Best Rated Flashlights 2023

Check out the flashlights that performed exceptionally well in the hands-on tests that we conducted if you are in the market for a new one.

Lanterns that are handheld and propelled by batteries have come a long way since they were first introduced in the year 1898. These commonplace items may prove useful in a number of situations, including the event of a power outage, the performance of late-night security checks, and the illumination of particular tasks, such as working on automobiles or fixing a pipe that is leaking under the sink. Not only are modern flashlights more effective and dependable than ever before, but they are also now more compact and lightweight.

Because there are so many flashlights currently on the market, we wanted to find out which ones were worthy of the hype surrounding them, so we decided to put them to the test ourselves. Brightness is an important consideration, but there are also other aspects to think about, such as how much it weighs, the kind of batteries it uses, how easy it is to operate, and even more.

Therefore, read on to find out how to choose the best flashlight and to discover how the following models fared in our tests, regardless of whether you need a beacon for your bedside table, glove compartment, utility drawer, workshop, or emergency pack. This information is relevant whether you need a beacon for your bedside table, glove compartment, utility drawer, workshop, or emergency pack.

How We Tested the Best Flashlights

Each flashlight that was deemed worthy of inclusion in our selection has been subjected to extensive testing and analysis. Those that were advertised as being impermeable were submerged in water, while those that were designed to withstand only a moderate amount of water were put through the water jets of a shower.

While the work-type flashlights were put through their paces in realistic do-it-yourself situations like looking under a sink or the hood of a vehicle, the tactical flashlights were evaluated based on the range that their light beams could illuminate. We put each flashlight’s features to the test, ensuring that they delivered the performance that was advertised by utilizing things like strobe modes and customizable modes.

Our Top Picks

The results of our hands-on testing shed light on several of the most promising options for flashlights currently available on the market. We put a wide variety of products through our testing process in order to evaluate how much light each model generates, how far its beam travels, and how easy it is to operate the various functions offered by each model.

I employed an assistant so that in addition to testing out all of the flashlights’ features, I could also evaluate how bright the beams were and how effectively they illuminated the area. After the beam of the floodlight was no longer able to clearly illuminate my assistant, I instructed him to stand back up and measure the distances after we had stopped. Although some of the following flashlights are more optimal than others for specific applications, all of them are top performers in the categories to which they belong, despite the fact that their styles, designs, and prices are different from one another.

Review

STREAMLIGHT – 88040 ProTac Professional Flashlight – BEST OVERALL

The STREAMLIGHT ProTac 750 Lumen Professional Flashlight is a feature-packed pocket-size powerhouse that earned the award for best overall flashlight in our evaluations. This flashlight immediately won me over with its high quality and sturdy feel, despite its compact size (less than 6 inches in length and around 6 ounces in weight). The fact that it is constructed out of impact-resistant aircraft aluminum and only requires one button to operate gives it a feeling of tactical sophistication.

The STREAMLIGHT has a classification of IPX7, which indicates that it should be waterproof for up to 30 minutes at a depth of approximately 3 feet. After filling the container to capacity, I positioned the egg inside, and then I started the timer. After letting the STREAMLIGHT dry for half an hour, I turned on the electricity by pressing the switch and the light came on right away. During the field test that my assistant and I carried out together, its LED beam was sufficiently bright to allow me to see my objective from a distance of 165 yards.

By simply twisting the end of the flashlight, I was able to modify the strength of the beam from a concentrated spotlight to a wider, more diffused beam. I could also adjust the luminosity to a level comparable to that of a nightlight if I so desired. Another feature that sets this variant apart from others is its incredibly brilliant strobe light. This impressive little flashlight comes with two 3-volt CR123A batteries, but a converter is not included. The flashlight can be powered by either rechargeable or non-rechargeable batteries; however, an adapter is not included.

Product Specs

• Lumens: 750
• Power Source: Two 3-volt CR123A lithium-ion batteries
• Runtime: Up to 18 hours on low output
• Weight: About 6 ounces
• Light Source: LED
• Material: Black aircraft aluminum
• Case: Canvas holster with Velcro-type closure

Pros

• Adjustable beam width; versatile use
• Very bright strobe light
• Rugged steel belt clip

Cons

• No battery charger included

NITECORE P12 Tactical Waterproof Flashlight – RUNNER-UP

Second place went to the NITECORE P12 Tactical Flashlight, which is noteworthy for its powerful 1,000-lumen beam, which allowed me to illuminate objects located 180 yards away. This flashlight came in second place. It has a body that is made of industrial-grade material and is designated IPX8 so that it can withstand being immersed in water up to 6 feet deep for up to 30 minutes at a time. Before proceeding with the rest of the testing, I started by immersing the NITECORE P12 for thirty minutes in a bathtub full of water. It performed exceptionally well throughout all of the tests.

