Petzl NAO+ PLUS vs OLight H2R NOVA Cool

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.

Petzl NAO+ PLUS vs OLight H2R NOVA Cool headlamp in a head-to-head comparison based on 20 criteria.
Ultralight and Bluetooth programmable NAO+ up against the Ultralight 2300 lumens blasting OLight H2R!

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Also Note – The NAO+ PLUS headlamp has been replaced by the new NAO RL headlamp.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.
FEATUREPETZL NAO+OLIGHT H2R NOVA COOL
Max Sustained Lumens550750
Max Lumens Burst7502300
Weight in Grams185100
Battery Life at Max Lumens90 mins110 mins
Battery Recharge Time180 mins (on USB 1v)240 mins (on 220v)
Charging SourceUSBUSB
Shockproofnoyes
WaterproofIPX 4IPX 8
Bluetoothyesno
Reactive Lighting Techyesno
Spot Beamyesyes
Flood Beamyesyes
Mixed Beamyesyes
Campingyesyes
Cavingnono
Cyclingyesyes
Fishingyesyes
Hikingyesyes
Huntingnono
Runningyesyes
Skiingyesyes
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