After Weeks of Testing, We Found 8 Flashlights That Won’t Flicker Out When You Need Them Most

But with so many flashlights on the market, finding one that’s actually built to last can be challenging. To help you select a solid model for home, travel, or the jobsite, we put 17 models to the test and sought advice from experts who use them professionally, including a military veteran and former CIA agent. Armed with their insights and our test results, we chose the Fenix PD36R V2.0 Rechargeable Flashlight as our top pick for its useful range of settings, long-lasting performance, and impressive durability. 

In this guide, we’ll share more about that model and the rest of our tested recommendations so you can find the best flashlight for your needs.

1. BEST OVERALL: Fenix PD36R V2.0 Rechargeable Flashlight
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Gearlight S1000 LED Tactical Flashlight
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3. BEST DUAL-MODE: Acebeam Tac 2AA EDC LED Dual-Mode Flashlight
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4. BEST ADJUSTABLE BEAM: Ledlenser MT14 Flashlight
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5. BEST EDC: ThruNite Archer 2A V3 Flashlight
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6. BEST JOBSITE: Klein Tools Rechargeable LED Flashlight With Work Light
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7. BEST MULTI-FUNCTION: Wurkkos HD10 Mini Right-Angle Flashlight/Headlamp
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8. BEST FOR LIGHT PACKING: Coast HX5 Pure Beam Focusing Pocket Light
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Flashlights Comparison

Our Top Picks

Our hands-on testing illuminated some of the best flashlight options on the market. The following models vary in style, design, and cost, and while some are better suited to specific uses than others, all are top performers in their categories.

Best Overall

Fenix PD36R V2.0 Rechargeable Flashlight

Buy at Amazon Buy at Fenix

What We Like

• Extremely bright high-lumen flashlight
• Weather-resistant IP68 build
• Fast USB-C recharging
• Compact and easy to carry

What We Don’t Like

• Higher cost than simpler flashlights 
• Endcap isn’t magnetic or standing

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Specs 

• Lumens Up to 1700
• Power source 1 rechargeable 21700 lithium-ion battery
• Runtime Up to 482 hours
• Weight 5.89 ounces
• IP rating IP68

Our Ratings

The Fenix PD36R V2.0 rechargeable flashlight won our top award for its combination of brightness, durability, and convenience. An impressive upgrade in everyday carry and outdoor lighting, this long-distance flashlight provides focused light with an exceptional 396-meter (1,299-foot) beam distance. It has five brightness levels plus a strobe feature and intelligent memory, and it runs for up to 482 hours on low. This model comes with a 3.7-volt battery that recharges via USB-C.

Though the Fenix is slightly larger and heavier than some of the other compact flashlights (it’s 5.5 inches long, about 1 inch in diameter, and 5.89 ounces), it’s still sized right for a pocket or gear bag. Its dual-switch interface is easy to use, though the relatively flat side switch can be a bit hard to find by feel alone. We got accustomed to it in our tests, plus you don’t really need to toggle between modes unless the light is already on, which makes the switch visible.

In addition to its incredibly bright output and long runtime​, we really appreciated the durability of this pick. It has an impact resistance rating of up to 1 meter and is IP68 waterproof rated for submersion up to 2 meters. It’s one of the only models we tested that has a two-way body clip for different lighting needs, plus it also comes with a lanyard, holster, spare O-ring, and charging cable. 

What our tester says: “This is the kind of flashlight you buy once, take care of, and keep using for years to come. It has everything you need for camping, emergencies, or everyday use. We store ours in the top drawer of our workbench so it’s there any time we need it.”—Michelle Larson, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Fenix flashlight at Amazon or Fenix.

Best Bang for the Buck

Gearlight S1000 LED Tactical Flashlight

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What We Like

• Affordable 2-pack for outfitting multiple locations
• Adjustable zoomable beam settings
• Comes with lanyards and holsters
• Constructed from military-grade aluminum

What We Don’t Like

• Rechargeable is sold separately
• No info listed for runtime or IP rating

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Specs 

• Lumens Up to 1040
• Power source 3 AAA batteries
• Runtime Not listed
• Weight 5.12 ounces
• IP rating Not listed

Our Ratings

Those looking to outfit more than one location, such as a camping bag, car, bedroom, or emergency kit, will have a hard time finding a better value for money than the Gearlight S1000, which is sold as a two-pack. At 1040 lumens, we found it plenty bright for early morning dog walks, standard household use, and emergency preparedness. It has five lighting modes and a zoomable head that slides in and out to switch between a wide floodlight and a focused spotlight. The only downside to that design is that the head moves almost too easily, so we did sometimes change the light’s output during testing without intending to. 

