Flashlights are not only essential for emergency and disaster preparedness, but they also come in handy for camping and hiking. Every household should have at least one flashlight. But with so many brands like Maglite and GearLight offering different brightness levels and features, choosing the right flashlight can be a daunting task.
We've compared 13 bestselling Flashlights available online and put them to the test to recommend the best Flashlights for you.
We tested each product for the following:
Which product ended up being the best of the best? We'll also tell you how to pick the best Flashlights on your own in our buying guide, so read on for more shopping tips.
Ryusuke uses his previous experience at a home renovation company in his current role as mybest's DIY Supply Department lead. He has been in charge of testing over 150 items from Makita, Bosch, Black+Decker and more. He also holds the qualification of DIY Crafts Advisor. He believes in creating articles that are accessible to everyone without too many technical terms.
A crucial factor when using a flashlight is its brightness. To test the brightness of each flashlight, we set them on high and pointed them at a wall 2.5 meters (about eight feet) away. We measured the central brightness three times and calculated the average illuminance. We gave high ratings to flashlights with an illuminance of 100 lux or more, similar to streetlight brightness.Lux Meter: Hioki FT3425 (HIOKI E.E. Corporation, compliant with JIS AA Class)
It’s nice to have a flashlight that can light a large area, so we tested the area illuminated. We set each flashlight to its maximum beam width and shone it on a wall about eight feet away. We measured the area with an illuminance over five lux and calculated its size. Flashlights that illuminated an area of five square meters (about 54 square feet) or more, which is about the size of a dining table, received higher ratings. The "brightly lit area" was defined as the area with an illuminance of at least five lux, allowing you to see a person's face from 13 feet away.
Battery life is important since flashlights are often used during emergencies. We tested the battery life by continuously running each flashlight at its maximum output until it turned off. Flashlights received high ratings if they lasted for 24 hours or more, able to provide light through a full day during a power outage. We used fresh batteries for battery-operated flashlights and fully charged rechargeable ones before testing.
A flashlight should be easy and stress-free to use. We evaluated each flashlight’s usability, assigning points for the following features.Turning on/off: Can the flashlight be turned on and off with a single button?Focus adjustment: Can the beam width be adjusted easily by moving the head or pressing a button?Brightness adjustment: Can the brightness be adjusted easily by moving the head or pressing a button?
When using a flashlight for camping or hiking, portability is key. We checked the size and weight of each flashlight and assessed its portability. Higher ratings were given to flashlights with a volume of 100 cubic centimeters (about six cubic inches) and weighing less than 125 grams, or 4.4 ounces, which can be carried in a pocket without discomfort.
Finally, we evaluated the types of extra features each flashlight offered. We considered six factors that contribute to convenience and comfort, giving higher ratings to flashlights with water resistance, beacon mode, or other useful features for outdoor activities like the following.Dust and water resistance rating of IP55 or higherCompatibility with multiple battery typesIntermittent switch (lighting up when the button is only partially pressed and held)Beacon functionMagnet includedStrap or keychain included
All product tests
were conducted in-house at mybest
When looking for a flashlight, some may wonder if their smartphone light can replace an LED flashlight. The answer is no, and here's why.
Although smartphone flashlights are convenient, they fall short in providing adequate lighting for extended periods during power outages or daily tasks. For example, in a power outage, a flashlight can continuously provide light, whereas a smartphone's battery will drain quickly, limiting its usefulness.
In addition, smartphone lights aren’t suited for work-related tasks. While flashlights can focus the beam like a spotlight, smartphone lights tend to diffuse light, making it difficult to illuminate specific areas. It's a good idea to have a flashlight on hand not only for emergencies, but for everyday tasks and outdoor activities.
During a disaster, a smartphone acts as a vital source of information, making it crucial to preserve its battery life. So using a flashlight instead of a smartphone light is recommended.
Although they may be similar in appearance, features can differ significantly from one flashlight to the next. Below, we will discuss what sets apart great flashlights from ordinary ones.
Our hands-on experience with various flashlights revealed significant differences in size and battery life. Many products easily fit in the palm of your hand, can be comfortably carried in a pocket, and provide continuous lighting for over four days. Choose a high-quality flashlight for a stress-free experience, and refer to our review to find the right one for you.
