If you are in a hurry and just want to find out what the best chest light for running is, then I’d recommend the RODH Running Jogging Chest LED Running Lights as the best one.
Night running doesn’t have to be dangerous with the proper lighting.
The best chest light for running at night will keep you safe from others and better help you navigate your surroundings.
Our guide will teach you more about what to look for, while our reviews of five top-selling products will give you some options to choose from.
Here are the top chest lights for running we’ll be reviewing:
- ALOVECO Outdoor Night Running Lights LED Chest Light
- RODH Running Jogging Chest LED Running Lights
- Suptig Outdoor Sports Chest Light Night Running
- X96 LED Chest Running Lights for Runners
- ClipShine Clip-On Running Light for Runners
Chest Lights for Running at Night – Buyer’s Guide
We understand that some people may want to run at night.
Maybe it’s the only time of the day that you have free, or the temperature is more comfortable, or you simply just appreciate the outdoors when it’s dark.
Regardless of your reasoning, there’s no need for it to be unsafe.
There are many ways to stay safe while running, and making sure you have high-quality reflective gear like chest lights is just one of them.
The following guide will show you some important features to look for while you’re shopping.
This way, you may have an easier time finding the best chest light for running at night.
Benefits of Wearing a Chest Light
There are several ways you can light up your path at night, but a chest light tends to be the go-to choice for many runners.
For one thing, it’s hands-free. With nothing in your hands, you won’t have to adjust your form.
A chest light also allows you to be seen from various angles. Some lights even have additional useful features such as flashing modes to light you up even more.
Chest lights may also be more comfortable for some runners compared to wearing a headlight or a wrist light.
They come in different sizes, have adjustability options, and they may distribute weight better considering they sit on your chest.
Comfort and Fit
It’s critical that you actually feel good while running with your chest light on. Any discomfort may ruin the whole experience and disrupt your training.
When shopping for a chest light, ensure that the band fits well so that it’s not sliding around when you move. This is a safety aspect as much as it is for comfort.
Also, check out the material that the band is made of.
You may be wearing a shirt or you may want to run without one. If it’ll be against your skin, it can benefit that the material feels well enough so that it won’t irritate you.
Weight
Wearing a chest light to illuminate your path may not be as heavy as wearing a light on your wrist.
However, it’s still important to pay attention to weight. Anything too heavy may negatively impact your performance.
A lightweight chest light is not only easier to wear, but it’ll allow you to still move freely without compromising your exercise routine.
Battery Quality
The most vital aspect of a chest light is the light itself.
How well your battery is made, as well as its overall life, determines how long you can run.
Nothing is quite as dangerous and scary as your light dimming while you’re still a good distance away from home.
LED lights tend to be favored for flashlights of any type as they have a longer life than traditional batteries.
They may not only maintain your safety, but they might save you money as you won’t have to replace them as often.
Some lights may be rechargeable, which is also efficient in saving you money over time.
However, if you do have a rechargeable light, then be sure how often you’ll need to charge it so you can plan your run accordingly.
Level of Brightness
Since the whole purpose of running with a chest light is to see and be seen, your light should be bright enough to manage this.
Of course, you won’t always be seen at a great distance, but the right level of brightness can help cars notice you well before they reach you.
In addition, some chest lights offer various lighting modes.
There are high modes that use full power and provide the most light, and there are low modes that may best for low light conditions such as dawn or dusk.
Some even have strobe lights that can add another level of safety or even spell out an SOS if it’s needed.
There are even chest lights with additional reflections on the back such as red LED lights.
Durability
Like the rest of your workout gear, you want your chest light to last you a good deal of time.
Check for lights made from high-quality material such as a strap that isn’t prone to fraying or a light that doesn’t dim easily.
You can also look for additional features such as water-resistance.
This can protect it from sweat and light rain in case the weather gets the best of you.
Of course, if you do have a waterproof chest light, always be sure to check just how waterproof it is. Some can handle heavier rain than others.
Best Chest Light for Running – Top 5 Reviewed
ALOVECO LED Chest Light
The ALOVECO Outdoor Night Running Lights LED Chest Light offers a rechargeable design that uses a USB setup.
You can charge the LED battery using a computer or any other power bank. It doesn’t take long, and the charge should provide you with a few hours of running time.
This is simple enough to wear.
It’s lightweight, weighing only 5.6oz. Although the straps are flexible with an adjustable length, it may still benefit from having longer straps as it may feel tight on some people.
For lighting, it has three modes: high, low, and strobe. This may help you run during various times of the day.
When the light shines, it’s angled in a way that it can come in your eyes somewhat, so take caution with that.
There’s good durability with this though as it’s water-resistant. It’s rated IP44 though, so it will only do best in light rain conditions.
Pros
- Easy to recharge the battery
- Three light modes
- Provides both front and back visibility
Cons
- May benefit from longer straps
- Light can shine in your eyes
RODH Running Jogging Chest LED Running Lights
If you find yourself running in wet or foggy conditions, the RODH Running Jogging Chest LED Running Lights can hold up well.
