Top 10 Best Pocket Flashlight in 2024

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Pretty much everyone had a moment in which they wish they had a flashlight around. In fact, it happens so often that it is not worth counting. A flashlight is a tool that will prove its usefulness more often than some would believe. These days everyone has a smartphone with a flashlight feature but a real flashlight is a much better option since the light is brighter and the batteries can be replaced.

These days, flashlights are much more reliable than how they were a few years ago. This is because the batteries are better and LEDs have become a thing. LED lights started to replace the old incandescent light bulbs for several reasons. They seem to last longer. An average LED light can work for tens of thousands of hours while a classic lightbulb can fail after a few hundreds.

The most important reason why LED lights are so popular is their energy efficiency. An LED light requires much less power to provide the same luminosity as an incandescent light bulb. This is why today we will look at a few LED flashlights but not any kind of flashlights. Pocket flashlights also are known as tactical flashlights are extremely small and very easy to carry around. Because of the efficiency of LED, lights, these small gadgets can provide powerful illumination while being small enough to attach to a keychain and toss into a pocket.

Our selection did not follow any strict rules. We selected models that are well built, not too expensive and have positive feedback from the ones that had the chance to play around with them. In the end, we picked ten models that are worth spending money on. Without delaying any further here are the top 10 best pocket flashlights in 2024.

Best Pocket Flashlight in 2024

10. GearLight S100 LED Pocket Flashlight

Sale GearLight S100 LED Pocket Pen Light- 2 Small, Compact Flashlights with Clip for Tight Spaces, Police Inspection, Nurses & Medical Use

GearLight S100 is a reasonably compact flashlight. It can be considered a pocket flashlight but it is longer than regular ones because it requires two AAA batteries. The flashlight is quite bright, shock-resistant, and water-resistant. For the price, GearLight offers the flashlight as a two-pack and a one year warranty. Both flashlights have a small belt clip and do not include batteries. Lastly, the flashlight has an all-metal construction and a tail-mounted on/off switch.

Features:

  • All-metal construction
  • Metal removable belt clip
  • Comes in a pack of two
  • One year warranty

Reasons to buy:

  • The flashlight is very thin and easy to carry around. With the removable belt clip, the flashlight becomes even more practical.
  • For the price, the GearLight S100 offers excellent value for money. It is inexpensive and comes in a pack of two. Both flashlights have a sturdy build quality, typical for more expensive pocket flashlights.
  • The slim profile and belt clip make the flashlight quite practical. It is much slimmer than most pocket flashlights but just as bright and useful.

9. Olight I3T EOS Dual-Output Slim EDC Flashlight

OLIGHT I3T EOS 180 Lumens Dual-Output Slim EDC Flashlight for Camping and Hiking, Tail Switch Flashlight with AAA Battery

The Olight LED pocket flashlight was designed to be bright, energy-efficient, and compact. It works with a single AAA battery which reduces its size and has a water-resistant aluminum body. The flashlight has a powerful LED array capable of an output of 180 lumens. It also has a metal belt clip that can be removed and a simple on/off switch. The flashlight also has two light modes, a 5 lumens mode that lasts for up to 16 hours or a 180 lumens mode that drains the battery in 21 minutes.

Features:

  • Two light modes
  • Aluminum body
  • Waterproof construction
  • Very compact form factor

Reasons to buy:

  • The Olight flashlight is extremely compact. It is one of the smallest pocket lights available and that is because it uses just one AAA battery instead of two.
  • The two light modes allow the flashlight to save battery life by compromising brightness. This can be done by pressing the on/off button to switch between the two lighting modes.
  • Having the aluminum body makes the flashlight resilient to drops and much more reliable. It has rubber seals that make it water-resistant

8. COAST G20 LED Flashlight

Coast G20 Inspection Beam LED Penlight with Adjustable Pocket Clip and Consistent Edge-To-Edge Brightness, Black, 54 lumens,1 Pack

COAST G20 LED flashlight is a great little product with the decent build quality and a reasonable price tag. The flashlight is very slim and requires just one standard AAA battery. The body of the flashlight is made with aluminum and has rubber seals that make it waterproof. Luminosity is reasonable for this particular model and can run for up to 2 hours and 30 minutes on a new battery. The flashlight also comes with a removable belt clip and can be found in several different colors.