Flashlight power sources can be divided into two types: alkaline battery-powered and rechargeable. We recommend alkaline battery-powered flashlights for everyone, and we'll explain why below.
Rechargeable flashlights have a lower running cost because they don't require battery replacements. However, they become useless during power outages once their battery is drained. Charging a rechargeable flashlight takes at least three hours, making them unsuitable for sudden emergencies.
On the other hand, alkaline battery-powered flashlights can be used continuously during power outages as long as you have spare batteries. They also provide significantly longer usage times. Our tests showed that alkaline batteries provided an average of 80 hours more lighting time compared to rechargeable ones.
For those seeking a flashlight for non-disaster purposes, there are no significant advantages to choosing rechargeable flashlights apart from the running cost. That’s why we recommend alkaline battery-powered flashlights for everyone.
If you're looking to prepare for a significant power outage, flashlights that use three or more alkaline batteries are your best bet. Our tests showed a considerable difference in battery life between flashlights that use three or more batteries and those that use fewer.
In our tests, flashlights using three or more batteries lasted approximately between 84 to 103 hours with continuous use. In past major power outages in the United States, there were cases where the electricity was out for up to 29 hours. Flashlights with three or more batteries can easily handle such extreme situations.
Flashlights using fewer than three batteries had a much shorter run time, ranging from about four to 152 hours. While there were variations between products, most ran out of battery within 24 hours. Although these flashlights may be sufficient for average power outages, they leave something to be desired when preparing for more extended periods without electricity.
Although it's common to think that the brighter the flashlight, the better, for the purpose of disaster preparedness, it's best to choose one with a brightness of around 300 to 500 lumens. We’ll explain why below.
Lumens are a unit for measuring brightness. Generally, the larger the number, the brighter the light. Various products with different brightness levels are currently available, some even exceeding 10,000 lumens. However, most situations don't require such high brightness, and 300 to 500 lumens is more than enough.
Anything above 1,000 lumens can feel too bright and may illuminate a larger area than needed. Although flashlights with over 1,000 lumens may be worth considering for use in large spaces like while mountain climbing or working in warehouses, selecting one with 300 to 500 lumens is a good benchmark for disaster preparedness and everyday tasks.
Our testing showed that flashlights with higher lumens tended to be larger and more expensive. For handheld use, smaller and lighter flashlights are preferable. If you often use a flashlight while you need to move around outside, it's recommended to choose a compact, affordable flashlight with a brightness of 300 to 500 lumens.
Regardless of intended use, it's best to choose a flashlight with adjustable brightness and water resistance.
Having adjustable brightness offers you the ability to adapt the brightness according to your needs. For example, when you want to light your immediate surroundings, the default brightness may be too intense. In such cases, being able to control the brightness allows you to adjust the light to an appropriate level for the task at hand.
The adjustable brightness feature is also useful during emergencies because you can use the flashlight at the lowest brightness to save power and extend its battery life.
Flashlights are often used outdoors or near water, so it's essential to check their water resistance. The IPX rating is an international standard for water resistance, with higher numbers indicating better protection. (Source: International Electrotechnical Commission) Flashlights with an IPX5 rating can withstand water jets from all directions, so they can be used in rainy conditions worry-free.
The "X" in the IPX rating represents the dust protection level and, when given, is replaced by a number. Like water resistance, a larger number indicates greater dust protection. If you plan to use your flashlight in sandy or dusty environments like beaches or workshops, make sure to check the dust resistance level as well.
Of the products we tested, the ThruNite Archer 2A V3 was the only one that met all the conditions mentioned above. It provides sufficient illumination over a wide area while remaining compact and lightweight. Equipped with adjustable brightness and water resistance, this flashlight is an excellent choice for a first purchase.
For those using flashlights for activities like mountain climbing and camping, we recommend choosing a flashlight with additional features like a strap or keychain, adjustable focus, and a beacon mode. These features can make your outdoor adventures safer and more convenient.
In activities like mountain climbing and camping, where long-distance travel is involved, there's a risk of losing your flashlight. Choosing a flashlight with a strap or keychain can help reduce this risk by securing the flashlight to your bag.
