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9 Best Compact Flashlights 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Streamlight 89000 ProTac 2.0 2000-Lumen 17300-Candela Rechargeable Tactical LED Flashlight with USB C Cable, and Holster, Box, Black

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,407
Brightness (Lumens)
Durability and Water Resistance
Battery Type

Most important from
1167 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
Delivers impressive brightness that can illuminate an entire neighborhood sidewalk on high and offers perfectly usable low and medium settings for everyday tasks.
Durability and Water Resistance
Built with solid, high-quality materials that feel durable and reliable in hand.
Battery Type
The rechargeable battery lasts for hours across different brightness levels, making it dependable for extended use without frequent charging.
Size and Weight
Compact and pocketable size strikes a great balance between easy handling and portability, with a convenient pocket clip for quick access.
Modes and Features
The multiple tap functions on the button add versatility and quick control over brightness modes.

The Streamlight 89000 ProTac 2.0 is a powerful compact flashlight that delivers a very bright 2000 lumens output, which is excellent for tactical, inspection, or personal use where strong illumination is needed. It features a high-quality lithium-ion rechargeable battery with USB-C charging, making it convenient to power up without needing to buy extra batteries. The flashlight is relatively lightweight at just over half a pound and has a manageable size (about 6 inches long), which makes it easy to carry or clip on your gear.

Its beam can reach up to 262 meters, giving you a long and focused light for outdoor or security activities. It also offers multiple modes including strobe and variable brightness, controlled by a tactical tail cap and a programmable switch for flexibility in different situations. Durability is a strong point here, with an IP67 rating meaning it’s dust-tight and can survive being underwater up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, plus it’s impact resistant from drops up to 2 meters. This makes it well-suited for tough environments.

One downside is that the runtime on high mode is a bit over 2 hours, which might require carrying a charger for extended use. Also, while it is compact, some users may find the size slightly larger than ultra-mini flashlights. It is a reliable, rugged option that balances brightness, durability, and convenient rechargeability for users needing a solid tactical or everyday compact flashlight.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,407
Brightness (Lumens)
Durability and Water Resistance
Battery Type

Most important from
1167 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
Delivers impressive brightness that can illuminate an entire neighborhood sidewalk on high and offers perfectly usable low and medium settings for everyday tasks.
Durability and Water Resistance
Built with solid, high-quality materials that feel durable and reliable in hand.
Battery Type
The rechargeable battery lasts for hours across different brightness levels, making it dependable for extended use without frequent charging.
Size and Weight
Compact and pocketable size strikes a great balance between easy handling and portability, with a convenient pocket clip for quick access.
Modes and Features
The multiple tap functions on the button add versatility and quick control over brightness modes.
#2

Nitecore EDC37 8000 Lumens Flat Shape Flashlight, USB-C Fast Charging with Digital OLED Display and Safety Lock Sticker

Rating
9.7
Brightness (Lumens)
Battery Type
Modes and Features

Most important from
272 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
The flashlight delivers an intense 8000 lumens burst that can temporarily blind and disorient, making it an effective self-defense tool.
Battery Type
Its battery life is exceptional, with lower brightness settings lasting up to a week, supported by a clear OLED display that shows remaining runtime in hours and minutes.
Modes and Features
The digital screen allows precise brightness selection before activation, eliminating the need to cycle through modes blindly.
Size and Weight
A strong spring clip secures the light firmly in pockets or gear, though it requires deliberate effort to attach due to its tightness.

The Nitecore EDC37 is a powerful compact flashlight that delivers an outstanding 8000 lumens brightness, making it one of the brightest options in its class. It can beam light up to 459 yards, which is great for outdoor activities or emergency use. Despite its high performance, it remains quite pocket-friendly thanks to its slim 1.22-inch thickness and light weight of just over 7 ounces, making it easy to carry daily.

The flashlight uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery charged via USB-C, which is convenient and fast, fully charging in just over 2 hours and lasting up to 190 hours on lower settings. This is a huge plus for saving on battery costs and avoiding frequent replacements. A standout feature is the digital OLED display that shows real-time brightness levels, battery status, and remaining runtime, giving you more control and information at a glance. It also offers two buttons for adjusting brightness and switching between modes like spotlight, floodlight, and strobe, which adds flexibility for different lighting needs.

The anodized aluminum body provides decent shock resistance and weather protection, but it is only water resistant rather than fully waterproof, so it should be kept away from heavy rain or submersion. The battery is a nonstandard type, which may make replacements less straightforward compared to common batteries. This flashlight is an excellent choice if you want a very bright, compact, and feature-rich light for everyday carry, though those needing full waterproofing or easily replaceable batteries should consider these points carefully.

Rating
9.7
Brightness (Lumens)
Battery Type
Modes and Features

Most important from
272 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
The flashlight delivers an intense 8000 lumens burst that can temporarily blind and disorient, making it an effective self-defense tool.
Battery Type
Its battery life is exceptional, with lower brightness settings lasting up to a week, supported by a clear OLED display that shows remaining runtime in hours and minutes.
Modes and Features
The digital screen allows precise brightness selection before activation, eliminating the need to cycle through modes blindly.
Size and Weight
A strong spring clip secures the light firmly in pockets or gear, though it requires deliberate effort to attach due to its tightness.
#3

OLIGHT Arkfeld Ultra 1400 Lumens EDC Flat Flashlight, Rechargeable Compact Pocket Flash Light Combines White LED, UV and Green Beam, Triple Sources Perfect for Checking, Working (Olive-Green NW)

