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 7 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 60 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.
Among alkaline battery-powered flashlights, there is a difference in battery life between those that use three or more batteries and those that use fewer than three. If you want to be prepared for major power outages, it is recommended to choose a flashlight that uses three or more batteries.
Our tests revealed that flashlights using at least three batteries could be used continuously for an average of 98.5 hours. During one past major power outage in the United States, electricity was out for 29 hours. Flashlights using three or more batteries last long enough to get through even those extreme situations.
In contrast, flashlights using fewer than three batteries provided an average of 12.9 hours of continuous use, which is sufficient for average power outages but may not be enough for longer ones.
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.
Light output | 367 lux |
---|---|
Runtime | 21.9 hrs. |
Adjustable brightness | 4 light modes |
Beam spread | 83 square feet |
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 | Battery powerd |
Magnetic | N/A |
Light output | 69 lux |
---|---|
Runtime | 98.25 hrs. |
Adjustable brightness | N/A |
Beam spread | 44 square feet |
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 | Battery powered |
Magnetic | N/A |
Light output | 225 lux |
---|---|
Runtime | 103.08 hrs. |
Adjustable brightness | N/A |
Beam spread | 117 square feet |
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 | Battery powered |
Magnetic | N/A |
Light output | 283 lux |
---|---|
Runtime | 6.4 hrs. |
Adjustable brightness | 3 light modes |
Beam spread | 124 square feet |
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 | Rechargeable |
Magnetic | N/A |
Light output | 3050 lux |
---|---|
Runtime | 94.66 hrs. |
Adjustable brightness | 3 light modes |
Beam spread | 287 square feet |
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 | Battery powered |
Magnetic | N/A |
Light output | 241 lux |
---|---|
Runtime | 1.25 hrs. |
Adjustable brightness | 3 light modes |
Beam spread | 108 square feet |
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 | Rechargeable |
Magnetic | N/A |
Light output | 43 lux |
---|---|
Runtime | 4.63 hrs. |
Adjustable brightness | 2 light modes |
Beam spread | 2.6 square feet |
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 | Battery powered |
Magnetic | N/A |
We tested 7 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.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
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