Best Dive Lights

In a Hurry? Editors choice:
CrazyFire
Test Winner: CrazyFire
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Exploring the ocean can sometimes feel like stepping foot on another planet. There are so many unseen and interesting things hiding just below the surface that have often never been exposed to the light of day. If you really want to dive down deep and investigate all of the interesting things hiding in the dark, you are going to have to invest in a form of lighting. There are various types of lighting on there on the market, and some can run up quite the price tag that rivals the cost of a used car. For the amateur divers that aren’t interested in filming the remains of the Titanic for a documentary, there are more reasonably priced options out there that will be more suited to your needs.

Standout Picks

CrazyFire
For anyone that wants something that is small and powerful, the CrazyFire model is ready to use right out of the box, and will keep up with you through all of your underwater adventures no matter how long you stay under the water.
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Volador
VOLADOR makes a really great model that is made not only to provide you ample lighting when exploring underwater, but it’s also bright enough to work perfectly for camping or night fishing. It will cost you a little bit more than some of the other options on this list, but the quality of materials used make it well worth the slight higher price point.
Amazon Link
OxyLED DF20
OxyLED makes a really great and affordable product that is incredibly affordable and comes with all of the things that you will need to explore the ocean right out of the box. If you are looking to save a little bit of money without sacrificing quality, this is an excellent option.
Amazon Link
BlueFire
This is a really great option for scuba divers or snorkelers that want something that is professional grade and is incredibly bright without breaking the bank. We don’t have to note that this unit doesn’t come with the battery or the charger needed to operate, you will have to purchase it separately.
Amazon Link
SecurityIng
This is another great option that provides maximum lighting and is made from high quality materials, it just doesn’t come with the batteries or charging cables that are needed to be able to use it right out of the box.
Amazon Link
$49.96
TurnRaise
TurnRaise makes a really solid design that is made to travel deep into the water with you and will provide you the maximum amount of lighting that these products are capable of emitting. It has a sharp design, is easy to use, and comes in at an incredibly reasonable price point.
Amazon Link
Mixxar MS01
If you are looking for something that is incredibly bright- this model is your ticket. It is perfect for using under the water in all of those dark nooks and crannies in the ocean, but it can also transition seamlessly into being a great flashlight to bring along for those night fishing trips, or camping.
Amazon Link
Princeton Tec Torrent
This will be a great addition for your next underwater adventure, although it will set you back a bit more than many of the other options found on this list. It is made from quality and durable materials that will likely last you a long time and sports a small and compact design.
Amazon Link
DaskFire
This little guy is capable of illuminating just about anything, whether it be deep underwater, or above the water while on a fishing or camping trip. It sports a sleek design, and is really easy to use and charge- plus it’s offered at a really great price point.
Amazon Link
Goldenguy Cree
For those looking for something that is a little more versatile, the Goldenguy Cree model is an excellent design that is perfect for taking along with you on all of your underwater adventures, but is also perfect for taking with you while camping, fishing, hiking, or for just leaving in your glove box in case of an emergency.
Amazon Link

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Value

As we noted earlier, the price of these units range from the cost of a cup of coffee and skyrocket all the way up to the price of a used car. The higher priced models are typically used for providing excellent lighting for filming, or for archaeologists or scientists gathering data. We focused primarily on gear that was made for recreational scuba divers and snorkelers because it was priced to be more affordable and it was typically able to be used for more outdoor activities both above and below the water. While researching the different models out there, we wanted to make sure they were made from the highest quality materials but were also offered at a reasonable price point, because scuba gear can become really expensive!

Battery Life

One of the things that we discovered while conducting our research has to do with batteries. There was about a 50/50 chance that each unit didn’t come with batteries, so we found that it was never safe to assume that any product would come with the batteries that it needed. We know there is nothing worse than taking your brand new gear out of the box only to discover that the appropriate batteries and charging cables were not included with purchase.

Be sure to check the detailed description of each item to ensure that it has the batteries you need. On the flip side, if you already own the batteries and chargers that are used to power the unit, you might be able to save yourself a little bit of money and opt for options where the batteries aren’t included. We advise keeping your eyes open to all of the product details to ensure that there are no unwelcome surprised when you get your new gear home. If you are equipped with the best gear, your next underwater adventure will be your best yet!

Effectiveness

Lighting the water in dense and clouded ocean water requires the use of a pretty powerful bulb. We made sure to select the models that offered the most lumens of any of the other models out there on the market. What we found was the 1,000 lumens were considered to be the highest, with a few companies offering up to 1,200 lumens. However, the few products out there that offered 1,200 lumens often have customer complaints that the bulb wasn’t that bright. We preferred the brands that offered 1,000 lumens because it seems that is the most power these battery powered designs that utilize an LED bulb are capable of putting out. We also like to utilize brands that used LED bulbs, because a lot of them provide an impressive 50,000 hours of light before they will need to be replaced.