Rating
9.7
Brightness (Lumens)
Battery Type
Size and Weight

Most important from
1382 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
The light output is impressively bright and consistent, reaching up to 1400 lumens with multiple brightness levels for versatile use.
Battery Type
The built-in magnetic charging system is highly convenient, enabling fast and cable-free recharging that ensures the light is always ready.
Size and Weight
Its compact, slim design with a rectangular shape and dual-direction clip makes it exceptionally pocketable and easy to carry securely.
Beam Distance
The wide-angle UV lens is perfect for close-up inspection tasks, though it doesn't project far, enhancing specialized usability.
Durability and Water Resistance
The flashlight's build quality is outstanding, featuring a solid aluminum body that feels incredibly durable and heavy-duty.
Modes and Features
The integration of three light sources—a strong white LED, a high-power green laser pointer, and a 365nm UV blacklight—broadens its functionality beyond typical flashlights.

The Olight Arkfeld Ultra is a compact and powerful flashlight that shines brightly with 1400 lumens, making it suitable for everyday carry (EDC), outdoor activities, and emergency use. Its standout feature is the combination of three light sources in one device: a strong white LED, a UV light, and a green beam, which broadens its usefulness for tasks like inspection, searching, or even pet tracking. The battery is rechargeable with a lithium polymer cell, so you don’t have to worry about constantly replacing batteries, and it includes a magnetic charging cable for convenience. At just 4.16 ounces and about 4.7 inches long, it easily fits in a pocket without feeling bulky.

The flashlight is built from tough O-aluminum, offering good resistance to wear and scratches, and the upgraded glass lens ensures clear and crisp light output. It’s also waterproof, which adds to its reliability outdoors or in wet conditions. The flashlight’s modern olive-green design looks stylish and feels solid in hand, appealing to those who value both form and function. This model represents a well-rounded choice for someone seeking a durable, versatile compact flashlight with multiple lighting options, especially if you want a rechargeable light that’s easy to carry around.

Rating
9.7
Brightness (Lumens)
Battery Type
Size and Weight

Most important from
1382 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
The light output is impressively bright and consistent, reaching up to 1400 lumens with multiple brightness levels for versatile use.
Battery Type
The built-in magnetic charging system is highly convenient, enabling fast and cable-free recharging that ensures the light is always ready.
Size and Weight
Its compact, slim design with a rectangular shape and dual-direction clip makes it exceptionally pocketable and easy to carry securely.
Beam Distance
The wide-angle UV lens is perfect for close-up inspection tasks, though it doesn't project far, enhancing specialized usability.
Durability and Water Resistance
The flashlight's build quality is outstanding, featuring a solid aluminum body that feels incredibly durable and heavy-duty.
Modes and Features
The integration of three light sources—a strong white LED, a high-power green laser pointer, and a 365nm UV blacklight—broadens its functionality beyond typical flashlights.

Buying Guide for the Best Compact Flashlights

Choosing the right compact flashlight can make a big difference in your daily activities, whether you need it for outdoor adventures, emergency situations, or just everyday use. When selecting a compact flashlight, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Here are the main specs to look at and how to navigate them.
Brightness (Lumens)Brightness, measured in lumens, indicates how much light the flashlight emits. This is important because it determines how well you can see in the dark. Flashlights with lower lumens (10-100) are suitable for close-up tasks and indoor use. Medium lumens (100-500) are good for general outdoor use and walking at night. High lumens (500+) are ideal for activities like hiking, camping, or search and rescue. Choose the brightness level based on how far and wide you need to see.
Battery TypeThe type of battery a flashlight uses affects its runtime, weight, and convenience. Common battery types include AA, AAA, CR123A, and rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. AA and AAA batteries are widely available and easy to replace, making them convenient for everyday use. CR123A batteries offer higher power and longer shelf life but can be more expensive. Rechargeable batteries are eco-friendly and cost-effective in the long run, ideal for frequent use. Consider how often you will use the flashlight and your preference for convenience versus performance.
Size and WeightThe size and weight of a compact flashlight determine its portability and ease of use. Smaller, lighter flashlights are easier to carry in a pocket or bag and are ideal for everyday carry (EDC). Larger, heavier flashlights may offer more features and longer battery life but can be cumbersome to carry. Think about how you plan to carry and use the flashlight to find the right balance between size, weight, and functionality.
Beam DistanceBeam distance measures how far the light can reach, which is crucial for outdoor activities and search tasks. A longer beam distance (100 meters or more) is useful for spotting objects at a distance, while a shorter beam distance (less than 100 meters) is sufficient for close-up work and general use. Consider the typical environments where you will use the flashlight to determine the necessary beam distance.
Durability and Water ResistanceDurability and water resistance are important for ensuring the flashlight can withstand rough conditions and weather. Look for flashlights with robust construction materials like aluminum or stainless steel and an IPX rating for water resistance. An IPX4 rating means the flashlight can handle splashes, while an IPX7 or IPX8 rating indicates it can be submerged in water. Choose a flashlight with the appropriate level of durability and water resistance based on your intended use, especially if you plan to use it outdoors or in harsh environments.
Modes and FeaturesMany compact flashlights come with multiple modes and features, such as different brightness levels, strobe, SOS, and zoomable beams. These features can enhance the flashlight's versatility and usefulness in various situations. For example, a strobe mode can be used for self-defense, while an SOS mode is helpful in emergencies. Consider which additional modes and features are important to you based on your specific needs and scenarios.

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