The Spot 400 Is Wirecutter’s Top Headlamp Pick
Autumn is in the air, earning its "Fall" nickname as the leaves race to the ground. The Equinox is past and mornings are darker. Soon enough, the silly biannual time shift will push time back an hour. That will soon mean dark mornings and a night sky by 5pm. This seriously puts a crimp in outdoor activity unless you can see where you're going and what you're doing. It's time to wear a light on your head.
Headlamps become standard equipment for everything from dog walks to night skiing, from after-work snowshoeing to winter camping. Reliability is key because failure is not an option. So which is best - rechargeable batteries or replaceable batteries?
With the Black Diamond Spot, you don't have to choose. A rechargeable battery pack is available. If it runs down, carry some AAA batteries and boom, you're back to illuminating your world right away.
Wirecutter has tested headlamps since 2012. They just published their 2026 product Hall of Fame. The Black Diamond Spot came out on top as the best all-around headlamp. We stock the 400, 500, and 750. Select the lumens best for your adventures in the night.
Here's what Wirecutter said:
By Jenni Gritters and Kyle Fitzgerald
Whether you’re headed into the backcountry or just taking your dog on a nighttime walk, with a good headlamp you’ll never be caught in the dark.
We’ve been testing headlamps since 2012, and after subjecting them to years of late-night hikes, evening runs, and stargazing sessions, we still think the Black Diamond Spot is the best headlamp.
Whether you’re car camping or digging through a closet, the Black Diamond Spot provides exactly what you need: a bright beam, easy-to-navigate buttons, and long-lasting battery life. The Spot has been at the top of our list since 2012 because it’s reliable and bright enough to light the way in most situations, indoors or outdoors.
The Spot’s two top buttons are intuitive to use; you’ll have to experiment with clicking through the various modes, but the learning curve is fairly quick. It has a red light (for night use), a “proximity” floodlight (for a wider field of view), and strobe options (for throwing an emergency signal). The Spot weighs about 3 ounces, has a lock mode, and is weather-resistant but not dustproof.
Although headlamps with brighter, higher-quality beams exist, none offer the same combination of brightness, simplicity, and reliability at such a low price. You can also buy an add-on rechargeable battery for the Spot.
As the days get shorter, a reliable headlamp makes it easier to keep enjoying the outdoors after dark. The Black Diamond Spot is a versatile option for everything from evening dog walks to winter adventures. Find the Spot model that fits your needs in our shop.