Features:

  • Aluminum body
  • Waterproof
  • Removable belt clip
  • 2 hour 30 minutes runtime

Reasons to buy:

  • Using just one AAA battery makes the flashlight very slim and practical. It is easy to carry it around as it takes little to no space at all inside a pocket.
  • The flashlight has a runtime of just 2 hours and 30 minutes which is average. This is because it is very bright and drains the batteries faster. The increased luminosity can be considered a plus.
  • The construction of the flashlight is anything but disappointing. Having an all-aluminum body gives it resilience to drops while the rubber gaskets ensure no water can damage the flashlight.

7. ThruNite TC15 2300 LED Pocket Flashlight

Sale ThruNite TC15 V3 Rechargeable Flashlight High 2403 Lumens, Super Bright Flash Light, USB C Chargeable LED Flashlight, Multifunctional Pocket Light for Indoor/Outdoor - Black Neutral White

ThruNite TC15 LED pocket flashlight can be considered a premium product. It is considerably more expensive than other pocket flashlights and that is because it is extremely bright. The flashlight is rated at 2300 lumens and can project light over a distance of 807 feet. To power the flashlight a rechargeable 18650 battery is required. Battery life can range depending on which one of the four light modes is used. The body of the flashlight is made from aluminum and it is completely waterproof.

Features:

  • 2300 lumens brightness
  • Waterproof
  • Aluminum body
  • 4 light modes

Reasons to buy:

  • The flashlight is extremely powerful which is why it does not work with regular AA or AAA batteries. The 18650 battery cells can provide enough power for the flashlight to reach such a high 2300 lumens output.
  • Having 4 light modes allows you to save battery and use the flashlight accordingly to each use case scenario. The brightest light mode will drain up the battery too fast.
  • The sturdy construction makes it a very reliable tool to have around. It can survive it is submerged underwater and it will not shatter into pieces if dropped.

6. BYB LED Mini Aluminum Flashlight

BYB 9 LED Mini Aluminum Flashlights 4-Pack with Lanyard, Super Bright Handheld Torch Assorted Colors, AAA Batteries Not Included, for Camping, Hiking, Hunting, Backpacking, Fishing, BBQ and EDC

BYB LED mini flashlight set offers great value for money. It is not that expensive and comes in a pack of 4 flashlights, each in a different color. Each flashlight comes with 3 AAA battery preinstalled and a small user guide. The flashlights do not have a belt clip but instead, they have a small strap. Luminosity is decent as it is rated at 30 lumens. The LEDs themselves are energy efficient and a new set of batteries will offer up to 30 hours of continuous use.

Features:

  • 30 hours runtime
  • Luminosity output of 30 lumens
  • Aluminum body
  • Wrist strap

Reasons to buy:

  • The pocket flashlight set makes for a very appealing deal. Dividing the price by four makes one flashlight very inexpensive compared to other single pocket flashlights
  • An aluminum body is always a plus because it makes the flashlight much more resilient to drops, wear, and tear, as well as regular everyday use.
  • The 30 lumens output should be sufficient but the most important part is that the LEDs make the flashlight energy efficient, allowing a set of batteries to last for up to 30 hours of continuous use.

5. GearLight S1200 LED Flashlight

Sale GearLight High-Powered LED Flashlight S1200 - Mid Size, Zoomable, Water Resistant, Handheld Light - High Lumen Camping, Outdoor, Emergency Flashlights

The GearLight S1200 pocket flashlight surely stands out when it comes to build quality and reliability. It is a small flashlight designed for camping and outdoor use. Compared to other flashlights it is considerably larger but has several useful features. It can focus the light over smaller or larger areas and has multiple lighting modes. The flashlight works with 3 AAA batteries or rechargeable 18650 batteries. The body of the flashlight is made from plastic but it is water-resistant and can survive impacts or shocks.

