The Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 is our best camping lantern overall pick, and it scored 88 out of 100 in our testing.
The most versatile lantern here, but you pay for the power bank and crank with weight and a middling case.
A 5200 mAh lantern that also charges your phone and hand cranks in an emergency, which is why it earns the top spot for feature count.
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.
Best Camping Lantern Overall
Goal Zero Lighthouse 600
- Max output: 600 lumens
- Battery: 5200 mAh lithium
- High runtime: about 3 hr 15 min
- Low runtime: up to 48 hr
- Recharge: USB, solar, hand crank
- USB output: yes, phone charging
- Weight: about 1.1 lb
- Water rating: none stated
Bottom Line : The most versatile lantern here, but you pay for the power bank and crank with weight and a middling case.
Pros
- Doubles as a real phone power bank
- Three ways to recharge including a crank
- Independent dual side dimming
- Good low mode runtime
Cons
- High mode drains fast
- No waterproof rating
- Heavier than plain LED lanterns
Our Verdict: Goal Zero Lighthouse 600
The most versatile lantern here, but you pay for the power bank and crank with weight and a middling case.
A 5200 mAh lantern that also charges your phone and hand cranks in an emergency, which is why it earns the top spot for feature count.
What's the bottom line?
Built in 5200 mAh lithium battery doubles as a USB power bank for phones and headlamps.
Hand crank gives roughly 10 minutes of low light per minute of cranking, useful only as a last resort.
The crank saved me when my phone died on a wet weekend, but I learned fast that the 600 lumen setting only lasts a few hours, so I ran it on one side most nights.
Ryan, Top-Notch field tester
Reasons to buy:
- Doubles as a real phone power bank
- Three ways to recharge including a crank
- Independent dual side dimming
- Good low mode runtime
Reasons to avoid:
- High mode drains fast
- No waterproof rating
- Heavier than plain LED lanterns
Our Analysis, Comparisons, and Test Results
The Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 scored 88 out of 100 overall.
It is strongest on features and weakest on weight.
Here is how it did on every metric we tested, with exactly how each score compares to the rest of the field.
Brightness
Rated to 600 lumens across two sides of 360 degree LEDs.
The high setting is a short burst.
OutdoorGearLab measured only about 3 hours 15 minutes of runtime before the battery drops off.
Light one side only to roughly double runtime, a trick most owners use for tent light.
Dims down to about 2 lumens for an all night low glow.
| Brightness | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 10/10 |
| Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 | 8/10 |
| Category average | 7.1/10 |
| Worst in test | 5/10 |
Durability
Plastic body with no stated IP rating, so treat it as splash tolerant only, not waterproof.
The fold out legs are the weak point and some owners report them loosening over time.
You might be wondering:
Fine under a tent or awning but not something to leave out in a downpour.
| Durability | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 10/10 |
| Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 | 6/10 |
| Category average | 7.4/10 |
| Worst in test | 6/10 |
Features
Built in 5200 mAh lithium battery doubles as a USB power bank for phones and headlamps.
Hand crank gives roughly 10 minutes of low light per minute of cranking, useful only as a last resort.
Charges three ways: USB wall (about 6 hours), Goal Zero solar panel, or the crank.
Collapsible legs fold out into a stand or fold flat for packing.
| Features | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 10/10 |
| Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 | 10/10 |
| Category average | 7.2/10 |
| Worst in test | 5/10 |
Ease of Use
Two dials, one per side, set brightness independently and are simple in the dark.
USB C would have been nicer than the older port, but charging is straightforward.
Crank handle folds away cleanly when not needed.
| Ease of Use | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 9/10 |
| Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 | 8/10 |
| Category average | 7.7/10 |
| Worst in test | 6/10 |
Weight
About 1.1 lb, heavier than a simple LED lantern because of the big battery and crank.
Fine for car camping, more than most backpackers want to carry.
Packs down reasonably once the legs fold flat.
| Weight | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 10/10 |
| Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 | 6/10 |
| Category average | 7/10 |
| Worst in test | 4/10 |
Should You Buy the Goal Zero Lighthouse 600?
The most versatile lantern here, but you pay for the power bank and crank with weight and a middling case.
It is best suited to car campers and preppers who want light plus a backup power source.
Want to know the best part?
The big win: Doubles as a real phone power bank.
The main compromise: High mode drains fast.
We scored it 88 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 Coleman Classic Rechargeable 800L LED Lantern is our best value rechargeable lantern. A lot of rechargeable light for the money, as long as you do not expect all night runtime at full brightness.
The Streamlight Super Siege 1100 is our brightest camping lantern. The brightest and toughest electric lantern here, at the cost of weight and a fairly short high mode.
The Black Diamond Moji R+ Rechargeable Lantern is our best tent lantern. A tiny, dimmable puck light that is perfect above your head in a tent, if you can accept splash only weather resistance.
Specifications
| Max output | 600 lumens |
| Battery | 5200 mAh lithium |
| High runtime | about 3 hr 15 min |
| Low runtime | up to 48 hr |
| Recharge | USB, solar, hand crank |
| USB output | yes, phone charging |
| Weight | about 1.1 lb |
| Water rating | none stated |
Conclusion: Goal Zero Lighthouse 600
After testing it against the other top camping lanterns, the Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 earns its place as our best camping lantern overall pick.
Its standout strength: Doubles as a real phone power bank.
So:
The main thing to weigh before you buy: High mode drains fast.
If you want car campers and preppers who want light plus a backup power source, it belongs at the top of your shortlist.
Still comparing? See exactly where the Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 ranks against the full field in our 10 Best Camping Lanterns guide.
