Milwaukee has a robust array of headlight options, but which one is best for you? Each one is specially designed, so take a closer look and see which one is better for the way you work.
Editor's Note: Check out our article on the coolest, most comfortable hard hats for our top recommendations or tips for choosing the best hard hat!
Milwaukee Rechargeable Headlamp
RedLithium USB Hardhat Headlamp 2163-21: A PTR Favorite
For the 2163, Milwaukee aimed for a lighter design while still delivering a total output of 600 lumens. It combines the spot mode and flood mode we've seen on several models, and adds a literal twist—you can rotate the light 180° for a better angle. The light is also removable for easy charging or placement as a work light, but it doesn't have magnets like the 2012R below.
- Spot/Flood Hybrid: 600 lumens/5 hours
- Flood High: 400 lumens/9 hours
- Flood Low: 100 lumens/20 hours
- High Beam: 400 lumens/9 hours
- Low Light: 100 lumens/20 hours
- detachable light
- IP54 rating
- 2 m drop rating
Price: $69.99
Milwaukee Bolt RedLithium USB Hardhat Headlight 2118-21: Bolt Hardhat Specialists
One light designed specifically for the Bolt system is the Milwaukee 2118 Hard Hat Headlamp. It features a low-profile light and a 70° swivel head that produces up to 600 lumens of light. To keep the form factor small, it connects to the RedLithium USB power supply via a wire mounted on the back of the hard hat. The cord is flexible so it won't block your other Bolt attachment points.
- Flood High: 600 lumens/4 hours
- Medium: 400 lumens/8 hours
- Low: 150 lumens/14 hours
- Eco: 25 lumens/32 hours
- Power source: RedLithium USB battery
- Compatible with Bolt Hard Hats
- 70° swivel head
- Cam lock mount battery pack
- Flexible wiring allows for bolt attachment functionality
- IP54 waterproof and dustproof rating
Price: $89.99
RedLithium USB Beacon Hard Hat Light 2116: Visible and Visible
The RedLithium USB Beacon Hard Hat Light from Milwaukee is unique in the range with its front and rear lighting combination. At the front, spotlights and floodlights produce up to 600 lumens of total output. On the back, red LED lights are visible 1/4 mile (1320 ft) away to help others see you in low or no light conditions.
- Mix Spot/Flood: 600 lumens/2 hours
- Flood High: 400 lumens/4 hours
- Highlight: 400 lumens/4 hours
- Flood Medium: 200 lumens/8 hours
- Flood Low: 25 lumens/20 hours
- Spot Throw: 125 meters
- Beacon Rear Safety Light: 30+ Hours
- Power source: RedLithium USB battery
- Steady and blinking modes for the rear Beacon light
- Visibility up to 1/4 mile
- IP54 waterproof and dustproof rating
- 2m drop test
Price: $99.99
Milwaukee RedLithium USB Low Profile Headlamp 2115-21: The Compact Choice
The Milwaukee 2115 has a slimmer profile than other lights in the series – only 1 inch thick. The idea is to keep your field of view as wide open as possible by minimizing obstructions from the physical size of the light. To keep the shade compact, the RedLithium USB power supply is located on the back and connects to the cord that runs along the strap. Its output is impressive for its size, with a wide flood beam hitting 600 lumens.
- High: 600 lumens/2 hours
- Medium: 350 lumens/6 hours
- Low: 125 lumens/10 hours
- Eco: 25 lumens/27 hours
- Sweat-absorbing microfiber strap
- IP54 rating
- 2m drop test rating
Price: $69.99
RedLithium USB Hardhat Headlamp 2111-21: Entry-Level Spotlight/Flood Combo
Milwaukee's 2111 headlamp combines flood and spot modes, produces up to 450 lumens of light and has 5 modes of operation. The head swivels to 7 positions to get the angle you need for the job at hand.
- Spot/Flood: 475 lumens/2 hours
- Flood High: 300 lumens/4.5 hours
- Flood Medium: 150 lumens/8.5 hours
- Flood Low: 25 lumens/31 hours
- High Beam: 300 Lumens/4 Hours
- Power source: RedLithium USB battery
- 7 bit header
- Rear cam lock mount battery pack
- IP54 rating
Price: $74.99
Rechargeable Magnetic Headlights and Work Lights 2012R: Best Charging Value
This headlight is not part of the RedLithium USB system, but can be recharged using the built-in battery. It shines up to 450 lumens and is detachable. There are magnets on the back of the light so you can easily attach it to whatever steel you're working on for a better angle.
- Mix Spot/Flood: 450 lumens/2.5 hours
- Highlight: 250 lumens/4 hours
- Low Light: 50 lumens/8 hours
- Flood High: 250 lumens/4 hours
- Flood Low: 50 lumens/8 hours
- Power supply: integrated rechargeable battery
- Detachable magnetic light
- 5 position tilt
- 2 m drop rating
- IP54 rating
Price: $59.99
Milwaukee AAA Powered Headlamp
Milwaukee Intrinsically Safe Headlamp 2004HZL: Hazardous Area Experts
If you work in certain environments, you need intrinsically safe lighting. Brighter than other IS headlight options, the Milwaukee 2004HZL has 310 lumens and a 100 meter range. Markings on the shade and light band make it easy to identify as intrinsically safe, plus the bright green color sets it apart from other Milwaukee headlights. For those who know about certifications, this light has Classes I, II, and III/Division 1.
- Spot/Flood Hybrid: 310 lumens/4 hours
- Spotlight: 155 lumens/8 hours
- High Flood: 235 lumens/6 hours
- Medium Flood: 155 lumens/10 hours
- Low Flood: 25 lumens/40 hours
- Throwing distance: up to 100 meters
- Power: 3 AAA batteries
- 69kV rating
- 7 position tilt head
- Includes nylon strap for bare head use and rubber strap for hard hat use
- IP64 rating
- 9 ft. drop rating
Price: $79.99
Spotlight/Floodlight 2104: Best value for a non-rechargeable model
Milwaukee's 2104 headlight takes it up a notch with spot and flood modes and increases output to 450 lumens. The LED has five different working modes, and the spot mode has a range of up to 100 meters. Like the 2103, this model has a sweat-wicking microfiber headband for topless wear.
- Spot/Flood Hybrid: 450 lumens/2 hours
- High Beam: 350 lumens/4 hours
- High Flood: 350 lumens/4 hours
- Medium Flood: 150 lumens/10 hours
- Low Flood: 25 lumens/25 hours
- Power: 3 AAA batteries
- Throwing distance up to 100 meters
- 7 position tilt
- IP54 rating
- 2 m drop rating
Price: $29.97
Milwaukee Headlamp 2103: Basic
The most basic headlamp in the Milwaukee line is the 2103. It features a single pattern that produces 350 lumens in a wide flood beam pattern. The light has 7 reclining positions and is mounted on a washable, sweat-wicking microfiber strap that is comfortable to wear on the bare head.
- 350 lumens/28 hours
- Power: 3 AAA batteries
- 7 position tilt
- IP54 rating
Price: $34.99
Which one is your favourite? Let us know in the comments below!
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