Wirecutter’s 18 Best Flashlight Recommendations ⚠️ (July 2024)

A summary of Wirecutter’s top flashlight picks based on extensive testing.

Finding the right flashlight can be a daunting task. There are so many options on the market, from tiny keychain lights to powerful searchlights. And with so many different features to consider, like brightness, battery life, and weather resistance, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the best flashlights, based on our extensive research and testing.

Whether you’re looking for a flashlight to keep in your car, a headlamp for hiking, or a tactical flashlight for self-defense, we’ve got you covered. We’ve tested flashlights from top brands like Streamlight, Olight, and Fenix, and we’ve narrowed it down to our 18 top picks.

In this guide, you’ll find flashlights for every need and budget. We’ve included options for everyday use, camping, and emergency preparedness. We’ve also included a buying guide to help you choose the right flashlight for your needs.

So whether you’re a seasoned flashlight aficionado or just starting out, this guide has everything you need to find the perfect flashlight for you.

QUICKLIST
Item	Image	Where to buy	Rating	Read More
Streamlight MicroStream		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Olight S1R Baton II		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Nitecore NU25		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Fenix E12		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
ThruNite T10		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Olight i3E EOS		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Streamlight Microstream USB		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Nitecore TIP		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Olight S1R Baton		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Fenix LD12		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Nitecore Tube		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
ThruNite T1		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Lumintop Tool AA		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Streamlight Stylus Pro		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Olight H1R Nova		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Fenix E18R		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Nitecore MT07		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
ThruNite Ti3		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
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Streamlight MicroStream

N/A at Amazon

A tiny, powerful, and affordable keychain light that's perfect for everyday carry.

Specifications :

• Max Lumens: 100
• Max Beam Distance: 100 meters
• Battery: CR2032 (included)
• Runtime: Up to 1.5 hours

Reasons to buy :

• Small and lightweight: Easily fits on a keychain or in a pocket.
• Bright and versatile: 100 lumens is enough for most everyday tasks.
• Affordable: A great value for the price.
• Water-resistant: IPX7 rating, meaning it can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.

Reasons to avoid :

• Short battery life: The CR2032 battery only lasts for about 1.5 hours on high.
• Limited features: Only has one brightness mode.

What you need to know :

Buy it if:

• You need a small, lightweight light for everyday carry.
• You're on a budget.
• You don't need a lot of features or a long battery life.

Don't buy it if:

• You need a light with a long runtime.
• You need a light with multiple brightness modes.
• You need a light for serious outdoor use.

Bottom Line:

The Streamlight MicroStream is a great little keychain light that's perfect for everyday use. It's small, lightweight, affordable, and bright enough for most tasks. However, it's not the best choice if you need a long runtime or a light with multiple features.

Olight S1R Baton II

N/A at Amazon

The Olight S1R Baton II is a powerful and versatile EDC flashlight that’s perfect for everyday carry and a variety of other tasks.

Specifications :

• Max Lumens: 1,150
• Max Beam Distance: 165 meters
• Battery: 18650 rechargeable battery (included)
• Runtime: Up to 120 hours

Reasons to buy :

• Powerful and versatile: 1,150 lumens is enough for most tasks.
• Long battery life: The 18650 battery lasts for up to 120 hours on low.
• Compact and lightweight: Easy to carry in a pocket or bag.
• Multiple brightness modes: Includes a strobe and a red light mode.
• Durable: Made from aircraft-grade aluminum.
• Magnetic tailcap: Can be attached to metal surfaces.
• IPX8 waterproof: Can be submerged in water up to 2 meters for 30 minutes.

Reasons to avoid :

• Can be expensive: More expensive than some other EDC lights.

What you need to know :

Buy it if:

• You need a powerful and versatile light for everyday carry.
• You need a light with a long battery life.
• You want a light with multiple brightness modes and features.
• You are willing to pay for a high-quality product.

Don't buy it if:

• You're on a tight budget.

Bottom Line:

The Olight S1R Baton II is a great EDC flashlight that offers a balance of power, versatility, and features. It's perfect for everyday carry and a variety of other tasks. While it's more expensive than some other EDC lights, it’s worth the price for its quality, features, and performance.

Nitecore NU25

N/A at Amazon

The Nitecore NU25 is a compact and lightweight EDC flashlight that’s perfect for everyday carry and a variety of other tasks.

