Best Bike Headlights

Review & Comparison, Last Update January 28, 2024
If you are an avid cyclist, you quite often need to ride your bicycle during the twilight hours or at night, which may be rather dangerous. That's why you surely need a good bike headlight to light your way up. We've selected the best bike headlights, so pick one of them and enjoy safe rides! ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
MAXIMUM LIGHT OUTPUT
MODES
VISIBILITY
EXTRAS
POWER
MOUNTING
WARRANTY
 
PROS

The headlight is made waterproof and tear-resistant. It meets the IP67 protection class, so it can be used in heavy rain. Plus, it has a powerful LED lamp with hundreds of hours of service life.

CONS

The control button is difficult to press with heavy gloves on.

OUR VERDICT

In addition to quite a powerful and bright beam, the Cygolite MetroPro offers 9 light modes. You get 5 modes for comfortable cycling at night and 4 modes for safe rides in the daytime.

detailed parameters
MAXIMUM LIGHT OUTPUT

1100 lumens

MODES

9 modes 6 for night use (boost, high, medium, low, steady, pulse) and 3 for day use (flash, triple flash, zoom)

VISIBILITY

Max - 2000 ft

EXTRAS

Waterproof (IP67 protection class)

POWER

USB rechargeable,
Li-ion battery

MOUNTING

Universal handlebar mount

WARRANTY

1 year

PROS
Thanks to an incredibly high light output of 1200 Lumens, this bike headlight delivers unparalleled visibility. The unit is powered by an improved high-capacity waterproof battery. The bicycle headlight comes with lots of handy accessories.
CONS
The light beam produced by this bike headlight is somewhat narrow.
OUR VERDICT
If you need a truly versatile source of light, this Bright Eyes bike headlight is just what you need. This accessory will be helpful not just for biking but for hiking and backpacking as well.
detailed parameters
MAXIMUM LIGHT OUTPUT

1200 lumens

MODES

High, medium, low, S.O.S pattern, strobe

VISIBILITY
Max - 3000 ft,
Pure brightness - 500 ft
EXTRAS
External waterproof battery, Intelligent circuit control with flexible mode alteration, Waterproof design
POWER
4 x 18650 6400 mAh Li-ion rechargeable battery pack
MOUNTING
4 heavy-duty O-rings
WARRANTY
Lifetime,
1 year on battery
PROS
This LED bike headlight combines sufficient light output and functionality. The installation of the unit is tool-free and takes several seconds. You can slide the light out without removing the bracket.
CONS
The mounting bracket is made of plastic.
OUR VERDICT
The Blitzu Gator 320 rechargeable bicycle headlight is a compact and efficient accessory at a really affordable price. Moreover, the device charges from any USB device, so you don't waste money on batteries.
detailed parameters
MAXIMUM LIGHT OUTPUT

320 lumens

MODES

High, medium, low, flashing

VISIBILITY
Max - 300 ft
EXTRAS
Water-resistant (IPX5 rating), Fully charged cut-off system, Simple control button, 360° swivel ability
POWER
USB rechargeable,
Li-ion battery
MOUNTING
Universal fitment for all bikes
WARRANTY
1 year
PROS
You will be able to see the sides of a dark road thanks to a good light dispersion this bicycle headlamp provides. The runtime reaches around 30 hours in the Flash mode. Installing the unit on a handlebar is effortless and takes several seconds.
CONS
The light output could be higher.
OUR VERDICT
The Cycle Torch bike light, along with the taillight included in the package, will help you enjoy safe road and mountain biking as well as city commuting.
detailed parameters
MAXIMUM LIGHT OUTPUT

200 lumens

MODES

High, medium, low, flash

VISIBILITY
Max - 200 ft
EXTRAS
Water resistance (IP65 rating), Handlebar and helmet mountable, Automatic overcharge and discharge cut-off system
POWER
USB rechargeable,
1500 mAh Li-pol battery
MOUNTING
Universal fit for all handlebars
WARRANTY
1 year
PROS

Not only do you get 2 flashlights (rear red and white lights) with this model, you also get a set of fixation rings that enable simple no-tool installation. They also have rubber shims that protect your bike from scratches.

CONS

The flashlight runs on AAA batteries that require frequent replacement when used often. 

OUR VERDICT

The TeamObsidian bike light set is a great choice for cyclists who ride through different terrains. It produces bright light, has flashing modes for a safer ride, is effortless to install, and has quite an appealing price.

detailed parameters
MAXIMUM LIGHT OUTPUT

Headlight: 200 lumens
Rear light: ~80 lumens

MODES

3 modes for headlight: high, dimmed, flash
3 modes for rear light: steady, fast flash, slow flash

VISIBILITY

Max - 200 ft

EXTRAS

Water-resistant, adjustable focus

POWER

Headlight: 3 x "AAA" batteries
Rear light: 2 x "AA" batteries

MOUNTING

Universal handlebar and seat post mounts

WARRANTY

2 years

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Cygolite Metro Pro 1100

Extreme Brightness for Demanding Users

There are many reasons that make the Cygolite MetroPro one of the best bike headlights around. It has powerful light bulbs, 9 operation modes, and a durable construction, to name but a few.

