The Best Flashlights
By Abu Bakar Siddique(salman)
The smartphone in your pocket likely has a flashlight. It’s probably good at shining about 3 feet in front of you. But you can get much better light. You can also get more flex, comfort, and toughness with the ThruNite Archer 2A V3. It’s a flashlight that shares a lot with pricier options. We settled on this model after four weeks in the New Hampshire woods. We had 26 flashlights. We drained almost 80 batteries and researched the topic for over 55 hours. We read many threads. We read them at flashlight enthusiast forums. We also spoke to a man who has reviewed almost 200 flashlights.
How we picked
We spoke to our flashlight expert, Dave Wise. We asked about the best features in general-use flashlights. We decided to find models that use two AA batteries. They must have a wide beam and offer many brightness levels. This includes the very low “moonlight” setting (also called “firefly” in some models). Wise recommended that the flashlight have a strobe for emergencies. But, he stressed that the strobe must be separate from the regular brightness levels. Our research found a few other good features to have. A flashlight should be waterproof. It should be designed so that it doesn’t easily roll. Also, to be reliable, a good flashlight should keep a constant level of brightness. Only the better ones can do this.
LED flashlights
use two AA batteries. They offer the best mix of brightness, run time, and convenience. Wise told us that, for the non-enthusiast, “AA are definitely the place to look these days.” Selfbuilt, another top flashlight reviewer, discusses two-AA lights on a recommendations page. Those lights were never very reliable. For our main recommendations, we avoided atypical battery sizes like CR123A. These sizes give many high-end flashlights their superior performance. Instead, we wanted something inexpensive and widely available. For the best performance, experts recommend rechargeable AA batteries. But, we also liked that the lights we were considering could take basic AAs in an emergency (or a power outage).
Our research showed that the two-AA setup offers better power and run time. It’s better than a single-AA or any AAA setups. These are common in lower-quality lights. AAA lights often take three batteries. They also tend to be bulkier. As a result, you can’t rotate them in a hand as easily.
In 2020
we took a deeper look at rechargeable flashlights. 18650 batteries are an example. They are brighter and last longer than AAs. They also remove the need to buy and throw away extra batteries. The best rechargeable flashlight lights have USB ports; no proprietary charger needed. These models have downsides. You can’t recharge them in a power outage (unless you have an independent power source). When the battery is drained, you can’t immediately restart it. You need to wait for it to charge. For these reasons, we still prefer lights that use AA batteries. But, we wanted to have rechargeable recommendations. They are for those interested in this useful category.
Photos: Wirecutter.com
In fact, rechargeable AA batteries are much better than alkaline AAs. Wise put it bluntly: “Don’t ever use alkaline AA or AAA cells in high-power devices like flashlights. It’s almost a guarantee that they’ll leak and destroy your investment.” Instead, “a good set of Ni-MH rechargeable cells” is his recommendation. “Preferably pre-charged ones like Eneloops. If the light will sit in a drawer forever between emergency uses, splurge on lithium cells. They’re good for 10+ years and won’t leak.” Even with all the above, many people just rely on simple alkaline batteries. They keep a small supply on hand.
Most flashlights
have either a reflector or a zoom lens. This part dictates the light’s beam pattern. It controls how the light looks as it projects from the flashlight. We prefer reflectors to zoom lenses. Generally speaking, a reflector gives you a better view of what you want to see. It’s a shiny metal cone around the LED. It often has an orange-peel texture. This texture evens out the beam’s spread. Reflectors create a hot spot of focused light. They also make a wider spill beam around it. In contrast, the zoom design has a lens in front of the LED. It concentrates light the way a magnifying glass concentrates a sunbeam. These lenses usually slide forward and back. This gives you the option of a small, focused spotlight in the forward position. It also offers a wider, diffused area light in the back position. Unlike a reflector, a zoom design can’t produce both the concentrated hot spot and the spill beam at the same time.
In comparing
the two designs, Wise favored reflectors. He said most people would “appreciate a flood light more than one with tight focus.” At first, everyone wants to light up far trees with a zoom lens. But, eventually, people just want to use the light to check the oil after dark. Or, to set up a tent when they get to the campground too late. Or, to take the dog for a walk through the woods at night.” These are all tasks better served by seeing everything around you as equally as possible.”
