Best Light-Up Dog Collars of 2025
Bright, illuminating dog collars to help keep your dog seen in the dark
December 3rd, 2025
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Once while camping, I lost my all black dog at night. She was nowhere to be found, and I completely panicked, thinking she had wandered off into the woods. There’s basically no chance of finding an all-black dog in the dark, and for a moment I was worried she was gone for good.
Turns out, she was curled up asleep on a black floor mat on the passenger side of my car, but had she been wearing her light-up dog collar, I could have saved myself the panic.
Whether you’re taking your dog for a neighborhood walk in the winter when it gets dark out early, or adventuring in the backcountry with your pup, the best light up dog collars can help keep them visible to you, other dogs, other people, vehicles, and wildlife. A visible dog is a safe dog.
I tested eight different light-up dog collars and collar attachments over the course of a few months, with some products being tested for years beforehand. I made sure to test each collar indoors in the dark, outdoors at night in an area with streetlights, and outdoors at night in an area without streetlights.
I turned each collar on, had a helper hold it, and walked away until I couldn’t see it, ranking which collars were the most and least visible to the naked human eye. I also did the same thing while sitting in a car with my headlights on, since visibility by drivers is one of the main safety purposes of putting a light-up collar on your dog, especially if they’re frequently off leash.
I also tested the waterproofness of each collar by wetting them under the shower to simulate rain, charged each collar and let the batter fully die to test battery life, and assessed all buckles, closures, and buttons.
The winners of the testing excelled in brightness and visibility from a distance, had long battery lives, held up to our waterproofing tests, were good quality, and worked well on a variety of dog coats and dog sizes. Ease of use and price were also evaluated to find the best light-up dog collar that gets you the most bang for your buck.
After extensive testing, the Blazin LED USB Rechargeable Nylon Dog Collar is our best overall winner. With the brightest, most visible illumination, a sturdy waterproof design, and a variety of sizes, this collar will ensure you (and everyone else in the nearby vicinity) can see your dog in low-light conditions.
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Comparison table
| LIGHT-UP DOG COLLAR | TREELINE AWARD | BATTERY LIFE | VISIBILITY RANGE | CHARGING METHOD | WATERPROOF RATING | SIZES |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blazin LED USB Rechargeable Nylon Dog Collar | Best Overall Read why |
9 hours | Tier 1 visibility (brightest/most visible) | Micro USB | IPX7 waterproof rating | XS, S, M, L |
| BSEEN Light Up Dog Collar | Best Affordable Read why |
8 hours | Tier 1 visibility (brightest/most visible) | USB-C | Not listed | 40cm or 70cm (but can be cut to adjust size) |
| Ruffwear The Beacon Dog Safety Light | Best Long-lasting and Waterproof Read why |
up to 20 hours | Tier 2 visibility | Micro USB | IPX7 (waterproof to a depth of one meter for 30 minutes) | One size |
| Nite Ize NiteDog Disc-O Collar Cover | Best Light-up Dog Collar Attachment Read why |
7 hours | Tier 2 visibility | Micro USB | Marked as “weather-resistant” | One size |
The winners
Best overall light-up dog collar: Blazin LED USB Rechargeable Nylon Dog Collar
Best Use: Best visibility
Battery life: 9 hours
Visibility range: Tier 1 visibility (brightest/most visible)
Charging method: Micro USB
Waterproof rating: IPX7 waterproof rating
Sizes: XS, S, M, L
What we liked: Best light-up collar for large dogs; very bright and visible from far distances; sturdy design; good waterproofing rating
What we didn't like: May be too bright for some people; takes a long time to dry when wet
The Blazin light-up dog collar is by far the brightest, most visible collar on this list. During testing, it was easily seen from up to 1,000 feet away.
Blazin LED USB Rechargeable Nylon Dog Collar
Something that sets this collar apart from other light-up collars on this list is the bright lights. Other collars tend to have one light source and a filament that guides the light through the collar. The Blazin collar has eight separate light points that put off much brighter light than that of other collars we tested.
The power on the Blazin collar can only be turned on by holding the power button for two seconds, which is nice since it reduces the risk of accidentally turning it on and running the battery down.