Features:

  • Durable construction, waterproof
  • Adjustable light focus
  • Long battery life
  • Multiple light settings

Reasons to buy:

  • The flashlight may not be as compact as others but it has plenty more features. Being able to focus the light on a very narrow area will prove to be quite useful.
  • For the features it offers, the S1200 LED flashlight from GearLight is not that expensive. There are much smaller and less powerful flashlights for about the same price.
  • Reliability is important which is why the flashlight was built using premium materials. It also has a very long-range, making it easy to spot things at a great distance.

4. HAUSBELL Mini LED Flashlight

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HAUSBELL mini LED pocket flashlight makes out for a very appealing and practical choice. It is inexpensive and quite useful as a small tool that you can have around at all times. The flashlight has 3 adjustable light modes that can be alternated to maximize battery life. It can work with either AA batteries or 14500 rechargeable battery cells. The flashlight has a light beam that can reach a distance of up to 650 feet.

Features:

  • 4 light modes
  • Water and shock-resistant
  • Compact form factor
  • Long battery life

Reasons to buy:

  • Having multiple light modes can be very useful. Each light mode has a different power draw making some modes more energy-efficient than others.
  • Being so small and easy to use makes it a very practical little device. It is convenient to carry in a pocket and can even replace a regular large flashlight.
  • As the flashlight has a sturdy waterproof and shock-resistant body, it will outlast regular flimsy flashlights.

3. Anker Rechargeable Bolder LC90 LED Flashlight

Anker Rechargeable Bolder LC90 LED Flashlight, Pocket-Sized Torch with Super Bright 900 Lumens CREE LED, IPX5 Water-Resistant, Zoomable, 5 Light Modes

Anker rechargeable pocket flashlight is one of the better models due to its practicality. Certainly, it is more expensive due to the built-in rechargeable battery but it is also well built. The flashlight has an aluminum body and it is completely waterproof. A full battery charge provides about 6 hours of continuous use. The LEDs have a lifespan of approximately 50,000 hours and have a brightness that can reach 900 lumens. Lastly, the flashlight has 5 light settings.

Features:

  • Built-in rechargeable battery
  • 6 hours of use on a full charge
  • Aluminum body
  • Water and shock-resistant

Reasons to buy:

  • Having a built-in rechargeable battery will save money on regular batteries. It uses a 18650 battery that comes with the flashlight and can be charged using a micro USB cable.
  • The 5 light modes make the flashlight quite versatile. It can have the light beam adjusted to zoom or it can have the light intensity switched with the push of a single button.
  • Compared to regular flashlights, the Anker has a very good battery life despite being quite bright. With a 900 lumen output and a 6-hour runtime on a full charge, it puts to shame most other comparable models.

2. Streamlight 66608 LED Flashlight

Streamlight 66608 MicroStream 250-Lumen EDC Ultra-Compact Flashlight with USB Rechargeable Battery, Clear Retail Packaging, Coyote

Streamlight pocket flashlight is a premium product with a built-in battery and an aluminum body. The flashlight has an output of 250 lumens on the highest light setting and a runtime of 4 hours on a full charge. The flashlight can be charged using a standard micro USB cable from any type of charger or even from a power bank. Besides the aluminum body, the flashlight also has a waterproof design and a small belt clip.

Features:

  • Aluminum body and metal belt clip
  • Built-in rechargeable battery
  • Water-resistant
  • 250 lumens output

Reasons to buy:

  • The built-in battery solves one major problem and that is carrying extra batteries. Most other flashlights require AAA or AA batteries while the Streamlight can be charged from any USB port.
  • The water-resistant design and aluminum body make it a very versatile flashlight. It can be a very useful tool around the house, while working on a car or even when going on a camping trip.
  • Even if it is not as bright as some other pocket flashlights, it is reliable in the sense that it offers a good runtime on a full battery charge. It is well optimized to be practical and energy-efficient.

1. GearLight S100 LED Tactical Flashlight

Sale GearLight LED Flashlights - Mini Camping Flashlights with 5 Modes, Zoomable Beam - Powerful and Bright for Outdoor Use

The GearLight S100 is a bit larger than regular pocket flashlights but that is not such a bad thing. The increased size is caused by the number of batteries it requires. According to the specifications it can run with 3 AAA batteries or a single 18650 rechargeable battery cell. The S100 comes as a kit consisting of 2 flashlights, each with its case. The output of the flashlights can range between 300 to 800 lumens depending on the luminosity setting and can illuminate at a distance of up to 1000 feet.

