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You are here: Home / Overlanding / What Are The Best Rock Lights – The Ultimate Guide

What Are The Best Rock Lights – The Ultimate Guide

by Jerry Ford | Last Updated June 27, 2022

Best Rock Lights Review Rock lights help drivers see the area around them more clearly. Though the lights are generally mounted in front of the vehicle (so that you can see the path ahead of you), installing the lights in the rear helps drivers steer the vehicle when they drive in reverse.

In this article, we will provide you with the 6 Best LED rock light systems. And, we will also present you with the Buyer’s Guide, which should help you learn more about Rock lights (what are they for, what things you should look for, etc.) The information you receive in this guide should help you buy the best rock lights if you decide to obtain them.

At A Glance: Our Top 5 Picks for Rock Lights for UTV, ATV, Jeep & Trucks

  • Editor's Choice: MICTUNING Rock Lights Kit
  • SUNPIE LED Rock Light Kit
  • Visionx TANTRUM LED KIT
  • LUX Rock Light
  • KC-HiLiTES Cyclone LED Light

 

Table of Contents

  • Best Rock Lights for UTV, ATV, Jeep & Trucks
  • 1. SUNPIE LED Rock Light Kit
  • 2. MICTUNING RGB LED Rock Lights – Editor’s Choice
  • 3. Visionx TANTRUM LED KIT – The Most Durable LED Kit
  • 4. LUX Rock Lights (Micro, Max, Monster)
    • Micro – Tiny And Potent
    • Max – Versatile
    • Monster – Bright And Powerful
  • 5. KC-HiLiTES Cyclone LED Accessory Light
  • Buyer’s Guide
  • Versatility, Installation, And Kits
  • Which One Should I Go For?

Best Rock Lights for UTV, ATV, Jeep & Trucks

IMAGE PRODUCT DETAILS  
fwltbl-table__image Editor's ChoiceMICTUNING Rock Lights Kit
  • 6 or 8 LED Pods (3 LEDs in each)
  • RGB
  • Bluetooth controlled
  • Versatile and easy to install
CHECK PRICE →
fwltbl-table__image SUNPIE LED Rock Light Kit
  • 6 LED Pods (3 LEDs in each)
  • 7 Color Options
  • Inexpensive
  • Broad application
CHECK PRICE →
fwltbl-table__image Visionx TANTRUM LED KIT
  • 8 Pods (15 LEDs in each)
  • 6 Color Options
  • Extended Warranty
  • Built-in microphone
CHECK PRICE →
fwltbl-table__image LUX Rock Light
  • NOT made in China!
  • Brightest LED rock light
  • Warranty 3 Years
  • Waterproof
CHECK PRICE →
fwltbl-table__image KC-HiLiTES Cyclone LED Light
  • 7 Color Options
  • Warranty 23 Years
  • Incredibly bright
  • Durable and sturdy
CHECK PRICE →

 

1. SUNPIE LED Rock Light Kit

SUNPIE LED Rock Light Kit
Check Price on Amazon

SUNPIE LED Rock Lights are feature original Cree Led Chip, which prolongs the light’s lifespan; they should last up to 50 000 hours.

The LED is protected with sturdy and thick PC cover. The LED is placed in the die-cast aluminum body and is IP67 rated (see IP table on Wiki). The aluminum shells significantly impact the light’s overall durability.

SUNPIE LED lights kit feature 9 to 30 Voltage, 9 Wattage, each piece weighing 205g. You receive six pieces per kit. The kit is certified and safe to use (CE and DOT certifications).

These lights have broad application, from agricultural machines to pickup trucks. They are also glare-free, meaning that the lights won’t bother drivers behind you. And, since the lights are waterproof and shockproof, you can use them in harsh conditions and heavy-duty environments.

SUNPIE2

These lights are inexpensive, which makes the purchase even more worthwhile, considering the product’s overall quality. It is also wroth mentioning that the lights are simple to install.

Durability isn’t great. Some people complained about the lights being broken after brief use (usually, only one light would give up). But, the customer service is amiable and rapid when it comes to meeting your requests.
Pros
  • Inexpensive, value for money
  • Aluminum shells are sturdy and shock/waterproof
  • Very bright (little to no glare)
  • Broad application
  • User-friendly customer service
Cons
  • Lights lack durability

 

2. MICTUNING RGB LED Rock Lights – Editor’s Choice

MICTUNING RGB LED Rock Lights
Check Price on Amazon

MICTUNING RGB LED Rock Lights is highly sophisticated and feature-oriented rock light kit. The lights are purchasable in two sizes, of which one comes with four pods, other with eight lighting pods. Construction is solid, price reasonable, and installation simple.

