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The best flashlights you can buy: Expert tested
We often take flashlights for granted -- that is, until we're stuck in a power outage or on a camping trip. A flashlight is an essential device to have on hand for emergency situations or to simply see better in a dark environment.
Also: The brightest flashlights you can buy
While there's an entire market of flashlights ranging from the brightest in the world for cave-diving or backpacking to heavy-duty models with many different modes and features for flashlight enthusiasts, our top picks on this list are meant for the average person looking for a reliable flashlight for any situation.
What is the best flashlight right now?
We tested more than a dozen flashlights in a lab setting, and our top pick is the Fenix PD36R Pro, thanks to its durable design and impressive lumen output. Our other top picks range in price and lumen output, but we kept in mind real-life factors that can decrease a light's output, which raw lumen outputs don't usually represent. Read on to see the best flashlight options for you.
The best flashlights of 2024
- Powerful beam
- Extended runtime
- 10-minute quick-charge
- Larger size
- Brightest setting reduces battery life to 3 hours
The Fenix PD36R Pro is our pick for the best flashlight overall due to its excellent performance and convenience. Its rugged design is made of anodized aluminum for extra durability, and it boasts a replaceable, rechargeable 5,000mAh battery. A single charge offers more than 40 hours of use.
The company claims a lumen output of 2,800, but in our lab testing, the Fenix PD36R started out at an impressive 3,618 lumens. After one minute, we measured the lux (the amount of light that falls on a surface) to be 122.6 lumens per square meter, and then 46.9 lumens after five minutes. The flashlight was also able to shine at a distance of 414 yards, which is plenty of distance for the average person.
The flashlight is classified as an everyday carry (EDC) flashlight, although some verified customers note that it is a bit large for an EDC. Still, it has a two-way body clip you can attach to your bag, purse, backpack, or belt for easy access.
Fenix PD36R tech specs: Price: $120 | Lumens: 2,800 | Beam distance: 414 yards | Beam width: 102 inches | IP Rating: IP68+ | Weight: .38 pounds | Battery life: ~42 hours
- Super affordable
- Zoomable beam modes
- Low lumen output
For those looking for a no-fuss, affordable flashlight, this Gearlight LED flashlight would be great for most people at just $13. You won't get the brightest and best with this flashlight, but it's great for those who need a cheap, solid flashlight for finding things in your basement or looking under the seats of your car.
At the start of our testing, the Gearlight reached a maximum lumen output of 250 lumens, which is a lot less than the 1,040 lumens the company claims. After one minute, it measured 4.94 lumens per square meter and then 2.32 lumens after one hour, so don't expect a super bright flashlight with this device.
However, verified customers note that the Gearlight came in handy in situations they needed it -- and really, isn't that all you need in a flashlight?
Gearlight LED tech specs: Price: $13 | Lumens: 1,040 | Beam distance: N/A | Beam width: 94 inches | IP Rating: N/A | Weight: .40 pounds | Battery life: 10 hours on low
- Durable rating
- Long beam distance
- Low battery alert vibration
- Flashlight tends to get hot
- No strobe lights
With its blue rim and black aluminum body, the Olight Warrior X Pro is an attractive device that doesn't sacrifice quality. It is the dressed-up version of Olight's Warrior X, adding enhanced performance with a better battery. Plus, this model is IPX8-rated, surviving a three-meter drop test.
In our testing, the Olight Warrior X Pro started out at 3,441 lumens. After one minute, it measured at 123.4 lumens per square meter, and recorded 57 lumens per square meter after one hour.
The battery only allows for an eight-hour runtime, but it's rechargeable with the MCC3 fast-charging cable that enables continued use while charging. Plus, it has a built-in vibrator that alerts you when the power is low.
One thing verified customers note is this flashlight does not have a strobe function, which is found in the majority of tactical flashlights since they are designed to be used as a weapon or survival tool in specific situations and tasks.
OLIGHT Warrior X Pro tech specs: Price: $120 | Lumens: 2,100 | Beam distance: 547 yards | Beam width: 81 inches | IP Rating: IPX8 | Weight: .53 pounds | Battery life: 8 hours
- Impressive beam width and beam distance
- Lightweight
- Multiple modes
- Limited output
- No SOS feature
The ThruNite Archer 2A V3 offers several unique features, including five modes: firefly, low, medium, high, and strobe. This gives you far more options than the average flashlight, so you can get exactly the right kind of lighting for your adventure without wasting power.
