The first place in the list of the best bike lights is Lezyne Macro Drive 1300XXL. It edged out the NiteRider 1200 OLED Boost for the finest bike lights. Both lights are fantastic, however the Lezyne is $70 less expensive than the NiteRider. At the maximum setting, the Macro Drive lasted longer than any other headlight in the test, burning brightly for little under three hours. The Macro Drive lasted slightly under eight hours on the 450-lumen setting. The mount provides a secure mechanism that can be adjusted to fit handlebars of varying thicknesses. It's a substantial band that appears to have been designed to withstand the test of time. It's so thick that getting it to the right length to fasten it to the hook on the other end of the mount can be a challenge. However, once it's in place, it's simple to modify the location and the light remains stable.

The beam itself casts a broad light in front of you, with a concentrated area of light in the middle. If you'll be riding on dark roads and trails and need to see as much as possible, this is a wonderful option. With 1,300 lumens, you'll never be short of light. You can also install a remote switch ($15) that mounts closer to the grips on your handlebar. You can change the light level and pattern on the fly without having to take your hands off the bar. The Lezyne Macro Drive 1300XXL's sole serious flaw is its size. It's a little heavier for a light at 208 grams, and it takes up a little more handlebar space than the NiteRider 1200 OLED Boost's smaller mount. However, it appears that this is the only drawback to this bright light.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Weight : 208 grams
• Lumens : 1,300 lumens
• Max run time: 148 hours; 2.5 hours at 1,300 lumens
• Recharge time: 3.5 hours
• Light modes : 7
• Charging : USB rechargeable

REASONS TO BUY

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

REASONS TO AVOID

• Bulky

RATE: 5.0/5.0

PRICE: $109.99

BUY NOW: amazon.com/dp/B07QQTPDL7?

In the best bike headlights list, the NiteRider 1200 OLED Boost just missed out on the top spot. Only the price, which is $70 higher than the Lezyne Macro Drive 1300XXL, kept it from being a winner. However, you get a lot for your money. For starters, aside from the Cycliq Fly12, which is bolted in place, the mount secures the light better than all of the others in this test. The mount on the 1200 OLED Boost is actually better; it can be adjusted easily with a thumb-twist screw, and the light can be removed totally from the mount to charge or use as a flashlight.

The OLED panel on top of the unit displays important information that you can use while riding. You can see how much time you have left before the battery dies in specific. You may also see what light setting you're in at any one time on the screen. The light beam of the NiteRider 1200 OLED Boost is wide and evenly distributed. It's not quite as bright as the Lezyne Macro Drive 1300XXL, but the Lezyne does have an extra 100 lumens. In actuality, it was impossible to see the difference between the two lights; both provided plenty light in front and to the sides. According to NiteRider, the highest setting will offer you roughly an hour and a half of battery life. NiteRider claims that at this level, you should get roughly three hours of use. It lasted me five hours and ten minutes. This headlight is a top pick in the headlight category since it has a long battery life, a good mount, a bright beam, and a handy screen. It's a little pricey, but it's well worth it.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Weight : 172 grams
• Lumens : 1200 lumens
• Max run time: up to 30 hours
• Charge time : Between 3 and 6 hours
• Light modes : 9
• Charging: USB rechargeable
• Extras : Li-Ion battery, Water/dust resistant, OLED display

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

RATE: 5.0/5.0

PRICE: $179.99

BUY NOW: amazon.com/dp/B07DGF5P23?

The 3rd place in the list of the best bike lights is NiteRider Sentry Aero 260. During testing, they used the Sentry Aero 260's default settings: steady light on the sides with a flash in the back. The light lasted a remarkable seven hours and 45 minutes in that setting. On some settings, the runtime would be shorter, however I've had this lamp for about two years and use it virtually completely on this setting. This seemed like a good way to put it to the test. With its long, aero-shaped lens that casts light in all directions, the Sentry Aero outperforms the competition in terms of side visibility. It's simple to attach to any type of seatpost with the silicone strap, and it remains put. They did damage the original silicone strap, but thankfully, a replacement was included in the box, and that one has lasted for over a year and a half.

