Dive Light Buying Guide Written by: Debra Davis Created: 01/20/2018 Updated: 02/15/2026

What Is the Best Dive Light for You?

A light can play a very important role in diving. While not always needed, they provide illumination at night and even during the day. Many divers use dive lights to look for underwater life in the cracks and crevices of coral reefs. For more advanced diving, such as wreck or cavern diving, dive lights are a must.

Types of Lights

Primary Lights are lights with a wide beam angle that have sufficient power and burn time to get you through your entire dive.

Backup Lights are usually smaller lights that fit into your pocket. They are used to safely get you through the dive should your primary light fail.

Marker Lights are used to mark the diver's position in the water and can be as simple as a chemical light stick or a battery-powered flasher.

Bulb Technology

Tungsten, halogen, HID, LED – bulb types are changing rapidly, allowing lights to create more illumination with less power. Tungsten and halogen lights cost less but are not as bright and drain batteries quickly. LEDs and HIDs are the cutting edge; a 10-watt HID puts out the same light as a 50-watt halogen while using only 20% of the power. LEDs are even more efficient and much more durable. Plus, the color temperature of LED and HID lights is absorbed less by water, making them appear brighter underwater.

Depth Ratings

Before purchasing, consider your diving habits. Are you a deep diver (more than 100 feet) or do you stay in the recreational range (0-99 feet)? Using a light that is not depth-rated for your dive can lead to leaks, breakage, and dangerous malfunctions.

Batteries

Modern lights often use common sizes like AA or C and can accept both rechargeable and disposable batteries. There are three major types used in dive lights:

• Alkaline: Available everywhere and inexpensive. However, they have a steeper power reduction curve, meaning they get dimmer as they age compared to other types.
• Lithium: Delivers incredible power for its size. These maintain a constant level of brightness throughout the life of the battery and perform much better in cold water.
• Rechargeable: Environmentally friendly with low operating costs. They require a power source for recharging and should be charged right before use, as they can lose their charge over time if left sitting.

Desirable Features and Size

Size often relates to power. Small lights are best for daytime use (peering into crevices) and as backups. Large lights are the best choice for night diving, wrecks, or caves because they provide the primary light source and longer burn times.

Pro Tips

• Carry a spare bulb (if applicable) or a secondary backup light in your "Save-a-Dive" kit.
• Maintenance: Read the instructions for your rechargeable batteries. NiMH batteries, for example, should be charged monthly even when not in use.
• Battery Safety: Never mix fresh and used batteries, and never mix different brands or types in the same set.