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10 Best Handheld Flashlights 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

OLIGHT Arkfeld Pro Rechargeable EDC Flat Flashlight with Green Beam, UV and White LED Combo, 1300 Lumens Portable Pocket Lights, Triple Sources for Outdoors Emergency Working (Racing Stripe CW)

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,198
Brightness (Lumens)
Battery Type
Runtime

Most important from
3677 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
The light is exceptionally bright and the battery lasts for weeks even with daily use.
Battery Type
Even with frequent use, the flashlight maintains a full charge, reducing the need for constant recharging.
Runtime
The light is exceptionally bright and the battery lasts for weeks even with daily use.
Size and Weight
The flashlight's compact size fits well in pockets and feels sturdy and well-made.
Durability
Its anodized aluminum construction with a satin finish gives it a premium feel.
Modes and Features
The UV light, while not very strong, is useful for detecting scorpions and pet urine.

The OLIGHT Arkfeld Pro Rechargeable EDC Flat Flashlight is a versatile and powerful handheld flashlight. With a maximum brightness of 1300 lumens, it offers excellent illumination for various tasks. It includes three light sources—white LED, UV, and green beam—making it suitable for general lighting, presentations, and even pet training.

The flashlight is powered by a built-in 1500mAh Lithium Polymer battery, ensuring you have a reliable power source. A five-level battery indicator helps you keep track of the battery status, so you’re aware of the remaining power at all times. The runtime is decent but may vary depending on the mode used, and while specific beam distance is not mentioned, the high brightness suggests a strong range.

Its compact size (0.62 x 1.06 x 4.72 inches) and light weight (6.74 ounces) make it very portable and easy to carry in a pocket. Made from durable aluminum and rated IPX7 for water resistance, it can withstand rough outdoor conditions. The flashlight also features an intuitive circular selector for easy mode switching. However, the built-in battery might be a limitation for those who prefer replaceable batteries. Additionally, although it offers higher UV intensity at 365nm wavelength, it might not be a feature that everyone needs. In conclusion, this flashlight is ideal for users needing a reliable, multi-functional light source for various applications.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,198
Brightness (Lumens)
Battery Type
Runtime

Most important from
3677 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
The light is exceptionally bright and the battery lasts for weeks even with daily use.
Battery Type
Even with frequent use, the flashlight maintains a full charge, reducing the need for constant recharging.
Runtime
The light is exceptionally bright and the battery lasts for weeks even with daily use.
Size and Weight
The flashlight's compact size fits well in pockets and feels sturdy and well-made.
Durability
Its anodized aluminum construction with a satin finish gives it a premium feel.
Modes and Features
The UV light, while not very strong, is useful for detecting scorpions and pet urine.
#2

OLIGHT I3T 2 EOS Pocket EDC Flashlight, 200 Lumens Compact Bright Handheld Flashlights, Dual-Output Tail Switch Light with AAA Battery and Two-Way Pocket Clip for Camping and Hiking (OD Green)

Rating
9.6
Brightness (Lumens)
Battery Type
Size and Weight

Most important from
1646 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
Despite its small size, it emits an impressive 180 lumens on the high setting, providing bright and reliable illumination whenever needed.
Battery Type
Operating on a single AAA battery, it is both cost-effective and widely available.
Size and Weight
The slim design and dual-direction pocket clip make it easy to carry in a pocket, attach to a hat for hands-free use, or secure to a bag strap.
Durability
The build quality is outstanding. Its sleek aluminum body feels durable yet lightweight, making it a perfect companion for any situation.
Modes and Features
Switching between the 5-lumen low mode and the 180-lumen high mode is effortless with the tail switch.

The OLIGHT I3T 2 EOS Pocket EDC Flashlight is a compact and lightweight handheld flashlight, offering a brightness of up to 200 lumens powered by a single AAA battery. It's designed for easy everyday carry, featuring a dual-output tail switch that allows users to switch between low and high modes based on their needs. The flashlight is also compatible with a rechargeable battery, which can increase the maximum output to 300 lumens, making it versatile for various situations, whether you're camping, hiking, or needing a reliable light source for daily tasks.

The flashlight's runtime is extended by 31%, and it maintains a cooler surface temperature even during prolonged use, enhancing user comfort and safety. Its enhanced pocket clip allows for deeper carry, and it can be clipped onto a hat brim for hands-free use, doubling as a convenient headlamp. The OLIGHT I3T 2 is made from durable aluminum and weighs just 2.08 ounces, making it highly portable.

It is not water-resistant, which may be a drawback for those needing a flashlight for wet or harsh environments. Some users might find the limited maximum brightness of 200 lumens (300 with rechargeable battery) insufficient for extremely dark or expansive areas. This flashlight is best suited for users looking for a compact, everyday carry flashlight with decent brightness and flexibility in battery options.

Rating
9.6
Brightness (Lumens)
Battery Type
Size and Weight

Most important from
1646 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
Despite its small size, it emits an impressive 180 lumens on the high setting, providing bright and reliable illumination whenever needed.
Battery Type
Operating on a single AAA battery, it is both cost-effective and widely available.
Size and Weight
The slim design and dual-direction pocket clip make it easy to carry in a pocket, attach to a hat for hands-free use, or secure to a bag strap.
Durability
The build quality is outstanding. Its sleek aluminum body feels durable yet lightweight, making it a perfect companion for any situation.
Modes and Features
Switching between the 5-lumen low mode and the 180-lumen high mode is effortless with the tail switch.
#3

Streamlight 66604 MicroStream 250-Lumen EDC Ultra-Compact Flashlight with USB Rechargeable Battery, Box, Black

Rating
9.4
Brightness (Lumens)
Battery Type
Size and Weight

Most important from
33640 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
Delivers powerful illumination with a bright 250-lumen output that outperforms expectations for its compact size.
Battery Type
USB rechargeable battery offers convenient charging from multiple sources, eliminating the need for disposable batteries.
Size and Weight
Ultra-compact and lightweight design fits comfortably in the palm or pocket, making it ideal for everyday carry without bulk.
Durability
Durable anodized aluminum housing is impact-resistant and water-resistant, ensuring reliable performance under daily use and tough conditions.
Modes and Features
Holds charge well and is versatile enough to clip onto hats or gear for hands-free use in professional and recreational scenarios.