It has an IP65 waterproof rating to keep it safe and lasting a long time.
The LED battery is long-lasting also, and it charges via USB, and it takes little time to fill the battery life back up.
The chest features three light modes to choose from. There are the high and low beams in addition to the strobe light.
You get maximum visibility with this thanks to the main white LED light in the front and the eight red LED lights in the back.
There may be some issues getting the light to shine directly on your path though. Also, even if you can tighten the strap, there is a chance that it may slide up a bit during your run.
This may have to do with what you’re wearing underneath it though.
It’s still comfortable nonetheless. The entire piece is 5.6oz, and it features an elastic strap design that can be easier to wear.
Pros
- IP65 waterproof rating
- Good lightweight feel
- Three different light modes
Cons
- Doesn’t shine directly on the ground
- Chance for it to slide while running
Suptig Outdoor Sports Chest Light Night Running
The Suptig Outdoor Sports Chest Light Night Running utilize a wide angle light that provides 300Lumen at its maximum setting.
It’s known to light up around 25 meters in front of you. This may also illuminate eight meters in width around you. There are even five red LED warning lights on the back.
You can use the three lighting modes depending on your running circumstances. There’s a normal, high mode.
You can turn on the power-saving mode, which is the low mode, or you can use the flash or SOS mode.
The light uses a built-in lithium battery that charges up using a USB cord. You can attach it to any device that’s compatible with a USB charger to give life to the battery.
It’s something you may have to do often as the battery might not last much longer than an hour or so.
As for wearing the chest light, it has good elasticity for adjusting it and providing comfortable flexibility.
The top strap does appear too short for those who are taller or have larger chests.
However, you can change the length with ease to better suit you, and the chest light stays in place well during your run.
Pros
- Strong and bright illumination
- Straps have good flexibility and adjustments
- Stays in place well
Cons
- Top strap seems short for taller people
- May benefit from a longer battery life
X96 LED Chest Running Lights for Runners
With the X96 LED Chest Running Lights for Runners, you get a simple and effective way of lighting your path all in an affordable package.
It’s lightweight, weighing around 4oz, and it is designed in a one-size-fits-most style. You can adjust the flexible straps for a personalized fit.
The chest light does a good job staying in place also. It can adjust to fit snug without being uncomfortable, and it shouldn’t get in the way of your form while running.
You get two modes of lighting while using this product. By touching a button, you can use the simple light that provides 96 Lumens or opt for the flashing or strobe lights.
This can add to the element of safety while you’re out on a trail.
It isn’t rechargeable, and it uses three AAA batteries at a time. The battery may drain rather fast, so it can be best to stock up on them so that you’re always ready.
Also, the long-time durability of this chest light is questionable considering that there’s a chance the wires can come undone after a few runs.
Pros
- Easy to adjust the strap
- Light offers a good amount of brightness
- Comfortable and lightweight
Cons
- The wires may come loose after a few runs
- Can go through batteries fast
ClipShine Clip-On Running Light for Runners
The ClipShine Clip-On Running Light for Runners is a super lightweight means for keeping you safe during your night running adventures.
It only weighs 1.7oz, and it can feel like you’re not wearing anything at all.
It’s the best chest light for running with a clip-on design. To ensure that it’s secure, it has a strong magnetic grip thanks to two powerful magnets that keep it on your clothing.
For durability, it has a water-resistant silicone shell that’s rated IPX5.
However, the overall build quality of this is uncertain as some of it feels low-quality and may not last as long as others like it.
It does have a built-in rechargeable battery via USB that only takes around 40 minutes to complete.
There are three light mode settings with the main providing 200Lumens. You can use it at 100% power, 75% power, or 50% power.
In addition, there’s an extra emergency setting that flashes the SOS Morse code signal. This may get stuck in lighted mode, however, so you’ll have to recharge frequently.
Pros
- Quick USB recharge function
- Water-resistant silicone shell
- Clip-on design is easy to use
Cons
- Doesn’t seem built for long-term use
- Chance for it to get stuck in lighted position
The Winner is…
Each light in our list can keep you safe while you’re out in the dark, but the RODH Running Jogging Chest LED Running Lights may be the best chest light for running at night. It’s affordable, and yet it doesn’t sacrifice value.
It’s light in weight so that it’s easier to wear for extended times.
The LED battery lasts a good deal of time also, and it recharges easily with a USB connection so you’re not sacrificing your run time.
For durability, it has a good IP65 waterproof rating, so even if there’s a light rain, you won’t have to worry about your light failing.
You can go through three different light modes, each adjusting for the type of conditions you’re running under whether it’s night or dusk.
There’s an optimal amount of brightness from the main white light, and there’s also eight red LED lights on the back.
All in all, it’s simple and comfortable to wear, provides hours worth of light, and keeps you safe and aware at all times.
