11 Best Emergency Lights Of 2024, Architect-Recommended
Melissa Hawkins is the editor-in-chief of HomeArise, a company specializing in home improvement. She has over 20 years of experience in the field, and knows what it takes to get home renovation projects done on time and budget. Melissa is a home improvement expert, who writes about kitchen remodeling, plumbing, gardening, and power tools.
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wedetso chirhah poulami nag pratibha bagdy Pratibha holds a master's degree in English from Madras University and has qualified UGC-NET. A bookworm from a young age, she devours books and digital humanities to nourish her writing projects. Pratibha began her writing career in 2018 and has experience writing formal, informal, and technical content.
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In This Article
Electricity cuts are unpredictable as they can happen anywhere, anytime. To help you manage the electricity cuts, you will need the best emergency lights. These work great when natural calamities strike, and you will not be sure when the power could be back. They are also useful when lights turn off suddenly while at home watching a movie or in the middle of chores using electric home appliances.
Emergency lights help during all emergency times and are easy to access. This list of best-selling emergency lights and a buying guide can help you pick sturdy and reliable lights according to your requirements.
Top Picks
11 Best Emergency Lights In 2024
1. Best Lightweight:Vont 4 Pack LED Camping Light
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received over 15,291 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.
This best-selling emergency lantern is not only lightweight, but its patented collapsible design makes it compact as well. You can increase or reduce the brightness by collapsing or expanding the lantern. When it is completely collapsed, it can become as small as a coffee mug and fits into your bag easily. Digital David, an avid product reviewer, says, “The lanterns themselves are IP44-rated, which means they are rated against splashes of water, so if it does get wet in the rain while camping, it should be fine. Just do not submerge these in water or shoot high-pressure jets.” It is equipped with 30 LED lights and provides 360° light coverage, making it one of the brightest emergency lights you can get your hands on. This review video showcasing a tester’s experience can help you know more about this precision-engineered product.
Pros
- 30-hour battery life
- Waterproof
- Serves as a camping lantern
- Can withstand a ten-foot drop
- Original patented design
- Made of military-grade materials
- Pack of four
Cons
- Some may not prefer the glare of the bright white light.
"The most attractive feature of these lights is their adjustable brightness and easy portability. While their performance outdoors has been impressive, I advise caution with exposure to moisture. On the whole, they have been excellent for emergencies."
2. Best Versatile:Wuben F5 Rechargeable Lantern Flashlight
Featuring a power bank option, the Wuben F5 Rechargeable Lantern Flashlight will never leave you stranded in the dark. Its magnetic ring allows easy attachment to steel surfaces. You can hook it onto a rope or hook with the S-hooks to attach it to other surfaces. Additionally, it comes with three color options–warm white, soft warm, and daylight white. YouTuber Mark Young says, “It also works as a fill light you might use for photography. It can be used as a power bank to recharge other devices.” This sturdy and durable flashlight comes with a 12-month free warranty as well.
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Compact and small flashlight
- Quick and easy to recharge
- Features adjustable brightness
Cons
- May not have a lockout mode
"The magnetic back and multiple hanging options have allowed me to use it as a camping and workstation light. Though I had to go through the manual to understand its different features, this well-crafted light has my nod for its utility and convenience."
3. Best Automatic Power-On: Eton American Red Cross Blackout Buddy Emergency LED Light
When there is a power outage, the first thing we do is look for an emergency light. However, in the darkness, it’s not an easy feat. This flashlight turns on automatically when there is a power failure. You simply have to plug it in your wall socket, and it also comes with a rechargeable battery. AlaskaGranny from the AlaskaGranny says, “It has that little eye that detects darkness, so it will automatically turn on when it is dark and off when there is light.” To learn more about this flashlight, check out this review and testing video on YouTube.
Pros
- Fits in your palm
- Bright LED flashlight
- Fold-up prongs
- Comes with a night light button
Cons
- Rechargeable battery keeps it powered for only four hours.
"Its clever swivel design allows me to use it in different outlet configurations without blocking adjacent plugs. While a wide beam would have enhanced its coverage, the lights effectively double as nightlights and handheld flashlights. Hence, they get my approval."
Quick tipVont 4 Pack LED Camping Light Best Lightweight | Wuben F5 Rechargeable Lantern Flashlight Best Versatile | American Red Cross Blackout Buddy Emergency LED Light Best Automatic Power-On | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Items | 4 | - | - |
| Material | Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) | Abs | - |
| Color | Black | Gray | Red. |
| Weight | 0.5 Pounds | 6.7 ounces | 10.5 ounces |
| Dimensions LxWxH | 3.4 x 3.4 x 4.8 inches | - | - |
| Dimensions | - | 4.8 x 2.28 x 4.8 inches | - |
| Number of Batteries | - | 1 A batteries required | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 15,291 | 12 | 54 |
| Price | $27.99 | $31.99 | $19.67 |
4. Best Illumination:Gold Armour Portable Emergency Lights
If you are searching for the best emergency lantern, this LED lantern will not disappoint you. Equipped with cutting-edge COB technology, this safety light illuminates an area at least 10 times more than a regular LED lantern. Although each lantern has an output of 500 Lumens, they deserve to be added to your emergency kit as they emit a warm light without hurting your eyes.
