We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Pocket Flashlights 2026 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

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.

headphones-stars

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 (Black CW)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,295
Durability and Water Resistance
Brightness (Lumens)
Battery Type

Most important from
4337 reviews

Durability and Water Resistance
The flashlight's all-metal construction ensures impressive durability and resilience against splashes and rough use, making it ideal for demanding work environments.
Brightness (Lumens)
Multiple brightness settings, including a very bright mode and strobe, provide versatile lighting options for various tasks and situations.
Battery Type
Battery life is outstanding, lasting several hours on medium brightness and going months without needing a recharge under typical daily use.
Size and Weight
Its footprint is slightly larger than some pocket lights, but the advanced features and reliability justify the extra size and weight.
Modes and Features
The UV light performs exceptionally well, revealing details like fluid leaks and cleanliness issues that are invisible to the naked eye.

The OLIGHT Arkfeld Pro is a compact and versatile pocket flashlight that stands out with its triple light sources: bright white LED, green beam, and UV light. It delivers a strong brightness of up to 1300 lumens, which is quite powerful for its small size, making it great for outdoor activities or emergency situations. The green beam and high-intensity UV light add unique features useful for specific tasks such as tracking or detecting substances invisible to normal light. It runs on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which is convenient and environmentally friendly, and it includes a battery level indicator to keep you informed about remaining power.

In terms of size, it is fairly lightweight at about 6 ounces and slim (just under 5 inches long), making it easy to carry in a pocket without feeling bulky. Made of aluminum, it’s durable and waterproof, adding to its reliability in different weather conditions. The flashlight offers adjustable light modes accessible via a circular selector, allowing you to switch between white, green, and UV lights smoothly. However, the triple-mode design might feel a bit complex for users wanting a simple on/off flashlight.

Given the brightness and LED types, the flashlight provides a decent beam reach suitable for everyday and tactical purposes. One limitation might be the green beam power capped at 5mW, which is safe but less intense than some specialized devices. This flashlight is well-suited for people who want a multipurpose, rechargeable EDC (everyday carry) light with advanced features and solid build quality, especially if you appreciate having UV and green light alongside a powerful white LED.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,295
Durability and Water Resistance
Brightness (Lumens)
Battery Type

Most important from
4337 reviews

Durability and Water Resistance
The flashlight's all-metal construction ensures impressive durability and resilience against splashes and rough use, making it ideal for demanding work environments.
Brightness (Lumens)
Multiple brightness settings, including a very bright mode and strobe, provide versatile lighting options for various tasks and situations.
Battery Type
Battery life is outstanding, lasting several hours on medium brightness and going months without needing a recharge under typical daily use.
Size and Weight
Its footprint is slightly larger than some pocket lights, but the advanced features and reliability justify the extra size and weight.
Modes and Features
The UV light performs exceptionally well, revealing details like fluid leaks and cleanliness issues that are invisible to the naked eye.
#2

OLIGHT ArkPro EDC Flat Flashlight Rechargeable with Green Beam, UV and White LED,1500 Lumens USB-C Pocket Camping Flashlight, Spotlight Floodlight for Outdoor Emergency Working (Orange CW)

Rating
9.7
Brightness (Lumens)
Battery Type
Size and Weight

Most important from
417 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
Compared to previous models, the ArkPro is brighter, offers multiple strength settings including a new spotlight, and features an intuitive brightness indicator around the button.
Battery Type
Its compact size, magnetic base, and long battery life make it an ideal everyday carry flashlight suitable for work, camping, and emergencies.
Size and Weight
Its compact size, magnetic base, and long battery life make it an ideal everyday carry flashlight suitable for work, camping, and emergencies.
Beam Distance
This flashlight delivers a powerhouse performance, combining a wide floodlight and a strong thrower that illuminates up to at least 250 feet with impressive peripheral coverage.
Durability and Water Resistance
Backed by a lifetime warranty and excellent customer service, this flashlight is considered a worthwhile investment for its durability and performance.
Modes and Features
The green laser beam is exceptionally strong and versatile, even useful for astronomy, and can be used simultaneously with other light modes for enhanced functionality.

