Are rechargeable or battery-powered camping lanterns better?

It depends on your trip. Rechargeable lithium lanterns (like the Lepro and Glocusent picks) are convenient and cheaper to run over time, and many double as power banks. Disposable-battery models like the Coleman and Energizer lanterns are favored by reviewers for emergency kits and long power outages because you can swap in fresh cells without needing a charger or wall power.