When shopping for a new flashlight, it’s easy to jump at the lowest price. However, that doesn’t always mean it’s a good value. We’ve analyzed reviews from top sources including Consumer Research, Digital Trends, and Popular Mechanics to help you select the most effective flashlight for your personal or professional needs.
Portable lighting became a reality sometime after the first dry cell battery was invented in the late 19th century. Since then, humans have been improving upon this innovation. Today, flashlights are available in an almost never-ending line of colors, styles, and lumens. Incandescent bulb lights are still around, but have been largely overshadowed by LED bulbs, which are brighter and longer-lasting. There are three main types of flashlight: everyday carry (EDC), tactical, and utility. The type you choose should be based on you needs whether for home and recreational use, defense, or hands-free operation.
Check out these top products:
1. ThruNite Archer 2A V3 Flashlight
Price: 29.99
With five unique modes and a 20-year lifespan, the 500-lumen ThruNite Archer 2A V3 leaves little to be desired. Its cool white light works well in- and outdoors to illuminate everything from dim workspaces to dark campsites. This tactical flashlight features a clear anti-reflective tempered glass lens, an anti-abrasive finish, and aircraft aluminum-grade body for long-lasting durability. A striking bezel makes the ThruNite Archer 2A V3 ideal for emergency or defensive situations. An impressive 354-foot beam range (108 meters) will help you see what lies ahead. The ThruNite was founded in 2009 and manufactures only the highest-quality LED lights.
Top Product Features
- Five modes: strobe, low, medium, high, and firefly
- Uses 2 AA batteries
- 28-day continuous run-time (firefly mode)
- Impact resistant
Product Reviews
- Convenient 2-button interface, tail switch and side button to control the on/off and mode choosing. Compact and slim body shape made Archers are ideal for outdoor use, emergency preparedness, everyday carry, or use by first responders." – Reviews.com
- With a two-button interface, four brightness levels, and a handy design, the ThruNite Archer 2A V3 is a versatile tool appropriate for professional applications. But it's also relatively affordable, making it accessible to anyone in need of a reliable source of light." – Wiki.EZVid.com
- The ThruNite has the widest range of brightness settings of any light we tested, including a very dim and very useful firefly mode. The blinding strobe mode is useful in an emergency—but the ThruNite’s design makes it easy to avoid activating the strobe, an advantage over most competitors." – TheWireCutter.com
- It offers many features usually reserved for more expensive flashlights. Those include a range of brightness settings down to a very dim "firefly mode" and a strobe setting for emergencies. It can even remember the last brightness setting you've used." – PopularMechanics.com
2. Olight S1 Baton 500 Lumen Compact EDC LED Flashlight
Price: 44.95
The ultra-bright Olight S1 Baton is 500 lumens strong when you need it most. When you don’t, the S1’s toned down .5 lumen moonlight mode provides enough ambient light for midnight campsite bathroom breaks. At just 2.4 inches, this is the most portable light on the list; its 1.6-ounce weight makes it light enough to bring with you anywhere. Protected by an integrated thermal management system, this portable flashlight won’t overheat. A recessed switch prevents accidental usage while the timer ensures you won’t drain the flashlight’s compact CR123A battery. Olight’s team of technology-obsessed engineers work tirelessly to keep you out of the dark.
Top Product Features
- TIR reflector lens
- Side switch operation
- Magnetized tail cap
- Cree XM-L2 CW LED lights
Product Reviews
- Three basic modes are present for users to choose from, ranging between 8, 80, and 500 lumens, alongside two special options for a 10Hz strobe mode and 0.5-lumen moonlight mode. Discover the reinforced magnet located in the tail cap to secure the device onto any metal surface." – AskMen.com
- "The Olight S1 Baton is our favorite for everyday use. It’s no bigger than a tube of lip balm, but it can pack a punch — its five modes range from .5 to 500 lumens. You can attach it to your car’s hood with the magnet or prop it up on your dresser when the power goes out." – Reviews.com
- "This tiny light boasts 500 lumens and can light up an entire football field. Choose among three brightness levels to illuminate your surroundings from .5 lumens on Moonlight Mode to 500 Lumens on high. Also features 8 lumens on Low and 80 lumens on Medium, in addition to Strobe mode." – BestTacticalFlashlights.net
3. Mini MagLite Pro Flashlight
Price: 19.69
The Mini Maglite Pro is a small but powerful addition to your toolbox. Made in the USA of the highest-quality aluminum and electrical components, the Mini Maglite Pro is a weather-resistant flashlight that offers up an impressive 226 lumens of brightness. Whether you need a floodlight or need to focus on a single area, this slimline flashlight can do the job. Powered by two AA batteries, this LED light weighs in at just 4.2 ounces and can easily fit into your pocket or purse. Established in 1979, Mag Instruments has been making some of the world’s best flashlight for nearly four decades.
