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10 Best Flashlights in 2022 (COAST, ThorFire, and More)

Though they may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of "necessities," flashlights are a definite must both in and out of the home. However, the range of flashlights available is staggering, and picking out the perfect one for your purposes can be a daunting task. That's why we've scoured the internet to find the best flashlights suitable for a variety of needs.


Our number one flashlight, the Lumen Pure Beam Focusing LED Flashlight, is perfect for home use and is versatile enough to provide sufficient lighting for other uses. However, our list runs the gamut from home use to outdoor activities to those who seek emergency preparedness in case your needs are focused on a particular usage for a flashlight.

Last updated 09/26/2023
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Table of Contents

How to Choose Flashlights

When picking out a flashlight, there are three main categories you need to consider: brightness, structure, and power source. 

1

Look for the Right Brightness

A flashlight’s brightness is measured in “lumens.” You may have also heard some flashlights touting 1000 lumens or more – but unless there is a specific need for it less will be more than suitable for everyday use.

Everyday Use Doesn't Require a Lot of Lumens

Everyday Use Doesn't Require a Lot of Lumens

The minimum amount of lumens you’ll need to scrape by is 30, which is enough for very dark spaces or during a power outage. 100 is ideal for use within cities and suburbs to see some detail from a distance while still giving you a decent amount of battery life.


If you’re looking for a flashlight for walking home late at night, such as one that could be used for self-defensive purposes, you only need about 80 to 100 lumens to blind an attacker.

Get More Lumens for Seeing Things at a Distance

Get More Lumens for Seeing Things at a Distance

If you think you’ll need to see things from a considerable distance of 250 meters or more, then you’ll want to aim for around 200 lumens. This level is great if you plan to do some nighttime biking. You can go higher if you want to, but it's not necessary.


If your needs are a bit more specialized or you just prefer something super bright, you have plenty of options. Many flashlights nowadays can give you 1000 lumens or more for a very reasonable price and with varied functions.

Multiple Modes for Increased Versatility

Multiple Modes for Increased Versatility

Most of the time, you’ll want a flashlight that can be used for multiple purposes. This is where different brightness modes come in handy: a lower setting prioritizes battery life over brightness while a higher setting uses more of the battery to illuminate details and further distances.


When checking a flashlight’s modes, look to see if the actual lumens per mode are listed. This will be far more helpful than a generic "low," "medium," or "high," and will give you a concrete idea of what mode will be useful in a given situation.

For Camping and Hiking, Less is More

For Camping and Hiking, Less is More

When surrounded by pitch-black darkness far away from the cities and street lights, you only need 10 lumens for most camping or hiking activities as this prevents being blinded by the light. Having fewer lumens also gives you the benefit of a longer battery life, so you don’t have to worry about packing a slew of extra batteries into an already full backpack.


For camping, you’ll also usually want a more “spread-out” kind of illumination rather than a spotlight. To achieve this, look for lantern-style flashlights. Most come equipped with a handle and a solid, flat base. A handle is useful as you can hang it up high so that the light can reach as far as possible around the campsite.


What's great about lanterns is that quite a few nowadays can also serve as power banks. This means you can recharge your phone or another electronic device via USB cable, making it a great tool for both camping and emergencies.

2

Find the Right Body for Your Flashlight

When looking at a flashlight build you'll want to consider its shape and size, but you should also think about the casing material and how water-resistant it is.

Aim for a Shape That Suits Your Needs

Aim for a Shape That Suits Your Needs

The ideal shape and size of your flashlight depend on what you plan to use it for. For example, if you want a flashlight for your car, you’ll likely want something light and easy to grip with different functions attached.


However, if you mainly intend to use it for DIY projects and home repairs, you’ll probably want something with a flat, sturdy base so you can set it down while you work. You may even consider a hands-free headlamp. You’ll also want to make sure that the on-off switch isn’t located on the base.