This lantern weighs just a hair over 3 ounces and is incredibly portable thanks to its sturdy steel clip, which allows it to be carried in a pocket or on a belt. When the battery intensity is decreased from its maximum of 1.5 lumens to 70 lumens, the rechargeable batteries should have an endurance of up to 28 hours. A teeny-tiny rubber button about an inch and a half down from the tip of the barrel serves as the mode switch. In the beginning, when it was dark, it was difficult for me to locate it. After doing so, I was able to navigate through the four different levels of intensity and activate the strobe function by keeping it down while doing so.

The NITECORE P12 is a remarkable piece of technology due to its high level of intensity; however, due to its small size (under 6 inches), light weight, and slim dimensions, it is simple to transport in a pocket or a purse. It can run off of either a single 18650 lithium-ion battery or two CR123A batteries, both of which are included in the package.

Product Specs

• Lumens: 1,000
• Power Source: One 18650 lithium-ion battery or two 3-volt CR123A batteries
• Runtime: 1.5 hours at maximum intensity
• Weight: 3.10 ounces
• Light Source: LED
• Material: Heavy-duty anodized aluminum
• Case: Canvas holster with Velcro-type closure

Pros

• IPX8: Can survive being submerged in 6 feet of water for up to 30 minutes
• Very bright LED beam
• Easy to carry at just over 3 ounces

Cons

• Mode button in less-than-ideal location
• No battery charger included

OLIGHT Warrior X Pro 2100 Lumens Tactical Flashlight – BEST TACTICAL

The OLIGHT Warrior Emergency Flashlight is certainly not one to be underestimated. As soon as I opened the package containing the Warrior flashlight, I could immediately tell that it was an item of very good quality. Its sleek, anodized aluminum body has a weight of just under 8.5 ounces, which makes it slightly heavier than some portable LED flashlights. However, those additional ounces give it the impression of being robust. The Warrior features an end-thumb on/off button that can be operated with one hand. Because of the powerful attraction of the switch, I am also able to suspend the Warrior from the steel table’s underside.

As with the other lanterns that are advertised as being watertight, the OLIGHT Warrior began its testing by sitting at the bottom of a bathtub that was filled with water for a period of thirty minutes. As soon as it got dark outside, I sent my assistant away while I stayed behind to keep the warrior’s beam secured to his back. At approximately 450 yards, which was the furthest distance that my assistant could travel without reaching the boundary of the property, the beam was still bright and clear. In my opinion, there is no reason why it couldn’t go beyond the claimed maximum of 500 meters.

The Warrior is powered by a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 5,000 mAh and a capacity of 21700, and it only has two modes of operation, high and low, which are selected with the thumb button. When you place the battery on top of the magnetic charging disk, which is plugged into a USB receptacle, it only takes a few seconds for the battery to be fully charged. When it’s essential to see a long way off and when it’s dark out, the Warrior is an excellent choice for camping, hunting, and hiking. However, it may be too bright in areas where there are houses nearby.

Product Specs

• Lumens: 2,100
• Power Source: 5,000 mAh 21700 lithium-ion battery
• Runtime: Maximum 8 hours
• Weight: 8.43 ounces
• Light Source: High-performance LED
• Material: Black anodized aluminum
• Case: Reinforced holster with magnetic closure

Pros

• Highest beam intensity of any flashlight tested
• Magnetic base for attaching to steel items
• USB charging disc and cord

Cons

• Only 2 light modes; a little limiting compared to other options

Energizer HC-550 LED Flashlight, 550 High Lumens – BEST HANDS-FREE

The Energizer LED Flashlight’s primary function is to shed light on the immediate surroundings; it is not designed to illuminate a large region. It appeared to be a good match for both the requirements of the workshop and the duties of the internal mechanic. When working on home improvement projects that require two hands and taking place in low-light environments, this floodlight is the tool you need.

The Energizer, which is made of plastic that is resistant to impact, provides users with three different choices for using the device without their hands: It is able to hang from the pull-out hook located at the top, rest securely on its base atop a table or other flat surface, and attach to a metallic surface using the powerful magnet located on the back of the device.

Even though I didn’t put the Energizer through a test simulating a fall from a height of two stories, I did accidentally drop it onto a concrete driveway from the bed of a truck, and the only damage it experienced was a small scratch. It proceeded to carry out each and every one of its functions normally. The 550 lumen brightness of the lantern is powered by the four AA batteries that are included in the package.