Photos: Wirecutter.com
We also looked for lights with a variety of brightness levels. Wise told us, “The brighter lights get, the more I appreciate lower output modes.” Lower-light modes don’t hurt your night vision as much. They can also greatly extend battery life. “A bright light lasts for an hour or two at 500+ lumens. But, at 5-10 lumens it may last for more than a day. Some have crazy low Moon modes. They can last upwards of a month,” Wise said. I am a father of small children. I use the super low modes every day. I use them more than any other feature. This is usually to get dressed for work every morning without waking people. Or, to check on sleeping children at night.” As a result, in our selection process, we didn’t put a premium on mega-high lumen counts.
Flashlights
can get very expensive, so for a light powered by two AA batteries, we set a price limit of about $40. There is a huge world of flashlights that cost more. But, at this price, we knew we could find a basic enthusiast light. It would have some of the most critical features of the pricier lights. Unfortunately, our cutoff excluded many favored flashlight brands. Flashlight enthusiasts loved them. So did police, firefighters, and others in public safety. The excluded brands included Elzetta, Fenix, Foursevens, and SureFire.
After our 2018 research, we chose many lights to test. We focused mostly on two-AA models. We also tested many outliers. These included four-AAA lights and one-AA lights. We tested them to see if they would be a good choice in some situations. Our selection included models from Brightex, Coast, Maglite, Manker, Nitecore, Streamlight, and ThruNite. Since then, we’ve started researching rechargeable models. We tested many lights from ThruNite, Olight, and Fenix.
How we tested
To test if the flashlights would still be as bright after an hour and a half of use, we set up a simple “bounce test.” We used an Extech LT45 LED Light Meter and flashlights with new Energizer Max batteries. We put each light inside a sealed box. The flashlight at one end shone across the box onto the opposite wall. We placed the light meter behind the flashlight. This way, it would record only the bounced light, not the direct beam. We took readings at 30 seconds, five minutes, and 10 minutes. Then, we took them every 10 minutes after that, up to 90 minutes (if the battery lasted). During this test, the flashlights were at max brightness. The zoom lights were in wide-beam mode.
This test only aimed to compare models. It did not aim to prove or disprove the brightness claims of manufacturers. Those claims get tested in a specific lab setting (according to the ANSI/NEMA FL 1 standard [PDF]). We learned how battery drain affected performance. With the better models, it was not linear. We also learned how flashlights with the same battery are compared. We compared them in brightness and battery drain.
I did not take more meter readings in a sealed, lab-like, dark room. Instead, I spent night after night wandering the dark New Hampshire woods. More than once, I caught the reflection of animal eyes looking back at me. We tested in the weeks surrounding an area with very little light pollution. This unstructured testing gave us the best gauge of usability. It showed beam spread and distance. It helped us to understand what each light had to offer. We also used the flashlights for daily tasks. We used them to find Lego bricks under the couch and to check the crawl space for mice. We also used them for investigating strange noises in the backyard. Lastly, we used the lights during multiple power outages.
As for light output, every single one of these lights is pretty impressive. We found very few that couldn’t shed at least a light on the trees at the end of a field, over 500 feet away. So oddly enough, brightness ended up being a factor, but not the biggest one. Plus, to paraphrase Wise, the brightest beam shines far. But, it might not be practical for regular use.
Everything We Recommend
Of all the lights we looked at
the ThruNite Archer 2A V3 has the best mix of high-end features. And it’s at an affordable price. It has a two-button interface. It lets you cycle quickly. You can cycle through four brightness levels. One of them is the very useful, very low firefly mode. Like most of the better lights we found, the beam has a long-distance hot spot. It also has a dimmer wide light. These features work together. They give you a great view around you. It’s high-quality in fit and finish, and it can handle full submersion in water and a 1-meter drop. We also like that the body is designed so that it won’t roll. We used it when we headed into the woods.