You Don't Have to Limit Yourself to a Conventional Shape

You Don't Have to Limit Yourself to a Conventional Shape

Unconventional shapes are designed for specific purposes. As mentioned previously, a flashlight shaped like a lantern is ideal for camping, but it also comes in handy during a black-out to help illuminate a room.


Headlights and neck lights (shaped like headphones but tipped with lights instead of speakers) are made for when you need your hands free. These are ideal for nighttime cycling and doing work in the dark.


A handheld spotlight tends to be more heavy-duty and is best suited to hiking and searching in the dark. They’re generally a bit much for normal, everyday use, but are well-suited for emergencies and certain types of jobs where you need as bright a light as possible.

Go Aluminum for Maximum Durability

Go Aluminum for Maximum Durability

Although plastic is cheaper and lighter than aluminum, it breaks down easier over time. So if you want your flashlight to last, be sure to invest in one with an aluminum casing. There are also titanium flashlights that are touted as a “high-end” product, but these tend to be impractical due to their heaviness.

Look for an IPX4 Rating for Decent Water Resistance

Look for an IPX4 Rating for Decent Water Resistance

While most flashlights have at least a little bit of water resistance, you can’t be sure exactly how well it will withstand getting splashed, dunked, or rained on unless it has an IPX rating. But, not all IPX ratings are appropriate so be sure to choose the correct one.


An IPX4 rating means a flashlight is splash-resistant from all angles. Anything less than this indicates either no water resistance or only resistance from certain angles, which could mean that one unlucky splash could make your flashlight stop working.


If you live in an area that has a risk of flooding and want a flashlight for emergency purposes, you may want to consider an even higher rating, such as IPX7, which means that the flashlight will be okay even if completely submerged in water for up to 30 minutes at a depth of about a yard.


IPX8 is the highest rating and is designed for deep diving. So if you want to start scuba diving as a hobby so you can scour the ocean floor, you’ll want a flashlight with this rating.

3

Invest in the Long-Term With Rechargeable Batteries

Although disposable batteries are the most common source of power for flashlights, alternative sources have been growing more popular in recent years and are definitely worth considering. 

Rechargeable Batteries are Cheaper in the Long-Run

Rechargeable Batteries are Cheaper in the Long-Run

Flashlights that have rechargeable lithium batteries (or “rechargeable flashlights” for short) are a great long-term investment, especially if your flashlight sees a lot of use. These types of flashlights can usually be recharged by plugging into a wall or laptop via a USB cord.


These may have a higher price tag than one that uses disposable batteries, but they're far cheaper in the long run. After all, a typical pair of AA disposable batteries last 24 hours at most on a low brightness setting. With regular use, the cost of purchasing new batteries for your flashlight will only get higher and higher.

They're Also Environmentally-Friendly

They're Also Environmentally-Friendly

It’s also important for many to consider the environmental impact of disposable batteries versus rechargeable ones. Batteries are full of toxic chemicals and hazardous materials which leak out when left sitting in a landfill. 


Although newer batteries have less mercury content than they once did, it’s still not great for the environment to simply toss them in the trash. You still have to go through the trouble of recycling them once they’re used up.


Depending on where you live and the recycling services available, this can range from a minor inconvenience to a serious pain. A rechargeable battery means that you won’t have to go through the bother of recycling nearly as often as you would with disposable batteries.

Disposable Batteries Don't Store Well

Disposable Batteries Don't Store Well

Flashlights are invaluable in an emergency, such as black-outs and natural disasters. However, disposable batteries don't have a very long shelf life, so having an emergency flashlight that relies on them may not be the best solution.


Alkaline batteries have a tendency to leak toxic chemicals if left on a shelf too long. If you want to have a flashlight that uses disposable batteries for emergencies, you have to regularly use and restock your batteries so they won’t go bad before you need them. This can quickly turn into a significant cost down the road.