Specifications :

• Max Lumens: 1,000
• Max Beam Distance: 164 meters
• Battery: 18650 rechargeable battery (included)
• Runtime: Up to 170 hours

Reasons to buy :

• Powerful and versatile: 1,000 lumens is enough for most tasks.
• Long battery life: The 18650 battery lasts for up to 170 hours on low.
• Compact and lightweight: Easy to carry in a pocket or bag.
• Multiple brightness modes: Includes a strobe and a red light mode.
• Durable: Made from aircraft-grade aluminum.
• Magnetic tailcap: Can be attached to metal surfaces.
• IPX8 waterproof: Can be submerged in water up to 2 meters for 30 minutes.

Reasons to avoid :

• Can be expensive: More expensive than some other EDC lights.

What you need to know :

Buy it if:

• You need a powerful and versatile light for everyday carry.
• You need a light with a long battery life.
• You want a light with multiple brightness modes and features.
• You are willing to pay for a high-quality product.

Don't buy it if:

• You're on a tight budget.

Bottom Line:

The Nitecore NU25 is another great EDC flashlight that offers a balance of power, versatility, and features. It's perfect for everyday carry and a variety of other tasks. While it's more expensive than some other EDC lights, it’s worth the price for its quality, features, and performance.

Fenix E12

N/A at Amazon

The Fenix E12 is a small, lightweight, and affordable EDC flashlight that’s perfect for everyday carry.

Specifications :

• Max Lumens: 130
• Max Beam Distance: 70 meters
• Battery: AAA battery (included)
• Runtime: Up to 60 hours

Reasons to buy :

• Small and lightweight: Easy to carry in a pocket or bag.
• Affordable: A great value for the price.
• Multiple brightness modes: Includes a low, medium, and high mode.
• Durable: Made from aircraft-grade aluminum.
• IPX8 waterproof: Can be submerged in water up to 2 meters for 30 minutes.

Reasons to avoid :

• Not as powerful as some other EDC lights: 130 lumens isn't enough for some tasks.

What you need to know :

Buy it if:

• You need a small, lightweight, and affordable EDC light.
• You don't need a lot of power.
• You want a light with multiple brightness modes.

Don't buy it if:

• You need a light for serious outdoor use.
• You need a light with a very long runtime.

Bottom Line:

The Fenix E12 is a great option for those who are looking for a small, lightweight, and affordable EDC flashlight. It's perfect for everyday carry and a variety of other tasks. It's not as powerful as some other EDC lights, but it's still a great value for the price.

ThruNite T10

N/A at Amazon

The ThruNite T10 is a small, lightweight, and affordable EDC flashlight that’s perfect for everyday carry.

Specifications :

• Max Lumens: 100
• Max Beam Distance: 50 meters
• Battery: AAA battery (included)
• Runtime: Up to 40 hours

Reasons to buy :

• Small and lightweight: Easy to carry in a pocket or bag.
• Affordable: A great value for the price.
• Multiple brightness modes: Includes a low, medium, and high mode.
• Durable: Made from aircraft-grade aluminum.
• IPX8 waterproof: Can be submerged in water up to 2 meters for 30 minutes.

Reasons to avoid :

• Not as powerful as some other EDC lights: 100 lumens isn't enough for some tasks.

What you need to know :

Buy it if:

• You need a small, lightweight, and affordable EDC light.
• You don't need a lot of power.
• You want a light with multiple brightness modes.

Don't buy it if:

• You need a light for serious outdoor use.
• You need a light with a very long runtime.

Bottom Line:

The ThruNite T10 is a great option for those who are looking for a small, lightweight, and affordable EDC flashlight. It's perfect for everyday carry and a variety of other tasks. It's not as powerful as some other EDC lights, but it's still a great value for the price.

Olight i3E EOS

N/A at Amazon

Find more on Choosing the 14 Best Flashlight for Hiking Adventures

The Olight i3E EOS is a tiny, powerful, and affordable keychain light that's perfect for everyday carry.

Specifications :

• Max Lumens: 90
• Max Beam Distance: 50 meters
• Battery: CR123A battery (included)
• Runtime: Up to 40 hours

Reasons to buy :

• Small and lightweight: Easily fits on a keychain or in a pocket.
• Bright and versatile: 90 lumens is enough for most everyday tasks.
• Affordable: A great value for the price.
• Water-resistant: IPX8 rating, meaning it can withstand immersion in water up to 2 meters for 30 minutes.

Reasons to avoid :

• Short battery life: The CR123A battery only lasts for about 40 hours on low.
• Limited features: Only has one brightness mode.