As a non-rechargeable flashlight, the S1000 runs on three AAA batteries, which can be convenient during a power outage or when you simply don’t want to worry about recharging. It’s sized similarly to our top pick at about 6 inches long, 1.5 inches in diameter, and 5.12 ounces. While it doesn’t have quite the same rugged feel as that more premium model, it’s still constructed using military-grade aluminum and had no problem withstanding our 6-foot drop test. The two-pack includes lanyards and holsters for carrying and storage convenience, meaning the only extra you’ll need to buy is batteries. 

What our tester says: “The Gearlight is impossible to beat for its balance of affordability, convenience, and brightness. Even though it’s a more budget-conscious model, it’s amazing how nice it is compared to those big plastic flashlights I grew up with (that probably cost just as much). I can definitely see ordering multiple two-packs to put lights in several places without overspending.”—Michelle Larson, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Gearlight flashlight at Amazon or Walmart.

Best Dual-Mode

Acebeam Tac 2AA EDC LED Dual-Mode Flashlight

Buy at Amazon Buy at Acebeam

What We Like

• USB-C charging port is on the battery not the light’s body
• Also works with 2 AA batteries
• Tactical and daily modes; 6 settings and up to 1400 lumens
• Comes with a 2-way clip and lanyard

What We Don’t Like

• Head gets a bit hot on high
• Tailcap isn’t magnetic

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Specs 

• Lumens Up to 1040
• Power source 1 rechargeable 14100 lithium-ion battery
• Runtime Up to 94 hours
• Weight 3.73 ounces
• IP rating IP68

Our Ratings

Acebeam makes a whole host of highly rated flashlights, and after testing the Tac 2AA SFT-25R HI, it’s easy to see why the brand is so popular. While this 1400-lumen flashlight is compatible with disposable AA batteries for emergency situations or extended trips into the backcountry, it comes with a USB-C rechargeable 14100P battery that has an integrated port. Unlike every other rechargeable model we tested, where the charging port was under a rubber cover on the body, this unit’s completely sealed design is a clear upgrade for waterproofing and durability. 

Situated in the middle of the pack in terms of weight, this dual-mode EDC (everyday carry) and tactical flashlight comes in at just 3.73 ounces with a length of 5.9 inches and a diameter of 0.78 to 0.86 inches (body vs. head). It has five brightness levels plus strobe, a max beam distance of 304 meters, and a max runtime of 94 hours. In our tests, the Moonlight and low settings were great for close-up tasks, while medium, high, and Turbo put out ample brightness for varying levels of long-distance visibility. This pick also has an IP68 rating, making it completely dustproof and waterproof, and its ergonomic design and simple controls make it easy to operate. 

Get the Acebeam flashlight at Amazon or Acebeam.

Best Adjustable Beam

Ledlenser MT14 Flashlight

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What We Like

• Adjustable beam for both broad and focused lighting
• Impressive 192-hour runtime on low
• Rechargeable and weather-resistant 
• 3 brightness settings up to 1000 lumens

What We Don’t Like

• Slightly larger and heavier than modern pocket-sized flashlights
• Head gets quite warm on high

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Specs 

• Lumens Up to 1000
• Power source 1 rechargeable 26650 lithium-ion battery
• Runtime Up to 192 hours
• Weight 8.92 ounces
• IP rating IP54

Our Ratings

The Ledlenser M14 handheld flashlight​ is a premium option that combines a long runtime with adjustable beam control in a user-friendly package. This rechargeable model offers three settings plus a strobe, delivers up to 1000 lumens of brightness, and uses a sliding head that makes it easy to transition between a broad floodlight and a focused spotlight. As the largest and heaviest model we tested (1.7 inches in diameter and 8.92 ounces), it may be a bit big for a pocket, though it feels comfortable and reassuring in hand.

Powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, the M14 runs up to 192 hours on low. While the head did get a little warm on high, this pick has a temperature control system that keeps it from overheating, so the beam stays bright for longer. It also has a locking head to prevent it from accidentally turning off or on and comes with a lanyard, holster, and charging cord. Even though we tested lights that are smaller and lighter, we loved the Ledlenser for its long-lasting performance and intuitive adjustability. Plus, there’s just something nice about the weight of this model when you’re in complete darkness and looking for the comfort of light. 

Get the Ledlenser flashlight at Amazon or Ledlenser.

