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Flashlights are useful tools for emergency situations when you don’t have power or can’t see in the dark. Read our guide below to learn about important flashlight features, such as battery type, size, and light type, along with our recommendations for the best flashlight options on Amazon. You can also check out our tools buying guide for more information.
Top 4 Flashlights
- Best Kit: GearLight LED Tactical Flashlights
- Largest Flashlight: GearLight High-Powered LED Flashlight
- Best Value: EverBrite LED Flashlights
- Best Rechargeable Battery: Hoxida LED Tactical Flashlights
Best Kit
GearLight LED Tactical Flashlights
- $21.99
- $29.94
- 27% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Includes two flashlights, two lanyards, two holsters, two AAA battery holders, and two rechargeable battery tubes
- Has an output of 1,040 lumens
- Has a water-resistant body
- Can survive a 10-foot drop
- Provides light up to 1,000 feet away
- Lasts around 10 hours
- Offers a zooming function and five modes
What Customers Are Saying
Positive reviews said that these tactical flashlights were powerful, allowing customers to see structures or items that were far away. Several users also said that the company provided high-quality customer service when they experienced issues. Negative reviews said that the flashlights’ brightness greatly diminished after a few months of use.
Largest Flashlight
GearLight High-Powered LED Flashlight
- $20.75
- $27.99
- 26% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Includes one flashlight, one lanyard, and one AA battery holder
- Has an output of 1,200 lumens
- Has a water-resistant body
- Can survive a one-meter drop
- Provides light up to 1,000 feet away
- Lasts around 10 hours
- Offers a zooming function and several modes
What Customers Are Saying
Positive reviews praised this LED flashlight for its durable build, sleek design, and bright beam. Additionally, customers said that this flashlight worked in the rain. Negative reviews noted that this flashlight broke after short-term use.
Best Value
EverBrite LED Flashlights
- $15.99
- $17.99
- 11% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Includes six flashlights, six lanyards, six AAA battery holders, and 18 AAA batteries
- Has an output of 59 lumens
- Has rubber casing in bright colors
What Customers Are Saying
Many Amazon customers highlighted the great value and brightness of this flashlight set. Satisfied customers also praised their compact size. In contrast, negative reviews disliked that the batteries came shrink-wrapped because it made them difficult to unpackage and use.
Best Rechargeable Battery
Hoxida LED Tactical Flashlights
- $25.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Includes two flashlights, two rechargeable batteries, two holsters, two USB cables
- Has an output of 1,200 lumens
- Has a waterproof body
- Provides light up to 600 feet away
- Lasts around eight hours
- Offers a zooming function and four modes
What Customers Are Saying
Happy customers highlighted these rechargeable flashlights’ small size and intense light. Many reviewers also noted that these flashlights were waterproof for use in the rain. Negative reviews highlighted the batteries’ inability to hold a charge.
Buyer’s Guide
Your first consideration when choosing a flashlight should be determining what situations you plan on using it for. This will help you work out the remaining factors explored in the buying guide below.
Material
Flashlights are usually made of either plastic or aluminum. Plastic flashlights tend to be more lightweight, but they aren’t as durable as aluminum flashlights.
Functions
Most flashlights have different modes to give you customized lighting. Some common functions include zooming and flashing.
Size
If you want to carry a flashlight with you at all times for emergencies, consider buying a keychain version that will attach to your key ring or a small flashlight that will fit at the bottom of your bag. If you plan on using a flashlight for tasks around your home, purchase a larger one that will offer more light.
Light Type
Flashlights use either incandescent or LED light bulbs.
- Incandescent: Incandescent bulbs give off a softer light, but they’re more likely to break if the flashlight is dropped and quickly drain the flashlight’s battery.
- LED: LED lights are more durable and brighter than incandescent lights. They can also last longer before burning out.
Battery Type
Flashlights usually run on either disposable or rechargeable batteries.
- Disposable: Most flashlights have disposable AA, AAA, C, D, or nine-volt batteries. When these batteries die, replace them with new ones.
- Rechargeable: The rechargeable batteries used in flashlights are either lithium-ion or nickel-metal hydride. When these batteries die, use the charger that comes with the flashlight to recharge them. While this saves you more money in the long run, you’ll have to wait for the batteries to charge before you can use your flashlight again.
Control Type
Flashlights can be turned on and off in a variety of ways.
- Click switch: This type of flashlight has a push button on its side or end.
- Slide switch: This type of flashlight has a piece of plastic or metal that you slide back and forth to operate the light.
- Bezel twist control: This type requires you to twist the top of the flashlight to turn it on or off.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are lumens?
Lumens refer to a flashlight’s light output. A flashlight with more lumens is more powerful, but it also drains its battery faster.
What is a tactical flashlight?
A tactical flashlight is both a source of light and a defensive tool in an emergency. It produces more light than your standard flashlight and allows you to temporarily blind a home intruder or attacker.
Do all flashlights run on batteries?
No. In general, emergency flashlights use a hand crank or solar cell for power. This makes them best for emergency situations, such as natural disasters, where you don’t have power for hours at a time.
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