Best Overall
Streamlight 88040 ProTac HL Tactical Flashlight
Runner-Up
Nitecore P12 1000 Lumen LED Tactical EDC Flashlight
Best Bang for the Buck
Olight i3T EOS Small Flashlight
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Flashlights have fall a long manner since they were first introduced in 1898 . electric battery - operate and portable , these hand-held lights are crucial during power outages and helpful for late - nighttime security bank check . They ’re also substantive for illuminating certain tasks , such as self-propelling employment or fix a leaky organ pipe under the sink . Today ’s flashlights are brighter , more rock-steady , compact , and lightweight .
With so many flashlights on the market , finding one that lives up to the plug can be challenge . That ’s why we take a hands - on approach and put several models to the test while also taking advice from experts who use flashlights in professional preferences , such as military vet and former CIA factor . Their insights help us guide our testing to moot the important aspects when shopping for a torch : light , simpleness of operation , system of weights , battery eccentric , and more .
No matter the purpose , whether it ’s for a bedside table , utility draftsman , emergency kit , or workshop , a reliable torch is a must - have . In this guide , We ’ll facilitate you choose the just torch for your needs by sharing the consequence ( pros and con game ) of my hands - on testing to aid you make an informed purchase . The following models vary by intensity , destine use , and price , and each earned its spot on this lineup of the best flashlights after strict examination .
How We Tested the Best Flashlights
We interviewed Josh Skovlund , a military veteran who works as a staff writer forTask & Purpose , who share his three main quality he look for in agreat flashlight : durability , lm range , and water resistance . “ It has to be water - immune ; if it ’s not , I do n’t even bother looking at it . ” He also suggests shoppers should debate what they will use the torch for . “ Invest in the right flashlight . If you require something for a computer backup in case of magnate loss at menage , [ … ] have a long lasting torch [ … ] that you know will last a while before they burn down out . ”
Taking this practiced knowledge on board , our hands - on product tester Glenda Taylor extensively tested and review each flashlight that earned a spot in the lineup . Those advertised as raincoat were submerse in water , while those designed to resist a modest amount of splashing were passed through the spraying of water in the shower .
The tactical flashlights were tested to see how far their light beam would sort out , while the work - character torch were tested in realistic DIY state of affairs , such as under the lens hood of a vehicle or under a sink . All functions , such as adjustable or stroboscope modes , on every torch were try out to ensure they worked as promote .
In summation to analyzing overall tone and weather resistance , Glenda recruited a helper , which allowed her to approximate the brightness and shaft space . Her assistant walk away , stopped when the flashlight beam could no longer illuminate him clearly , and then she measured the distance .
Our Top Picks
Our hand - on testing illuminated some of the good flashlight options on the marketplace . The travel along torch vary in style , design , and cost , and while some are well suited to specific uses than others , all are top performers in their categories .
ThisBob Vila Approvedproduct carries our brand ’s high level of recommendation .
Bob Vila Approvedrecognizes the household and DIY products that imprint us most in our real - world examination and that instance core values of the Bob Vila stigma , include craftsmanship , introduction , and value for the dollar . Winners of this designation come commend by our professional review squad and are personally approved by Bob Vila .
Coming in as the best overall flashlight in testing , the Streamlight ProTac throng many features into a pocket - size human dynamo . Right off the bat , I was impressed with the quality and solid feel of this torch , despite itssmall size : less than 6 inches long and matter about 6 snow leopard . It ’s made of long-lasting shock - resistant aircraft Al and features rearward one - button cognitive operation , which pay it a tactical feel .
The Streamlight is rated IPX7 , intend it should be waterproof to a depth of about 3 foundation for up to 30 minutes . I filled the bathing tub , drop it in , and set the timer . In 30 minutes , I dry out the Streamlight off and flick the power push — the light came on right away . In the field trial with my helper , its LED beam at the highest setting was burnished enough to see my subject at a length of 165 curtilage .
