Bike lights have definitely come a long way. Over the past few decades, various bike light brands have evolved and significantly improved in terms of the output and weight of their bike light products. All that is due to the introduction of efficient LED lights which are capable of producing more light per watt as opposed to older metal-halide and halogen bulbs.
Therefore, if you’re a cycling enthusiast who prefers riding your bike at night, it only makes sense that you install proper lighting on your bicycle. To help you with that, we have come up with this comprehensive guide so you can find the best bike lights on the market and decide which among them can suit your needs.
This guide will also cover the following sections:
- Reviews of the Best Bicycle Lights
- Bike Lights Buying Guide
- FAQs
Before we start with the reviews, let’s have a comparison of the following products we considered are among the best bicycle lights you could ever find.
At A Glance: Best Bicycle Lights
| Image | Brand | Details |
|---|---|---|
 | Cygolite Metro 600 | |
| Cygolite Metro Pro | |
| Knog Blinder MOB | |
| Cygolite Hotshot Pro | |
| Light and Motion Urban 500 | |
| Ascher Bike Light | |
| BV Bike Light Set | |
| OUTAIR | |
| BV Bicycle Light Set Super Bright | |
| BLITZU Gator 320 PRO | |
| victagen Bike Light | |
| Bright Eyes Helios 1600 | |
| Cycle Torch Shark 500 | |
| NiteRider Pro 1800 Race | |
| CECO-USA F1000 |
Top 15 Best Bike Lights
1. Cygolite Metro 600 – Bright and Long-Lasting
- 600 Lumens output
- Water-resistant construction
- 6 different light modes
- Special Daylighting mode
We kick off this list with the Cygolite Metro 600 which is a long-lasting headlight that’s capable of producing very bright light. Priced under $100, the Metro 600 could very well be one of the most budget-friendly options for your biking activity.
It features the brand’s steady-flash pattern which makes it one of the best bike lights for night riding. Apart from that, it also features a day-flash mode designed for 24-hour visibility. With a 600 Lumens output, this headlight is more than enough to provide you with proper illumination on dark roads.
In terms of installation, the Metro 600 will require a bit of an effort to mount, remove, and adjust. However, if you’re after a bike light that’s capable of providing a strong and simultaneous flash alongside a steady beam for maximum visibility, then it’s definitely a solid choice that’s worth considering.
- Provides excellent brightness at a relatively low price
- USB rechargeable
- Solid construction and can take on rainy conditions with no problem
- You can adjust the brightness due to its lighting mode options
- Installation can be a struggle sometimes
2. Cygolite Metro Pro – Lightweight but Highly Effective
- 1,100 Lumens output
- 9 different lighting modes
- Light activation lockout
- Lightweight but durable construction
The Metro Pro 1100 is considered the more advanced version of the Metro 600. It’s capable of producing 1,100 Lumens via two LED lights to emit light both far and wide for maximum visibility. It also features 9 light modes which can sound a bit excessive at times, considering that the high, low, and medium modes will work just fine. Still, if you need more versatility and lighting options, these 9 different modes will certainly be helpful.
Just like the Metro 600, it also has a water-resistant construction and can last for quite a long time with its durable build quality. You have a light activation lockout that’s designed to prevent accidental activation.
The installation can be pretty easy and convenient with the Locktite quick-release bracket. This allows you to transfer the light anytime with ease. However, its simple clamp design proved to be a bit complicated to install due to its bulkiness that requires a lot of turning the knob in order to secure it.
- Comes with a wide range of lighting modes
- Lightweight and compact
- USB rechargeable
- Like the Metro 600, installation can be a struggle sometimes
3. Knog Blinder MOB – Mounts via a Strap
- 100% waterproof
- Easy to install via straps
- Integrated USB plug
As a dedicated taillight, the Knog Blinder can have an output of up to 80 Lumens which is more than enough if you’re riding on city roads. Moreover, it has a 45-degree angle which extends down the road for easier visibility.
