Once you’ve become acquainted with diving and begin to get more comfortable underwater, you might want to try something new and explore the thrill of nighttime diving. Instead of having to hire overpriced gear from a shop, it’s often better to have your own gear so that you can go on spontaneous adventures without having to borrow the equipment first.
You may be thinking about dive computers, regulators, and scuba fins now that you’ve seen the term diving gear, but what about a dive light? Once you use one of these bad boys, you’ll wonder how you ever went diving without one. Not only are they helpful while diving at night, but it’s also useful to carry one every time you go diving just in case you need it.
Dive lights are useful tools for being able to explore the underwater world, but they also prove very helpful for providing safety and emergency backups should you find yourself in a worrisome situation. Some dive lights have the option for an SOS flash so that you can signal your diving partner.
These lights allow you to dive whenever you want while still being able to see where you’re going. Moreover, you’ll be able to get a clearer look at all of the details below the water, such as the wildlife and nature. Your diving experience will be enriched as you’ll actually be able to appreciate everything that you can see.
Quality is vital when looking for a dive light. You need it to be reliable, durable, and longlasting to get the most out of your purchase. Below we’ve listed the best nine options that are available on the market, each with different standout features and different situations that they excel in.
We’ve also included a buyers guide and answered a few frequently asked questions to help you understand dive lights thoroughly and ensure that you choose the best one for your individual needs and style of diving.
Top Nine Dive Lights Reviews
There are so many different dive lights out there on the market that it can sometimes be too much to choose from. What began as looking for a dive light ends up being a full days worth of research into different models, and countless hours wasted reading specifications and reviews. Before you know it, the day’s gone and you still don’t have a dive light.
There are so many questions that need to be answered before committing to one dive light. Do you need a strobe light as well as the normal setting? What maintenance is required for this light? How many lights do you need? It can be overwhelming to consider all of these questions, but that’s where we come in.
Below we’ve taken the hard work upon ourselves and created a list of the best nine dive lights for you to choose from. We think that the below products are all excellent investments and will aid you for a long time into the future. Below our list of the best options, there is a buyers guide and some frequently asked questions to give you a better idea of dive lights and how to choose one.
Top 9 Best Dive Lights
OUR TOP PICK
Starting off our list of the best dive lights is the D550 Scuba Diver Light by ORCATORCH. This light is both portable and lightweight, and offers a Cree LED beam. This is an upgrade from a prior version due to the manufacturer listening to customer reviews and acting on them.
There are two power settings to choose from, low and high. The former setting produces 376 lumens, and the latter offers 1000 lumens. There’s also the option to use two flash settings, one of which is an emergency strobe light and the other is an SOS flash. These also offer 1000 lumens to make them as bright as possible in an emergency.
The beam angle is generously wide at 70 degrees and centered well, allowing you to use it with precision and control. You can also use it as a spotlight with an 8-degree wide beam, making this dive light excellent in a number of different occasions.
This light offers a wrist strap so that you can let go of the light without worrying about losing it for when you need both hands for something. This strap is secure and can be tightened to your wrist so that it doesn’t slip off underwater.
The Scuba Diver Light is made of aircraft-grade aluminum to ensure excellent durability and reliability underwater. Moreover, the light is covered in a diamond-grade anodized finish that is resistant to corrosion that saltwater is notorious for. This light is sure to have a long lifetime and aid you for years to come.
You can use this dive light up to 150 meters below the surface of the water without hassle. Overall, this is a great dive light made from high-quality military-grade materials with different settings, including two for emergency situations.
EDITORS CHOICE
Up next is the most powerful dive light on our list with an impressive output of 20,000 lumens. The beam is 6 degrees and therefore very concentrated, and the LX20 LED Primary Scuba Diving Light also has a rotating magnetic switch and a hand mount so that you can easily use it as a handheld dive light. This comfortable QRM soft mount is exclusive to Dive Rite products so you won’t find it anywhere else on the market.
This dive light measures in at 5.8 x 4 x 4 inches and therefore is larger than most of the other options on this list. However, it’s not all bad as the model still weighs less than 1.5 pounds, so you should still be able to use it easily while you’re diving.
You recharge this dive light with its four batteries so you can reuse it whenever you need it. The power capacity allows the charge to hold nicely so you can use it for longer and in emergency situations. There are only two power settings to choose from, but the 20,000-lumen output is unbeatable.
