Once again, we have scoured the internet to find the highest rated flashlights. The lights we feature here received the most praise from the forums and review sites we assessed. These sites included: Backpacking Light, Light Reviews, and the Candle Power Forums.
A few notable brands of flashlight are still made in the U.S. – Streamlight (made in Eagleville, Pennsylvania) and Surefire (made in Fountain Valley, California), and Pelican (made in Torrance, California).
If you are only interested in flashlights that use standard AA and AAA batteries, see the keyring-sized Fenix LD01 or the Streamlight. See also our guide to the best rechargeable batteries.
See also my our article on the Brightest LED Flashlights.
Best Overall Flashlight – Fenix TK11 R5 LED Flashlight
Pros: Very bright, durable, quality components, waterproof, inexpensive.
Price: $73
Once again, a Fenix light heads up our list of top rated flashlights. The Fenix TK11 R5 impressed reviewers with its build quality and light quality. The TK11 R5 uses of two Cree 7090 XR-E Premium Q5 LEDs, producing very bright beam of light (285 lumens in turbo mode). Most reviewers say that Fenix now rivals Surefire in terms of build quality, but because Fenix lights use Cree LEDs, their flashlights are brighter and more affordable than Surefire lights.
The Fenix Tk11 is part of the Tactical range of flashlights from Fenix Light. The Fenix TK11 is actually an enhanced version of Fenix T1 Tactical. The TK11 uses two CR123 or 18650 batteries. A 18650 is a rechargeable lithium-ion battery with a 3.7V working voltage. You can find rechargeable 18650 batteries and the chargers at Amazon. You can use rechargeable CR123A batteries in this flashlight. You switch between light levels by turning the flashlight’s head: turbo mode is 225 lumens, and general mode is 60 lumens.
The body of the TK11 is built of aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, and it has a very solid construction. The flashlight is coated inside out with olive color type III hard coat anodizing that not only provides excellent surface look and feel finish but also protects body against bruises scratches.
25 Amazon reviewers gave the Fenix Tk11 an average of 4.9 stars (out of 5 stars).
It’s available from Amazon for $73.
A less expensive, but equally well-rated light is the Fenix E21.
Best Keychain-sized Flashlight – Fenix LD01 LED Flashlight
Pros: Very bright, uses single AAA battery, rugged, waterproof, affordable.
Price: $41
Reviewers are virtually unanimous in recommending the Fenix LD01 as the best keychain-sized flashlight. The Fenix LD01 flashlight runs on a single AAA-sized battery, yet it can produce 80 lumens of light on its highest setting. It uses a Cree Q5 LED as its light source, and the lens is made of toughened, anti-reflective glass (as with all Fenix lights). It has three output modes: 10 lumens, 27 lumens, and 80 lumens.
The Fenix LD01 is also “IPX-8 water proof” which means it is suitable for continuous submersion.
The Fenix LD01 is available from Amazon for $41.
Home Page: Fenix Light
Best for Law Enforcement & Self-Defense – Nitecore Extreme Flashlight
Pros: Very bright, uses single CR123 battery, excellent runtime
Price: $92
The NiteCore Extreme is flashlight design for Law Enforcement and for self-defense. Reviewers say the output and runtime of the flashlight are top-notch (see this extensive review for details). TheNiteCore Extreme runs on a single CR123 battery, and they body is built of military-grade aluminum alloy. It has two light operating levels both of which are are configurable through light programming and are memorized.
The NiteCore Extreme uses Cree 7090 XR-E Premium Q5 binned WC tint LED. The reflector is built from solid aluminum with a Light Orange Peel reflector finish. It uses digitally regulated electronic drive circuit along with micro controller based programming unit. Brightness levels are controlled by turning the head.
The Nitecore Exteme flashlight is available from Amazon.
Best for General Household Use – Streamlight 4AA LED Flashlight
Pros: Inexpensive, extremely rugged, good beam shape.