MICTUNING RGB LED outsmarts its opponents in many ways. For starters, it is an RGB system, which means that you can select color according to your liking. Furthermore, the lights are Bluetooth controlled via simple and easy to use Bluetooth controller.

But, the controller only acts as a bridge between your lights and your smartphone. Once you install the kit, you can download the MICTUNING app and control the light with your smartphone, which is pretty cool (the app is called RGB Remote).

You can control the brightness, the change speed, and many other things using the app. Note that you can create your light schedule and scenario (what lights should be on, light change, etc.) You also have the music mode: the lights will sync with the music and shine according to it.

Mictuning RGB Led Rock Lights

These lights are very robust, featuring IP68 construction (waterproof and shockproof). You can install these lights on virtually any vehicle, such as SUVs, ATVs, Bikes, Boats, and so forth. The lights are very bright and colorful, among the best on the list.

Note that the controller isn’t waterproof, so make sure you install it somewhere safe. Also, the app has a few bugs, but the manufacturers are continually updating it.


Pros
  • Versatile and easy to install
  • Bluetooth controlled
  • Synchs with the music
  • Customizable
  • Value for money
Cons
  • The controller isn’t durable
  • The app has a few bugs

 

3. Visionx TANTRUM LED KIT – The Most Durable LED Kit

Visionx TANTRUM LED KIT
Check Price on Amazon

Visionx TANTRUM LED KIT is arguably one of the most sophisticated LED kits on our list but is also among the most expensive LED kits. The kit is designed to be both simple and powerful. The lights are very versatile, available in six different colors.

Simplicity is the key for TANTRUM LED KIT. The product features Plug & Play system, control box, remote controller, sturdy pods, and so forth. The critical component of this system is the control panel, where you can adjust sensitivity, speed, sequence, and other modes.

The system operates wirelessly and features a built-in microphone, with which you can control it. The lights are sturdy, water-resistant and shockproof. You’ll receive 8 pods, each having 15 LEDs. The pods are yellow colored, aluminum made and protective.

The lights are very versatile, and you can mount them anywhere you wish (under car, wheels, headlights, etc.) The kit is very reliable and stable and will function under harsh conditions and in heavy-duty environments. But, you will have to pay a substantial amount of money for it.

The brightness is good, but not excellent. Though you can control the brightness, the maximum level could have been a bit brighter. That would be the only downside concerning this kit, together with the high price.

The good news is that the lights will work for a long time, and you’ll be able to use all its features, patterns, devices, and so forth. In short, you will pay more for it than you would for any other system, but you’ll get the most durable lights. Read the installation process here.


Pros
  • Highly sophisticated
  • Reliable and sturdy
  • Convenient control
  • Patterns and multi-color options
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Not as bright as it should be

 

4. LUX Rock Lights (Micro, Max, Monster)

The LUX Lightning System manufactures three types of LED lights:

Micro – Tiny And Potent

Micro LED Accent Lighting

As the name suggests, Micro LUX are tiny but very potent. The product features four high output LEDs, which mount via magnets. In fact, all LUX LEDs (Micro, Max, and Monster) feature magnetic mounting. It is needless to say that this design gives you a lot of freedom to install the lights wherever you choose.

The Micro LEDs are very inexpensive, but very bright and potent, covering a lot of ground. They are intended for vehicles and motorcycles, due to their small size. It is also worth mentioning that the magnets help disperse the accumulated heat when the LEDs are operating.

LUX is notable for producing sturdy and high-quality lights, which is true for all of their types, from Micro to Monster. They are waterproof and shockproof (IP68), resistant to fuel, UV, and oil. Note that you receive four pods and zip ties for more stable installation.

The only issue I have with the Microlights is that, well, they are micro! By that, I mean that the brightness isn’t that high, and the space coverage isn’t substantial. Perhaps it is best to mount the Micros on bikes, but that’s just my opinion.

 

Max – Versatile

MAX LUX LED Magnetic Rock Lights

Max is LUX’s medium-sized LED. These lights offer way more brightness and light coverage. The design is pretty much the same: IP68, resistance, waterproof, magnet installation, etc.

Due to their more substantial size, the MAX LEDs are fit for larger vehicles (Jeeps, RVs, marine, etc.) Also the MAX lights can be purchased in several colors (such as green, blue, red, etc.)

Due to its optimal size and price, the MAX is the most popular LED version. The brightness and the light coverage are much better than with Micro. Also, their bigger size makes these lights a bit more sturdy and resistant.

But, they are more costly than Micro. Also, the I feel that the magnets should have been a bit stronger than they are. They will hold under the light-duty environment (the magnets), but it is questionable whether will harsher conditions and heavy-duty environment disturb them.

