A Guide to the Best Flashlights of 2021

Whether you’re a DIYer at home or a licensed professional contractor, a good flashlight is a must-have in your toolbelt.

When it comes to illumination, you can’t settle for just any flashlight, either. You need rugged, reliable construction that delivers long-lasting performance. After all, you probably don’t want to save a few pennies, only to have your flashlight give up right when you need it.

When it comes to modern versions, LEDs have been an ideal option for more than two decades. As prices have decreased, they’ve quickly become the go-to bulb for flashlights, which is why you’ll find many of the models below.

Let’s dive in and start by taking a closer look at how to choose a flashlight, followed by the different types available. Then, we’ll wrap up with our top picks among various categories.

Our Picks for the Best Flashlights

Best Overall Flashlight: Coast Focusing Led Flashlight

Most Powerful Flashlight: Milwaukee M12 LED Metal Flashlight 800 Lumens (Bare) 2355-20

Best LED Flashlight: Coast LED Flashlight 

Best Small Flashlight: Coast High Performance LED Focusing HX5 Flashlight

Best Budget Flashlight: Dorcy INT’L LED Plastic 2-D Battery Flashlight ~ 25 Lumen

Highest Lumen Flashlight: Energizer LED Vision HD Focus Flashlight – 1300 Lumens

Best Mini Flashlight: Coast Penlight – Fixed Beam

Best Rechargeable Flashlight: Milwaukee Tool USB Rechargeable Flashlight

Best Pocket Flashlight: Pelican LED Flashlight, Tactical

Best Utility Flashlight: Dewalt 20v Bare Led Flashlight

How to Choose a Flashlight

Here’s the truth: whether you’re renovating or remodeling your home or working on a job site, when it comes to flashlights, no single model will work perfectly for everyone. Instead, the “best” option is the one that most closely balances your unique mix of needs and preferences.

Here, we’ll cover many of the core aspects you’ll want to consider to make a maximally informed purchase, including brightness, weight, durability, and battery life.

With this said, when choosing a new flashlight, the first aspect you’ll likely want to consider is brightness, so let’s start there.

Brightness

By assessing its output in every direction from the center of the bulb, you can derive a flashlight’s brightness, as measured in lumens. Generally, the more lumens it delivers, the greater its brilliance, which is perhaps one of the most useful factors for measuring the performance you need.

But when it comes to flashlights, you won’t encounter an average measurement for lumens. Instead, you’ll find that flashlight brightnesses can vary immensely. Even among our top picks in this article, you’ll see they deliver anywhere between 25 and 1,800 lumens – a distinct difference.

For the most part, you’ll trade a greater number of lumens for battery life. But does this necessarily mean you should automatically choose the brightest option? Keep reading to learn more.

Battery Life

You’re running Romex through a cramped crawlspace, with 20 feet between you and the small exit. Even though you recently put in fresh batteries, your flashlight dies. Now, you’re forced to drop the wire and crawl back to the entrance, grab another flashlight (or worse, borrow your co-worker’s), and begin the process all over again. Not to mention wasting 20 minutes of your valuable time.

If you need a flashlight that can go a long time before needing a re-up and don’t want to pay for AA or AAA replacements repeatedly, you’ll want to consider a model with recharging capabilities.

Otherwise, an alkaline flashlight could work just as well, as long as you’re okay with the potential extra weight and the need to monitor battery levels frequently.

In either instance, you’ll find that most of the flashlights on our list offer enough adjustability that allows you to fluctuate battery usage (e.g., high power to low power), along with enough juice to turn on the brightness when you need.

Weight

Some jobs require that you crawl on your hands and knees – or even your stomach and elbows – to get where you need to go. And if you have to spend a whole day down there, a few ounces can make a big difference in comfort.

With these details in mind, flashlights with alkaline batteries, especially D, are heavier than models with rechargeable batteries. Furthermore, many rechargeable models also feature battery gauges that let you know how much power you have remaining.

Alkaline battery flashlight versions also typically come in larger designs, making them potentially unwieldy and less useful in cramped quarters.

Durability

Many higher-end flashlights are constructed from aluminum; in some instances, even aircraft-grade aluminum, for the ultimate in durability. This type of construction also frequently delivers waterproof and dust-proof protection levels, along with impact resistance up to one meter.

On the other hand, many budget flashlights are constructed from impact-resistant plastic. While generally lighter than aluminum, plastic flashlights typically aren’t as durable as aluminum models.

Types of Flashlights

There are various types of flashlights, from tactical to everyday carry. Explore these options below:

Everyday Carry  

Activities best used for: Everyday activities at work, at play, or around the house.

Best choice for: Those looking for the widest variety of functions to use in everyday life. In many instances, construction and weight will play a factor in the choice.

Pros:

• Jack-of-all-trades flashlight.
• Widest variety of uses and functionalities.