The Knog Blinder comes in five different styles namely the Eyeballer, Four Eyes, Kid Grid, Mr. Chips, and The Face. The Kid Grid, in particular, uses up to 16 surface mounted LED lights capable of providing the maximum Lumens output for maximum brightness. Like most bike lights, it comes with five different light modes to choose from.
- Quick and easy to install and remove
- Uses 16 LED lights for brighter light output
- Features 5 different lighting modes
- Tends to be more expensive when it comes to a per-lumen basis
4. Cygolite Hotshot Pro – Possibly the Best Tail Light Option
- 150 Lumens output
- 6 different light modes for night and day
- Steady Pulse alerts
Compared to other taillights on the market, the Hotshot Pro actually provides more Lumens per dollar, not to mention it directs the light output in a wide beam pattern. It’s also very easy to operate with a number of buttons for the switch, lighting modes, and intensity of the lighting.
However, while it is a bit pricey for a taillight, the illumination you can get more than makes up for its price.
- Can be recharged via USB
- Offers more Lumens per dollar
- Easy to use
- Doesn’t have Bluetooth connectivity compared to other brands
5. Light and Motion Urban 500 – The Ideal Light for Commuters
- 500 Lumens output
- Waterproof
- Micro USB rechargeable
- Smooth beam pattern
The Urban 500 is a favorite option amongst commuters. Manufactured by Light & Motion which is a known brand in the bike lighting industry, the Urban 500 is capable of providing a good balance of brightness (at 500 Lumens) and affordability at only under $50.
For such a powerful headlight, the Urban 500 is very affordable which makes it really popular among bikers who usually ride on the roads. It also features amber sidelights for extended durability alongside four lighting modes to choose from.
Due to its lightweight and compact design, you can mount on your bike’s handlebars. However, you can also hook it up to your GoPro or your helmet, though you’ll have to buy a separate mount for that. In terms of build quality, the Urban 500 has a rugged design with a 1-meter impact-resistance rating as well as an IP67 waterproof rating, making it quite durable and long-lasting.
- Very durable build quality
- Features great beam pattern for road use
- Quite affordable
- Not ideal for mountain biking
- Its Lumens output might be too low for fast-moving riders
6. Ascher USB Rechargeable Bike Light – Perfect for Casual and Avid Bikers
- 120 Lumens output
- Easy mounting silicone straps
- Multipurpose use
- 4 different lighting modes
Both of these lights can be mounted into your bike with ease through the durable silicon strap and hook system. This means that there are no screwdrivers required, thereby making the entire installation process hassle-free. Also, the lights are powered by a 650mAh lithium battery for longer-lasting operations of up to 3.5 hours. They can be charged via a USB cable as well.
As a bike light that’s designed to be durable and water-resistant, you can use the Ascher light set on any typical biking conditions without any problem at all. Lastly, there are 4 different lighting modes to choose from including slow flashing, full brightness, fast flashing, and half brightness.
- Very easy to install and remove
- Can be attached in either the front or rear of your bike
- Quite versatile and can be used for various activities
- The 4 lighting modes might not be enough for some riders
- Doesn’t have a power indicator
7. BV Bike Light Set – Best Budget-Friendly Option
- Weather-resistant
- 3 different lighting modes
- Quick-release mounts
Judging from the design, you can easily tell that this bike light set is a no-frills option that will provide you with proper illumination at night, thereby improving your visibility and safety on the roads.
The set comes with a white headlight and a red taillight, both having three different functions namely flashing, steady, and chasing. With these, you will be able to optimize the visuals in the front and rear sections of your bicycle. Additionally, they’re fairly easy to mount on your handlebars, and the process doesn’t even require the use of tools!
- Very easy to install and remove
- The best bike lighting option on a budget
- Can be used regardless of the weather condition
- As a no-frills light set, this one doesn’t come with the advanced features you need in a bike light such as power indicator, etc.
