Best Spotlights for Hunting – 2020 Complete Buyer’s Guide

| Last Updated: January 14, 2022

Heading out to hunt during the day may be one of the best experiences but hunting at night is a whole other experience on its own, and one that is incomparable to any other.

For such a hunting session, you'll need a number of extra accessories. One of the most important being a spotlight.

This article will show you why you need a spotlight and allow you to pick the best one for an enhanced hunting experience.

Comparison of the Best Spotlights for Hunting

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Rechargeable unit, with AC as well as DC adaptors.
  • Best overall, serving as the perfect hunting companion.
  • Available in three models with 520, 530 and 920 lumens respectively.
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  • Allows users to track blood as well.
  • Runner up unit that is designed to impress.
  • Unit powered by intense 600 Lumen CREE XM LEDs.
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  • Rechargeable unit to save you extra batteries.
  • Available in three variables with 400, 700 and 900 lumens.
  • Best for the money with a good worth for its price tag.
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  • Designed with a remarkable intensity of 550 Lumen.
  • Best handheld spotlight for hunting that promises convenience.
  • Available in three variables differing in power and charging modes.
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  • Powered with a lithium-ion battery.
  • Outstanding 10 watts functioning LEDs.
  • Best rechargeable spotlight for hunting to avoid extra batteries.
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  • Can be mounted on a standard tripod stand.
  • Best for coyote hunting with the right intensity.
  • Designed out of a hard nylon body with a rubber over-mold.
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  • Provides high-intensity light with 550 lumen.
  • Best for hog hunting with all the right features.
  • Available in three different variables for different power supply.
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What Are The Best Uses for a Spotlight While Hunting?

If you think the spotlight you invest in will serve only one purpose, you may need to think again. A spotlight is a very useful item that can serve a number of roles while hunting.

Better Illumination

The biggest obstacle when hunting at night is the lack of light. Without a good view of the hunting field, you will be unable to properly locate your targets. Therefore, the best purpose for spotlights is providing adequate illumination. With light from a good spotlight, you will have enhanced view, even in the midst of darkness.

Draws Out Prey

There are a number of animals naturally drawn to light. If you are out for hunting animals like raccoon, you’ll find yourself in luck as the spotlight will also work to lure your prey out of their hiding spot.

Chases Away Danger

While some animals are attracted to light, others run away from it. This can also work to the hunter’s advantage as a spotlight could help them chase away wild and dangerous animals such as coyotes, keeping them safe.

What Makes These the Best of the Year?

It is natural for one to ask, what is so good about these units that we call them the best of the year? The answer is simple. There isn’t any one winning quality that makes them the best. The spotlights mentioned in this article are those that feature a number of qualities, all of which work together to provide users with an experience like no other.

Throw Distance

When it comes to hunting, the throw distance is of great importance. It indicates the distance  the spotlight can adequately illuminate. The units listed below were all carefully selected to provide users with the best possible throw distance.

Hunting Spotlight Kit

Run Time

If the unit provides a shorter run time, users will need to frequently change the batteries or risk being left in the dark. This can cost a lot more than just its initial price, which is why we have chosen units that ensure a great run time for hunters.

Build Quality

Hunting is not an easy sport. It involves being exposed to harsh conditions in a rough environment. It is therefore, crucial that all items being used are of a good build quality so they can last even through drops and inclement weather. The spotlights chosen for this list provide users with just that.

Review of the Best Spotlights for Hunting

Now that we are clear about the role of a spotlight in hunting and the features that make a great unit, it is time to look through the best units of all. Here, we have reviewed eight of the best spotlights for use while hunting. All you need to do is go through and take your pick. 