Features:

  • Light output of up to 800 lumens
  • Can work with AAA batteries or rechargeable 18650 cells
  • Comes as a pack of 2 with individual cases
  • Water and shock-resistant

Reasons to buy:

  • The high luminosity output can drain the batteries quite fast but be able to use a 18650 battery extends its runtime on a full charge. It can also help save money on replaceable batteries.
  • Being made with an aluminum body and proper sealing using gaskets allows the flashlight to become shocked and water-resistant adding resilience and reliability.
  • GearLight S100 set offers great value for money. As it comes as a pack of two, the price per flashlight is relatively low without compromising on build quality.

Buying guide:

Battery life. The battery life of a flashlight is influenced by two things. While battery capacity may be essential, the light output and efficiency of the LEDs count just as much. Most manufacturers will provide an average runtime of their flashlights on fresh batteries or a full charge.

Replaceable batteries or rechargeable. Flashlights running on AA or AAA batteries can be convenient in the sense that when the batteries run out, they can be swapped in seconds. Rechargeable flashlights take time to recharge but they can save money in the long run. You can rarely have both.

Light output. Certainly, the more lumens the better but there is a downside. Powerful LEDs drain the battery faster. In reality, 300 lumens should be decent enough and still offer a good number of hours of runtime on fresh batteries.

Things To Keep In Mind

Most flashlights that work with multiple types of batteries have their output listed in lumens but for the most powerful battery cell, they can use. Manufacturers rarely mention what is the lowest luminosity for obvious reasons. This is a bit misleading but such a major concern. Batteries are usually quite cheap.

Another important aspect to looks out for is if the flashlight has an adjustable focus or not. Multiple light modes are not that important but having an adjustable focus is much more useful. The vast majority of pocket flashlights on our list have an adjustable focus but for the same of diversity, we also included models that do not have this feature.

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2 Comments

  1. The biggest trouble with flashlights is that it seems whenever one is needed the most it is nowhere to be found. There aren’t that many situations in which a flashlight is needed but it can be quite inconvenient to need one and not have it around.

    Pocket flashlights have become increasingly popular due to their compact size and the fact that they are small enough to be even attached to a key chain. In the past, flashlights used to be big and bulky mostly because they required large batteries for a power hungry incandescent light bulb. As LED lights were introduced, power consumption was reduced drastically which meant smaller batteries would suffice.
    Best Pocket Flashlight in 2017

    The models available now are quite varied in terms of size, luminosity, features and weight. Their prices can also vary a lot. Since there are thousands of models to choose from and some appear to be identical yet wearing different branding, we took the liberty to select 10 models that are actually worth looking at. All of them are small, compact and can fit into a pocket so with no further ado here are the top 10 best pocket flashlight in 2017.

    10. Wayllshine 7 Watts 300 Lumens Pocket Flashlight

    The Wayllshine pocket flashlight is one of the most compact ones available and as expected it is quite light. It uses a regular 14500 or AA battery that needs to be purchased separately. Its LED lights are type Q5 offering a maximum luminosity of 300 lumens.

    The exterior design of the flashlight is fairly simple. It has a focus adjusting mechanism and a simple clip that makes it easy to attach to a belt buckle. The on/off button is hidden at the end of the flashlight but remains easy to reach.

    9. Cliplight 140 Lumens Super Bright Clipstrip LED Flashlight

    Cliplight pocket flashlight is a different type of model due to how its LED lights are placed. It is actually a strip array that provides a better coverage, providing light for larger surfaces. Unlike other models it does not have a focus adjustment mechanism but it is well built. The model can survive intense shocks, dust or even direct water contact.

    In terms of design the model is fairly simple with a small clip and a yellow and black coating. It runs on regular AAA batteries. The kit includes 3 batteries but they can be replaced with rechargeable ones.

    8. OXYLED MD50 Cree 500 Lumen Bright LED Flashlight

    OXYLED MD50 is a small flashlight that could fit easily inside a pocket. It is almost the same size of the length of the palm of an adult. The product uses a high quality LED light that offers a maximum luminosity of 500 lumens or so the manufacturers claim.