Being able to adjust the beam spread is useful for detecting potential hazards more easily. With this feature, you can focus the beam and see farther distances more clearly. For example, when climbing a mountain at night, it can be difficult to see what's ahead. With an adjustable beam, you can instantly determine whether the path ahead is straight or has a fork, which will make your climb safer.
A flashlight with a beacon or intermittent switch is recommended for those buying for a flashlight for mountain climbing or hiking. These modes either automatically send an intermittent beam, or let you turn it on only when you’re lightly pressing the switch. These functions can be used as an SOS signal in case of emergencies in the mountains, making it an essential feature for outdoor enthusiasts.
Products | Image | mybest Score | Click to purchase | Key features | Main Score | Details | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Brightness | Illuminated Area | Battery life | Usability | Portability | Additional Features | Light output | Battery | No. of batteries | Runtime | Dust/waterproof rating | Width | Depth | Height | Power source | Adjustable brightness | Beam spread | Adjustable focus | Magnetic | Beacon mode | Intermittent mode | Weight | Brightness (in lumens) | Strap | Keychain | ||||||
1 | ThruNite Archer 2A V3 | ![]() | 4.54 | Bright, Portable Flashlight for a Wide Range of Uses | 4.77 | 4.48 | 4.22 | 4.49 | 4.75 | 4.47 | 367 lux | AA | 2 | 21.9 hrs. | IPX8 | 0.87 in. | 0.87 in. | 6 in. | 83 square feet | 1.7 oz. | 500 lumens | |||||||||
2 | Streamlight Stylus Pro | ![]() | 4.50 | Compact and Long-Lasting, Ideal for Frequent Use | 4.31 | 4.37 | 5.00 | 4.05 | 5.00 | 3.93 | 114 lux | AAA | 2 | 152.2 hrs. | IPX4 | 0.55 in. | 0.63 in. | 5.95 in. | 66 square feet | 1.80 oz. | 100 lumens | |||||||||
3 | Rayovac DIY3AAA-BE | ![]() | 4.49 | Over Four Days of Light, Ideal for Major Power Outages | 5.00 | 4.37 | 5.00 | 4.29 | 3.91 | 4.17 | 1601 lux | AAA | 3 | 103.05 hrs. | IP67 | 3.94 in. | 1.77 in. | 7.95 in. | 66 square feet | 4.64 oz. | 300 lumens | |||||||||
4 | Coast Polysteel 600 R | ![]() | 4.41 | Bright, but Bulky and Not Ideal for Portability | 5.00 | 4.85 | 5.00 | 4.65 | 3.31 | 4.47 | 3500 lux | AA | 4 | 84.88 hrs. | IP54 | 2.0 in. | 2.0 in. | 8.0 in. | 209 square feet | 12 oz. | 740 lumens | |||||||||
5 | LE LED Flashlight | ![]() | 4.38 | Modestly Bright Flashlight with a Battery Life of Over 4 Days | 4.07 | 4.21 | 5.00 | 4.49 | 4.47 | 3.93 | 69 lux | AAA | 3 | 98.25 hrs. | IP44 | 1.25 in. | 1.25 in. | 4.25 in. | 44 square feet | 3.7 oz. | 140 lumens | |||||||||
6 | GearLight TAC LED | ![]() | 4.33 | Minimal Extra Features, But Stays Lit for Over 4 Days | 4.51 | 4.67 | 5.00 | 4.49 | 3.83 | 3.04 | 225 lux | AAA | 3 | 103.08 hrs. | N/A | 1.5 in. | 1.5 in. | 5.3 in. | 117 square feet | 11.7 oz. | 1040 lumens | |||||||||
7 | NEBO Torchy | ![]() | 4.26 | Its Magnetic Base Allows for Hands-Free Lighting | 5.00 | 4.65 | 3.31 | 4.29 | 4.49 | 4.65 | 518 lux | N/A | N/A | 4.38 hrs. | IPX6 | 1.0 in. | 1.0 in. | 4.28 in. | 109 square feet | 5.9 oz. | 2000 lumens | |||||||||
7 | Energizer Vision HD | ![]() | 4.26 | Bright Over a Wide Area but Bulky and Heavy | 5.00 | 5.00 | 5.00 | 4.29 | 3.13 | 3.93 | 2550 Lumens | AA | 6 | 84.88 hrs. | IPX4 | 5.3 in. | 2 in. | 12.5 in. | 519 square feet | 1 lb. | 1300 lumens | |||||||||
9 | Anker Bolder T1423 | ![]() | 4.25 | Shorter Battery Life, but Illuminates a Wide Area | 4.62 | 4.68 | 3.53 | 4.49 | 4.32 | 4.17 | 283 lux | N/A | N/A | 6.4 hrs. | IP65 | 1.3 in. | 1.3 in. | 5 in. | 124 square feet | 0.3 oz. | 400 lumens | |||||||||
10 | Coast G450 | ![]() | 4.24 | Extremely Bright but Large and Heavy | 5.00 | 5.00 | 5.00 | 4.65 | 3.00 | 4.17 | 3050 lux | AA | 6 | 94.66 hrs. | IP54 | 2.0 in. | 2.0 in. | 8.0 in. | 287 square feet | 11.6 oz. | 1630 lumens |