Best Overall:
Stanley Fatmax SL10LEDS

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Pros

  • A run time of up to 7 continuous hours
  • Pistol grip handle allows a comfortable and firm grip over the tool
  • Lithium-ion battery remains charged for longer than other standard batteries
  • With the multiple adaptors, charge at home as well as in the car while on-the-go
  • With the 10 watt functionality, the ultra-bright LED provides users with great illumination

Cons

  • USB-only charging port may be troublesome for a few users
  • Keeping the unit unused for too long may cause it to malfunction
  • The customer support offered by the manufacturer is not very helpful

What Recent Buyers Report 

If you are looking for a product that is completely backed up with reviews from users, this is the perfect unit for you. All who have invested in this unit and used it have found it to be absolutely worth its price, providing them with exactly what they need and a lot more.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This spotlight really gives us a number of reasons to make it our favorite, but what we absolutely love about it is its rechargeable battery. The lithium-ion battery not only ensures that you do not have to change batteries after short periods but also allows the charge to last longer.

Who Will Use This Most

The high functionality of this unit makes it a very useful tool to carry while hunting. It is, in a true sense, an ideal spotlight, absolutely perfect for one and all. Whether for long-term use or hunting a specific animal, users will find this spotlight useful in all cases.

Bottom Line

It is safe to say that this absolutely steals the spotlight from all other units. It is equipped with all the features a hunter would look for and even more. It is a complete package on its own and is the perfect companion for a nighttime hunting trip.

Runner-up:
Primos Bloodhunter Tracking Light

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Pros

  • Switch between intense HD tracking and low illumination
  • Efficiently tracks trails of blood in all types of terrains
  • Flat handle design allows greater comfort and convenience
  • Outstanding intensity provided by the high-quality LEDs used
  • Features a Cardura holster with belt straps along with compatible batteries

Cons

  • Not as efficient with dried up blood
  • Not as intense as a standard spotlight
  • Might weigh down hunters

What Recent Buyers Report

Users have found nothing but good things to say about this two-in-one spotlight. Not only does it work well as a spotlight, but it also efficiently tracks blood trails and does so perfectly. But that’s not our opinion, but the words of those that have bought and tested this product themselves.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This unit is packed with a number of impressive features but what we love are the accessories that come with it. The unit not only comes ready with the batteries you will need but also comes geared with a Cardura holster that only aids the hunting experience.

Who Will Use This Most

Deer are known to leave behind blood trails. Since this unit can track that trail of blood very well, it makes it the ideal spotlight for hunters tracking a wounded animal.

Bottom Line

This unit may rank second, but it does so only by a very small margin. It might miss some features present in a top-ranked product but has its own unique features that make it worthy of being on this list. It is definitely a suitable spotlight for all users out there.

Best for the Money:
STANLEY SL5HS 900-Lumen Spotlight

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Pros

  • Designed to deliver intense brightness
  • Provided AC and DC adaptors for convenient charging
  • Provides five different modes ranging from full to halo
  • Special lithium-ion battery provides a 10-hour run time
  • Rugged pistol grip handle along with a pivoting stand and trigger lock

Cons

  • The lack of waterproofing requires careful handling
  • Does not hold the charge for as long as one would expect
  • The highest intensity of the light is not as bright as some other units

What Recent Buyers Report

Recent buyers have reported that this item is everything they expected it to be. All those who have invested in this unit have all said the same thing about it. They all agree that no other unit would provide such great functionality at the given price range.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Of all the features this unit has to offer, what really stands out to us is the variety of modes that allows users to control its brightness. It not only gives the hunter full control of the item but also saves charge by not using excessive brightness.

Who Will Use This Most

All who are looking for a good quality spotlight but with a smaller budget would find this to be the perfect unit. It will provide them with the functioning of a high-end unit, without the sky-rocketing price tag.

Bottom Line

You no longer need to pay a hefty amount to have the best and this unit is the perfect example. It will provide you a great run for your money. A number of helpful features packed into a unit, with an affordable price tag. What more can we ask for?

