In the last 3 years, we have tested over 20 camping lanterns in an effort to find out the best options. In our latest review, we went through 15 options, conducted various rigorous side-by-side tests, and finally came to this rounded-up list of 9 brightest camping lanterns.
Here are the brightest camping lanterns (Nov 2024 Update):
- Best Overall (Electric Camping Lanterns): LE LED Camping Lantern, Battery Powered LED
- Best For Large Area (Electric Camping Lanterns): AYL LED Camping Lantern
- Most Durable (Electric Camping Lanterns): AlpsWolf Camping Lantern 800lms
- Best Overall (Fuel Camping Lanterns): Coleman Northstar Propane Lantern
- Best For A Cozy Feeling (Fuel Camping Lanterns): Coleman Gas Lantern | 1000 Lumens Deluxe Propane Lantern
- Best For Extended Camping Trips (Fuel Camping Lanterns): Coleman QuickPack Deluxe
- Best Overall (Solar Camping Lanterns): LuminAID Solar Inflatable Lanterns | Great for Camping
- Most Durable (Solar Camping Lanterns): SUAOKI Led Camping Lanterns for Lighting
- Best For Large Area (Solar Camping Lanterns): TANSOREN 5 IN 1 Solar USB Rechargeable 3 AA Power Brightest COB LED
| 9 Brightest Camping Lanterns | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | LE LED Camping Lantern, Battery Powered LED
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Best For Large Area | AYL LED Camping Lantern
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Most Durable | AlpsWolf Camping Lantern 800lms
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Best Overall | Coleman Northstar Propane Lantern
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Best For A Cozy Feeling | Coleman Gas Lantern | 1000 Lumens Deluxe Propane Lantern
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Best For Extended Camping Trips | Coleman QuickPack Deluxe
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Best Overall | LuminAID Solar Inflatable Lanterns | Great for Camping
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Most Durable | SUAOKI Led Camping Lanterns for Lighting
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Best For Large Area | TANSOREN 5 IN 1 Solar USB Rechargeable 3 AA Power Brightest COB LED
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Best Overall (Electric Camping Lanterns): LE LED Camping Lantern, Battery Powered LED
- Long runtime – 12-25 hours
- Able to adjust the color temperature – four lighting modes
- Durable – IPX4 waterproof rating
- Reliable – backed by a 2-year warranty
- No batteries included in the package
The LE LED Camping Lantern is IPX4 waterproof rated, and its brightness is 1000 lumens, which is perfect for camping.
It is powered by three D batteries for a max runtime of 25 hours, depending on the lighting mode as well as the color temperature you choose. There are four: flash mode (1000 lumens), cool white (1000 lumens), warm white (300 lumens), and cool white (700 lumens).
All are simply adjusted through a switch.
It comes with two hooks for easy hanging anywhere you want and is backed by a two-year warranty.
| LE LED Camping Lantern, Battery Powered LED Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 3.5 * 3.5 * 7.2 in |
Brightness | 1000LM |
Runtime | 12-25 hours |
Highlight Features | The runtime of 12-25 hours four lighting modes IPX4 waterproof rating backed by a 2-year warranty |
For the price, we hardly find anything out there that can beat the LE LED Camping Lantern. It’s the best overall performer here!
Best For Large Area (Electric Camping Lanterns): AYL LED Camping Lantern
- Ultra-bright with adjustments – the brightness of 1800lm, 4 lighting modes, a dimmable function, and an on/off switch
- Versatile & can be used in further/closer quarters with good brightness – removable glare-reducing milky print cover
- Last a lot longer than other counterparts – runtime of 72 hours
- A bit tricky to install batteries
- The power button could be more quality
If you want something ultra-large and also can last a lot longer, this option is worth considering. While its brightness is 1800 lumens, the runtime is up to 72 hours. Besides, the construction is very durable – waterproof IPX5 rating and a slip-proof handle.
What we like the most is its control, including not only four lighting modes (flash mode, warm light, daylight, and both) but also an On/Off switch and a dimmable function.