The medium-sized collar is a one-inch-thick nylon buckle collar, and because it’s so bright with the light running down the middle of it, the light shines through even on long-coated, fluffy dogs. It comes in four different sizes with different band thicknesses so it’s not too bulky for smaller dogs.
With eight hours of battery life, you’ll get about one to two weeks of use if you’re only using the collar for nighttime walks. It recharges with a micro USB cord that comes with it, and the rubber charging port cover is easy to open and close and keeps the inner electronics from being exposed to the elements.
An IPX7 rating will keep this collar safe in rainy and snowy weather, and is safe to be submerged up to one meter for up to 30 minutes. So, if your dog decides to take a dip in an alpine lake or jump in a stream while you’re adventuring, they won’t damage their collar. The only downside is that because it’s nylon, it takes a long time to dry once it’s wet.
Best affordable light-up dog collar: BSEEN Light Up Dog Collar
Best Use: Best for small dogs and small budgets
Battery life: 8 hours
Visibility range: Tier 1 visibility (brightest/most visible)
Charging method: USB-C
Waterproof rating: Not listed
Sizes: 40cm or 70cm (but can be cut to adjust size)
What we liked: Lightweight enough for small dogs; cut to adjust sizing; bright; USB-C charging; easy to slip over your dog’s head
What we didn't like: Not super visible on long coated or fluffy dogs; needs to be worn with an additional collar since you can’t attach a leash or tags to it
This was the only light-up dog collar we tested that was rechargeable via USB-C—great news for folks whose electronics are primarily USB-C powered. USB-C devices charge faster, and you won’t need to pack a separate power cord when traveling if the rest of your devices also charge via USB-C.
BSEEN Light Up Dog Collar
This collar is very bright, but lightweight enough for small and toy breeds. It’s made of a TPU light-guiding tube that can be cut to size with scissors, so you’ll have a custom fit regardless of how big or small your dog is. It comes as a 27-inch collar and can be made as small as about eight inches.
This collar can easily be slipped over your dog’s head, and because of this, it doesn’t need to fit perfectly. If it’s a little big and hangs lower on your dog’s neck toward their shoulders, it’s not a big deal since you won’t be attaching a leash to it. This collar is purely for visibility—there are no D-rings on it to attach a leash or dog tags to.
Since it can easily be slipped over your dog’s head, this is a good option for pups who wear GPS dog collars or have a lot of tags on their collars. Just put it on with your pup’s normal gear once it gets dark. It’s not bulky or heavy enough that they’ll mind wearing it in addition to their usual collar.
One downside of this collar is that because it’s so lightweight and thin, it’s not as visible on dogs with big, fluffy coats, especially if they’re dark-colored. When using this on my Collie, her coat tended to cover most of the light, but I was able to see it through the white parts of her neck fluff.
Best long-lasting and waterproof light-up dog collar: Ruffwear The Beacon Dog Safety Light
Best Use: Best for camping, traveling, and wet weather
Battery life: up to 20 hours
Visibility range: Tier 2 visibility
Charging method: Micro USB
Waterproof rating: IPX7 (waterproof to a depth of one meter for 30 minutes)
Sizes: One size
What we liked: Very bright; can be added onto a collar, harness, or other gear; multiple colors; real waterproof rating; long battery life; indicator lights when battery is low
What we didn't like: Not as visible on fluffy dogs when attached to collars in some cases; higher price
Though it’s not technically a collar, the Ruffwear Beacon Safety Light is the best option for people looking for a long-lasting light-up dog collar, a waterproof light-up dog collar, and a light-up dog collar for camping. This collar or harness attachment is wildly versatile, has the longest battery life of any collar we tested, and is the most reliably waterproof.
Ruffwear The Beacon Dog Safety Light
Having a light-up dog collar attachment is generally more convenient for traveling than bringing an additional light-up collar. You can keep your dog’s GPS dog collar, their tags, and other collar accessories or harness on, for example, and simply add on the light.