Twisting the goal of the torch reserve me to adjust the beam ’s intensity from a narrow spotlight to a broad , more diffused electron beam . I could also lower the light ’s intensity level to that of a night Light Within . This role model also features a very bright strobe that ’s guaranteed to draw in tending . This impressive little torch come with two CR123A batteries ; rechargeable or non - rechargeable batteries can be used , but no charger is included .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Get the Streamlight flashlight atAmazonorAcme Tools .
Coming in a tight minute , the Nitecore P12 Tactical Flashlight stands out for its powerful 1,000 - lm ray that allowed me to illuminate objects at 180 yards . It boasts an ultra - tough industrial - grade torso and is IPX8 rated to hold out dousing in up to 6 ft of water for up to 30 minute . The first matter I did was drop the Nitecore P12 in a bathing tub full of water for a half hour , and then fill out all other testing after submerging — and it performed praiseworthily .
This torch is very lightweight at just over 3 apothecaries' ounce , and it come with a inflexible steel clip for carrying on a belt or in a pocket . At maximal intensity , the rechargeable batteries should last approximately 1.5 hours ; cut the beam to 70 lumens , and battery runtime can last up to 28 hour . At first , in the iniquity , I could n’t regain the mood adjustment — it ’s a small rubber clitoris site on the barrel about 1.5 inches down from the top . Once I found it , I could scroll through four intensity levels , and I could activate a stroboscope mode by holding it down .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
The Nitecore P12 is telling in its strength , yet its light free weight , slender property , and small size of it ( under 6 inch ) earmark for wanton toting in a pocket or a handbag . It runs on a exclusive 18650 Li - ion battery ( include ) or two CR123A battery .
Get the Nitecore torch atAmazon .
Those looking for an low-priced flashlight for everyday tasks , such as checking under furniture for a lost earring , walking safely through the house in the result of a magnate outage , or even reading the menu in a dimly light restaurant , need attend no further than Olight ’s i3 T slender LED flashlight .
Photo: amazon.com
On first review , the i3 T seemed more like a plaything than a tool , but I inserted the included AAA electric battery and dropped the niggling pen - similar light in a bath of water where I provide it for 30 minutes since it ’s blackleg IPX8 , think of it should be waterproof at depths greater than 3 feet for longer than 30 minutes . I then dried off the little light — it ’s only 3.5 in long and weighs just 1.4 ounces — and clicked the On button , locate on the flashlight ’s tail final stage . It lit right up . I was able-bodied to scroll through vividness place setting with extra clicks .
The i3 tonne was n’t as smart as some of the other torch I tested , but it ’s not intend for tactical use . It ’s made to offer a convenient source of light that can be clipped to a keyring or carried in a pocket or a pocketbook . On its brightest mode , the i3 T crystalise my test subject clearly at about 30 yards . While it ’s not a aloofness flashlight , it ’s a blessing when you need a little light and do n’t want to behave a heavier theoretical account .
The i3 T operates on a individual AAA battery ( included ) . This is specially handy if you contrive to take it tramp or camping and you wo n’t have access to an electric outlet to appoint a battery . Just take a couple of spare AAA battery along and insert a new one when demand . On Low , the i3 T scarper up to 16 hour on a stock battery .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Olight i3 tetraiodothyronine EOS flashlight atAmazonorB&H.
Best Tactical
Olight Warrior X Pro 2100 Lumen Tactical Flashlight
There ’s nothing wimpy about the Olight Warrior Tactical Flashlight . Right out of the box , I could assure the Warrior X was a timbre flashlight . Its sleek , anodized atomic number 13 body is slightly heavier than some handheld LED flashlights , weighing in at just under 8.5 ounce , but those added ounces give it a solid flavour . The Warrior disco biscuit sport an end - thumb on / off switch for one - hand operation . The shift is also a powerful magnet , letting me hang the Warrior to the underside of a blade table .
Like the other flashlights promoted as being waterproof , the Olight Warrior X began its testing at the bottom of a bath full of pee for 30 minutes . After the water exam , which it draw with flying colors , I tested its elucidation . After dark , I direct my helper to walk aside while I sustain the beam from the Warrior X on his back . At about 450 yards — as far as my help could walk without reaching the end of the dimension — the beam was still promising and clear . I think it could well reach its 500 - metre promoted maximum .
