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Best Emergency Lights
Now if you have thought about this before then you most likely already have an emergency light. However, if you are looking to purchase a couple to put around your house to be prepared for any future emergency, then you have come to the right place. Scouring the web trying to find the best emergency light sources for your home can be overwhelming as there are so many options. Let us shine some light on your purchase options with our review of the top ten emergency lights.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Potency
If you have come here today looking for an emergency light, then you probably are seeking one that can deliver an optimal amount of light for you. Typically, you will need an emergency light that illuminates meters upon meters of land. But, you still want it to provide you with enough light as that is the entire point. A good reference for you is the lumen output that the light has. This is the metric that is used to determine the measure of visible light that a product can produce. Clearly, the higher the lumens the brighter the light but the intensity can also come in to play.
Would you rather have an intense beam of light or 360 degrees of light? Better yet, how about a light that allows for both? Also, how about the lighting modes that light has? You may not always want to use it on its highest setting so having the options for low and strobe, for example, can be beneficial. In addition, this can also allow you to maximize the battery life. Lastly, it is no coincidence that the emergency lights documented above utilize LED bulbs as they have clear advantages in durability, energy efficiency, and lifespan.
Features
Any type of light will live and die by its pure performance as a light source. Thus, making the previous section arguably the most important out of this entire guide. However, with that being said, there is much more than goes into emergency lights. For starters, how about the types of additional design features that are integrated into them? A good example of a common design feature and one that can be extremely beneficial for you is a low-battery indicator light.
It can really be as simple as the indicator light changing from green to red when the battery gets low. Of course, more sophisticated models may have indicators for high battery, medium battery, low battery, and dangerously low battery. Without this, you will have no indication of how much longer your light can be powered. But, some emergency lights will be designed to automatically turn on when they either detect motion or the power goes out. These are two nice, albeit non-mandatory, features to have.
Durability
When you are gathering products and items to help you be further prepared for an emergency, you are probably not going to use them right away. In addition, when an emergency does strike, you want your equipment to be reliable. What are both of these points getting at? It is simple; you will want a light source that is durable and well-built. How do you ensure this happens? The first aspect you should analyze is if you accidentally drop the light, will it become damaged?
For example, if the light is designed with anodized aluminum and protected with an impact-resistant tempered glass, it will probably withstand your drop (depending on the severity). But, if it is constructed with cheap plastic, it may crack or even break. Next, its tolerability to water is also important. In some situations, you may need to use a light source in the pouring rain. Ensuring that your current light is sealed to be waterproof or at least designed to resist water is vital. Finally, you can also assess its portability and if it can be collapsed for easier transport.
Battery Life
There is more than one way to skin a cat and that expression personifies some emergency lights. In other words, some models will be designed with the ability to be powered by more than one power source. As an example, a light may have a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and when this runs low on battery, it may have an additional compartment for AA batteries. This then provides you with a backup power source. Speaking of which, there are different power sources that you can look out for.
Besides the two that were just mentioned, solar energy is also very popular. With this type of power, you do not need to store batteries and simply need the rays of the sun. Of course, the downside to this is you can’t charge the light if the sun does not come out of hiding (if it is the only power source). Yet, perhaps none of this matters if the battery life is not sufficient. Prioritizing a light source that has a more efficient battery may be in the cards, as well.
Top Ten Emergency Lights
1. Coleman Lantern
This is another unique design and instead of needing power from batteries or the sun, this dual-fuel lantern from Coleman can be run off of either Coleman liquid fuel (which is white gas) or unleaded gasoline. Then, to start, all it takes is a quick match strike.
Read moreLighting Capabilities
While you do have control of the brightness, thanks to the adjustable control knob on the front of the lantern, the maximum output this can achieve is 700 lumens of light.
Design Features
After you have poured your choice of fuel source into the tank, all you need to do to power it is to use a quick match strike.
