Choosing the best flashlight for your needs can be a difficult task. With so many options, it’s hard to know where to start. To make things easier, we’ve done some research and created this buyer guide that will help you find the perfect light for your adventure.
We’ll go over what considerations are important when choosing a flashlight, show our top picks in different categories based on these factors, and provide some tips on how to use your new light effectively.
Quick Recommendation
| RANK | PICTURE | NAME | RATING | SHOPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall |  |
NITECORE i4000R
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| Best Budget |  |
GearLight S1000 – 2-Pack
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| Most Versatile |  |
LE Rechargeable
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ThruNite Archer 2A V3
Power Source: Battery-powered
Price: $29.99
Lumens: 500 lm
Material: Aluminum
Weight: 4.1 ounces
What we Like: Compact and lightweight, Low Price, Reliable, Easy lighting adjustment
What We Don’t Like: Battery drains quickly in high mode
Review: This is a great light for those looking to purchase their first tactical flashlight. It’s lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around without being bulky or cumbersome. The 500 lm high mode emits bright white light which makes it perfect for outdoor use at night when you need some extra visibility.
The ThruNite Archer has three different lighting modes: low, medium, and high. It also has a strobe mode for emergencies. The light is easy to adjust with just one hand, making it quick and convenient to use in any situation. The only downside is that the battery drains quickly in high mode; but overall, this is an excellent flashlight for the price.
Olight S2R II 1150 Lumens
Power Source: Customized 3200mAh 3.6V 18650 Battery
Price: $69.95
Lumens: 1150lm
Material: AL6061-T6 Aluminum alloy
Weight: 1.76 ounces
What we Like: Compact structure, Easy to hold, Adjustable brightness mode, High power
What We Don’t Like: Short run time
Review: The Olight S20R II is a great flashlight for everyday use. It’s small and lightweight, making it easy to carry around, and the adjustable brightness mode means you can use it for a variety of tasks. The high-power setting is also very impressive, making this light perfect for outdoor adventures.
Maglite RL1019 LED
Power Source: Battery Powered
Price: $130
Lumens: 680lm
Material: Aircraft Grade Aluminum
Weight: 1.75
What we Like: Water and shock-resistant, Advanced lighting equipment, Energy saving, Easy brightness adjustment, Good charging performance
What We Don’t Like: High Price
Review: The Maglite RL101 is a great flashlight for anyone looking for an advanced and durable light. It has many features that make it stand out from the competition, such as its water and shock resistance, easy brightness adjustment, and good charging performance. Additionally, it’s made from aircraft-grade aluminum, which gives it a high level of durability.
The only downside to this product is its high price, but if you’re looking for a powerful and durable flashlight then it’s worth the investment.
NITECORE i4000R
Power Source: Battery
Price: $129.99
Lumens :4400ln
Material: Anodized Aluminum
Weight: 4.8 ounces
What we Like: Top Quality, Fast charging performance, Safety leather case, Easy operation
What We Don’t Like: High Price
Review: The Nitecore I4000R is a high-quality flashlight that offers many features not found on other lights. It has a max output of 4400 lumens and can be powered by either 18650 or 26650 batteries. The fast charging performance is impressive, and it includes a safety leather case to keep everything protected. One downside is that the high price makes it an expensive choice.
OLIGHT I3T EOS 180
Power Source: Battery Powered
Price: $19.95
Lumens: 180ln
Material: Aluminum
Weight: 1.13 ounces
What we Like: Low price, Excellent waterproof ability, Easy to carry, Simple operation, Single AAA battery
What We Don’t Like: only 180ln, no adjustable beam
Review: The Olight I³T EOS 180 is a small and lightweight flashlight that is perfect for everyday carry. It has a simple design with one button to control on/off and brightness, and it’s easy to operate even with gloves on. The light is made from durable aluminum and can be submerged in water up to two meters deep.
