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Best bike lights in 2022

By Dan Cavallari published 21 September 2022 Here are the best front and rear lights to keep you safe Included in this guide:1LezyneMacro Drive 1300XXLCheck Price (opens in new tab)2NiteriderLumina 1200 BoostCheck Price (opens in new tab)3KnogPWR 1100LCheck Price (opens in new tab)4NiteRiderLumina Micro 900Check Price (opens in new tab)5Cycliq Fly12View (opens in new tab)6BontragerIon 200 RT front bike lightCheck Price (opens in new tab)7Light and MotionVis Pro 1000 TrailCheck Price (opens in new tab)8NiteRiderSentry Aero 260 Rear LightCheck Price (opens in new tab)9TopeakTaillux 100Check Price (opens in new tab)10GarminVaria Radar RTL515Check Price (opens in new tab)11CateyeRapid X3 Rear LightCheck Price (opens in new tab)12CygoLiteHotshot Pro 200CCheck Price (opens in new tab)13NiteRiderSabre 110Check Price (opens in new tab)14BontragerFlare RTCheck Price (opens in new tab)15SerfasUTL-6 Thunderbolt Tail Light Check Price (opens in new tab) (Image credit: Future/Tom's Guidr) Jump to: The best headlights The best taillights The best bike lights do two things: they allow you to see, and they ensure you can be seen. If you're riding regularly, you'll probably want a front light and a rear light, for riding in low light, at night, and in bad weather conditions. That means choosing the best bike light actually means choosing two lights. If you're looking to upgrade your bike lights now the seasons are changing, read on to find our top picks. Fortunately, a lot of bike lights are sold as kits. You'll get both a front light and a rear light in one package, usually with a charging cable and appropriate mounts included. If you're looking for one-stop shopping, a front and rear kit is your best bet. But if you want the best bike lights, you'll probably want to mix and match among individual options. That's because there are a ton of bike lights out there that offer features beyond just, well, light. Some bike lights include radar systems, integrated video cameras, and even Bluetooth capabilities to communicate with your smartphone. So how do you choose the best bike lights? Start by deciding how, when, and where you'll be riding. To help you choose the best bike lights for you, we've road-tested some of the most popular lights on the market. We looked at how bright they were, how long the battery lasted, how long it took to recharge the lights, as well as how much they weighed, and how easy they were to get on and off the bike. Read on to find the best bike lights on test, and while you're shopping, why not check out our best bike helmets and our best electric bikes here.

What are the best bike lights  

The best headlight overall is the Lezyne Macro Drive 1300XXL. The Macro Drive lasted longer than any other headlight in the test at the highest setting, shining brightly for just under three hours. The beam casts a broad light out in front of you, and there is the option to buy an optional remote switch to control the light from the handlebars. The best taillight overall is the NiteRider Sentry Aero 260, which beats the competition in side visibility, with its long, aero-shaped lens casting light in all directions. It's easy to mount to any type of seatpost using the silicone strap, and it stayed in place securely throughout our testing. Finally, if you're on a budget, the best value headlight is the NiteRider Lumina Micro 900, which pushes out an impressive amount of light, hits a great price point, and sits on the most stable and convenient mount in the test. The best value taillight is the NiteRider Sabre 110, which is easy to use, super bright, and convenient for removing from the mount to clip on a backpack. Read more about what to look for when choosing bike lights, what the rules are around bike lights in the UK and the US, and how to install bike lights here. We've also found some of the most important cycling safety tips to follow.

The best headlights

(Image credit: Future/Tom's Guidr)

1 Lezyne Macro Drive 1300XXL

The best headlight overall

Specifications

Weight : 208 gramsLumens : 1,300 lumensMax run time: 148 hours; 2.5 hours at 1,300 lumensRecharge time: 3.5 hours Light modes : 7Charging : USB rechargeable Today's Best DealsView at Amazon (opens in new tab)View at Jenson USA (opens in new tab)View at Als.com (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+Long battery life+Bombproof construction+Solid mounting system+Easy to use+Wide light beam