 

Monster – Bright And Powerful

Magnetic LED Rock Monster lights

Monster LEDs are by far the most expensive rock lights on our list. They too are made by LUX, and thus they feature same build, same design, at least when it comes to magnets, durability, and so forth.

But Monster are also the brightest and the most robust LUX lights. They are incredibly durable and sturdy. And despite being the most expensive, these are also the most valuable LUX lights.

The only downside of the Monster lights is their price. We recommend this light only to those who genuinely need rock lights on a day to day basis; that’s how you’ll get the most value out of them.

 

5. KC-HiLiTES Cyclone LED Accessory Light

KC-HiLiTES Cyclone LED Accessory Light
Check Price on Amazon

Last product on our list is the KC-HiLiTES Cyclone light, a product that is original, stable and cost-effective. These lights are sold individually and are available in six colors. They are highly versatile, having universal applicability.

Installation is reasonably straightforward (screw and nuts method). Due to its compact, you can install these light virtually anywhere. And though we said that the product sells individually, you can work out a deal with the manufacturer and order the kit.

These lights are incredibly bright, well worth the price. They are also somewhat conservative (regarding power consumption), making them even more cost-effective. And you can purchase a lot of additional kits to make the lights more adjustable.

Jeep JK Rock Light Kit

One of such kits is made for the Jeep JK exclusively. It includes everything you need to install the KC-HiLiTES Cyclone light on your Jeep JK successfully. You receive complete wiring, nuts, screws, four cyclone lights, and other tools required. And this is just one example of optional kits that come along with the Cyclone Lights.

Jeep JK Rock Light Kit

It is worth noting that, while we say that these lights are bright, some colored version (such as the red ones) are dimmer than the stock, white lights. So, just know that the brightness varies depending on the color you choose.

Cyclone

Despite the issues it has with brightness, KC-HiLiTES Cyclone is still a valuable product, one of the best on the list. I recommend it to someone who seeks sturdy and durable product, but be prepared to pay a significant amount of money for it. Read the installation process here.
Pros
  • Features unique design
  • Value for money
  • Durable and sturdy
  • Easy to install
  • Favorable optional kits (like the Jeep JK kit)
Cons
  • Somewhat expensive
  • Brightness varies depending on a color

 

Buyer’s Guide

In this section we will explain the reasoning behind our picks, that is, what factors we considered when we searched for the best rock lights. The guide should help you learn more about the rock lights in general (what they are, what are they for, what are the benefits, etc.) And, the guide will also help you pick the product that is the best for you (according to the mentioned factors).

On Rock Lights

Rock lights are accessory lights, designed to make off-road adventures safer and exciting. They are just as important as good quality led headlight bulbs. The rock lights should help you notice and see “the rocks you otherwise wouldn’t be able to see.” Generally mounted on the front or rear of many vehicles, the lights enhance your visibility, which in turn makes driving more safe and convenient.

Rock lights are almost always LED since LED lights are highly durable (concerning light output durability). Apart from being useful, rock lights also improve the overall appeal of your vehicle, assuming you pair the colors adequately.

We do want to emphasize one thing: if you mount the lights on the rear of the vehicle, make sure they aren’t too bright. In fact, you might experience some legal problems if you don’t pay attention to these things (read about the law here). If the lights are too bright, install them under the angle that won’t hurt the eyes of the driver behind you.

On Compatibility

Compatibility shouldn’t be an issue with most rock lights on our list. But, there are some things you should pay attention to. For instance, not all lights are suitable for all-vehicle or all-around installation.

What I’m trying to say is that some lights are ideal for bikes, some for RVs, while others might be ideal for pickup trucks. Why? Well, a lot of things influence this classification.

For starters, there are the brightness factors. If you have tiny lights (like the LUX Micro), you shouldn’t use them on RVs or other giant vehicles. I’m not saying that you can’t, but that you shouldn’t since you won’t receive enough brightness and space coverage using these lights.

BTF Frame 1400 350x175 Also, lights differ in packaging. For example, if you buy MICTUNING lights, you receive 4 pods, each pod having 3 LEDs. But, if you obtain the KC-HiLiTES, you receive only one pod. Now, you can spread four pods beneath the front of your vehicle and get excellent ground coverage with them. But if you use HiLiTES, it will be less brightness and less ground coverage.

Both products are great, each having unique purpose and usability, but you should pick the one according to your preferences. If you do decide to buy the rock lights, make sure that you are happy with the number of lights, wiring, kit, and so forth. More importantly, make sure that the lights are compatible with your goal/vehicle.

