This is our official list in search of the best LED lanterns on the market today. Scroll further down for full details on each product and more info on the benefits and specs of LED lanterns.
Quick Look:
- 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Etekcity 4 Pack Portable Outdoor LED Camping Lantern
- 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Streamlight 44931 The Siege Lantern
- 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Coleman Quad LED Lantern
- 4.5 out of 5.0 stars HeroBeam LED Lantern V2.0 with Flashlight
- 4.0 out of 5.0 stars LED Lantern by Gold Armour
We know time is of the essence, so the above is a cheat sheet of what’s ahead, just in case your’re in a hurry. Otherwise, keep scrolling down for more detailed and constructive info on each item.
5 Highest Reviewed LED Lanterns
Finding the best LED lanterns can be rather difficult. These lanterns are not just a necessity for campers and people who enjoy the outdoors. They are crucial to families and households in times of crisis or emergency. These lights can be a lifesaver. In the outdoors, they need to be bright enough to clear as much darkness as possible to ward away fear. There are five options that are better to pick over other models, but there are a few criteria to look for first.
First and foremost, the LED lanterns should have as many lumens as possible. The more lumens a LED lantern has, the greater area it can illuminate. Then, the other thing to consider is how long the batteries last. By a general rule of thumb, they should be able to last at least three evenings outdoors or a total of 20 hours. All five of the LED lanterns looked below will be considered on at least these criteria and more
1.) Etekcity 4 Pack Portable Outdoor LED Camping Lantern with 12 AA Batteries
The Etekcity Outdoor LED Camping Lantern is ultra-bright as it runs on 30 individual low powered LED bulbs. This design is meant to lengthen the lantern’s lifespan. As an added benefit, the LED lights are positioned in a 360-degree arrangement, so it offers multidirectional lighting. The brand also produces a rather durable product which is constructed to be equivalent to military grade products.
The design is also made to be convenient with its lightweight build allows it to be carried anywhere easily. At the same time, it can be collapsed into a smaller form for storage purposes, which also provides added protection to the lights’ casing. Some other points to consider, including the following:
PROS
- Low consumption battery that withstands up to 12 hours of continuous use
- Fold away handles for added storage and ease of carrying
- Number of lumens unknown
CONS
- Runs on AAA batteries, so it is not rechargeable without having to use a separate device to charge the batteries
2.) Streamlight 44931 The Siege Lantern
The Streamlight 44931’s Siege Lantern runs on C4 LEDs, and one red C4 LED for the sake of night vision. It is also ergonomically designed to lock in an upright or stored position. The red C4 LED option helps with low light situations to avoid eyes becoming tired. It provides softer light due to the casing surrounding the lights.
It also provides 360 degrees of illumination. Another bonus feature is the fact that it is IPX7 rated for waterproof operation up to one meter’s worth of submersion. The frame comes in several design colors, one of which promotes Breast Cancer Research Foundation efforts to find a cure, thus giving a positive outlook for the brand about what it aims to do for giving back to the community. There are some other specifications and considerations to look over, though:
PROS
- 340 lumens
- Lasts for up to 15 hours of continuous use
- Incorporated D-Rings for hanging purposes
CONS
- Runs on 3 D batteries instead of a rechargeable one
- Batteries are sold separately
3.) Coleman Quad LED Lantern
Coleman’s Quad LED lantern is made of four, individual light panels that snap into a single lantern design. This lantern is rather durable, more so when compared to other models mentioned thus far.
The top handle of the case is meant for easy carrying, and while it does not come with a D-Ring, it can still be hung from various surfaces through the handle provided. This model does come with a rechargeable base to make for easier control over battery usage.
The four panels can be used separately, or they can be used together for a 360-degree effect. The panels are made to fully function based on their six 5 mm white LEDs, which are guaranteed to last a lifetime. Here are some other pros and cons to consider:
PROS
- 190 lumens
- 75 hours of continuous use for the lantern
- Panels run for one and a half hours
CONS
- Runs on a NiHM battery, rechargeable
- Does not have a collapsible design
4.) HeroBeam LED Lantern V2.0 with Flashlight
HeroBean’s LED Lantern V2.0 comes with an additional flashlight function when in a collapsed mode, though it might not be needed with how functional this lantern is. It is made based on older technology with the LEDs – a total of 30 – formed into a trio of locked-in panels that allow for 360 degrees of illumination.
It is also a durable model that boasts resistance to weather with its rugged build that does not use glass on the panels, which helps to add to the design’s shock and water resistance. This model measures at 5 ½ inches high at full extension and 3 ½ inches when collapsed. It weighs about 4.4 pounds with the batteries are in place. Some other pros and cons include:
PROS
- 300 lumens
- Runs on 3 AA batteries (not included) instead of expensive C or D batteries
- Compact design
- Guaranteed for five years under warranty
CONS
- Battery only lasts for about 8 hours at a full charge
5.) Brightest Camping Lantern – LED Lantern
Gold Armour’s Brightest Camping Lantern puts out a great deal of illumination for its size. It uses the latest chip-on-board technology to provide more illumination in a given area. The light is warmer in color, making it easier on the eyes because it avoids colder, harsher lights, which can disrupt sleep cycles and entice bouts of insomnia.
This model is built with military grade durability in mind as it is made of water-resistant plastic. Also, it has a collapsible design, which makes it lightweight and compact for easy carrying and storage. The company backs this product with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee under a 15-year warranty. There are a few other pros and cons to think about for this model, including:
PROS
- 300 lumens
- Out does bulkier models with the amount of lumen output
- Lasts for 16 hours of continuous use
- Military grade material
CONS
- Runs on 3 AA batteries, which are not rechargeable without a separate charging station for the batteries
Wrapping Up
There are much more LED lantern options available for purchase, but most of them do not meet the quality the models mentioned here present. Lumens are extremely important for the most illumination possible, which makes the Brightest Camping Lantern by Gold Armour one of the best LED lanterns because it puts out so many lumens at 300. These models are all durable and energy efficient, so they could suffice well in any outdoor situation and even in emergencies.