Reasons to avoid

-Bulky The Macro Drive 1300XXL from Lezyne narrowly beat out the NiteRider 1200 OLED Boost for best bike headlight. They are both excellent lights, but the Lezyne light comes in $70 cheaper than the NiteRider. The Macro Drive lasted longer than any other headlight in the test at the highest setting, shining brightly for just under three hours. At the 450-lumen setting, the Macro Drive lasted just under eight hours. The mount offers a stable system that's easily adjustable to handlebars of various thicknesses. It's a thick band that seems like it's built to stand the test of time. It's so thick, in fact, that it can be a touch difficult to pull it to length to secure it to the hook on the other end of the mount. But once it's in place, it's easy to adjust the position and the light stays solidly in place. The beam itself casts a broad light in front of you, with a concentration of light in the center of the beam. It's great if you'll be riding dark roads and trails and need to see as much as possible. With 1,300 lumens, you won't be in short supply of light. And you can even add an optional remote switch ($15) that mounts closer to your handlebar's grips. That allows you to adjust the light level and pattern on the fly without having to remove your hands from the bar. The only real downside to the Lezyne Macro Drive 1300XXL is its size. It's on the heavy side for a light at 208 grams, and it takes up a bit more handlebar space than the thinner mount on the NiteRider 1200 OLED Boost. But that seems to be about the only downside to this powerful light. (Image credit: Future/Tom's Guide)

2 NiteRider 1200 OLED Boost

The best headlight mounting system

Specifications

Weight : 172 gramsLumens : 1200 lumensMax run time: up to 30 hoursCharge time : Between 3 and 6 hoursLight modes : 9Charging: USB rechargeable Extras : Li-Ion battery, Water/dust resistant, OLED display Today's Best DealsView at Amazon (opens in new tab)View at Jenson USA (opens in new tab)View at Outdoor Gear Exchange (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+Screen is easy to read and gives tons of useful information on the fly+Excellent mounting system stays put better than any other+Strong beam+Lots of battery life

Reasons to avoid

-Expensive The NiteRider 1200 OLED Boost narrowly missed out on the top spot in the best bike headlights list. The only thing that held it back was its price, which is $70 more than the Lezyne Macro Drive 1300XXL. But you get plenty for the price. For starters, the mount secures the light better than all of the others in this test, aside from the Cycliq Fly12, which is bolted in place. The 1200 OLED Boost's mount is actually better though; it can be adjusted easily using the thumb-twist screw, and you can remove the light entirely from the mount to charge it, or use it as a flashlight. The OLED screen on top of the unit offers key data that's helpful while you're riding. In particular, you can see how much time you have remaining before the battery dies. The screen also tells you what light mode you're in at any given time. The NiteRider 1200 OLED Boost's light beam casts wide and evenly. It's perhaps slightly less bright than the Lezyne Macro Drive 1300XXL, but the Lezyne also has an extra 100 lumens. It was honestly difficult to tell the difference between the two lights in practice; both gave me more than enough light in front and to the sides. NiteRider says you can get about an hour and a half of battery life at the highest setting. I had it set to medium, which gives you 550 lumens; NiteRider says you should get about three hours of life at this setting. I got five hours and 10 minutes from it. Great battery life, an excellent mount, a strong beam, and a nifty screen make this a top choice in the headlight category. It's a touch expensive but worth every penny. (Image credit: Future/Tom's Guide)

3 Knog PWR Trail 1100L

The most versatile headlight

Specifications

Weight : 230 gramsLumens : 1100 lumensMax run time: up to 300 hours (Eco flash mode); 1.7 hours at 1,100 lumensCharge time : 3.5 hoursLight modes : 6Charging: USB rechargeableExtras : Doubles as a power bankToday's Best DealsView at Pro Bike Kit (opens in new tab)View at Amazon (opens in new tab)View at Amazon (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+Can be used as a flashlight, power bank, lantern, and more+Powerful, wide beam+Easy on/off with a twist of the light head

