The Best Plasma Lighters
A lot has changed in the world of lighters since the Zippo took the world by storm. The next step in the evolution of the lighter is the plasma lighter, an amazing device that uses the fourth form of matter—plasma—to create an electrical arc that lights things up without flame. That's right, you can say goodbye to butane, propane, and other potentially toxic chemicals. And almost all plasma lighters are rechargeable, too. So, what's the right plasma lighter for you? Are you lighting candles, campfires, or all of the above? Here, we've compiled a list of the very best plasma lighters.
Ronxs Plasma Arc Lighter
The Spark of Life
This upgraded model from Ronxs has a bunch of new features that make it one of the best plasma lighters we’ve found. The lighter displays the battery level in real-time. When the five LED lights on the barrel turn on, it’s fully charged. Then, when the lights run down, simply plug it back into the USB charger.
The Ronxs Plasma Lighter can provide over 600 uses on a full charge. Additionally, this plasma lighter comes with a 4-inch flexible neck that easily rotates 360 degrees for different lighting needs. Its lightweight size is suitable for daily indoor and outdoor use, and the wind and splash-proof design protects the electric pulse from being blown out by strong winds or wet weather.
Pros:
- Makes very little noise
- Includes a gift box
- On/Off child safety switch
Cons:
- The tip turns black after repeated use
- Won’t fit into very tight spaces
Ronxs USB Lighter
Light Up My Life
The original Ronxs USB plasma lighter is still one of the most popular models on the market. The flat design makes it easier for storage, but it’s the 4-inch flexible neck with 360-degree rotation that makes this plasma lighter different. The lighter displays battery charge in realtime with five LED lights on the barrel. Better yet, a full charge via the USB adapter takes only 60 minutes. Its splash-proof design protects the electric pulse from being blown out by strong wind or wet weather, while the lightweight size is suitable for daily indoor and outdoor use.
Pros:
- Available in five colors
- Provides 600 lights on a full charge
- On/Off child safety switch
Cons:
- Not suitable for campfires
- Tips can accumulate candle wax
TG Waterproof Plasma Lighter
Candle In The Wind
One of the great advantages of a plasma lighter is its ability to ignite regardless of the weather. This makes plasma lighters perfect for camping and other outdoor activities, and the TG waterproof plasma lighter is the one that belongs in your backpack. With its silicone-rubber casing, push-to-open cover, and built-in short circuit prevention, TG designed this lighter for the harshest conditions. The lithium-polymer battery takes only two hours to charge, and provides several hours of light time, while the compact design is perfect to take on the go.
Pros:
- Charging cable included
- Button activated
- Self-locking mechanism
Cons:
- Counterintuitively, the blue light goes off when fully charged
- Not the right size for lighting candles
Tesla Coil Lighter
The Luxe Lighter
One of the great things about plasma lighter technology is that it can be used in the same way as any other lighter. The Tesla Coil lighter is a slick, stylish lighter that’s both practical and cool. An integrated safety lid feature ensures that the arc lighter will not accidentally turn on when not in use. Not only does this lighter mean the end of disposable, cheap-plastic lighters, but the plasma ignition also means you’ll breathe in less butane and other harsh chemicals as you light up.
Pros:
- Two styles and colors to choose from
- A full charge yields 100 to 300 uses
- Same shape, size, and weight of other lighters
Cons:
- Color plating can scratch if dropped
- Not a cigar lighter
Tropro Candle Lighter
Plasma & Romance
The Tropro candle lighter was not only specifically designed for lighting candles and fireplaces, but it’s also one of the safest plasma lighters made. There’s a safety lock at the bottom of the unit that must be pressed to engage the lighting mechanism. Once lit, the spark will not stay ignited for over seven seconds. It also has built-in overheating, overcharging, and overload protection, all of which ensure against short-circuiting. It even comes with an FCC/CE/ROHS safety certificate. This is also one of the few plasma lighters built with a rapid Type-C charging cable.
Pros:
- Wine and splash-proof design
- Constructed from durable stainless steel
- Easy-to-read battery light
Cons:
- Not suitable for quick-charge USB chargers
- Sometimes it makes a slight squealing sound
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get electrocuted by a plasma lighter?
In short, no, it cannot electrocute you. It is similar to getting a burn with a regular lighter. If you touch the electric arcs, it will feel like a sharp bite or the shock you get from static electricity, but about 10 times stronger. Needless to say, you shouldn’t touch the end of one of these lighters.
Do I need to clean my plasma lighter?
We recommend that you clean your lighter’s plasma electrodes between charges. Dip a Q-tip into a solution of alcohol and rub it back and forth gently against the prongs to get rid of any ash, tar, or debris deposits. Alcohol dries quickly, but wait until all parts of the unit are completely dry before you use it again.
How long does a rechargeable plasma lighter last?
The answer depends upon the rechargeable battery inside the unit. These batteries are quite small but they can last several years with proper upkeep. Like all rechargeable batteries, it’s recommended you give it a complete charge before the first use, then exhaust it completely before its first recharge. This helps optimize your battery’s life.
Why Trust Us
With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.