Another downside to the LX20 LED Primary Scuba Diving Light is that it features a much higher price point than any other dive light on the market and our list. This factor definitely makes this dive light best for professional divers who want to make a worthwhile investment. Divers who have used it have rated it very highly due to the overall effectiveness and efficiency.
BEST VALUE
This dive light from Underwater Kinetics is a budget-friendly option, but this doesn’t mean that the quality of the light is compromised. Similar looking to a run of the mill flashlight, the SL3 offers an output of 425 lumens making it much brighter than a typical flashlight found in your toolbox.
This 2 x 9.5 x 2 inch light is simple but effective, with only one power setting. However, don’t let this deter you, as you may not find the need for more than one power setting. What is the use of spending more money on features that you’re not even going to use?
To switch this dive light on, all you need to do is twist the handle and you’re away! This is a nice touch as when you’re diving you want every piece of equipment to be as easy to use as possible. You can take this light as deep as 500 feet, and there is no emergency light option. Despite this, divers have found that this dive light is an excellent choice for the price.
You can keep this as a back-up light or as your main dive light depending on your diving session that you have planned. It’s a great choice for beginners who don’t want to spend too much money on their gear. Finally, it’s very easy to use so it won’t fail you out in the water.
RUNNER UP
This SOLA Light by Light and Motion is another great dive light, and it offers the user two power settings to choose from. There is a 12-degree beam to take advantage of and the light is preinstalled onto a handy mount so that you don’t need to use two hands to use it. What’s more is that the whole thing only weighs 285 grams and measures in at 8 x 8 x6 inches, making using this dive light a breeze.
As a spotlight, this light offers 1200 lumens, and as a floodlight, it outputs 500 lumens. The latter option offers 60 degrees of lighting that will illuminate your whole field of vision underwater, which is exactly what you want from a dive light.
You can change the power setting easily as well, even while you’re underwater. The battery is lithium-ion and can be recharged, which is considered the longest lasting battery available. This means that you’ll be able to use the SOLA light on the lower power setting for up to 270 minutes. The housing is completely sealed which protects the battery from flooding.
The price of this light is rather steep which might make a lot of people turn away, but the number of features and sheer quality of this model make up for it. If your budget allows for the extra cost, we’d definitely consider this investment, as it is a great model.
RUNNER UP
This next dive light is actually a model that has been designed specifically for use while capturing photos and video footage underwater. While this is what it was created for, you don’t have to use it for this purpose if you’re not an oceanographer. You can also simply use it as a high-quality dive light.
The SL672 Sea Dragon has SeaLife’s Flex-Connect system attached to it, which can be used for attaching the light to a number of different accessories. You’ll actually get a GoPro camera adapter and grips for smaller cameras with this kit, allowing you to use it with almost any camera.
The light itself is very easy to use and won’t add any extra hassle to your diving experience. There is a big red button that can be pressed to change the light setting. These settings include 25%, 50%, 100% power, as well as an emergency strobe light and an SOS flash in case you need assistance.
This kit is very durable and reliable, and the head is made from anodized aluminum. This is a super strong material that will prove well after a number of diving adventures. Moreover, the head also swivels on a high-quality mount for easy adjustments that you might need to make.
You may be surprised to find out that this light is actually smaller in size than a typical soda can, considering the fact that it provides enough light to get all of those underwater shots that you could ever think of. If you need a light specifically for photography underwater in low light conditions, the SL672 Sea Dragon is an excellent choice for you.
RUNNER UP
Never underestimate the power of different settings on a dive light. Sure, a bright beam may be the best option for you so that your entire field of vision can be illuminated, but what about when you need to do work close up? A lower power level will definitely be better for this than the maximum power setting which may wash out what you’re trying to look at.
To counteract this, the LT360 Wide-Angle Light from XS Scuba Divers comes equipped with a magnetically controlled dimmer switch. This allows you the maximum amount of control over the power setting of your light, and this is the only dive light that we’ve looked at so far that offers such an innovative mechanism.
This dimmer switch is the only part of the dive light that you need to concern yourself with, as it is actually the way to turn the light on and off as well. Simply slide the switch up to turn on the light, and keep sliding until you reach your desired power setting. Slide it to as far as the switch will go to benefit from the maximum beam that this light has to offer, with maximum visibility underneath the water.