On Brightness

The concept of brightness is relatively simple: the better the brightness, the better you see in the dark. Is brightness important? Yes. Is it the most important thing? Well, that is up to you. Some people buy rock lights to improve the appearance of their vehicle, which is understandable.

However, if you are buying the lights for functional reasons, i.e., you want to see the road ahead of you as you are driving across unexplored and unlighted dirt ground, then brightness should be your primary concern. A couple of things affect it, but it usually comes down to LED’s quality, design, color, Wattage, and so forth.

On Durability

Durability is a universal factor when you seek products. Why is it important to look for durable rock lights? Once you start using rock lights, you’ll eventually begin to depend on them (if you aren’t already), and you probably don’t want to end up in the middle of the road with broken rock lights, right?

When you evaluate durability, consider the quality of the lighting pods. Most are aluminum alloyed, resistant to water and shock (IP#), rust-repelling, stabilizing, and so forth. If the pods are safe and stable, that means that the LEDs will be well protected, which in turn affects LEDs durability.

Then there’s the LEDs durability measured in hours, generally ranging from 30 000 to 50 000 operating hours. Keep in mind that these numbers vary depending on how often you use the lights. For instance, excessive use and overheating will damage the LEDs, which will affect their hourly durability.

Features And Uniqueness

When you browse through the products, think about the things that make it unique. For example, MICTUNING RGB LED Rock Lights are by far the most technologically advanced light kits on our list, featuring sound sync system, Bluetooth control, and so forth.

Naturally, if you don’t care about these things, some other things are more important to you (probably). Think about the colors too: some rock lights are available only in white color, other are purchasable in several different colors, and some can change the spectrum and are multicolored.

Also, think about the design, whether you like it and whether it will fit your vehicle. Carefully selected rock lights can improve the vehicle’s appearance and give it some value, but poorly selected ones can harm the vehicle’s appeal. Still, if you value function over the appeal, then focus mostly on the functional aspect of the lights.

 

Versatility, Installation, And Kits

Is versatility vital to you, in the sense that you might want to install the lights on different vehicles? Perhaps you want to buy the rock lights for someone else, but you don’t know much about them. In any case, if you seek versatility, go for the products that can be mounted on different vehicles.

lux 350x271 For instance, the LUX Max lights are highly versatile and can be installed on almost any vehicle, due to their magnet design. Unlike most other lights, LUX lights adhere to the surface via magnets. And speaking of installation, rock lights are often simple to install.

Most arrive with instruction guides. Or, you can browse the net, read articles or watch Youtube videos to figure out the installation process. If you are handy with tools, then you shouldn’t worry about assembly and installation difficulty. But if you aren’t that technical, go for the product that is simple to install/mount.

I also want to point out that some manufacturers offer specific, vehicle-based kits. For example, KC-HiLiTES Cyclone LED Accessory Light is sold individually, 1 unit per package. But, the manufacturer also provides kits, such as the Jeep JK kit, which includes 4 Cyclone LEDs, plenty of tools, screws, nuts and so forth.

Naturally, not all manufacturers offer these kinds of deals, but you should at least be aware of the ones that do provide them. Buying a kit will often be more valuable (less expensive), less frustrating (you get the all-in-one package, no individual searching), more straightforward to install, etc.

 

Which One Should I Go For?

Personally, I love the MICTUNING RGB LED Rock Lights.

These lights are feature-oriented, cool, bright, and durable. They aren’t perfect, but offer a lot of unique things, such as the smartphone App with which you can control the light’s tempo, brightness; you can even create your lighting pattern.

But, I can see how some people wouldn’t appreciate the features MICTUNING RGB LED Rock Lights offer, which is perfectly understandable. Once you decide that you want to buy rock lights, go through our guide. Start with compatibility and brightness, and then move on to less critical factors, such as the durability, versatility, design, etc.

I’m not saying that these things aren’t important, I’m just saying that they aren’t vital. Once you determine the most critical factors, then you can move on to the things that are important to you, your vehicle, your needs, and so forth.

 

Conclusion

If you went through our list carefully, you would find a lot same but very different products. Though it might sound contradictory, it’s true. These were all rock lights, but they differ in some many ways: price, design, brightness, colors, durability, and many other things.

That’s why it is tough to provide you with simple, one-way guide, but we did emphasize the most important features you should consider. One thing is certain: you don’t have to wonder whether the rock lights are useful, especially if you drive offroad.

Related – Are you looking for light bars and bed lights? Check our articles just about that!

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About Jerry Ford

Jerry Ford started his career as a freelance writer for Australian Associated Press. A wide variety of outdoor interests (off-road driving among them) brought him to car magazines. He has a distinguished career as a print and broadcast reporter and editor with over 25 years of experience writing about the car industry, best practices and new technologies.

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