Another notable thing is its detachable glare-reducing milky print cover for more focused lighting, which comes in handy to use in closer quarters.
| AYL LED Camping Lantern Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 4 inches in diameter and 7.75 inches high |
Brightness | 1800LM |
Runtime | 72 hours |
Highlight Features | the brightness of 1800lm, 4 lighting modes, a dimmable function, and an on/off switch removable glare-reducing milky print cover the runtime of 72 hours |
For large camping areas, look no further than the AYL LED Camping Lantern.
Most Durable (Electric Camping Lanterns): AlpsWolf Camping Lantern 800lms
- Durable – waterproof and drop proof materials
- Ideal for small areas and short-term use, both indoor and outdoor – the brightness of 800lm and runtime of 6 hours
- Able to charge your electronic devices - a 4000mAh rechargeable
- Unable to be used as an emergency light
The reason why our testers decided to choose this lantern as the most durable option is its IPX4 waterproof rating, military-grade materials for 1000+ times of drop tests.
According to the manufacturer, it’s still able to function well during earthquake, tornado, or hurricane rain. Besides, it’s backed by a 24-month warranty along with a 24/7 customer service.
Talking about its brightness, this lantern delivers 800lm and a runtime of 6 hours, which is ideal for outdoor/indoor use in a small area (around 1148 feet) within short terms.
We like that it includes two 18650 lithium-ion batteries as well as a 4000mAh rechargeable that can be used as a contemporary power bank for your smartphones or other electronics. Besides, it has two hooks and a handle for extra convenience.
| AlpsWolf Camping Lantern 800lms Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 8.00 millimeters x 8.00 millimeters x 176.00 millimeters |
Brightness | 800lm |
Runtime | 5 - 6 hrs. |
Highlight Features | waterproof and droproof materials the brightness of 800lm and runtime of 6 hours a 4000mAh rechargeable |
Highlighting military-grade and waterproof materials along with a good warranty, the AlpsWolf Camping Lantern is on top of the chart for its superb durability.
Best Overall (Fuel Camping Lanterns): Coleman Northstar Propane Lantern
- Super-bright with adjustable lighting – the brightness of 1500lm & two modes
- Light with no matches required – push-button ignition
- Ensure stable performance in extreme conditions - pressure-cold regulator technology
- Expensive
- Emit loud humming/ringing noise
- Wish the ignition switch spark worked better
When it comes to fuel camping lanterns, our testers consistently choose Coleman as our destination because of their decent reliability, quality, and performance that no other options can’t reach.
Each of your purchases from Coleman will be under an industry-leading 3-year or 5-year limited warranty.
With this option, it stands out for the 1500lm brightness, which can cast light up to 92 feet while the runtime range is from 9 hours (at low mode) to 4 hours (at high mode).
Making it truly outstanding is the push-button ignition for matchless lighting and pressure-cold regulator technology for stable performance, especially in cold weather.
Regardless, it has many general features that most other Coleman lanterns also have. Such as insta-clip #95, collapsible footed base, high-temp tolerance glass globe, and porcelain-coated two-tier ventilator.
| Coleman Northstar Propane Lantern Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 8.7 x 9.2 x 12.8 inches |
Brightness | 1500 lumens |
Runtime | 4-9 hours |
Highlight Features | the brightness of 1500lm & two modes push-button ignition pressure-cold regulator technology |
Out of the three fuel camping lantern options, Coleman Deluxe PerfectFlow is the best overall.
Best For A Cozy Feeling (Fuel Camping Lanterns): Coleman Gas Lantern | 1000 Lumens Deluxe Propane Lantern
- Create a nice cozy feeling – warm white glow
- Easy to hold or hang somewhere – a bail handle
- Require matches for lighting
This Coleman option gives you 1000lm of brightness at 75.5 feet and a runtime of 7.5 hours.