Best Handheld Spotlight for Hunting:
Streamlight Waypoint Spotlight

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Pros

  • An outstanding lifetime of fifty thousand hours
  • Switch between two different intensities of light
  • Greater throw distance with the deep dish parabolic reflector
  • Equipped with C4 LED technology bulb, capable of resisting shock
  • Liberty of choosing the model that features the power or charging mode that suits you

Cons

  • Circuit board not sufficiently waterproof
  • Short handle may impair a proper, firm grip
  • Not designed to last through a long span of time

What Recent Buyers Report

Recent buyers will all assure you this unit is truly an outstanding one and definitely one of the best. They have been greatly impressed by its lightweight design and high-intensity beam that lights up the target area very well. In short, they term it a must-buy.

Why it Stands Out to Us

We think this unit deserves to be on this list mainly because of one feature, its shock resistance. The high-end bulb used in this light ensures that your spotlight stays with you and lasts through all sorts of harsh conditions and even accidental falls.

Who Will Use This Most

If you plan on going on a hunt at night and are looking for a handheld spotlight to aid your hunting experience, this is the perfect unit for you. It is the perfect size and weight to be carried in the hands while hunting, making it ideal for the job.

Bottom Line

Whether you are in search of a perfect spotlight or a simple handheld one, this unit will serve the purpose in both cases. It provides functionality above that of standard spotlights, which is how this product made it into this list alongside other great choices.

Best Rechargeable Spotlight for Hunting:
STANLEY LEDLIS Spotlight

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Pros

  • Great runtime of up to 7 hours
  • Provides a constant light output throughout
  • Designed with 2000 lumens for high intensity
  • Capability of holding the charge for about a year
  • Comes with AC and DC chargers to charge conveniently at home or in the car

Cons

  • Size of the unit is larger than other products
  • Heavier unit, making portability less convenient
  • Provided adapters are not of the best quality

What Recent Buyers Report

The true credit given for a product comes from the reviews given by users and this product has its fair share of credit by those who have tried and tested this unit. All of them report that no other rechargeable unit is as good as this one.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The functionality of this unit is great, but what we love more is how well it holds a charge. The skillfully designed unit ensures that after the battery is full, the charge can be stored for as long as one year, providing you with the same great results.

Who Will Use This Most

The high-functionality of this unit makes it ideal for all hunters. But it is particularly suited for those looking for a cost-effective product to save them from the expense of purchasing new batteries. Being rechargeable, along with other great features, makes this the perfect item for such cases.

Bottom Line

There is nothing about this unit that will disappoint you. It will not only function efficiently, but will continue to do so for a great span of time, allowing the unit to charge easily, as well as hold the charge for a good amount of time. Isn’t that absolutely perfect?

Best Spotlight for Coyote Hunting:
Gerber Myth 600-Lumen Spotlight

Pros

  • 2 hours of continuous run time, even on high intensity
  • Added lens covers make it more appropriate for hunting
  • Comes with AC as well as DC adapters for varying the power source
  • Geared with not one, but four lithium-ion batteries for a greater battery life
  • Designed to provide output of 600 lumens at max and 100 lumens on the lowest setting

Cons

  • Lacks durability as compared to other units
  • Good battery life but low charge holding capacity
  • High-end product, costing a little more than other standard items

What Recent Buyers Report

All users who have recently invested in this unit will tell you it is everything you would expect from a good spotlight. It provides not just build quality but also functionality and convenience. This unit has simply failed to disappoint the users.

Why it Stands Out to Us

It is true that the unit has a lot to offer, but what makes it stand apart from others is its battery. The four lithium-ion batteries are designed to provide you with a runtime that is better than other standard spotlights.

Who Will Use This Most

Coyotes are known to run away from direct light but this unit will prevent that. It comes with red and green lenses that prevent direct light that drives away coyotes. This feature makes it ideal for all hunters who set out to hunt coyotes.

Bottom Line

Coyotes are not easy to hunt. They are fast and always on their feet. Just a bit of extra light and you will have driven away your prey. But with this unit, you never have to worry about that again or any other issue that people seem to have with their spotlights.

