We’ve selected the 14 best bike headlights for your reference.
The best bike headlights will help you stay safe when pedaling at night and allow you to see as well as be seen at night. Aside from the best bike helmets, they are vital if you plan to ride in the dark, especially during the cold winter months.
Headlights can help you see the road ahead, so if you’re a newbie, scroll down to the bottom to see my guide to choosing a bike headlight. Battery life, Bluetooth capability, and flashing and brightness patterns are all factors to consider when choosing a headlight. If you like to ride off-road at night, then a bigger, brighter, longer-lasting light is what you need. For this reason, we have found the 14 best bike headlights as of 2023, there is always one for you.
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2023 Best Headlights List
- Gemini Titan 4000 ($299.99)
- Cycliq Fly12 ($299)
- Lezyne Hecto Drive 500XL ($44.99)
- Bontrager Ion 200 RT ($59.99)
- Cygolite Metro Plus 800 USB ($57.14)
- Exposure Strada 1200 ($349)
- Halfords Advanced 1600 Lumen ($73)
- SON Edelux II ($247)
- Hope R2i LED Vision ($85)
- NiteRider 1200 OLED Boost ($89.99)
- Light and Motion Taz 1500 ($171.23)
- Knog PWR Trail 1100L ($103.21)
- Magicshine Allty 1000 DRL ($74.99)
- Light & Motion Vis Pro 1000 Blacktop ($108.74)
1. Gemini Titan 4000 ($299.99)
- Weight: 130g
- Size: 3.25″ x 6″ (8.3cm x 15.3cm)
- Brightness: 4000 Lumens
- Battery: 60Wh
- What we like about it: Very bright for trail riding.
- What we don’t like about it: It’s expensive.
It still lives up to its name, offering sparkling performance for the mountains and off-road. The brand has been at the forefront of the headlight industry with six inline LEDs and a wireless remote control providing plenty of output. The rear OLED display provides mode times as well as battery information, and the addition of two lengths of stretch rubber rings supports two handlebar diameters of 31.8 and 35mm. Superb six-bulb lighting provides ample illumination, and a quick remote control allows for easy and quick light control.
But the high price tag makes it hard for many to swallow and the mass of riders don’t use that many lights. If you just want to use it for commuting, check out the Lezyne Hecto Drive 500XL below, but if your riding environment is off-road at night, the ultra-bright 6 LED beads and solidly fixed mode, and quick remote control can accompany you safely.
2. Cycliq Fly12 ($299)
- Weight: 151g
- Size: 8.4 x 5.5 x 3.3 cm
- Brightness: 400 Lumens
- Battery: 3000mAh
- Recording time: 7 hours
- What we like about it: A collection of sports cameras and headlights.
- What we don’t like about it: The brightness makes compromises for video quality.
Expensive? I don’t think so, it has a light but it’s also a camera. The light is very believable, but it also records what you see in front of the bike. If you ever have a crash while riding, it will act as your ride recorder. 4K video recording is very clear and you can also use it as a tool to shoot vlogs of your rides.
For video quality, the illumination has been reduced from 600 Lumens in the previous generation to 400 Lumens, which may only provide limited illumination during night rides. If you need a brighter light, check out the Cygolite Metro Plus 800 USB below. but for everyday night riding with street lights, this is perfectly adequate. And at $300 for the trail you get a headlight and a 4K sports camera, I don’t think there’s a better deal than that.
3. Lezyne Hecto Drive 500XL ($44.99)
- Weight: 84g
- Size: 3 x 3 x 3 inches
- Brightness: 500 lumens
- Battery: 20 hours of life
- What we like about it: Small and portable, easy to carry.
- What we don’t like about it: Smaller battery capacity.
This is a compact, durable and small headlight. The aluminum body is lightweight and resistant to wear and tear, and the built-in heat sink and cutout in front of the lens allow the light to shine over a wider area. Impressive 500 lumens maximum output and eight output modes, including a daytime flashing mode, can last up to 20 hours on a single charge, and the integrated cable-free USB makes charging easy. Tie-downs can also be strapped to a variety of different handlebars.
The smaller size means that the battery capacity is also very small, with a maximum brightness of 500 lumens can not support a long time. If you use the maximum brightness all the time, people claim that it will last just under an hour. If you need a light that lasts longer, take a look at the Exposure Strada 1200. if you use the normal lights, it can last up to a nominal 20 hours, so for commuting rides that don’t require too much lighting, this design is perfectly adequate.
4. Bontrager Ion 200 RT ($59.99)
- Weight: 84g
- Size: 3 x 3 x 3 inches
- Brightness: 100-400 lumens
- Battery: 14 hours of life
- What we like about it: Small and portable, easy to carry.