Features

Fumbling with a flashlight while underwater is a less than ideal scenario, so we tried to select products that were pretty simple to use even while underwater. We liked brands that had the button on the side, although those were easy to bump and accidentally turn off. Brands that have buttons on the bottom require a little more fumbling, but there isn’t a risk that you will accidentally turn it off. The third type of design required that the user twist the head to adjust brightness. This design was less than ideal because it meant the user needs to employ both hands to turn it on and adjust the strength of the light. Make sure you get a dive light that has a reputable and a brand that is known for their high-quality products is important for the life span and quality of the light.

Top 10 Picks

1. CrazyFire

Where to buy
Amazon Link
CrazyFire
Amazon Link

For anyone that wants something that is small and powerful, the CrazyFire model is ready to use right out of the box, and will keep up with you through all of your underwater adventures no matter how long you stay under the water.

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Design:

The design of this model is small and compact and made to fit into your hand perfectly. The frame is made of a lightweight aluminum, and it has a comfortable rope wrist strap do you don’t have to worry about dropping it into the water. The on and off button is located at the bottom of the unit for easy use, and it has three different strength powers- low, medium, and high.

Power:

This unit is able to hold a charge for an impressive 20 hours before the rechargeable batteries that are included need to be recharged. When used on the highest setting, it will hold a charge for about 1.5 hours. It can function an impressive 150 meters under the water, and provides 1,050 lumens of light via an LED bulb. When it is time to recharge it, simply plug it into a USB port. One of the best features about this model is how easy it is to recharge it after use. Additionally, it has one of the highest waterproof ratings to ensure that you can use it over and over without running the risk of water damage.

Value:

The cost of this unit is considered to be a bit more expensive than many of the other options found on this list. However, unlike many of the other options out there, it comes with all of the batteries and charging cables that you need to be able to use it over and over again.

Summary:

If you are in the market for something that is easy to use, incredibly powerful, and comes with all of the batteries and charging cables that you need to operate it right out of the box- this is an excellent option for your next underwater adventure.

Amazon Link

2. Volador

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Volador
Amazon Link

VOLADOR makes a really great model that is made not only to provide you ample lighting when exploring underwater, but it’s also bright enough to work perfectly for camping or night fishing. It will cost you a little bit more than some of the other options on this list, but the quality of materials used make it well worth the slight higher price point.

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Design:

This model is just a little bit longer and a little thicker than some of the other options out there. It comes with a long wrist strap that is comfortable and adjustable to fit your wrist perfectly. The outside is made from a lightweight but sturdy aluminum. It has three power settings- low, medium, and high.

Power:

When placed at its highest setting, this unit and output an impressive 1,000 lumens of light. The medium setting puts out 300 lumens, and the lowest setting puts out 120 lumens. Using this product at a full charge at the highest setting will give you up to 2 hours of light with continuous use. To recharge it, simply plug the rechargeable battery into the USB charger that is provided with purchase. THe LED bulb has a lifespan of about 50,000 hours.

Value:

The cost of this unit does cost a little bit more than some of the other options that are found of this list, but the quality of light and accessories that are included made it well worth the slightly padded price tag. It also comes with the additional of 3 extra O-rings that are designed to keep water away from the power source.

Summary:

If you are in the market for something that is incredibly powerful, is made from quality materials, and is designed to last for many ocean adventures, this is an excellent option that is well worth the price.

Amazon Link

3. OxyLED DF20

Where to buy
Amazon Link
OxyLED DF20
Amazon Link

OxyLED makes a really great and affordable product that is incredibly affordable and comes with all of the things that you will need to explore the ocean right out of the box. If you are looking to save a little bit of money without sacrificing quality, this is an excellent option.

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Design:

The exterior design of this model is made from a neon yellow aluminum alloy material that makes it easy to spot under water, and incredibly lightweight to hold in your hand. This unit comes with the addition of a wrist strap that makes it simple to affix the unit to your wrist without running the risk of every dropping it into the water.

Power:

This model utilizes an LED light that runs off of a rechargeable lithium ion battery. All of the charging cables that you would need to recharge this model are included with the unit. When fully charged, this unit can run for up to 2 hours on the highest setting and about 5 hours on the lowest setting. The 3 settings included with this model are low, high, and a strobe option. The LED light will provide user with 50,000 hours of light over the life of the bulb.

Value:

Scuba gear is expensive, so if you were looking for something that was a little bit more affordable to save you some money- this in an excellent option. Plus, it comes with a 30 day warranty if you find that isn’t product doesn’t work for you, and a 12 month replacement guarantee if any of the components break.