Product Specs

• Lumens: 550
• Power Source: 4 AA alkaline batteries
• Runtime: 8 hours maximum on highest setting
• Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Light Source: LED
• Material: Impact-resistant molded plastic
• Case: No case included

Pros

• Magnet in back for positioning flashlight on steel support
• Hands-free lighting; great for multitasking
• Hook for hanging
• Wide area of illumination

Cons

• Doesn’t cast a long beam of illumination
• Tips over easily when standing on base
• Head angle not adjustable

Nebo Torchy Rechargeable Pocket Light Bundle – BEST FOR LIGHT PACKING

This incredibly brilliant and practical little piece exemplifies the old adage that “good things come in small packages,” which is definitely applicable to the situation. With a length of just 2.64 inches, a width of approximately an inch, and a weight of exactly 2 ounces, the Nebo Torchy is only marginally superior to the standard penlight that is used for comparable tasks. It is also marginally bigger.

The Torchy and the penlights have the most discernible difference in terms of the amount of light they produce. The Torchy shines a light that is one thousand times brighter than average at its maximum setting (Turbo). In addition to that, it possesses high, medium, and low degrees of intensity. The strobe function, which has a light output of 500 lumens, was bright enough for me to see it flashing from almost 400 yards away. I was able to see my associate very clearly at a distance of about 130 yards when the beam intensity was set to normal.

The compact light fixture is powered by a single CR123A rechargeable battery and features an easy-to-use charging platform that accepts USB input (not included). In addition, the flashlight comes with a clip that can be detached, allowing you to attach it to your belt, a purse strap, or the brim of a cap.

Product Specs

• Lumens: 1,000
• Power source: Single 3-volt CR123A battery
• Runtime: 30 minutes maximum on Turbo setting
• Weight: 2 ounces
• Light type: LED
• Material: Black aircraft aluminum
• Case: No case included

Pros

• Intense 1,000 lumens in a tiny package
• USB base charger and cord
• Magnetic base for attaching to steel
• Includes a removable clip for versatile storage

Cons

• Lacks a carry strap or case
• Beam width not adjustable

Maglite Heavy-Duty Incandescent 2-Cell D Flashlight – BEST ADJUSTABLE BEAM

The Maglite Heavy-Duty Flashlight is the only incandescent flashlight that I have used, and it is dependable, impressive, and built with the sole purpose of rapidly brightening the surrounding area. The 1.44-pound Maglite, which is nearly 10 inches long and has a length of nearly 10 inches, is ideal for shelving storage because it is simple to access in the event that there is a power outage.

This Maglite has been given an IPX4 classification, which indicates that it is splash-proof but cannot be submerged in water. This does not mean that it is completely waterproof, however. After turning on the shower, putting the Maglite through the water several times, and then drying it off, I was able to test out some of the flashlight’s other capabilities. It worked without a hitch.

There is only one switch for turning the light on and off, which is situated close to the head, and there is no strobe function on this model of the Maglite flashlight. This model is considered to be relatively simple and inexpensive. Simply rotating the entire cranium will cause the width of the light beam to change. At a distance of about 150 yards, I could make out my associate. The Maglite requires two D-cell alkaline batteries in order to function properly (not included). Even though it has the lowest lumen output of all of the flashlights in this line-up (only 27), the Maglite was surprisingly brilliant. This could be because the head of the flashlight has a reflective surface inside of it.

Product Specs

• Lumens: 27
• Power Source: 2 D-cell alkaline batteries
• Runtime: 8.5 hours
• Weight: 1.44 pounds
• Light Source: Incandescent
• Material: Textured black aluminum
• Case: No case included

Pros

• Hefty and substantial; great for rugged outdoor trips
• Bright incandescent light beam
• Adjustable beam width
• Good as an emergency flashlight

Cons

• Flashlight gets warm after about 10 minutes of use
• Not as bright as an LED flashlight
• No case or holster included

Milwaukee 2735-20 M18 LED Work Light – BEST FOR LONG USE

I have been a long-time fan of Milwaukee tools, so I was very thrilled to evaluate the 18-volt work flashlight that the brand offers. Before making a purchase, you should be aware that the Milwaukee is offered as a “tool only,” similar to the way that many other cordless, brand-specific tools are sold. This is because the Milwaukee is excellent for lighting up a small space. That indicates that the mobile phone and its battery must either already belong to you or be purchased by you. If you already have other 18-volt Milwaukee power tools, you can use those instead of the batteries in the torch, so that it can be powered.