While some lights in the test had better visibility from a distance, especially during the day, the Sentry Aero 260 had the best overall visibility (rear and sides). It's also reasonably priced, especially with its long-lasting design and sturdy mounting technique. After a few years of use, and compared to the other lights in this review, the Sentry Aero 260 remains a favorite for its reliability, visibility, and durability.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Weight : 65 grams
• Lumens : 260 lumens
• Max run time: up to 30 hours
• Charge time : 2.5 hours
• Light modes : 6
• Visibility : 260 degrees

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

RATE: 5.0/5.0

PRICE: $54.99

BUY NOW: amazon.com/dp/B07F7NY7DD?

The 4th place in the list of the best bike lights is Knog's PWR Trail 1100L. It does more than just light the path; it also functions as a power bank, allowing you to charge your phone or GoPro, remove it from the mount and use it as a torch, or swap out the light head to power additional PWR accessories like the PWR Sound speaker or the PWR Lantern. In this test, no other light comes close to matching the PWR's versatility. It's simple to turn the light on and off; simply twist the light head. It's a fantastic method that eliminates the need for any type of button. If you want to utilize the battery as a power bank or when it's time to charge the unit, press the red release button on the unit to take the light attachment off.

At max mode, the PWR Trail 1100L produces a beautiful, even, wide beam. The light lasted for 3 hours and 40 minutes in Mid mode (600 Lumens), exceeding the promised runtime by almost an hour. The small LEDs of the PWR Trail 1100L on the side indicate remaining battery life. Knog's large lamp has only a few drawbacks. First, of the test lights, the mounting system is the most popular. It seems very complicated, but it makes it simple to run the light underneath your handlebars.

Given that this light's name includes the word "Trail," it's likely that it'll be targeted at mountain bikers. However, the mount is only compatible with handlebars up to 31.8mm in diameter; most recent mountain bikes use 35mm bars. In comparison to the competitors, it's also heavy and long. Of course, if you're interested in the PWR Trail 1100L for reasons other than its light beam, that's a small factor. Adventurers will appreciate this light; consider bikepacking, camping, and lengthy adventure rides.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Weight : 230 grams
• Lumens : 1100 lumens
• Max run time: up to 300 hours (Eco flash mode); 1.7 hours at 1,100 lumens
• Charge time : 3.5 hours
• Light modes : 6
• Charging: USB rechargeable
• Extras : Doubles as a power bank

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

RATE: 4.5/5.0
PRICE: $99.99
BUY NOW: knog.com/product/pwr-lighthead-1100/

The 5th place in the list of the best bike lights is The NiteRider Lumina Micro 900. It has the same mount as its bigger sibling, the 1200 OLED Boost. It's a great, stable mount that fits a variety of handlebars, and the light detaches from the mount simply if you want to pack it in your pocket or use it as a handheld flashlight. It's also a lot cheaper, thanks to the fact that you won't need the extra 300 lumens or the OLED panel on top. The single button also serves as a low-battery indicator; it glows blue while the battery is fully charged and turns red when the battery is low.

The light's body is sturdy and long-lasting. At full strength, the beam throws a wide beam, so you may use it as a trail light on your mountain bike. During our testing, the run duration was adequate, although it fell short of the claimed two hours of operation at 900 lumens, falling around twenty minutes short. Despite this, the Lumina Micro produces a lot of light, is reasonably priced, and comes with the most solid and easiest mount in the test. If you like the design, mount, and functions of the 1200 OLED Boost but don't mind foregoing the information panel, this is a good option.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Weight : 130 grams
• Lumens : 900 lumens
• Max run time: up to 60 hours; 2 hours at 900 lumens
• Charge time : 2.5 to 4.5 hours
• Light modes : 5
• Charging: USB rechargeable
• Extras : Fits handlebars up to 35mm

REASONS TO BUY

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

REASONS TO AVOID

• Battery life seems short

RATE: 4.5/5.0

PRICE: $99.99

BUY NOW: amazon.com/dp/B08F1BNF4Z?