The Archer 2A V3
has a novel, two-button interface. At the rear of the light is a button that turns it on and off (often called a “tail switch”). Once the light is on, you control the brightness with a second button at the head of the light. Before testing, we had never used a two-button light. But, we soon saw how handy the design is. We held the light with a thumb on top and fingers cradling the bottom. We could quickly toggle the brightness levels with one hand. We just needed a few taps of the thumb. (This also works when you’re holding the light in a pencil grip.) For many other lights, we tried put control of on/off and brightness at the tail switch. This forces you to reorient the light or use a second hand to change the setting. We tested two AA flashlights. Only our runner-up, the Manker E12, has a similar two-button setup.
The Archer 2A V3
also has what’s called “momentary on.” The light turns on with a half-press of the tail switch and stays on as long as you hold the switch. This feature is on some other high-end lights we tested. It lets you turn the light on and off quickly without fully engaging it. In addition, the light has a memory, so it always turns on at the brightness setting you last used. The better lights have this feature. Our runner-up is one of them. But, the others (under $30) usually default to the brightest setting. It is often too bright and blinding. This is especially true if you want the lowest setting.
The Archer 2A V3
has four brightness levels. At the high setting, we were able to make out the trees at the end of a 500-foot-long field. At the low end, the firefly setting seemed barely brighter than a full moon, so we found it perfect for reading a map or checking on a sleeping child. It was so low that we could hardly see a wall 10 or 15 feet in front of us, but we could still make our way around in the dark. When we initially heard about these über-low levels often found on high-end flashlights, we rolled our eyes thinking it was a gimmick, but when we got this light in our hands, we ended up using the setting all the time.
ThruNite’s warranty
for the Archer 2A V3 is a little nicer than average. It offers two-year coverage with free replacement if “problems develop with normal use.” Of the lights we tested, only the Nitecore and Fenix had a longer warranty, stretching to a full five years.
Runner-up: Manker E12
If the ThruNite Archer 2A V3 is not available, we recommend the Manker E12. The E12 has almost everything we like about the Archer 2A V3. It even has a few minor aspects we liked a little better. However, we concluded that the wider range of brightness levels on the Archer 2A V3. They offer more flexibility in use and in managing battery drain. The differences are minor. You can only notice them when the lights are side by side. So, we’re sure that anyone getting the Manker E12 will be fully satisfied with it.
It has a memory like the Archer 2A V3, as well as the same momentary-on feature. It also has a similar high-quality look and feel. It has a knurled body, an anti-roll design, and can stand on its tail. We like that the Manker is about ½ inch shorter than the ThruNite and that the pocket clip has a little more heft. Manker says the E12 has a rating of IPX8; this means it has the same waterproof ability as the Archer 2A V3.
The respective highest settings on the E12 and the Archer 2A V3 are basically identical, too. The official specs say the Manker is brighter. But, we spent about 30 minutes switching between the two lights in various settings. If there’s a difference, it’s so tiny, we couldn’t see it. At the other end of the light scale in our tests, the E12’s lowest setting is moon mode. It was visibly brighter than the Archer 2A V3’s firefly mode. We found ourselves using ultralow modes often. The ThruNite light is our preference. The lower the setting, the better.
Manker E12
You won’t find a crenelated bezel on the Manker. We’re not concerned about that feature’s absence for self-defense. However, without the crenellations, the lens is a little less protected. If you drop the flashlight straight on its nose, that’s a problem.
The Manker E12 usually costs just a bit more than the ThruNite Archer 2A V3. It’s usually only four or five dollars more. Pricing does fluctuate, but still, the manufacturer base pricing of the Archer 2A V3 is lower. The lights are very similar. The fact that the ThruNite is cheaper is another reason to choose it.
Also great: ThruNite TC15 V3
In spite of the fact that we incline toward AA spotlights, rechargeable lights offer a part of preferences. They are generally the same size as AA models. However, they are brighter and have a longer battery life. If you can keep up with charging yours, it will always be ready at its brightest setting. Then, you have no need to be throwing away dead batteries. We found that the ThruNite TC15 V3 is a USB rechargeable flashlight. It hits the same balance as the company’s Archer 2A V3. It offers advanced features at a budget-friendly price. The TC15 V3 replaces our previous pick, the original ThruNite TC15 (pictured). The two models have a similar cost, brightness, and battery life, but the V3 has a better pocket clip.