Reasons to avoid

-Mounting system needs streamlining-Heavy and long Knog's PWR Trail 1100L does more than just light the way - it also doubles as a power bank so you can charge your phone or GoPro from it; pop it out of the mount and use it as a flashlight; or swap out the light head and use it to power other PWR accessories, like the PWR Sound speaker or the PWR Lantern. There's no other light in this test that comes close to the PWR's versatility. Turning the light on and off is super easy; just twist the light head. It's an excellent system that eliminates the need for buttons of any kind. Pressing the red release button on the unit allows you to pop the light attachment off if you want to use the battery as a power bank, or when it's time to charge the unit. The PWR Trail 1100L casts a nice, even, wide beam on the maximum mode. At the Mid mode (600 Lumens), the light ran for 3 hours and 40 minutes, besting the advertised run time by over an hour. The small lights on the side of the PWR Trail 1100L indicate how much battery life you have left. There are only a few downsides to Knog's big light. For starters, the mounting system was my least favorite among the test lights. It seems over-complicated, though it does allow you to run the light underneath your handlebars easily. Given that this light has Trail in its name, it seems it would be marketed specifically to mountain bikers. But the mount only accommodates handlebars up to 31.8mm; most modern mountain bikes have transitioned to 35mm bars. And it's heavy and long compared to the competition. Of course, that's a minor consideration if you're interested in the PWR Trail 1100L for more than just its light beam. This light is best for adventurers; think bikepacking, camping, and long adventure rides. (Image credit: Future/Tom's Guide)

4 NiteRider Lumina Micro 900

An affordable headlight

Specifications

Weight : 130 gramsLumens : 900 lumensMax run time: up to 60 hours; 2 hours at 900 lumensCharge time : 2.5 to 4.5 hoursLight modes : 5 Charging: USB rechargeableExtras : Fits handlebars up to 35mm Today's Best DealsView at Amazon (opens in new tab)View at Walmart (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+Excellent mount+Strong light beam in a compact package+Lightweight+Good price

Reasons to avoid

- Battery life seems short The Lumina Micro 900 from NiteRider uses the same mount as its big brother, the 1200 OLED Boost. It's an excellent, stable mount that adapts to handlebars of various sizes, and the light itself detaches easily from the mount should you want to stuff the light in a pocket or use it as a handheld flashlight. It's far less expensive too, largely because you'll do without 300 extra lumens and the OLED screen on top. The single button also acts as the low-battery indicator; it lights up blue when you've got a good charge and turns red when you're running low. The body of the light feels stout and durable. The beam casts wide at full power, so you can definitely use this as a trail light on your mountain bike. The run time during our testing wasn't bad, but it did not quite reach the advertised two hours of operation at 900 lumens, falling about twenty minutes short of that. Still, the Lumina Micro pushes out an impressive amount of light, hits a great price point, and sits on the most stable and convenient mount in the test. It's a safe bet if you like the build, mount, and features of the 1200 OLED Boost but want to save some cash and don't mind doing without the information screen. (Image credit: Future/Tom's Guide)

5 Cycliq Fly12

Best headlight with camera

Specifications

Weight : 195 gramsLumens : 600 lumensCharge time : 2 hoursLight modes : 3 light modes, 3 brightness settingsCharging: USB rechargeableExtras : Records 1080p Full HD video at 60fps or 30fps, Image stabilization HDR, 135-degree viewing range, Stereo audio recording, Audible alerts, Bluetooth and ANT+ compatible

Reasons to buy

+Camera integration can come in handy in case of altercations and accidents+Mount is super stable

Reasons to avoid

-Very expensive-Bulkiest headlight in our test -Light beam is narrow compared to competition The Fly12 from Cycliq is a light, but that's almost its secondary purpose. The Fly12 also records video so you can capture ride highlights - or altercations. If an incident occurs, such as a crash or collision, the Fly12 detects it and ensures the footage before, during, and after the altercation do not get overwritten. Otherwise, the Fly12 records in a loop. There's a lot to love about the video capabilities with the Fly12. A wide viewing range and stereo audio recording can all come in handy should you need to record a specific event, and the image stabilization makes the footage smooth. On the light side, you won't get as much as other headlights in the test. For starters, the Fly12 only offers 600 lumens. And the light beam itself is fairly narrow. Battery life is just okay. With the camera rolling and the light on medium, the Fly12 went dead after 2 hours and 20 minutes. With just the camera rolling and the light off, Cycliq says you should get up to 7 hours of recording. There's an integrated "HomeSafe" mode that starts when the battery is low to ensure you have lights for up to 30 minutes. The handlebar mount is rock-solid, largely because you need to bolt it on with an Allen key. You can mount the Fly12 on top of your bars or underneath, but once it's set in place, adjustments require tools. Of course, the ¾ turn mount allows you to take the light off when you're not using it, so you can stuff it in a pocket. Buy this light if you're more interested in the camera features. You can also opt for the Fly6, which is the rear-facing version of Cycliq's light/camera combos. (Image credit: Future/Tom's Guide)