8. OUTAIR USB Rechargeable – The Ideal Trail Riding Companion
- 20 Lumens output
- Compact and easy to carry
- Total runtime of around 4-10 hours
- Easy installation and removal without any tools required
The set features a white headlight as well as a red taillight, both having a bar-shaped design which makes them quite versatile. They can also easily attach to your bike in seconds, and you don’t even need to use any tools!
As bike lights designed for trail biking, you can expect them to be resistant to water and shock. Even though they’re only capable of producing 20 Lumens of output, they’re still enough to provide you with enough visibility in the trail. Also, there are 4 different lighting modes you can choose from.
- Waterproof and shock-resistant construction
- Can run up to 10 hours depending on the light mode
- Perfect for trail biking
- At 20 Lumens, the OUTAIR isn’t that bright enough for riding in traffic
9. BV Bicycle Light Set Super Bright – Perfect for Touring Adventures
- 35 Lumens output
- Weather-resistant
- 5-LED headlight and 3-LED taillight
What makes it different, apart from the design and brightness, is that it’s capable of lasting up to 80 hours. Both of the front and rear lights can be mounted with ease, thanks to their quick-release mounts. Additionally, they are powered by AAA batteries: four on the front and two on the rear.
- Can be visible to motorists up to 1,500 feet away
- Can provide continuous illumination up to 80 hours
- Serves multiple purposes such as running, walking, and hiking
- There are some issues with durability
10. BLITZU Gator 320 PRO – The Best Possible Bike Light for City Riding
- 320 Lumens output
- Daytime noticeable technology
- Versatile and can be used for various applications
It’s actually far brighter compared to most of its competitors, especially the ones around the same price range. It has an IPX5 water resistance certification which makes it usable under rainy conditions, 360-degrees visibility for added safety during low light conditions, and a runtime of more than 2 hours on average.
Aside from that, you can also attach and remove it from the mount without any problem.
- Good lighting at a very affordable price
- Can withstand rain without any problems
- Perfect for riding in cities
- Can also be used for other activities
- The battery life is not that good at only 2 hours of runtime
11. Victagen USB Rechargeable Bike Light – Best for Night Riding
- 2,400 Lumens output
- Military-grade aluminum alloy construction
- 4 lighting modes for the headlight and 3 modes for the taillight
- Durable and shock-resistant
In terms of battery life, the Victagen light is capable of providing continuous lighting of up to 4 hours even while in “high” lighting mode. Moreover, you don’t even have to worry about charging since its USB charging feature is highly convenient. There’s even an external battery pack included in the package.
Installation is fairly easy as well, thanks to its quick-release mounting bracket. This allows you to install and remove the light from your bike with ease. Additionally, it has an IP-65 rated waterproofing function to allow you to use it during heavy rains without any problem.
- High power output at 2,400 Lumens
- Easy to install and remove
- Can be used under heavy rains
- There were some complaints about the battery draining even when not in use
12. Bright Eyes Helios 1600 – Fully Waterproof and Highly Versatile
- 1600 Lumens output
- Completely waterproof
- 4+ hours of continuous lighting under high lighting mode
- Easily rechargeable
Its output is more than enough to provide you with up to 500 feet of pure brightness as well as 3,000 feet of visibility, thereby keeping you safe while traversing trails or roads at night. There are five different lighting modes to choose from, and it even comes with a power indicator to inform you of its battery level.
The light is powered by an 8.4V 6,400mAh lithium-ion battery to provide you with up to 4 hours of non-stop lighting under “high” mode, more than 6 hours on “medium” mode, and over 16 “hours” in low mode.
- Works well under rainy conditions
- Highly versatile and can be used in various applications
- Includes an aluminum taillight in the package
- The angles might change when riding on bumpy trails
- Too heavy to be mounted on your helmet
13. Cycle Torch Shark 500 – The Perfect Choice for a LED Bike Light
- 500 Lumens output
- Universal fit with no tools required for installation
- Water-resistant construction
- Smart Charging technology
The beam can give you up to 330 feet of visibility, and it can be easily installed and detached as well. This allows you to use it in several applications as well as a regular flashlight.