With a normal light-up dog collar, you’d need to have multiple sets of tags and swap any GPS devices, or have your dog wear two collars at a time. I like the Beacon light since it can stay on my dog’s normal collar all the time, and simply be turned on at night when I need the light.
The Beacon features both a clip and a ring, so it can be attached to a D-ring, or clipped onto a dog harness, dog backpack, or dog collar strap. The clip is a little bit difficult to use, but it does keep the light on securely.
This light features three different colors (red, green, and blue) and has solid, blinking, and slow pulsing settings. This is helpful if you have multiple dogs, since you can assign a color or a blinking pattern to each dog to help keep track of them in the dark, especially if they’re off leash. It can only be turned on by holding the power button for two seconds, so it eliminates the possibility of accidentally turning it on and draining the battery.
With a battery life of up to 20 hours and a charging time of just an hour and a half, this is the best pick for multi-day camping trips, since you likely won’t need to charge it mid-trip. The 1m/30 minute waterproofing rating is also one of the only legitimate waterproofing ratings on this list, and therefore will be the most reliable in rainy or snowy weather (or if your dog decides to take a dip in a lake or stream during a hike).
Ruffwear also makes an accessible, audible version of the Beacon light, which is identical, except that it adds audio signals to tell blind or low-vision users when the light is on/off, high/low, or charging. This is a really great accessibility feature that could also be helpful for busy, avid dog walkers who do a lot of walking or hiking at dawn or in the dark.
Best light-up dog collar attachment: Nite Ize NiteDog Disc-O Collar Cover
Best Use: For long-haired dogs who primarily wear collars and to make a standard leash a light-up leash
Battery life: Seven hours
Visibility range: Tier 2 visibility
Charging method: Micro USB
Waterproof rating: Marked as “weather-resistant”
Sizes: One size
What we liked: Can be added onto existing collars and leashes; more light-up area than hanging collar lights; lots of color options
What we didn't like: Only fits around one inch or less collars and leashes
If you have a fluffy or long-haired dog who primarily wears a collar, a small light attachment like the Beacon may not be as visible, since their coat can easily cover the light. The Nite Ize Disc-O Collar cover offers more illuminated area, and can simply be Velcroed onto your dog’s existing collar or leash.
Nite Ize NiteDog Disc-O Collar Cover
It features a multicolor disco setting that rotates through the three colors (red, green, and blue), plus solid and flashing settings for each color. This is another good option for camping and traveling because you don’t have to swap your dog’s normal collar for a light up one when it gets dark.
This collar/leash attachment has a run time of up to seven hours on a full charge and reaches full battery after about an hour and a half of charging. It’s charged via a micro-USB cable that’s not included, so make sure you have one.
We had issues with the micro-USB charging port on the Nite Ize NiteHowl collar, but this port seems sturdier since it’s integrated into the large square plastic section that houses the power button. We didn’t have any charging port issues with this Nite Ize option during testing.
This option isn’t as bright as our top-pick collar, but it’s a good option for fluffy dogs, dogs who may stay closer to you on walks or at camp, to make a standard leash a light-up leash, and for folks who don’t want to completely swap collars out when it gets dark.
Other light-up dog collars we tested
Nite Ize NiteHowl
Battery life: 5.5 hours
Visibility range: Tier 2 visibility
Charging method: Micro USB
Waterproof rating: Marked as “weather-resisant”
Sizes: Mini and Regular
What we liked: Cute rainbow setting; lots of color variety; adjustable size via cutting; easy to slip over your dog’s head; lightweight; good for small dogs; comes in a smaller size for smaller pups
What we didn't like: Charging port issues during testing; battery life isn’t the best; not great for fluffy or long-haired dogs; doesn’t come with charging cord
The Nite Ize NiteHowl was in the running for the best multi-color light-up dog collar award, but one major issue kept it out of our list of winners. I bought two of these collars, and use them very infrequently (usually for camping trips or dark or snowy nights when walking my dogs). About a year into having them, both of them started being finicky about charging. They now only charge when the charging cord is in the exact right place, and if it moves at all, the charging light goes off and the collar doesn’t charge.