The TC15 V3
looks the same as the AA-based Archer 2A V3. But, the TC15 V3 has a one-button interface. It allows for instant access to the brightest and dimmest settings. It has a bigger battery, so it’s generally twice as bright and able to last twice as long as the Archer 2A V3. Many rechargeable lights require you to remove the battery to charge them. But, with this light, the USB-C cable plugs into it. We thought this design might create a weak spot, but the TC15 V3 has the same waterproof rating as the Archer 2A V3. At a typical price of about $60, the TC15 V3 is on the lower end of quality rechargeable lights.
But the TC15 V3, like all rechargeable lights, presents a trade-off. It’s nice to not need a supply of batteries. You can throw them out once they’re dead. But, unless you have an independent power source, you have no way to recharge the light during an outage. Charging takes time. So, when the Best flashlight does drain out, you can’t just pop in new batteries and have it at full strength. For these reasons, we think that a two-AA light like the Archer 2A V3 is a better fit for most people.
Still,
rechargeables do have some nice advantages. Let’s start with the brightness. The TC15 V3 has a listed top end of 2,403 lumens. It can stay this bright for just over two minutes. But, that’s still much brighter than the Archer 2A V3’s top end of 500 lumens. The next-highest setting on the TC15 V3 is 1,057 lumens. This is still twice as bright as the Archer 2A V3’s highest setting. The light can keep that level for about one and a half minutes. Then, it drops to 754 lumens for 108 minutes. This is still higher than the Archer 2A V3’s highest setting.
The interface could be a distinctive than on the Bowman 2A V3. The TC15 V3 forgoes the tail switch and puts total control in the single side button. Press the button once. This turns on the light to the last used brightness. This design also lets you directly access the lowest and highest settings. A long press turns the light on at the dimmest setting, moonlight mode. And a double press turns it on at the brightest setting. We really like this feature. Moonlight mode preserves night vision. It doesn’t cause a disruption if, for example, you’re sneaking into a room to check on a sleeping child. But, I was trying to catch the raccoon. It had been getting into our recycling. I wanted a quick burst of bright light. I didn’t want to waste time clicking through lower settings. Once the light is on, a long press toggles through the other settings.
The Best flashlight
uses a rechargeable 18650 battery. You do not have to remove the battery from the flashlight to charge it. The TC15 V3 comes with a USB-C charging cord that plugs directly into the light’s side. As a result, there’s no reason to open the light and remove the battery. That would let dirt get in.) This kind of charging is now standard. But, on many lights you must remove the battery to charge. We initially worried that the USB port would get dirty. But it comes with a small elastic cap that plugs it when you’re not charging the light. An extra one is also provided. The TC15 V3 also has the same water-resistance rating as the Archer 2A V3, IPX8.
Another to the Bowman 2A V3, the TC15 V3 is shorter, by approximately an inch, but very a bit bulkier. In contrast to the Sharpie-like breadth of the Bowman, it’s more like the width of a huge cigar. The belt clip on the TC15 V3 is nice. It has a double bend, so you can hook it on a belt or a pocket with the lens facing up or down. You can also clip it to the brim of a baseball cap. This makes an improvised headlamp. But, we think the light is a little heavy for that use.
The TC15 V3
replaces our past choose, the original TC15. We also tested and liked the TC15 V2. Truly, we found the contrasts among the three models to be slight. This was especially true for brightness and battery life. We prefer the TC15 V3. It has a better pocket clip. It’s also the most recent model. So, the company will likely support it for longer.
Also great: Olight Baton 3 Pro
The Olight Baton 3 Pro excels in convenience. It’s a pocket-friendly rechargeable option. The Baton 3 Pro falls between the Archer 2A V3 and TC15 in brightness and battery life. It’s usually pricier than the TC15. But it offers the most convenient charging setup we’ve seen. The battery charges inside the light, like the TC15. A magnetic charger clicks on the light’s tail. Because the Baton 3 Pro has no charging port, there is no way for dirt to gum up the charging process.