- What we don’t like about it: Smaller battery capacity.
Small yet powerful, the Bontrager Ion 200 RT’s specially designed focus, flash, and range provide the ultimate daytime visibility. The integrated light sensor automatically adjusts the brightness of your environment. The small form factor allows for easy attachment to handlebars, helmets, or bike mounts, and a stick mount is available to match the bike computer mount.
People comment on it that the USB charging port is very fragile and needs a little care when charging. But other than that, I’m hard-pressed to find a downside to this little thing, it’s easy to carry, the exposure time is strong enough, and the battery life is very adequate. And the reputation of the Trek brand is recognized by everyone.
5. Cygolite Metro Plus 800 USB ($58.92)
- Weight: 140g
- Size: 4.25 x 0.98 x 1.26 inches
- Brightness: 800 lumens
- Battery: 30 hours of life
- What we like about it: Cost-effective and very bright.
- What we don’t like about it: The nine lighting modes are somewhat redundant.
Powerful 800 lumens output, with nine lighting modes, ideal for people who need strong light at night. And the price is always lower than the same quality lights, fully waterproof IP67 waterproof even if the rain will not affect its use in the slightest. I marvel at the 800 lumens of powerful lighting when riding in the wild. When riding in the city I also appreciate that even the lowest gear can provide me with good lighting effects.
As described, the nine lighting modes were a bit too many for me. I felt it was so cumbersome to use that I wasn’t sure which light I should use. If what you need is a simple and easy-to-use light, check out the Bontrager Ion 200 RT. But the cheap price, with practical strong lights, is the best choice for super cost-effective lights.
6. Exposure Strada 1200 ($349)
- Weight: 257g
- Size:/
- Brightness: 1200 lumens
- Battery: 36 hours of life
- What we like about it: It’s powerful and lasts a long time.
- What we don’t like about it: It’s very expensive and somewhat redundant for general riding performance.
If you’re after a very powerful road light, I don’t think anyone will do a better job than the Exposure Strada 1200, which will fulfill every fantasy you have about night road riding. The most important thing is the 1200-lumen bulb, just as the name says. If you turn on the highest mode on a flat stretch of road, it’s just as bright as when you’re riding in daylight. But please note that remember to turn off this mode when there are bikes around, thus avoiding blinding the subject driver.
The price is equally impressive, at $349 it’s even on sale. If you just need normal nighttime road lighting under dim street lights, I think the $57 Cygolite Metro Plus 800 USB is perfectly capable of doing the job. But if you do need to ride in dark conditions with no street lights at all, I think this is one of the best options out there.
7. Halfords Advanced 1600 Lumen ($73)
- Weight: 288g
- Size:/
- Brightness: 1600 lumens
- Battery: 6400mAh
- What we like about it: Relatively affordable price and strong handlebar integration.
- What we didn’t like about it: The mounting brackets didn’t work very well and were too tight to handle bumpy roads.
It’s cheaper than any of the 1000+ lumen headlights we tested, while the accessories come with a mount for the Gramin and a mount for a GoPro underneath. The USB connector allows it to be turned into a mobile power source to power other devices, and the IPX5 rating is waterproof so I can sweat in the light rain.
The mounting part was so strong that the bracket shook violently and nearly broke when I was riding on a bumpy road. But after I added silicone strips to it, the situation was completely resolved. The Cygolite Metro Plus 800 USB may be more securely fixed on bumpy roads. But on normal roads, the 1600 lumens maximum brightness can fully support you riding in any dark corner.
8. SON Edelux II ($247)
- Weight: /
- Size:/
- Brightness: 1000 lumens
- Battery: Wheel powered
- What we like about it: Makes for a cleaner handlebar, and no need to charge, no need to disassemble it after a ride.
- What we don’t like about it: The installation and the modification are very complicated.
If you like a cleaner look on your handlebars, or if you already have a bike computer and sports camera mounted on your handlebars, try this light, which is mounted on the rim brake mounting holes of the fork. The cable connection is placed on the hub dynamo of the front wheel, which means you don’t need to charge this light additionally.
To do this you need to buy a front-wheel power hub to keep the lights powered, which seems a bit complicated and adds a lot of weight to a well-built bike. If you want simplicity, look at the Halfords Advanced 1600 Lumen, but this design is so durable that you can upgrade the light when you buy the bike, which will save you from having to charge it. And the fixed light doesn’t have to be removed at the end of each ride.
