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From power outages at home to hiking or camping at night, a powerful flashlight is incredibly useful to have. Sure, many people use the flashlight app on their phones, but the light that you get is usually very weak and drains the battery fast. If you want to see where you’re going and what you’re doing, you need the best-LED flashlight.
Thanks to their brightness, energy efficiency, and durability, LED torches have become the most popular option in recent years. While buying one is fairly straightforward, you’ll get optimal performance only if you pay close attention to specs like lumen output, battery life, and materials used.Â
To help you in your search, this article will discuss the best flashlights in terms of brightness, runtime, and strength in outdoor conditions. Whether you want a pocket model for everyday use or something to make the entire camp shine, you can be sure that your new flashlight will never leave you in the dark.
OUR TOP PICK
Streamlight 88040 ProTac HL Tactical LED Flashlight
- What Makes This LED Tactical Flashlight Stand Out
- C4 LED technology with up to 50,000 hours of burn time
- Anodized aluminum casing resists water and damage
- Three different light output modes (high, low, and strobe)
- Equipped with an anti-roll head and a removable pocket clip
- Batteries and a nylon holster included in the package
Length:Â 5.4 inches
Diameter:Â 0.85 inches
Weight:Â 5.6 ounces
Material:Â Anodized aluminum
Lumen Output:Â 750lm
Range:Â 270 meters
Runtime:Â 1h 15m (on high)
Battery Type:Â 2 x CR123A
Waterproof Rating:Â IPX7
EDITORS CHOICE
Anker Bolder LC90 Tactical LED Flashlight
- What Makes This LED Tactical Flashlight Stand Out
- Intensely bright light output (900 lumens)
- High-quality Cree LEDs last a lifetime
- Five different light modes (high, mid, low, strobe, and SOS)
- IPX5 rating for using in heavy rain conditions
- Rechargeable battery with an included micro USB charging cable
Length:Â 6.2 inches
Diameter:Â 1.6 inches
Weight:Â 6.2 ounces
Material:Â Anodized aluminum
Lumen Output:Â 900lm
Range:Â 1000 feet
Runtime:Â up to 6 hours (on medium)
Battery Type:Â 3350mAh Li-Ion, rechargeable
Waterproof Rating:Â IPX5
BEST VALUE
Streamlight 66118 Stylus Pro LED Flashlight
- What Makes This LED Tactical Flashlight Stand Out
- Convenient design for carrying in a pocket
- Removable pocket clip for securing the flashlight
- Completely resistant to drops from up to 2 meters
- Two battery options available (AAA and rechargeable)
- Push-button tail switch makes operation easier
Length:Â 5.3 inches
Diameter:Â 0.6 inches
Weight:Â 1.64 ounces
Material:Â Anodized Aluminum
Lumen Output:Â 100lm
Range:Â 62 meters
Runtime:Â 8 hours
Battery Type:Â 2 x AAA
Waterproof Rating:Â IPX4
Dorcy 55-Lumen Waterproof Floating LED Flashlight
- What Makes This LED Tactical Flashlight Stand Out
- Floats on water if you accidentally drop it
- Strong and rugged casing provides shock-resistance
- Rubber grip prevents it from slipping out of your hands
- Carabiner clip on the tail cap for attaching the flashlight
- Lasts almost nine hours on a single battery set
Length:Â 8.8 inches
Diameter:Â 2.8 inches
Weight:Â 6.4 ounces
Material:Â Rubber, Plastic
Lumen Output:Â 55lm
Range:Â 50 feet
Runtime:Â 8 hours 45 minutes
Battery Type:Â 3 x AAA (Included)
Waterproof:Â Yes
Maglite 3-Cell D LED Flashlight
- What Makes This LED Tactical Flashlight Stand Out
- Zoomable head design (spot and flood beams)