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Hand-built
- Collapsible design
- Batteries included
- Pack of 4 lanterns
- Ideal source of light when camping
Cons
- Some may find the warm light too dim.
"I have tried numerous lights, and none of them have provided the kind of illumination this one does. However, the included batteries were a letdown. Nonetheless, switching the batteries with high-quality ones has allowed me to use all its features easily."
5. Best Flood Lights:Sunco Lighting Emergency Lights
The Sunco Lighting emergency backup lights are designed to turn on automatically during a blackout with the help of its backup battery. These ultra-efficient emergency floodlights can be easily mounted on a wall or ceiling, and you can safely install them at schools, offices, and other places. In addition, the extra-bright flood lights turn on when the power goes out, ensuring the exit paths are lit up during an emergency.
Pros
- Swiveling heads offer maximum visibility
- Compact design
- 180 minutes of battery backup
- Fire-resistant
- 50.000 hours lifetime
Cons
- May not be equipped with a motion sensor
- May not meet OSHA requirements
"Switching to these LED emergency lights has been a smart move due to their sleek design and all-around illumination. Aligning them properly during the installation process was a bit challenging. However, their performance has been consistent."
6. Best Rechargeable Light:Amerelle LED Power Failure Emergency Lights For Home
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 1,166 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.
It is important to stay prepared for any situation, and this power failure emergency light will help you stay calm and composed. By keeping this device plugged into your wall outlet, you will immediately be alerted if there is a power outage as the front panel lights up. This widely tested and trusted rechargeable light emits a red glow at all times to indicate that the power is on, and that it is fully charged.
Pros
- Lasts for eight hours when fully charged
- Can be used as handheld torchlight
- 3000k white light
- Energy efficient
- Set of two devices
Cons
- The red light may disturb some when they are trying to sleep.
"This light has been a reliable option during power outages as it automatically switches on and provides ample illumination. Although I had expected it to be brighter, the light has still been a worthwhile purchase due to its dual functionality."
7. Best Versatile:AGPTEK Solar Emergency Light
One of the most distinguishable features that sets this light apart from other emergency power outage lights is the fact that it can be used in five ways. It features a solar panel, comes with a crank dynamo, can be charged with either a car adapter or an AC adapter, and also runs on three AAA batteries. This means that you never have to stay in the dark, making it one of the most functional sources of light for power outage scenarios. The hand crank also generates power to charge your phone via a USB port, converting it into a portable power station.
Pros
- Super bright light mode for 12 hours
Bright light mode for 20 hours - Powerful LED light
- Sturdy handle
Cons
- The solar-powered light is not weather-proof.
"I recommend this solar light for its performance and versatile charging options. Although a bit slow, it can even charge my phone. Its ability to stay on all night and its travel-friendly design has made it the perfect addition to my travel gear."
Quick fact8. Best Lightweight:Ivation Rechargeable Emergency Light
This three-in-one emergency light acts as a nightlight, an emergency flashlight, and also a flashing strobe. With this premium light, you never have to worry about replacing the LED bulbs as it can shine on for more than 100,000 hours. This emergency strobe light also comes with a three-way switch to turn the light on or off or keep it at the auto setting. The flashlight is equipped with six LED bulbs, and when it is perched on the base, a powerful lithium-ion battery charges it.
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Battery-powered emergency flashlight
- Lasts nine hours on a single charge
- Rotating mechanism in the base
- It automatically turns on during a power outage.
Cons
- If there is a problem with the base, the light can’t be charged.
"Investing in this emergency light has made power outages less of a hassle. Charging the unit does require a bit of caution due to its unique design. However, its multiple installation options and ability to serve as a flashlight more than compensate for that minor issue."
9. Best Battery Life:Ideal Security Emergency Power Failure Light
One of the best bright emergency lights that boast of long battery life, this one is equipped with 12 ultra-efficient 0.05W LED light bulbs. It can last for up to 40 hours with one lamp on, and 20 hours with two lamps on a single charge. You can plug the light into any electrical outlet and forget about messy wires. It also comes with a nightlight mode that emits a warm and soft light.
Pros
- Two lighting modes
- Removable AC adapter
- Built-in carrying handle
- Adjustable heads
Cons
- Some may find the light bulky.
"The highlight of this light has been its ability to provide bright illumination even on the lowest settings. Its night mode felt too bright, but changing the direction of the lights with its swivel feature resolved this issue. Plus, the wiring-free system made installation easy."