The Warrior X comes with just two manner , high and abject , which are selected using a clitoris on the bottom of the flashlight , and it ’s powered by a rechargeable 21700 Li - ion battery . Charging the barrage fire is a simple matter of place it atop its magnetic charging disk that plugs into a USB port . The Warrior X may be too shiny in neighborhoods with nearby homes , but it ’s well suitable to camping , hunting , and hike — when it ’s substantive to see in the darkness and at a distance .
Photo: amazon.com
say our full review : Olight Warrior cristal Pro 2100 Lumen Tactical Flashlight
Get the Olight Warrior 10 Pro 2 flashlight atAmazonorLonghorn Tactical .
Best EDC
Fenix PD35 V3.0 Everyday Carry Flashlight
Overall , an everyday carry ( EDC ) flashlight should be reliable , functional , and easy to use . The Fenix PD35 easily fulfilled those criterion and offer a powerful light beam of visible radiation to boot .
I was slightly mixed-up when I unbox the Fenix PD35 because it came with a USB charging cord , but I could n’t encounter a charging embrasure anywhere on the flashlight . Finally , I removed the battery and discovered a charge port wine on the side of it . After charging the battery , I reinserted it in the PD35 and dropped the flashlight in the tub for 30 minutes . It ’s grass IP68 , which means it can stand up to 30 instant of immersion . After I dried it off , it illumine up like a champ .
The flashlight feature five intensity modes and a strobe way . On the gamy mode , Turbo , it illuminated my help at a distance of about 350 feet , but within a couple of minutes , the flashlight got pretty tender in my helping hand . On the lowest modality , Eco , it ’s just brilliant enough to register a ledger by at Nox . The stroboscope mode is extremely intense on the PD35 , and I feel it would quickly draw attention in an emergency . However , it ’s not very big for all that major power and chroma . The PD35 weighs just 2.95 ounces and measures 5.28 column inch long . I could clip it on the sash of my denim and I just cognise it was there .
Photo: amazon.com
It also comes with a jaggy strike bezel , which means the protective metal anchor ring around the lens is fluted in case you need to smack someone in ego - defense . The fluting will supposedly do more damage to an attacker than a smooth ring would do . I did n’t test this look of the PD35 , but security - apt buyer may appreciate this feature .
Get the Fenix PD35 flashlight atAmazon , Longhorn Tactical , orFenix .
Best Long Throw
Fenix TK16 V2.0 3100 Lumen Tactical Flashlight
Since this was the 2d Fenix flashlight in the trial , I knew to determine the barrage when I could n’t find a charging port on the TK16 . There it was — the charge port — correctly on the side of the battery . After charging the barrage fire and inserting it , I flummox right to examination . The TK16 , which is value IP68 , withstood immersion in the tub and go on to shine brightly .
In fact , the TK16 is so bright it illuminated my help when he progress to the boundary of our rural place — about 450 yards , but that was on Turbo mode , and within just a few min , the body of the TK16 became uncomfortably quick . The estrus is n’t an offspring on scurvy modes , but Turbo mode take a mint of power to sire 3100 lumens of intensity , and the side effect is a warm torch . The strobe light function is also fantastically bright and should catch the attending of anyone nearby .
Fenix load down a lot of balance beam intensity into a comparatively small tactical flashlight that consider just under 4 ounces without the barrage . With the battery in place , the TK16 weighed just under 6.5 troy ounce on my digital kitchen scale of measurement .
Photo: amazon.com
Like the other Fenix I tested , the TK16 comes with a bang bezel , and this one feature tungsten - breaking tips . The manufacturer does n’t specialise what the tips are designed to give away , but they might come in handy if the user needs to break a railroad car windowpane to deliver someone ensnare inside . I did not test that function , however .
Despite the warmth generated on Turbo manner , this was among my favorite flashlights , primarily due to its high lm , which tender splendid illumination of my rural property . However , the TK16 is suitable for various flashlight purpose , given its multiple intensity modes .
Get the Fenix TK16 flashlight atAmazon , Longhorn Tactical , orFenix .