- Diamond knurl pattern for a secure grip
- Exceptional range in spotlight mode (412 meters)
- Three cell batteries provide 80 hours of runtime
- Available in six great-looking color options
Length:Â 12.3 inches
Diameter:Â 1.25 inches
Weight:Â 30 ounces (with batteries)
Material:Â Aluminum
Lumen Output:Â 168lm
Range:Â 412 meters
Runtime:Â 80 hours (on high)
Battery Type:Â 3 x Alkaline D-cell
Waterproof Rating:Â IPX4
Hausbell 7W Mini LED Flashlight
- What Makes This LED Tactical Flashlight Stand Out
- Two units for a very affordable price
- The compact size makes packing and carrying easy
- Incredibly high lumen output for its size (300lm)
- Lotus-shaped head protects the lens from scratching
- Works with both disposable and rechargeable batteries
Length:Â 4.3 inches
Diameter:Â 1.5 inches
Weight:Â 2.24 ounces
Material:Â ABS Plastic
Lumen Output:Â 300lm
Range:Â 200 meters
Runtime:Â Between 2 and 4 hours (depending on the battery)
Battery Type:Â 1 x AA or 1 x 14500 rechargeable
Waterproof:Â Yes
J5 Tactical V1-PRO Tactical LED Flashlight
- What Makes This LED Tactical Flashlight Stand Out
- Tactical head design is great for self-defense
- Switches easily between spot and floodlight
- Screw-down tail cap makes battery-changing easy
- Clip for securing it to a belt or a pocket
- Compatible with disposable and rechargeable batteries
Length:Â 4 inches
Diameter:Â 1.125 inches
Weight:Â 2.29 ounces
Material:Â Aluminum Alloy
Lumen Output:Â 300lm
Range:Â up to 600 feet
Battery Type:Â 1 x AA or 1 x 14500 rechargeable
Waterproof:Â Yes
BYB Super Bright 4-Pack Mini Aluminum LED Flashlight
- What Makes This LED Tactical Flashlight Stand Out
- Four compact flashlights included in the package
- Each unit comes with a matching wrist strap
- Perfect size for everyday carrying and use
- Aluminum casing protects it from impact damage
- Comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee
Length:Â 3.5 inches
Diameter:Â 1 inch
Weight:Â 1 ounce
Material:Â Aluminum
Lumen Output:Â 30lm
Range:Â 61 meters
Runtime:Â 30 hours
Battery Type:Â 3 x AAA
STANLEY FATMAX SL10LEDS Rechargeable Lithium LED Flashlight
- What Makes This LED Tactical Flashlight Stand Out
- Most powerful lumen output on this list (2,200lm)
- Comes with AC and DC adaptors for easy charging
- Collapsible stand for setting the flashlight down
- USB port for using it to charge your device (power bank)
- Red lens cap included for use in emergencies
Dimensions:Â 9 x 4 x 11 inches
Weight:Â 2.05 pounds
Material:Â Rubber, Plastic
Lumen Output:Â 2,200lm
Range:Â 1,000 yards
Runtime:Â 7 hours on low (12 months in standby)
Battery Type:Â USB-rechargeable Li-Ion
Water-Resistant:Â Yes
- What Makes This LED Tactical Flashlight Stand Out
- IPX8 waterproof rating (tolerates immersion up to 2 meters)
- The incredibly high lumen output (1000lm) from Cree XP-L LEDs
- Super Bright strobe mode makes you visible in emergencies
- Casts a beam over 650 feet when in spotlight mode
- The package includes a holster, lanyard, two 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
Lumen Output:Â 1000lm
Range:Â 200 meters
Runtime:Â 140h (on low), 1h 10min (on high)
Battery Type:Â 1 x 18650 or 2 x CR123A (included)
Waterproof Rating:Â IPX8
How To Choose A LED Flashlight – Buying Guide
Light Output and Settings
The light output of a flashlight is measured in lumens. A higher number means that the light is more intense, with models we featured ranging from under 100 to over 2,000.
