How we scoreBlogAdvertise
html›body›main#compare791 models · updated Oct 21, 2026
  1. compoundsemi.com
  2. Compare
  3. NU21 vs Aria 1R

Nitecore NU21 vs Petzl Aria 1R

What NU21 does better (2) and where Aria 1R wins (3) — every spec side by side.

Nitecore NU21
Nitecore · 2023NU21
4.7Score
2 advantages≈ $30
Higher score
vs
Petzl Aria 1R
Petzl · 2023Aria 1R
4.6Score
3 advantages≈ $45
2.8Brightness & throw4.8
3.3Battery & charging2.1
5.4Build & durability6.4

Why is NU21 better than Aria 1R?

  1. Maximum runtime37 h vs 3 h12.3×
  2. Weight44 g vs 94 g2.1×

Why is Aria 1R better than NU21?

  1. Battery capacity500 mAh vs 1,250 mAh2.5×
  2. Maximum output360 lm vs 450 lm+25%
  3. Water protection (IPx)IPx6 vs IPx7+17%
Specifications

Side by side

Nitecore NU21Nitecore NU21≈ $304.7
Petzl Aria 1RPetzl Aria 1R≈ $454.6
Light output
Maximum output360 lm450 lm
Peak beam intensity840 cd—
Beam distance (ANSI FL1)58 m—
Light sourceLEDLED
LED & beam
Number of LEDs2—
Battery & charging
BatteryBuilt-in Li-ion / Li-PoAAA
Battery capacity500 mAh1,250 mAh
Maximum runtime37 h3 h
RechargeableYesYes
USB-C chargingYes—
Battery level indicatorYes—
Build & durability
Protection ratingIP66—
Water protection (IPx)IPx6IPx7
Impact resistance (drop)1 m—
Body materialPlastic / polymerPlastic / polymer
Size & weight
Weight44 g94 g
Modes & features
SOS / beaconYes—
Red lightYes—
LockoutYes—
Colours—Yellow, Black
To compare: 0up to 4 models
Compare