Cons:

• Since it does everything reasonably well, it might not accomplish any of its tasks extremely well.

Rechargeable

Activity best used for: Those who don’t want to worry about replacing alkaline batteries or who have environmental concerns.

Best choice for: Shoppers who don’t mind paying more for rechargeability.

Pros:

• You don’t have to worry about replacing alkaline batteries.
• Less expensive ongoing costs than alkaline models.

Cons:

• Often come with higher upfront prices than models that use alkaline batteries.

Tactical

Activity best used for: Heavy-duty activities.

Best choice for: Individuals who want extra durability from their flashlight.

Pros:

• Usually feature more than one mode.
• Extra durable waterproof and drop resistance.

Cons:

• It can come with higher prices compared to many other models.

Utility

Activity best used for: A variety of activities, from light to medium duty.

Best choice for: Individuals looking to get the most from a single flashlight model.

Pros:

• Often feature multiple functions.
• It can come with alkaline or rechargeable batteries.

Cons:

• Some models are heavier than others.

Best Overall Flashlight: Coast Focusing Led Flashlight

Between its simple push-button on/off switch and twist-focus head, the

Coast’s Focusing LED Flashlight allows you to choose between three different brightness levels:

• Low – 33 lumens
• Medium – 105 lumens
• High – 300 lumens

Twisting the Coast’s head also allows you to vary your beam distance anywhere between 204 and 636 feet.

The Coast LED Flashlight doesn’t feature rechargeability but instead runs on four AAA alkaline batteries included with your purchase. The flashlight’s stainless-steel core and poly-nylon covering provide comfortable durability, along with impact and water-resistance.

Specs:

• Ideal use: general purpose
• Length: 5 ¾”
• Weight: 6.4 oz

Pros:

• Variable brightness.
• Adjustable beam distance.
• Lightweight, durable construction.
• Impact and water-resistant.
• Solid value for the price.

Considerations to be aware of:

• The battery is not rechargeable.

Most Powerful Flashlight: Milwaukee M12 LED Metal Flashlight 800 Lumens (Bare) 2355-20

The 12V M12 LED Metal Flashlight (model #2355-20) from Milwaukee is constructed from 6000 series aluminum and features a type II anodized finish, delivering durability and IP54 ingress protection.

Inside, the M12’s bulbs put out a whopping 800 lumens of TRUEVIEW, high-definition illumination that casts more than 375 yards. You can adjust the flashlight’s beam pattern via its sliding head (flood to spot), along with its mode (high, low, strobe).

Wrapped around the M12’s exterior is an ergonomic grip with knurled texture, a low-battery indicator, and a lanyard.

Specs:

• Ideal use: heavy-duty applications
• Length: 9”
• Height: 2.5”
• Width: 2.5”
• Weight: 1.2lbs

Pros:

• 12 volts of power.
• Three output modes (high, low, strobe).
• The sliding head allows you to change between flood and spot modes.
• Durable 6000 series aluminum construction.
• Dual function switch.
• Type II anodized finish.
• Includes lanyard.

Considerations to be aware of:

• Comparatively heavy.
• Premium price for a premium flashlight.

Best LED Flashlight: Coast LED Flashlight 

Coast’s LED Flashlight (model #HP8407CP) delivers between 58 (low) and 251 (high) lumens of brightness from its single, high-performance LED. The flashlight’s bulb is powered by four AAA batteries (included), which can help cast its beam up to 632 feet by merely sliding its adjustable head.

On the outside, Coast’s flashlight features a durable, lightweight aluminum casing that’s impact and water-resistant. Switching between its modes is as easy as pressing its button once for high and twice for low.

Specs:

• Ideal use: Heavy-duty, as long as maximum brightness isn’t a concern
• Length: 6.125”
• Weight: 7.2oz
• Maximum runtime: 5 hrs 45 min

Pros:

• Pure beam focusing optic system.
• Quick-switch mode changes via an external button.
• Long runtime.
• Includes lanyard (not just the hole).

Considerations to be aware of:

• The battery is not rechargeable.
• Middle-of-the-road price for 251 lumens.
• Only two modes.

Best Small Flashlight: Coast High Performance LED Focusing HX5 Flashlight

Coast’s HX5 High-Performance Focusing Flashlight works with standard alkaline AA batteries, as well as rechargeable NiMH or Lithium 14500s (not included). However, keep in mind that you’ll get considerably higher brightness with NiMH or Lithium batteries than with alkaline (130 lumens vs. 345 lumens, respectively).

The HX5 flashlight also features compact aluminum construction that delivers IPX4 water resistance, along with a two-way pocket clip. You can easily transition from flood to spot modes with one hand, providing a beam distance of up to 259 feet.