While having a higher lumen rating is nice, keep in mind that this also drains the battery much faster. Luckily, modern LED flashlights allow you to switch between different light modes and change the light intensity. Most of them have high, medium, and low settings, but it’s also very useful if you have SOS and strobe modes for emergencies.
Beam Distance
Closely related to the light output, beam distance shows you how far the light can reach when you turn the flashlight on. This depends on the particular flashlight and varies greatly between products.
While some less powerful models can light up less than 50 feet, others can shed a beam to over 3,000 feet. The distance also depends on the beam focus, so it’s a plus if the flashlight is adjustable and you can use it as a spotlight.
Battery Type and Runtime
Depending on the model, you have two options when it comes to batteries — disposable and rechargeable. Many flashlights use standard disposable batteries (AA or AAA) because they are convenient to change on the go. On the other hand, they are not eco-friendly and can be expensive if you use them a lot.
As for rechargeable batteries, they are more budget-friendly in the long run but require you to charge them via USB or a power outlet. The runtime of your flashlight generally depends on the batteries and the LED power and ranges from a couple of hours to several days.
Size and Weight
Size and weight directly influence the portability of the flashlight. While you may be attracted to the performance of a larger model, it may be inconvenient to carry it in your pocket. On the other hand, a smaller flashlight may be perfect to carry but perhaps not powerful enough for your needs.
For this reason, we’ve featured flashlights ranging from 4 to over 12 inches, so you can easily find what you need. As for the weight, it has to do with the flashlight itself as well as the batteries used. Keep in mind that a smaller flashlight isn’t necessarily lighter than a larger model.
Related Review:Â Pocket Flashlights
Materials and Durability
The material of choice for high-quality LED flashlights is anodized aluminum. It’s lightweight but highly resistant to corrosion and physical damage. In addition to this, some products use plastic and rubber parts to make use easier.
Since you’ll often be using the light outdoors, the model you pick needs to be resistant to water. Without going into too much detail, we can tell you that products with an IPX4 rating are protected from rain and light splashes, while IPX7 and IPX8 are safe for submersion.
As for durability, it depends on the product. Like we’ve said, the LEDs themselves are highly durable, but the casing and other parts might give in. For this reason, it’s always a plus if a manufacturer gives you a good warranty.
FAQs
Q:Â What Are The Benefits Of Using A LED Light?
The main benefits of using a LED light are higher light intensity, improved energy efficiency, and a much longer lifespan. Unlike incandescent bulbs, LEDs can last for over 50,000 hours before you need to replace them. Also, the most powerful LED flashlights can deliver several thousand lumens using only standard batteries.
Q:Â What To Do If The Battery Leaks And Damages The Flashlight?
If an alkaline battery spills, you can clean up the leak with a cotton swab soaked in vinegar or another mild acid. On the other hand, if a lithium battery spills, the flashlight isn’t safe to use anymore and you need to throw it away. Unfortunately, most warranties don’t cover battery spills, especially if you’re using regular AA or AAA batteries.
Q:Â How Should I Store My LED Light When I am Not Using It?
To prolong its lifespan, you should store your LED light in a cool and dry place. Direct exposure to heat and sunlight will not only ruin the batteries but can cause permanent damage to the flashlight itself.
Q:Â What Is The Difference Between A Regular And A LED Torch?
The main difference is that LED torches use LED bulbs to provide light, while regular torches use incandescent light bulbs. LEDs are brighter, last longer, and are more eco-friendly, which is why they are a much better investment.
Q:Â How Often Do I Need To Replace The Batteries?
This depends on the batteries, the flashlight model, and how you use it. If you run the light on high, the batteries are going to drain faster. Some models require you to change them after two hours, while others will work for over 3 days on a single set.
Globo Surf Overview
A good flashlight has countless uses around the house, the car, or on outdoor adventures. As you’ve had the chance to see, some models lean more towards portability while others focus on performance. We hope that our top-rated flashlight reviews helped you find what you were looking for, so you can have a reliable light source anywhere you go.