What you need to know :

Buy it if:

• You need a small, lightweight light for everyday carry.
• You're on a budget.
• You don't need a lot of features or a long battery life.

Don't buy it if:

• You need a light with a long runtime.
• You need a light with multiple brightness modes.
• You need a light for serious outdoor use.

Bottom Line:

The Olight i3E EOS is a great little keychain light that's perfect for everyday use. It's small, lightweight, affordable, and bright enough for most tasks. However, it's not the best choice if you need a long runtime or a light with multiple features.

Streamlight Microstream USB

N/A at Amazon

Read more on Choosing the 20 Best Flashlight for Hiking Adventures

The Streamlight Microstream USB is a tiny, powerful, and rechargeable keychain light that's perfect for everyday carry.

Specifications :

• Max Lumens: 100
• Max Beam Distance: 100 meters
• Battery: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery (included)
• Runtime: Up to 2 hours

Reasons to buy :

• Small and lightweight: Easily fits on a keychain or in a pocket.
• Bright and versatile: 100 lumens is enough for most everyday tasks.
• Rechargeable: No need to buy batteries.
• Affordable: A great value for the price.
• Water-resistant: IPX7 rating, meaning it can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.

Reasons to avoid :

• Short battery life: The rechargeable battery only lasts for about 2 hours on high.
• Limited features: Only has one brightness mode.

What you need to know :

Buy it if:

• You need a small, lightweight light for everyday carry.
• You're on a budget.
• You don't need a lot of features or a long battery life.

Don't buy it if:

• You need a light with a long runtime.
• You need a light with multiple brightness modes.
• You need a light for serious outdoor use.

Bottom Line:

The Streamlight Microstream USB is a great little keychain light that's perfect for everyday use. It's small, lightweight, affordable, and bright enough for most tasks. It's also rechargeable, so you'll never have to buy batteries. However, it's not the best choice if you need a long runtime or a light with multiple features.

Nitecore TIP

N/A at Amazon

The Nitecore TIP is a tiny, powerful, and affordable keychain light that's perfect for everyday carry.

Specifications :

• Max Lumens: 130
• Max Beam Distance: 50 meters
• Battery: CR123A battery (included)
• Runtime: Up to 4 hours

Reasons to buy :

• Small and lightweight: Easily fits on a keychain or in a pocket.
• Bright and versatile: 130 lumens is enough for most everyday tasks.
• Affordable: A great value for the price.
• Water-resistant: IPX8 rating, meaning it can withstand immersion in water up to 2 meters for 30 minutes.

Reasons to avoid :

• Short battery life: The CR123A battery only lasts for about 4 hours on high.
• Limited features: Only has one brightness mode.

What you need to know :

Buy it if:

• You need a small, lightweight light for everyday carry.
• You're on a budget.
• You don't need a lot of features or a long battery life.

Don't buy it if:

• You need a light with a long runtime.
• You need a light with multiple brightness modes.
• You need a light for serious outdoor use.

Bottom Line:

The Nitecore TIP is a great little keychain light that's perfect for everyday use. It's small, lightweight, affordable, and bright enough for most tasks. However, it's not the best choice if you need a long runtime or a light with multiple features.

Olight S1R Baton

N/A at Amazon

The Olight S1R Baton is a powerful and versatile EDC flashlight that’s perfect for everyday carry and a variety of other tasks.

Specifications :

• Max Lumens: 1,100
• Max Beam Distance: 160 meters
• Battery: 18650 rechargeable battery (included)
• Runtime: Up to 100 hours

Reasons to buy :

• Powerful and versatile: 1,100 lumens is enough for most tasks.
• Long battery life: The 18650 battery lasts for up to 100 hours on low.
• Compact and lightweight: Easy to carry in a pocket or bag.
• Multiple brightness modes: Includes a strobe and a red light mode.
• Durable: Made from aircraft-grade aluminum.
• Magnetic tailcap: Can be attached to metal surfaces.
• IPX8 waterproof: Can be submerged in water up to 2 meters for 30 minutes.

Reasons to avoid :

• Can be expensive: More expensive than some other EDC lights.

What you need to know :

Buy it if:

• You need a powerful and versatile light for everyday carry.
• You need a light with a long battery life.
• You want a light with multiple brightness modes and features.
• You are willing to pay for a high-quality product.

Don't buy it if:

• You're on a tight budget.

