We love both of these headlamps – though we honestly prefer the Petzl even with it’s much higher price (around $170) vs. the OLight’s $90. The programmable Bluetooth functionality for personalized lighting profiles is SO cool that once you get used to it, you’ll love it! Many ultra-runners wear the NAO+, it’s lightweight, powerful, and has great battery life.
The NAO+ advantages are the better beam shape and Reactive Lighting Technology which senses how far ahead the beam has to light up – and adjusts. This saves battery over the long-term. The technology is quite good. We have used our NAO+ headlamp for more than two years, and it has been one of our favorite 3 EVER.
The OLight H2R NOVA Cool white light is special in its own right. It is super-light and very strong and waterproof – even fully submersible. The magnetic base is useful if working around the house so you can stick it to something instead of holding it. Both headlamps have proprietary batteries, so you must buy their replacements.
UPDATE 6/2022 – Just so you know, we’re now recommending the newer and even better headlamp the ACEBEAM H30 instead of the OLight H2R Nova. It beats it in almost every area. Check it out!
Also Note – The NAO+ PLUS headlamp has been replaced by the new NAO RL headlamp. Check it!
Are you ready to check out these two amazing headlamps side-by-side?
PETZL NAO+ PLUS vs OLight H2R NOVA Cool HEADLAMP
Comparison of two of the best lightweight headlamps, the Petzl NAO+ PLUS and the OLight H2R NOVA Cool based on more than 20 features.| FEATURE | PETZL NAO+ | OLIGHT H2R NOVA COOL |
|---|---|---|
| Max Sustained Lumens | 550 | 750 |
| Max Lumens Burst | 750 | 2300 |
| Weight in Grams | 185 | 100 |
| Battery Life at Max Lumens | 90 mins | 110 mins |
| Battery Recharge Time | 180 mins (on USB 1v) | 240 mins (on 220v) |
| Charging Source | USB | USB |
| Shockproof | no | yes |
| Waterproof | IPX 4 | IPX 8 |
| Bluetooth | yes | no |
| Reactive Lighting Tech | yes | no |
| Spot Beam | yes | yes |
| Flood Beam | yes | yes |
| Mixed Beam | yes | yes |
| Camping | yes | yes |
| Caving | no | no |
| Cycling | yes | yes |
| Fishing | yes | yes |
| Hiking | yes | yes |
| Hunting | no | no |
| Running | yes | yes |
| Skiing | yes | yes |
| Review | Here | Here |
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