9. Hope R2i LED Vision ($85)
- Weight: 252g
- Size:/
- Brightness: 1300 lumens
- Battery: 3200mAh
- What we like about it: Light and delicate shape, eye protection warm light.
- What we don’t like about it: It’s heavier in weight.
The lightweight profile sets it apart from the crowd of ordinary headlights, housing two warm, eye-friendly LEDs in a signature finishing aesthetic. The twin-tube design resembles a telescope producing a wider range of light, and the smooth transition of the beam’s edges avoids noticeable reflections as well as sharp edges. The current mode is displayed by the backlit main button and there is a “one-touch test” button to immediately check the remaining battery level.
The weight is much heavier than it looks, but we think it’s worth it. The beautifully cut metal makes it look strong and durable, and it is. It has a very strong resistance to drops and can withstand any accidents that arise. The unique mounting method also makes it popular among enthusiasts.
10. NiteRider 1200 OLED Boost ($89.99)
- Weight: 252g
- Size: 4.5 x 1.5 x 1.25 inches
- Brightness: 1000 lumens
- Battery:/
- What we like about it: Power display, boost mode provides high brightness.
- What we don’t like about it: It’s not waterproof.
It’s an innovative bike headlight that takes the guesswork out of battery power, allowing you to plan your next ride on your own, whether it’s day or night. And there’s a boost mode when you need a high level of brightness that immediately boosts the brightness to 1200 lumens, but significantly reduces the range. The switch is easily controlled by a quick-release tab, and the aluminum skeletonized patches on both sides greatly enhance the heat dissipation of the light.
The cutout design on both sides makes it not waterproof, so I wouldn’t recommend using it in the rain. If you like to ride in the rain, check out the IP67-rated Cygolite Metro Plus 800 USB, but for a high-intensity, durable light with a power display, the price of $89 is perfect and I wouldn’t ride out in the rain.
11. Light and Motion Taz 1500 ($171.23)
- Weight: 216g
- Size: 8 x 3 x 3 inches
- Brightness: 1200 lumens
- Battery: 18 hours of life
- What we like about it: It’s lightweight and portable and has super brightness.
- What we don’t like about it: The short battery life.
This is a high-power crossover light, designed for mountain biking. It’s about as bright as a single headlight on a bike but weighs just 216g and you can quickly mount or remove it from your handlebars. The Light and Motion Taz 1500 has a brilliantly wide, evenly illuminated beam that will illuminate any night riding experience.
However, the battery life is not long, the maximum brightness can only last for more than an hour. This is still not enough for daily night riding. If you want a long-lasting bike light, check out the Exposure Strada 1200, but no one can resist a lightweight, compact, yet bright light that’s convenient.
12. Knog PWR Trail 1100L ($103.21)
- Weight: 216g
- Size: 22.9 x 18 x 4.7 cm
- Brightness: 1100 lumens
- Battery: 5000mAh
- What we like about it: The extra-long battery life and the easy adjustment knob.
- What we don’t like about it: No adaptive adjustment.
This is probably the longest-lasting headlight you can buy, providing up to 250h of lighting time in the lowest brightness range mode. The extra-large 5000mAh battery with a USB output port allows you to use it as a mobile power source. The twist-to-light mode allows me to operate it easily even with thick gloves on without worrying about not being able to press the button. The modular design is very innovative, you can use the backup battery to replace it when it runs out of power.
Even when the battery is almost exhausted, it does not reduce power consumption at all if not switched manually. I wish it could be designed to automatically switch to the power-saving mode for me when the battery is low. Because I don’t have time to pay attention to how much power is left on the top display when riding at high speed. But obviously, I’m asking too much of it, and the design is a bit too much for a $130 light. I still like it very much, especially its long life mode.
13. Magicshine Allty 1000 DRL ($74.99)
- Weight: 132g
- Size: 96 x 30 x 37cm
- Brightness: 1000 lumens
- Battery: 4000mAh
- What we like about it: The minimalist form factor can be used as a headlamp.
- What we don’t like about it: It only supports the installation of round tubes.
The Red Dot Design Award-winning Magicshine Allty 1000 DRL is well made, easy to operate, and offers great value for money. Whether it’s day or night, the 25-lumen night light provides safety and protection. It’s not flashy, and the minimalist look delivers great functionality. On top of that, the included headlamp mount makes it possible to run it as a head.
A familiar problem, just supporting round tubing makes it impossible to be mounted very tightly on those shaped domestique handlebars. If your handlebars happen to be of this type, check out the soft rubber ties for the Light and Motion Taz 1500. But if that’s not the case, the lightweight, compact and inexpensive Magicshine Allty 1000 DRL is a great light.