Specs:

• Ideal use: General, if you can’t decide between standard and rechargeable batteries
• Length: 4”
• Diameter: 0.8”

Pros:

• Compact size for working in confined areas.
• Works with standard alkaline AA batteries, as well as rechargeable NiMH or Lithium 14500s. 
• Compact size for working in tight spaces.
• Decent runtime (3-hour 45-minutes w/alkaline batteries).
• Ultra-competitive price.
• Unique two-way pocket or hat clip.
• Lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.

Considerations to be aware of:

• Considerably better brightness and beam distance with rechargeable versus alkaline batteries, increasing your overall cost.

Best Budget Flashlight: Dorcy INT’L LED Plastic 2-D Battery Flashlight – 25 Lumen

With its super-bright LED bulb and durable, weather-resistant ABS plastic construction, the 25-Lumen LED flashlight from Dorcy INT’L delivers substantial value for the price.

Compared to many other flashlight models, the Dorcy INT’l 25-lumen model runs on two D-cell batteries, which are included with your purchase. Combined, you can achieve up to 60 hours of run time.

Then, when you’re finished, you can use the flashlight’s fold-away ring to hang it in the location of your choice.

Specs:

• Ideal use: Light-duty applications where maximum brightness isn’t needed
• Length: 10.8”
• Width: 5.5”
• Height: 2.4”
• Weight: 11.4oz

Pros:

• Difficult to beat the price.
• Durable ABS plastic construction.
• Side button switch.
• Overall length and presence of two D batteries deliver a weighty hand feel.

Considerations to be aware of:

• Only puts out 25 lumens, which might not be sufficient illumination in some instances.
• Nearly 11” long means it’s probably not ideal for cramped quarters.
• ABS plastic shell is less durable than metal.
• It runs on two D batteries (not rechargeable).
• Only one mode.
• Heavy.

Highest Lumen Flashlight: Energizer LED Vision HD Focus Flashlight – 1300 Lumens

Compared to our other top picks, Energizer’s Vision LED Focus Flashlight puts out a generous 1300 lumens of daylight color, making it the brightest. What’s better is that its digital focus removes the need for you to do anything other than pierce through the night with exceptional direct and peripheral vision.

Powered by six AA batteries (included), the Vision flashlight casts its beam up to 107 meters and allows you to choose between three different modes (high, power-saver, and strobe) with a button click.

The Vision’s shell is constructed from impact-resistant alloy, and its battery delivers up to 19 hours of runtime.

Specs:

• Ideal use: general purpose
• Length: 12.5”
• Width: 5.24”
• Height: 3.13”
• Weight: 1.09lbs

Pros:

• Delivers high-definition direct and peripheral vision.
• It runs on six AA batteries (not rechargeable).
• IPX4 is water-resistant and one-meter impact resistant.
• Features three modes (high, low, strobe).

Considerations to be aware of:

• Only puts out 25 lumens, which might not be sufficient illumination in some instances.
• ABS plastic shell is less durable than metal.
• It runs on two D batteries (not rechargeable).
• Large and heavy.
• Only one mode.

Best Mini Flashlight: Coast Penlight – Fixed Beam

Coast’s Fixed Beam Penlight flashlight offers a slim, stow-anywhere shape that you can attach to your pocket using the removable clip.

The Penlight’s casing is constructed from 6100 aluminum, with a built-in rear switch that turns the flashlight on and off. Inside, its Max Beam Optic System delivers 36 lumens of brightness that reaches up to 72 feet, and its 2 AAA batteries (included) can provide up to 12 hours and 15 minutes of run time.

Specs:

• Ideal use: Light-duty applications
• Length: 10”
• Width: 5.4”
• Height: 5.6”
• Weight: 0.64oz

Pros:

• Durable aluminum construction.
• Slim shape.
• Lightweight construction.
• Store-anywhere design.
• Removable pocket clip.
• High marks from customers.

Considerations to be aware of:

• It only puts out 36 lumens and casts its beam up to 72 feet.
• Long, and not necessarily maneuverable in confined areas.

Best Rechargeable Flashlight: Milwaukee Tool USB Rechargeable Flashlight

Despite its compact size, the USB-rechargeable flashlight from Milwaukee Tool puts out 700 lumens of TRUEVIEW high-definition brightness across three different modes:

• High – 700 lumens, 4.5hrs runtime
• Low – 100 lumens, 16hrs runtime
• Strobe – 700 lumens, 9 hrs runtime

Its 6000 series aircraft aluminum body is also waterproof and dust-proof, casts its beam up to 155 meters, and adjusts between beam and flood pattern via its sliding head.

Milwaukee included a RedLithium battery that recharges the flashlight via USB up to three times faster than other models. When the time comes, you can plug the rechargeable LED flashlight into any micro-USB port and get 50% power in just two hours.