Physical Construction
No assembly is required with this lantern and it actually comes with a hard carry case, which is a nice bonus. As for the design, it features all-season technology making it suitable for operation under any weather condition. But, the glass globe can be susceptible to breaking.
Power Sources
As mentioned earlier, the choice is yours from either unleaded gasoline or Coleman fuel (although the latter is more efficient). Using one gallon of fuel should net you over five hours of light on high and over 13 hours on low.
Versatility
One could simply set this on any sturdy surface as it is a lantern. However, thanks to the bail handle, it is also feasible to hang this up to provide a wider illumination.
Overall
The fact that this utilizes fuel instead of batteries will either appeal to you or appall you. But, just know that no matter what your preference is on this there is enough quality to warrant an investment.
2. MPowerd Luci Solar
Who needs to worry about batteries when you have the power of solar energy? The Solar Light from MPOWERD is indeed powered by the energy from the sun and while it takes a decent amount of time to build up its charge, it is loaded with convenience.
Read moreLighting Capabilities
There are a total of 10 LEDs inside of this solar light. However, it is up to you how the light is outputted. There are modes for bright, super bright and one-second flashing.
Design Features
Right next to the solar panel, you will see a battery level indicator. This allows you to monitor the battery level so you know exactly when you need more power from the sunlight.
Physical Construction
The construction of this solar light is one of its bright spots, no pun intended. When it is not collapsed and is functional, it is both durable and waterproof. However, when not in use, it can collapse down flat to one inch.
Power Sources
Only the sun is needed to charge this device. The downside to this, clearly, is without the sun there is no way to charge it up making it ideal to charge beforehand when you do have access to the sun. It takes around seven hours to charge and can last up to 12 hours.
Versatility
Indeed, this is perfect for emergency situations but it could even be used as a terrific light source for your garden, for camping, barbecues, and deck.
Overall
The naysayers out there will point to the issues of the long charging time and the lack of being able to charge the light without the sun. Granted, these are fair issues to bring up but when you look at the product as a whole, the good far outweighs the bad.
3. Streamlight Protac
Streamlight is a well-known manufacturer when it comes to flashlights and lanterns. They have designed some of the best models in the world and their ProTac 2L Flashlight is possibly the best product they have ever produced.
Read moreLighting Capabilities
Three different modes can be chosen from, high, low, and strobe, and each can better accommodate a certain situation. On high, you are provided with 260 lumens of light and on low, this drops down to 13 lumens.
Design Features
A nice feature is the multi-functional push-button that allows you to operate this flashlight with only one hand. However, an issue that can’t be ignored is the lack of a low-battery indicator.
Physical Construction
Good luck damaging this flashlight. Being built with an impact-resistant tempered glass lens and anodized aluminum, making it impervious to shock, it is beyond durable. In addition, it is O-ring sealed and waterproof per IPX7 standards.
Power Sources
Included with your purchase are two lithium-ion batteries that are required to power this flashlight. On high, they could run for three straight hours. But, using the low or strobe settings can get you up to 50 hours and 6 hours, respectively.
Versatility
Due to the heavy-duty construction, this is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Yet, it is a flashlight and is primarily optimized for handheld use.
Overall
This light may not be able to illuminate an entire room but due to its durability and convenience, it can become a necessity in times where light is not an option.
4. Oxyled Flashlight
Another flashlight is up and to be blunt about it, it is built like an absolute beast. Due to its heavy-duty construction and water-resistance, this can handle any type of adventure that you take it on which can be ideal for emergencies.
Read moreLighting Capabilities
At its maximum, this flashlight can reach 500 lumens of light. Every situation may not require that much power, though, and that is why there are five different lighting modes to select from.
Design Features
When you turn off this tactical flashlight and turn it on again, the system remembers the last lighting mode it was on. Past this, the integrated lithium-ion battery has built-in protection from overcharging.