Top Product Features
- Ultra-bright; 226 lumens
- Lightweight, easy to carry
- Aluminum body with diamond knurled grip
- Made in the USA
Product Reviews
- Its brilliant twist-to-focus LED beam reaches 163 meters (more than 175 yards) into the distance. It can shine for two and a half hours on two AA batteries; the MagLite Mini Pro+(Est. $25) is similar, but adds a low setting that lasts 27 hours." – ConsumerResearch.com
- "It's durable, bright enough for most any task at well over 200 lumens, and uses twist controls that let you both turn on and focus the light as needed—you can also twist the head right off to use the flashlight in candle mode. At just $20, it's also incredibly affordable and available in different colors." – PopularMechanics.com
4. SureFire Titan Plus Ultra-Compact Variable-Output LED Keychain Light
Price: 89.99
Amazingly compact, the Titan Plus can output 300 lumens of light for an hour on a single battery charge. Last up to seven hours on low. At barely a half an inch in diameter, this pocket-clip flashlight is stylish, small, and strong. The Titan is constructed out of a nickel-plated brass and resists scuff and abrasions better than flashlight five times its size. This is one of the most portable and versatile LED EDC flashlights available and goes anywhere you do. Three brightness levels allows you to customize your illumination whether you’re working outdoors at night or waiting out a power outage. SureFire is a US company with dedicated customer service and a no-hassle guarantee on all of its products.
Top Product Features
- Rechargeable NiMh battery included
- Removable pocket clip; split ring included
- MaxVision BeamTM for smooth light
- Virtually indestructible
Product Reviews
- Its highest light output has been tested at about 300 lumens, which obliterates the brightest lumen found on other replicants (80-120 lumens). MaxVision Beam technology helps balance your field of view to allow for “better situational awareness.” – AskMen.com
5. Streamlight Stylus Pro
Price: 18.99
Slim and stylish, the Streamlight Stylus Pro is a pen-sized flashlight that outputs a respectable 90 lumens and runs at full power for 2.5 hours. Regulated output means that you’ll have a steady stream of light from charge to power depletion – the included USB charger keeps your light ready when you are. At just 6.5-inches and less than 2-ounces, the Stylus is small and mighty when you need added light during a power outage, under the hood of a vehicle, or in a tight crawl space. Streamlight manufactures a full line of tactical, EDC, and specialty lights designed to give darkness nowhere to hide.
Top Product Features
- 90 lumens
- Rechargeable
- Aluminum alloy case and sealed glass lens
- Push button operation
Product Reviews
- Featuring an impressive 90 lumen output, the Stylus Pro is machined from solid aircraft-grade aluminum alloy with a MIL-Spec Type II anodized finish giving this flashlight excellent abrasion and corrosion resistance. Drop test verified above the industry standard of six feet and extensively field tested." – BrightGuy.com
- While it's small enough to be tucked in a shirt pocket, it's still plenty bright for most uses, and it's durable enough to withstand any damage you're likely to inflict. A pair of easily replaceable AAA batteries will give you up to 6.5 hours of use." – PopularMechanics.com
6. Fenix PD35 LED Tactical Flashlight
Price: 71.95
The Fenix PD35 LED Tactical Flashlight is one of the top choices of law enforcement and military personnel. A turbo blast of up to 1000 lumens makes this the perfect flashlight for tactical employment. Six output modes make the Fenix a smart choice when you need a flashlight for personal protection or simply a durable tool for around the house. This 5.5-inch small-scale hand torch is impact-resistant, waterproof, and can project a beam up to 656 feet away, so you will always know what’s on the horizon. Fenix specializes in LED and provides a lifetime guarantee on each aircraft-grade aluminum, alloy, or plastic flashlight it manufactures.