Reviews say the Streamlight ProPolymer 4AA Flashlight is the best flashlight for general household use. There are lighter and brighter flashlights out there, they can’t beat the Streamlight’s price at $28. The flashlight uses 7 LEDs that produce a flood beam with a hotspot in the middle. Reviewers at Amazon give this flashlight 4 or 5 stars, and rave about its ability to fill a room with light.
Home Page: Streamlight 4AA Product Page
The BEST flashlight has not even been mentioned. How about a hand torch bright enough to be seen 2 miles away, read a book by, carry in your pocket-no worries AND on low power the battery will last ONE YEAR, yes I said ONE YEAR. They used to be called Nite Palm but now they are Safe Light made in the US and at £11.99 P+P Free you are on to a winner. We use ours as a nite light in the loo as it is windowless and when we go away I always throw it in the bag. My torch has also seen combat in Iraq and is still going strong. Go on-Beat that.
may I know what light that is you are talking about bro?
Does not ship to Singapore for security and anti-fraud purposes. And does not even ship to US if your credit card (billing) is from Singapore. Don’t waste your time ordering, if your card is non-SG they will not deliver even if shipping is to US.
Have you guys lost your mind??? Check out the Pelican 7060 LED lights. That light will blow all of these lights way. The also have the 2360 that it right there with it.
Link: http://cli.gs/RtUq6L
The Pelican 7060 is only 130 lumens dude, not even close to these lights.
Hello My name is Mr Mike and will like to know if you have pressure cooker and also with Aluminum body with Weight valve..And will like to know the total price for 50pcs and what form of payment do you accept..Hope to hear from you soon..
I own the fenix tk 11 and it is handy, but I like my Pelican 7060 LED more, its sturdy and has an incredible throw. It’ll light up the far wall of a warehouse (300 feet). The Streamlight Supertack has a tight beam too, 135 lumens but keeeps the beam together a little better than the pelican.
Link: http://cli.gs/RtUq6L
Fenix lights do not last and some do not work properly. Buy American made! There are better LED flashlights made by American companies.
JA
Mr. Anderson,.. is GREAT that SOMEBODY mention “AMERICAN-MADE” or made by American Companies!!!.. but you stop short, by NOT mentioning some American Company’s names,.. ( You said)-There are better LED flashlights made by American companies… and I hapen to AGREE with You Sr.
GOOD Day.
NELO.
The first one is in a hot sale this year.The factory price is US$14.5.The light source is CREE Q3,160LM.
Battery is 18650NiMh.
We’re in the rubber industry and we try all kinds of flashlites…. somebody is always bragging …. but we found a lite at Advance Auto Parts that was the sure winner…. brite LED with all the best features…. 2 C cell and more…. not the absolute brightest… but the beam blushed just a tad so it had good coverage when looking in electrical panels. The mechanics loved them and the beam was narrow enough that pipefitters could use them to trace pipes up 3 stories in the air.
Now Advanced Auto has gotten rid of them… saying they went out of business…. they may have cause the machining on the lights for $23 was fantastic…. ANYBODY KNOW ANYTHING ON HOW TO GET MORE OF THESE? MUCH APPRECIATED …….. Ron
The lights are now produced by safe-light. Check out http://cli.gs/yhbQUJ or http://www.safe-light.com
They used to be called nite palm but they seem to be the same light. Will remain on for 1 year on low light or if necessary can be seen up to 2 miles away. All for the miserly sum of £12 .74 which includes FREE postage and Packaging from the States. I have one that’s been to Iraq 3 times and Kosovo and just keeps going. Check out the website.
I like the Inova X1MT-WB , I use it every night to go to and from my truck it’s my keychain light, super bright nice focused beam and under 20 dollars , also I have the X- 5 and a two T-3s . The x5 is in my truck box with 5 led’s it has a soft flood beam still good up to 50 feet , and the t3 one on the shot gun and one on my belt with a 3hr. run time and 200 ft. clear site at 300 ft. you see’um , just a nice small powerful light.about 60 dollars for the t3 and 30 for the x5 .