The OLIGHT ArkPro is a compact and powerful pocket flashlight designed for outdoor activities and emergencies. It delivers a strong maximum brightness of 1500 lumens, offering both a wide floodlight and a long-range spotlight that reaches up to 205 meters, which is excellent for illuminating large areas or distant objects. The flashlight also includes specialized green and UV beams, adding versatility for tasks like tracking or detecting fluorescent materials, which is a rare feature in this size. Its rechargeable lithium-ion polymer battery and USB-C charging make powering it convenient and eco-friendly.

The flat, lightweight design (just under 7 ounces) fits comfortably in a pocket and is easy to carry around without feeling bulky. It’s built from durable 6061 aluminum alloy, is IPX7 rated for waterproofing, and has a magnetic base along with a dual-direction clip for hands-free use in various situations. Controls are user-friendly with dedicated buttons and clear indicator lights for brightness and battery status. The flashlight uses a nonstandard battery type included in the package, which might make finding replacements less straightforward compared to common battery sizes.

The ArkPro is a rugged, feature-rich flashlight that excels in both flood and spot lighting with added beams for outdoor or emergency use. Its thoughtful design and durability make it well suited for camping, hiking, or daily carry. Users unfamiliar with advanced flashlight modes may require some time to master its controls.

Rating
9.7
Brightness (Lumens)
Battery Type
Size and Weight

Most important from
417 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
Compared to previous models, the ArkPro is brighter, offers multiple strength settings including a new spotlight, and features an intuitive brightness indicator around the button.
Battery Type
Its compact size, magnetic base, and long battery life make it an ideal everyday carry flashlight suitable for work, camping, and emergencies.
Size and Weight
Its compact size, magnetic base, and long battery life make it an ideal everyday carry flashlight suitable for work, camping, and emergencies.
Beam Distance
This flashlight delivers a powerhouse performance, combining a wide floodlight and a strong thrower that illuminates up to at least 250 feet with impressive peripheral coverage.
Durability and Water Resistance
Backed by a lifetime warranty and excellent customer service, this flashlight is considered a worthwhile investment for its durability and performance.
Modes and Features
The green laser beam is exceptionally strong and versatile, even useful for astronomy, and can be used simultaneously with other light modes for enhanced functionality.
#3

Streamlight 88811 Wedge 1,000-Lumen Max 300-Lumen Standard 1,200-Candela Flat Everyday Carry Flashlight, Includes USB-C Cable and Lanyard, Coyote

Rating
9.4
Brightness (Lumens)
Battery Type
Size and Weight

Most important from
4165 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
High quality and very bright, especially with the newer LED models.
Battery Type
Incredible battery life for such a small and bright flashlight, lasting a long time per charge.
Size and Weight
Compact and lightweight, it can easily be clipped in a pocket without catching on things.
Beam Distance
While it doesn't throw light as far as larger models, its compactness and brightness make it a great trade-off.
Durability and Water Resistance
Super durable, surviving multiple drops onto concrete.
Modes and Features
No unnecessary 'tactical' modes—just on, extra bright, and off.

The Streamlight 88811 Wedge is a strong contender in the pocket flashlight category, particularly for those who value portability and versatility. With a maximum brightness of 300 lumens in high mode, it delivers impressive illumination for various tasks, making it suitable for outdoor adventures like camping or jogging as well as everyday carry scenarios. Its low mode, providing 50 lumens for a longer runtime of 11 hours, offers energy efficiency for less demanding situations.

Weighing only 3.2 ounces and featuring a slim design, it fits comfortably in your hand and can easily be carried in a pocket. The included deep carry pocket clip adds convenience, allowing for secure attachment to clothing or bags, while the lanyard provides additional carrying options.