There are 4 different lighting modes you can choose from, each having its own Lumens intensity. For example, the flash daylight mode has a 500 Lumens output which can last up to 30 hours. Meanwhile, the low mode has a 50 Lumens output and can last up to 15 hours.
Included in the package are a headlight, a free taillight, 3 rubber mount straps, and 2 micro USB charging cable. Lastly, the light is water-resistant, so you can use it under light rain conditions without any problems.
- Comes with a free taillight
- Can provide hours of reliable lighting
- Can be fitted on just about any type of handlebar
- Not ideal for use under heavy rains
14. NiteRider Pro 1800 Race – An Excellent Light for Off-Road Adventures
- 1800 Lumens output
- Lightweight and compact design
- Excellent thermal resistance and high transparency
- Dust and water-resistant
- DuPont fiberglass reinforced nylon housing for superior durability
With the NiteRider Pro’s output, you will be able to light up the path in front of you as if it’s daylight. This allows you to see any possible obstacles that could get in the way of your adventure.
Aside from that, it’s also very lightweight at only 484 grams. Meanwhile, it has a rugged design and a casing that’s made of DuPont fiberglass reinforced nylon to make sure that it can withstand external elements and last for quite a long time.
- Long battery life
- Impressive light output
- Solid and durable construction
- Quite expensive compared to the other products on this list
- The design is quite bulky despite being very lightweight
15. CECO-USA F1000 – A Highly Reliable Newcomer
- 1,000 Lumens output
- Lock Mode
- 5 night modes and 3 flashing day modes available
- Waterproof and impact-resistant
It’s a lightweight and compact option that is both waterproof and impact-resistant. This means that you can use it under rainy conditions without any issues at all.
There are 5 different night modes you can choose from depending on the terrain you’re traversing along with 3 unique flashing day modes to ensure your safety on the roads. One of the best parts about the F1000 light is that it has a Lock Mode which prevents the light from unintentionally powering ON, thereby allowing you to save battery life.
In terms of installation, the F1000 is fairly easy to attach and detach. The bracket tough is made of Zytel material to ensure its durability. Additionally, the flexible mount can attach to almost all types of handlebars.
- Saves battery life via the Lock Mode
- USB rechargeable
- Good quality at a very affordable price
- The mount tends to slip on the handlebar
Buying Guide
What’s considered the best bicycle lights by most might not apply to you. This is because your choice of a bike light will depend on your actual needs, what kind of terrain you plan on traversing, and a few other aspects. For example, if you’re only going to use your bike on city roads, then you’d best go for the best bike lights for night riding. On the other hand, if you’re planning to go on off-road adventures with a mountain bike, then it’s best to go for the best mountain bike lights.
To help you with that, we have compiled the essential factors you have to consider first before you even buy a bike light. They’re as follows:
1. How many lumens do you need?
Lumens is a measurement that refers to the amount of light that streams through an area per second. The higher the lumens output, the brighter the light will be. However, it can also be affected by its beam pattern.
In most cases, a lumens output of 100 to 200 is more than enough when you’re riding on the roads. However, if you plan to go off-road on a mountain bike, then you will need at least 1,000 lumens to provide you with the right amount of lighting and visibility.
As a rule of thumb, we’d recommend going for some of the best mountain bike lights with a lumens output of around 800 to 1,000 when you’re riding a mountain bike. Most of the bike lights you can find on the market have different lighting modes anyway, allowing you to adjust the brightness of the light depending on the situation.
2. Waterproofing
There are instances where you can’t help but ride in the rain, especially when sudden weather changes happen. Due to that, it’s really important that you go for a bike light that comes with waterproofing, or at least water-resistant. Water-resistant lights will do just fine if you’re just a casual rider who rides the bike at work. However, it would be a great idea if the light you pick has an IPX rating of at least 5 or higher.