Ok so I know you all love your lights, but you have to check out 511 tactical, thay have a flashlite that peaks at 270 lumens 90 reg and strobe, 90 lumens last for over 2hrs,and the kicker is they charge in 90 seconds….no bull.
im planning to get myself a fenix tk 11 r5….
ive never owned a flashlight before….
i want a flashlight which has a good throw and its brightness level is very efficient…
can anyone guide me if im going in for the right one…..
I just bought a Led Lenser MT7…have not used it at work yet. I do Pest control for a living, so a flashlight is my right arm! ANy comments on this light would be helpful
You can’t beat an XRE with a smooth reflector for throw and you might want to snatch one up before they’re all gone; yet the XPG has taken its place in most flashlights by the end of 2010.
…its all in the reflector.
I have to disagree. Fenix does make quality lights, but there are far superior lights–larger and smaller–available. Extreme Beam tactical flashlights (and several other brands) crush any and every light made by Fenix.
Buddy, a sucker is born everyday. Extreme Beam use the very same LED’s as fenix. And you’ll pay more than twice the price for the Extreme. Notice how Extreme doesn’t tell you what bulb ther using , you wanna know ?? Because they don’t want to alert suckers to ther over priced flashlight that is no different than a Fenix LOL. Open yours up and look to see the truth then sit back and think i could have had 4 Fenix for the price of this one light. But But its got such a cool name and they have them mounted on cool rifles, sucker
I use the Pelican 7060 for my main departmental issued flashlight..I like it compared to the streamlights we have in our patrol car, but my secondary light is the condor c11..160 lumens, which imo..enough light, and it won’t drain the batteries. Not to mention it came with the end cap for my rifle..and it mounts perfectly, and for the 70.00 its not bad. I’ve had multiple surefire lights,stream lights, and pelicans, working in rough conditions in the military and night shift police work…all I’m saying is that any of those do the job.. but they won’t save your life if you don’t have them either charged..or a good back up. Do your own research..and have a back up..the last thing you want is to enter a room and say “Sh~@ my light died”.
i gotta say ive got the fenix tk21 and i use it as my everyday toolbox light coz i dont care if i lose it, simply because the switch is very unreliable sometimes taking 4-5 clicks to get it stay on, gladius night ops is good but not that bright anymore, but i now only use my olight infinitum i25 as backup(dimmable and uses 2xaa batts charged off a solar panel using usb aa cells) and my best one now is my cheap little led lenser t7, cheap common aaa batteries (also charged off solar panel roll ) excellent output and throw, flood to spot focussing and massive run time, i keep one in my backpack and one on me at all times, best ive had so far
I purchased a Nebo 5557 led flashlight 220 lumens, 3 brightness settings, strobe and SOS mode, alum housing and it’s waterproof. Nice led Light
$24.47 on Amazon.com includes free shipping. Nice looking light.
The Nebo has POOR quality and is a waste of time and money. Only a short sighted foolish person would purchase a Nebo. It is a problem looking for a place to happen.
Wow… not one mention of 4sevens?
Coast LED Lenser Flashlights. I have one, they are very good. i can’t say I’ve compared to these other “High quality” LED lights but mine beat the snot out of every light under $30 but it has been durable. dropped many times on concrete over 5 years and still works. It has lasted a very long time on decent to better batteries. the light produces is extremely smooth, bright, and long reaching. Not too expensive either.
Link: Coast LED Flashlight
Have any of you tried the Led Lenser torches? How about the M7? These are good enough to light up matters here in darkest Afica (pun intended).
I’ve just bought an M7 as well. haven’t put it to rough use yet but it’s probably the best torch in it’s price range.
Like Stuart, bought Led Lenser M7 and this outshines all my Maglites and cheapies. Extremely satisfied. Where has the M7 been my past 55 years? For the first time I have a torch that works as a torch.