Best EDC

ThruNite Archer 2A V3 Flashlight

Buy at Amazon Buy at ThruNite

What We Like

• Compact, pocket-friendly design 
• Only weighs 1.69 ounces
• Stays on up to 15 days on Firefly mode 
• 2 AA batteries or rechargeable (sold separately)

What We Don’t Like

• Lower lumen output than larger models
• Not USB-rechargeable without an additional purchase

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Specs 

• Lumens Up to 500
• Power source 2 AA batteries
• Runtime Up to 15 days
• Weight 1.69 ounces
• IP rating IPX8

Our Ratings

The ThruNite Archer 2A V3 is a compact and lightweight flashlight perfect for everyday use. Though it only weighs 1.69 ounces and measures 6.1 inches long and 0.87 inches in diameter, it still delivers up to 500 lumens and has four settings plus a strobe. It runs on two AA batteries and offers an impressive 15 days of runtime on Firefly mode, making it ideal for emergencies or extended-use tasks like reading at night.

The Archer uses a dual-button design with a side switch for cycling between settings and a forward-clicky tail switch for momentary or constant use. Its aluminum body is rated IPX8 to 2 meters and impact-resistant to 1 meter and comes with an attached pocket clip, two spare O-rings, and a lanyard. In our tests, it functioned and felt nearly identical to the AceBeam, though it costs a third less and has about a third of the lumen output (500 vs. 1400). For those who don’t need anything ultra-bright but want practicality, performance, and affordability, the ThruNite is an easy EDC pick.

Get the ThruNite flashlight at Amazon or ThruNite.

Best Jobsite

Klein Tools Rechargeable LED Flashlight With Work Light

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What We Like

• Flashlight with side work light LEDs and magnetic endcap
• Multiple brightness modes with long runtimes
• Durable, water-resistant, and dust-proof design
• Convenient memory and battery indicators

What We Don’t Like

• Lower max lumen output than tactical models
• Slightly heavy at 6.9 ounces

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Specs 

• Lumens Up to 500
• Power source 1 rechargeable 18560 lithium-ion battery
• Runtime Up to 30 hours
• Weight 6.9 ounces
• IP rating IP66

Our Ratings

This heavy-duty flashlight from Klein Tools surprised us in testing. Comparatively heavy and bulky at 6.9 ounces and 1.4 to 1.5 inches in diameter (body vs. head) with a max lumen output of 500, it just didn’t seem all that remarkable before we started using it. But that’s what happens with testing sometimes—you don’t see what makes a tool special until you actually put it to work. 

In this case, we fell in love with this model because it’s more than a flashlight. The Klein doubles as an incredibly bright yet compact work light with a magnetic endcap that has come in handy time and time again. In flashlight mode, it offers two settings: low (315 lumens with 10 hours of runtime) and high (500 lumens with 7 hours of runtime). In work light mode, it has three: low (35 lumens for 30 hours), medium (235 lumens for 11 hours), and high (375 lumens for 10 hours). It handled our 6-foot drop test without any issues and features an IP66 rating for water- and dust-resistance. It also has thoughtful details like a glow ring locator on the bezel, battery life indicator, USB-C charging, and mode memory.

What our tester says: “This is definitely a favorite in terms of versatility. In the last 2 months, I’ve used it as a traditional flashlight on a trip overseas and a magnetic work light in my garage at home. The glow ring and mode memory make it easy to find and use wherever I need it.”—Michelle Larson, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Klein flashlight at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Walmart, Northern Tool + Equipment, or Klein Tools.

Best Multi-Function

Wurkkos HD10 Mini Right-Angle Flashlight/Headlamp

Buy at Amazon Buy at Wurkkos

What We Like

• Right-angle magnetic design with headlamp option
• 8 brightness settings with 129-meter throw 
• IP68 waterproof aerospace-grade aluminum body 
• Lightweight with runtime up to 100 hours

What We Don’t Like

• Takes time to learn how to switch settings
• Magnetic endcap could be stronger

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Specs 

• Lumens Up to 1200
• Power source 1 rechargeable 14500 lithium-ion battery
• Runtime Up to 100 hours
• Weight 1.62 ounces
• IP rating IP68

Our Ratings

The Wurooks HD10 mini right-angle flashlight has way more going on than you’d expect just looking at it. Compact and lightweight at 3.24 inches long, 0.92 inches in diameter, and 1.62 ounces by weight, it’s sized just right for handheld use or as a camping flashlight with the included headband. It delivers up to 1200 lumens with a beam distance of about 129 meters, balancing power with portability.