Runtime | 21.9 hrs. |
---|---|
Adjustable brightness | |
Beam spread | 83 square feet |
Brightness (in lumens) | 500 lumens |
The ThruNite Archer 2A V3 is a battery-operated flashlight with a brightness of 500 lumens. One of its neat features is that it can remember the last used lighting mode before turning off, allowing you to turn it back on at the same brightness level. When we tested its brightness, we found the brightness in the center measured 367 lux, which is suitable for everyday use.
It illuminated an area of approximately 83 square feet, providing enough light to cover a dining table during a power outage or illuminate the inside of a tent when camping. Battery life is fairly good, lasting for 21 hours and 54 minutes during testing. While this may not be enough for a power outage of several days, it is sufficient for a flashlight to keep in the home or to use during camping trips.
The flashlight has a simple design that lets you turn it on and off with just the press of a button. While it doesn’t have adjustable focus, it does have a handy button that lets you choose from four levels of brightness. Though slightly longer than some other models, it fits comfortably in your palm and is lightweight, making it easy to carry.
Function-wise, it has an impressive IPX8 waterproof rating, so it’s safe to use around water, like in the kitchen or bathroom. It also includes a beacon mode and intermittent mode, so not only is it a great option for work around the home, but for outdoor activities like hiking and mountain climbing as well.
Battery | AA |
---|---|
No. of batteries | 2 |
Width | 0.87 in. |
Depth | 0.87 in. |
Height | 6 in. |
Power source | |
Magnetic | |
Strap | |
Keychain |
Runtime | 152.2 hrs. |
---|---|
Adjustable brightness | |
Beam spread | 66 square feet |
Brightness (in lumens) | 100 lumens |
Streamlight's Stylus Pro is a flashlight that can illuminate up to 100 lumens. One standout feature is its battery indicator, which starts to blink when it's time to replace the battery.
In our brightness test, the central illuminance recorded was 114 lux, which is more than enough to light up your immediate surroundings. The area it can illuminate is around 66 square feet, making it sufficient enough for dining during a power outage or spending time inside a tent while camping.
The battery life is impressive, lasting for 152 hours and 12 minutes from the start of our test. It can be used for over six days straight, making it not only ideal for extended power outages but also convenient for work use by minimizing battery replacements.
Switching it on and off is a breeze with a single press. However, the inability to adjust the beam range or brightness level is a significant downside. It can be cumbersome to use in situations where you need varying levels of light. Additionally, although not part of our formal testing, the button is quite stiff, requiring a bit of force to press.
The flashlight is incredibly slim and lightweight, making it super easy to carry around. You can slip it into a bag or your pocket comfortably. With a dust and water resistance rating of IPX4, it's not ideal for sandy or dusty environments but can withstand light rain or splashes. It also comes with a beacon mode, handy for sending out SOS signals in emergencies.
Battery | AAA |
---|---|
No. of batteries | 2 |
Width | 0.55 in. |
Depth | 0.63 in. |
Height | 5.95 in. |
Power source | |
Magnetic | |
Strap | |
Keychain |
Runtime | 103.05 hrs. |
---|---|
Adjustable brightness | |
Beam spread | 66 square feet |
Brightness (in lumens) | 300 lumens |
Rayovac's DIY3AAA-BE is a flashlight that can shine up to 300 lumens. It has a sturdy design with materials that excel in shatter resistance and shock absorption, and it is capable of withstanding a fall from up to 30 feet.
