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Handheld flashlights can be incredibly useful tools in a variety of situations. Whether you’re camping, hiking, working in low-light conditions, or experiencing a power outage, having a reliable and bright handheld flashlight can make a significant difference. However, not all handheld flashlights are created equal, so it’s essential to choose one that suits your specific needs and requirements.
The best handheld flashlight should be compact, lightweight, but with a robust build quality, have an easy-to-use interface, and provide an exceptional level of brightness and beam intensity. Additionally, it should offer a good battery life and be powered by easily attainable batteries (such as AAs or AAAs).
When shopping for a handheld flashlight, it’s key to consider some of its essential features. The flashlight should possess variable brightness settings, a focusable beam, and durable construction. Ideally, it should also be water-resistant and shock-proof.
For this article, we’ve done extensive research and hands-on testing on a range of handheld flashlights to discern the best options available. By utilizing and examining these flashlights in different scenarios, we aim to provide you with the most comprehensive insights and recommendations. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the information you need to pick the best handheld flashlight that fits perfectly into your lifestyle.
Best Handheld Flashlights
Choosing the right handheld flashlight is vital for its functionality and utilization. While there is a plethora of options available in the market, finding the one that’s conducive to your specific needs is critical. Besides, a superior flashlight should provide an uncomplicated interface, exceptional brightness, extended battery life, and be fuelled by common and easily obtainable batteries. To save you from the arduous task of sifting through a glut of products, we have compiled a list of the very best handheld flashlights based on our extensive testing and research.
ENERGIZER LED Flashlight Vision PRO, Ultra Bright 1000+ Lumens, IPX4 Water Resistant, Aircraft-Grade Aluminum LED Light, Rugged Metal Flash Light for Outdoors, Emergency Power Outage, Black
If you’re looking for a flashlight that’s both powerful and durable, the ENERGIZER LED Flashlight Vision PRO is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- With 1000+ lumens of brightness, this flashlight is incredibly powerful and can light up even the darkest of spaces.
- Made from aircraft-grade aluminum, this flashlight is built to last and can withstand even the toughest of conditions.
- The flashlight is also IPX4 water-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about using it in wet environments.
Cons
- While the flashlight is incredibly bright, it does take four D-cell batteries to power it, which can make it a bit heavy to carry around.
- The flashlight also doesn’t come with any batteries included, so you’ll need to purchase them separately.
- Some users have reported issues with the on/off switch, which can make it difficult to turn the flashlight on and off.
Overall, we were impressed with the ENERGIZER LED Flashlight Vision PRO. Its powerful brightness and durable construction make it a great choice for anyone who needs a reliable flashlight, whether for outdoor adventures or emergency situations.
If you’re in the market for a flashlight that can withstand tough conditions and provide bright light when you need it, the ENERGIZER LED Flashlight Vision PRO is definitely worth considering.
Streamlight 66604 MicroStream 250-Lumen EDC Ultra-Compact Flashlight with USB Rechargeable Battery, Box, Black
If you’re looking for a compact and powerful flashlight for everyday carry, the Streamlight 66604 MicroStream is a great option.
Pros
- The C4 LED produces a max output of 250 lumens and a 5-minute turbo strobe output of 250 lumens, making it bright enough for most situations.
- The micro-USB charging port is convenient and eliminates the need for disposable batteries.
- The pocket clip and removable clip allow for flexible carrying options.
Cons
- The battery life may not be sufficient for extended power outages.
- The flashlight is not completely waterproof.
- The price point may be higher than some other similarly-sized flashlights on the market.
The Streamlight 66604 MicroStream is an ultra-compact flashlight that’s perfect for everyday carry. It’s small enough to fit on a keychain or in a pocket, but still packs a punch with its 250-lumen output. The C4 LED produces a focused beam with a peak intensity of 6,000 cd and a beam distance of 67 meters, making it bright enough for most situations.
One of the standout features of the MicroStream is its micro-USB charging port. This eliminates the need for disposable batteries and makes it more convenient to use. The flashlight also comes with a lanyard and holster for added versatility.
While the MicroStream is a great flashlight, there are a few potential downsides to consider. The battery life may not be sufficient for extended power outages, so it’s important to keep that in mind. Additionally, the flashlight is not completely waterproof, so it may not be the best option for use in heavy rain or other wet environments. Finally, the price point may be higher than some other similarly-sized flashlights on the market.
Overall, if you’re looking for a compact and powerful flashlight for everyday carry, the Streamlight 66604 MicroStream is definitely worth considering.
Victoper LED Flashlights, High Powered 10000 Lumens Super Bright Tactical Flashlight, Rechargeable, 5 Modes Zoomable Waterproof Flash Lights for Emergency, Outdoor, Home, Camping, Hiking
If you’re looking for a flashlight that can light up your entire world, the Victoper LED Flashlight is worth considering.
Pros
- The flashlight is super bright, with up to 10000 lumens, making it ideal for outdoor activities, camping, hiking, and even home use.
- It has a zoomable feature that allows you to adjust the focus of the light, making it more versatile than other flashlights.
- The flashlight is rechargeable, so you don’t have to keep buying batteries, which saves you money in the long run.
Cons
- The flashlight is quite large, which may not be ideal for those who prefer smaller flashlights.