The output of this work flashlight when its battery is completely charged is 160 lumens, which I found to be exceptionally bright for the vast majority of low-light work scenarios. The 18-volt battery, which can be found in the bottom of the floodlight, serves as a rock-solid foundation for the device. The Milwaukee has a flip-out hook and a single on/off switch on the front of the device, enabling users to suspend the device rather than placing it on a flat surface.

My favorite part of the flashlight is the adjustable head, which allows me to change the orientation of the beam in accordance with my requirements by either raising or lowering the head. Because the flashlight weighs only 12 ounces (without the battery), it can be worn as a tool belt or carried in some tool boxes without taking up too much space.

Product Specs

• Lumens: 160
• Power Source: 18-volt Milwaukee-specific rechargeable battery
• Runtime: 12 hours maximum
• Weight: 12 ounces (without battery)
• Light Source: LED
• Material: Impact-resistant molded plastic
• Case: No case included

Pros

• Hands-free lighting allows for multitasking
• Adjustable head; easy to target a specific spot
• Built-in hook for hanging
• Long runtime on fully charged battery

Cons

• Battery must be purchased separately
• Charger must be purchased separately
• Accepts only Milwaukee 18-volt battery

DEWALT 20V MAX LED Work Light / Flashlight (DCL040) – ALSO CONSIDER

The second brand-specific flashlight in the series, the DEWALT 20V MAX LED Work Light, is a dependable option that can be used as either an illumination or a work light. It features 20 volts of DEWALT’s MAX power. With only 110 lumens, it is not as powerful as some other variants; however, it is not designed to cast a light beam that travels a great distance. Instead, its purpose is to illuminate a nearby work area, such as the interior of the furnace or HVAC system, which would typically have only a dim light source available to it.

Remember, prospective purchasers, a DeWalt 20-volt battery and charger are both necessary, but they must be purchased separately. These items are not included in the package. Because the battery is attached to the bottom of the light and provides a stable foundation, I placed the entire unit inside the bottom of a sink cabinet so that it would be protected from water. This provided me with an abundance of illumination, allowing me to see all of the plumbing valves and connections with ease. It has a suspending band made of stainless steel that can be hooked onto a bar or left free-standing.

In order to fulfill a variety of different illumination requirements, the head of the pivoting DeWalt can be rotated through an angle of 120 degrees. Those individuals who already have other cordless 20-volt DeWalt products will find that this flashlight is an excellent complement to their assortment of tools.

Product Specs

• Lumens: 110
• Power Source: DeWalt-specific 20V rechargeable battery
• Runtime: Up to 25 hours on a full battery charge
• Weight: 10.1 ounces
• Light Source: LED
• Material: Impact-resistant molded plastic
• Case: No case included

Pros

• Bright, hands-free lighting; good versatility
• Stainless steel ring for hanging
• Adjustable flashlight head

Cons

• Battery must be purchased separately
• Charger must be purchased separately
• Accepts only DeWalt 20-volt battery

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Flashlight

The American National Standards Institute assigns ratings to flashlights based on how much light they produce, how long their batteries last, how far their beam travels, and how intense it is (ANSI). When you make a purchase, you will notice that every product has a number of evaluations associated with it. To find a flashlight that is ideally suited to your requirements, you need to have a comprehension of what these ratings actually mean.

Light Output

There are still some models of flashlights on the market that use incandescent lamps of the krypton variety, but the vast majority of newer models use LED bulbs, which produce brighter beams that travel further and are more energy efficient. The amount of light that a flashlight produces is measured in units called lumens. A flashlight with 25 lumens is sufficient for reading a book in bed, but a flashlight with 200 lumens is required to illuminate all four corners of an average-sized yard. Do you want there to be more light? There are flashlights on the market that have more than a thousand beams, but you shouldn’t point them at the windows of your neighbors at night!

The majority of modern lanterns make use of either LED or incandescent lights, both of which have a number of benefits as well as some drawbacks.

• LED: As a result of the lower amount of energy that is consumed by light-emitting diode lights, batteries can be used for an extended period of time before needing to be replaced. In addition, these lights generate much less heat than incandescent lights do, despite the fact that they are extremely brilliant and produce a light that is either pure white or bluish. Even after being used continuously for at least an hour, the finest LED flashlight is able to keep a comfortable temperature throughout its operation.
• Incandescent bulbs: In a lantern that is more than ten years old, you will most likely find an incandescent bulb. However, these bulbs, which generate a tone that is warm and yellowish, are on the verge of being phased out completely. If the flashlight is used for an extended length of time with the incandescent bulb still lit, the bulb will eventually become hot. Incandescent lights are typically sought after despite the fact that LEDs have a longer lifespan and might not actually save you money. This is because incandescent lights are priced lower than LEDs.