The flashlight's illuminance from the center measured in at 1601 lux in our brightness test. It can illuminate an area of around 66 square feet, enough for dining during a blackout or making your tent cozy while camping.
The battery life is solid, clocking in at 103 hours and three minutes. It can last for over four days, so it’s reliable during extensive power outages and reducing the frequency of battery changes if you're using it for work.
While you can't adjust the beam range, you can change the light intensity in two steps. However, to turn it off, you have to cycle through high, low, and off settings, which can be a bit tedious.
It's slightly larger than the palm of your hand and a bit heavy for extended use, affecting its portability score. It also lacks features like strobing or blinking, making it less versatile for outdoor use. However, with a water and dust resistance rating of IP67, it is highly durable in wet or dusty conditions.
Battery | AAA |
---|---|
No. of batteries | 3 |
Width | 3.94 in. |
Depth | 1.77 in. |
Height | 7.95 in. |
Power source | |
Magnetic | |
Strap | |
Keychain |
Runtime | 84.88 hrs. |
---|---|
Adjustable brightness | |
Beam spread | 209 square feet |
Brightness (in lumens) | 740 lumens |
The Coast Polysteel 600 R is a flashlight that can illuminate up to a staggering 740 lumens. One of its key features is that it comes with a battery, so you can use it right out of the box.
In terms of brightness, it recorded an incredibly bright central illuminance of 3500 lux. It can illuminate an area of about 209 square feet, making it more than sufficient for lighting up a dining table during a power outage or even an entire small room like a bedroom or study.
The battery lasted for 84 hours and 52 minutes in our tests, so you can use it for over three days straight. This makes it ideal for major power outages and most outdoor activities like hiking or camping without the need for spare batteries.
A single press of the button turns it on or off, saving you the hassle of multiple clicks. It also offers a wide range of beam and brightness adjustments, including three levels of brightness, allowing you to tailor the light to your needs and conserve battery life. However, a notable downside was the part that needs to be twisted for beam adjustment was very stiff.
Due to its large size and weight, it's not the most portable option. You'll likely need to carry it in a bag rather than a pocket. Its dust and water resistance rating is IP54, making it fairly resilient against splashes of water and dust. It also features a beacon mode, useful for sending SOS signals in emergencies.
Battery | AA |
---|---|
No. of batteries | 4 |
Width | 2.0 in. |
Depth | 2.0 in. |
Height | 8.0 in. |
Power source | |
Magnetic | |
Strap | |
Keychain |
Runtime | 98.25 hrs. |
---|---|
Adjustable brightness | |
Beam spread | 44 square feet |
Brightness (in lumens) | 140 lumens |
This LE flashlight is a battery-operated model with an output of 140 lumens and a beam that reaches up to 492 feet. The brightness is a modest 69 lux at the center. It’s able to illuminate an area of about 44 square feet, which is a bit low compared to other models. However, it does provide enough light for indoor use, such as lighting up a basement or in case of a power outage.
Its standout feature is the battery life. During testing, the flashlight remained lit for 98 hours and 15 minutes, enough for continuous use of over four days. This makes it suitable for both outdoor activities and disaster situations. Although there is no brightness control, the focus can be easily adjusted by sliding the flashlight's head. Additionally, it can be turned on and off with a single button press, making it user-friendly.
The flashlight is small enough to fit in your palm, and its lightweight design allows for easy portability without adding bulk to your pocket. In terms of functionality, it has an IP44 dust and water resistance rating, protecting it somewhat from damage due to rain, water droplets, sand, or dust. It doesn't have a beacon or strobe mode, but its impressive battery life makes it an excellent choice for those who need a flashlight for indoor use or to use for extended periods.
Battery | AAA |
---|---|
No. of batteries | 3 |
Width | 1.25 in. |
Depth | 1.25 in. |
Height | 4.25 in. |
Power source | |
Magnetic | |
Strap | |
Keychain |
Runtime | 103.08 hrs. |
---|---|
Adjustable brightness | |
Beam spread | 117 square feet |
Brightness (in lumens) | 1040 lumens |
The GearLight TAC LED is a battery-operated flashlight that puts out 1,040 lumens. Made from military-grade aluminum, it's designed to withstand falls from up to 10 feet. The center of the beam measured 225 lux in tests, and it illuminated an area of 117 square feet. That’s enough light for a power outage or work tasks.