6 Bontrager Ion 200 RT

A small headlight with a powerful beam

Specifications

Weight : 40 gramsLumens : 200 lumensMax run time : 1.5 hours to 30 hours depending on modeCharge time : 2 hoursLight modes : Integrated light sensor adjusts to ambient lightCharging: USB rechargeableExtras : Bluetooth and ANT+ capabilities, WaterproofToday's Best DealsView at Als.com (opens in new tab)View at REI.com (opens in new tab)Check Amazon (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+Small enough to tuck into a pocket+Deceptively powerful beam+Long battery life; good mounting strap

Reasons to avoid

-Expensive for a light this small and limited-Almost no side visibility Bontrager's Ion 200 RT packs a powerful punch for such a small light. The beam is very focused, so you won't get a wide sweep of light, but it's viewable from a very long distance - up to two kilometers (1.25 miles), according to Bontrager. While it casts some light out front so you can see what's right in front of you, the primary function of the Ion 200 RT is to ensure you're seen rather than able to see. The Ion's diminutive size is perhaps its biggest benefit. It's small enough to stuff in a pocket, and it mounts easily just about anywhere. It's super simple, with a single button to turn it on and off and to adjust the modes. The best light is the one you actually use, and Bontrager has done a great job ensuring it's as easy as possible to do just that. You can buy the Ion 200 RT individually or as a set with the Flare RT rear light. The combination of the two ensures you're seen from the front and the rear, even in daylight. But you won't get much visibility from the sides; just from the direct front and rear. The biggest drawback to this tiny light is its price. $65 seems steep for a light that doesn't have enough lumens to cast a big beam for seeing well ahead of you at night. If you're after convenient, always-on visibility lights in a tiny package that won't take up much space on your handlebars, it's hard to beat the Ion 200 RT. But if you're cost-conscious and need as many lumens as you can get, this probably isn't the right choice. (Image credit: Future/Tom's Guide)

7 Light & Motion Vis Pro 1000 Blacktop

A simple, lightweight headlight

Specifications

Weight : 121 gramsLumens : 1000 lumensMax run time: 12 hours (SafePulse mode); 90 minutes at 1000 lumensCharge time : 2.5 hoursLight modes : 4 light levels, including SafePulseCharging: USB rechargeableExtras : Waterproof and impact-resistant, Handlebar and GoPro mount includedToday's Best DealsView at Jenson USA (opens in new tab)View at Outdoor Gear Exchange (opens in new tab)Check Amazon (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+Simple, compact design+Compatible with external battery for longer life+Good mount

Reasons to avoid

-Short runtime at full power The Vis Pro 1000 Blacktop from Light & Motion comes in at just 121 grams, and the design is sleek and simple. If you're looking for a powerful light that will save you some weight, the Vis Pro is definitely worth a look. The beam feels more focused than others in the test, so if you want a wide beam, look elsewhere. But the Vis Pro 1000 Blacktop still provides ample light for city riding and light trail riding, especially at the highest 1,000-lumen setting. Light & Motion says you should be able to get about 1.5 hours of run time on the highest setting. In testing, the Vis Pro 1000 Blacktop outperformed that number, lasting just under two hours on the highest setting. However, other lights in the test have longer battery life, even with higher lumens. The Vis Pro comes with a handlebar mount and a GoPro-style mount. The handlebar mount accommodates various handlebar widths easily with a rubber band. You can leave the mount on the handlebars and remove the light itself to use as a flashlight or to stow in a pocket. But Light & Motion's 'quick-release' system isn't very quick, or easy. You have to loosen a very small dial, then pull the light backward from the mount. This system could use some refinement for easier and quicker use. The Vis Pro also features amber lights on the sides to cast off some light for visibility on either side of the rider. But these lights aren't very bright and don't seem especially useful. The Vis Pro 1000 Blacktop is best if you're looking for a powerful light and want to save a few grams. But if you're after a wide beam, long run time, or easy removal from the mount, look elsewhere.