Unlike the previous sibling, this one requires matches for lighting but a big bonus is its consistent performance no matter of the weather considers, all thanks to its pressure-control technology.
The warm white glow is good for those campers, like couples, who love creating cozy feeling at night.
Regardless, it comes with a bail handle for convenient hanging as well as easy carrying.
| Coleman Gas Lantern | 1000 Lumens Deluxe Propane Lantern Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 7.81 x 6.25 x 11.31 inches |
Brightness | 1000lm |
Runtime | 7.5 hours |
Highlight Features | warm white glow a bail handle |
The Coleman Gas Lantern, while delivering enough brightness to cast light up to 75.5 feet, is outstanding for its cozy-feeling warm white glow. A perfect choice for couples!
Best For Extended Camping Trips (Fuel Camping Lanterns): Coleman QuickPack Deluxe
- Offer incredible and consistent light at anytime and any condition - EverBrite Power combining with the PerfectFlow System
- Easy to start lighting - InstaStart Push-Button Ignition
- Reliable – backed by a 5-year limited warranty
- The case is not the higher quality plastic
- The igniter could function better
The Coleman QuickPack Deluxe impresses us with its recorded 5-year limited warranty, which ensures the quality.
Along with that, it offers 967lm on high mode, lasting up to 7.75 hours but you can totally adjust its dimness for the desired lighting. The added EverBrite Power combining with the PerfectFlow System plays a huge role in its incredible and consistent light at any time and any condition.
A big bonus for its InstaStart Push-Button Ignition, which is easy to start lighting with no matches needed.
| Coleman QuickPack Deluxe Specifications | |
|---|---|
Brightness | 967 lumens |
Runtime | 7.75-hr. |
Highlight Features | EverBrite Power combining with the PerfectFlow System InstaStart Push-Button Ignition backed by a 5-year limited warranty |
With careful consideration, we find the Coleman QuickPack Deluxe to be best for extended camping trips. It’s ultra-durable, easy to use, and moderately bright with stable performance.
Best Overall (Solar Camping Lanterns): LuminAID Solar Inflatable Lanterns | Great for Camping
- Versatile and convenient to recharge it – two ways, USB or solar power
- Long runtime for different usages – runtime ranging within 6-48 hours
- Durable - dustproof, shatterproof, and waterproof IP67 rating
- Simple storage - collapsible and inflatable construction
- No loop to hang it somewhere
LuminAID Solar Inflatable Lanterns, out of the box, are the lightest, most versatile, and durable option. It features three power supply mode with brightness ranging from 12-50 lumens, along with a runtime of 6-48 hours. No extra batteries required!
It can be recharged in two convenient ways (USB – under 2 hours of charging time, or solar – 10 hours of charging time), which functions well on all kinds of weather.
It is durable, highlighting dustproof, shatterproof, and waterproof IP67 rating.
Plus, it’s convenient for storage thanks to the collapsible and inflatable construction.
| LuminAID Solar Inflatable Lanterns | Great for Camping Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 4.75" x 4.75" x 4.75" |
Brightness | 12-50 lumens |
Runtime | 6-8 hours (at high mode) 36-48 hours (at flashing mode) |
Highlight Features | two ways, USB or solar power runtime ranging within 6-48 hours dustproof, shatterproof, and waterproof IP67 rating collapsible and inflatable construction |
If you’re finding the brightest solar camping lantern, try this option.
Most Durable (Solar Camping Lanterns): SUAOKI Led Camping Lanterns for Lighting
- Durable & convenient to use - foldable, portable, and compact construction
- Multifunctional – able to work as a power bank for your electronic devices
- Affordable
- The accordion type folding section is a bit cheap feeling
We assure you that hardly other counterparts out there could give you such exceptional durability as this SUAOKI lantern, especially at this competitive pricing.
While priced only around $17, this option highlights its flexible form that can be adjusted to any particular space to suit your demand. It’s foldable, portable, and heavy-duty, along with three lighting modes and multifunctional design.
Why multifunctional?
