The Etekcity LED Camping Lanterns (4-Pack) is our best budget multipack lantern pick, and it scored 80 out of 100 in our testing.
Four collapsible lanterns for the price of one premium light, dim and basic but genuinely handy in numbers.
A four pack of simple collapsible AA lanterns that you can hand out to the whole group, which is why it is the budget multipack pick.
Here's the deal:
We tested it head to head against the other top camping lanterns, and below we break down how it did on Brightness, Durability, Features, Ease of Use, Weight, where it falls short, and whether it is worth your money.
Table of Contents
Best Budget Multipack Lantern
Etekcity LED Camping Lanterns (4-Pack)
Bottom Line : Four collapsible lanterns for the price of one premium light, dim and basic but genuinely handy in numbers.
Pros
- Four lanterns for a low price
- Dead simple pull to dim
- Collapse flat for storage
- AA batteries included
Cons
- Only about 140 lumens each
- Splash resistant ABS, not waterproof
- No USB or rechargeable option
Our Verdict: Etekcity LED Camping Lanterns (4-Pack)
Four collapsible lanterns for the price of one premium light, dim and basic but genuinely handy in numbers.
A four pack of simple collapsible AA lanterns that you can hand out to the whole group, which is why it is the budget multipack pick.
So, is it any good?
Brightness is set by how far you pull the top section out, no buttons to fumble.
Collapse the top to turn them off and pack them down flat.
Having four of these to hand around the campsite is genuinely useful and the kids can work them, but each one is dim and I would not count on them in a downpour.
Annie, Top-Notch field tester
Reasons to buy:
- Four lanterns for a low price
- Dead simple pull to dim
- Collapse flat for storage
- AA batteries included
Reasons to avoid:
- Only about 140 lumens each
- Splash resistant ABS, not waterproof
- No USB or rechargeable option
Our Analysis, Comparisons, and Test Results
The Etekcity LED Camping Lanterns (4-Pack) scored 80 out of 100 overall.
It is strongest on ease of use and weakest on features.
Here is how it did on every metric we tested, with exactly how each score compares to the rest of the field.
Brightness
About 140 lumens each from 30 LEDs, the dimmest single unit here.
360 degree spread from the ring of LEDs.
Fine for a tent or table, not for lighting a campsite.
You get four of them, so combined they light a group site well.
| Brightness | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 10/10 |
| Etekcity LED Camping Lanterns (4-Pack) | 5/10 |
| Category average | 7.1/10 |
| Worst in test | 5/10 |
Durability
Water resistant ABS shell, treat as splash tolerant, not waterproof.
The sliding collapse mechanism is the part most likely to wear.
You might be wondering:
Cheap enough that losing or breaking one is not a crisis.
| Durability | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 10/10 |
| Etekcity LED Camping Lanterns (4-Pack) | 7/10 |
| Category average | 7.4/10 |
| Worst in test | 6/10 |
Features
Runs on three AA batteries each, 12 AA cells included.
Up to about 50 hours of light per set of batteries.
Top compartment stashes keys or spare cells.
No USB, no rechargeable battery, no modes beyond the pull to dim.
| Features | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 10/10 |
| Etekcity LED Camping Lanterns (4-Pack) | 5/10 |
| Category average | 7.2/10 |
| Worst in test | 5/10 |
Ease of Use
Brightness is set by how far you pull the top section out, no buttons to fumble.
Collapse the top to turn them off and pack them down flat.
Foldaway handles for hanging or carrying.
Anyone can work them on the first try.
| Ease of Use | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 9/10 |
| Etekcity LED Camping Lanterns (4-Pack) | 9/10 |
| Category average | 7.7/10 |
| Worst in test | 6/10 |
Weight
Each unit is light and packs flat.
The set is easy to spread across a car or several bags.
Not a backpacking light, but handy for family camping.
| Weight | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 10/10 |
| Etekcity LED Camping Lanterns (4-Pack) | 7/10 |
| Category average | 7/10 |
| Worst in test | 4/10 |
Should You Buy the Etekcity LED Camping Lanterns (4-Pack)?
Four collapsible lanterns for the price of one premium light, dim and basic but genuinely handy in numbers.
It is best suited to families and groups who want cheap spare lights for everyone.
Bottom line?
The big win: Four lanterns for a low price.
The main compromise: Only about 140 lumens each.
We scored it 80 out of 100.
What Other Camping Lanterns Should You Consider?
Not sold on this one? A few others from our testing are worth a look.
The Energizer WeatheReady PRO-360 Lantern is our best emergency lantern. A cheap, bright emergency lantern that runs on common batteries, though it is splash resistant only and has no rechargeable option.
The Streamlight Siege 540 Compact Lantern is our best survival lantern. The toughest lantern here and it runs on cheap D cells, ideal for a kit you set and forget.
The LuminAID PackLite Solar Lantern is our best collapsible solar lantern. A light, packable, waterproof solar lantern with USB backup, though output is modest and solar charging is slow.
Specifications
| Max output | about 140 lumens each |
| Pack | 4 lanterns |
| Power | 3 AA each, 12 included |
| Runtime | up to about 50 hr per set |
| LEDs | 30 per unit |
| Shell | ABS, splash resistant |
| Collapsible | yes |
| Storage | top compartment |
Conclusion: Etekcity LED Camping Lanterns (4-Pack)
After testing it against the other top camping lanterns, the Etekcity LED Camping Lanterns (4-Pack) earns its place as our best budget multipack lantern pick.
Its standout strength: Four lanterns for a low price.
Still deciding?
The main thing to weigh before you buy: Only about 140 lumens each.
If you want families and groups who want cheap spare lights for everyone, it belongs at the top of your shortlist.
Still comparing? See exactly where the Etekcity LED Camping Lanterns (4-Pack) ranks against the full field in our 10 Best Camping Lanterns guide.