This has proven to be inconvenient, as I’ve plugged this collar in many times before a camping trip, only to find out it stopped charging a few minutes after I plugged it in and doesn’t have enough battery life yet. The charging port on this collar simply isn’t very well made, and I know it’s not a fluke since the same issue happened on both collars we tested.
The price for the NiteHowl is a bit higher than other options on this list, so I expected it to be a sturdier option. This type of collar also isn’t the best for long-haired dogs, since it’s thin and easily gets covered by fur.
As for upsides, the rainbow cycling feature is wildly cute and sparks joy when I see my dogs wearing it. I jokingly call them rave dogs when wearing this collar.
Nite Ize NiteHowl
Battery life: 10 hours
Visibility range: Tier 3 visibility
Charging method: Micro USB
Waterproof rating: Listed as “waterproof” but no specifics
Sizes: S, M, L
The Masbrill collar isn’t a bad option—it just wasn’t as bright as our winners. It’s a fairly sturdy nylon dog collar, and it features a piece of light filament sewn into the collar. The light is consistent all the way around the collar, it’s easy to put on and take off, and it has a slightly longer battery life than our top pick, though it is significantly duller.
Another downside is the battery pack slides in and out of the collar on one side—I wish it were more secure and didn't move as much.
When it’s on sale, this is a decent budget option for pet parents looking for a light-up dog collar that you can attach a leash to.
Masbrill Light Up Dog Collar
Battery life: 12 hours
Visibility range: Tier 4 visibility (dimmest, least visible)
Charging method: USB-C
Waterproof rating: Not-listed
Sizes: XS, S, M, L
The Flashseen LED Dog Collar was a disappointing Amazon pick. With over 6,300 reviews and a 4.4 star rating, I expected this pick to be better quality.
The main issue is the filament/light source of this collar. It’s fairly bright right next to the power button, but doesn’t extend all the way around the collar, and gets duller the further you get with a few patchy spots of brightness. Really only about four inches of this collar are bright enough to see from a distance on a dog.
It has a mesh-like design that’s slightly more flexible than the other nylon options on this list, but the buckle was poor quality, and required more force than should be necessary to open and close. It also had some minor loose stitching and felt cheaply made, though I appreciated that the light filament inside was secure and didn’t slide around.
Flashseen LED Dog Collar
Battery life: 12 hours
Visibility range: Tier 4 visibility (dimmest, least visible)
Charging method: USB-C
Waterproof rating: Listed as water-resistant, but no specifics
Sizes: XS, S, M, L
Similar to the Flasheen collar, this Illumifun option lacks brightness all the way around the collar. It’s brightest right next to the power button and trails off as you reach the other end.
This option also clearly has a piece of light filament loose between two layers of nylon collar fabric, and it easily slides around inside. From the photos on Amazon, it looks like some color options have reflective stitching that may keep the filament in place, but it’s unclear if that’s the case since there’s no details in the description mentioning reflective stitching.
The Illumifun light-up collar also has a buckle that requires more force than should be necessary to clip and unclip it.
Illumifun LED Dog Collar
What to look for in light-up dog collars
Brightness and visibility distance
Most light-up dog collars lack a measurement in lumens that human light sources like headlamps, flashlights, and lanterns have. This is because light-up dog collars are designed for visibility, not brightness, and an extremely bright dog collar will affect your dog’s ability to see at night. There’s a fine line between a collar that’s visible enough to see at a distance and one that still allows your dog to see in the dark.
Battery life and charging options
You’re more likely to use a light-up dog collar with a long battery life than one that dies constantly. Rechargeable options ensure you don’t have to constantly buy batteries, though some rechargeable collars only offer a few hours of use before they need to be plugged in. A minimum of six hours of battery life ensures you only need to charge your dog’s collar once or twice a week.
Weather resistance and durability
Light-up dog collars should be water resistant at minimum, and light rain or snow shouldn’t damage the electric components. Rechargeable light-up collars should have some kind of rubber or silicone cover for the charging port to ensure no water gets in.
Comfort and adjustable sizing
Dog collars should be comfortable enough for extended use. Always measure your dog’s neck before purchasing a collar, and opt for one where your dog’s measurements lie in the lower half or middle of the sizing. If your dog is a puppy who’s still growing, grab a collar that’s slightly too big so they can grow into it.
