Best Flashlights for Power Outages: Lanterns and Handhelds for a Storm Kit

The best flashlights for power outages are a mix: lanterns to light a room and handhelds to move around in. The Etekcity four-pack is the easiest all-in-one kit because batteries are included, while the AlpsWolf and TrixHub give rechargeable options for people who own a power bank. Six of these twelve are lanterns, so we sort them separately. Nothing here is a power station; for backup power see the related guides on this site. Start with the planner below to work out how many lights and cells you actually need.

An outage kit planner

Lichamp LED Camping Lantern, 4 Pack Battery Powered Flashlight for Power Outages, Portable Collapsible Hanging Light Essential for Home, Outdoor, Emergency Lamp Survival Kit Gear for Hurricane, Gray

Included for 'Best Flashlights for Power Outages: Lanterns and Handhelds for a Storm Kit' as a representative outdoor gear in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

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EVEREADY LED Flashlight, Survival Gear and Camping Essentials, 4-Pack | Bulk flashlights for home use, flashlights for emergencies and outages, non-slip grip, AA batteries Included, yellow/blue

Included for 'Best Flashlights for Power Outages: Lanterns and Handhelds for a Storm Kit' as a representative outdoor gear in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

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Etekcity LED Camping Lanterns, Battery Operated, 2 Pack | Power Outages, Hurricane Preparedness, Camping, Emergency Kit, Water Resistant, Collapsible Design, Batteries Included

Included for 'Best Flashlights for Power Outages: Lanterns and Handhelds for a Storm Kit' as a representative outdoor gear in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

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Victoper LED Flashlight 2 Pack, Bright Tactical Torch High Lumens 5 Modes, Waterproof Zoomable Flash Light for Outdoor, Birthday Gifts for Men, Dorm Room Hiking Camping Essentials Gear for Guys

Included for 'Best Flashlights for Power Outages: Lanterns and Handhelds for a Storm Kit' as a representative outdoor gear in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

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TrixHub Rechargeable Flashlights 2 Pack Super Bright High Lumens Flashlight | LCD Digital Display, 5 Modes, USB C Charging, Zoomable Linternas, Powerful Handheld Flashlights for Home Emergencies Camping

Included for 'Best Flashlights for Power Outages: Lanterns and Handhelds for a Storm Kit' as a representative outdoor gear in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

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Lepro LED White Light Flashlight, High Lumens Waterproof Adjustable Focus | Small, lightweight. For outdoor, camping, emergency, tactical use. AAA batteries included. Adjustable zoom focus.

Included for 'Best Flashlights for Power Outages: Lanterns and Handhelds for a Storm Kit' as a representative outdoor gear in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

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Consciot 1000LM Battery Powered LED Camping Lantern, 4 Light Mode, Dimmable | IPX4 Waterproof Camping Lights; Portable Flashlight for Power Outages, Emergency Kit, Hurricane Preparedness, Indoor Outdoor

Included for 'Best Flashlights for Power Outages: Lanterns and Handhelds for a Storm Kit' as a representative outdoor gear in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

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JARDLITE LED Emergency Handheld Flashlight, 4 Pack, Adjustable Focus, Water Resistant with 5 Modes, Best Tactical Torch for Hurricane, Camping, Dog Walking

Included for 'Best Flashlights for Power Outages: Lanterns and Handhelds for a Storm Kit' as a representative outdoor gear in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

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MalloMe Camping Lights LED Lantern Flashlights, Battery Operated Lamp Tent Lanterns for Power Outages, Camping Essentials Outdoor,Home,Emergency Gear, Hurricane Survival (3 AAA batteries not included)

Included for 'Best Flashlights for Power Outages: Lanterns and Handhelds for a Storm Kit' as a representative outdoor gear in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

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Etekcity LED Camping Lanterns, Battery Included, 4 Pack | Power Outages, Hurricane Preparedness, Camping Essentials, Emergency Kit, Water Resistant, Collapsible Design

Included for 'Best Flashlights for Power Outages: Lanterns and Handhelds for a Storm Kit' as a representative outdoor gear in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

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Start by counting the places where you need light: bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen and living area. Assume one lantern for each shared space and one flashlight per person. For a household of four with four shared spaces, that is four lanterns and four flashlights.