Many divers have found the LT360 Wide-Angle Light to be a great dive light for nighttime excursions, thanks to its ease of use and high-quality light output. It’s true that it may have some downsides, but what doesn’t? Many divers have tried this light and can confirm that it’s a solid choice.
RUNNER UP
The second installment of Light and Motion on our list, their GoBe 1000 Wide Dive Torch is another good choice for divers who enjoy a nighttime adventure. This dive light is on the smaller side but that doesn’t make it any less powerful underwater. The spotlight has a small angle of only 8 degrees and there are four power settings to choose from.
The lowest power setting outputs a mere 35 lumens, and your light will be able to last for up to 36 hours on this power setting. The magnetic switch on the side of this light indicates how the battery is holding up during your dive, with it showing green at a good battery percentage, then changing to yellow through to red as the battery runs out.
It will give you a final flicker as a warning that the battery is about to go completely flat so that you’ll have enough time to get your backup ready or come back up to the surface of the water.
This is another torch that is incredibly easy to use, however, one thing that makes this light stand out from the rest is its power settings. It may take a little getting used to when you first start using it, but it’s relatively easy to get the hang of. The handle is covered in a soft rubbery material which is very comfortable to hold.
RUNNER UP
This is one of the sleeker options on our list, so if the look of your light is an important factor for you, consider the Ikelite Gamma II. The narrow body holds somewhat of an hourglass shape which will make holding it in only hand effortless. Moreover, the whole light measures in at only 5.6 x 1.4 inches.
The lightweight and compact aspect of this dive light is not the only benefit, however, as the included batteries can run for over ten hours without being replaced. You can take it up to 400 feet below the water surface, which isn’t the best distance, but certainly isn’t the worst.
Divers who have used the Ikelite Gamma II in the past have said that it worked well for them and they didn’t need a bigger, more expensive option. The last point that we’ll raise is that you can choose between a few lovely colors for the light to come in, so you can get the whole team their own with an individual color.
RUNNER UP
Last up is the Tovatec Fusion 530 dive light, which is a great lightweight and compact model with a respectable output. Sure, it’s not the brightest option on our list, but it will still work for many of you divers out there. It features an impressive amount of power settings for you to choose from to fit the situation, and small enough to fit in your pocket.
The beam produced from this dive light is strong at 530 lumens with the angle ranging from 12 to 100 degrees. This output makes the Tovatec Fusion 530 better suited to be a secondary dive light, which is one that you keep on you in case your primary dive light runs out of charge or falters.
There is a switch on the side of this light that controls most of the light’s functions, making it very easy to use as everything is in one place. The light is only 10 x 2.6 x 6.3 inches large and weighs just over one pound, making it small enough to carry with you in case of emergencies.
The overall consensus from divers that have already used this dive light is that it is a little small compared to other options you could go for, but that makes it a great choice for a secondary dive light. If you’re looking for a primary light, we’d suggest choosing a bigger, more powerful dive light.
Best Dive Lights Buying Guide
Now we’ve had a look at the best dive lights, hopefully you have a better insight into all of the different options out there available for you to choose from. However, if you’re still not too sure about which type of dive light to go for, below we’ll be discussing the best way to choose the right light for you. These two factors are the main things you should look at when comparing dive lights, as this will allow you to choose the best option for your individual needs.
Type of Light
There are a number of different types of lights available on the market, so it can be tricky to know which one you’re going to want to look for and purchase. Many dive lights available now come with a number of features and power settings, but there are three main dive lights to choose from.
Primary Dive Light
Primary lights offer a very bright beam and come equipped with long-lasting batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries. They’re durable, reliable, and easy to use for many divers. This is the brightest type of light and is best for night diving or diving in low lit settings, such as in caves and rocky areas.
Secondary Dive Light
Secondary lights are considered back-up solutions in case the primary dive light falters during a trip. They’re often a lot smaller than the primary light as they will only be used in case of an emergency. It’s important to check that your secondary dive light is fully charged before beginning a dive in case you need it.
Photographic Dive Light
Photographic lights are used for when you want to capture footage underneath the water. They are typically very bright and offer a generously wide beam, and you should find that you’ll be able to mount this light onto a number of accessories. This makes using them very easy, and oceanographers rate them very highly.