First things first, this headlight is equipped with 1100-lumen bulbs - they produce an extra-wide, far-reaching beam, making for very good visibility during nighttime. Furthermore, it works off a USB rechargeable lithium-Ion battery. The advantage of this battery is that it can provide up to 100 hours of continuous operation, which is impressively long. That said, how long the torch will last primarily comes down to the mode you choose.

Speaking of the modes, this headlight offers 9 of them: 5 for night and 4 for day use. The medium mode is perhaps the most practical one since it gives plenty of light while not draining the battery too much. In this mode, you can expect the torch to work for 2.5 hours in winter and for 3 hours when the weather's warm.

Unlike most of the cheaper rivals', the low mode of this model is quite usable too. You can use it as an alternative to the medium mode when the battery is low and you're far from your destination. The high mode, in turn, is extra bright and will come in handy when cycling off-road on a very dark night. Other convenience features that add to the benefits of this headlight include a steady pulse and triple lights - these are usually used to grab other drivers' attention.

Waterproof design and simple installation add more selling points to the MetroPro 1100. This model has a handlebar mount with rubber spacers, so you can be sure the headlight won't slew when cycling urban or mountain roads. Due to the rubber inserts, it won't scratch the frame of your bike either, which is another advantage. The only negative thing we can about this model is that it might be harder to press it with heavy gloves on. Other than that, the Cygolite headlight is a pleasure to use.

Review of Cygolite Metro Pro 1100 Bike Headlight
Last updated price $68.17
Stock In stock
ASIN B01N4ANAPU

What customers say about this product

Power

It recharges quickly. It is very light weight.

Features

It seems very robust and the mount is secure on my bike.

Key Specs

The beam pattern is really great.
 

Bright Eyes Best Rechargeable Light

Functional Device for Multiple Activities

The Bright Eyes rechargeable bike headlight scores pretty high compared to many other models. One of the reasons for that is that it comes in a highly durable housing letting it withstand active use, another one is its multifunctionality as the package includes a whole slew of handy accessories, including a strap that allows you to wear this device on your head so you can go camping or hiking and illuminate your way.

Another strength of this bike headlight is that its casing is water-resistant. So if you often make long commutes and cover quite long distances, this one has got you. What also sells about this model is its light. The unit fully lives up to the promises, with its maximum light output reaching 1200 Lumens.

Regarding the lighting modes, you get five options to choose from: High (1200 Lumens), Medium (800 Lumens), Low (350 Lumens), Strobe, and even an S.O.S pattern. Plus, you can quickly switch the LED bike headlight from a 3-mode to a 5-mode option.

We should also mention the battery of the torch. The models works off a Lithium-ion rechargeable battery that has an improved capacity (6400 mAh) - this will be enough to power the headlight for up to 20 hours in the Low mode. Of course, this isn't too long but most people find it more than sufficient for their needs.

Review of Bright Eyes Best Rechargeable Light
Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B00GJZ015Y

 

Blitzu Gator 320

Simple Headlight for Everyday Use

The Gator 320 bicycle headlighting system from Blitzu is certainly a great pick for all fans of bike rides. This simple and compact accessory will help you reach your destination even in darkness. 

The package includes a free bike taillight, so your bicycle will be visible to the drivers moving behind. We would like to emphasize the importance of using both a headlight and taillight for the maximum safety. This bike accessory comes with a universal plastic mounting bracket which fits almost any bike, even the kid's one. Installing it on your bicycle's handlebar is effortless and no tools are required. Moreover, the Gator 320 is designed in such a way that you can remove the headlight without detaching the bracket. 

Yet, let's not get side-tracked! Any headlight is supposed to illuminate your way. This model provides the maximum light output of 320 Lumens and the visibility range is 300 ft. In our opinion, such performance is good enough for a common bike rider. The model is water-resistant and, thus, works well even in case of a downpour. 

Unlike many other headlights for bicycles, this one can be recharged via a USB port. The battery will accumulate the full charge within around 2 hours and you can use one of the USB ports of your computer, laptops, or another device.

Review of Blitzu Gator 320 USB Rechargeable Bike Light Set

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $8.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B014QEWX2I

What customers say about this product

Key Specs

The front headlight seems fine - bright and with a versatile mounting system.

Features

There's a rain-resistant cap on the light to cover the Micro-USB port during use.

