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Even though we’re used to having lots of light everywhere we go, having the best flashlight can be invaluable in many situations. Whether you’re camping, fixing your car, or looking for something in the attic, a reliable light source is incredibly useful.
While buying a flashlight might seem like a no-brainer, we assure you that putting some thought into the process will result in a much better and more reliable light. To make your choice easier, our flashlight reviews will present the best flashlights available with a special accent on brightness, battery life, and overall quality.
OUR TOP PICK
Anker Bolder LC90 Flashlight
- What Makes This Stand Out
- Exceptional light intensity (900 lumens)
- Equipped with bright and durable Cree LEDs
- Five different light levels (high, midto options low, strobe, and SOS)
- Rated IPX5 to resist heavy rain conditions
- Rechargeable 3350mAh battery (micro USB charging cable included)
Length:Â 6.2 inches
Diameter:Â 1.6 inches
Weight:Â 6.2 ounces
Material:Â Anodized aluminum
Maximum Output:Â 900lm
Beam Distance:Â 1000 feet
Runtime:Â up to 6 hours (on medium)
Power Source:Â 3350mAh Li-Ion, rechargeable
Waterproof Rating:Â IPX5
EDITORS CHOICE
Streamlight 66121 Stylus Pro Flashlight
- What Makes This Stand Out
- Perfectly sized to fit in a pocket
- Metal clip for securing the flashlight
- Easily resists drops from up to 2 meters
- Works with disposable and rechargeable batteries
- Push-button on the tail makes use convenient
Length:Â 5.3 inches
Diameter:Â 0.6 inches
Weight:Â 1.64 ounces
Material:Â Anodized Aluminum
Maximum Output:Â 100lm
Beam Distance:Â 62 meters
Runtime:Â 8 hours
Power Source:Â 2 x AAA
Waterproof Rating:Â IPX4
BEST VALUE
Dorcy 55-Lumen Waterproof Floating Flashlight
- What Makes This Stand Out
- Impressive shock resistance thanks to the rugged casing
- Designed to float on water if you drop it
- Rubber grip on the side prevents slipping
- Tail cap carabiner clip for securing the flashlight
- Almost nine hours of runtime with a set of batteries
Length:Â 6.5 inches
Diameter:Â 1.5 inches
Weight:Â 3.5 ounces
Material:Â Rubber, Plastic
Maximum Output:Â 55lm
Beam Distance:Â 50 feet
Runtime:Â 8 hours 45 minutes
Power Source:Â 3 x AA (Included)
Waterproof:Â Yes
Streamlight ProTac 1L-1AA Extra-Bright Flashlight
- What Makes This Stand Out
- The tap programmable operation makes use easier
- Strobe light for signaling or disorientation (self-defense)
- Tempered glass lens resists impacts and scratches
- Works with two types of batteries equally well
- Comes with a nylon holster for convenient carrying
Length:Â 4.25 inches
Diameter:Â 0.85 inches
Weight:Â 2.5 ounces
Material:Â Anodized Aluminum
Maximum Output:Â 350lm
Runtime:Â 1.75 hours (on high)
Power Source:Â 1 x CR123 lithium or 1 x AA
Waterproof Rating:Â IPX7
GearLight S1200 High-Powered Flashlight
- What Makes This Stand Out
- Five different brightness levels and a zoom function (flood and spotlight)
- Compatible with three types of batteries (rechargeable and disposable)
- Twelve times brighter than standard incandescent lights
- Anti-roll design so it stays flat on every surface
- One-year return policy if you don’t like it
Length:Â 7.4 inches
Diameter:Â 1.25 inches
Weight:Â 10 ounces
Material:Â Aluminum
Maximum Output:Â 500lm
Runtime:Â Up to 16 hours
Power Source:Â 3 x AA batteries or 1 x 18650 or 26650 rechargeable
Waterproof:Â Yes
Hausbell 7W Mini Flashlight
- What Makes This Stand Out
- Compatible with both rechargeable and disposable batteries
- Compact design for easy packing and carrying
- High light output considering the size
- Lotus-shaped head prevents lens scratching
Length:Â 4.3 inches
Diameter:Â 1.3 inches
Weight:Â 2.24 ounces
Material:Â ABS Plastic
Maximum Output:Â 300lm
Beam Distance:Â 200 meters
Runtime:Â Between 2 and 4 hours (depending on the battery)
Power Source:Â 1 x AA or 1 x 14500 rechargeable
Waterproof:Â Yes
J5 Tactical V1-PRO Flashlight
- What Makes This Stand Out
- Tactical design can be used for self-defense
- Zooms between flood and spotlight modes
- The tail cap is easy to remove when changing batteries
- Metal clip for securing the flashlight to a belt or a pocket
- Works with both disposable and rechargeable batteries
Length:Â 4 inches
Diameter:Â 1.125 inches
Weight:Â 2.29 ounces
Material:Â Aluminum Alloy
Maximum Output:Â 300lm
Beam Distance:Â Up to 600 feet
Power Source:Â 1 x AA or 1 x 14500 rechargeable
Waterproof:Â Yes
BYB Super Bright 4-Pack Flashlight
- What Makes This Stand Out
- Covered by a 90-day satisfaction guarantee
- Matching wrist strap on every product
- Ideal size for everyday use and carrying
- Strong aluminum case for shock-resistance
Length:Â 3.5 inches
Diameter:Â 1 inch
Weight:Â 1.06 ounce
Material:Â Aluminum
Maximum Output:Â 30lm
Beam Distance:Â 61 meters
Runtime:Â 30 hours
Power Source:Â 3 x AAA
Outlite A100 Portable Handheld Flashlight
- What Makes This Stand Out
- The ergonomic design sits great in the hand
- Skid-proof and slip-resistant construction
- Aluminum casing survives a 10-foot drop easily
- One of the most powerful models on the list
- Scalloped bezel and long handle for tactical use
Length:Â 5.35 inches
Diameter:Â 1.33 inches
Weight:Â 5.28 ounces
Material:Â Aluminum
Maximum Output:Â 2000lm
Beam Distance:Â 1000 feet
Runtime:Â 5 hours
Power Source:Â 3 x AAA or 1 x 18650 rechargeable
Waterproof:Â Yes
- What Makes This Stand Out
- Cree XP-L LEDs provide a very high lumen output (1000lm)
