SOS flash to attract help in an emergency.”

Best value: PROVIZ Antares Running Headlamp

PROVIZ Antares Running Headlamp technical details

Weight: 98g
Lumens: 500
Battery life: 73 hours (mode dependent)
Rechargeable? Yes
Charge time: 2 hours
Waterproof rating: IPX2
RRP: £19.99

What our tester said: “A good, thick elastic strap keeps this headlamp securely in place with only a small amount of movement on the run. It would have benefitted from a little padding on the back of the torch itself for added comfort.

“It’s easy to turn on and change the beam, even with a cold, gloved hand. It has a dual colour option, which is great. You can have the normal white light, for great visibility. Or, you can use the red light, which is handy if you’re running somewhere with others around and you don’t want to blind them!”

Best for long-distance overnight running: Black Diamond Distance 1500 Headlamp

Black Diamond Distance 1500 headlamp technical details

Weight: 213g
Lumens: 1500
Battery life: Up to 40 hours, dependent on mode
Rechargeable? Yes
Waterproof rating: IP67
RRP: £180

What our tester said

“This is a serious bit of kit for runners needing a lot of light for running after dark. It’s designed for overnight races on areas where there’s no streetlights whatsoever. It has a PowerTap™ function which boosts the light to the max setting of 1500 lumens. This is really useful for checking further ahead on the trail or spotting markers.

“It is a little heavy at 213g, but that weight is mostly the rechargeable battery pack which is giving you a nice lot of power. As the battery sits on the back of your head, it makes the weight more evenly distributed and more comfortable. The red rear flasher is a great safety addition.”

Best for battery life: Black Diamond Sprinter 500 Headlamp

Black Diamond Sprinter 500 headlamp technical details

Weight: 130g
Lumens: 500
Battery life: Up to 100 hours, dependent on mode
Rechargeable? Yes – can use either rechargeable battery or 3 x AAA batteries
Waterproof rating: IPX4
RRP: £75

What our tester said

“This headtorch is very bright at 500 lumens (entry-level torches are usually 100 lumens), and it has both front and rear lighting. The Sprinter has a rechargeable battery as well as the option to power via three AAA batteries, meaning that you can swap mid-race if needed. The in-built battery has a life of 3.5hrs on full beam.

“The simple controls are great, with a dimmer function and a power tap to switch up the brightness. The rear red flasher unit can be adjusted to static, strobe and flash and has a battery level indicator, which is very handy. The straps are comfortable, the controls easy to use, and the brightness is far superior to those I’ve used before. It is heavier than others, but it’s a worthwhile investment for winter running.”

Best for light modes and colours: Claymore Heady+

Claymore Heady+ technical details

Weight: 103g
Lumens: 600
Battery life: Up to 70 hours, dependent on mode
Rechargeable? Yes
Waterproof rating: IP54
RRP: £58.95

What our tester said

“This has been useful during my marathon training. Knowing I’ve got a backup plan if I have to squeeze my runs into the early morning or after work has been a godsend. You can adjust the angle of the light, alter its warmth and choose how focussed the light is. There’s also an SOS strobe option to give you peace of mind.

With a 70-hour battery life, it does the job for longer trail races and expeditions. I was slightly frustrated with the six-hour charging time, but other than that it’s a great piece of kit.”

Best lightweight: Silva Smini

Silva Smini technical details

Weight: 53g
Lumens: 250
Battery life: Up to 20 hours, dependent on mode
Rechargeable? Yes
Waterproof rating: IPX5
RRP: £54.99

What our tester said

“As depressing as it is to start thinking about head torches again, the Silva Smini makes the return to darker runs a little easier. At just 53g, it fits in the palm of your hand and is perfect for runners who want a reliable light without the bulk of larger models.

I tested the light blue version, and it’s refreshing to see a head torch that’s a little more stylish than the usual black or fluorescent options. It’s also available in pink, yellow, green or black.

Despite its compact size, it packs a punch with 250 lumens, providing plenty of light for road running and well-used trails. One of my favourite features is the rear safety light. It simply clips onto the elastic headband, making it quick and easy to use. The slim headband is comfortable and holds the torch securely without bouncing. The USB-C rechargeable battery is convenient for regular use.

Overall, it’s a neat, thoughtfully designed head torch that looks good as well as performing well. If you’re after a lightweight running light that’s easy to throw in a pocket or use as a race-day backup, this is an excellent choice.”