This flashlight had the longest lighting time of all the products we tested, lasting 103 hours and 5 minutes. With over four days of continuous use, it's suitable for extended power outages and daily use at work without frequent battery replacements. The brightness can’t be adjusted, but the flashlight's focus is easily adjustable by moving the head back and forth. It's also easy to turn on and off with a single button.
On the downside, its size and weight make it somewhat uncomfortable to carry in a pocket. It might be slightly inconvenient for frequent on-the-go use. It also lacks a flashing beacon mode, intermittent mode, and waterproof features, making it less suitable for activities like mountain climbing.
Battery | AAA |
---|---|
No. of batteries | 3 |
Width | 1.5 in. |
Depth | 1.5 in. |
Height | 5.3 in. |
Power source | |
Magnetic | |
Strap | |
Keychain |
Runtime | 4.38 hrs. |
---|---|
Adjustable brightness | |
Beam spread | 109 square feet |
Brightness (in lumens) | 2000 lumens |
NEBO's Torchy is a rechargeable flashlight with a brightness of up to 2000 lumens. Designed with auto mechanics in mind, it features a magnet and clip for hands-free operation.
The central spot's illuminance was 518 lux, providing enough brightness for tasks like reading or paperwork. It can illuminate an area of about 109 square feet, sufficient for lighting up a dining table during a blackout or even the underside of a car.
On the downside, the battery life was disappointing, as it only lasted four hours and 16 minutes in our test. If you need it for extended periods, you'll want to keep the brightness level low. On the plus side, its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around. It's a good fit for outdoor activities like camping or hiking.
While you can't adjust the beam range, the flashlight offers three brightness levels, giving you more control compared to other models. However, turning it off requires cycling through the settings, which can be a bit tedious.
The Torchy’s water and dust resistance rating is IPX6, so it's fairly resilient against rain and splashes. It also comes with a beacon mode, useful for sending SOS signals. The inclusion of a magnet, strap, and clip makes it particularly useful for car repairs and maintenance.
Battery | N/A |
---|---|
No. of batteries | N/A |
Width | 1.0 in. |
Depth | 1.0 in. |
Height | 4.28 in. |
Power source | |
Magnetic | |
Strap | |
Keychain |
Runtime | 84.88 hrs. |
---|---|
Adjustable brightness | |
Beam spread | 519 square feet |
Brightness (in lumens) | 1300 lumens |
Energizer's Vision HD is a flashlight with an output of 1300 lumens. It's made from aircraft-grade materials for high durability.
In our brightness tests, it recorded an impressive 2550 lux at its center spot. It can light up an area of about 519 square feet, enough to illuminate an entire living room during a power outage.
The battery life is also impressive, lasting for 84 hours and 52 minutes in our tests, meaning it can be used for over three days continuously. This makes it a reliable choice for extensive power outages and outdoor activities like camping or hiking, without needing to worry about spare batteries.
While it doesn't offer beam adjustment, a button press allows you to adjust the brightness in two levels. This is handy for tailoring the brightness to different situations or conserving battery life. However, turning it off requires multiple button presses, which can be a bit tedious.
Its large size and weight make it less than ideal for carrying around. It won't fit in a pocket, so you'll likely need to carry it in a bag. Its dust and water resistance rating is IPX4, making it suitable for use around water but not in dusty environments. It also features a beacon, useful for sending SOS signals in emergencies.
Battery | AA |
---|---|
No. of batteries | 6 |
Width | 5.3 in. |
Depth | 2 in. |
Height | 12.5 in. |
Power source | |
Magnetic | |
Strap | |
Keychain |
Runtime | 6.4 hrs. |
---|---|
Adjustable brightness | |
Beam spread | 124 square feet |
Brightness (in lumens) | 400 lumens |
The Anker Bolder T1423 is a rechargeable flashlight with a 400-lumen output. According to the manufacturer, it’s functional in sub-freezing temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit. During testing, the brightness measured 283 lux at the center, and it illuminated an area of 124 square feet. This performance makes it capable of adequately lighting a dining table during a power outage.