14. Light & Motion Vis Pro 1000 Blacktop ($108.74)
- Weight: 121g
- Size: 9 x 4.25 x 1.5 inches
- Brightness: 1000 lumens
- Battery:/
- What we like about it: The minimalist form factor can be used as a headlamp.
- What we don’t like about it: It only supports the installation of round tubes.
This is a light that can keep pace with ultra-endurance riders and bike tourers. It is extremely durable and takes only 2.5h to charge, the elastic strap shape allows it to be mounted on any handlebar, and the waterproof feature allows it to be submerged in up to a meter of water. It can be used for up to 720 minutes in SafePulse mode.
The range of a single bulb is very small, and most headlights on the market are already designed with two or more bulbs. If you want a wider range, you can look at the Gemini Titan 4000, but for a lightweight light, we can’t ask for too much. And the price is a reasonable $108.
How to choose the best bicycle headlights?
- How to choose the right bicycle headlights for you?
- Brightness and lumens
- Battery life
- Charging time
- Installation System
- Rubber band
- Solid plastic or metal mounting systems
- Other Functions
How to choose the right bicycle headlights for you?
If you are a regular rider at night, then it is important to choose a reliable headlight. It can help you to light up the front and let the object approaching bikes find you in time. Here I will let you know how to choose a suitable bike headlight from various angles.
Brightness and lumens
Like headlights on bikes, bike lights are measured in lumens. While the standard headlight for dark running is no less than 350 lumens, cycling is often faster, which requires higher visibility. After our testing, we found that a minimum of 500 lumens is needed for cycling, which is sufficient for road bikes and gravel riding. But if I’m riding on bumpy trails, I’ll need about 800-1000 lumens for tricky night terrain at higher speeds.
It’s important to note that bike lights often claim their highest power brightness. However, you will not usually be out riding at maximum brightness, and the exact duration will depend on how much brightness you use and the needs of the terrain and visibility. In addition, when riding in city streets with street lights, the duration of the blink, flash, or pulse mode will be many hours longer than the maximum brightness, making you more likely to be noticed during the day.
Battery life
Different brightness settings will drain the battery at different rates. Finding the right brightness can keep battery life to 3-6 hours, and the lowest energy-saving mode can extend battery life to 8-10 hours.
On long rides (enduro as well as multi-day gravel rides), battery life is critical. You may ride for hours before dawn and then continue to ride for hours after dark. So knowing the brightness settings and tracking battery life will keep your lights available to you all the time.
Charging time
Most lights are rechargeable via USB and can be recharged on long trips or at home with a battery pack. For battery-powered lights, we like rechargeable batteries. Not only can you recharge it, but you can also buy a replacement battery and change it like an old-fashioned cell phone to get a fully charged light quickly.
It is worth mentioning that the list also includes a super radiant light driven entirely by a rotating bicycle wheel.
Installation System
In the imagination, the lights are very easy to be mounted on the handlebars, so there is no need to worry about problems in this area. But this is not the case, and the different sizes between each handlebar often make it a compromise.
Rubber Bands: The easiest way to mount is with a high-stretch rubber band and a special groove on the lightweight mount. This system makes installation and removal very easy but can create movement when riding on bumpy and rough roads. However, they are also more prone to degradation and eventual breakage than solid mounts if used over time.
Solid plastic or metal mounting systems: Bolted directly to the handlebars, this sturdy mounting method tends to provide better safety and long-lasting durability on bumpy roads. However, this type of mounting is often more complicated to install and requires a small hex wrench.
Other Functions
Waterproofing is important, especially if you need to ride in bad weather conditions, and IP codes are the measurement that keeps water and dirt out. The lowest IP4 protects against water splashes, while IP7 products can be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes
Some of the lights not only provide USB charging but also USB discharging. You can use it as a mobile power source to charge your GPS or cell phone. This is especially useful for long rides.
Conclusion
A good headlight can accompany you to stay safe at all times when riding at night. For those riders who love to ride at night or those who can only find time to ride at night, a reliable headlight is very important to use. But like everything, bike lights come in a wide variety of brands, offering endless options. So finding the best bike for your needs can be very difficult.
For this reason, we have selected 14 of the most popular bike headlights this year and put them to a series of tests. They have a variety of different series as well as brightness duration, rich design can provide complete protection for your night riding, so you do not have to worry about any unseen safety hazards. By the way, if you want to go riding in well-known terrain or special terrain, you can book your accommodation on IHG Hotels & Resorts. It is not only rich in variety but also easy to operate.
We are sure you can find the right bike headlight for you on the list. If you still need a taillight to improve safety, check out our best bike rear lights of 2023.
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