The Olight I³T EOS 180 has four brightness levels. While the maximum output is only 180 lumen, this flashlight is still more than enough to meet most carry needs due to its low price and small size. If you’re looking for a good everyday light at an affordable price point, then the Olight I³T EOS 180 is a great option.
GearLight LED Tactical S1000 2-Pack
Power Source: Battery Powered
Price: $19.95
Lumens: 1000ln
Material: Aluminum
Weight: 5.1 ounces
What we Like: Long-Price, Compact and lightweight, Easy brightness setting, Perfect water resistance, Perfect for every situation
What We Don’t Like: The light quality is decent, but not the brightest
Review: The GearLight LED Tactical Flashlight S1000 is the perfect flashlight for every situation. With a lumen rating of 1000 and an adjustable beam, you’ll be able to find the brightness that’s right for your needs. While it may not produce as much light as some other models on this list, we think its combination of quality and affordability make up for the difference. Plus, it’s easy to use and perfect for outdoor activities like camping or hiking.
Anker Rechargeable Bolder LC40 Flashlight
Power Source: Rechargeable battery (included)
Price: $19.95
Lumens: 400ln
Material: Aluminum
Weight: 4.3 ounces
What we Like: Comprehensive and reliable, Long use time, Good light quality, Convenient use, Easy to carry
What We Don’t Like: a bit too heavy
Review: The Anker Rechargeable Bolder LC40 is a great flashlight for everyday users. It has a good amount of lumens and can last up to 11 hours on a single charge. The aluminum body makes it durable and easy to carry, while the included rechargeable battery means you don’t have to worry about running out of power.
Streamlight 88065 Protac HL-X 1,000
Power Source: Battery
Price: $73.99
Lumens: 1000ln
Material: Aluminum
Weight: 4 ounces
What we Like: Easy operation, convenient to use, Detachable pocket clip Long use time
What We Don’t Like: a bit expensive
Review: The Streamlight Protac HL-X is a great flashlight for everyday use. It has an easy-to-use interface, with a single tail switch that provides access to all of the light’s functions. The 1000 lumens can be overwhelming in some situations, but it’s perfect for most tasks. It also features a detachable pocket clip for convenience. The only downside is that it’s a bit expensive compared to other flashlights on this list.
LE Rechargeable LED
Power Source: Battery
Price: $38.99
Lumens: 1000lm
Material: Aluminum
Weight: 1.87 Pounds
What we Like: High brightness, Waterproof, Easy to use, Modern charging system
What We Don’t Like: Bulky & Heavy
Review: This flashlight is great for people who need a reliable light that can stand up to the elements. It’s waterproof, so it will work when you’re in the rain or snow and its aluminum exterior means it won’t break if dropped.
The LE rechargeable LED has multiple brightness settings ranging from 500lm (16 hours) all the way up to 1000lm (60 minutes). This allows you to choose how bright your light needs to be depending on what activity you are doing; whether you want high power for seeing long distances or low power for using around camp at night, this accessory covers all of your bases.
It also features an easy-to-use “power lock” system that prevents accidental battery drain while still allowing you to use the light when you need it. And for those of you who are always on the go, this flashlight has a modern charging system that only takes about two hours to fully charge.
Overall, the LE rechargeable LED is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a durable and high-performing flashlight.
BUYSIGHT Rechargeable spotlight
Power Source: Battery
Price: $38
Lumens: 6000
Material: Aluminum
Weight: 1.8 pounds
What we Like: Best for emergency operation, Compact design, Easy to use, simple operation, Easy to use, Modern charging system
What We Don’t Like: Bulky & Heavy, Battery life is not as long as some of the other options
Review: This spotlight is perfect for emergency situations. It’s easy to use and has a modern charging system. The light is very bright and can be seen from a long distance.
The only downside is that the battery life is not as long as some of the other options, but it can still last up to two hours on one charge.
How To Choose a Flashlight
Choosing the right flashlight can be daunting. There are so many options out there, and it’s hard to know which one is going to work best for you. In this guide, we will go over a few of the most important features that you should look for when choosing a new flashlight.