With this setup, we found it easy to routinely keep this Olight charged. All we had to do was set the light down by the charging line. Then, it would join itself. Also, the Baton 3 Pro’s feel and quality impressed us. It typically costs around $70. This is still less than the price of most good rechargeable flashlights.
The Baton 3 Pro is about 4 inches long. It’s smaller than our other picks. Carrying it in a pocket is much easier. The Archer 2A V3 is thinner, but at around 6 inches, it’s awkward as any kind of everyday-carry light. The same can be said for the TC15, which is thicker than the Baton 3 Pro and almost an inch longer. You can find smaller lights. Some even attach to a keychain. But, for some people, the Baton 3 Pro will work as a daily light.
The Baton 3 Pro has a nice pocket clip. Because the clip has a double bend, you can clip the light to something with the lens facing either way. You can also clip it to the brim of a baseball cap and use it as a makeshift headlamp. Both of the ThruNite lights we picked, on the other hand, have fair single-bend clips. This pick replaces the discontinued Olight S2R Baton II. The model pictured in this guide is the Olight S2R Baton II. The two look very similar.
Why we can’t recommend a cheaper flashlight
We tested 12 cheap flashlights. They cost under $20 and were easy to find on Amazon. They all had many positive reviews. For the most part, they’re a generic bunch, and we found many identical models sold under a variety of names. You can power these lights with either an AA battery or three AAA batteries. There’s no question they’re bright enough to help someone get around in the dark, but they have issues. First, they all have a single-button interface. The strobe is part of the brightness cycle. This is a major flaw. But even worse is that their quality is completely unreliable.
Flashlight reviewer Selfbuilt no longer reviews budget lights. Such models can “vary greatly from batch to batch.” Selfbuilt continues. “This is because many budget ‘brands’ are only a loose set of model rules. They are made by more than one plant. Copying and counterfeiting are also rampant, especially for perceived ‘popular’ budget models.” Once, Selfbuilt gave a positive review to a budget light. When they got more bad feedback, Selfbuilt “bought a new sample from the same dealer. They discovered a completely different light. It had a different body thickness, screw threads, and switch. Most importantly, it had a different circuit. The conclusion was, “The new version was worse than the one I had tested.”
Reviewer Dave Wise had similar things to say about inexpensive flashlights. “[The] biggest pitfalls are the reliability aspect,” he told us. “Most of those lower priced lights come with much poorer electronics that just don’t hold up to use. My Grandpa taught me that I’m too poor to buy cheap tools.”
We had our own experience with this lack of quality control or counterfeiting. We have more thoughts on counterfeiting in general in this blog post. We tested two budget lights from a company called UltraFire. But, in one light, the logo was misspelled as “UltruFire.” Not exactly reassuring.
We agree with Selfbuilt. He writes, “As a reviewer, I can’t justify reviewing a light if we can’t be sure it’s well-made.” We also can’t recommend any budget models. If the products are inconsistent, we can’t even be sure what we’d be telling you to buy. If you want cheap flashlights for the glovebox or the toolbox and garage, these lights are an option. But, know what you’re getting into. Caveat emptor.
The competition
OLIGHT Baton3 Pro Max
The OLIGHT Baton3 Pro Max is a powerful, compact flashlight designed for everyday carry and outdoor adventures. With a maximum output of 2,000 lumens and a beam distance of up to 166 meters, this flashlight provides ample illumination for a wide range of tasks. It features a high-performance LED with a lifespan of up to 50,000 hours, ensuring long-lasting reliability.
The Baton3 Pro Max is equipped with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that provides up to 15 days of runtime on a single charge. It also features a convenient magnetic charging cable that allows for easy recharging without the need for removing the battery. The flashlight is constructed from durable aluminum alloy and is IPX8 waterproof, making it suitable for use in all weather conditions.