It not only works as a regular solar-powered lantern but also a power bank for your electronic devices, due to its convenient USB output port.
| SUAOKI Led Camping Lanterns for Lighting Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 98 x 96 x 55 mm |
Brightness | 25-65lm |
Runtime | 5-10 hours |
Highlight Features | foldable, portable, and compact construction able to work as a power bank for your electronic devices |
For those who are seeking the most durable camping lantern with decent brightness, we suggest the SUAOKI.
Best For Large Area (Solar Camping Lanterns): TANSOREN 5 IN 1 Solar USB Rechargeable 3 AA Power Brightest COB LED
- Offer its top-notch brightness, durability, and energy-efficiency - COB technology
- Full of control – 5 lighting modes
- Flexible and versatile – three power supply methods
- A bit pricey
Some campers overweigh reliability by low pricing. For them, we highly recommend the TANSOREN – a 5-in-1 lantern design highlighting COB technology.
This is a new LED tech, known for its top-notch brightness, durability, and energy-efficiency. Such strengths allow it to meet different uses, especially in large camping areas or an essential part of your emergency kit.
The biggest selling point is its three kinds of power supply methods, including battery-powered, USB-port charging, and solar energy.
| TANSOREN 5 IN 1 Solar USB Rechargeable 3 AA Power Brightest COB LED Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 13.07 x 6.97 x 2.95 inches |
Highlight Features | COB technology 5 lighting modes three power supply methods |
Built with enhanced brightness, durability, and energy efficiency, the TANSOREN 5 IN 1 is perfect for large areas.
How To Choose The Brightest Camping Lantern?
Lumen
This is the official measuring unit of a light’s brightness. A basic rule of thumb is the higher the figure is, the brighter the light your camping lantern will create. But also keep in mind that the higher the lumens, the costlier the product.
To choose the brightest option, you should determine your needs first – what you are going to use this lantern during your camping trips? For emergency? Main illumination source at night? Or for decorating?
Brightness Adjustments
Most campers want a versatile camping lantern that can afford all of the needs as stated above because we believe nobody prefers to carry multiple lanterns for a specific use. That takes lots of space and is inconvenient!
A good solution is a lantern with different lighting modes. The number of setting depends on your needs.
For example, if you want it to work as the main illumination source and also an emergency light, consider a lantern built with a flashing mode and high/low modes. If you love creating a cozy ambience at night, a lantern with dimmable comes in handy.
If possible, an on/off switch gives you a huge difference in your experience.
Which Brands Make The Brightest Camping Lantern?
LE Pro
A reliable brand! They work with the same OEM and ODM manufacturers of world class top brands with the aim to deliver only the highest-quality and brightest camping lanterns to worldwide campers.
Coleman
This has been a market leader in outdoor gear and accessories, including camping lanterns. Founded in 1900 by W.C Coleman, they’re now famous for a wide range of products in different categories.
FAQs
Are electric camping lanterns better than fuel ones?
Not at all. Each type of camping lanterns gives you specific pros and cons:
Pros | Cons | |
Electric lanterns | Quiet Produce no exhaust Safe and kid-friendly | Need to keep buying and disposing of bulbs -> expensive |
Fueled lanterns | Produce stronger, more intense light | High cost A bit more complicated maintenance Require more ventilation Generate heat Noisy |
How many lumens do I need for a camping lantern?
40 to 1800 lumens, depending on the lantern type and your needs.
How long do camping lanterns last?
Electric lanterns can last 5-72 hours; the fuel is 4-9 hours while the solar is within 5-48 hours.
How do you change the batteries in a lantern?
This tutorial video might be useful for you:
How do you light a camping lantern?
You might need a match if your camping lantern is the manual type or press the ignition button if it’s equipped with push-button ignition.
For more information, please consult this video:
Conclusion
That’s all for our complete guide about how to choose the brightest camping lanterns. Hopefully, you’ll find the right one for your needs, budgets, and others that lead you to many happy camping trips in the backcountry.