I guess y’all haven’t heard of Peak Beam? Hand-held Searchlight, 12,000,000 candlepower, ~$5,000.00. You can hold it in your hand, so it’s a flashlight also. Made in Wharton, Pa
im a biologist,and i really nedd a powerful flashlight with long-range light,yellow light,rechargable batteries and low cost,please help me,I will appreciate thanks guys!!
katherine,
did you get a response to you flashlight question? if so please forward to me as I would be interested in a “same” type light.
thanks
Mike
I haven’t heard anyone mentioning 4Sevens or Eagle Tac. I have read alot of goods things about these two companies. I’m looking for a AA2 light that is very bright. The reasom I want AA batteries is price and you can buy them just about anywhere. Any suggestions?
RAYOVAC Sportsman Xtreme™ 4W LED 3C Flashlight (Model SE4W3C) for $25 is the absolute best bang for the buck. Brighter than my 5D cell maglite with the upgraded luxeon buld modification. Sure you can spend over $100 and get better but come on now, were talking about a flashlight. Don’t waste your time looking any further, trust me get yourself the Sportsman Xtreme™ 4W LED 3C Flashlight made by RAYOVAC.
Hello Hello,
I have a killer L.E.D flash light that is as good as the day I got it. It may not be available today but I did a hell of alot of looking before I bought it. The brand is by Fenix and is called L2D (Premium Q5 lense).
It takes AA battery, has two light settings, strobe, and S.O.S.
I have dropped it onto just about anything that would take out most flashlights. I carry it every where I go along with my Buck knife.
I feel lost with out them. (sort of like a security blanket)
I use it every day to find things in not so well lighted areas and every night on my walks. I like to use the low setting for normal use but turn it to high to blind anybody or anything that is coming at me at night. (dogs,cars,etc.)
Also the battery last and last and last because of only one L.E.D.
Like I said at the time I bought it years ago (it was the brightest one of its size). It turns on and off with one hand (a pushbutton on the end)
I am 63 years old and have collected many flashlights. Some that was in the above article. But you are not going to take my Fenix L2D away from me and that you can take it to the bank.
I do understand that today it might not be the brightest but for the size that I wanted and what I got is hand to beat. I am open for any brand that is the same size and use the same AA battery. (only besause if I lose it or it gets dropped into the something like a lake or sewer).
SEE YA
LLOYD
Hi ,I like Lumintop PK30.
LLOYD,
You can get a Fenix LD20 if you lost your L2D. It takes 2 AA batteries and is as good as yours.
Kim
what about this flashlight, I just google it. Smallest flashlight with single battery
XTAR WK20 Cree XP-G R4
Power by 1 x 3.0V CR123A battery
High 265 lumens
Low 75 lumens
strobe
Why is it the Olight m20s series is not reviewed as one of the best? I have been Doing some research and they seem to be as good if not better then some of these lights, with 340 lumens on high/strobe and an easy access side switch to cycle through modes. These are running about $75 any ideas or information about Olight m20s XP-G S2???
hello guys,
i bought fenix tk 35 and it’s sure is the best led flashlight. it has 820lumens output great for hiking, caving and search and rescue. try this one… tnx..
I’ve gotta agree with the LED Lenser by Coast (any model), I’ve owned one for almost three years now. Picked it up at Home Depot for about $30, runs off 3 AAA’s. it’s extremely bright for a while, i don’t have any measurements, but it stays pretty damn bright seeing regular use (probably 3-4hrs) every night over the course of a month and sufficiently bright for at least 6 months (i swap batteries when I can’t remember the last time I did it, never ran the light dead). It’s a pretty robust light. I’m in the military and it’s seen jp-8, hydraulic fluid, sandstorms, -20F, 140F, falling from 20ft or so onto concrete, use as an improvised hammer, etc. I wouldn’t say it’s waterproof, but it’s very water resistant. I’ve been in some downpours and around alot of saltwater, never had any issues with it, but I’m not 100% confident that the inside was bone dry. For the record, it doesn’t float. It does get a little warm on a fresh set of batteries. The beam scatter isn’t very good at all. The lense is like a projector lense on a car, it’s very focused and thats ideal for me.
