Review on MalloMe Battery LED Lanterns - Portable Camping And Emergency Lights - Perfect For Power Outages, Indoor And Outdoor Use by Chris Bertoli

I ordered these MallowMe Camping Lanterns (4x) and also these Etekcity 2 Pack Portable Outdoor LED Camping Lantern with 6 AA Batteries (Black, Collapsible) . I am going to compare and contrast the two.I have no association with either company, paid the normal Ebay price for both products, and haven't been contacted by either for this review/comparison. I am only doing it because I am sad enough to compare camping lanterns (read into that what you will!).The plastic shells and metal handles appear identical. So identical in fact I'm 90% sure they came out of the same moulding. Even the clear plastic protector for the lighting elements are identical. They both have a screw on bottom protecting three batteries. Aside from the lighting (which I'll get to) the only difference is the logos and the Etekcity has a paper sticker on the bottom with model number, made in china, website, CE symbol, etc.So to the all important lighting. Here is where they differ a lot. The MalloMe has six LEDs evenly spaced around the top pointing downwards. The Etekcity has thirty(!) LEDs, 10x a side, 3x sides total. The MallowMe's LEDs appear to each be a lot brighter than the LED's in Etekcity's arrangement, but due to sheer number (30 Vs. 6) the Etekcity doesn't disappoint.But here is the surprising part: Neither one is "better." So both are bright enough to light your average room. Both will hurt your eyes if you stare at them too long.The way the MallowMe delivers light is like a traditional bulb, meaning the light travels into an orb and that orb refracts light out in all directions, then there is a mirrored surface below to amplify the effect. The Etekcity simply points LEDs in all directions.They both have advantages: - The Etekcity is wonderful at getting into every corner. It is also brighter overall. But the light feels very artificial and having it in your periphery even from a distance is unpleasant. That's because the LEDs sparkle back at you. - The MallowMe is less bright, and won't get into all the corners. But it delivers a softer more diffused source of light. The MallowMe is like having a normal 60W bulb on in the room, and something you won't even notice after some time.I'd say the Etekcity is a better work light, it also may be a better hiking light (for safety reasons, seeing every inch/further is important). The MallowMe is likely a better tent/camper light because the diffused lighting is simply more pleasant.In terms of price/value, per lantern they're within two dollars of each other but the Etekcity ships with batteries included. So ultimately they're roughly the same price per lantern. I'm giving both 5x stars and recommend you buy the one which fits your needs better (pleasant Vs. work light/hiking).