On the other hand, if you’re really a serious rider who plans to ride the bike at night, then a waterproof light is absolutely essential. You can also invest in a light with weather-resistant features so it can withstand harsh weather conditions with ease. You’d want to go for lights that are made of either silicone or ABS plastic. Also, those that have ABS reinforcement and metallic bases can be good for drizzly conditions.
3. Battery life
You don’t want to ride your bike at night only to find that the light’s battery is depleted. Therefore, before you even pick a bike light, you have to first make sure that it has a long battery life that can last for several hours of continuous lighting.
Keep in mind that batteries normally drain faster in a high lighting mode. Therefore, if you want to conserve power, it’s ideal to keep the light running in medium or low mode and only switch to high if you really need it.
Fortunately, the products we’ve included in this list all have a commendable battery life which allows them to operate for several hours non-stop. Some are even rechargeable so you no longer have to buy another set of batteries if the old ones no longer work. It would also be a good idea to find a bike light that has a low battery indicator so you’ll know when it’s time to replace or recharge the batteries.
4. Beam type
Apart from the Lumens output, another important factor that you should consider is the beam type. Ideally, you want to go for a light that has a beam that isn’t distracting to other motorists on the road. As you ride on the roads, a wide-angle beam will certainly give you the best visibility possible.
Meanwhile, if you go for off-road riding, one that has a narrow beam is ideal as it allows you to see any possible obstacles on the way. We would recommend going for a bike light that comes with an adjustable beam so you can easily switch depending on your needs. However, if you’re only focused on either city road or off-road riding, either of the two will work just fine.
If you use a bike for commuting, then here are some additional tips that will help you choose the right urban bike lights for your needs:
5. Mounting Type
Lastly, you’d want to consider how the light is mounted on your bike. By far the most common mounting type is the handlebar mount. This features a strap that you can easily wrap around your bike’s handlebar and can be tightened using a knob. It’s ideal for both trail and urban riding since it’s very easy to attach and detach.
Meanwhile, if you’re more into mountain biking, then a helmet mount would be more ideal since it allows you to look farther out ahead in the trail. Moreover, a helmet mount provides more flexibility compared to a handlebar mount.
Luckily, there are also other bike lights that provide both handlebar and helmet mounting, thereby allowing you to switch through the mounting styles with ease.
Comprehensive FAQ Section
Q: Is it really necessary to buy a light with high lumens output?
A: The lumens output of your preferred bike light will depend on the type of riding you choose, whether you plan to go mountain biking or just commuting. Ideally, a bike light with a brightness of around 300 to 600 lumens can be considered enough for casual riding. However, if you’re riding in dark environments, a lumens output of at least 800 is ideal.
You don’t really need a very high lumens output if you’re just riding on the road. This is because it can possibly blind oncoming motorists, thereby putting you and others at risk. Additionally, the higher the brightness, the faster the battery will drain.
Q: Do I need a taillight only?
A: A taillight will be a good place to start if you only ride in daylight. However, if you’re planning to ride your bike at night, it’s very important that you invest in a headlight as well. Not only will it allow you to see what’s in front of you, but it will also allow oncoming motorists to see you. Luckily, most bike lights these days come in sets of headlights and taillights which are available at fairly affordable prices.
Q: What does it mean if a light has an IPX4 Rating?
A: It simply means that the light is weather-resistant. You’ll see this often in higher-end bike lights. This basically means that the lights are capable of operating even when water starts getting inside the housing. This makes them ideal for riding under heavy rain. However, do take note that IPX4 rating doesn’t mean they can be exposed for longer periods to water. You’d want a light with an IPX7 or IPX8 rating for that.
Conclusion
Mounting bike lights into your bike isn’t just meant for lighting your way. It also increases your overall safety by making it easy for oncoming motorists to spot you at night. However, not all bike lights on the market are created the same, and as such, you have to go for the best bike lights that can provide you with what you really need.
Hopefully, our list of the best bike lights as well as our quick buying guide can help you find the right bike for all your biking adventures.