The best taillights

(Image credit: Future/Tom's Guide )

8 NiteRider Sentry Aero 260

The best taillight overall

Specifications

Weight : 65 gramsLumens : 260 lumensMax run time: up to 30 hoursCharge time : 2.5 hoursLight modes : 6Visibility : 260 degrees Today's Best DealsView at Pro Bike Kit (opens in new tab)View at Amazon (opens in new tab)View at Walmart (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+Side and rear visibility+Plenty of flash pattern options+Good mounting strap+Good battery life

Reasons to avoid

-Despite its high lumens, other lights are easier to see from long distance During testing, I set the Sentry Aero 260 to the setting I most commonly use: solid light on the sides with a flash at the rear. In that setting, the light lasted a whopping seven hours and 45 minutes. That runtime would be shorter on certain settings, but I have owned this light for almost two years now and use it almost exclusively on this setting. It seemed fitting to test it this way. The Sentry Aero beats the competition in side visibility, with its long, aero-shaped lens casting light in all directions. It's easy to mount to any type of seatpost using the silicone strap, and it stays in place securely. I did manage to break the original silicone strap; fortunately, a second was included in the box and that one has lasted over a year and a half so far. While other lights in the test are more visible from further away, particularly in the daytime, the Sentry Aero 260 offers the best all-around visibility (rear and sides). It hits a good price, too, especially given its durable design and solid mounting system. After a couple of years of use, and in comparison to all the other lights in this test, the Sentry Aero 260 remains my favorite light for its reliability, visibility, and durability. (Image credit: Future/Tom's Guide)

9 Topeak Taillux 100

Runner-up for the best tail light

Specifications

Weight : 30 gramsLumens : 100 lumensMax battery life: up to 30 hoursCharge time: 3-4 hoursLight modes : 4Charging: USB-C rechargeableToday's Best DealsView at Amazon (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+USB-C chargeable+Solid build quality+Easy mounting system+Good side visibility+Great price

Reasons to avoid

-None Topeak's Taillux 100 offers a lot of visibility in a small, convenient package. It's one of the best taillights you can buy. Single-button operation turns on the light and allows you to choose from four different modes. You can toggle between constant light and blinking, or a combination of the two. Topeak says you can get up to three hours of battery life in the constant, 100-lumen setting, and that played out almost to the minute in the course of testing. Topeak also says you get up to 220 degrees of visibility, which means you'll be seen by vehicles behind you and on the side of you. The visibility is indeed very good here, both from the rear and sides. The mounting system uses a small but stout silicone band, which means the Taillux will work with a variety of seatpost sizes and shapes. The light comes with adapters that slide into place on the rear of the light to best accommodate the most common seatpost shapes. A clip mount is also included, so you can clip the light to your pocket or backpack. The Taillux comes very close to being the best tail light in the test, bested only by Niterider's Sentry Aero 260, which offers more lumens and better side visibility. The Taillux is less expensive and lighter, however. (Image credit: Future/Tom's Guide)

10 Garmin Varia RTL515

The best rear light with safety features

Specifications

Weight : 71 gramsLumens : 65 lumensMax battery life: up to 16 hours (day flash mode)Charge time: Not specified Light modes : 4Charging: USB rechargeableExtras : Bluetooth and ANT+ capabilities, WaterproofToday's Best DealsView at Amazon (opens in new tab)View at Best Buy (opens in new tab)View at Walmart (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+Radar integration gives you information on surrounding cars+Easy three-quarter twist mount+Long battery life

Reasons to avoid

-Small rear beam-Even smaller side beams The Varia from Garmin feels more like a rear radar that happens to have a light integrated into it. The radar itself alerts you to vehicles approaching from your rear with visual and audible alerts. It pairs to your Garmin head unit or to your smartphone, giving you notice when a car is approaching so you can make better road positioning decisions. If that doesn't sound like it's your cup of tea, the Varia RTL 515 definitely isn't the light for you. The light itself is small, though Garmin says it is visible for up to a mile away. The rest of the light's body is dedicated to the radar function; the body itself measures a long four inches, which means if your seat post is low, you might have trouble mounting this light. While there are some smaller lights built into the sides of the Varia RTL515 light, they aren't as prominent as other lights in the test. It's great that the lights are integrated into the radar in the first place, but they definitely don't seem to be the primary function here. The quarter-turn mount lets you remove the light quickly and easily. Once slotted, the light stays in place solidly, though the mount itself is held in place with fairly thin silicone bands that could wear and break more quickly than some of the thicker bands on lights in this test. And at $200, the Varia isn't cheap. If you're interested in the Varia, you'll be doing it largely for the radar system, at which point the system seems worthwhile for the price. But if you're after the best taillight functions, look elsewhere. (Image credit: Future/Tom's Guide)

