10 Best Emergency Lanterns 2025 in the United States

The XTAUTO Collapsible Portable LED Camping Lantern is designed with emergency and outdoor use in mind, offering 300 lumens of brightness that can light up an entire room thanks to its 360° coverage. Its adjustable brightness feature, controlled by how far you pull it open, adds useful flexibility in various situations. The lantern is lightweight and compact, folding down to the size of a phone, making it easy to carry or hang inside a tent or tree, which is great for camping and hiking. Durability is a strong point here—the ABS construction is waterproof, heat-resistant, and freeze-resistant, so it can handle rough outdoor conditions well.

The built-in 1600mAh battery provides up to 25 hours of continuous light when fully charged, which is ample for power outages or extended outdoor use. It charges via two convenient methods: solar power and USB, adding reliability if you lack electrical outlets. Another handy feature is the USB output port, allowing you to use the lantern as a power bank for charging devices like smartphones. At just over 2 pounds and about 7.7 inches tall when expanded, it strikes a good balance between portability and functionality.

One consideration is that it includes lithium metal batteries and requires charging, so keeping it ready means remembering to recharge it or rely on solar power. Also, while 300 lumens is bright enough for many emergency or camping needs, it may not replace more powerful flashlights for specialized tasks. This 4-pack set is well-suited for families or group outdoor activities and is especially useful for anyone looking for a reliable, multipurpose light source for emergencies, camping, or hurricanes. Its mix of durability, long battery life, and dual charging options makes it a trustworthy choice for most emergency lantern needs.

The Lichamp LED Lanterns are designed to offer reliable illumination during power outages and outdoor adventures. Each lantern features 30 energy-efficient LEDs using COB technology, delivering 350 lumens of brightness that can cover up to 97 square feet. This makes them quite bright and suitable for a variety of emergency scenarios and camping activities. However, they do require 3 AA batteries, which are not included, so you will need to have a supply of these on hand for extended use.

Constructed from military-grade, water-resistant plastic, these lanterns are built to withstand rough conditions and are lightweight enough for easy transport. The collapsible design with foldaway handles adds to their portability and convenience, making them easy to store and carry. The lack of switches and the simple pull-up mechanism to control brightness can be seen as a user-friendly feature. However, some users might miss having more precise control over the brightness levels.

The lanterns are marketed as a great gift option and versatile for various uses—from camping to emergency kits for cars and homes. While they are durable and practical, potential buyers should be aware that the need for AA batteries might be seen as a downside compared to rechargeable options available in the market. These lanterns are particularly beneficial for those looking for a straightforward, durable, and bright lighting solution without needing advanced features.

The Etekcity Lantern is a solid choice for emergency lighting, campouts, or power outages. It offers a bright 154 lumens with 30 LED bulbs that shine light all around, which is generally enough to illuminate a small room or campsite. The dimmable feature lets you adjust brightness by collapsing or expanding the lantern, making it versatile for different situations. Battery life is strong, lasting up to 50 hours on 3 AA batteries, so you won’t need frequent replacements during a typical outage. It comes in a compact, lightweight design about the size of a smartphone, which is handy for packing and carrying. The lantern is made from sturdy ABS plastic, making it resistant to drops and water splashes, important for outdoor or emergency use. A unique extra is the small storage compartment on top, useful for holding small essentials like spare batteries or keys.

At 154 lumens, it isn’t the brightest option if you need to light a large area. Additionally, relying on AA batteries means you need to stock extras and remember to replace them. While water resistant, it’s not fully waterproof, so it’s best kept out of heavy rain. The product includes two lanterns and batteries, offering good value. This lantern suits campers, hikers, and anyone preparing for emergencies who wants a reliable, portable, and easy-to-use light source without dealing with complex features.