Next, estimate cells. Suppose a lantern uses three AA cells and lasts about 12 hours on a low setting, and you run four lanterns for 4 hours each evening over a 3 night outage. That is 48 lantern-hours, or about 4 sets of cells in total, so 12 AA cells. Those are assumptions, not specifications of any listing here. For handhelds, assume a few minutes of use per trip and a single set of spare cells per light.

Rechargeable planning

If you rely on rechargeable lights, a 10000mAh power bank can add several recharges to small lights, but not an unlimited number. Charge everything at the first storm warning.

Compare all twelve

Room-filling lanterns

Lichamp 4-pack lanterns

Four collapsible, hanging lanterns that run on batteries, marketed for outages and hurricane kits. The title does not say whether cells are included or what they are, so check the listing. Four units let you light the kitchen, living room and two bedrooms. A hook above the kitchen table makes it a ceiling light of sorts.

Pros

• Four lights in one box
• Hangs from a hook or hand

Cons

• Cell type and inclusion unclear
• No lumens in title

Who it’s for: Households wanting one lantern per room.

Etekcity 2-pack lanterns

A pair of collapsible lanterns, water resistant, built for outages and hurricane kits. The title does not say batteries are included, so check the listing and stock cells. Water resistant is not an IP rating, so keep them under cover. Store the pair with a note of the date you last checked them.

Pros

• Collapses for storage
• Low price tier

Cons

• Only two units
• Cells may not be included

Who it’s for: First-time outage preparers.

Etekcity 4-pack lanterns

Same family as the two-pack, with four lanterns and batteries included per the title. Water resistant and collapsible. A good match for a standing storm kit because nothing else is required. Because cells are included, it is a good gift for a new homeowner.

Pros

• Cells included
• Four lanterns

Cons

• No lumen figure
• Water resistance unrated

Who it’s for: Families building a complete kit in one purchase.

Consciot 1000LM lantern

A single lantern claiming 1000LM with four modes, dimming and an IPX4 rating, which handles splashes. That is a sizable output for a lantern, so check the listing for cell count and runtime. Lantern mode spreads light evenly, which suits reading and cooking.

Pros

• IPX4 named
• Dimmable

Cons

• Single unit
• Runtime not in title

Who it’s for: People who want one bright lantern for the main room.

MalloMe lantern flashlights

Small tent-style lanterns that need three AAA cells, which are not included. Cheap and light, but you must stock batteries yourself. Output is not stated. Remember to buy the right AAA cells before the season starts.

Pros

• Lowest cost entry
• Light and compact

Cons

• Batteries not included
• Output unknown

Who it’s for: Anyone filling a drawer with spare lights.

AlpsWolf rechargeable lantern

A rechargeable lantern listing 800LM and 3600mAh with a strap, also usable as a spotlight. It is the only rechargeable lantern here, so recharge it before a storm and keep a power bank for backup. A power bank in the same box can extend its use over a long outage.

Pros

• Capacity stated
• Rechargeable

Cons

• Needs charging ahead of time
• Charge port not in title

Who it’s for: Buyers who prefer rechargeable gear.

Handheld flashlights

EVEREADY 4-pack

Four handheld LED lights with AA batteries included and a non-slip grip. Because the cells are AA, you can restock them almost anywhere. No lumen figure appears in the title. Alkaline AA cells store well, so the kit stays ready for years in a drawer.

Pros

• AA cells easy to find
• Batteries included

Cons

• Basic features
• No brightness figure

Who it’s for: People who want zero charging.

Lepro white light flashlight

A small, lightweight flashlight with adjustable zoom and AAA batteries included. The waterproof claim has no rating. A tidy pick for a nightstand. Keep a small one in each bedroom so no one hunts in the dark.

Pros

• Batteries included
• Adjustable zoom

Cons

• Small cells run down faster
• No rating given

Who it’s for: Nightstand and glovebox duty.

JARDLITE 4-pack

Four lights with adjustable focus, five modes and a water resistant claim. The title does not say which batteries power them or whether they are included, so check the listing. Hand them out so each family member knows where theirs is.

Pros

• Four units
• Adjustable focus

Cons

• Power source unconfirmed
• Five modes may confuse kids

Who it’s for: Hurricane kits with a light per person.

RECHOO 4-pack

Four zoomable tactical-style lights with five modes and waterproof wording. Cell type and inclusion are not in the title, so verify on the listing before relying on them. Label the drawer where they live so everyone can find it fast.