Beam Distance and Type

The packaging of a flashlight will reveal important information about the beam, including its range and its sort. The amount of space that can be illuminated by a stream is measured in meters. For illustration purposes, the length of a beam is 200 meters, which is slightly longer than 650 feet. There are two distinct types of beams available. When compared to a “flood” beam, which illuminates a bigger area with its light, a “spot” beam produces a more concentrated and concentrated stream of light that travels further. On some flashlights, the light can be adjusted to either a spotlight or a flood stream, depending on your needs.

In addition, some tactical-style versions may come equipped with an emergency strobe feature that can attract attention in the event that the user needs assistance. The rapid succession of bright, penetrating light that is produced by a strobe-flash light is very easy to observe.

Waterproof Ratings

The ability of a flashlight to withstand moisture and water is suggested by the acronym IPX (which stands for Ingress Protection). This capacity is essential for the flashlight to possess if it is going to be used for activities such as going on boat trips or other activities where it may get wet. A torch that has an IPX4 rating should continue to function even if it is splashed or sprinkled with water, while a torch that has an IPX8 rating will continue to function even after being submerged in water for up to four hours.

Power Source

It is essential to have longer battery runtimes because the more intense and powerful the light production, the faster the batteries will deplete. On second thought, a high-lumen illumination won’t be of much use on a weekend camping trip if the batteries die in two hours. Fortunately, many lanterns on the market today make use of rechargeable batteries. They are slightly more expensive than disposables, but in the long run, consumers who use their torch frequently will end up spending less money overall. In addition to batteries, the following is a summary of all of the different types of power sources that can be used to power lanterns, including solar and hand-crank options.

• Solar: When the battery in these flashlights runs out, they can be easily replenished with the help of a small solar cell. They are designed for extended use in the open air. As a result, solar flashlights are quickly becoming one of the most popular options for use during outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. They could have additional power options, such as being able to charge the floodlight through a USB port.
• Crank: A flashlight with a crank-type handle has a user who physically turns the handle to manually charge an internal battery, which then causes the flashlight to generate light. These flashlights are generally acquired for the purpose of having them on hand in case of an emergency. Crank-style flashlights are helpful to have on hand in the event that the power goes out. Some come with additional features, such as an incorporated radio for use in an emergency.
• Rechargeable battery: Many of the flashlights that are on the market today come equipped with batteries that can be recharged using either solar panels, USB connections, or adapters that can be plugged into regular electrical sockets. They are among the most convenient options because, as long as the user remembers to keep them charged, they are always ready to be used. This makes them one of the most popular choices.
• Battery: There are still a significant number of flashlights on the market that require single-use batteries, and the cost of these models is typically the least expensive. For optimal results, the user should keep a supply of spare batteries on hand at all times; otherwise, they run the chance of being caught in a situation where they do not have access to a flashlight that is operational.

Style

There are a few distinct patterns available for the top lanterns. These include versions that are handheld and come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from compact penlights that can be stored in a bag or pocket or connected to a keychain to large, cumbersome models that are frequently carried by security guards.

Lantern flashlights are designed to be used while resting on a level surface so that they can illuminate a wide area. In the event that there is a power outage or when people are camping, they are frequently used to illuminate the entire area. Many of them also have a hook for suspending them, but because they do not produce strong, directional light, they are unable to see things that are located at a great distance.

Headlamp flashlights are important instruments for mechanics who want to illuminate the interior of an engine while freeing up their hands at the same time. They have a headband that has a button that can turn on one or more LED lights that are pointing forward and that are attached to the headband.

FAQs

To learn the answers to some of the most frequently asked inquiries about flashlights, keep reading below.

Q. What does “lumen” mean?

Light is measured in lumens. Lumens are a unit of measurement for the brightness of a flashlight’s beam; the greater the number, the brighter the light.

Q. Do LED flashlights get hot?

Even though LED lights are much cooler than incandescent lights, a strong LED lantern may still get warm. But it shouldn’t get so hot that you can’t contact it.

Q. What does “EDC flashlight” mean?

The term “EDC,” which stands for “everyday carry,” is used to refer to products, such as flashlights, that are suitable for daily use but may fall short in terms of functionality when used for specific tasks. For instance, an EDC flashlight would work well to illuminate a door lock at night, but it might not have enough strength for tactical or first-aid applications.

Last update on 2023-03-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API