When we tested the ThruNite Archer in the lab, it started out at 482 lumens, and its impressive light output lasted for up to 30 minutes before falling to lower lumen values. The beam width is also fairly wide at 112 inches -- only four other flashlights we've tested reached past the 100-inch mark for beam width.
To ensure long-term use, this flashlight is impact-resistant for up to one meter and has a waterproof rating of IPX8 with a dust-proof design. Plus, the body is tough, made of aerospace-grade aluminum and a military-grade finish that can survive any obstacle you may encounter. Impressively, this model manages to offer all of these features using just two AA batteries.
ThruNite Archer 2A V3 tech specs: Price: $40 | Lumens: 500 | Beam distance: 102 yards | Beam width: 112 inches | IP Rating: IPX8 | Weight: .11 pounds | Battery life: 2 AA batteries
- Multi-fuel battery
- Better sustained output at max lumens
- Battery replacements are expensive
The Streamlight ProTac 2L-X is a multi-fuel flashlight, meaning it uses Streamlight's 18,650 rechargeable lithium-ion battery or two CR123a disposable batteries. It also has three settings: high/strobe/low, high only, and low/high, depending on what you need the flashlight for.
In testing the Streamlight, it started out at 461 lumens, which is fairly close to the company's claim of 500 lumens. It did keep a relatively high lumen rating for the first 10 minutes but then fell off to lower brightness levels after that, so this is a better flashlight for when you need something bright for a shorter amount of time.
Overall, one Reddit user noted that Streamlight is a trustworthy brand in the flashlight space, saying, "Great product that does exactly what it is designed to do and works when you need it to."
Streamlight ProTac 2L-X tech specs: Price: $54 | Lumens: 500 | Beam distance: 180 yards | Beam width: 66 inches | IP Rating: IPX7 | Weight: .28 pounds | Battery life: 2 CR123A batteries and rechargeable lithium-ion
What is the best flashlight?
Our lab-tested pick for the best flashlight is the Fenix PD36R Pro for its performance and durability. Although it's pricier than most, it holds an impressive charge and produces one of the highest light output levels on our list. Overall, it is a great everyday carry flashlight for your day-to-day needs.
Which is the right flashlight for you?
To help determine which is the right flashlight for you, these are our expert tips to help.
Choose this flashlight... | If you want... |
Fenix PD36R Pro | An excellent all-purpose pick. |
Gearlight LED | A budget-friendly flashlight under $15. |
Olight Warrior X Pro | A tactical flashlight with a long beam distance. |
ThruNite Archer 2A V3 | A lightweight flashlight that's rated IPX8. |
Streamlight ProTac 2L-X | A versatile flashlight with multiple charging options. |
How we test flashlights
All of our top picks were tested in the ZDNET lab located in Louisville, Ky. To test flashlights, we aimed a flashlight on a tripod in a pitch-black room at a reflector six feet away, and took Lux measurements from a fixed location at time stamps over an hour.
It's important to note that Lux and Lumens are different. Lumens are a unit of measurement for the intensity of the light coming out of a flashlight. In comparison, Lux is the amount of light that falls on a surface and is measured in square meters. If a flashlight's Lux stays relatively consistent over a period of time, it means the flashlight can give off high lumens over a longer duration.
What are lumens?
A lumen is a unit of measurement for the intensity of the light coming out of a flashlight. A high lumen output means that the flashlight shines bright.
Keep in mind that many flashlight manufacturers exaggerate their claimed lumens, and the lumen output may vary depending on your use case with the flashlight.
What is an EDC flashlight?
An EDC flashlight is an everyday carry flashlight that is durable and reliable enough to use on a daily basis while being compact enough to easily stow in a bag or even a pocket.
What is a tactical flashlight?
Tactical flashlights are designed to be used as a weapon or survival tool in specific situations and tasks. These flashlights are commonly used by law enforcement or military personnel since they have features like a strobe light function, a waterproof and rugged build, and a functional design.
Are there alternative flashlights worth considering?
While searching for the best flashlights, we found other options that may be worthy of your consideration.