Pros

• Four-pack
• Zoomable

Cons

• Cells unclear
• Tactical wording cosmetic

Who it’s for: People kitting out several drawers.

Victoper 2-pack

A compact pair with five modes and waterproof, zoomable wording. Batteries are not specified in the title. A modest buy for a small household. This is a simple choice if you rarely travel and only worry about home outages.

Pros

• Compact pair
• Zoomable

Cons

• Power source not stated
• No rating

Who it’s for: Single-person or small-household kits.

TrixHub rechargeable 2-pack

The only handheld pair here that is rechargeable over USB-C, with an LCD showing charge state. Charge it before a storm and top it up from a power bank if the outage drags on. Add a USB power bank and a short cable to the same shelf as the lights.

Pros

• USB-C and LCD
• Reusable

Cons

• Must be charged ahead
• Runtime not stated

Who it’s for: People who also own a power bank.

How these were picked

We relied on published specifications, manufacturer documentation and buyer reviews, read through listing titles. Nobody on the team used or measured these units. Claims such as batteries included or IPX4 are taken from titles, and everything else is marked to check on the listing. Price tiers are relative to this group and are not quoted prices. We left out the tailgating power station guides because they target a different job than lighting, and nothing here replaces a generator for running appliances.

What to look for in an outage light

Runtime on low

You will use low modes most of the time, so check runtime at that setting. High mode runtime matters less.

Battery type and storage

Alkaline cells keep for years in storage but can leak if left in a light for a long time. Lithium cells hold charge longer but cost more. Rechargeable lights self-discharge slowly, so top up every few months.

Lantern versus handheld

Lanterns suit tables and hooks; handhelds suit moving around. Collapsible lanterns store flat.

Water resistance

IPX4 handles splashes; many titles here only say water resistant, which is not a rating. Keep lights dry anyway.

Storage and checks

Put a dated note in the kit and check every six months: switch each light on, look for leaks, and replace weak cells. Keep the kit on a shelf at about chest height rather than the basement floor, where flooding could reach it.

Hand-crank and solar

No listing here is hand-crank or solar. Those options can help in long outages but usually give dim output for the effort.

Mistakes buyers make

The first is buying lights but not batteries, especially the MalloMe type that ships without cells. The second is storing rechargeable lights empty. Third, relying on one light for the whole family. Another is leaving old alkaline cells in a light for years, where they can leak. Many people skip checking their kit until the storm; check the kit now by switching each light on for a minute. Another is buying only the cheapest lights and expecting long runtime; small cells run down within hours at full output. Finally, never use gas lanterns or burn fuel indoors, and keep batteries away from heat.

Verdict

For a simple, complete kit, the Etekcity four-pack lanterns plus the EVEREADY handheld four-pack cover most houses, both with batteries included per their titles. Add the AlpsWolf or TrixHub if you want rechargeable options and own a power bank. The Consciot is the brightest single lantern here by its title. Whatever you choose, store spare cells, check the lights twice a year, and put them where everyone can reach them in the dark. If you can afford only one upgrade, make it the spare cells, since a good light with dead batteries is just a paperweight. Before you order, read each listing for the cell type, and check that anything you count on as rechargeable has a stated port and capacity.

Related guides

• Portable Power Stations For Sump Pump
• Small Portable Power Station
• Value Portable Power Station

Frequently asked questions

Should I choose lanterns or flashlights for an outage?

Both have a role. Lanterns spread light across a room, which suits cooking and reading, while flashlights point the beam where you walk. A small kit with one lantern per living space and one flashlight per person works for most homes.

Are battery or rechargeable lights better for outages?

Battery lights keep working with a fresh pack from a drawer, while rechargeable ones need power beforehand. A combination is most resilient: rechargeable lights for daily use, plus an alkaline battery light as backup. Keep a power bank charged.

How many spare batteries should I store?

As an estimate, plan two full sets for each light that will run during a long outage. Store them cool and dry in the original packaging, and check dates yearly. Replace any that leak or swell.

Is a candle a safe backup?

Open flames add fire risk, especially during storms and with children or pets around. LED lights are safer. If you do use candles, keep them on stable holders away from curtains and never leave them unattended.

Where should I keep outage lights?

Keep one near the bed, one by the main door and one in the kitchen. Everyone in the house should know the locations. Avoid storing lights only in a far closet, since you may not reach it in the dark.