Physical Construction
The word tactical is more than apropos for this flashlight. It has an anti-abrasive coating, water-resistant level of IPX6, and a premium hard-anodized and aircraft-grade alloy build.
Power Sources
If the integrated rechargeable lithium-ion battery runs out, you can also power this with three AAA batteries. The latter may be necessary as at 1800 mAh, the included battery is fairly weak.
Versatility
Whether you want to use this indoors or outdoors, it is built to withstand both. But, past being used as a handheld, it does not do much else.
Overall
As soon as you hold this flashlight in your hands, you will begin to understand how indestructible it feels. The included lithium-ion battery could have been better but with the option for AAA batteries, you can look past this.
5. Streamlight Siege
Streamlight has made their way back onto this list and it did not take too long. This time, their Siege Lantern is under the spotlight and even though some users have complained about a poor battery life, it is well-received as a whole.
Read moreLighting Capabilities
With the reflector, this lantern is able to create an intense beam of light with a maximum output of 200 lumens. To maximize the battery life in a true emergency situation, there is a night vision mode. Also, in total, there are five different lighting modes.
Design Features
Built into the on and off switch is a battery level indicator. When the batteries are nearly dead, the light will start flashing red. Additionally, the recessed power button prevents accidental activation.
Physical Construction
Streamlight does not mess around when constructing their lights. This specific lantern is made with corrosion-resistant and abrasion-resistant anodized aircraft aluminum. Plus, it is waterproof and can be submerged in depths of one meter.
Power Sources
This has been designed to operate with the power of three D batteries. Yet, as a few reviewers have brought up, the battery life is not great and on high, a maximum of three hours is the best you will get.
Versatility
Streamlight designed this lantern with an outer globe and it can be removed. When you do remove it, you can then presume to hang the body upside down from the D-rings.
Overall
If you stumble across a light that has been manufactured by Streamlight, you know that it has been designed with the utmost quality, generally speaking. Their Siege Lantern is built like a tank and loaded with design features.
6. AYL Starlight
The AYL Starlight Lantern deserves recognition for its performance alone. Add on to it the fact that it has plastic molding and rubber for maximum water-resistance, and it becomes clear that this is one of the best products of its kind.
Read moreLighting Capabilities
As most high-quality lights on the market, this lantern utilizes LED bulbs for its lighting. There are three different modes you can switch through (low, high and strobe) and at its peak, it can output 600 lumens of light.
Design Features
To ensure you never lose this lantern, there is an integrated green LED indicator. In addition to this, a removable convex reflector cap comes with this lantern to provide 360-degree lighting. When removed, enhanced focus lighting can be achieved.
Physical Construction
Because this design is reinforced with both plastic and rubber molding, it is able to maintain a water-resistant exterior. Also, the exterior is shockproof.
Power Sources
Utilizing a single set of three D batteries, this is advertised to run for six full days. Clearly, do not expect to run this lantern on high for that long.
Versatility
Thanks to the hook that is implemented at the bottom of this lantern, it is simple and hassle-free to set it up in virtually any place.
Overall
While not everything is as good as it seems, with reported issues of sturdiness and a stubborn battery compartment, the lighting capabilities and sustained performance of the StarLight will appeal to any and all people.
7. Agptek Solar
Lanterns, in and of themselves, are great for emergencies. However, what makes this specific lantern stand out is its five different charging methods. As such, you should never be left without a feasible means of powering this lantern.
Read moreLighting Capabilities
There are two integrated brightness modes and each can adapt to different situations. You have a bright mode, which is ideal for normal use, and a super bright mode for times where you need more light.
Design Features
Specific lights will indicate the current battery level of the lantern. Also, there is a USB charging port that allows you to charge your USB-enabled devices.
Physical Construction
The main portion of this lantern is made from black ABS plastic, while the light housing is designed from chrome plastic. Finally, there is a matte texture finish.
