Best Lanterns of 2023 (Review and Buying Guide)

The LED battery is designed for convenient use. It has two hooks, one at the bottom and one at the top, which allow you to hang the lantern upright or upside down. When hanging upside down, it is brighter and can light a bigger area. It is waterproof with a 1PX4 rating. Furthermore, it has an anti-slip rubber at the bottom for a firm grip on the surface it is placed on.

It is powered by 3AAA batteries that produce 1000 lumens and 360-degree illumination. The batteries can last up to 25 hours. The lantern offers four light modes, including daylight, warm white, cool white, and combined flashing at 300lumens, 700lumens, 100lumens, and 1000lumens, respectively. These lighting modes can be switched with a simple short press on the power button.

The lantern is versatile and can be used for various purposes, including power outages, camping, hurricanes, hiking, fishing, walking the dog, etc.

Specifications

• Battery:3xD
• Weight: 400g
• Lumens: 1000
• Light type: LED

UST is an American company that has been around since 1936. Their tents and other camping gear are some of the best on the market. Their 60 Day Duro LED Lantern is no exception.

At up to 2000 lumens, this is one of the brightest lanterns you’ll find anywhere. It gives you the option of three settings and on the low setting it boasts 60 days of power. Sure, that’s just 20 lumens but it’s a good nightlight or camp light to find your way. That’s where the name comes from. At high power you’re looking at 41 hours. That’s still head and shoulders above most lanterns. If you opt for medium power expect 200 lumens for 192 hours.

The lantern also features a 4th mode. This is an SOS mode that flashes a warning signal. It can run for about 360 hours this way.

The unit measures 9.5” H x 4.8” W 5.1″ D with a weight of 3.1lbs. It’s a little bigger than some, but it packs more punch. Be aware, though, that it runs on 6 D batteries. It offers that great run time, but you’ll want some extra batteries on hand just in case.

While you may have to swap out batteries, don’t worry about the bulb. UST offers a lifetime warranty on their LED bulb. The globe comes off to expose the bulb as well. That means you can use it as a forward facing light to guide your way or search the ground.

The case is rugged and handles abuse well. If you drop this lantern, it will probably come through without a scratch.

LedLenser has created one of the best lanterns on the market here. If you have the money to invest, it’s well worth your time and effort.

The ML6 operates in three different light modes. The low setting only offers 20 lumens. This is best used in a tent as a night light. Or even as a light to find your way back to camp in the dark. You can get a whopping 70 hours with this low light setting. Bump it up to high and you get 550 lumens. This is light you can read by. The batteries will keep it going for four hours here. Then there’s the boost function. At 750 lumens this is a pretty powerful lantern. Use this if you’re trying to find your way in the dark or some kind of emergency. Since it’s a boost it’s not meant for constant use.

As powerful as the light is, it’s also small. That makes storage and travel easy. It’s only ‎3.35 x 2.54 x 7.8 inches and just over 15 ounces. It runs on a rechargeable lithium ion battery which is included. Total charge time takes several hours, so make sure you charge it the night before you go anywhere. It can charge with a USB cable as well. That also means, in a pinch you can use the lantern to charge other devices like your phone.

The ML6 is versatile when in use. It has a rubber hook on top, or a metal hook on the bottom. Plus it can sit flat. You should find a spot for it pretty easily. The base is even magnetic to secure it in place. And if it falls down, don’t panic just yet. The case seems to be very durable. Even after a few test drops to see how it holds up, it functioned very well. No breaks or noticeable damage.

LedLenser stands behind their products like few others. The lantern has an impressive 7 year warranty on it. If there’s a defect in material or workmanship, they’ll give you a replacement.

The only real downside to this lantern is the price. It’s steep. But as the saying goes, you get what you pay for. If you want a high quality, premium lantern that will last for years, give it a try. The investment is worth it.

The Odoland Portable LED Camping Lantern is designed as the ultimate hurricane emergency survival kit. It is versatile and can be used for different purposes, including camping, storms, and power outages.

It constitutes of 18 ultra-bright individually powered LED bulbs. 2D batteries power the LED bulbs with a battery life of 37 hours of regular and continuous use and 5 hours if the fan is operating at high speed.

It also has a fan that has a high and low setting to improve circulation in your tent. You can place the lamp in different positions. The fan’s speed and lantern’s brightness are operated by a silently-operating, brushless motor.

Despite its two-in-one design, this lantern is lightweight and compact. It can be collapsed into a small size for easy packing, portability, and storage. It also has a built-in handle with a hanging hook.

Specifications

• Battery:2xD
• Weight: 530g
• Lumens: Not Indicated
• Light type: LED

The Eveready 360 LED Camping Lantern comes in a pack of 2 collapsible lanterns that operate on 3AAA batteries included in the package. The 280 lumens lantern produces sufficient 360-degree illumination for larger spaces such as campsites.