Durability is another highlight, as the Wedge is made from anodized aluminum and boasts an IPX7 waterproof rating, which means it can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter. It's also tested for impact resistance up to 1 meter, making it suitable for rugged use. The rechargeable feature via USB-C is a significant advantage, allowing for quick charging in about 3 hours and providing a charge indicator for ease of use. The flashlight excels in many areas, though potential users should note that its maximum brightness of 300 lumens might not be sufficient for all high-intensity lighting needs, especially in very dark environments. The beam distance of 69 meters is decent but may not reach as far as some other models in similar categories.

Rating
9.4
Brightness (Lumens)
Battery Type
Size and Weight

Most important from
4165 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
High quality and very bright, especially with the newer LED models.
Battery Type
Incredible battery life for such a small and bright flashlight, lasting a long time per charge.
Size and Weight
Compact and lightweight, it can easily be clipped in a pocket without catching on things.
Beam Distance
While it doesn't throw light as far as larger models, its compactness and brightness make it a great trade-off.
Durability and Water Resistance
Super durable, surviving multiple drops onto concrete.
Modes and Features
No unnecessary 'tactical' modes—just on, extra bright, and off.

Buying Guide for the Best Pocket Flashlights

Choosing the right pocket flashlight can make a big difference in your daily life, whether you need it for work, outdoor activities, or emergencies. The key is to understand the various specifications and how they align with your needs. Here’s a guide to help you navigate through the important features and make an informed decision.
Brightness (Lumens)Brightness, measured in lumens, indicates how much light the flashlight can produce. This is important because it determines how well you can see in the dark. Flashlights with 20-100 lumens are suitable for general use like finding keys or walking in the dark. For outdoor activities or security purposes, 100-300 lumens is more appropriate. If you need a flashlight for professional use or search and rescue, look for models with 300+ lumens. Consider your primary use to decide the right brightness level for you.
Battery TypeThe type of battery a flashlight uses affects its convenience and running cost. Common options include disposable batteries (like AA or AAA) and rechargeable batteries. Disposable batteries are easy to replace and find, making them great for occasional use. Rechargeable batteries are more cost-effective and environmentally friendly in the long run, ideal for frequent use. Think about how often you’ll use the flashlight and whether you prefer the convenience of disposables or the sustainability of rechargeables.
Size and WeightSize and weight are crucial for portability and comfort. A pocket flashlight should be compact and lightweight enough to carry around easily. Small flashlights (under 4 inches) are perfect for everyday carry (EDC) and fit comfortably in your pocket. Medium-sized flashlights (4-6 inches) offer a balance between portability and performance, suitable for outdoor activities. Larger flashlights (over 6 inches) might be more powerful but less convenient to carry. Choose a size that fits your carrying habits and usage scenarios.
Beam DistanceBeam distance indicates how far the light can reach, which is important for visibility over long distances. For general use, a beam distance of 50-100 meters is usually sufficient. For outdoor activities like hiking or camping, a beam distance of 100-200 meters is more suitable. For search and rescue or professional use, look for a beam distance of 200+ meters. Consider where and how you’ll be using the flashlight to determine the appropriate beam distance.
Durability and Water ResistanceDurability and water resistance ensure that your flashlight can withstand tough conditions. Look for flashlights made from robust materials like aluminum or stainless steel for better durability. Water resistance is indicated by an IPX rating; IPX4 means the flashlight can handle splashes, while IPX7 or higher means it can be submerged in water. If you plan to use the flashlight outdoors or in harsh environments, prioritize models with higher durability and water resistance ratings.
Modes and FeaturesDifferent modes and features can enhance the functionality of your flashlight. Common modes include low, medium, high, and strobe. Some flashlights also offer SOS mode for emergencies. Having multiple modes allows you to adjust the brightness and conserve battery life. Additional features like a zoomable lens, magnetic base, or clip can add convenience. Think about what extra features might be useful for your specific needs and choose accordingly.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now