Top Product Features
- Low-voltage warning lights
- Anti-slip design
- Tactical tail switch
- 50,000-hour lifespan
Product Reviews
- It’s portable enough to carry on the move, dishing out a 1000-lumen output that looks brighter in action. Since it’s machined from aircraft-grade aluminum with an anodized, anti-abrasive finish, this thing can withstand anything in its direction, be it concrete or the toughest weather conditions." – AskMen.com
- Fenix's PD35 is a popular choice for a range of different uses, providing a full 1,000 lumens of brightness and all the ruggedness you're likely to need courtesy of an aircraft-grade aluminum casing. It can also be powered by either a single rechargeable battery or a pair of batteries for flexibility." – PopularMechanics.com
7. Nitecore P12 Flashlight
Price: 44.9
If you want power and flexibility in a portable flashlight that also features up to 50,000 hours of burn time and ultra-high intensity lights, the Nitecore P12 Flashlight is what you’ve been looking for. The P12 features a proprietary reflector beam that offers a smooth cast of light from up to 232 meters away. At 520 hours of run time on low, the P12 lasts more than twice as long as similar flashlights. An extremely compact body houses a rechargeable battery that can be used again and again. While the P12 makes a great flashlight for home, its SOS mode and location beacon makes it perfect for hikers, bikers, and those who take the road less traveled. Nitecore is a member of the Outdoor Industry Association.
Top Product Features
- Compact design; full-sized capabilities
- Tactical tail switch or side switch for flexibility
- Intuitive and user-friendly
- Ultra-clear mineral glass lens
Product Reviews
- You get four power modes in total: two high-power options that offer 1000 and 240 lumens, and low-power modes of 70 and 1 lumen that work best in tight spaces, whether that’s under the kitchen sink or in a tent. P12 is a perfect choice for military, law enforcement, search and rescue and security personnel." – Reviews.com
8. Arrela 240 Lumen Mini Tactical Flashlight
Price: 14.99
The Arrela 240 Lumen Mini Tactical Flashlight is an excellent flashlight for the price. Featuring three modes, including an SOS signal and dim setting for close range, the Arrela 240 Lumen Mini Tactical Flashlight offers the versatility of models three and four times as expensive. Up to five hours of light means this pocket-size wonder can get you through the night. This is a popular flashlight for camping and hiking and features an adjustable beam for flood or spot applications. Available in classic black, this is a timeless and budget-friendly solution for your portable lighting needs.
Top Product Features
- Accepts rechargeable batteries
- Narrow or wide beam
- User-friendly
- Affordable
Product Reviews
- Flashlight is made of aluminum alloy, waterproof and dustproof. Small and exquisite, with hook design, easy to carry and use. Three Modes - Hard light mode searching/exposing target; Dim light mode for close range lighting; Glitter mode for delivering SOS signal or defending yourself." – Amazon.com
9. MagLite ML300L
Price: 39
The MagLite ML300L is a full-size, heavy duty flashlight when nothing but the best will do. Featuring a powerful 406-meter beam and five light modes, this is the perfect EDC light for home, the job, or on the road. Easy to use, the MagLite ML300L adjusts from a saturating flood light to a bright 625 lumen spotlight with less than a quarter-inch turn of the head. The 1.5-inch diameter barrel houses three D-cell batteries for long-lasting performance. The ML300L is certified by the National Tactical Officers Association and makes a reliable partner in defense situations.
Top Product Features
- 11.75-inch, 26.4-ounce weight full-sized flashlight
- 4 functions
- Eco mode for extended run time
- Available in six colors
Product Reviews
- It comes in a few different sizes and colors, but all have an all-but-indestructible anodized aluminum body and various activity-based functions. It features eco-mode for extended run time, is sure to last for years, and is great for law and service personnel." – Wiki.EZVid.com
10. ThruNite MINI TN30 3660 Lumens Triple Cree XP-L V6 LED
Price: 89.95
Like its brother in the #1 spot, the ThruNite MINI TN30 3660 Lumens Triple Cree XP-L V6 LED redefines power in a handheld light. This stubby wonder easily goes where you go without taking up space. More importantly, its compact design doesn’t sacrifice functionality. The Mini TN30 provides five light levels: .05 lumens moonlight, 46 lumens low, 470 lumens medium, 2060 lumens high, and 3660 lumens on strobe (234 minutes) and turbo (120 minutes) modes. Waterproof up to two meters and impact-resistant, this miniature light is strong for use in the toughest settings.
Top Product Features
- Self-regulating temperature
- Powerful 3660 lumens max
- Compact
- Backed by ThruNite’s reputation
Product Reviews
- Features three Cree XP-L V6 LEDs driven by four 18650 batteries. Advanced electronic metal switch with low voltage indication for silent operation. ThruNite ITC (Intelligent Temperature Control) technology to prevent possible light damage from operation." – BestTacticalFlashlights.net
