The Nitecore NU25 has been a solid choice for an ultralight, dependable headlamp for years, and the third generation NU25 continues that reputation with new light options and a longer-lasting battery.
Overview: Nitecore NU25 MCT UL
MSRP: $36.95
Weight: 1.66 ounces (47 grams)
Special Modes: Location beacon, SOS, slow flashing
Maximum Brightness: 400 lumens
Maximum Runtime: 45 hours for the 6-lumen beam
MCT (Multiple Color Temperature):
- 3,000K, warm light
- 4,500K, neutral white light
- 6,500K, cool white light
Water Resistance: IP66. Good in rain, but not intended for full water submersion
Red Light: Yes
The diffusing sack transforms the NU25 into a lantern for use in a tent, shelter, or anywhere else overhead light is needed.
About the NU25 MCT UL
Nitecore’s NU25 MCT UL, new in 2025, builds on the track record of the popular NU25 headlamp with a longer-lasting battery, a lighter weight, and three color beam options: warm, neutral white, and cool.
(The NU25 MCT is the third Nitecore headlamp to use multicolor beams, following the NU27 and the HA23 UHE.)
The warm light is good for fog, rain and snow; the neutral light is good for all-around use; and the cool light provides the highest level of visibility, making it good for night hiking.
The rechargeable battery has a higher capacity, lasting up to 45 hours on the 6-lumen low level, a 25 percent increase over the second gen NU25.
At 1.66 ounces (47 grams), the NU25 MCT UL is the lightest version of the headlamp.
The headlamp strap holds the NU25 comfortably on my head.
Two Buttons, Many Lighting Choices
Controls: I read the NU25 user manual to fully understand the different light options and test them before heading into the backcountry, and I’m glad I did because there are a lot of lighting choices. I like that the light control buttons are two distinctly different sizes, making it easy to adjust the headlamp when it’s on my head. The controls on my first gen NU25 are small and the same size, and when I wear it I have trouble choosing the right button to press.
Main Beams: Long-pressing the large control button turns the main beams on and off. A quick press of the button cycles the light through its three main brightness levels: low, mid, and high (also called the night master beam). At each brightness level a quick press of the small mode button cycles the beam through the three color temperatures. When the headlamp is turned off quickly double-pressing the main button turns on the beams to ultra low, adding a fourth brightness level. The night master beam casts 400 lumens of light over a distance of 143 feet (132 meters), but it’s also the shortest-lasting beam at 2 hours and 40 minutes. The ultralow beam casts 6 lumens of light and lasts up to 45 hours.
Red Beams: Long-pressing the mode button while the light is off turns on the red beams, and quick pressing the main button cycles through the low and high red beams.
Battery Level: Quickly pressing the mode button activates four blue battery level indicators, and the battery lights flash when charging until the headlamp is fully charged.
SOS: Quickly double-pressing the mode button in any light status activates the flashing SOS beacon. Quickly pressing the main control button cycles the beacon through SOS, beacon and slow flashing. Double pressing the mode button returns the light to its previous function.
Lock and Unlock: Long-pressing both buttons locks the lights from turning on, and the beam will flash three times to indicate the headlamp has been locked. The headlamp will flash once to indicate lockout status if any single button is pressed during lockout. Double-pressing both controls takes the headlamp out of lockout and into the while ultralow beam.
The 400-lumen beam casts a broad swath of light.
Battery Levels
Four lights: 75% to 100%
Three lights: 50% to 75%
Two Lights: 25% to 50%
One light: 0% to 25%
Good to Know
Weight: The third gen NU25 is lighter than previous versions, weighing 1.76 ounces (50 grams) for the standard NU25 MCT and 1.66 ounces (47 grams) for the NU25 MCT UL.
Water Resistance: The NU25 is rated at IP66, meaning it can stand up to rain but not full water immersion.
Charging Ports: The NU25 has one USB-C charging port, compatible with Nitecore and other power banks. The headlamp comes with a USB-C to USB-C charging cable.
Removable Light: The main light box can be removed from the frame to use as a flashlight.
Diffusing Sack: I use the small sack to store the NU25 and put the headlamp inside it at night as an overhead lantern in my tent or shelter.
Versions: There’s a choice to be made when buying the headlamp: The NU25 MCT (1.76 ounces, 50 grams) or the NU25 MCT UL (1.66 ounces, 47 grams). The main difference is the headband. The MCT uses a solid headband, while the UL has a cord strap. And the UL has a slightly lighter design. Both headlamps have the same lighting options, lighting controls, and battery. So it comes down to whether the headband or cord strap is more comfortable for you. I tested the UL with a cord strap and found it to be as comfortable as my old first gen NU25 with a headband.
Pros
Beams: The different beams and color options give the third gen NU25 light variations for a broad range of activities.
Ultralight: I barely know the headlamp is on my head it’s so light.
Colors: The three color beams provide light for different situations: fog, snow and rain; all-around use; and night hiking.
Buttons: The two control buttons on top of the headlamp are different enough in size that’s it’s easy to tell which button I’m pressing when the headlamp is strapped to my head.
Cons
Cost: Nitecore products are made in China, so tariffs could raise the NU25’s price.
Overall Value
The NU25 MCT UL has a lot of lighting options packed into an ultralight 1.6-ounce package. The color light options help me see in conditions ranging from foggy days to reading in a tent or shelter, to night hiking. The cord strap on the NU25 is easy to adjust to prevent it from slipping on my head, and the headlamp rides so comfortably on my head that I barely know it’s there. I’ve used the first gen NU25 for years and have been impressed by its weight and durability and I expect the third gen will continue that track record. The NU25 stands out among headlamps for price ($36.95), features and ultralight weight. (Note: The price could increase with tariffs on Chinese-made imports.)
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This product was donated for purpose of review.
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