Power Sources
Unbelievably enough, you have five different charging methods that you can use for powering this device. Either via solar energy, the integrated crank, a car adapter, an AC adapter, or with three AA batteries, you can power this lantern.
Versatility
AGPtek designed a handle on top of their lantern and this easily allows you to hang it from above.
Overall
Even if you had no other means of charging this, you could power it with the hand crank. The ability to have five different charging methods is worth admission alone, there is no doubt.
8. Etekcity LED
There is a reason why so many users have raved about their experiences with the Etekcity LED Lantern. It is not only capable of delivering a high-output of light but it can also withstand moderate abuse and collapse for storage.
Read moreLighting Capabilities
Every side and angle of this lantern is illuminated with LED bulbs providing you with 360 degrees of luminous light. All in all, there are 30 LED bulbs to deliver brightness.
Design Features
While this lantern is not loaded with design features, when you pull up on the handles the lantern will turn on. If pulled up completely, you are then provided with 360 degrees of light.
Physical Construction
Etekcity designed this with durability in mind and that is clearly evident when you address the military-grade exterior. It is built to withstand abuse but for more practicality, it is also water-resistant.
Power Sources
This runs off of three AA batteries and they are included with your purchase. As far as runtime, it is designed to deliver maximum brightness for eight hours and then low brightness for four hours.
Versatility
As soon as you glance at an image of this lantern, it becomes apparent how easy it is to hang it up. Or, if you want, it can easily sit on a table. Also, when you are not using it, its collapsible design takes up less space.
Overall
This lantern may not initially strike you as one that is so masterfully designed but when you begin to analyze all its features and benefits, you will begin to understand. In fact, it is just about perfect for anything you can think of.
9. Amerelle Slimline Lite
This next emergency light is almost a hybrid of different types of lights. It can be used as a flashlight, as illumination while it is plugged in, and features an incredible battery life.
Read moreLighting Capabilities
Using LED lights on both the top and the front, this will power on as soon as the power goes out. You can utilize both lighting methods once the unit has been unplugged from the wall.
Design Features
The most noteworthy feature of this LED light is that once the power goes out, this will automatically turn on when it is plugged into the wall.
Physical Construction
As one user pointed out, the illustration of this light may not be what it actually is. Unfortunately, they mention how the build quality feels rather cheap and that there is too much plastic.
Power Sources
Clearly, this is one of the highlights of the Slimline Lite. It has a built-in NiMH battery that can be charged via a wall outlet. On a full charge, you can easily get up to 24 hours of battery life.
Versatility
Versatility is what this light is all about as not only can it be used as a light source as it is plugged in but it can also be utilized as a standalone flashlight.
Overall
In a perfect world, the build quality of the Slimline Lite would have been improved. Beggars can’t be choosers, though, so you must live with it. But, it is made easier because of the sensational battery life and features.
10. Avalon LED
Despite some design flaws that prevent it from ascending any higher on this list, the Avalon LED Flashlight is not your standard flashlight. It is not only a motion sensor, detecting movement and then powering on, but also highly versatile because of its integrated front and top LED lights.
Read moreLighting Capabilities
With integrated lights on both the front and the top, an optimal amount of brightness and lighting is provided for you.
Design Features
Even though various users have questioned its accuracy, motion sensor technology is designed into this device. Once it detects movement, it will automatically power on.
Physical Construction
Due to its lightweight nature and rounded shape, it fits comfortably in your hand. Additionally, the shell is made up of white and silver plastic.
Power Sources
You need to utilize the docking station to charge this LED flashlight. Unfortunately, some reviewers have claimed that the battery life leaves a lot to be desired.
Versatility
When it is out of its base, the integrated lights on the top allow it to be used as a flashlight. However, there are also 15 LED light bulbs on the front making it suitable to work as a nightlight.
Overall
Some design flaws aside, this is a solid way to cap off this impressive list of emergency lights. It may not be the best but when you need it the most, it will deliver the goods.
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