For Emergencies, Renewable Batteries are the Best Alternative

For Emergencies, Renewable Batteries are the Best Alternative

The best alternative is a flashlight that instead relies on a renewable source of energy, such as a hand crank or solar panel. Some flashlights are even equipped with both. If the charge from the solar panel runs out, you can still use the hand crank as a backup. 


However, they do come with some drawbacks. Charging using a solar panel takes a long time. In some cases, up to 40 hours of daylight is needed. Unless it's sunny every day, all day, you may have to leave it charging on a windowsill or dashboard for a week or more.


Hand cranking for one minute gets you anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes of light, but it tends to be fairly dim. It's still useful in pitch-black darkness, but it may be impractical for general use. 


Ultimately, the fact that you can have light without worrying about power outages or running out of batteries makes these styles of flashlights perfect for emergency preparedness. If being this is important to you, these flashlights are a must.

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10 Best Flashlights Ranking

Here are the best Flashlights, ranked according to 10 Best Flashlights (as of 11-04-2022). The products are ranked independently by mybest.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

COAST

Lumen Pure Beam Focusing LED Flashlight20382

COAST Lumen Pure Beam Focusing LED Flashlight 1

$9.33

Low

A Simple, Straightforward Flashlight for Everyday Use

2

Capstone Lighting

4-in-1 Eco-I-Lite561-2

Capstone Lighting 4-in-1 Eco-I-Lite 1

$42.99

Mid

This Night Light Doubles as an Emergency Flashlight

3

Olight Co,.Ltd

Olight S1R II

Olight Co,.Ltd Olight S1R II 1

$64.95

High Mid

A Sturdy Flashlight You Can Fit on Your Keychain

4

LinaTech

LED Camping Lantern

LinaTech LED Camping Lantern 1

$17.99

Low Mid

An Electric Lantern Perfect for Camping and Emergencies

5

Olight Co. Ltd

M2R Pro Warrior Tactical Flashlight

Olight Co. Ltd M2R Pro Warrior Tactical Flashlight 1

$109.95

High

A Hi-Spec Tactical Flashlight That Won't Let You Down

6

ThorFire

Solar Flashlight

ThorFire Solar Flashlight 1

$17.90

Low Mid

No Batteries Required in This Emergency Flashlight

7

Lebote Tec

Lebote Multi-function Flashlight1 - 43528-72551

Lebote Tec Lebote Multi-function Flashlight 1

$23.99

Mid

Best Solar-Powered Emergency Flashlight for Your Car

8

Ninghai Yongheng Lighting Electrical Appliances co.,Ltd

Foxdott Rechargeable HeadlampKC07

Ninghai Yongheng Lighting Electrical Appliances co.,Ltd Foxdott Rechargeable Headlamp 1

$19.99

Low Mid

A Headlamp Ideal for Nighttime Jogging or Construction

9

Chantpower

18W Waterproof Rechargeable SpotlightCHP337

Chantpower 18W Waterproof Rechargeable Spotlight 1

$39.99

Mid

Portable Spotlight for Boating, Hunting, or Long-Distance Illumination

10

Shenzhen Qianhai Wolande Technology Co.,Ltd

Volador Underwater Flashlight

Shenzhen Qianhai Wolande Technology Co.,Ltd Volador Underwater Flashlight 1

$72.99

High Mid

Best Flashlight for Recreational Diving

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

COASTLumen Pure Beam Focusing LED Flashlight20382

Lumen Pure Beam Focusing LED Flashlight 1
Source:amazon.com
Lumen Pure Beam Focusing LED Flashlight 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$9.33
Low
Reference price
$9.33
Low

A Simple, Straightforward Flashlight for Everyday Use

Most of the time, all you want is a simple flashlight to check under the sofa for something you dropped. This is the perfect flashlight for general, everyday use. It has a simple on-off switch with a zoomable option to narrow or widen the beam.


Another great feature is that this flashlight is compatible with three different types of batteries, so you can stick in two types of rechargeable batteries or an AA. At 190 lumens, this flashlight has more than enough power for everyday home-use.


