Best Rechargeable Lanterns for Emergency Preparedness

When the power goes out, a quality rechargeable lantern provides hours of reliable light without hunting for batteries. Modern lanterns offer USB charging, solar backup, and even the ability to charge your phone.

We’ve tested the best options for emergency preparedness, home use, and camping.

Quick Picks

What to Look For

Key features for emergency lanterns:

• Runtime — Minimum 20+ hours on low; 100+ hours preferred
• Charging options — USB-C (preferred), hand crank, or solar backup
• Power bank function — Charge phones from the lantern
• Light modes — High, low, red (preserves night vision)
• Durability — Water-resistant, impact-resistant
• Light quality — Warm light (2700-3000K) is easier on eyes

Top Rechargeable Lanterns

Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 — Best Overall

The Lighthouse 600 is the gold standard for emergency lanterns. It combines excellent runtime, multiple charging options, and a built-in power bank.

Specs:

• Brightness: 600 lumens max
• Runtime: 48 hours (low), 3.5 hours (high)
• Charging: USB, hand crank, optional solar panel
• Power bank: 5,200mAh, can charge phones
• Water resistance: IPX4

Why it’s great: The hand crank provides backup charging when USB isn’t available—one minute of cranking gives 10 minutes of light. The collapsible legs adjust for tabletop use or hanging.

Best for: Home emergency kits, extended power outages

BioLite AlpenGlow 500 — Best Value

BioLite’s AlpenGlow offers premium features at a mid-range price. The multicolor modes are fun but the real value is in the build quality and runtime.

Specs:

• Brightness: 500 lumens max
• Runtime: 200+ hours (low), 5 hours (high)
• Charging: USB-C
• Power bank: 6,400mAh
• Water resistance: IPX4

Why it’s great: The 200+ hour runtime on low means weeks of evening light from a single charge. USB-C charging is faster and more future-proof than micro-USB.

Best for: Value-conscious preppers, camping crossover

Streamlight Siege X — Most Rugged

Streamlight makes professional-grade gear, and the Siege X brings that durability to the lantern category. This is the pick for harsh conditions.

Specs:

• Brightness: 325 lumens max
• Runtime: 95 hours (low), 7 hours (high)
• Charging: USB-C
• Power bank: Yes (limited)
• Water resistance: IPX7 (submersible)

Why it’s great: IPX7 rating means it survives submersion. The magnetic base and D-ring provide mounting versatility. Red LED mode preserves night vision.

Best for: Bug out bags, outdoor use, rough conditions

Goal Zero Crush Light — Best for Families

The Crush Light is an inflatable, solar-charging lantern that’s lightweight and kid-safe. Perfect for distributing light throughout the house during outages.

Specs:

• Brightness: 60 lumens
• Runtime: 35 hours (low), 6 hours (high)
• Charging: USB, built-in solar panel
• Weight: 3.2 oz
• Water resistance: IPX4

Why it’s great: The built-in solar panel means indefinite use with sunlight. At 3 oz, you can keep several around the house. Safe enough for kids to handle.

Best for: Multiple-room lighting, kids’ rooms, car kits

Comparison Table

Rechargeable vs. Battery-Powered

Both have their place in emergency preparedness:

Rechargeable Advantages:

• No battery stockpile needed
• Lower long-term cost
• USB charging from car, solar panel, or power bank
• Often include power bank function
• Better for the environment

Battery-Powered Advantages:

• Instant “refuel” with fresh batteries
• Work when power has been out for days
• Simpler to maintain
• Batteries have 10+ year shelf life

How Many Lanterns Do You Need?

Minimum recommendation: 2-3 lanterns per household

• 1 bright primary — Living room, kitchen, workspace
• 1-2 secondary — Bathrooms, bedrooms, portable
• Headlamps — For hands-free tasks (supplement, not replace)

For a family of 4 in a 3-bedroom house, consider:

• 1 Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 (primary)
• 2-3 Goal Zero Crush Lights (distributed)
• 1 headlamp per person

Charging Strategy

Keep your rechargeable lanterns ready:

1. Charge quarterly — Set calendar reminders
2. Store at 50-80% — Full charge degrades lithium batteries
3. Test before storm season — Verify function, not just charge level
4. Keep USB cables accessible — Store with the lantern
5. Have backup charging — Car charger, solar panel, or power bank

Budget Recommendations

Under $30:

• Goal Zero Crush Light ($25)
• Basic USB lanterns from Amazon (~$15-25)

$50-80:

• BioLite AlpenGlow 500 ($65)
• Streamlight Siege X ($70)
• Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 ($80)

Premium ($100+):

• BioLite BaseLantern XL ($100)
• Goal Zero Lighthouse 1000 ($150)

Sources

• Sensible Prepper - Best Emergency Lanterns — Emergency lighting reviews
• OutdoorGearLab - Best Camping Lanterns
• The Prepared - Power Outage Gear

Related:

• Best Flashlights for Bug Out Bags
• Portable Power Stations for Emergencies
• Vehicle Emergency Kit Guide