This small flashlight runs off a USB-C rechargeable battery and features extensive customization options for all its settings and colors. Though we found it complex at first, once we figured out how to adjust everything using the single-button interface, we were pretty impressed. For example, you hold the button down to smoothly scroll between brightness settings and double-click it to jump straight to Turbo mode. To cycle through the auxiliary colors, you use a series of clicks and holds that activate different color patterns. While we wish the learning curve weren’t quite so steep and the magnetic endcap was a little stronger, the Wurkkos H10’s combination of compact size and flexible settings makes it an excellent option for everyday carry as well as for outdoor adventures.

Get the Wurkkos flashlight at Amazon or Wurkkos.

Best for Light Packing

Coast HX5 Pure Beam Focusing Pocket Light

Buy at Amazon Buy at The Home Depot Buy at Walmart

What We Like

• 2-way clip for carrying versatility
• Works with 1 AA battery or a rechargeable 14500 (sold separately)
• Halo-free beam with sliding focus
• IP54-rated for dust- and water-resistance

What We Don’t Like

• Only 1 brightness mode
• Runtime limited to about 3 hours

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Specs 

• Lumens Up to 180
• Power source 1 AA battery
• Runtime Up to 3 hours
• Weight 2.5 ounces
• IP rating IP54

Our Ratings

At about 4 inches long, less than 1 inch in diameter, and only 2.5 ounces, the Coast HX5 compact flashlight​ is ideal for everyday carry and light packing. It features the brand’s patented Pure Beam optic focusing system with Slide Focus beam, allowing you to transition smoothly between a wide flood light for close-up tasks and a focused spot beam for long-distance viewing with no halos or hot spots. As simply designed as it is small, it runs on a single AA battery and has only one brightness mode.

The HX5 is IP54 rated for dust and splash resistance, so it can handle both a dirty worksite and light rain. The included two-way clip attaches easily to a pocket, belt, or the brim of a hat for hands-free use, and the textured grip on the aluminum body makes it feel more solid in hand. At 180 lumens, it wasn’t one of the brightest flashlights we tested, but it excels in portability, ease of use, and beam control. It’s perfect for camping, slipping in your pocket for everyday tasks, or storing in a crowded glove compartment for emergencies.

Get the Coast flashlight at Amazon, The Home Depot, Walmart, or Coast.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Tested the Best Flashlights

To select our products for testing, we started by interviewing Josh Skovlund, a military veteran and writer for Task & Purpose, about what he looks for in a great flashlight. According to Josh, “It has to be water-resistant; if it’s not, I don’t even bother looking at it.” He also suggests considering what you’ll use the flashlight for. “If you want something for a backup in case of power loss at home, […] have a long-lasting flashlight […] that you know will last a while before it burns out.” 

After looking at dozens of models from top flashlight brands and considering various uses, we identified 17 to test. We evaluated each on its illumination capabilities at distances of 20 and 40 feet and beyond, under furniture and in dark closets, and when walking before sunrise. We dropped them from heights of 3 feet and 6 feet, submerged waterproof models and splashed water-resistant ones, and scrolled through every setting. We let their batteries run out while measuring how long that took and tested any additional features they offered, including magnetic endcaps, holsters, and headbands.

Once our efforts were complete, we identified top-performing models and gave them awards based on their strengths. 

What to Consider When Choosing a Flashlight

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) rates flashlights by their light output, battery runtime, beam distance, and beam intensity. When shopping, you may notice products come with a series of ratings, which can help you find the flashlight that best suits your needs.

Brightness

While there are still a few flashlights on the market that use incandescent bulbs, the vast majority of today’s models feature LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs that produce brighter beams over greater distances. The amount of light a flashlight produces is measured in lumens. A flashlight producing 25 lumens is sufficient for reading a book under the covers, while 200 lumens will illuminate the corners of an average-size yard. Most of the flashlights on our list offer even more light, with some putting out more than 1000 lumens.

LED flashlights are more common than incandescent ones because they are more energy efficient, meaning their batteries last longer. They’re also extremely bright yet generate comparatively less heat, allowing them to stay cool even if they’re on for an hour or more.

Beam Distance and Type

Flashlight beams are generally evaluated by distance and type. Beam distance is measured in meters according to industry standards. For example, a flashlight rated for 200 meters will shine just over 650 feet. Beam type considers how the light is cast. A flood beam lights up a wide area, which is generally better for closer tasks, while a spot beam focuses light into a narrow stream that reaches farther. Some flashlights let you switch between the two for flexibility for different situations.

Many tactical-type models may feature an emergency strobe function, which emits a rapid, high-intensity flash to attract attention in emergencies. Former CIA officer and Spy Briefing Gear founder Jason Hanson explains: “Light should have various beams—you want a strobe beam for emergency situations and a wide beam in case of power failure.” 