It has four lighting modes, including 360-degree lantern mode, directional flashlight mode, red night vision mode, and flashing red strobe/SOS mode for emergencies. It delivers up to 16 hours of runtime in lantern mode and 9 hours in flashlight mode when fully charged.

Its design is versatile and easy to use. It has a strong magnetic base that can be used to mount the lantern on metallic surfaces. It also has a hanging hook at the top for easy hanging in tents.

Specifications

• Battery: 3AAA
• Weight: 725g
• Lumens: 280
• Light type: LED

Few names are more synonymous with camping than Coleman. The company has been at the forefront of everything from coolers to chairs for years. Their gas lantern lives up to the quality standard you’d expect from them.

At up to 1,000 lumens, Coleman’s gas lantern even shames many battery operated models. With one fuel cylinder you can have light for over 7 hours. There’s a handle for carrying or hanging the lantern. The unit also has a pressure regulator. That means you’ll have constant fuel flow in any conditions.

The glass is treated to operate at high temperatures. That said, it’s still fragile so you don’t want to drop this thing by accident. Also, it gets extremely hot. LED lanterns are generally cool to the touch. This one requires a little more caution. But that heat is also a benefit, especially if you’re camping in the cold and you have this in your tent. The base also has feet that keep it stable if this is how you’re using it.

One thing to be aware of here is that it lights with matches. Not always a big deal, but it’s another thing you need to have on hand. And if you run or or they get wet, you may be in trouble. But you can get a slightly pricier version that has a Piezo igniter, too.

Coleman offers a 3-year limited warranty on the lantern. The fuel canisters are relatively cheap and easy to use. Obviously you’ll be making an investment over time but it’s in a quality lantern.

This LED lantern is designed to light the darkest nights. It is versatile and can be used during outages, hurricanes, or camping. Its design constitutes of 30 high-power LED bulbs that produce bright light for 360-degree illumination. Its battery lasts over 90 hours, positioning it as one of the longest-lasting lanterns on the market. It is powered by 3AA batteries and produces 140 lumens.

It has a compact and lightweight design for easy portability. The 478g lantern is collapsible, enabling it to easily fit in your backpack or emergency kit. The collapsing feature also enables you to regulate the amount of light. It also has a foldable handle for easy suspension and portability.

It has a button-free opening. All you have to do is pull up the collapsible casing, and the light will come on and then push it back down completely, and the light will go off. The lantern is waterproof and of a high-quality build. It is made with aircraft-grade materials and can survive a 10-foot drop and being submerged in water for short periods.

This Vont LED camping lantern is available as a 2-pack or 4-pack. The manufacturer warns of counterfeit products on the market sold at lower prices and are of lower quality. The original Vont LED camping lanterns come with a lifetime warranty against loss, theft, workmanship, and material defects.

Specifications

• Battery:3AA
• Weight: 474g
• Lumens: 140
• Light type: LED

This Kizen camping lantern is versatile, convenient, energy-saving, and multifunctional. You can charge it from virtually anywhere as long as there is sun. When solar charging, ensure that the solar panel is facing upwards and not the flashlight. You can also charge it with electricity via the USB port. It can also be used as an emergency power bank to charge your phone via the USB port on the lantern during your camping or outdoor trips.

It has a collapsible, space-saving design for easy storage and portability. When fully folded, it is 2.4x the full size. It has a handle that can be used for hanging. Its design is also safety-proof with smart circuitry that prevents overcharging, over-discharging, or getting overheated.

It is also splash-proof rated to withstand all weather conditions. It has three lighting modes, including high, low, and SOS. When fully charged, it lasts 5 hours on high, 10 hours on low, and 6 hours SOS. When fully folded, it can also be used as a flashlight. The manufacturer offers a lifetime warranty on the lantern.

Specifications

• Battery: Li-Ion, solar
• Weight: Not Indicated
• Lumens: Not Indicated
• Light type: LED

The MPOWERED Luci Outdoor 2.0 is lightweight, multifunctional, and portable. It is solar-powered but can also be charged via USB. It has a built-in 1000mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery. It also has a built-in highly-efficient solar panel and clear finish that gets the lantern charged within 7 hours. When fully charged, the 75 lumens lantern lasts up to 24 hours.

It has ten cool white LEDs that shine through the clear finish to light your surroundings. It has four lighting modes, including low, medium, high, and flashing. It also has a 2-second quick shut off and a battery level indicator.

Its compact size and light weight ensure that it is portable, easy to pack, and easy to store. It has two straps for easy handling – an adjustable one at the base and a fixed one at the top. The straps can be used for hanging, holding, or strapping the lantern to your backpack. It has a 1P67 waterproof rating. This means that it can withstand up to 150lb of pressure and submersible up to 1m. The manufacturer comes with a 1-year warranty.