Some reviewers have complaints about reliability, saying it stopped working soon after purchase, though many of the same reviews praise the overall construction of the product. Most reviewers love that they can control the size of the beam, saying this function operates better than more expensive products. They also like the clip that keeps the flashlight firmly in place.

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No.2

Capstone Lighting4-in-1 Eco-I-Lite561-2

4-in-1 Eco-I-Lite 1
Source:amazon.com
4-in-1 Eco-I-Lite 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$42.99
Mid
Reference price
$42.99
Mid

This Night Light Doubles as an Emergency Flashlight

Black-outs come with a host of problems. The Eco-I-Lite is the perfect solution: it is a night light that can be detached from its outlet docking station and used as an emergency flashlight. This particular model detects ambient light and will turn on in darkness. It automatically charges as long as it's in its docking station, so it will stay on even during power outages.


Some reviewers have noted that some of the LED lights stop working after a few months or years, but others say theirs are still going strong even after four years. 


For the most part, customers praise its versatility using it as both an emergency back-up and as a regular, easy-to-grab flashlight for everyday use. They are also happy that the night light function can be turned on or off.

No.3

Olight Co,.LtdOlight S1R II

Olight S1R II 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$64.95
High Mid
Reference price
$64.95
High Mid

A Sturdy Flashlight You Can Fit on Your Keychain

A keychain flashlight is an amazingly convenient tool, and the Olight S1R II is one of the best out there. At 1000 lumens, this powerful little flashlight could even be used as a self-defense tool if needed. Though small, this flashlight is designed with a very comfortable grip and is compact enough to fit anywhere.


Some reviewers have noted that the light failed quickly after they received it but they are in the minority. Most people found the light had many strengths, like its long run-time (an hour on its second-highest setting) and how bright it was for such a tiny light. Many also noted how it fits comfortably in their pocket due to its size.

No.4

LinaTechLED Camping Lantern

LED Camping Lantern 1
Source:amazon.com
LED Camping Lantern 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$17.99
Low Mid
Reference price
$17.99
Low Mid

An Electric Lantern Perfect for Camping and Emergencies

This camping lantern focuses on versatility. It can be used for lighting up a campsite, a searchlight for hiking at night, a warning light on the side of the road, or a power bank to charge your electronic devices should their battery run low.  On top of all that, it's rechargeable, and at 500 lumens, its battery lasts a long time


Several reviewers love how it makes a perfect camping accessory. Others felt that the build isn't sturdy enough. However, many noted that it made a great addition to a car emergency kit, especially since it's small enough to fit into some glove compartments.

No.5

Olight Co. LtdM2R Pro Warrior Tactical Flashlight

M2R Pro Warrior Tactical Flashlight 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$109.95
High
Reference price
$109.95
High

A Hi-Spec Tactical Flashlight That Won't Let You Down

If you're seeking a high-quality, long-lasting flashlight, look no further! With an IPX8 rating and aluminum alloy build, this is one of the toughest and most powerful flashlights on the market. This flashlight comes with 6 different modes and is rechargeable with any USB cable too.


Reviewers have noted that the metal casing gets hot when it's on max power mode. Keep that in mind and you should avoid any issues this may bring up.


Most reviewers raved about how easy to use and lightweight the flashlight is. The highest setting can easily light up a room and keep your path illuminated on nighttime walks.  

No.6

ThorFireSolar Flashlight

Solar Flashlight 1
Source:amazon.com
Solar Flashlight 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$17.90
Low Mid
Reference price
$17.90
Low Mid

No Batteries Required in This Emergency Flashlight

When the power's out, having a flashlight that doesn't rely on recharging or any batteries whatsoever can be a huge boon. This product is primarily solar-powered, but also comes equipped with a hand crank that gives you about one hour of decent light from one minute of cranking. This makes it a worthy addition when camping or hiking.