However, at six hours and 24 minutes, the usage time is pretty short. While adjusting the brightness to fit the situation can extend the battery life, this flashlight may not be ideal for power outages or extended daily use. The focus is not adjustable, but the flashlight has three different brightness levels and can be turned on and off hassle-free with a single button.
It's a bit on the larger side, but its lightweight design makes it comfortable to carry in your pocket. Functionally, it has an IPX5 water resistance rating, making it suitable for use in wet locations or outdoors. Although it lacks an intermittent mode, it does include a beacon mode, which can be useful in emergencies.
Battery | N/A |
---|---|
No. of batteries | N/A |
Width | 1.3 in. |
Depth | 1.3 in. |
Height | 5 in. |
Power source | |
Magnetic | |
Strap | |
Keychain |
Runtime | 94.66 hrs. |
---|---|
Adjustable brightness | |
Beam spread | 287 square feet |
Brightness (in lumens) | 1630 lumens |
The Coast G450 has brightness listed at 1,630 lumens. It comes with six AAA batteries, so it’s ready to use right out of the box. In our brightness testing, the center of the beam measured an impressive 3,050 lux. It also illuminated an area of 287 square feet, enough to light up a large bedroom, so it’s not only suitable for daily use but also for illuminating larger spaces.
It lasts a lengthy 94 hours and 40 minutes, so it can be used in various situations without having to worry about the battery running out. The beam’s focus can be adjusted by twisting the head, and brightness is controlled by pressing a button. Turning it on and off is also done with a single button press, so it’s a breeze to operate.
On the downside, the size and weight of the flashlight could be considerable drawbacks. It's too large to fit in a pocket and bulky enough to be cumbersome when carried in a bag, so portability is not great. The dust protection and water resistance rating is IP54, so it can withstand some splashes, rain, and dirt. While it doesn't have a beacon function, it does feature an intermittent flashing mode, which can be useful for sending an SOS signal in an emergency.
Battery | AA |
---|---|
No. of batteries | 6 |
Width | 2.0 in. |
Depth | 2.0 in. |
Height | 8.0 in. |
Power source | |
Magnetic | |
Strap | |
Keychain |
Runtime | 2.5 hrs. |
---|---|
Adjustable brightness | |
Beam spread | 166 square feet |
Brightness (in lumens) | 2000 lumens |
Hoxida's Tactical Flashlight is a rechargeable flashlight that can shine up to 2000 lumens. It comes in a set of two, making it ideal for those who want to keep multiple flashlights handy.
The flashlight recorded a bright 1024 lux at its center in our brightness tests. It can illuminate an area of about 166 square feet, sufficient for lighting up a dining table during a blackout or making your tent cozy while camping.
However, the battery life was disappointing, lasting only two hours and 30 minutes. If you need long-lasting illumination, you'll have to manage the brightness settings carefully. It's slightly larger than the palm of your hand but lightweight, making it easy to carry around. It's a good fit for outdoor activities like camping or hiking.
The flashlight offers adjustments for both beam range and brightness, giving you more control compared to other models. Turning it off, however, requires cycling through the settings, which can be time-consuming.
Its water and dust resistance rating is IPX6, so it's fairly resilient against water. It comes with a beacon setting as well, useful for sending SOS signals.
Battery | N/A |
---|---|
No. of batteries | N/A |
Width | 1.0 in. |
Depth | 1.0 in. |
Height | 5.39 in. |
Power source | |
Magnetic | |
Strap | |
Keychain |
Runtime | 1.25 hrs. |
---|---|
Adjustable brightness | |
Beam spread | 108 square feet |
Brightness (in lumens) | 300 lumens |
The Surefire Sidekick is a rechargeable flashlight with an output of 300 lumens. It comes with a keychain that allows you to attach it to your bag or jeans for easy portability. The most notable feature is its compact and lightweight design. It’s about the size of a keyless entry remote, so it’s easy to carry in your pocket. Despite its compact size, the flashlight is capable of illuminating an area comparable to standard-sized flashlights. During testing, the central brightness measured 241 lux, lighting an area of 108 square feet. That’s enough to light a large area during a power outage or while working.