Light modes (solid, flashing, color options)
Some collars come with only solid colors, while others offer multiple colors, flashing lights, or settings that cycle through colors. When camping, turning your dog’s collar to a red light setting can help preserve your night vision, similar to turning your headlamp to red light instead of white. Flashing lights, on the other hand, help your dog be more visible on the road, so are best suited for dogs and people who plan to walk or run on busy streets in low-light conditions.
Ease of activation and controls
A dog’s light-up collar should be easy to turn on and off, even while the dog is wearing it. Look for options with an easily accessible power button.
Value for money and replacement costs
A light-up dog collar should last multiple years, especially if you’re only using it at night. Choose an option that’s likely to hold up to your dog’s lifestyle and the activities you’re planning on using it for. Most light-up dog collars don’t have replaceable batteries, so if something happens with the internal electronics, it’s likely you’ll need to purchase a whole new collar.
Why you should use light-up dog collars
Accident prevention: Some studies have shown that a large percentage of dog-related car accidents occur at night or in low-light conditions like rain or fog. Drivers don’t see as well at night, so crossing streets with your dog or walking in busy areas is safer if your dog is more visible.
Better safety: When your dog is visible at night and in low-light conditions, they’ll be more protected from cars, bikes, other people, other dogs, and wildlife. If your dog gets away from you or gets spooked at night, they’ll be easier to track down if they’re wearing a light-up collar.
Peace of mind: A light-up dog collar can make it easier to keep tabs on your dog in the dark, especially if they’re off leash. This visibility can give you confidence when walking, hiking, biking, or running with your dog during dusk and dawn. Check out our Best Reflective Gear for Running in the Dark guide for our human-safety recommendations.
Activity extension: A light-up collar allows you to safely exercise your dogs in low-light conditions, especially during fall and winter as daylight hours get shorter.
Multi-user benefits: A light-up dog collar can keep both you and your dog more visible, keeping you both safe from potential accidents.
The best light-up dog collars are incredibly visible in low-light conditions.
Light-up collars vs. other visibility options
Light-up collars vs. LED leashes
LED leashes generally offer more visibility than light-up collars, especially for extremely fluffy breeds, like Samoyeds, Malamutes, Chows, and Pomeranians. If you have a very fluffy breed and your dog is never off leash, an LED leash could be a good option to increase visibility. For dogs who go off leash or are often walked on long lines or flexi leashes, a light-up collar is a better option.
Light-up collars vs. clip-on lights
A clip-on light is helpful if you don’t want to worry about swapping your dog’s collar when it gets dark. Especially if your dog has dog tags, or a GPS collar already attached to their existing collar, a clip-on light like the Ruffwear The Beacon is easier to attach to your dog’s current collar without having to swap all their gear.
Light-up collars vs. reflective dog gear
Light-up collars and reflective gear should be used in tandem. The more visible your dog is at night, the safer they’ll be. Pair your dog’s light-up collar with a harness or dog jacket that features reflective stripes or trim, like the Non-stop Dogwear Line Harness and the Weatherbeeta ComFiTech Premier Free Parka Deluxe Dog Coat.
How to choose the right size light-up collar
Choosing the right size of a light-up collar depends on the type of collar you’re opting for. If the collar you’re looking at is made of webbing like a normal collar, but has added light features to it, size it like a normal dog collar.
A collar made of webbing should sit around the middle of your dog’s neck, not down by the shoulders or up behind the ears. Use a soft measuring tape to measure your dog’s neck size before purchasing. You should be able to fit two fingers under your dog’s collar for a comfortable fit, so ensure the size you choose will allow this space.
For young puppies who are still growing, be prepared to size up in collars rapidly. Choose options that are highly adjustable and allow for a large range of sizes so you can maximize the time it’ll fit your dog.
If you’re shopping for a slip-on light collar made of polymer/plastic, the size doesn’t matter quite as much. These types of collars can simply be slipped over the head in addition to your dog’s normal collar, cut to size if needed, and are solely for visibility. You can’t add tags or attach a leash to these types of collars, and they’re typically cut with scissors to adjust the sizing.