I’ve had four SureFires, different models, I don’t see the hype. They’re fairly sturdy. The waterproof buttons rip pretty easy, they’re WAY overpriced, the batteries are sometimes hard to get (even in the military), and you have to replace the batteries every couple hours in the middle of whatever you’re doing.
The Pelican 7060′s are nice. We’ve got some at our unit, the rechargable ones. The chargers kinda suck, but the lights are pretty sturdy, they take beatings that used to very literally DESTROY Maglights and seem to keep on functioning pretty well. Gas, oil, hot, cold, dirt, water (10ft and stayed lit so it was easy to find), whatever is in howitzer bore cleaner, high drops, use as a hammer or baton, they stand up to everything. They’ve got a good amount of light and they last through at least 10hrs on duty, the majority of which they’re on. Can’t say if they will work for long after or not cuz they get thrown back on their chargers.
Sorry for running on, but hope it helped.somebody
Olight M20 is a great light, the new ones run almost 500 lumens, only downside is the tail switch is not recessed, only an issue if you carry in a pocket, it may turn itself on. Great battery life and super bright.
Lithium ion batteries vs alkalines. Having a flashlight that excepts aa or AAA is great… but not the best in the long run. The ACTUAL shelf life (not in use at all) for alkaline batteries (aa, AAA, d, c cells) is only TWO YEARS. Lithium ion batteries (CR123, RCR123 or simply 3 volt) have an ACTUAL SHELF LIFE OF *10 YEARS*. This right here folks is the primary reason why military and law enforcement use this battery source because it is one of survivability and tactical performance. Another reason why lithium ion batteries work astoundedly better is that the longevity and brightness of a light does not drop off or fade as does prolonged use and drainage on alkaline batteries. And one for the record… those of you who are LEOs ie tac drivers.. I got my buddy IN THE DEA switched over from using surefire tac lights to olights. If any of you are looking for the end all flashlight of all uses and needs… check out light and their products they sell. Fyi theyre reputible in the military and on the civilian side as well. My favorite is the OLight M20X. Runs about $90 but its worth every penny you paid for it.
My experience with flashlights; 7 yrs Military, starting in 02(4, 1/2 Infantry with 4 combat tours in Afgh/Iraq) throughout I used a Surefire G2, a Pelican and some 350$ surefire combat model, all military issued. I’ve been NYPD over 4 1/2 yrs now and I’ved used a Fenix PD30 since the start, I have NEVER had any issues with it, performs like the day I got it with regular use, more than bright enough for the job. I don’t own any other flashlights now, save for a big old mag, and I find myself bringing my PD30 home frequently so I just ordered a PD32 after reading much reviews, bit stronger. The build quality of Fenix is EXCELLENT, SUREFIRE IS NO BETTER by my experience.
YES of course I would MUCH rather buy American made, I drive a Corvette and a Dakota 4×4, I try to buy IRWIN and other made in USA tools when I can(the quality is hands down superior)
Unfortunately when it comes to this subject, there’s not many choices, mags and pelicans can’t compete and surefire is just flat-out OUTRAGEOUSLY overpriced and you can get par quality from Fenix so my hand is forced.
Surefire, best made, great customer service and MADE IN THE USA…..
Boy. Talk about a bunch of middling flashlights. The reviews must have been parsed from ebay where most people haven’t a clue about high performance lights. The best LED in any of these lights is an XP-E Q5 from 2008 for crying out loud! I like Fenix lights, but to use two Q5′s for 285 lumens is well behind the times. Today an XP-G R5 will make the Q5 look like it has a flat battery. And no mention of an XM-L light? Take that Streamlight with 7 leds and replace them with a single XM-L and you’ll see the true meaning of a flood light.
In addition to my Science Experiment for class: ‘which battery lasts the longest?’ whilst testing them with two radios of different voltages, wattages and sizes. If the end results are to close nd not exact, be testing them on a torch. Three brands of batteries for one-torch and for how will it powerr-it for with intervals of off-periods.