Quick tip10. Best For Easy Installation:Torchstar LED Emergency Lighting
If you’re looking for an easy-to-install emergency light, this petite yet powerful emergency lighting device is what you need. Its unique power-saving option turns on only during a shutdown at night owing to its dawn/dusk sensor. The ‘test’ button gives you a quick demo of how the two square heads work during an emergency. This high-end device is UL-listed and comes with a two-year warranty.
Pros
- Compact square heads
- 90 minutes of emergency lighting
- Mounting hardware and accessories included
- Two voltage levels
Cons
- May be a bit flimsy
"Having used this light for some time, I can vouch for its dependable nature and ease of installation. Its plastic body, though, could have been sturdier. However, its brightness levels have been impressive."
11. Best Waterproof:LED Energy Plus Battery Operated Emergency Light
One of the best features of this emergency light is that it is covered with superior-quality plastic that protects it from rain and even snow. This source of light is ideal for emergency preparedness and is equipped with a built-in rechargeable battery that can power the light for 90 minutes after a power outage.
Pros
- Water-proof
- Dual-voltage battery-powered light
- Bright LED light bulbs
- Charge indicator
Cons
- It is not easy to install.
"This emergency’s light battery life has been its most impressive feature. Though the lack of modular wiring made the installation process tricky, its ability to provide light for hours makes the hassle worth it. Plus, the weather-resistant cover is a bonus."
How To Choose The Right Emergency Lights?
Here are a few ways to ensure that you are purchasing the best emergency light:
1. Materials: An emergency light, as the name suggests, is one of the most critical things during an emergency situation like a power outage. This means that you have to find something that is made of military-grade materials and will last you a lifetime. Emergency lights are also used for outdoor activities and double as camping lanterns, so choose a weather-proof and water-resistant light.
2. Size: The smaller the emergency light, the easier it will be to use it and hold it in your hands. However, when buying a compact and lightweight light, don’t compromise on the brightness.
3. Battery Life: Whether you are purchasing a rechargeable light or one that runs on external batteries, make sure that it offers at least a few hours of light. Always keep spare batteries at home too.
4. Locking Handle: Although this may seem like an insignificant feature, it is quite a useful one. A locking handle is convenient during an emergency, and you can also hang it up during camping trips, or in your backyard.
5. Brightness: Depending on how bright you would like your emergency light, choose one with a lumen output that you feel is ideal for you. To put things into perspective, a four-Watt LED bulb is roughly around 200-300 lumens.
Every home needs an emergency light, but narrowing down on one can be a hard task. Most people often wonder which one they should buy and what are the features they should look out for. If you too are on the same boat, we hope that this article has been a useful guide. Let us know in the comments if any of these emergency lights impressed you and why.
Melissa Hawkins, an interior designer with over 20 years of experience, says, “Some lights are easy to install and require no maintenance, while others may be more difficult to install and require regular maintenance (such as changing batteries). Also, in an emergency situation, you may not have time or be able to figure out how to operate complex equipment. Choose emergency lights that are easy to use and require minimal setup time.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does the battery of emergency lights last?
That would depend on the model and brightness mode you opt for. On average, on a single charge, most emergency lights could last for 90 minutes to 12 hours on the brightest mode and emit up to 20 hours of light on the lowest mode.
2. How should I charge rechargeable emergency lights?
Most emergency lights come with a USB cord and AC adaptor that can be used to recharge the batteries. A few can also be charged with a car adaptor.
3. What is an automatic LED emergency light?
As the name suggests, automatic LED emergency lights are those that light up on their own as soon as there’s a power outage. To enable this, the light needs to remain plugged into a wall power socket.
4. Can emergency lights be plugged in?
That depends on the type of emergency light. Most automatic or sensory ones can be plugged into the wall power socket directly, while others can be plugged in via a USB cord or AC adapter.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Wedesto Chirhah specializes in reviewing electronic products, and he recommends good-quality products that meet the customers’ needs after analyzing numerous user reviews. In this post, he has compiled a list of the best emergency lights and mentioned their specifications, such as battery life, waterproofing, degree of illumination, and design. He has also mentioned the pros and cons of each product and the available quantity to help you make an informed decision.
The Bottom Line
Managing things during a power cut can be daunting, especially when you do not have an emergency light at home. If you are looking for the best emergency light, the above list will be handy as it was shortlisted after thorough research and evaluating numerous customer reviews across various online platforms. It includes the waterproof Vont 4 Pack LED Camping Light, the Gold Armour Portable Emergency Lights with COB technology, and the energy-efficient Amerelle LED Power Failure Emergency Lights. Pick the one that emits ample light you require. Some lights might be too bright for you, and some can be too dim. Also, you might not know how long a power cut will last, so pick a high-performance emergency light with good power capacity.
Infographic: Know About Various Emergency Lighting Systems
Emergency lights help show you the path in darkness during power outages. However, these days, various systems are available to meet your requirements. To know more about the different types of emergency lighting systems, check out the below infographics in detail. Illustration: The Bridal Box Design Team
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