However, the flashlight turned off after one hour and 15 minutes, so the battery doesn’t last very long. While reducing the brightness can conserve power and extend the time, this flashlight may not be suitable for extended use. Although the brightness can be adjusted, turning off the flashlight requires cycling through each mode from on to high to medium to low and finally to off, which can be somewhat irritating. The flashlight also lacks additional features such as water resistance or a beacon mode.
Battery | N/A |
---|---|
No. of batteries | N/A |
Width | 2.5 in. |
Depth | 0.6 in. |
Height | 2.48 in. |
Power source | |
Magnetic | |
Strap | |
Keychain |
Runtime | 4.63 hrs. |
---|---|
Adjustable brightness | |
Beam spread | 2.6 square feet |
Brightness (in lumens) | 14 lumens |
The Maglight Maglite Mini M2A016 is a battery-operated flashlight that puts out 14 lumens. One of its unique features is the ability to function in candle mode when the head is removed, for 360-degree illumination. During testing, we recorded a brightness of 43 lux at the center and it illuminated an area of 2.6 square feet. This is considerably dimmer than the other products we tested. While it is adequate for lighting up your immediate surroundings, it’s unlikely to illuminate distant or large areas.
In addition, the runtime is modest, at four hours and 38 minutes. There is no brightness adjustment feature, so you can’t reduce the brightness to save power, making it necessary to carry spare batteries for extended use. There is no button, so to turn the flashlight on and off or adjust the focus you need to twist the head. When the beam width is at its maximum, you must twist the head several times to turn the flashlight off, which can be a hassle.
On the other hand, the slender and lightweight design makes it easy to carry in your pocket or bag without being bulky. The flashlight is scarce on additional features, lacking water resistance or a beacon function.
Battery | AA |
---|---|
No. of batteries | 2 |
Width | 0.7 in. |
Depth | 0.7 in. |
Height | 6.6 in. |
Power source | |
Magnetic | |
Strap | |
Keychain |
We tested 13 bestselling flashlights from Amazon and Walmart to find out which was the best. At mybest, we believe an outstanding flashlight should illuminate a large area, be easy to use and carry, and offer a variety of additional features.
We evaluated the flashlights based on these six criteria.
Products we tested
A crucial factor when using a flashlight is its brightness. To test the brightness of each flashlight, we set them on high and pointed them at a wall 2.5 meters (about eight feet) away. We measured the central brightness three times and calculated the average illuminance. We gave high ratings to flashlights with an illuminance of 100 lux or more, similar to streetlight brightness.
It’s nice to have a flashlight that can light a large area, so we tested the area illuminated. We set each flashlight to its maximum beam width and shone it on a wall about eight feet away. We measured the area with an illuminance over five lux and calculated its size.
Flashlights that illuminated an area of five square meters (about 54 square feet) or more, which is about the size of a dining table, received higher ratings. The "brightly lit area" was defined as the area with an illuminance of at least five lux, allowing you to see a person's face from 13 feet away.
Battery life is important since flashlights are often used during emergencies. We tested the battery life by continuously running each flashlight at its maximum output until it turned off. Flashlights received high ratings if they lasted for 24 hours or more, able to provide light through a full day during a power outage. We used fresh batteries for battery-operated flashlights and fully charged rechargeable ones before testing.
A flashlight should be easy and stress-free to use. We evaluated each flashlight’s usability, assigning points for the following features.
When using a flashlight for camping or hiking, portability is key. We checked the size and weight of each flashlight and assessed its portability. Higher ratings were given to flashlights with a volume of 100 cubic centimeters (about six cubic inches) and weighing less than 125 grams, or 4.4 ounces, which can be carried in a pocket without discomfort.
Finally, we evaluated the types of extra features each flashlight offered. We considered six factors that contribute to convenience and comfort, giving higher ratings to flashlights with water resistance, beacon mode, or other useful features for outdoor activities like the following.
No. 1: ThruNite |Archer 2A V3
No. 2: Streamlight|Stylus Pro
No. 3: Rayovac|DIY3AAA-BE
No. 4: Coast|Polysteel 600 R
No. 5: LE|LED Flashlight
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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