Researched comparisonLast updated October 2026 · How we review
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Quick Answer
Black Diamond Apollo is the lowest-priced pick, BioLite AlpenGlow 500 adds color and candle-flicker modes, Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 recharges by USB, solar panel or hand crank, and Coleman Classic is the 800 lumen option.
- Black Diamond Apollo Lantern (BD620716): best for a 250 lumen lantern that also takes 3 AA batteries
- BioLite AlpenGlow 500 Lantern: best for a 500 lumen lantern with warm, cool and multicolor modes
- Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 Lantern and USB Power Hub: best for a 600 lumen lantern you can recharge by USB, solar panel or hand crank
- Coleman Classic Rechargeable LED Lantern, 800 Lumens: best for an 800 lumen lantern that is impact-resistant and charges over USB-C
Prices as of October 17, 2026, 9:42 am CT.
A rechargeable lantern lights a campsite or a power outage without fuel or loose batteries, and most can also top up a phone. These four lanterns from Black Diamond, BioLite, Goal Zero and Coleman cover the main choices: a small 250 lumen lantern up to a bright 800 lumen one.
How We Chose
We picked one rechargeable lantern from each of Black Diamond, BioLite, Goal Zero and Coleman. They are not identical: the lumen ratings run from 250 to 800, the Black Diamond can also run on three AA batteries, and the Goal Zero can be recharged by solar panel or hand crank, so compare lumens, runtime and charging against how you camp. Runtimes are each manufacturer’s own figures and are not measured the same way, and the Goal Zero low figure is with one side lit. This is a researched comparison, and prices were checked this month. Specs come from each manufacturer’s own page. Warranty terms come from the manufacturer’s own website where it names the model or product line, then from the Amazon listing, and we say so where neither gave a length. Each card lists the warranty.
The Lineup
Specs come from each manufacturer’s own pages. Prices as of October 17, 2026, 9:42 am CT. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Amazon may show a different seller than the brand or Amazon.com. Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.
Black Diamond Apollo Lantern (BD620716)
$37.88 as of Oct 17, 2026, 9:42 am CT on Amazon · Lowest price
Best for: a 250 lumen lantern that also takes 3 AA batteries
Black Diamond’s page lists QuadPower LED lighting at 250 lumens on the max setting, 24 hours on high and 150 hours on low, with a strobe mode and a dimming function. It runs on an internal 2,600 mAh lithium-ion battery or three AA batteries, and its USB port charges handheld electronics with a cord included. The page lists 344 grams with batteries and 272 grams without, and an IPX4 rating. It has the lowest price of the four.
Warranty: 3 years
Check Price on Amazon →BioLite AlpenGlow 500 Lantern
$79.95 as of Oct 17, 2026, 9:42 am CT on Amazon · Color modes
Best for: a 500 lumen lantern with warm, cool and multicolor modes
BioLite’s page lists 500 lumens on high with about 5 hours of runtime and up to 200 hours on low, a 6,400 mAh lithium-ion battery that charges over micro-USB in about 3 hours, and a USB-A output of 5V at 2.4A that can charge phones and power string lights. Its lighting modes include cool white, warm white, multicolor, candle flicker and a party mode. BioLite lists a weight of 13.4 ounces and an IPX4 rating.
Warranty: 1 year
Check Price on Amazon →Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 Lantern and USB Power Hub
$79.95 as of Oct 17, 2026, 9:42 am CT on Amazon · Solar and hand crank
Best for: a 600 lumen lantern you can recharge by USB, solar panel or hand crank
Goal Zero’s page lists 600 lumens from warm white LEDs, with a run time on high of 5 hours with one side lit or 2.5 hours with both sides lit, and 320 or 180 hours on low. The battery recharges from any USB port in about 6 hours, from a Nomad 10 solar panel, or with the built-in hand crank, where one minute of cranking gives about 10 minutes of light on low. A regulated USB output of 5V up to 1.5A charges phones. It weighs 1.1 pounds.
Warranty: 2 years
Check Price on Amazon →Coleman Classic Rechargeable LED Lantern, 800 Lumens
$59.99 as of Oct 17, 2026, 9:42 am CT on Amazon · Highest lumens
Best for: an 800 lumen lantern that is impact-resistant and charges over USB-C
Coleman’s page lists up to 800 lumens on high, 300 on medium and 100 on low, with about 5 hours on high, 15 on medium and 45 on low, plus a flashing mode. It has a 4,800 mAh built-in lithium-ion battery, a USB-C input with a cord included, and a port for charging personal devices, and Coleman lists IPX4 water resistance and impact resistance up to 1 meter. Its spec sheet lists 2.26 pounds. It has the highest lumen rating of the four.
Warranty: 3 years limited
Check Price on Amazon →Our Take
For the lowest price, the Black Diamond Apollo is the straightforward choice, especially if you want AA batteries as a backup. Add the BioLite for color modes, the Goal Zero if you want solar or hand-crank charging for a power outage, and the Coleman for the most light. If you will charge phones from it, note that every lantern here lists a USB output.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many lumens do I need for a camping lantern?
As general guidance, a few hundred lumens is plenty for a tent or picnic table, and more helps for lighting a larger campsite. These four range from 250 lumens for the Black Diamond to 800 lumens for the Coleman.
Can these lanterns charge a phone?
Yes. Black Diamond lists a USB port that charges handheld electronics, BioLite lists a USB-A output of 5V at 2.4A, Goal Zero lists a regulated USB output of 5V up to 1.5A, and Coleman lists a port for charging personal devices.
Which of these lanterns can be recharged without a wall or USB charger?
Goal Zero lists a built-in hand crank and a solar option with its Nomad 10 panel. Black Diamond can also run on three AA batteries instead of its internal battery.
Are these lanterns waterproof?
Black Diamond, BioLite and Coleman list an IPX4 rating, which covers splashing water, and Coleman also lists impact resistance up to 1 meter. Goal Zero’s page does not state a water rating.
What warranties do these lanterns have?
Black Diamond lists three years for lighting products, BioLite lists one year, Goal Zero lists two years, and Coleman lists three years for lanterns. Each card links the manufacturer’s warranty page.
