Everyone should have close to them a flashlight. These can be a lifesaver in many situations, such as being stranded in your vehicle, or when hiking, and the weather out turns dark unexpectedly.
When trying to find the ideal light, you tend to find the best flashlights are large and cumbersome. With rechargeable batteries that are shrinking in size.
You may be surprised to see the brightest flashlight, can now fit in the palm of your hand.
Our detailed purchasing reviews look at five of the best, so you can use these to help you choose the best flashlight to meet your needs.
Why You Need a Rechargeable Flashlight
There are multiple reasons every person should own a rechargeable flashlight. If you live in an area that is prone to power outages, or you are in a location where there is no electricity, the best rechargeable flashlight can be your only light source.
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Other instances maybe if you break down at the side of the road. Many of the newer flashlights offer a special breakdown strobe mode.
This can highlight your position to any person in the distance easier than a constant light beam.
With the improvement of rechargeable batteries, you get better value for money in comparison to using batteries.
In addition, if you are out hiking or camping, you can cut down on weight in your camping essentials without needing to remember and carry spare batteries.
Because the most powerful flashlight may use power faster than other models, you can charge these up quickly from power banks, cars, or anywhere you can plug in a USB cable.
In some instances, you can even charge them from a small portable solar panel during the day.
Top Rated Rechargeable Flashlight Reviews
1. PeakPlus LED Tactical Flashlight LFX1000 (Rechargeable 18650 Battery & Charger Included) – Super Bright High Lumen Zoomable 5 Modes Water
The PeakPlus rechargeable tactical flashlight is precisely engineered to help protect you from night-time predators. The PeakPlus flashlight can zoom in and out to provide bright light covering up to 600 feet.
Zoom out to use this tiny torch to illuminate a large room or area. The full-beam makes it ideal for taking pictures at night or during outdoor activities like camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, etc.
It comes with a durable and powerful flashlight battery (2200 mAh, 3.7v), which provides about five hours of bright light until there is a slight reduction of brightness.
You can also use ordinary or rechargeable AAA batteries, which are contained in a battery holder that holds all three batteries together inside the rechargeable LED flashlight.
The small LED flashlight is very durable and made of high-quality aluminum. It is light, weighs 11.2 ounces, and has a compact design.
At its widest beam, it measures 5.3 x 1.6 x 1.1 inch, and the narrowest one extends it to 6.1 inches. No matter which mode you have it in, you will never experience arm fatigue.
A case is included to store all spare parts, and flashlight when not in use. The case provides extra protection, yet this little powerhouse of a flashlight is tough enough to withstand the hardest knocks and impacts. It is waterproof, making it dependable to use, even in the most hostile weather conditions.
Pros
- Great design with five light modes
- Water-resistant
- Multiple battery types
- Hand beam zoom for long-distance
- Comes with battery and charger
Cons
- Unable to use during the charging
- The wrist strap is short
- Changing patterns takes some getting used to
The PeakPlus is the best-LED flashlight for the money and comes with a guide price of around $18, so it is one of the more affordable options and delivers many features other flashlights cannot offer.
It could be the best flashlight for camping, hiking, and mountain biking, as well as the best emergency flashlight there is.
The brightest small flashlight can be the ideal companion to keep in any handy location, so, if you are searching for a premium flashlight that tops LED flashlight reviews, is durable, and functional, this is the best small flashlight solution for you.
2. Anker Rechargeable Bolder LC90 LED Flashlight, Pocket-Sized Torch with Super Bright 900 Lumens CREE LED, IP65 Water-Resistant, Zoomable, 5 Light Modes, 18650 Battery Included
The Anker Bolder LC90 2-cell battery flashlight is an excellent flashlight for backpackers who are looking for reliable light that is simple yet very efficient.
The flashlight is driven by one USB rechargeable flashlight battery. The battery-housing has a unique design because it is a two-step approach helping to preserve the battery from water damage and avoiding the loss of the battery.
The battery charger comes with a lamp that indicates when the battery is fully charged. One downside is you need to unscrew the end to charge the battery inside the torch body.
The body is made from durable aluminum and has a long grip with an articulated strap in case you need it to strike. The flashlight is also resistant to bumps and shocks to withstand the extreme impacts.
The enclosure is waterproof to a rating of IP5, and it can withstand the rain and snow as well as rivers of deep puddles. There is a choice of 5 light settings, including high, medium, low, strobe, and an SOS function.
One unique feature is the memory function, where you can turn on the light to the same function as when you turned it off. This can be handy, yet if you were in strobe, it could be a shock if you are expecting a low beam.
Pros
- 6 hours use on one charge
- Durable construction
- Five settings
- Waterproofing rated
Cons
- Grip a bit smooth
- Unable to use while charging
With a guide price of around $30, you do get a decent flashlight with plenty of functions and durability. It also comes with an 18-month warranty.