Durability

A reliable flashlight needs to withstand tough conditions, whether that means surviving a drop on a concrete floor or a sudden onslaught of heavy rain. Many quality flashlights are made from aircraft-grade aluminum to add strength without excess weight, and they often have impact-resistance ratings that confirm they can handle accidental falls. Some also have textured grips and roll-proof designs or clips that make them easier to handle and less likely to slide off a surface. 

Ingress Protection (IP) ratings measure how well a flashlight resists dust and water. The first number in an IP rating refers to dust resistance, and the second denotes resistance to moisture. The highest rating is an IP68, which means the flashlight is completely dustproof and can be submerged in water for up to 4 hours. A light with an IP54 rating has limited dust resistance and can only withstand light splashes.

Power Source

The more powerful the beam, the more quickly batteries will drain, so with more intense and powerful light output comes the need for longer battery runtimes. After all, a high-lumen flashlight won’t do much good on a weekend camping trip if the batteries die in 2 hours. 

Fortunately, many flashlights use rechargeable batteries. They cost a bit more than disposables, but they’ll save money over time if the flashlight is used frequently: 

• Rechargeable battery: Many of today’s flashlights come with rechargeable batteries and can be charged with solar cells, USB ports, or adapters that plug into household power outlets. They’re among the handiest options—as long as the user keeps them charged, they’re ready to go at a moment’s notice.
• Battery: A good number of flashlights still take disposable batteries, and they’re typically among the most affordable models. It’s smart to keep a supply of extra batteries on hand or you risk being caught without a functioning flashlight.

Size, Weight, and Use

The best flashlights are available in a range of sizes suited to different needs. When choosing a flashlight from the list above, consider how its size and weight will match your intended use.

Pocket flashlights, often referred to as compact or EDC units, are slim and lightweight so you can easily slip them into a pocket or purse or clip them to a keychain for everyday use. Larger, more heavy-duty flashlights with extended battery life and powerful beams are more commonly used in situations where durability and runtime matter more than size and weight. 

For those in professional settings, ease of use and extra features are also essential. According to Dr. Jared L. Ross, SWAT team member, board-certified emergency physician, and founder and president of the emergency medical consulting firm EMSEC, “Law enforcement tends to prefer flashlights that have a tail switch for one-handed operation while wearing gloves. […] A good-quality crowned bezel can be useful to break glass or as a backup defensive weapon.” 

FAQs

Continue reading below to find the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about flashlights.

Q. What does “lumen” mean?

A lumen is a measure of light. The intensity of a flashlight’s beam is measured in lumens, and the higher the number, the brighter the light.

Q. Do LED flashlights get hot?

LED bulbs are much cooler than incandescent bulbs, but a powerful LED flashlight may still become warm. It shouldn’t become scorchingly hot to touch, however.

Q. What does “EDC flashlight” mean?

EDC is an acronym for “everyday carry” and is used to describe items, including flashlights, that are great for daily use but might not rise to the level of function required for particular activities. For example, an EDC flashlight would be suitable for lighting up a door lock at night, but it might not be powerful enough for tactical or first-responder use.

Q. Are expensive flashlights worth it?

Whether an expensive flashlight is worth it depends on your budget and needs. Expensive flashlights generally offer increased durability and a more reliable performance, reducing the likelihood of your flashlight not working when you need it most. Sometimes, however, it’s nice to buy a few budget-friendly models for multiple locations so you always have some light handy.

Q. How many lumens is a good flashlight​?

As evidenced by the products on our list, a good flashlight will generally have between 180 and 1700 lumens. An emergency flashlight for a power outage will typically fall on the higher end since it will be used in conditions where there’s absolutely no artificial light, while one used for camping may have a lower lumen level so it isn’t as disruptive in natural settings. 

Q. Do all flashlights produce the same light beam?

No, all flashlights do not produce the same light beam. Flood lights have beams that are wide and even for close-up work, while spot beams produce focused, narrow beams for long-distance illumination. Some models allow you to adjust their beams for more versatility. 

Meet The Testers

Glenda Taylor is a product tester and writer specializing in the construction, remodeling, and real estate industry. She tests a wide range of power tools as well as other home improvement, household, and lawn-and-garden products.

Michelle Larson has been a writer and editor for more than 10 years in the fields of health, business, and the home. Because she’d rather spend a little more up front than buy a tool or appliance twice, she strongly believes in the power of research and reviews for finding quality items that are meant to last. 

 

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