Can you give me any advice and does the brand of the battery or the product reflect in its performance output?
That is quite fantastic! A Good postive end-result
Just stumbled on this site while looking for flashlight battery reviews. Of all the comments posted, only two mention Maglite, and not in a favorable light (no pun intended). I haven’t personally used any of the lights reviewed here, but my gut tells me that they are all flavor of the day products that won’t be around a few years down the road, and most people have never heard of (including myself). All I can say is that after working in the ship repair industry for almost twenty years, my Maglite has never failed me. It has survived more falls from pretty good heights, bouncing off steel and machinery along the way, and it has been submerged in oily bilge water more times than I can remember. It’s so scratched up that it’s barely recognizable, but it still works. That’s how I would evaluate a flashlight. Forgot to mention, regardless of what it’s rated for in lumens, it does a good job of producing the light I need. On a side note, I bought a Pelican light a few years back to keep on my boat. It failed after a few months, and right when I needed it. All the vendor was able to do was exchange it for another one. Yes, that one failed as well. My son is required to have a Pelican at the maritime college he attends. He said the only thing a Pelican light is good for is a paper weight. They just don’t hold up. The are a very inferior product. With all due respect, you can have the fancy, latest greatest flashlights out there, and I’ll keep my Maglite, Thank you very much.
A great LED flashlight is the Streamlight 74301.
I have had many flashlights before this one. The Streamlight is the real deal.
Read more: http://www.istumbledupon.com/streamlight-74301-strion-led-flashlight-with-ac12-volt-dc-and-1-holder-black/
The nitecore mh25 is an amazing flashlight. 860lm and only $80
I have about 38 flashlights around the house. One for every day of the week.A great one that I just got is a triple-decker,3 hooked together, and all can be pulled apart. The 3 lights together will bring down a plane, they are all magnetized, and the heads are adjustable. Made by Solair Technologies, saw on TV, cost about $40, if I recall, maybe less.
Type in: Solair Technologies to see the light. Is 40 bucks and postage, $6.81. You have to see this. Stands up, magnet is strong, will stand straight out without falling.
This blog is about efficient living, and I’m wondering if there is any review of self-powered flashlights? LEDs have come a long way in the past few years, and battery-driven flashlights offer phenomenal performance these days, but what about flashlights that don’t use batteries?
For example, AIT just released its latest edition of the Nightstar shake flashlight (the Nightstar jP).
http://www.appliedinnotech.com/products/shake-flashlights/nightstarjp.php
200ft waterproof, no battery of any kind, chemical resistance, shake to charge, etc.
I would LOVE hearing what people have to say about this and related dynamo crank LED flashlights.
You want a great flashlight, MADE IN AMERICA, that’s rugged, compact and bright. Check out Monster Flashlight’s C-5 Tactical. $26.99, 4″ long and 350 lumens. You want brighter? They also have a light that is 3300 lumens, for under $200. Great products, no complaints. And no, I don’t work for them, I’m just a satisfied customer.
http://shop.monsterflashlight.com/main.sc
The Monsterflashlight.com web site is made by “flashlight freaks” that design and build their led lights in the USA. I have 3 of them and I am giving them as Christmas gifts this year. Well built, very bright and reasonably priced next to overpriced companies like Surefire.
I bought a MF Tactical (Monsterflashlight.com) Pro Tango T6 for use on the job as a police officer. This thing is built like a tank, has every feature I could want or need, and it is brighter than any Surefire around for twice the price. I called the company’s 800 number with questions, and some very knowledgeable guy walked me through my options and answered all my questions. To me Monsterflashlight.com is the jewel in the rough of the flashlight world. I plan to get the 3300 lm Powerstar next, and thats going to be my every day carry light soon.
I have to appoligize. That little surefire Titan is not $229.99 It is actually listed on their site for $239.99. If you buy that light I have some land in Hollywood for fifty bucks an acre for you.
My mistake.
Daniel