11 CatEye Rapid X3

A rear light with some of the best side visibility on test

Specifications

Weight : 46 gramsLumens : 150 lumensMax battery life: 30 hoursCharge time: 3 hoursLight modes : 4Charging: USB rechargeableToday's Best DealsView at Amazon (opens in new tab)View at Walmart (opens in new tab)View at Walmart (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+Excellent side visibility+Excellent rear visibility

Reasons to avoid

-Power buttons are hard to push CatEye's Rapid X3 features some of the best side visibility in our test. The 150 lumens pump out brightly both to the rear of the rider and to the sides. The flash modes seem particularly useful for grabbing the attention of drivers. The Rapid X3 mounts easily to seatposts of various sizes and shapes, making it a good choice regardless of what type of bike you're riding. It's held in place with a rubber band. There are two power buttons, one on each side of the light, so you can activate the light from either side. Overall, the Rapid X3 could make a very strong case as a top taillight, but it's held back by a few mostly minor drawbacks. For starters, the two power buttons are difficult to push. And it was difficult to turn the light on and off; sometimes when you pushed both buttons the unit would turn off, but other times it would simply change the flash mode. There really doesn't need to be two power buttons to begin with, since the unit is so small anyway. And while the mount system accommodates various seatposts, the Rapid X3 is held in place with a thin rubber band rather than a thick silicone one. This isn't necessarily a problem if you'll be riding mostly on roads, though such rubber bands tend to allow more movement and break down more quickly than thick silicone bands. If you'll be riding primarily on the road, the Rapid X3 is a good choice. It offers very conspicuous flash modes and lots of side visibility. The drawbacks certainly don't outweigh the benefits here. (Image credit: Future/Tom's Guide)

12 CygoLite Hotshot Pro 200C

A rear light with an incredibly long battery life

Specifications

Weight : 54 gramsLumens : 200 lumensMax battery life: 210 hoursCharge time: 5 hours Light modes : 6Charging: USB rechargeableExtras : Adaptive Flash auto adjust senses day and nightToday's Best DealsView at Amazon (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+Incredibly long battery life in certain modes+Removes from mount easily for use as clip-on light

Reasons to avoid

-Old style mount requires screwdriver to install and only accommodates round seatposts-Two-button operation seems extraneous; long charge time CygoLite's Hotshot Pro 200C offers a bright, focused beam with plenty of flashing modes to get you noticed on the road. With 200 lumens blasting out, this light is plenty powerful for day or night visibility. The light auto adjusts to ambient light conditions too, optimizing your lumen output for the light around you. The Hotshot Pro 200C does push out some light to the sides for some side visibility, but it's not as focused or as bright as other options in our test. I used this light on the highest flash setting during testing and it lasted seven hours. That's decent battery life that can be extended by using a lower power setting. The Hotshot Pro features two buttons: a power button (which also switches the flash modes) and a tempo-adjust button that lets you customize your flash patterns. I found this two-button system unnecessary; this light would be more convenient to use with just one button to contend with, and I'm not sure I need that much control over my flash patterns to justify a second button. The mounting system is dated. It only accommodates round posts, and it requires a screwdriver for mounting and unmounting. That said, it is quite easy to slide the light off the mount without having to remove the mount itself, so you can clip this onto a backpack or slide the light in your pocket. Fortunately, CycoLite offers another version of this light, the Hotshot Pro 200 USB, that features a silicone band mounting system that accommodates seat posts of various sizes and shapes. This is a better option that opens up far more mounting possibilities. (Image credit: Future/Tom's Guide)