Summary:

If you are in the market for something so affordable you can afford to strap of on to each hand- this is an excellent choice that will serve you well the next time you are exploring the ocean depths.

Amazon Link

4. BlueFire

Where to buy
Amazon Link
BlueFire
Amazon Link

This is a really great option for scuba divers or snorkelers that want something that is professional grade and is incredibly bright without breaking the bank. We don’t have to note that this unit doesn’t come with the battery or the charger needed to operate, you will have to purchase it separately.

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Design:

The design of this model is sleek and sharp and will sit comfortable in the hand while underwater. Unlike some of the other options out there, the power switch isn’t found on the bottom- it is found on the handle for easy access. It also comes with a lanyard that attaches to your risk so you won’t run the risk of accidentally dropping it into the water.

Power:

The light emitted from this unit is about the highest brightness available for these underwater flashlights out there on the market currently. On the highest setting, it can emit up to 1,000 lumens for a continuous 2 hours before needing to be charged again. This unit also has a lower setting for the times that you want to save the battery life, as well as a strobe setting for emergencies. Many users feel this model is bright enough to provide ample lighting even out of the water, making it great for camping or fishing trips as well.

Value:

The price of this unit is a little less expensive than some of the other options out there, but keep in mind that it doesn’t come with the batteries or charging cables. If you already have the rechargeable batteries and cables, this would be an excellent option that might save you a little bit of money because you won’t be buying things that you already have.

Summary:

For those in the market for something that will be just as bright in the water as outside of the water, the BlueFire model will be a perfect addition to any of you outdoor adventures, whether they are under the water or over it.

Amazon Link

5. SecurityIng

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$49.96
SecurityIng
Amazon Link

This is another great option that provides maximum lighting and is made from high quality materials, it just doesn’t come with the batteries or charging cables that are needed to be able to use it right out of the box.

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Design:

This model comes in a matte black design that is constructed from high quality, military grade aluminum that is also incredibly lightweight. What makes this model a little bit different from many of the others is that it doesn’t have an on and off switch on the bottom or the side. To adjust the light, you have to turn the head to adjust the level of light that it output.

Power:

If you need something that can put out the maximum level of light, this is going to be your best bet. When locked onto the highest setting, it puts out an impressive 1,000 lumens of light- which is about the highest level that most of these models are capable of emitting. It utilized an LED bulb that has a total lifespan of about 50,000 hours. When used on the lowest setting, this model can last up to 7 hours under water when on a full charge.

Value:

The cost of this model is one of the most expensive ones to makes this list, especially since it doesn’t come with batteries or chargers needed to charge the batteries. However, if you already have rechargeable batteries that would work for this unit, the price is considered to be very reasonable.

Summary:

If you are in the market for something that is incredibly powerful that can be used under water or on your next fishing or camping trip- this is an excellent option that will likely last you a very long time.

Amazon Link
$49.96

6. TurnRaise

Where to buy
Amazon Link
TurnRaise
Amazon Link

TurnRaise makes a really solid design that is made to travel deep into the water with you and will provide you the maximum amount of lighting that these products are capable of emitting. It has a sharp design, is easy to use, and comes in at an incredibly reasonable price point.

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Design:

This model is made from military grade aluminum in a sleek black casing. To adjust the brightness level, simple press the button that is found along the side of the unit. It comes with the addition of a comfortable wrist strap that will ensure that you won’t drop it into the water while swimming.

Power:

While the description says that it emits 1,200 lumens of light, many of the past users have reported that the box that it came in states that it emits 1,000 lumens. It’s always better to err on the side of modesty, so we are assuming that this unit offers 1,000 lumens- which seems to be the highest output offered on these LED battery operated models. It is also capable of being submerged up to approximately 100 meters deep.

Value:

The cost of this unit is incredibly affordable, and like likely set you back the same amount of money that you would spend on dinner after a long day out on the water. Keep in mind, however, that batteries and charging cables are not included and will have to be purchased separately.

Summary:

For those that want something that is incredibly powerful and will be able to keep up with you during all of your underwater adventures, this will be a great addition to your trip without breaking the bank.

Amazon Link

7. Mixxar MS01

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Mixxar MS01
Amazon Link

If you are looking for something that is incredibly bright- this model is your ticket. It is perfect for using under the water in all of those dark nooks and crannies in the ocean, but it can also transition seamlessly into being a great flashlight to bring along for those night fishing trips, or camping.

Read more

Design:

This has the same simple black design of most of the other model out there on the market. It has a grooved shaft for a superior grip, and a comfortable wrist strap to ensure that you don’t accidently drop it into the water. To adjust the power emitted from this unit, simply twist the shaft closer to the bulb. It has a low, medium, and high setting.

