Sofirn hs21 or hs42?

Im new to flashlight and looking for an edc headlamp that can be used as traditional flashlight or a headlamp (hybird).
I will use it as a headlamp for repairing stuffs, a normal flashlight for hiking.
Here’s my preferences and needs:

  • my budget is 30$ (but u can recommend me some <40$ because i can hunt them on sale)
  • 18650 battery
  • good power efficiency
  • Long battery runtime (mostly use it at medium mode)
  • good durability
  • high CRI
  • voltage regulation and thermal protection
  • rechargeable
  • be somewhat compact
  • Can be used as either a flashlight or a headlamp

I have been looking at the sofirn hs21 and hs42, but still cant decide which one to go for. I can get the hs21 for around 27$ and the hs42 for 20$ (they are currently on sale). Clip and magnetic tail are not so important since i can mod them myself. Also i have tried to find and watched some videos about the differences between hs21 and hs42 but i cant still see the differences (nor did they mention it in the video), so can u tell me what are the differences?

If price makes a difference the hs21 can be had for $20 right now.

2 Thanks

I don’t own a HS21 or HS42
The HS21 listing doesn’t mention High CRI but the HS42 does.

i only found the hs21 for 27$, where did u find it for 20$?

Click on the link in my post. It’s on the Amazon deal page > but for AliExpress, which is another entire issue if you are not familiar with the direct Chinese “Amazon” retail page.

Don’t have the light, but apparently is solidly in the “blue light/cold” range if that makes a difference.

It’s a pleasure to know you, Jld!
The Sofirn HS20 is my headlight of choice because I like traditional reflectors and I do not like TIR lenses.

The HS21 is a good general purpose headlamp with a regulated driver. The white flood is high CRI, the throw LED isn’t.

sadly, im not in US