13 NiteRider Sabre 110

The most affordable bike rear light

Specifications

Weight : 28 gramsLumens : 110 lumensMax battery life: 17 hoursCharge time: 2.5 hoursLight modes : 6Charging: USB rechargeableExtras : Water/dust resistantToday's Best DealsView at Amazon (opens in new tab)View at Walmart (opens in new tab)View at Jenson USA (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+Excellent price+Good mounting system+Light can be removed from mount and clipped on a backpack or pocket

Reasons to avoid

-Screwdriver needed to adjust tilt of the mount-Limited side visibility NiteRider has established itself as a leader in bike lighting, and for good reason. The Sabre 110 is another good example of NiteRider's careful thought and design. For just $30, this is an excellent light that's easy to use, super bright, and convenient for removing from the mount to clip on a backpack. The mount features a thick silicone band that will accommodate seatposts of various sizes and shapes. It grips solidly and doesn't shift when the road or trail gets rough. That band connects to a plastic mount that pivots so you can adjust the light up and down. Those two components connect via a small screw, which is not ideal, but it's also not something you'll need to mess with frequently. The light itself casts a bright beam directly behind you. The six modes allow you to toggle between steady and flashing. The only downside is the Sabre 110's side visibility, which is quite limited. Still, for the price, it's hard to beat this small and convenient light. With its solid mounting system and small, versatile design, it's a worthy purchase, especially if your budget is limited. (Image credit: Future/Tom's Guide)

14 Bontrager Flare RT

A good small rear light for commuters

Specifications

Weight : 40 gramsLumens : 90 lumensMax battery life: 15 hoursCharge time: 2 hoursLight modes : 5Charging: USB rechargeableExtras : WaterproofToday's Best DealsView at REI.com (opens in new tab)Check Amazon (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+Small enough to stash in your pocket+Great rear visibility+Light sensor auto adjusts to ambient light

Reasons to avoid

-Expensive for what it is-No real side visibility Bontrager's Flare RT certainly wins the battle for most compact design. It's downright tiny, in fact, and easy enough to stash in your pocket simply by removing it from the mount. Despite its tiny size, the Flare RT manages to pump out a strong beam of light that Bontrager says is visible for up to 2 kilometers. The silicone band mount features a plastic hook that makes it easy to mount just about anywhere, and it accommodates various seatpost sizes and shapes. The side lever makes it super easy to remove the light from the mount too. The Flare RT also features a light sensor that auto-adjusts the light intensity based on the ambient light around you. On top of that, there's a battery save mode that ensures an additional 30 minutes of run time when the battery reaches 5% left of its life. The flash patterns are quite intense, which means motorists are more likely to notice you, even though the Flare RT only boasts 90 lumens. But there's not much side visibility to speak of. Bontrager notes a maximum run time of 15 hours in the 5-lumen flash mode. I ran this light in the 90-lumen flash mode and got just over six hours of run time out of it (Bontrager advertises six hours of life in this mode). This tiny light packs a punch. Grab it if you don't mind spending the cash on the small package, great mount, and decent battery life. Look elsewhere if you're looking for good side visibility too. (Image credit: Future/Tom's Guide)

15 Serfas UTL-6 Thunderbolt Tail Light

An affordable rear light with a solid mounting system

Specifications

Weight : 48 gramsLumens : 35 lumensMax battery life: 8.5 hoursCharge time: 5 hoursLight modes : 4Charging: USB rechargeableExtras : Water resistant Today's Best DealsCheck Amazon (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+Sturdy design+Good mounting system+Good price

Reasons to avoid

-Mediocre battery life-Almost no side visibility-Older style USB port for charging Right out of the box, Serfas's UTL-6 Thunderbolt Tail light feels well-constructed, with a silicone-encased body and two silicone bands that secure the light to your seatpost. The bands accommodate seatposts of any shape and size, making the Thunderbolt easy to mount. Keep in mind, though, that this light is fairly long at just about four inches, so it takes up a bit of real estate on your seatpost. If you run your post low, you might not have enough room for this light. The Thunderbolt is one of the least expensive lights in our test, but it also features the lowest brightness level at 35 lumens. It punches above its weight class here, with a directional LED strip and noticeable flash patterns that alert surrounding vehicles to your presence. There's almost no side visibility, however. The light blasts almost exclusively backward from the rider. Serfas advertises up to 8.5 hours of run time on the 10-lumen low-flash mode. This isn't especially impressive compared to other lights in the test that run longer, even with higher lumens. I tested the Thunderbolt on the high, steady setting, and it died after just under two hours. This bests Serfas's advertised battery life of 1.5 hours in this setting, so it did outperform in that sense. It took almost five hours to charge the Thunderbolt from a fully depleted battery. Notably, the Thunderbolt uses a USB mini port, which is dated. USB micro ports and USB-C ports are far more common these days, so be sure you don't lose the included charging cable. If you're looking for an inexpensive light with a solid mounting system and a durable build, the Thunderbolt is worth a look. But there are more powerful lights with better run time that don't cost that much more than Serfas's option.

