The 5 best flashlights of 2023 (2024)

Pros

• Powerful beam
• Extended runtime
• 10-minute quick-charge

Cons

• Larger size
• Brightest setting reduces battery life to 3 hours

Features:

• Battery
• Charging cable
• Holster

The Fenix PD36R is our pick for the best flashlight due to its excellent performance and easy convenience. Its rugged design is made of anodized aluminum for extra durability, and it boasts a replaceable, rechargeable 5000mAh battery. Just a single charge offers more than 115 hours of use. Plus, a quick 10-minute charge via type-C USB cord can give you up to 5 hours of usage in a pinch.

The LED lighting delivers up to 1600 lumens, which can illuminate your way for up to 309 yards -- more than enough range for everyday carry. It also includes a two-way body clip that you can attach to your bag, purse, backpack, or belt for easy access.

Pros

• Sturdy, crushproof construction
• Waterproof
• USB-A port for charging other devices

Cons

• Slightly bulky
• Average brightness

Features:

• AC adapter
• DC adapter
• Li-Ion battery pack
• 4 x AA batteries

The Coast Polysteel 600R 530 Lumen Rechargeable LED Flashlight makes a splash, offering 530 lumens of illumination for excellent performance. Made of aluminum and stainless steel, it is both drop-proof and crush-proof with a waterproof build. The flashlight offers a 35-hour runtime, thanks to a dual power system that can run on both a li-ion battery pack or four AA batteries. The battery pack even includes a USB port capable of charging your other devices, a convenient addition when you're away from home and need a quick charge.

There are two light modes with a spot or wide-angle flood beam, either of which can be accessed with a simple rotation of the head. The Quick-Cycle power switch also offers a convenient way to choose between the three brightness modes of full, medium, and low, helping you conserve power when you don't need maxed out lighting.

Pros

• Excellent performance
• Haptic low-battery reminder
• Durable construction

Cons

• Exclusive battery and charger
• Dual modes only

Features:

• Warrior X Pro battery
• MCC3 Magnetic Charging Cable
• Stainless Steel Pocket Clip
• Lanyard
• Tactical Grip Ring

With its blue rim and black aluminum body, the Olight Warrior X Pro 2100 Lumens Tactical Flashlight is an attractive device that doesn't sacrifice quality. It is the dressed-up version of Olight's Warrior X, adding enhanced performance with a faster battery. Plus, this model is IPX8-rated, surviving a three-meter drop test.

LED lights are extremely powerful with 2100 lumens that can light up to 500 meters away with both high and low modes. The battery only allows for an eight-hour runtime, but it's rechargeable with the MCC3 fast-charging cable that enables continued use while charging. Plus, a one-year warranty is included with your purchase.

Pros

• Low price tag
• Long-lasting battery
• Memory mode

Cons

• Limited output
• No SOS feature

Features:

• Pocket clip
• Lanyard
• Spare O-rings

The ThruNite Archer 2A V3 offers several unique bonus features. There are five modes in total: Firefly, low, medium, high, and strobe. This gives you far more options than the average flashlight, so you can get exactly the right kind of lighting for your adventure without wasting power. It has a maximum output of 500 lumens thanks to its CREE XP-L2 LEDs that illuminate up to 93 meters away.

To ensure long-term use, this flashlight is impact-resistant for up to one meter and has a waterproof rating of IPX8 with a dust-proof design. Plus, the body is tough, made of aerospace-grade aluminum and a military-grade finish that can survive any obstacle you may encounter. Impressively, the model manages to offer all of these features using just two AA batteries.

Pros

• Affordable price tag
• Great lumen count
• Compact

Cons

• Shorter battery life

Features:

• Holster
• USB-C Charging Cable
• Pocket clip

With the ThruNite EDC Flashlight Archer Pro, you get a flashlight that is extremely powerful for its size, offering 1022 lumens capable of illuminating up to 134 meters ahead. When the 37-hour battery begins to run low, simply use USB-C charging port and included cable to top up the included cell quickly and easily.

As far as modes go, this model carries the same ones found on the ThruNite Archer 2A V3 with firefly, low, high, turbo, and strobe light settings. However, the Archer Pro includes an IPX-8 waterproof rating to work in even two meters of water.