Photo: amazon.com
Best For Light Packing
Nebo Torchy 1000 Lumen Rechargeable Pocket Flashlight
demonstrate the proverb that effective things amount in belittled packages , this small act is fabulously bright and handy . At just 2.64 inch long , about an inch astray , and weighing in at 2 ounces , the Nebo Torchy is slenderly bigger — and a piece better — than the median penlight for standardised uses .
The most meaning remainder between the Torchy and penlights is the light intensiveness . The Torchy throw 1000 lm of tiptop - bright luminousness on its highest place setting ( Turbo ) . It also feature high , intermediate , and low intensities , plus a stroboscope . The stroboscope map emits 500 lumens , and I was capable to see it flashing from nearly 400 yards away . When test regular beam intensity , I could see my helper intelligibly at about 130 yard .
The little flashlight operates on a single 16340 rechargeable battery and comes with a handy USB charging base . There ’s also a removable clip that can bind the torch to a hat brim , a whack , or a purse shoulder strap .
Photo: acehardware.com
Get the Nebo torch atAce HardwareorACGBrands .
Best for Long Use
Milwaukee 2735-20 M18 Work Light
Having been a devotee of Milwaukee tools for years , I was eager to essay the company ’s 18 - volt workplace torch . I found the Milwaukee to be well suited for lighting up an quick area , but before buying , be aware that — like many cordless , manufacturer - specific instrument — the Milwaukee torch is sold as a “ tool only . ” That entail you must already own , or buy , the battery and the charger . If you have other 18V Milwaukee shaft , you could trade out the batteries to power the flashlight .
On a fully charge electric battery , this oeuvre flashlight emits 100 lumens , which I found imposingly bright for most down - light work situations . The 18V battery slide into the bottom of the torch and put up a uncompromising foundation . A flick - out hook allow users to pay heed the Milwaukee rather than put it on a vapid surface — a true convenience — and there ’s a single on / off switch on the front .
My favorite part of the torch is the adjustable forefront that allowed me to conduct the beam higher or lower as necessary . The flashlight itself weighs just over 12 ounce ( without the battery ) , making it worthy for carrying in a prick box or even in some type of tool belts .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Milwaukee work flashlight atAmazon , The Home Depot , orAcme Tools .
Also Consider
DeWalt DCL040 20V MAX LED Work Light
The DeWalt 20V MAX LED body of work Light is a solid option that pulls double duty both as a flashlight and a workplace brightness . At 110 lumens , it ’s not as powerful as some models , but it ’s not design to contrive a distant beam of light . Instead , it ’s think of to illuminate a nearby work area , such as the inside of a furnace or an HVAC unit where you ’d typically find shadowy lighting .
Prospective buyers should keep in mind that they must also have ( or buy ) a DeWalt 20V bombardment and a charger — both of which are sold separately . The battery attaches to the bottom of the sparkle and forms a stable base , so I set the intact building block inside the bottom of a sink cabinet , and I had more than enough illumination to see all the plumbing valves and fittings . It include a stainless steel ring for hanging on a bar or a hook .
The pivot head on the DeWalt turn out 120 degree , so users can set it to accommodate ignition - angle need . This flashlight make a squeamish addition to a tool collection for those who have other 20V DeWalt cordless merchandise .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the DeWalt work torch atAmazon , Ace Hardware , Lowe ’s , orThe Home Depot .
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Flashlight
The American National Standards Institute ( ANSI ) rates torch by their low-cal outturn , battery runtime , beam space , and beam intensity . When shopping , you ’ll detect that each product come with a serial publication of ratings . Understanding what these military rating intend is primal to ascertain a torch that best suits your needs .
Light Output
There are still a few torch modelling on the market with incandescent , krypton - eccentric bulb , but the vast majority of today ’s mannikin featureLED bulbsthat bring about brighter beams over big distance . The amount of light a flashlight green groceries is measure in lumen . A flashlight bring on 25 lumen is sufficient for reading a book under the cover , while 200 lumens will illuminate the corners of an average - size G . Need more light ? torch with over 1000 lumens are available — just do n’t aim them toward your neighbor ’s windows at night !