How to choose the best bike lights for you

Price is always a good starting point for choosing the best bike lights for you. If you're budget-conscious and want both a front and a rear light, consider a combo package that includes both. And stay simple: the more features you add, the higher the price tag goes. Then consider whether you want to see, be seen, or both. That will often dictate whether you need a high-lumen light or if you can opt for a less expensive light that has less lumens. This applies mostly to front lights. Whenever you're choosing the best bicycle lights for you, consider how much visibility the lights truly give off. This is especially pertinent to tail lights; the best bicycle tail lights will feature plenty of side visibility in addition to rear visibility. And the best tail lights also offer various modes - from steady light to flashing and a combination of the two - to ensure you're as visible as possible both in the daylight and at night. Perhaps most importantly, the best bicycle light is the one you'll actually use. Make sure the one you choose is simple to mount, easy to operate, and compact enough that you won't mind taking the lights with you on even the shortest trips.

How we tested the best bike lights 

To test the best bike lights, we went riding in them! We tried all of the bikes on this list for hours of riding to test battery life and ease of use, as well as performance in a number of different lights and weathers. Round up of today's best deals (opens in new tab)Lezyne Macro Drive 1300XXL (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$109.99 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all pricesReduced Price (opens in new tab)Niterider Lumina 1200 Boost (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$179.99 (opens in new tab)$94.99 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all prices (opens in new tab)Knog PWR 1100L (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$82.99 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all pricesReduced Price (opens in new tab)NiteRider Lumina Micro 900 (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$109.99 (opens in new tab)$70.99 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all prices (opens in new tab)Bontrager Ion 200 RT front bike light (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$65 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all prices (opens in new tab)Light and Motion Vis Pro 1000 Trail (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$134.99 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all pricesReduced Price (opens in new tab)NiteRider Sentry Aero 260 Rear Light (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$54.99 (opens in new tab)$29.47 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all prices (opens in new tab)Topeak Taillux 100 (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$48.97 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all prices (opens in new tab)Garmin Varia Radar RTL515 (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$199.99 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all prices (opens in new tab)Cateye Rapid X3 Rear Light (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$44.96 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best pricespowered by

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Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Dan CavallariDan Cavallari is the former technical editor for VeloNews Magazine, who currently reviews electric bikes, bike lights, and other bike accessories for Tom's Guide. In addition to VeloNews, his work has appeared in Triathlete Magazine, Rouleur Magazine, CyclingTips.com, Road Bike Action, Mountain Bike Action, CycleVolta.com, Tomsguide.com, and much more. Dan also hosts two podcasts on his site, Slow Guy on the Fast Ride: One is about cycling and other outdoor activities, while the other looks at mental health issues. Most recently, Dan also covered the 2022 Tour de France. Dan lives outside of Denver, Colorado with his family. More about fitness I did 40 renegade rows a day for a week - here's what happened Fed up with push-ups? Try these 5 variations on chest dayLatest OnePlus Nord N300 5G might be the sub-$300 phone to beatSee more latest ► Topics Fitness See all comments (0) No comments yet Comment from the forums MOST READMOST SHARED1OnePlus Nord N300 5G might be the sub-$300 phone to beat2House of the Dragon finale delivered the fireworks I've been waiting for all season3The best tablets in 20224Daily Quordle #273 - answers and hints for Monday, October 245New on Netflix: New movies and shows week of October 241House of the Dragon finale delivered the fireworks I've been waiting for all season2The best tablets in 20223Daily Quordle #273 - answers and hints for Monday, October 244New on Netflix: New movies and shows week of October 245Apple iPad (10th gen) review: Amazing and awkward