- IPX8 waterproof rating for complete water protection
- Easily visible strobe mode is great in emergencies
- The maximum you should do in emergencies range is over 650 feet (in spotlight mode)
- Comes with a holster, a lanyard, O-rings, and a pocket clip
Length:Â 5.4 inches
Diameter:Â 1 inch
Weight:Â 4.7 ounces (with batteries)
Material:Â Aluminum
Maximum Output:Â 1000lm
Beam Distance:Â 200 meters
Runtime:Â 140h (on low), 1h 10min (on high)
Power Source:Â 1 x 18650 or 2 x CR123A (included)
Waterproof Rating:Â IPX8
How To Choose A Flashlight – Buying Guide
Types Of Bulb
Even though all of the models we featured are LED flashlights, it’s good to know that there are also several other options if you want a different type of light. Here’s a quick summary of each one and what they offer:
- LED: The most popular bulb nowadays, it has impressive brightness and excellent energy efficiency. These also often last over 50,000 hours, but their downside can sometimes be the price.
- Incandescent: This is what we consider a common light bulb. It can be very bright, but it also creates a lot of heat, uses a lot of energy, and breaks down more often. However, it’s very cheap.
- HID: HIDs are quite rare in flashlights because of their dimensions. They shine very brightly, but this comes at the cost of increased size and weight.
- Xenon and Halogen: These work with pressurized gas to deliver powerful bright light. However, they are less durable than LEDs, so they are not as popular.
- Shake: The main benefit of these is that they don’t require a battery — they work by shaking and creating electromagnetic energy. While they can be used anywhere, the downside is that they are not very bright.
Light Output and Adjustability
Every flashlight you look at has a lumen rating that represents the amount of visible light (light output) it can emit. For standard everyday use, around 100 lumens will usually be enough.
Besides a high lumen output, modern LED flashlights should also have different light modes. You won’t always need the brightest light but instead, you want to save the battery, so it’s good if you can adjust the lumen output accordingly.Â
Construction Quality (Impact and Water-Resistance)
Having a bright light is worthless if the flashlight is going to break after just a few uses. Because of this, we paid special attention to material quality and durability when choosing our products.
A good flashlight is made of anodized aluminum that protects the circuitry from impacts and doesn’t corrode. In addition, it should also be waterproof or water-resistant. A higher IPX rating means better water protection, but even IPX4 will protect it against splashing.Â
Battery Options
When it comes to batteries, you have two options — disposable and rechargeable. Disposable batteries (like AA or AAA) are easy to change on the go but aren’t eco-friendly and can cost a lot if you change them regularly.
On the other hand, a rechargeable battery is more cost-effective in the long run but requires a USB port to charge which can be inconvenient in the wilderness.
Design and Intended Use
Depending on how and where you plan to use them, not all flashlights are equally suitable for all jobs. If you want a torch to carry around every day in your pocket, it’s best that you go for a smaller model.
On the other hand, if you need a light for camping and nighttime outdoor adventures, we suggest you get a larger model with a higher lumen output.
Besides standard flashlights, you can also opt for tactical flashlights that will add to the versatility and serve as useful tools in emergency situations (when you need to break glass, defend yourself, or call for help).
FAQs
Q:Â Q: How Long Do Batteries Last?
This depends on the type of battery as well as the light output. For example, a 200-lumen flashlight running on a single AAA battery will last less than an hour, while a 5-lumen bulb with a high-capacity rechargeable battery can last for several days.
Q:Â Q: How Do I Care For My Flashlight So It Lasts Longer?
While most models we talked about are resistant to water and impacts, it’s still recommended that you avoid dropping them or getting them wet. Other than this, you should occasionally wipe the flashlight with an alcohol wipe to remove dirt. Also, check the battery compartment for any signs of leaks or damage.
Q:Â Q: What Is The Best Size For A Flashlight?
Choosing the size of your flashlight comes down to how and where you use it, but most people agree that models that fit in a pocket are the most convenient. An everyday carry flashlight should be as compact as possible, while size usually isn’t a factor for a unit that you keep at home.
Q:Â Q: What Makes A Good Flashlight?
A good flashlight consists of a powerful high-quality bulb, strong casing, and a durable battery. About this, the best option you can get is a model with a luminous LED bulb, high-capacity rechargeable battery, and type III anodized casing.
Q:Â Q: How Many Lumens Should A Good Flashlight Have?
While this depends on the task, the best flashlights for general use have around 100 lumens. Flashlights with a lower light output are better for close-up use, while those with a much higher output work well in large outdoor areas.
Globo Surf Overview
From moving around the campsite at night to repairing your car, a bright beam of light will allow you to see what you’re doing. Hopefully, these reviews and guides have helped you find the most efficient flashlight for the job, so you’ll never have to be in the dark.