Regrettably, you will need to scroll all the different settings in order to access the configuration you require unless you have it in memory.
This beam provides 900 lumens output capacity and can deliver light of up to a distance of 100 feet away. It makes it one of the brightest flashlights for its size, and from one of the best flashlight brands.
3. STANLEY FATMAX SL10LEDS Black Rechargeable 2200 Lumen Lithium-Ion LED Spotlight Flashlight with USB Power Charger
If you need to illuminate a broader space than an ordinary flashlight, yet still wish to have the convenience of a rechargeable battery, the Stanley Fatmax SL10LEDS high lumen flashlight is worth a look.
You may be wondering what is the brightest flashlight on the list. The Fatmax has an extremely bright LED that can pump out an impressive 2200 lumens. With up to seven hours on a single charge from a lithium-ion, battery, and it can maintain a charge level of up to one year.
The Stanley Fatmax includes a sturdy plastic housing which is similar to the brightest flashlight in the world.
It comes with a frame that consists of a stand that rotates and folds when not in use. It can be operated without using your hands if required. Features such as this make it one of the best camping flashlight or working light when in the dark.
You can also use the most power LED flashlight as a power bank and recharge other personal electronic devices via the integrated USB port from the flashlight battery.
Pulling the trigger takes you through the two modes, which are high and low. Compared to other LED rechargeable flashlight models, there are no additional modes available. The distance from the beam on high is approximately 100 yards.
If you are holding the brightest handheld flashlight for extended periods, you may feel the ached from the 2.5 pounds of weight.
Pros
- Comfortable to hold handle and trigger
- Can be charged in vehicle or home
- Includes a built in stand
- A long standby battery charge of 1-year
Cons
- Short battery life on high setting
- Expensive
- Large and heavy
With a guide price of just under $48, it is priced higher than many other brands, yet you are backed up with a three-year warranty.
The flashlight may lack features, yet it is a workhorse and tops many of the 2000 lumens LED flashlights on the market. It also lasts a long time from one of the biggest names in construction tools.
4. Anker Rechargeable Bolder LC40 Flashlight, LED Torch, Super Bright 400 Lumens CREE LED, IP65 Water Resistant, 5 Modes High/Medium/Low/Strobe/SOS, Indoor/Outdoor (Camping, Hiking, and Emergency Use)
This small, magnifiable torch covers the distance of two football pitches at night. It is fully zoomable for both full and narrow beams, giving a clearer picture of what you need to see when it is dark.
This pocket flashlight offers five settings, high, medium, low, strobe, and SOS, so you have enough types of lighting to ensure safety at night when you need it most.
Because of this, it is suitable for many different applications, so you can see a long distance, or to enlarge the beam, and fill a tent or the area you are walking in the dark.
The torch can run for 20 hours with a medium setting, and you can use the 1A adapter (not included) or the micro USB cable that comes with the kit to charge the battery.
The flashlight fits easily into pockets, backpacks, or glove compartments in vehicles, and its lightweight makes it easy to carry for a long time.
Pros
- Bright for the size
- Durable knock resistant casing
- Long battery life
- Clips onto body strapping
- Water-resistant
Cons
- Not a rough grip
- Can be hard to activate the on-off button
- Sharp edges on the bezel can rip some fabrics
The flashlight offers high durability and an affordable guide price of approximately $23. There is plenty to like, and the 3350 mAh battery makes it a long-lasting flashlight.
While it may be a long recharge time with the adapter of up to 6 hours, this is an on-cost you would need to bear to get the most from this little pocket flashlight.
However, during use, it delivers more than enough for any person who requires a reliable flashlight from one of the best-known electrical gadget companies.
5. Streamlight 75458 Stinger DS LED High Lumen Rechargeable Flashlight with 120-Volt AC/12-Volt DC
Piggyback Charger – 800 Lumens
The Streamlight Stinger DS LED HL provides the brightest LED flashlight with superior illumination thanks to its broad beam pattern and clear floodlight characteristics.
The Stinger DS LED HL uses a double switch technology, providing rear cap and head-mounted switching for ultimate control and versatility since each operates independently of the other. It looks very similar to what they use in law enforcement.
The Streamlight Stinger provides the highest lumen flashlight with three levels of brightness for choice as well as an emergency strobe mode.
The high brightness LED is coupled with a parabolic reflector that provides a concentrated beam for users with optimum peripheral illumination.
The DS LED HL uses a 3.6-volt Ni-MH sub-C battery, which is rechargeable up to 100 times via one of three charging methods.
The fixed charger recharges the battery in 16 hours. The smart charger can charge the battery in 3 hours through a 12V DC input or 4.5 hours through a 5V/1A USB input.
The Piggyback smart charger can recharge the battery within 4 hours through a 12V DC input and 7.5 hours through a 5V/1A USB input.