    Unlike other models the OXYLED needs a 18650 battery type which are fairly easy to find online. They are rechargeable and have a rather higher discharge rate. It also works with 3 AAA batteries if 18659 are difficult to procure.

    7. ThruNite Ti series Mini Keychain Flashlight

    What sets apart the ThruNite Ti mini flashlight is the fact that it is extremely thin. Unlike similar models that also work on just one AAA battery the ThruNite managed to reduce its size quite significantly.

    The model comes with powerful LED lights that have an average lifespan of at least 20 years and a simple clip. It has a fairly durable construction and can survive with absolutely no damage if it is submersed in water.

    6. Streamlight 88033 Protac Tactical Flashlight

    Some might argue that the Streamlight Protac is too big to be a pocket flashlight since there are so many models significantly smaller. While it is bigger it is still compact enough to fit into a pocket.

    The model requires 2 AA batteries to power its 50 watt C4 LED array. Its LED lights are estimated to have an average lifetime of 50,000 hours which is a lot. The built quality is more than satisfactory as it comes with a belt clip and it is completely waterproof. As a bonus the package includes a simple holster to keep it stored properly.

    5. Streamlight 66318 MicroStream C4 LED Pen Flashlight

    Streamlight MicroStream C4 is the smaller brother of the Protac. It is significantly shorter but it uses the same C4 LED type. The model has a simple construction with no focus adjustment. It does have a clip and a tailcap for easier one-hand operation.

    The model is bright enough due to its energy efficient LEDs and needs just one AAA battery. One is included in the package and can be replaced with a rechargeable one. Like some of their other flashlights it has a solid construction that makes it water resistant and shock-enduring.

    4. ThorFire PF03 CREE XP-G2 LED Penlight

    The ThorFire PF03 CREE XP-G2 LED pocket flashlight is a gorgeous gadget. It is extremely small, probably the smallest in our list. It uses a regular AAA battery and it is made of a high durability plastic. The model looks and feels well built.

    For extra convenience the model has a dual-function pocket clip and 3 light modes. Its LED lights are both energy efficient and extremely bright. Their estimated lifespan is 20 years.

    3. UltraFire 7w 300lm Mini Cree Led Flashlight

    Despite being so small the UltraFire 7w LED flashlight is surprisingly bright. It is able to provide a luminosity of 300 lumens which is almost double than what similar models offer. The model is quite small and well-built with a waterproof design and a metal clip.
    Read also: Top 10 Best Computer Networking Wireless Access Points in 2017

    The model uses regular AA batteries which are not included and can also work with rechargeable ones. The on/off button is placed at the end of the flashlight making it easy to use it with one hand.

    2. Coast G10 Inspection Pocket Light

    Coast G10 is a great pocket flashlight. The model is both small and durable. It is so small that it can be attached to a keychain and fit inside a pocket. The flashlight runs on a single AAA battery which is included in the package. Its LED lights are extremely energy efficient, draining the battery in more than two hours and a half of continuous usage.

    Unlike most other models it does not come with a belt clip. It does have the on/off switch mounted on the rear for easy one hand operation.

    1. outlite 501B LED 900 Lumen Handheld Flashlight

    Outlite 501B is a compact pocket flashlight with an amazing lifespan and luminosity. The manufacturers claim that the LED lights have a lifespan of 100,000 hours while the luminosity is 900LM. That is a bit hard to believe but the flashlight does provide an incredibly bright light.

    To power the LED lights the model needs a 18650 rechargeable battery as it provides 4.5 volts. Its body is made of aluminum and it is completely sealed making it water resistant.

    The size and weight of pocket flashlights can vary a lot. Models that use 18650 rechargeable batteries are the heaviest ones by far. Even so their size still remains rather compact which is the most important aspect.

    As for the pricing they all seem to fit in the same category. The main differences are made by the design. Some come with focus adjustment, belt clip or have a waterproof construction. Some even have all these features. What does seems to vary a lot is the luminosity they provide. In some situations it can be better to get a flashlight that offers a luminosity in the range of 100 to 200 lumens. However, this aspect as with all the above is a matter of personal preference.

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