The Streamlight 66604 MicroStream is a compact and lightweight flashlight perfect for everyday carry. With a brightness of 250 lumens, it offers a clear, focused beam reaching up to 68 meters, which is quite good for its size. It’s powered by a built-in USB rechargeable lithium-ion battery, making it convenient to charge without needing to replace batteries often. Runtime varies between 1.5 hours on high and up to 3.5 hours on a lower 50-lumen setting, which should be enough for typical short-term use but might fall short for longer outdoor activities.

The flashlight is made from durable metal and is impact resistant with an IPX4 water resistance rating, meaning it can handle splashes but isn’t fully waterproof. Its small diameter (just over half an inch) and light weight (about 2 ounces) make it very pocket-friendly. The included features like a multi-function push-button with a charge indicator, a protective metal sleeve for the charging port, a removable pocket clip, and a lanyard add to its ease of use and portability.

While the beam distance and runtime are moderate compared to larger or more heavy-duty flashlights, this model is best suited for everyday tasks, short trips, or as a backup light rather than heavy outdoor or professional use. Its strong build quality and convenience features make it a reliable choice for those who want a handy, rechargeable flashlight that’s easy to carry around.

Rating
9.4
Brightness (Lumens)
Battery Type
Size and Weight

Most important from
33640 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
Delivers powerful illumination with a bright 250-lumen output that outperforms expectations for its compact size.
Battery Type
USB rechargeable battery offers convenient charging from multiple sources, eliminating the need for disposable batteries.
Size and Weight
Ultra-compact and lightweight design fits comfortably in the palm or pocket, making it ideal for everyday carry without bulk.
Durability
Durable anodized aluminum housing is impact-resistant and water-resistant, ensuring reliable performance under daily use and tough conditions.
Modes and Features
Holds charge well and is versatile enough to clip onto hats or gear for hands-free use in professional and recreational scenarios.

Buying Guide for the Best Handheld Flashlights

Choosing the right handheld flashlight can make a big difference in your daily activities, whether you're camping, hiking, or just need a reliable light source for emergencies. When selecting a flashlight, consider the key specifications that will best suit your needs. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision and ensure you get a flashlight that meets your requirements.
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 (under 100) are suitable for close-up tasks like reading or finding items in a drawer. Mid-range lumens (100-500) are good for general use, such as walking at night or around the house. High lumens (over 500) are ideal for outdoor activities like camping or hiking, where you need to see further distances. Choose a brightness level based on how and where you plan to use the flashlight.
Battery TypeThe type of battery a flashlight uses affects its convenience and cost. Common battery types include disposable (like AA or AAA) and rechargeable (like lithium-ion). Disposable batteries are easy to replace and widely available, making them a good choice for occasional use. Rechargeable batteries are more cost-effective in the long run and environmentally friendly, ideal for frequent use. Consider how often you'll use the flashlight and whether you prefer the convenience of disposable batteries or the sustainability of rechargeable ones.
Beam DistanceBeam distance measures how far the light can travel, which is crucial for outdoor activities. A flashlight with a short beam distance (under 50 meters) is suitable for indoor use or close-up tasks. Mid-range beam distance (50-200 meters) is good for general outdoor use, like walking or camping. Long beam distance (over 200 meters) is ideal for activities like hiking or search and rescue operations. Think about where you'll be using the flashlight and choose a beam distance that matches your needs.
RuntimeRuntime refers to how long the flashlight can operate before the battery needs recharging or replacing. This is important for ensuring you have light when you need it most. Short runtime (under 5 hours) is sufficient for occasional use or short tasks. Mid-range runtime (5-20 hours) is suitable for regular use, such as evening walks or camping trips. Long runtime (over 20 hours) is ideal for extended outdoor activities or emergency situations. Consider how long you'll need the flashlight to last and choose a runtime that fits your usage.
Size and WeightThe size and weight of a flashlight affect its portability and ease of use. Smaller, lighter flashlights are easy to carry and store, making them ideal for everyday carry or travel. Medium-sized flashlights offer a balance between portability and performance, suitable for general use. Larger, heavier flashlights often provide more power and features but can be cumbersome to carry, best for specific tasks like search and rescue. Think about how you'll be carrying and using the flashlight, and choose a size and weight that are comfortable for you.
DurabilityDurability is important for ensuring your flashlight can withstand tough conditions. Look for features like water resistance, impact resistance, and robust materials. Water-resistant flashlights are essential for outdoor use in wet conditions. Impact-resistant flashlights can survive drops and rough handling, ideal for rugged activities. Flashlights made from durable materials like aluminum or stainless steel offer long-lasting performance. Consider the environments you'll be using the flashlight in and choose one with the durability features that match your needs.
Modes and FeaturesMany flashlights come with different modes and features, such as adjustable brightness, strobe, or SOS signals. Adjustable brightness allows you to conserve battery life or increase visibility as needed. Strobe mode can be used for self-defense or signaling. SOS signals are useful in emergencies. Think about the additional features that might be useful for your activities and choose a flashlight that offers the modes and features you need.

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