Specs:

• Ideal use: general duty
• Length: 10”
• Width: 2”
• Height: 6”
• Weight: 8.3oz

Pros:

• Up to 700 lumens across three modes.
• Rechargeable battery that’s good for up to 200 cycles.
• All-day runtime.
• Waterproof, dust-proof aluminum construction.
• Includes a 2-foot heavy-duty micro-USB braided cord with metal ends.
• Includes battery power gauge.

Considerations to be aware of:

• Premium construction and high lumens come at a comparatively steep price.

Best Pocket Flashlight: Pelican LED Flashlight, Tactical

Inside the Pelican LED Tactical Flashlight’s (model # 2360-000-110) aerospace-grade aluminum body, you’ll find a single impact-resistant LED lamp module with high, low, and strobe modes, along with two AA batteries.

The batteries deliver a peak output of 163 lumens and provide up to 3.5 hours of runtime, at which point its built-in level indicator will let you know that it’s time to replace them.

On the flashlight’s exterior, you’ll find a rear button to power on/off and change between modes, along with a textured body for secure handling and a removable pocket clip.

Specs:

• Ideal use: Tactical, heavy-duty situations where you don’t require maximum brightness
• Length: 9”
• Width: 2”
• Height: 4.25”

Pros:

• Durable, aerospace-grade aluminum body.
• Impact-resistant LED lamp module.
• Three modes adjustable via a rear button.
• Two-way pocket clip.

Considerations to be aware of:

• Operates on 2 AA batteries (not rechargeable).
• Middle-of-the-road price.

Best Utility Flashlight: Dewalt 20V Bare LED Flashlight

Among all of the flashlights we’ve discussed, Dewalt’s 20V Bare LED Flashlight comes with a unique shape and a head that rotates 120 degrees.

Compared to other Xenon lights, the Bare LED Flashlight doesn’t generate excessive heat, and its efficient LED bulbs can deliver up to 25 hours of run time, depending on the battery’s amp level.

While you’re using it, you can also use the flashlight’s integrated hook to attach to an object and deliver hands-free lighting.

Specs:

• Ideal use: Utility, heavy-duty
• Length: 6”
• Width: 2”
• Weight: 10.1oz

Pros:

• Head rotates 120 degrees.
• Battery works with other Dewalt tools.
• Integrated hanging hook.
• Overwhelmingly positive online customer reviews.
• Three-year limited warranty.

Considerations to be aware of:

• Only one mode.
• It does not include a battery.
• With battery, this is the heaviest model in our lineup.
• Despite its weight, it doesn’t put out the most lumens.

Best Batteries for Flashlights 

Overall, there are four kinds of flashlight batteries on the market:

Alkaline

Obtains its energy from the reaction between zinc metal and manganese dioxide. Includes standard sizes like AA, AAA, C, and D.

Pros:

• An inexpensive source of power.
• Widely available.
• Long shelf life.
• Safe from potential health hazards.

Cons:

• Not rechargeable.
• Typically less powerful than other battery types.
• Larger and heavier than other types.

Lithium

These batteries use anodes made from metallic lithium.

Pros:

• The most popular option for high-tech equipment and electric cars.
• Stores more energy in the same space than other types.
• Recharges faster than many other types.
• Minimal overheating.
• Lower discharge rates.

Cons:

• Generally, more expensive than other battery types.
• Not rechargeable.

NiMH

Creates a chemical reaction using nickel oxide hydroxide (NiOOH).

Pros:

• High energy density.
• A stable form of energy.
• Uses environmentally friendly materials.

Cons:

• Relatively bulky.
• Less durable than some other forms of energy.
• High discharge rate.

Lithium-Ion (Li-ion)

It uses lithium ions that move from the negative electrode to the positive.

Pros:

• Lightweight.
• Low self-discharge rate.
• High energy density.
• Rechargeable.

Cons:

• More expensive than some other battery types.
• Manufacturers often create proprietary batteries that fit only their models.
• Subject to aging.

Flashlight Accessories

No matter its stock form, aftermarket accessories can turn up the notch on your flashlight’s look and performance, depending on the model you choose. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Continuity Tester – Two 3.6-volt bulbs that can maximize your flashlight’s brightness and beam length.
• Magnetic Screwdriver – Visually and audibly detects 12-1000V AC without making contact. Includes LED bar graph.
• Cell Phone Holder – Four pockets and one cell phone pocket with snap closure that attaches to your toolbelt for secure carrying.
• Lock Jaw Tool Holder – Made from durable fiberglass and securely holds various items (e.g., roller frame, paintbrush, scraper, flashlight, and more) in place.
• Voltage Tester – Automatically powers on when measuring, with a backlit display, dust and water resistance, and drop protection.
• Krypton Bulb – 3.6-volt, 0.75-amp bulbs for use in 3D flashlights.