The two main types of electric-light bulb establish in today ’s flashlight are LED and incandescent , and both have their pros and yard bird .
We interviewed former CIA ship’s officer and founder ofSpy Briefing GearJason Hanson , who shared his expert cognition on torch used in professional situations . “ illumination should have various beams – you want a strobe irradiation for emergency state of affairs , a wide ray in typesetter’s case of ability failure . ” We take his advice when gathering our top pick in our hand - on trial run , ensuring a good mixture of loose beam options that can do by a variety of situations .
Beam Distance and Type
torch packaging will tell how far the beam will go and what sort of electron beam it is — both authoritative considerations . The aloofness a light beam will beam is measured in meters . For case , a ray aloofness of 200 meters is adequate to just over 650 feet . There are also two types of ray of light . A “ flood ” ray unhorse up a wide area , while a “ position ” beam produces a narrow stream of brightness level that trip a greater distance . Some flashlights permit you to toggle between a flood lamp beam and aspotlightas demand .
In addition , tactical - type models may feature an emergency strobe function , design to attract care if the substance abuser needs assistance . A strobe light - flash ignitor emits an intense , thrust light sequence that ’s easy to see .
Waterproof Ratings
The abbreviation IPX stands for Ingress Protection and denotes that a torch will withstand wet and water , an significant feature if the torch will be remove on gravy holder trips or other escapade where it might get pixilated . A evaluation of IPX4 intend the torch should function if it gets slosh or spray , while a rating of IPX8 indicates that the flashlight will still be operable after being submerge for up to 4 hours .
Power Source
The more potent the radio beam , the more quickly batteries will run out , so with more vivid and powerful clean output comes the need for foresightful battery runtimes . After all , a eminent - lumen torch wo n’t do much proficient on a weekend bivouacking trip-up if the batteries break down in 2 time of day . Fortunately , many flashlights use rechargeable batteries . They cost a fleck more than disposables , but they ’ll save money over prison term if the flashlight is used often . In increase to batteries , there are solar and hand - crank power sources for flashlights , and all are detailed below .
Style
In our interview with SWAT team member Dr. Jared L. Ross , a card - certified emergency MD and founding father and president ofEMSEC , an emergency medical consulting firm based in Charleston South Carolina , who give us some interesting insights into what professional person front for in a top denounce torch . “ natural law enforcement tends to prefer flashlights that have a tail replacement for one - handed mathematical operation while wearing gloves . [ … ] A good - calibre crowned bezel can be useful to break looking glass or as a backup defensive weapon . ”
The good flashlights are available in a handful of styles that include the feature advert by Dr. Ross . These let in hand-held models in various sizing , ranging fromtiny penlightsthat can suit in a purse or a air hole or impound to akeychainto the big , muscular models frequently gestate by security guards .
Lantern torch are designed to baby-sit on a insipid surface to illuminate a wide-eyed area . They ’re democratic for consumption in tents or to light up full rooms during an outage . Many also come with a hook for hang , but they do n’t cast hopeful , directing light , so they can not gain detail in the distance .
Headlamp flashlights are must - have cock for mechanics who want to illuminate the interior workings of an engine while keeping their hands free . They boast a headband with one or more LED lights on the front that rick on by push a button .
FAQs
Continue interpret below to find the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about flashlights .
A lumen is a touchstone of light . The intensity of a flashlight ’s beam is measured in lumen , and the higher the number , the brighter the light .
LED bulbs are much cooler than incandescent bulbs , but a potent light-emitting diode torch may still become ardent . It should n’t become scorchingly spicy to touch , however .
EDC is an acronym for “ everyday carry ” and is used to describe item , including flashlight , that are well suitable for casual use but might not rise up to the degree of function need for fussy activities . For instance , an EDC flashlight would be suitable for unhorse up a door whorl at night , but it might not be sinewy enough for tactical or first - respondent use .
Meet The Tester
Glenda Taylor is a product examiner and author specializing in the construction , remodeling , and real estate industry . She and her hubby own a general contracting company , and Taylor is get in both residential and commercial building applications . She test a wide range of powerfulness tools as well as other place improvement , household , and lawn - and - garden merchandise .
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