The Cycliq Fly12 is a light, but it serves almost no other use. The Fly12 also captures video, allowing you to film ride highlights – or fights. The Fly12 recognizes an incident, such as a crash or collision, and ensures that the footage before, during, and after the altercation is not overwritten. The Fly12, on the other hand, records in a loop. There's a lot to like about the Fly12's video capabilities. If you need to record a specific event, the broad viewing range and stereo audio recording come in helpful, and the image stabilization keeps the footage smooth.

You won't get as much light as the other headlights in the test. To begin with, the Fly12 only produces 600 lumens. Furthermore, the light beam is somewhat narrow. The battery life is adequate. The Fly12 died after 2 hours and 20 minutes with the camera rolling and the light set to medium. According to Cycliq, you should be able to record for up to 7 hours with just the camera rolling and the light turned off. When the battery is low, the integrated "HomeSafe" function kicks in to keep the lights on for up to 30 minutes.

The handlebar mount is quite sturdy, owing to the fact that it is secured by an Allen key. The Fly12 may be mounted on top of or underneath your bars, but changes require tools once it's in place. Of course, the 34-turn mount allows you to remove the light when not in use, allowing you to pack it into a pocket. If you're more interested in the camera features, this light is for you. The Fly6, which is the rear-facing version of Cycliq's light/camera combos, is also an option.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Weight : 195 grams
• Lumens : 600 lumens
• Charge time : 2 hours
• Light modes : 3 light modes, 3 brightness settings
• Charging: USB rechargeable
• Extras : 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

RATE: 4.0/5.0
PRICE: $299
BUY NOW: cycliq.com/bike-cameras/fly12ce/

For such a small light, Bontrager's Ion 200 RT packs a punch. The beam is very focused, so you won't get a wide sweep of light, but it can be seen from a long distance, according to Bontrager, up to two kilometers (1.25 miles). While it does cast some light in front of you so you can see what's right in front of you, the Ion 200 RT's primary role is to ensure you're noticed rather than able to see. The Ion's small size is likely its most appealing feature. It's small enough to fit in a pocket and can be mounted almost anywhere. It's quite simple to use, with only one button to switch it on and off, as well as modify the modes. The best light is the one you use, and Bontrager has done an excellent job of making that as simple as possible.

The Ion 200 RT can be purchased separately or as part of a combo with the Flare RT rear light. Even in daytime, the combination of the two ensures that you are visible from the front and back. However, visibility from the sides is limited; just the front and back are visible. The price of this little light is its worst flaw. The price of $65 seems high for a light that doesn't have enough lumens to generate a wide beam that allows you to see far ahead of you at night. The Ion 200 RT is hard to beat if you want simple, always-on visibility lights in a small compact that won't take up much room on your handlebars. However, if you're on a budget and need as many lumens as possible, this isn't the best option.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Weight : 40 grams
• Lumens : 200 lumensMax run time : 1.5 hours to 30 hours depending on mode
  
• Charge time : 2 hours
• Light modes : Integrated light sensor adjusts to ambient light
• Charging: USB rechargeable
• Extras : Bluetooth and ANT+ capabilities, Waterproof

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

RATE: 4.0/5.0

PRICE: $64.99

BUY NOW: trekbikes.com/us/en_US/equipment/bike-accessories/bike-lights/bike-front-lights/bontrager-ion-200-rt-front-bike-light/p/23709/

The Taillux 100 from Topeak provides a lot of visibility in a small, portable design. It's one of the most effective taillights available. The light is turned on with a single button press, and you may pick from four distinct modes. You can choose from constant light, flickering light, or a combination of the two. Topeak claims that at the steady, 100-lumen level, you can get up to three hours of battery life, which you saw in testing practically to the minute.