Best Spotlight for Hog Hunting: 
Streamlight Waypoint Spotlight

No products found.

Pros

  • Ideal size and weight to be carried easily
  • An outstanding lifetime of over fifty thousand hours
  • Features a longer throw distance with the deep dish parabolic reflectors
  • High-end bulb quality is resistant to shock for enhanced durability
  • Capable of switching between high intensity with 210 lumens and low intensity with 20 lumens

Cons

  • Not designed to last for a longer period
  • Model not sufficiently waterproof for rough conditions
  • Lacks a firm grip and may be a little uncomfortable to hold longer periods

What Recent Buyers Report

If you believe reviews are the right guide to choose a product, this unit will definitely not fail you in any sorts of conditions. It charges well with your choice of power supply and it lasts long while providing the best of functionality. That is what all users have commented about this unit.

Why it Stands Out to Us

If we had to pick one of this unit’s features, it would definitely be the ability to switch between intensities. This will not only allow users to have the sort of control they need over the spotlight but will also prevent overcharging when not needed.

Who Will Use This Most

The  control the unit allows users to have over the intensity of the beam makes it ideal for hunting hogs. There are a number of units out there used for the job, but none of them perform better than this one.

Bottom Line

Be it hunting hogs or going after raccoons in the dark, this is a unit that will simply not disappoint you. It will provide you with a number of features, all of which perform better than most of the standard products found in the market. 

Best Red Spotlight for Hunting:
Hunting Spotlight Kit

No products found.

Pros

  • Outstanding throw distance of a 1000 yards
  • Allows tactical red dot sight aiming for hunters
  • Body is designed out of a durable aircraft aluminum alloy 
  • Great functionality provided by the 10-watt high-powered unit
  • Comes with compatible batteries that can be charged and reused

Cons

  • Light beam is not as intense as some other units
  • Carrying the entire kit on a hunting trip may be too heavy
  • The battery life of the provided rechargeable batteries is not remarkable

What Recent Buyers Report 

Users have found this to be one of the best investments they have made for their hunting gear. The whole kit serves to add great value and provide equally amazing functions for hunters. All the accessories included work well with the spotlight and aid its functionality.

Why it Stands Out to Us

If you wonder what we love about this unit, the answer is simple; its efficiency. The unit does provide a great number of accessories but does not lose its basic function among them. It still efficiently illuminates the target area and provides an outstanding throw distance that impresses us.

Who Will Use This Most

There are several users that prefer hunting with a red spot. Since the red spot greatly increases accuracy, it allows a better hunting experience. This unit is therefore ideal for all such users who aim for precision and accuracy while hunting.

Bottom Line

All in all, this is a unit that will simply not disappoint. From the main spotlight itself to all the accessories and components of this kit provides, coupled with great functionality, this device earns a place on this list.

Benefits of Investing in a Quality Spotlight for Hunting

After looking at all these products, you may still be wondering, why invest in a spotlight for hunting? Does it provide users with any sort of benefits? The answer is; yes, it does. In fact, it provides users with a great number of benefits while out hunting.

No More Worries About the Dark

A lot of hunters retire from their hunting trip once it starts getting dark. But little do they know that after dark is the beginning of a whole other hunting experience. This can be fully enjoyed using a spotlight that allows light for one to see in the dark.

Focus on What’s Important

Spotlights are designed to cast a beam of light in a specific direction. This allows you to throw light on a specific target area, letting you concentrate better on one specific area of interest to keep your focus while hunting.

Invest Once And Enjoy for Long

If you have invested in a high-quality product, you can rest assured that you have gotten the better end of the deal. You may have had to pay the price, but you will be able to enjoy the features of the unit for a long time, since a good quality product always lasts long.

Conclusion

Spotlights are extremely useful while hunting in the dark and in more than just one way. They can greatly add to your hunting experience, given that you choose the right unit. Keep a close eye on the features to suit your needs and you will never go wrong with your choice.