Battery Type
The first thing you need to consider when choosing a flashlight is the type of battery that it uses. There are three main types of batteries: disposable, rechargeable, and solar.
- Disposable batteries are the most common type. They are cheap and easy to find, but they also have a shorter life span than other types of batteries.
- Rechargeable batteries are great because they can be reused multiple times, and you don’t need to worry about finding the right size of the battery. However, these tend to cost more upfront than other types of flashlights.
- Solar-powered flashlights use small solar panels that charge during the day so that your light is ready for when you need it. This is a great option if you plan on using your flashlight somewhere that doesn’t have access to electricity, but the downside is that they usually don’t last as long as other types of flashlights and take longer to charge.
Bulbs
The second thing you should look at when choosing a new flashlight is the type of bulb it uses. There are two main types of bulbs: Incandescent and LED.
- Incandescent bulbs are the most common type of bulb and they create a lot of heat. They also have a shorter life span than LED bulbs.
- LED bulbs use less energy, last longer, and generate minimal heat. They are becoming more and more popular because of these benefits, so it’s a good idea to look for a flashlight that uses LED bulbs.
Beam Type
There are three different types of beams: flood, spot, and adjustable.
- Flood beam lights up a wide area and it is great for those who need light over large areas.
- Spot beams are the opposite of flood beams, as they have a tighter beam that can reach longer distances. Spot beams work well when you want to see far ahead or if you’re trying to signal someone from further away.
- Adjustable beam lights up an area with a mix of flood and spot beams. This is a good option if you’re not sure what type of beam you need or if you want to be able to switch between the two types of beams.
Flashlight Performance
Another thing to consider when choosing a new flashlight is its performance. Some flashlights are brighter than others, and some have a wider beam that can cover more area. You need to decide what your needs are and find a flashlight that meets those specific needs.
Size and Weight
The next thing you need to consider when choosing a new flashlight is its size and weight. Flashlights come in all different shapes and sizes, so you need to find one that is going to be comfortable to hold and use. You should also consider where you will be using your flashlight. If it is going to be for hiking, then you need something that won’t weigh down your pack and can withstand a fall or two as well as any other elements that might happen during the hike.
Materials and Shapes
The materials and shapes of a flashlight are also important to consider. Some flashlights are made from stronger materials like aluminum or titanium, while others are made from plastic. You should also decide if you want a traditional rectangular shape or something more unique like a cylindrical design.
Features
There are some other features that you might want to look for when choosing a new flashlight. Some flashlights have special features like rechargeable batteries or waterproof materials, while others might come with accessories such as holsters and lanyards.
A good option is to find a reputable brand that you know will stand behind their product if anything goes wrong since many of these brands offer warranties on all of their products.
For an in-depth guide on how to choose a flashlight, click here
FAQ
Q.What Does ‘Lumen’ Mean?
A.Lumen is the unit of measurement for brightness. The higher the lumen rating, the brighter the flashlight will be.
Q.How Do I Choose the Right Beam Type for My Needs?
A.If you’re not sure what type of beam you need, an adjustable beam flashlight is a good option because it has both flood and spot beams.
Q.What Are Some Other Features to Look For When Choosing a Flashlight?
A.Some other features to look for are rechargeable batteries, waterproof materials, and accessories like holsters or lanyards.
Q.What Does ‘EDC Flashlight’ Mean?
A.EDC stands for Everyday Carry, so an EDC flashlight is a flashlight that you can carry with you every day to use for tasks like walking the dog or taking out the trash.
Q.How many lumens do I need for a camping flashlight?
A.You don’t need as many lumens for a camping flashlight because you won’t be using it as far away from your body as you would a regular flashlight. A good camping flashlight has around 200-500 lumens.
Q.LEDs Or Bulbs?
A.LEDs are a newer technology that uses less energy and lasts longer than traditional bulbs. They also generate less heat, so they’re safer to use.