The lamp has an unbreakable polycarbonate glass lens, which provides 1 meter of impact resistance and IPX4 water resistance, making it one of the powerful flashlights and most robust.
Pros
- Very bright
- Very durable and shock-resistant
- Delivers plenty of charging options
- Offers two switches for more versatility
Cons
- Very expensive
- Button rubbers not very durable
- Short battery life
The Stiner flashlight is quite expensive at a guide of just under $150, yet you get a limited lifetime warranty and a battery that you can charge above 1,000 times.
With dimensions of 8.8 x 3 x 3 inches and a weight of 2.2 pounds, it isn’t a pocket flashlight and is more of an industrial lighting source.
Rechargeable Flashlight Buying Guide
When looking to purchase a rechargeable flashlight, it can be harder than you first imagine. There is more to it than a bulb and a battery.
Here, we will look at every area you need to know to help your purchasing decisions.
Battery Life and Charging Options
Battery life is the critical factor affecting the total performance of your rechargeable flashlight. There are flashlights where you can choose from removable or non-removable built-in ones.
Nevertheless, some factors can influence battery life, beyond the battery type. Every battery technology has its advantages and disadvantages.
Still, their performance also relies heavily on how easily and quickly you charge them and use the light modes, which some flashlights offer.
The optimization of brightness settings and light modes enables you to increase the life of your batteries and take full advantage of their light quality.
You can toggle between low, medium, and high light modes, as well as other features such as zoom options to preserve battery life.
One of the essential details you will need to look for has to do with the way you charge the battery.
Some rechargeable flashlights let you charge through a USB cable as if you were charging your cell phone, while others allow you to remove the battery and use a separate battery charger. When thinking about the charging function, you want a rechargeable flashlight that offers the most considerable flexibility.
Depending on the battery and charger, it may be possible to overcharge, but nowadays, it is rare, and most chargers have a cut-off device. It is equally important to contemplate buying a flashlight, which can use a similar USB or mobile phone charger, or be equipped with its own charging unit.
Battery types such as a lithium-ion battery can also have an impact on charging speed. In addition, a small flashlight that runs on a couple of small AA batteries will not offer much running time.
Lighting Modes and Run Time
Rechargeable flashlights tend to be very bright, but the output may vary depending on the type of bulb, battery-type, and brightness settings.
Because light intensity determines how to overcome the night and deal with dark or dimly lit areas, this is a pivotal point to consider
Light output shall be expressed in lumens, which can be between 20 and 3500 lumens. To identify which brightness level works best for you, you have to consider the activities or tasks you want to use the flashlight for.
If you plan any outdoor adventure and activity, you only need to light above at least one hundred lumens or up to three hundred lumens, for anything that requires distance, you are better off with around 500 lumens.
By exceeding 600 lumens, and reaching 1,000 lumens, you can light a large area such as a football field. However, if you are looking for a rechargeable flashlight for professional use, you may have to exceed 600 lumens to obtain the ideal light output. Usually, it is found in a tactical flashlight.
In addition to these measures, the distance of the beam, types of bulbs, and modes of illumination are essential factors that can affect light performance.
The length of run time, or the number of hours, a flashlight can work with the most significant potential will depend on fluctuating light settings, and these can either maximize its performance and efficiency. Some flashlights may be bright, yet they can only last around 1.5 hours on a full charge.
With the appropriate optimization of lighting modes offered by most tactical LED flashlights, you will be able to take advantage of the extended running time.
If not, your flashlight is going to decrease, and you may have to recharge it for several hours or until it turns on.
Various modes and brightness include programmed options like low, medium to high, SOS, strobe mode, and dim. You can use these in all manner of situations, multiple tasks, and different scenarios.
Each configuration delivers an efficient stream of light, but choosing a higher operating level will reduce running time and quickly discharge your battery.
Water Resistance
Because of their nature, many rechargeable flashlights are made to be waterproof.
Flashlights that can’t be used in outdoor activities in rough weather are of little to apply to most individuals, and even more so if used for vehicle breakdowns, camping, and mountain biking where they can be dropped or get wet from other sources.
In addition to the design and material, some rechargeable flashlights have undergone an IPX testing to determine their water resistance.
The IP or IPX code or known as internal protection rating, suggests how well-equipped the flashlight is against water. In principle, when a rechargeable flashlight has a degree of protection IPX0, it has no water protection.
The IPX4 to IPX8 can be selected to achieve adequate protection for most activities. Here are the codes and how they relate to water resistance.
- IPX4 – splash-proof from water spray in any direction
- IPX5 – resistance to low-pressure water jets
- IPX6 – resistance to powerful water sprays
- IPX7 – can be immersed up to 1 meter underwater for 30 minutes maximum
- IPX8 – can be plunged underwater to a depth exceeding 1 meter. Manufacturer’s specifications regarding the water depth and immersion time are given
Size and Weight of Flashlights
Size and weight range will vary from flashlight type to flashlight type, and, given the most convenient, these criteria are also relevant.