Specifications

• Battery: Li-Ion, solar
• Weight: 125g
• Lumens: 75
• Light type: LED

The LIT-PaTH Rechargeable LED Camping Lighting lantern is multifunctional. It can be used as a flashlight or camping light by switching between flashlight and camping light modes. Its design incorporates a built-in 2200mAh power bank that you can be used to charge your phone while on the go. The battery can be charged up to 500 times.

It is easy to use. It has a handle that also serves as a hook at the top and a magnetic base at the bottom. It is also ultra-light and compact in size. It is made of anticorrosive material and is IP66 rated.

The flashlight mode has three lighting options: strong, middle, and low, while the camping light mode has four lighting options: strong, low, warning, and SOS. In LED flashlight mode, the battery can last up to 40hours at low brightness mode, 20 hours at middle brightness mode, and 9 hours at high brightness mode. On the other hand, the LED camping mode can last up to 30 hours on low light and 5 hours on high brightness mode.

Specifications

• Battery: lithium-ion
• Weight: 169g
• Lumens: 200
• Light type: LED

The LuminAID Solar Inflatable Lantern is versatile and lightweight. It can be solar charged or charged via a USB cable. It takes approximately 10 hours under direct sunlight to fully charge but 1-2 hours to charge via the micro USB. It comes with a USB code.

It has a wide range of lighting modes, including seven color modes (red, yellow, lime green, green, blue, turquoise, pink), a white led mode, and multicolor rainbow fade mode. When fully charged, it lasts for 3-12 hours, depending on the lighting mode it is operating on.

Its lightweight and collapsible design make it easy to carry and store. Its inflated size is 4.75X larger than the collapsed size. You can use the carrying handle as a daisy chain or carabiner to tie the lantern to your backpack. It is IP6 rated for water and weather resistance. It is made of heavy-duty TPU that make sit shatterproof, dustproof, and durable.

It can be used for camping, camping, our door night picnic, and fun in the pool. The fun colors and submersible design make it ideal for fun water activities with the kids in the evenings.

Specifications

• Battery: Li-Ion, solar
• Weight: 142g
• Lumens: 75
• Light type: Multicolor LED

The EZORKAS 2 Pack Camping Lanterns are rechargeable LED lanterns that can be used for various purposes, including outages, hurricanes, camping, and hiking. Its design incorporates the latest COB LED technology that offers double brightness, chip heat dissipation, longer life span, improved light efficiency, and is safe on the eyes.

It is powered by 3AAA batteries but also has an option for a 1865mAh built-in rechargeable battery. It has four lighting modes, including flashlight, collapsible COB lantern, and Red warning light that can be operated in strobe or SOS modes. The large super bright cob bulbs offer 360 –degree illumination over large areas.

It has an advanced ABS material structure to withstand adverse weather conditions. It is durable, shatterproof, and water-resistant. Its design is compact and lightweight. It is easy to handle with a collapsible design that can be opened and closed with a simple pull and push of the handle. It has three strong magnets on the base for easy mounting on metallic surfaces.

Specifications

• Battery: 3AA, lithium ion
• Weight: 165g
• Lumens: 350
• Light type: LED

Not every lantern needs to be an LED light with a rechargeable battery. Especially in colder conditions. Those rechargeable batteries become very unreliable in freezing temperatures. But a gas lantern will not only keep working, it can help keep you warm. That’s a definite upside.

The lantern runs on isobutane fuel. It can reach 490 lumens but the brightness is easy to adjust. If you’re leery about lighting a gas lantern, don’t worry. There’s a Piezo igniter, which means you just need to push a button. That creates a spark and ignites the fuel. Your fingers never need to get close. No need to worry about matches blowing out, either.

At just over 7 ounces you don’t need to worry about the Primus being cumbersome or in the way. What you can look forward to is about 10 hours of light out of a single fuel canister. Keep in mind, if it’s freezing cold out, that time will be reduced.

The light it produces is soft. That’s thanks to the round, frosted glass cover. No need to worry about that blinding glare you get from some lanterns.

There’s a wire hanger if you want to keep the lanter off the ground. Of course, the base works fine as well. Be aware that this is a glass case. That means if it hits the ground you could be in trouble. That said, it shouldn’t be an issue during travel. The lantern comes with a plastic carrying case to keep it secure.

While cold weather can slow you down, don’t fret too badly about rain. The cover does a good job of protecting the lantern if the weather gets wet. As long as you’re not in a torrential downpour, it seems to handle rain just fine.

If gas is what you need rather than batteries, Primus has an excellent option here