Nitecore NU25 MCT Headlamp Review

In my previous review of the Nitecore UT27 MCT headlamp, I ultimately concluded that my older Nitecore NU25 was still better suited to my style of adventuring. Despite the lack of high-end features that the UT27 has, like the multicolor temperature options, a better battery, and brighter light output, the NU25 UL is over an ounce lighter. The UT27 has a place in my pack, but for most situations, I will use the NU25.

I’m sure you are reading this, thinking, “Does one ounce really make that big of a difference?” Well, as I often write on my site, every ounce matters when taking multi-day trips into the backcountry. While a single ounce may not have a material impact on its own, its cumulative effect can be substantial.

When Nitecore read my review, they asked if I would be willing to test out the third generation of their Nitecore NU25 UL. As a regular user of an older model of this same headlamp, I agreed to test it out.

Author’s Note: The Nitecore NU25 MCT headlamp in this review has been researched and tested by me. Nitecore provided it in exchange for this honest and unbiased review.

How I Tested

I field-tested the NU 25 MCT UL over a weekend hiking trip along the Knobstone Trail in late February 2026. I used it in temperatures ranging from highs around 65 °F to lows below freezing, around 30 °F. On our first day, I encountered moderate rain. Because the newer version of the NU25 UL is similar to the older one (with a few key improvements), I am very familiar with this specific headlamp. In fact, it is one of the pieces of my equipment that I have used the most. As with all the gear I test, if I find a flaw or something that needs to be addressed down the road, I will update this review accordingly.

Quick Overview

In-Depth Review

Author’s Note: This review will go over the UL version of the NU25 MCT. The only difference between the UL version and the non-UL version is the headband. The UL version shaves a little weight off by using an elastic cord rather than a strap. That is the only difference.

What’s in the Box?!:

The NU25 MCT U arrived with a USB-C charging cable, a diffusion stuff sack (which can be used as a makeshift hanging lamp), an instruction manual, and a warranty card.

Multicolor Temperature Modes:

Like the UT27 and a few other Nitecore headlamps, the NU25 features the ability to switch between three different color temperatures, including a red light option for nighttime use. This lighting system can switch between 3000K (CRI 97, warm yellow), 4500K (CRI 83, neutral white), and 6500K (CRI 73, cool white) lights.

According to Nitecore, the warm light is more effective in high-risk environments such as rain, fog, and snow. The neutral white is suited for medium-risk scenarios like steep slopes and mud/snow-covered trails. The cool white is best used in low-risk situations, such as at camp and at night in urban environments. The cooler white light is also the best option for preserving battery power. The auxiliary red light is best for maintaining night vision.

I have included a video below that explains and demonstrates the various beam profiles of the headlamp.

Brightness/Runtime:

Nitecore has increased the lumen outputs and runtimes on the NU25 MCT compared to the previous model. Rather than type it all out, I have included both charts of the different modes and runtimes below. You can compare them and see the differences. From a hiker’s perspective, this headlamp’s runtimes are more than enough for my intended use.

Adjustability:

The headlamp has a plastic hinge that has a 5-step tilt adjustment. The mount can be detached from the lamp if necessary.

Button Controls:

On the NU25 MCT, there are 2 buttons on top of the light. One is labeled “Mode,” and the other is “Power.” There are a few nuances that I will go over below, but in general, the main power button turns on the headlamp (then cycles through the brightness options), while the mode button changes between the different color temperatures.

There is no memory mode, which could be a downside for some, but I actually prefer this. No matter what setting you turn off the flashlight in, when you turn it on via the power button, it is always set to the neutral white; it then goes to warm yellow, then to cool white, before cycling back to neutral white. Additionally, the brightness always goes from low to high. You don’t have to do something special to go from high back to low… just keep clicking the power button until it gets back to low. It takes a little memorization, but for the way my brain works, it’s better for me.

• Power Button From Off:

• Power Button from On:

• Mode Button from Off:

• Mode Button from On:

• Power & Mode Button from On:

Author’s Note: If lockout mode is on, when you click any button, the headlamp will quickly flash once and then turn off.

Battery:

The NU25 MCT has an internal and rechargeable 700mAH battery. There is a USB-C port on the left side for onboard charging. It takes a little over an hour to charge from 0%. To see what level the battery is at, click the Mode button while the headlamp is off. On the right edge of the front lens are 4 small, blue indicator LEDs that show the current battery percentage.

• 1 constant on: 0-25%
• 2 constant on: 25-50%
• 3 constant on: 50-75%
• 4 constant on: 75-100%

Durability:

The NU25 MCT is made from a high-quality plastic. It is resistant up to 1 meter (3.28 ft) and rated IP66, which indicates that the device is completely dust-tight and can withstand powerful water jets. I also have an older model of the Nitecore NU25, which has lasted me over many years and through harsh, rugged conditions. I expect that this one will be no different.

Nitecore offers a 15-day-from-purchase replacement service via an authorized dealer/distributor backed by a 24-month warranty beyond this.

Weight:

Ounce counters rejoice! Even with the new features added, Nitecore has managed to keep the weight of the NU25 below 2 oz. It is still one of the lightest headlamps out there.

Price:

As of January 2026, the cost of the Nitecore NU25 MCT UL is $36.95.

Last Word

The NU25 MCT is light, bright, rugged, and inexpensive. Is it perfect? of course not, there are brighter headlamps out there, and Nitecore has those too. Check out my review of the UT27 MCT, which, in my opinion, would make a better option for technical terrain.

However, there is a reason why the Nitecore NU25 has been a staple for backpackers and ultralighters everywhere. The older model has been my go-to headlamp for many years. I’ve taken it on just about every adventure and never really felt the need to replace it…until now. The newer Nitecore NU25 MCT UL is basically the same headlamp, with the addition of multicolor-temperature options and a little more brightness. Those features are worth it for the additional 0.20 oz weight penalty. Going forward, this headlamp will be joining me on all of my treks, hopefully for many years to come.

Check out the Nitecore NU25 UL MCT headlamp HERE.