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The best rechargeable lanterns for emergencies
The Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 wins for its bright adjustable light, long low-setting runtime and hand-crank backup.
| Best overall | Best value | Cheapest that's still good | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product | Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 Lantern & USB Power Hub (Model 32010) | Black Diamond Moji R+ Lantern | AlpsWolf Rechargeable Camping Lantern |
| Price | about $80 | about $26 | about $25 |
| Why | It combines up to 600 lumens of adjustable light with a rechargeable battery, phone-charging output and a hand crank for backup charging. Reviewers found it bright and versatile enough for campsite tasks and home outages. | It offers a capable rechargeable light in a small, water-resistant package, and OutdoorGearLab listed an Amazon price of about $26 when reviewed—well below the Lighthouse 600. | Travel + Leisure tested it over six months and found it light, versatile and durable in use; the publication listed it at about $25 on Amazon. |
| Good to know | At just over a pound, it is heavier than compact lanterns, and a solar panel is sold separately. | Its smaller output is not the best choice when you need to light a large room. | Its maximum battery life may be too short for multi-day use without recharging. |
| See on Amazon | See on Amazon | See on Amazon |
picture by AIIt combines up to 600 lumens of adjustable light with a rechargeable battery, phone-charging output and a hand crank for backup charging. Reviewers found it bright and versatile enough for campsite tasks and home outages.
Good to know: At just over a pound, it is heavier than compact lanterns, and a solar panel is sold separately.
See on Amazonpicture by AIIt offers a capable rechargeable light in a small, water-resistant package, and OutdoorGearLab listed an Amazon price of about $26 when reviewed—well below the Lighthouse 600.
Good to know: Its smaller output is not the best choice when you need to light a large room.
See on Amazonpicture by AITravel + Leisure tested it over six months and found it light, versatile and durable in use; the publication listed it at about $25 on Amazon.
Good to know: Its maximum battery life may be too short for multi-day use without recharging.
See on AmazonDanilli may earn a small commission from Amazon when you buy through these buttons. The price is the same for you. Product pictures are made by Danilli's AI to show the product; check the real photos on the store page.
What matters
For outages, compare useful runtime at low and medium settings, not just maximum brightness. Keep the lantern charged, learn its controls, and remember that its USB port is not a substitute for a dedicated phone power bank.
Who this is for
These picks are for households that want rechargeable light for power cuts, storms, camping or the car. The compact Moji R+ suits smaller spaces; the Lighthouse 600 is a more capable home-and-campsite option.
The picks, one by one
Best overall: Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 Lantern & USB Power Hub (Model 32010)
It combines up to 600 lumens of adjustable light with a rechargeable battery, phone-charging output and a hand crank for backup charging. Reviewers found it bright and versatile enough for campsite tasks and home outages. The two-sided lighting lets you use less light to conserve power, and the legs fold away for storage. Its low setting is listed for up to 180 hours, while high is listed for 2.5 hours. The built-in crank can add light when USB charging is unavailable, but it is not a replacement for charging the lantern ahead of time. It is better suited to a home or car kit than a lightweight backpack.
Good to know: At just over a pound, it is heavier than compact lanterns, and a solar panel is sold separately.
See on AmazonBest value: Black Diamond Moji R+ Lantern
It offers a capable rechargeable light in a small, water-resistant package, and OutdoorGearLab listed an Amazon price of about $26 when reviewed—well below the Lighthouse 600. OutdoorGearLab measured brightness, battery life, ease of use, features and weight; its testers liked the diffused light, compact build and hanging options. Magnets and fold-out hooks make it easy to place around a campsite or room. The review notes that it is not as bright as larger lanterns, so it is best for close-up and personal-area lighting. Check the Amazon listing for the exact R+ version, since the Moji family includes other models.
Good to know: Its smaller output is not the best choice when you need to light a large room.
See on AmazonCheapest that's still good: AlpsWolf Rechargeable Camping Lantern
Travel + Leisure tested it over six months and found it light, versatile and durable in use; the publication listed it at about $25 on Amazon. It can serve as a lantern, flashlight, spotlight or red strobe, with a handle and hook for different ways to carry or hang it. The review reports up to 800 lumens and an IP65 water-resistance rating. It also notes that its maximum battery life may not last through several days of use on one charge. Choose it for a low-cost multipurpose light, not for the longest runtime or the most proven brand support.
Good to know: Its maximum battery life may be too short for multi-day use without recharging.
See on AmazonHow we chose
Reviewers compared brightness, battery life, ease of use, features and weight, with testing ranging from side-by-side evaluations to months of camping use. The AlpsWolf was used and retested over six months; the Moji R+ was assessed for brightness, battery life, usability, features and weight, inclu Danilli read the reviews and tests listed below and compared current prices; it does not take money from brands to pick a product.
Sources
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Written with Danilli's AI from the sources above and refreshed about once a month; prices change, check Amazon for today's price. Danilli may earn a small commission from Amazon when you buy through these buttons. The price is the same for you. Product pictures are made by Danilli's AI to show the product; check the real photos on the store page.