Power

There is no more replacing batteries, simply plug it into a microUSB wall charger or computer port and it will reach full charge within about 2 hours.
 

Cycle Torch Bike Light USB Rechargeable

Maximum Performance With Minimum Effort

This Cycle Torch bike light is designed primarily for city commutes. It comes with 200 Lumen front light and 25 Lumen tail light so that you could be easily seen from both sides of the road. Speaking in more detail, the front headlight is equipped with dual-lens, has water and dust-proof design, and features three operation modes: high, medium, and low. It also has a flashing day mode that makes you visible at up to 1.4 miles. The unit also has a large control button on top. It is easy to use when wearing heavy gloves. The Cycle Torch LED bike headlight is USB chargeable. It needs only 2 hours to charge at 80%. As for the operation time, the light works for 2 hours in high and about 30 hours in flash modes. In most cases, this time is enough to let you reach your destination when city riding.

The tail light is also made waterproof and tear-resistant. It provides you with 180-degree visibility with a raised lens and a powerful blinder. The light also has 5 day and night operation modes including steady, fast/slow flashing and fast/slow circular modes. As for the operation time, the unit works for 1.5 hours in a steady, 6-9 hours in flashing, and 10-14 hours in circular modes. As well as the front light, the tail one charges via USB.

Last but not least, we like how simple headlights are to set up. Both units come with rubber straps that are very easy to fix and can be used on most of the frame types and diameters. Overall, if you need a good bike headlight set for a reasonable price, the Cycle Torch is an inspired choice.

Review of Cycle Torch Bike Light USB Rechargeable Set

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $25.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B00XJXP6V8

 

TeamObsidian Super Bright

Trustworthy Device for a Safe Ride

If you are in the market for a quality bike headlight that has an adequate price, you should set your eye on the TeamObsidian bike light set. With this product, you get one powerful white light equipped with 200-lumen bulbs and a red rear light reflector for a safer ride. The headlight is produced from solid aluminum and is made waterproof and tear-resistant, so it will light your way regardless of the weather. The reflector is made from rugged ABS plastic, meaning that both units are also rust- and corrosion-resistant.

The TeamObsidian light has three operation modes: high dimmed, and flash. The rear red light also has three modes: steady, fast, and slow flash. So, you can be easily seen from behind and from the front at night. We also like the adjustable focus here. You can make the beam wider or narrower for your convenience.

Knowing how battery life is important during long-distance rides, the manufacturer has made this model run on 5 AAA batteries (3 for the headlight and 2 for the rear light). This means you don’t have to worry about the battery charge as long as you have spare batteries with you. If your flashlights run out of charge, you can quickly switch the batteries and keep going.

You will also find it simple to install the headlight. The set is equipped with screws and a pair of rubber brackets suitable for most of the handlebars. The installation is quick and requires no tools, yet another advantage for those who tend to use this model on several bikes.

Finally, the front light can be removed from its mounting bracket, so you can use it as a torch or attach it to a helmet. Not bad for a $16 headlight, isn’t it?

Review of TeamObsidian Super Bright Bicycle headlights Set

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $17.97
Stock In stock
ASIN B00Q2NJ5SW

 

What Is a Bike Headlight?

At first glance, a bike headlight might seem a fairly simple cycling accessory and that's why many users base their choice on how a device looks and how much it costs. Hence, the performance of a bike headlight isn't considered at all. Yet, this small accessory is truly important as it will make your bike trip safe and pleasurable.

Today, the market is full of models for any taste and preference. Some of them are equipped with powerful 1100 Lumen light bulbs that can light up a road at pitchy night. The others have a bit simpler bulb that gives relatively bright shine on urban roads. You will also notice that most of the bike headlights come with several operation modes including pulse and flicker modes. The latter modes help you catch the attention of oncoming drivers and ride safer.

In this review, we've decided to help cyclists make the right choice and picked the 5 most popular bicycle headlights.

We would like to remind you that cycling is never safe unless you wear a durable bike helmet. It's a must-have safety accessory for all bike riders.

If you wish to enjoy high-speed rides on your road bike, consider installing specifically designed road bike pedals.

Sources:

1. T.D. Wood Bike Lights: How to Choose, REI. December 24, 2015.

2. Lights buying guide, Wiggle.

3. Guy Kesteven Buyer's guide to mountain bike lights: everything you need to know, BikeRadar. October 20, 2016.

4. Barry Siff How to Choose the Best Bike Light for You, Active.

5. How to Choose a Bike Light, Eastern Mountain Sports.

6. Bicycle lighting, Wikipedia. November 13, 2016.

7. Mark Hinchliffe Should You Update Your Headlights? Motorbike Writer. June 3, 2016.

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