Since these collars are purely for visibility, it’s fine if they’re a bit loose and sit further down the dog’s neck towards their shoulders. You should still measure your dog’s neck before purchasing though, to ensure the collar is big enough.
FAQ
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Dog collars are not rated in lumens the way a headlamp or lantern would be. Light-up dog collars don’t need to be extremely bright—but they should be visible all the way around on your dog’s neck to work properly. If you have a very fluffy dog, ensure that their fur isn’t covering their light-up collar before using it.
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Yes, light-up collars are safe for dogs to wear and can help them be more visible at night. Keeping your dog visible at night can help reduce the risk of car accidents and let other people and pet parents know that you and your dog are there.
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Rechargeable light-up collar batteries usually last anywhere from five hours up to several weeks depending on the type of battery and how frequently it’s used.
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No, your dog cannot swim with a light-up collar. Most light-up dog collars are only water resistant, not waterproof. Water-resistant collars can hold up to rain and light splashes, but should not be submerged.
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No, generally light-up collars don’t work in daylight. They’re designed to be visible in low-light conditions.
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Because light-up dog collars often have electronics and wiring, they can’t be washed. Most light-up dog collars can be spot cleaned, but always check the manufacturer instructions before cleaning a collar.
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Light-up dog collars don’t usually cause neck irritation unless they’re fitted improperly. Ensure your dog’s collar isn’t too tight or too loose, and walk strong pullers on a harness instead of a collar to reduce the risk of neck irritation.
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Yes, there are light-up collars for small dogs. Many light-up collars come in sizes as small as eight inches, about the neck size required for Chihuahuas, Maltese, Yorkies, and other small/toy breeds.
How we researched and tested
Ease of use: I tested how easy it was to charge, turn on, adjust, and swap between different settings (if applicable) on each collar. Bonus points went to the collars that were easy to put on.
Comfort: I used each collar on multiple different dogs, and noted any that seemed uncomfortable to the testing dogs. When dogs are uncomfortable, they’ll often show minor stress signals like scratching, itching, whale eye, and flattening their ears.
Visibility: I tested visibility and brightness by putting each collar on a dog, having a helper hold them on a leash in an open park without streetlights at night, and in an area with streetlights at night. I also did the same thing in a car with my headlights on, and and measured how visible each collar was, ranking them into four tiers, tier one being the brightest and most visible, and tier four being the dimmest and least visible.
Weather resistance: I splashed each collar with water to simulate how well they’d hold up in rainy conditions. Bonus points went to the collars that easily wicked water away instead of soaking it up.
Battery life: I charged each collar fully and let their batteries run completely out, marking the total battery life when each collar died.
Why you should trust us / About the author
Jae Thomas has walked, run, camped, hiked, and backpacked with her two dogs, Miso and Dashi, everywhere from Colorado to the Oregon Coast, and at more than 15 national parks. As a Boulder resident, she and her dogs regularly take advantage of the off-leash hiking program in Boulder County, and often explore the mountains and front range of Colorado.
Even during the winter, Jae takes her dogs out for walks and exercise at night, so low-light conditions are a regular thing. Jae has been using light-up dog collars for the last three to four years on local neighborhood walks, mountain camping trips, and everything in-between.
Jae is an e-commerce journalist, editor, and dog trainer based in Colorado. She graduated from the New York University journalism program in 2020, and has written and edited commerce content for publications like Mashable, Apartment Therapy, Bon Appetít, Whole Dog Journal, Chewy, CNN Underscored, and more.
Jae is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed, and teaches agility, rally, and other dog sports at Canine Athletics Training Center in Boulder County. Jae uses her background in dog sports and behavior to test outdoor-focused dog gear focused on fit, comfort, safety, and functionality for dogs and their owners.
Jae shares her life with two dogs: mixed breed Miso, and Rough Collie Dashi. Jae competes in conformation, agility, rally, herding, barn hunt, Fast CAT, and other sports with her dogs and is a pro at traveling, camping, hiking, and adventuring with canine companions in tow.