- It takes a while to charge fully, so you may need to plan ahead if you’re going on a long camping trip.
- The flashlight is quite heavy, which may not be ideal for those who need to carry it for extended periods.
The Victoper LED Flashlight is a great choice for those who need a powerful and versatile flashlight. The super bright light is perfect for outdoor activities, and the zoomable feature allows you to adjust the focus of the light to suit your needs. The flashlight is also rechargeable, which is a great feature for those who don’t want to keep buying batteries. However, the flashlight is quite large and heavy, which may not be ideal for some users. Overall, if you’re looking for a powerful and versatile flashlight, the Victoper LED Flashlight is definitely worth considering.
JARDLITE LED Emergency Handheld Flashlight, 4 Pack, Adjustable Focus, Water Resistant with 5 Modes, Best Tactical Torch for Hurricane, Camping, Dog Walking
If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile flashlight, the JARDLITE LED Emergency Handheld Flashlight is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The flashlight features 5 lighting modes (High, Medium, Low, Strobe, SOS) that can be easily switched between by pressing the button once. This makes it suitable for various situations and environments.
- The adjustable focus beam allows you to adjust the focus of the light from flood to spotlight, making it ideal for both close-up and distance illumination.
- The flashlight is made of durable aluminum alloy and has an anti-slip design, making it sturdy and comfortable to hold. It also comes with a lanyard for added convenience.
Cons
- The flashlight requires 3 AAA batteries (not included) to operate, which may be inconvenient for some users.
- The flashlight is not rechargeable, which may be a drawback for those who frequently use it.
- The flashlight is not fully submersible, so it may not be suitable for use in deep water.
The JARDLITE LED Emergency Handheld Flashlight is a great choice for those who need a reliable and versatile flashlight. Its 5 lighting modes and adjustable focus beam make it suitable for various situations and environments. However, it may not be the best option for those who need a flashlight that is fully submersible or rechargeable.
The flashlight is made of durable aluminum alloy and has an anti-slip design, making it sturdy and comfortable to hold. It also comes with a lanyard for added convenience. However, it requires 3 AAA batteries to operate and is not rechargeable, which may be inconvenient for some users.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and versatile flashlight that can meet your various illumination needs, the JARDLITE LED Emergency Handheld Flashlight is definitely worth considering.
Blukar Flashlight Rechargeable, 2000L High Lumens Tactical Flashlight,Super Bright Small LED Flash Light-Zoomable,Adjustable Brightness,Long Lasting for Camping,Outdoors,Christmas Gifts Men&Women
If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile flashlight, the Blukar Flashlight Rechargeable is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The 2000 lumens output is incredibly bright and can illuminate a large area.
- The zoomable and adjustable brightness feature allows for customizable lighting.
- The flashlight is IPX7 waterproof, making it ideal for outdoor use.
Cons
- The battery life may not be as long as advertised.
- The flashlight can be quite large when the battery pack is attached.
- The flashlight may not be as durable as some other high-end models.
This flashlight is perfect for anyone who needs a powerful and versatile light source. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or just need a flashlight for everyday use, the Blukar Flashlight Rechargeable has got you covered. The 2000 lumens output is incredibly bright and can illuminate a large area, making it perfect for emergencies or outdoor activities. The zoomable and adjustable brightness feature allows for customizable lighting, so you can adjust the brightness to your needs.
One thing to keep in mind is that the battery life may not be as long as advertised. However, the flashlight does come with a power bank, so you can charge your phone or other devices on the go. The flashlight is also IPX7 waterproof, which means it can withstand being submerged in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. This makes it ideal for outdoor use, as you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged by rain or other weather conditions.
Overall, the Blukar Flashlight Rechargeable is a great choice for anyone who needs a reliable and versatile flashlight. It’s easy to use, has a long lifespan, and comes with a variety of accessories, including a holster, lanyard, battery charger, and more. If you’re looking for a flashlight that can do it all, this is definitely the one for you.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best handheld flashlight, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:
Brightness
The brightness of a flashlight is measured in lumens. The higher the lumen rating, the brighter the flashlight. For most people, a flashlight with a lumen rating of around 100-300 is sufficient for most needs. However, if you need a flashlight for outdoor activities or emergency situations, you may want to consider a higher lumen rating.
Battery Life
Battery life is an important consideration when choosing a handheld flashlight. Look for a flashlight that uses a rechargeable battery, as this will save you money in the long run. Additionally, consider the battery life of the flashlight. A flashlight with a battery life of several hours is ideal for most situations.
Durability
Durability is an important factor to consider when choosing a handheld flashlight. Look for a flashlight that is made from high-quality materials and is built to last. Additionally, consider the flashlight’s IPX rating, which measures its water and dust resistance.
Beam Distance
The beam distance of a flashlight measures how far the light can reach. This is important if you need to illuminate objects from a distance. Look for a flashlight with a high beam distance if you need to illuminate objects that are far away.
Additional Features
Finally, consider any additional features that may be important to you. For example, some flashlights come with multiple light modes, such as a strobe or SOS mode. Others may have a built-in camera or other features. Consider your specific needs and choose a flashlight that meets those needs.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best handheld flashlight for your needs.