Bottom Line:

The Olight S1R Baton is a great EDC flashlight that offers a balance of power, versatility, and features. It's perfect for everyday carry and a variety of other tasks. While it's more expensive than some other EDC lights, it’s worth the price for its quality, features, and performance.

Fenix LD12

N/A at Amazon

The Fenix LD12 is a small, lightweight, and affordable EDC flashlight that’s perfect for everyday carry.

Learn more about 22 Best Flashlight for Law Enforcement Professionals

Specifications :

• Max Lumens: 160
• Max Beam Distance: 80 meters
• Battery: AAA battery (included)
• Runtime: Up to 40 hours

Reasons to buy :

• Small and lightweight: Easy to carry in a pocket or bag.
• Affordable: A great value for the price.
• Multiple brightness modes: Includes a low, medium, and high mode.
• Durable: Made from aircraft-grade aluminum.
• IPX8 waterproof: Can be submerged in water up to 2 meters for 30 minutes.

Reasons to avoid :

• Not as powerful as some other EDC lights: 160 lumens isn't enough for some tasks.

What you need to know :

Buy it if:

• You need a small, lightweight, and affordable EDC light.
• You don't need a lot of power.
• You want a light with multiple brightness modes.

Don't buy it if:

• You need a light for serious outdoor use.
• You need a light with a very long runtime.

Bottom Line:

The Fenix LD12 is a great option for those who are looking for a small, lightweight, and affordable EDC flashlight. It's perfect for everyday carry and a variety of other tasks. It's not as powerful as some other EDC lights, but it's still a great value for the price.

Nitecore Tube

N/A at Amazon

A compact, keychain-friendly flashlight that uses a single AAA battery.

Specifications :

• Lumens: 100
• Battery: AAA
• Weight: 1.1 ounces

Reasons to buy :

• Very small and lightweight
• Bright enough for everyday tasks
• Uses readily available AAA batteries

Reasons to avoid :

• Short battery life
• Not as bright as some other keychain lights
• No USB charging

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You need a small, lightweight flashlight that you can easily carry in your pocket or on your keychain.

Don't buy it if:

You need a flashlight with a longer runtime or a brighter beam.

Check this blog on 18 Best Flashlights for Kids: Fun and Safe Options

Bottom Line:

The Nitecore Tube is a great option for those who need a small, compact flashlight for everyday tasks. It's bright enough for most situations and uses readily available AAA batteries. However, its short battery life and lack of USB charging may be a drawback for some users.

ThruNite T1

N/A at Amazon

A powerful and versatile flashlight that can be used for a variety of tasks.

Specifications :

• Lumens: 1,000
• Battery: 1 x 18650 or 2 x CR123A
• Weight: 3.6 ounces

Reasons to buy :

• Very bright with a long runtime
• Multiple brightness modes
• Durable and weatherproof

Reasons to avoid :

• Larger and heavier than some other flashlights
• Can be a bit pricey

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You need a powerful flashlight that can be used for a variety of tasks, including camping, hiking, and emergency situations.

Don't buy it if:

You need a small, compact flashlight that you can easily carry in your pocket.

Bottom Line:

The ThruNite T1 is a great option for anyone looking for a powerful and versatile flashlight. It's bright enough for most situations and has a long runtime. However, it's larger and heavier than some other flashlights and can be a bit pricey.

Lumintop Tool AA

N/A at Amazon

A compact and affordable flashlight that uses readily available AA batteries.

Specifications :

• Lumens: 700
• Battery: AA
• Weight: 2.5 ounces

Reasons to buy :

• Very bright for its size
• Affordable
• Uses readily available AA batteries

Reasons to avoid :

• Not as durable as some other flashlights
• Limited brightness modes

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You need a compact and affordable flashlight that uses readily available AA batteries.

Don't buy it if:

You need a flashlight with a longer runtime or a brighter beam.

Bottom Line:

The Lumintop Tool AA is a great option for those who need a compact and affordable flashlight that uses readily available AA batteries. It's bright enough for most situations and is very affordable. However, it's not as durable as some other flashlights and has limited brightness modes.

Streamlight Stylus Pro

N/A at Amazon

A stylish and compact flashlight that is perfect for everyday carry.

Specifications :

• Lumens: 150
• Battery: AAA
• Weight: 1.5 ounces

Reasons to buy :

• Small and lightweight
• Stylish design
• Uses readily available AAA batteries

Reasons to avoid :

• Not as bright as some other flashlights
• Short battery life

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You need a small, stylish flashlight that you can easily carry in your pocket.

