The Best Spotlights for Every Type of Job

Spotlights don’t just sit at the back of the auditorium to outline actors on stage anymore. We use them for a variety of everyday tasks and family outings. From lighting the path between campground tents to making sure something didn’t just jump in that one corner of the attic you’re working in, handheld spotlights are sturdier and far more powerful options than a standard flashlight, all while maintaining easy portability and moderate pricing. So, if you’re in the market to light up your day, then here are a few options we think you should check out.

What to Look for in Your Next Stationary or Handheld Spotlight

Consider these factors when making a selection:

• Lighting Power: First and fairly obvious, you are definitely looking for a high degree of lighting power in your next spotlight, otherwise known as lumens. It’s simple: the higher the lumen capacity, the brighter the emission of light. Outside spotlights that are intended to illuminate dark corners around the home can get by with as little as 100-200 lumens. However, if you’re looking for the perfect piece of camping equipment, then look to options with 1,000 lumens and over.
• Battery Efficiency: Another key factor to keep an eye on when making a selection is the battery strength and the average runtime you can expect the spotlight to be on. For minor nighttime use around the house, you’ll want something that doesn’t have to go long stretches of time without a battery swap. If you’re looking for an on-the-job spotlight, go for broke and seek out options with no less than four- to six-hour runtimes.
• Durability: It also never hurts to seek out a little bit of reassurance in your spotlight. Options that know how to protect themselves with rigid and waterproof outer shells that protect the inner-circuitry are a standard worth maintaining.

Best Overall: BIGSUN Rechargeable Spotlight

Packing a variety of night-conquering functions across its frame, this BIGSUN Rechargeable Spotlight is constructed from quality aluminum alloy and can project a light bright enough to cover the length of eight football fields. Here, you’re dealing with an extra-bright 45-watt LED projection with three main light modes, all being encased in a military-grade ABS body. However, it’s the handful of nifty design perks, like its built-in tripod stand, side floodlight, and efficiently portable body that make it stand out.

Best for Boating: ZOHI 15L LED Super Bright Flashlight-Waterproof Rechargeable Spotlight

More than prepared for the white, harsh, and choppy environment that boaters deal with from sunup to sundown, this ZOHI Super Bright Flashlight illuminates up to 500 yards of darkness with 1,500 lumens to its name. The open water has a knack for tossing a few inconvenient splashes your way, so this spotlight comes impact-resistant and submersible in up to a meter of water. And if the sea attempts to claim it, fret not because this spotlight is nearly weightless, floating on the surface until you retrieve it.

Best for the Yard: Bionic Spotlight by Bell+Howell

A bright piece of home equipment with a deceptive look to deter nosy strangers, this Bionic Spotlight by Bell+Howell offers homeowners LED beams powered by no greater light source: the sun. No batteries or electricity are required, as this two-pack of stationary spotlights features a built-in solar power that absorbs energy in the day and converts it into a whole night’s worth of radiance. Additional perks include its 25-foot motion sensor technology and a design meant to imitate the look of an everyday security camera, so strangers second-guess walking up your driveway.

Best Battery Life: Energizer LED Spotlight

From the brand that prides itself on making one of the world’s longest-running batteries, it is an absolute certainty that this Energizer LED Spotlight will keep your path lit up for longer stretches of time than any other light source. Its 600 lumens can roughly cover up to 425 meters in any clear direction. This illumination is fueled by none other than six Energizer MAX AA  batteries, which can run up to 6 hours on the highest setting and 22 hours on the lowest, energy-saving setting.

Most Immersive Lighting: Super Bright CREE LED by GEPROSMA

Covering every consideration you want in an outdoor spotlight, this Super Bright Spotlight by GEPROSMA is just the kind of light source you want to cut through the rainy night while camping. It’s backed by a high lumen LED system that projects light 800 meters downrange, in addition to featuring a rechargeable lithium battery and USB output compatibility for nonstop power. The two biggest contributions that GEPROSMA brings to the standard spotlight are geared toward total light immersion and emergency features. Its underside flood packs the same intense LED lighting that its main bulb does, only while lighting the area around you rather than just what’s in front. Meanwhile, the underside light’s Red/Blue strobe effect can be used to produce an SOS or warning sign from a noticeable distance.