Size and Shape of Beam
Another very important factor to consider when choosing your dive light is the size and shape of the beam. Although the brightness of the beam is another important factor, it is not the only thing to consider when choosing an underwater dive light.
You’ll need to determine whether you need a wider beam or a narrower alternative. Both have their advantages and drawbacks, but which option you need to go for all depends on what you’re going to be using the light for.
Wide angled beams are better for more visibility, as they are typically able to illuminate your whole field of vision. This is most beneficial when you’re diving at nighttime or in low light conditions. Wide angled beams are the best choice for SOS flashing lights.
Alternatively, narrow angled beams work better for when you need to examine things more closely. Narrow beams condense all the output into one small stream of light so that you can focus it on one specific spot. If you need to look closely at things under the water, you might want to consider going for a dive light with a narrow angled beam.
Best Dive Lights - FAQ's
That concludes our buyers guide for how to buy the best dive light for you. We hope that some of the tips and information was helpful to you and that you now have a better idea of how to pick the best option for your diving sessions.
Now we’ll answer a few of the most common frequently asked questions that divers have about dive lights. Hopefully, these answers will give you some clarity and more of an insight into dive lights and their necessary requirements.
How many lumens do I need for night diving?
The range of dive lights on the market vary in regards to lumens, with some reaching up to 20,000 lumens. That being said, the most common amount is between 2000 and 5000 lumens, and this is a good range to look for when you’re going to be diving at night.
We’d suggest choosing a light that offers 1000 lumens and above. Don’t go below 1000 lumens if you want to stay safe during your night dive. Moreover, you’ll be able to see underwater better, which will improve your diving experience. The brighter the light, the better.
What is the best dive light?
The answer to this question all depends on your personal preference and what you’re looking for in a dive light. Your ideal model is not going to be the favorite of another diver, so we cannot answer this question for you. Think about whether you want a primary dive light, a secondary dive light, or one that you’ll only be using every now and then.
Once you determine the type of dive light that will be the best for you, it’s a good idea to consider factors such as comfort, how bright the beam is, the angle of the beam, and how easy the light is to use. A dive light that is unnecessarily difficult to use is not going to be the best option out there, and this is true for other factors as well.
There is plenty to think about when determining which dive light is the best, but we hope that our guide at least helps you in your quest. All of the options that we’ve listed above are excellent choices and have been previously tested by other divers, so we’d say that any of them is a safe bet to choose.
How bright should the dive light be?
Again, this all depends on your personal preference and diving style. First of all, you’ll need to determine what kind of dive light you need to carry. There are three different types of dive light available, with the first being a primary dive light. This is a reliable and durable light that you can trust to use for your whole dive. This light should have a long battery life and be as bright as possible.
20,000 lumens is the largest output that we’ve seen on the market, but it isn’t imperative that your primary light is this bright. We’d advise you to stick to an output of 1000 lumens and above, but the brighter you can get the better.
The second type is a secondary dive light, and this is a portable model designed to be used in case your primary light falters. As they need to be smaller so that you can carry them around easily, the output is going to suffer. However, aim to choose a secondary dive light with an output of around 500 lumens.
Finally, the third option is used for photography under the water. These lights offer special features and different types of beams that are often more direct than angled. How bright you want this to be will depend on the photographs you’ll be taking and how well lit you want the area to be.
How do I choose a dive light?
There is much more that goes into choosing a dive light than what you might originally think, but this can be condensed into three main factors. These are the output that you need, the size and shape of the beam, and the type of light you’re looking for - primary, secondary, or for photography. You might also want to consider whether you’ll need an SOS setting.
How large the light is might need to be considered, as if it is too large or heavy you might need to get a handle or mount for it, and this could come with an additional price. Read customer reviews to see how easy it is to use underwater, with the buttons or switches. The beam angle will determine how you use the light, which may affect your decision as well.
Decide on a budget before you start looking at dive lights so you know your limitations. This will save you some time in the long run as you won’t find a great light only to find out that it is way over budget.
If you want a light to examine things closely underwater, a narrow angled beam will be preferable as all of the output will be focused in one smaller area. However, if you’re going to be diving at night a wider angled beam will allow you better visibility all around you. Choose your dive light accordingly while considering what you’ll be using it mostly for.