Tactical and ordinary flashlights are generally compact, light and can usually be operated by one hand.
Their smaller size will also make them portable, and sometimes small enough to fit in your pocket, making them ideal for walking out at night or doing repairs.
For emergencies, it will be much easier to meet an emergency need if the flashlight is portable, light, and easy to locate, perhaps when there is a power cut in the middle of a storm.
Some models incorporate these features. Spotlights tend to be comparatively larger by weight and over-sized, which can add together to the total weight and may not be easy to carry.
Many manufacturers enhance the portability of spotlights to make them easier to use and carry with ergonomic handles and pistol grips. However, the size and weight depends on you.
You will find many are short and stubby, while some of the more powerful are long and thin to cram in more batteries.
The small models weigh a few ounces while the larger ones can reach upward of a couple of pounds or above.
Impact Resistant
When you purchase a flashlight, most of the time, it may be stuffed in a backpack, inside a vehicle, or another area where it can be banged and knocked.
Add into this, the amount of times torches are dropped, when they are balanced on something. On some occasions, they may even be run over by a vehicle.
One thing worth noting is one or two companies show their flashlights run over by large vehicles. This does show how durable they can be.
Flashlights will receive more bangs than you think, so impact resistant is vital for the glass, and the body because of the battery inside. If this were to become damaged, they can leak and leave all manner of battery innards seeping from your flashlight case.
Rechargeable flashlights present a wide range of designs based on their type. If you need something sturdy to support you in the harshest outdoor conditions or for professional use, you can opt for tactical flashlights and daily flashlights.
The searchlights, in contrast, have a broader rim, pistol body and handle, which makes them far more comfortable to use and carry in spite of their larger size.
Generally compact and lightweight, the flashlights also have specialized functions like a night sensor and automatically activated light, that are very useful in times of power loss or emergencies.
In addition to amazingly long battery life, rechargeable flashlights deliver exceptional durability. However, the materials may vary depending on the type of flashlight. Most flashlights use anodized aluminum, which offers high strength yet low weight.
Tactical flashlights are also of the highest quality, as they are designed for use by the army and law enforcement bodies.
One area that does need to be durable is the bulb lens. If these break, it can render your flashlight useless.
Adjustable Focus and Beam Functions
Many LED light flashlights come in fixed mode and only deliver one beam of light. These small LED flashlights are now coming with adjustable focus. It allows you to zoom out and narrow your beam.
This will allow you to see what is far off in the distance. Once you twist the end of the flashlight, the lens changes, and you can widen the light’s beam. It is the adjustable focus that makes these small lighting options a viable alternative.
The adjustable focus of the flashlight means how you can adjust the beam of light from the peak distance to the broadest range.
They can be optimized for narrow beams, much like headlights, or they can be widened to be used inside as if lighting a tent.
The flooding or wide beams are ideal for lots of outdoor activities like camping as you wander around trees and paths, and you need to see a wide area.
A concentrated beam or spotlight, on the other hand, is a perfect help in finding routes, studying a map, or in other activities or tasks, which require direct light at maximum distance.
If you need flexibility and want to use both types of beams, you can choose between adjustable beams where you can toggle from wide to sharp or any setting within range by a single-threaded flashlight head.
Strobe and SOS functions are necessary to have when you use these for roadside breakdowns. SOS beacons are eye-catching; much more so than a steady light beam.
Final Verdict
Once we began doing these flashlight reviews, it was clear there were a couple that was decent lights in their own right, yet they did not fit in the criteria and thus were ruled out. With just three in the running, it was tight because they were nearly similar in features.
However, once adding price into the equation, it was only possible to find one winner. PeakPlus LED Tactical Flashlight LFX1000 (Rechargeable 18650 Battery & Charger Included) – Super Bright High Lumen Zoomable 5 Modes Water Resistant – Best Camping Flashlights was the victor for several reasons.
One of the deciding factors was you have multiple battery options, from regular AAA batteries to the rechargeable batteries of the same size, or the supplied larger single battery.
With these options, you are never stuck for choice and using the supplied charger; you can use an additional set of batteries as you charge the main one.
Besides, the light performance was spectacular on this rechargeable flashlight, and as impressive as the strength of the flashlight body. It was nearly indestructible, and running over it in many vehicles did nothing to dampen its performance.
It is well worth the money, and it is hard to believe any person will only purchase one. These small LED flashlights are great to hand out to every member of the family.
With lots of modes, you will never be stuck without a decent light source you can use to see far into the distance, or for up close around your feet in any outside activity you do.
Grab the best-LED flashlight for your budget, and toss it in your camping essentials pack, and you will never regret it.