Topeak also claims that you have up to 220 degrees of visibility, which means that vehicles behind and to the side of you will be able to see you. The visibility is excellent here, both from the rear and from the sides. Because the Taillux is mounted using a small yet strong silicone band, it can be used with a range of seatpost sizes and shapes. Adapters for the most common seatpost shapes are included with the light and slip into place on the back of the light. The light comes with a clip mount so you can attach it to your pocket or backpack. Only Niterider's Sentry Aero 260, which has more lumens and superior side vision, comes close to beating the Taillux as the best tail light in the test. However, the Taillux is less expensive and lighter.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Weight : 30 grams
• Lumens : 100 lumens
• Max battery life: up to 30 hours
• Charge time: 3-4 hours
• Light modes : 4
• Charging: USB-C rechargeable

REASONS TO BUY

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

REASONS TO AVOID

• None

RATE: 4.0/5.0
PRICE: $49.62
BUY NOW: amazon.com/dp/B08DL6XH9P?

Garmin Varia looks and feels more like a back radar with a light built in. With visible and audio alarms, the radar itself warns you of vehicles approaching from behind. It connects to your Garmin head unit or smartphone and alerts you when a car approaches, allowing you to make better road positioning decisions. If it doesn't sound appealing to you, the Varia RTL 515 isn't the right light for you. The light is modest, but Garmin claims it may be seen for up to a mile. The rest of the light's body is dedicated to the radar function; the body is four inches long, so if your seat post is low, you might have difficulties attaching it.

While the Varia RTL515 light has several smaller lights incorporated into the sides, they aren't as noticeable as the other lights in the test. It's nice that the lights are built into the radar in the first place, but they don't appear to be the main purpose here. The quarter-turn mount allows you to swiftly and conveniently remove the light. The light holds in place solidly once slotted, albeit the mount is kept in place by thin silicone bands that may wear and break more quickly than the larger bands on some of the lights in our test. The Varia isn't cheap, either, at $200. If you're interested in the Varia, you'll be buying it mostly for the radar system, which appears to be a good deal for the money. However, if you're looking for the best taillight features, search elsewhere.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Weight : 71 grams
• Lumens : 65 lumens
• Max battery life: up to 16 hours (day flash mode)
• Charge time: Not specified
• Light modes : 4
• Charging: USB rechargeable
• Extras : Bluetooth and ANT+ capabilities, Waterproof

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

RATE: 4.0/5.0

PRICE: $199.99

BUY NOW: amazon.com/dp/B086TVFX1D?

The last place in the list of the best bike lights is The Light & Motion Vis Pro 1000 Blacktop. It weighs only 121 grams and has a sleek and simple design. The Vis Pro is definitely worth a look if you're searching for a strong light that can save you some weight. If you prefer a wide beam, seek elsewhere because this one feels more focused than the others in the test. However, even at the highest 1,000-lumen level, the Vis Pro 1000 Blacktop gives plenty much light for city riding and light trail riding.

On the highest setting, Light & Motion claims that you should receive roughly 1.5 hours of run time. The Vis Pro 1000 Blacktop outlasted that number in testing, lasting slightly under two hours on the highest setting. Other lights in the test, even those with higher lumens, have a longer battery life. A handlebar mount and a GoPro-style attachment are included with the Vis Pro. With the help of a rubber band, the handlebar mount may readily fit different handlebar widths. The light can be removed from the mount and used as a flashlight or stowed in a pocket.

However, Light & Motion's "fast-release" technique is neither quick nor simple. To remove the light from the mount, release a little dial and then pull it backwards. This system might be improved to make it easier and faster to use. The Vis Pro additionally has amber lights on the sides that cast light on both sides of the rider for visibility. However, these lights aren't that bright and don't appear to be particularly useful. If you need a bright light but want to save a few grams, the Vis Pro 1000 Blacktop is the way to go. Look elsewhere if you want a wide beam, a long run time, or easy removal from the mount.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Weight : 121 grams
• Lumens : 1000 lumens
• Max run time: 12 hours (SafePulse mode); 90 minutes at 1000 lumens
• Charge time : 2.5 hours
• Light modes : 4 light levels, including SafePulse
• Charging: USB rechargeable
• Extras : Waterproof and impact-resistant, Handlebar and GoPro mount included

REASONS TO BUY

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

REASONS TO AVOID

• Short runtime at full power

RATE: 3.0/5.0
PRICE: $78.93
BUY NOW: amazon.com/dp/B08K9CC89R