Need to Work in the Dark? Turn to One of These Editor-Approved Rechargeable Flashlights (2024)

Compact enough to fit in your pocket, yet powerful enough to shed light up to 223 meters away, this rechargeable flashlight from ThruNite offers nearly everything you need. Along with delivering a high-lumen output, its durable casing is water-resistant and rated to survive drops of up to 1.5 meters.

What impressed me the most about this USB-charged flashlight was its intuitive and simple design. With just one button, all six light modes and power options are activated through a series of different clicks.

This flashlight also comes with a detachable clip and a nylon carrying pouch for easy storage on your belt, pants, or backpack strap.

During our hands-on testing of the best flashlights, we awarded the Anker Bolder LC40 the accolade of Best Value for its long battery life and consistent lumen output over time. Its narrow beam pattern results in a focused illumination that punches above its weight class to travel as far as rivals with higher lumen counts.

While advanced features like adjustable zooming are absent, the Bolder LC40 masters the basics by providing a powerful light source and straightforward single-button operation. The grab-and-go simplicity makes the LC40 a reliable choice in any scenario.

Sequential clicks on the power button cycles the flashlight through its five lighting modes, with functions that range from low to high power and strobing patterns.

It’s important to note that this is water-resistant, not waterproof, so you’ll want to hold on tight to the anti-slip grip around bodies of water. The extra-long handle and scalloped bezel are shock resistant and built for striking (think: breaking a car window in an emergency).

Key Specs

While the Fenix PD36R earns style points for its lightsaber-esque looks, its biggest draws are best-in-class power and reliability. The included 5,000 mAh rechargeable battery has the highest capacity of any other true flashlight on the list, yet charges quickly through a USB-C connection—just 10 minutes provides up to five hours of power.

Intermittent use of the 30-lumen eco mode can allow you to go months without charging the PD36R. At the maximum setting (or turbo mode), the PD36R puts out a blinding 1,600-lumen beam for up to three hours, making this flashlight ideal for outdoor after-dark activities, such as camping.

The PD36R is a high-end tactical flashlight, and as such is shock-resistant as well as both fully dust- and waterproof—the flashlight can be submerged in up to 6.5 feet of water for 30 minutes.

Key Specs

GearLight’s S1000 rechargeable flashlight is a fully featured option that’s compact enough for everyday use and equipped with zoom, focus, and five lighting modes. Textured aluminum grips around the body make it easy to grab the flashlight.

GearLight flaunts that the flashlight is both water resistant and virtually indestructible, but the company does not provide an official IP rating. While the LED bulb is rated 1,040 lumens, the manufacturer says the actual operating range averages at around 550. That’s bright enough to see in front of you but isn’t recommended for constant use in a dark outdoor environment.

You get two flashlights—both of which include a lanyard and holster—meaning you can leave one in your car and one at home.

Key Specs

The high-quality rechargeable flashlight from Olight comes with a magnetic charging system that attaches to the tail cap and uses a three-color power indicator light to display the flashlight’s current charge.

At the lowest of five modes, a 0.5-lumen light can provide up to 60 days of battery life. The short and light body is easy to grip yet can take a drop or be submersed in up to 2 meters of water and the included double-bend stainless steel pocket clips make it easy to attach the light to your backpack, pocket, or hat brim with the lens orientation pointed in any direction.

Key Specs

Not quite a traditional flashlight, this solar-powered power bank from Anker has a retractable light source on top that emits light similar to a camping lantern. Yet unlike the average flashlight or camping lantern, this device’s standout feature is its battery.

As the name suggests, it’s a power bank capable of fully charging an iPhone 14 over 10 times when at full power. So, you can set this lantern out as you camp, keep the lights on, and charge up your devices for a full night without issue. The power bank also comes with an SOS emergency mode that flashes the top light to alert others to your location.

While it’s much larger than other models we cover, at about five pounds we found it relatively easy to carry in hand or in a backpack.

Key Specs

If you need to quickly illuminate a large area, the 6,000 lumens on this rechargeable spotlight have you covered. The excessively bright beam reaches over 2,600 feet. The trigger-style switches and easy to grip handle makes this device great to quick pointing in the direction you need light.

Yierblue’s spotlight is also a power bank, so you can charge your devices. On the side of the primary lantern is a floodlight with its own adjustable settings. In light rain or snow, the IPX4 water resistance protects and ensures that the spotlight functions properly. Rounding out the package is a tripod capable of holding the light in place for hands-free work.

Key Specs

In the event of an emergency, LE’s rechargeable LED Camping Lantern provides a bright 1,000 lumens of light able to travel over 1,640 feet. Indicator lights located on the bottom of the lantern display available power, so you can easily gauge the lantern’s charge.

Doubling as both a light source and a 3,600 mAh power bank, the LE Camping Lantern can light your way and charge your phone at the same time.

With five lighting modes distributed amongst the front torch (full and low), left side light (full and half), and right side light (red flashing), the Camping Lantern lets you customize how you want to illuminate an area, useful for emergency scenarios as well as recreational ones, such as camping, fishing, and hiking.

Key Specs