Power:

The unit offers an impressive 1,200 lumens, making it one of the most power units out there on the market. However, it doesn’t have the capability to travel as far down as some of the others without running the risk of taking on water or malfunctioning. It utilizes an LED bulb that will last you many dives and underwater adventures. It takes one battery- which makes it pretty lightweight- and this model comes with the charging united needed to recharge it.

Value:

The cost of this unit runs pretty par for the course. It isn’t the most expensive unit out there on the market, but it isn’t the least expensive either. Considering that it comes with the batteries and charger needed to use it right out of the box, this comes in a a really great value.

Summary:

If you were in the market for something incredibly powerful that can be used under the water and well as on top of it to provide you superior lighting without breathing the bank, this is an excellent option.

Amazon Link

8. Princeton Tec Torrent

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Princeton Tec Torrent
Amazon Link

This will be a great addition for your next underwater adventure, although it will set you back a bit more than many of the other options found on this list. It is made from quality and durable materials that will likely last you a long time and sports a small and compact design.

Read more

Design:

Unlike a lot of the other models out there, this unit is offered in three different colors- blue, yellow, and black. Each design has a comfortable and adjustable wristband that ensures that you won’t drop it into the water. It has a switch along the side that makes it easy to turn it off and on.

Power:

While this don’t have the same lumens as some of the others out there on the market- this one only offers 330 lumens- it makes up for it with durability. If you are someone that really likes to swim down to some of the deepest parts of the ocean and you need a flashlight that is able to keep up alongside of you- this is the model that you will want. Users have submerged it up to 100 feet deep and didn’t suffer any malfunctions or leaking.

Value:

The price of this unit is a little bit more expensive than some of the other out there on the market- but it is also considered to be a little bit more durable. Additionally- the batteries required to operate it are included, so it will be ready to go right out of the box.

Summary:

If you need something that is tough and will be able to come along with you to illuminate all of those nooks and crevices in the ocean, this will be an excellent addition that will no let you down.

Amazon Link

9. DaskFire

Where to buy
Amazon Link
DaskFire
Amazon Link

This little guy is capable of illuminating just about anything, whether it be deep underwater, or above the water while on a fishing or camping trip. It sports a sleek design, and is really easy to use and charge- plus it’s offered at a really great price point.

Read more

Design:

The exterior frame is made from high quality aluminum alloy that is considered to be aircraft grade, and sports a titanium button. It has a durable wrist strap to eliminate the risk of dropping it and losing it in the water. What makes this unit different than many of the others out there on the market is the fact that it doesn’t require batteries. To charge it, simply unscrew the base where batteries typically go, and plug the USB port into a wall charger (that is also included). It takes about 4-6 hours to become fully charged, and can run for about 2 hours before it needs to be charged again. The downside about not using batteries is that you cannot bring extra changed batteries along with you if you want to be out on the water for more than 2 hours.

Power:

This just is just as powerful as many of the others out there on the market, and when fully charged and placed on the highest setting, it can emit 1,000 lumens of light, and has the capability of being submerged up to 100 meters. It also comes with a lot of extra features- such as additional O rings that are designed to keep water out of the interior components- as well as lubricating oil and a power charger with a long cord.

Value:

The cost of this unit is incredibly reasonable, and runs about the middle of the road in terms of many of the other similar designs out there on the market. Considering the unique charging method that doesn’t require batteries, and the use of high quality materials- you really can’t beat the price.

Summary:

If you are in the market for something that is incredibly powerful, easy to chage, and will last you a long time, this is a really great option to bring with you next time you want to explore the ocean.

Amazon Link

10. Goldenguy Cree

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Goldenguy Cree
Amazon Link

For those looking for something that is a little more versatile, the Goldenguy Cree model is an excellent design that is perfect for taking along with you on all of your underwater adventures, but is also perfect for taking with you while camping, fishing, hiking, or for just leaving in your glove box in case of an emergency.

Read more

Design:

The design of this model looks like a lot of the other models out there on the market. It has a blasic black aluminum frame that makes it lightweight and durable. To adjust the light or turn it own, simple press the button that is found along the side of the unit.

Power:

Offering an impress 1,200 lumens, this is one of the brightest models out there- which makes it perfect for deep dives, as well as many other outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, camping, or trekking. It has the capability of reaching depths that are approximately 100 meters. The bad news about this model is that it takes a 18650 rechargeable battery that isn’t included with purchase.

Value:

The cost of this unit is one of the more affordable units out there on the market. It will most likely set you back the same amount you would spend on dinner after a long and tiring day out on the water. Keep in mind, however, that you will need to purchase a battery as well as a charging dock for it before you can start using it.

Summary:

For swimmers that want something that is powerful enough to really illuminate all of those dark corners of the ocean, this is a really great deal. Plus, it is bright enough to be used just about anywhere.

Amazon Link

Sources

  1. Steve Gavin, 10 Best Dive Lights In 2019, Article