Don't buy it if:

You need a flashlight with a longer runtime or a brighter beam.

Bottom Line:

The Streamlight Stylus Pro is a great option for those who need a small, stylish flashlight that they can easily carry in their pocket. It's bright enough for most situations and uses readily available AAA batteries. However, its short battery life may be a drawback for some users.

Olight H1R Nova

N/A at Amazon

A compact and powerful flashlight that features a unique magnetic tail cap.

Specifications :

• Lumens: 1,000
• Battery: 1 x 18650
• Weight: 2.8 ounces

Reasons to buy :

• Very bright and compact
• Magnetic tail cap for hands-free use
• Long runtime

Reasons to avoid :

• Can be a bit pricey

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You need a powerful and compact flashlight with a magnetic tail cap for hands-free use.

Don't buy it if:

You're on a tight budget.

Bottom Line:

The Olight H1R Nova is a great option for those who need a powerful and compact flashlight with a magnetic tail cap for hands-free use. It's bright enough for most situations and has a long runtime. However, it can be a bit pricey.

Fenix E18R

N/A at Amazon

A durable and versatile flashlight that is perfect for everyday carry or outdoor use.

You can find more information on 32 Best Flashlights for Search and Rescue Operations

Specifications :

• Lumens: 1,000
• Battery: 1 x 18650
• Weight: 3.2 ounces

Reasons to buy :

• Very bright and durable
• Multiple brightness modes
• Long runtime

Reasons to avoid :

• Can be a bit bulky for everyday carry

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You need a durable and versatile flashlight that can be used for a variety of tasks, including camping, hiking, and everyday carry.

Don't buy it if:

You need a small, compact flashlight that you can easily carry in your pocket.

Bottom Line:

The Fenix E18R is a great option for anyone looking for a durable and versatile flashlight. It's bright enough for most situations and has a long runtime. However, it can be a bit bulky for everyday carry.

Nitecore MT07

N/A at Amazon

A small and lightweight flashlight that is perfect for keychain carry.

Specifications :

• Lumens: 150
• Battery: AAA
• Weight: 0.8 ounces

Reasons to buy :

• Very small and lightweight
• Bright enough for everyday tasks
• Uses readily available AAA batteries

Reasons to avoid :

• Short battery life
• No USB charging

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You need a small, lightweight flashlight that you can easily carry on your keychain.

Don't buy it if:

You need a flashlight with a longer runtime or a brighter beam.

Bottom Line:

The Nitecore MT07 is a great option for those who need a small, lightweight flashlight that they can easily carry on their keychain. It's bright enough for most situations and uses readily available AAA batteries. However, its short battery life and lack of USB charging may be a drawback for some users.

ThruNite Ti3

N/A at Amazon

A compact and powerful flashlight that uses a single AAA battery.

Specifications :

• Lumens: 500
• Battery: AAA
• Weight: 1.3 ounces

Reasons to buy :

• Very bright for its size
• Uses readily available AAA batteries
• Compact and lightweight

Reasons to avoid :

• Short battery life
• Can be a bit pricey

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You need a compact and powerful flashlight that uses readily available AAA batteries.

Don't buy it if:

You need a flashlight with a longer runtime or a brighter beam.

Bottom Line:

The ThruNite Ti3 is a great option for those who need a compact and powerful flashlight that uses readily available AAA batteries. It's bright enough for most situations and is very compact and lightweight. However, its short battery life and price may be a drawback for some users.

Choosing the right flashlight can be overwhelming, with so many options on the market. But with Wirecutter’s comprehensive guide, you’re sure to find the perfect fit for your needs, whether you're a seasoned outdoorsman, a home handyman, or just looking for a reliable light source during power outages. From compact and powerful keychain lights to high-powered headlamps and tactical flashlights, we've got you covered.

We've tested and compared countless flashlights, taking into account features like brightness, beam distance, runtime, durability, and ease of use. We also prioritized user experience, ensuring each flashlight is comfortable to hold and operate. We understand that everyone's needs are different, so we've included a variety of options to suit a wide range of budgets and preferences.

Whether you're venturing into the wilderness, navigating a dark room, or simply need a reliable backup light source, our recommendations will ensure you're always prepared. Don't settle for a subpar flashlight, invest in one that meets your specific requirements and stands the test of time.

We're confident that with Wirecutter’s 18 Best Flashlight Recommendations, you'll find the perfect light to illuminate your way. Now go forth and shed some light on your world!