Though plastic, reviewers have noted this flashlight has a high-quality feel, and you don't have to worry about the hand crank breaking off. Like all products run by a hand crank, many have also noted the light isn't very bright, with this one running a distinct bluish hue. However, users have stated that the solar-powered light is stronger and lasts quite a while. 

No.7

Lebote TecLebote Multi-function Flashlight1 - 43528-72551

Lebote Multi-function Flashlight 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$23.99
Mid
Reference price
$23.99
Mid

Best Solar-Powered Emergency Flashlight for Your Car

If you need a go-to emergency flashlight for your car, look no further! Since this product is solar-powered, you can charge it simply by placing it on your dashboard when you're parked outside. It has many functions built-in: a seatbelt cutter, window breaker, alarm, and compass.


Although it is possible to use this flashlight as a power bank, many reviewers have stated that it does not hold much of a charge. They stated it gave them just enough for a few more minutes of call time.


Many reviewers were happy with the light and its high functionality. They stressed how powerful the beam of light was and stated that they would be buying more as gifts for their loved ones.

No.8

Ninghai Yongheng Lighting Electrical Appliances co.,LtdFoxdott Rechargeable HeadlampKC07

Foxdott Rechargeable Headlamp 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$19.99
Low Mid
Reference price
$19.99
Low Mid

A Headlamp Ideal for Nighttime Jogging or Construction

Whether you like to go jogging at night or need to do some home repair this is a great option to light your way while keeping your hands free. An IPX4 rating ensures that this headlamp won't fail you even if it rains, and eight different modes give you a wide range of lighting choices to suit any situation.


Though it can take a while to charge, the battery can last for up to a full day's work so you don't have to worry about it blinking out in the middle of a job. Some reviewers experienced tightness from the straps, but most agreed the headlamp was lightweight and comfortable.

No.9

Chantpower18W Waterproof Rechargeable SpotlightCHP337

18W Waterproof Rechargeable Spotlight 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$39.99
Mid
Reference price
$39.99
Mid

Portable Spotlight for Boating, Hunting, or Long-Distance Illumination

Spotlights tend to fit a specialized role for those looking for a flashlight. This particular spotlight is top of the line. It has a hands-free stand, it is waterproof up to a three foot depth, and has a long-lasting internal battery.


A common complaint from reviewers is that the low mode is also an SOS flash. There is no way to change this feature so be aware of it before purchasing. Most reviewers loved the strong light and the durability of the spotlight. 

No.10

Shenzhen Qianhai Wolande Technology Co.,LtdVolador Underwater Flashlight

Volador Underwater Flashlight 1
Source:amazon.com
Volador Underwater Flashlight 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$72.99
High Mid
Reference price
$72.99
High Mid

Best Flashlight for Recreational Diving

If you're a recreational diver, having a sturdy waterproof light is a must. Volador's Underwater Flashlight is specifically designed for deep diving. With an IPX8 rating, this flashlight is waterproof up to a depth of 100 meters. It has three modes of brightness, with the highest at 3100 lumens, meaning you'll be able to pretty clearly light up your way underwater.


Many reviewers especially love how its magnetic rotary switch makes it easy to operate, whether on land or underwater. The only thing to note is that it is a rather large flashlight, and as such, it may be difficult to find a holster for it. 


Otherwise, users have noted its durability, saying that the light has lasted many dives. The solid design protects the functionality of the flashlight.

More Must-Haves for Your Household

There are a lot of things you need to make your home cozy and liveable. If you're looking to stock up on other highly rated household necessities, we've got you covered!

Top 5 Flashlights

No. 1: COASTLumen Pure Beam Focusing LED Flashlight20382

No. 2: Capstone Lighting4-in-1 Eco-I-Lite561-2

No. 3: Olight Co,.LtdOlight S1R II

No. 4: LinaTechLED Camping Lantern

No. 5: Olight Co. LtdM2R Pro Warrior Tactical Flashlight

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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