Selecting the right bike light is as important as knowing the rules of the road and owning a properly fitted helmet. The real question is not whether you need a bright light, it is which one should you buy. In an effort to help all fellow cyclists, I spent hours researching and compiling a list of the 5 Best Brightest Bike Lights In 2023.
Despite the many great options, my research indicates that the best overall is the Nitecore BR35 Bike Headlight with a dual beam lamp and high definition OLED screen.
Top 3 Comparison Table| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
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BEST OVERALL  |
BEST OVERALL
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NITECORE BR35 Bike Light
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CHECK LATEST PRICE |
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BEST HELMET MOUNT  |
BEST HELMET MOUNT
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NiteRider Pro 3600 LED Headlight
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CHECK LATEST PRICE |
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BEST ON A BUDGET  |
BEST ON A BUDGET
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NiteRider Lumina OLED 1200 Boost Headlight
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CHECK LATEST PRICE |
5 Brightest Bike Lights In 2024 – Reviews
1. Nitecore BR35 1800 Bike Headlight – Best Overall
The Nitecore BR35 is an ultra-bright, dual-beam light that is easy to use. The dual-beam, powered by 1800 lumens, eliminates dead spots. The OLED screen and 3-button user interface makes it easy to read and operate the light controls during your ride. The USB rechargeable battery provides longevity and the quick-release mount offers hassle-free installation and removal. The battery is pretty comparable to a rechargeable spotlight.
Features: OLED screen; 3 button interface; dual beams; 1800 lumen; micro USB rechargeable battery; remote switch; quick-release handlebar mount; USB charging cable
Pros
- Bright – 1800 lumen, dual-beam lamp
- Easy to use – OLED screen, 3 button user-interface and quick release mount
- Long battery life – rechargeable battery provides up to 17 hours of runtime
Cons
- Built-in battery – when the rechargeable battery no longer charges you will have to replace the entire light
- Price – you do pay for the quality and features
2. NiteRider Pro 3600 LED Headlight – Best Helmet Mounted Light
The NiteRider Pro 3600 is an extremely bright, versatile and customizable bike light. It boasts a ridiculous 3600 lumens making it one of the brightest lights available. This light offers a DIY software that allows for customization of the lights settings. The bar mount, helmet mount and extension cable make it an extremely versatile light and capable of accomodating a wide variety of needs.
Features: 6 LED bulbs: 3600 lumens; dual beam; 4 light modes; DIY software; handlebar mount; helmet mount; extension cable
Pros
- Bright – dual beam, 6-bulb, 3600 lumen LED
- Versatile – 4 light modes, helmet mount and handlebar mount
- Customizable – DIY software
Cons
- Safety – dual beam light does not operate in flash for safety and steady stream at the same time, it is one or the other – brightly illuminate roads or confidently use flash to be seen.
- Price – there are cheaper, less bright lights – if you want to sacrifice quality
3. NiteRider Lumina OLED 1200 Boost Headlight – Best on a Budget
The NiteRider Lumina 1200 Boost is a bright, quality light at an affordable price. The light’s Collimator lens offers a wide, evenly dispersed beam. The 1200 lumens can be intensified with Boost Mode. The light is highly functional with five light levels, four daylight flash modes and an OLED screen. It is also water-resistant.
Features: 1200 lumens; Boost Mode; OLED screen; 5 light levels; 4 daylight flash mode; FL1 IP64 rating
Pros
- Bright – 1200 lumen LED with Boost Mode
- Functional – multifunctional OLED screen, 5 light levels and 4 daylight flash modes
- Weatherproof – manufactured to FL1 IP 64 ratings, watertight in the worst of storms
Cons
- Battery – Lithium ion batteries are rechargeable but can be overcharged or discharged too far
4. NiteRider Pro 1800 Race Bike Light – Most Durable Light
The NiteRider Pro 1800 is a powerful, versatile, lightweight bike light. It boasts 1800 lumens with custom reflectors and 3 Cree LEDs to light up any trail or road. It offers an accurate battery life reading with an eight-step fuel gauge and sealed gaskets to weather the worst conditions. The light provides functionality with a handlebar mount fitting 35mm bars and a helmet mount.
Features: 1800 lumens; 3 cone custom reflectors; 3 Cree LED; 8-step fuel gauge; DuPont fiberglass reinforced nylon casing/housing; sealed gaskets; handlebar mount; helmet mount; extension cable
Pros
- Bright – 1800 lumens, 3 Cree LEDs with 3 cone custom reflectors
- Durable – DuPont fiberglass reinforced nylon casing/housing
- Functional – 8 step fuel gauge, handlebar and helmet mounts
Cons
- Price – you pay for the quality and durability
5. NiteRider 6706 Pro 1200 LED Headlight – Best Mountain Bike Light on a Budget
The NiteRider 6760 Pro 1200 is a more affordable version of the NiteRider Pro 1800. It boasts1200 lumens which is enough to light up any trail. The eight-step fuel gauge offers an accurate reading of battery life plus sealed gaskets to survive the worst conditions. The light is functional with a handlebar mount fitting 35mm bars and a helmet mount.
Features: 1200 lumen; 8-step fuel gauge; DuPont fiberglass reinforced nylon casing/housing; sealed gaskets; handlebar mount; helmet mount; extension cable
Pros
- Price – an affordable option to the Pro 1800
- Durable – DuPont fiberglass reinforced nylon casing/housing
- Functional – 8-step fuel gauge, handlebar and helmet mounts
Cons
- Brightness – it is not as bright as its competition at 1200 lumens but it isn’t the same price point either
What is the Brightest Bicycle Headlight – Final Thoughts
There are plenty of bright and reliable bike lights. Selecting a light for nighttime riding is a difficult task with all the good options. In order to make the decision making the process easier, you should answer a few questions: How will you use it – trails, roads or a combination? Where will you be mounting it – helmet or bike? How often will you use it? How much do you want to spend?
A light that can illuminate all the hazards and make you visible to others is the goal. After brightness, it is all about the features and benefits that separate these lights. A bike light that illuminates the road, offers a long battery life, is easy to use, weather-resistant and offers a quality display are all things to consider. You may also like the best running lights guide here and if you are a parent, then check out this guide on the best helmets for toddlers.
After hours of considering all of these factors and researching a variety of lights, I compiled a list of the 5 Best Brightest Bike Lights In 2023. Despite the many great options, my research indicates that the best overall is the Nitecore BR35 Bike Headlight with its OLED screen, rechargeable battery, dual beams and 1800 lumens.
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- https://stayontrails.com/best-handheld-spotlight
- https://stayontrails.com/best-reflective-running-gear
- https://stayontrails.com/best-cyclocross-shoes
Austin Mills