The best bike lights are a cycling essential, whether you're commuting through city streets or blazing trails after dark. While the law varies by state, most states require cyclists to use some kind of lights in low visibility. There's a wide array of lights to choose from, with options ranging from budget-friendly urban blinkers to car-headlight-style bright beasts. We tested dozens to help you choose the best lights for visibility, battery life, and budget, whatever your riding style.
Bike lights serve two purposes: to see and to be seen by other vehicles. Whether you're looking for a disruptive flash pattern to be seen on a busy road, a focused beam to see a dark trail, or a light small enough to fit in your pocket, we have a pick for you. Our top pick is the Knog Blinder 1300 ($99), but the Unit 1 Smart Pro Dual ($150) also has its own convenient charging case.
After this, check out the rest of our guides to the Best Electric Bicycles, the Best Bike Helmets, and the Best Bike Locks.
Updated October 2025: We added the Exposure MK14, the Garmin Varia Vue, and the Ravemen FR300 and NT201. We also updated links and prices.