One of the standout features of the Baton3 Pro Max is its compact size and lightweight design, making it easy to carry in a pocket or bag. It also features a convenient side switch for easy operation and a lockout mode to prevent accidental activation. With its powerful output, long battery life, and durable construction, the OLIGHT Baton3 Pro Max is an excellent choice for anyone in need of a reliable and versatile flashlight.
GearLight S2000 Flashlight
The GearLight S2000 LED Flashlight is a high-performance flashlight designed for outdoor enthusiasts, emergency responders, and anyone else who needs a reliable source of light in challenging conditions. With a maximum output of 1200 lumens, the S2000 is capable of illuminating objects up to 1000 feet away, making it ideal for camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
The S2000 features a durable aluminum body with a textured grip, making it easy to hold even in wet or slippery conditions. It also has a built-in rechargeable battery, which can be charged via USB or using the included wall adapter. The flashlight is also water-resistant, so you can use it in the rain or snow without worrying about damage.
One of the standout features of the S2000 is its adjustable focus, which allows you to switch between a wide floodlight and a narrow spotlight with a simple twist of the head. This makes it easy to customize the beam to suit your needs, whether you’re lighting up a large area or focusing on a specific object.
Overall, the GearLight S2000 LED Flashlight is a versatile and reliable tool that is perfect for anyone who needs a powerful and durable flashlight for outdoor adventures or emergency situations.
Driverwish 990000 Flashlights
The Driverwish 990000 Flashlight is a powerful and versatile lighting tool that is perfect for a wide range of applications. With a maximum output of 990,000 lumens, this flashlight is capable of illuminating even the darkest of environments. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or working in low-light conditions, the Driverwish 990000 Flashlight is sure to provide you with the light you need.
One of the standout features of this flashlight is its rechargeable battery. With a built-in USB charging port, you can easily recharge the battery using a standard USB cable. This makes it convenient to keep your flashlight powered up and ready to go at all times. Additionally, the flashlight is constructed from durable materials, making it resistant to water, dust, and impact. This ensures that it can withstand the rigors of outdoor use.
The Driverwish 990000 Flashlight also features multiple lighting modes, including high, medium, low, strobe, and SOS. This allows you to customize the brightness and functionality of the flashlight to suit your needs. Whether you need a bright, focused beam or a wide, diffuse light, this flashlight has you covered.
Overall, the Driverwish 990000 Flashlight is a reliable and versatile lighting tool that is perfect for a wide range of applications. With its powerful output, rechargeable battery, and durable construction, it is sure to become an essential part of your outdoor gear.
ENERGIZER LED Flashlight Vision PRO
The ENERGIZER LED Flashlight Vision PRO series is a line of high-quality flashlights designed to provide reliable illumination in a variety of situations. These flashlights are built to be durable and long-lasting, making them ideal for use in outdoor activities, emergencies, and everyday tasks.
One of the key features of the ENERGIZER LED Flashlight Vision PRO series is its powerful LED technology. These flashlights use energy-efficient LEDs that provide bright, clear light while consuming less power than traditional incandescent bulbs. This means that you can get more use out of your flashlight without having to worry about constantly replacing batteries.
Another important feature of the ENERGIZER LED Flashlight Vision PRO series is its rugged construction. These flashlights are built to withstand the rigors of outdoor use, with durable materials and a water-resistant design. This makes them ideal for use in harsh environments, such as camping, hiking, or boating.
The ENERGIZER LED Flashlight Vision PRO series also includes a variety of useful features, such as multiple light modes, adjustable focus, and a built-in rechargeable battery. This makes these flashlights versatile and easy to use in a variety of situations.
Overall, the ENERGIZER LED Flashlight Vision PRO series is a reliable and durable option for anyone in need of a high-quality flashlight. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or just need a reliable light source for everyday tasks, these flashlights are sure to meet your needs.
WdtPro High-Powered Flashlight S3000
The WdtPro High-Powered Flashlight S3000 is a versatile and powerful flashlight that is perfect for a variety of uses. With a maximum output of 3000 lumens, this flashlight is capable of illuminating even the darkest of environments. The S3000 features a durable aluminum body that is both water and shock resistant, making it ideal for outdoor use. It also has a zoomable focus that allows you to adjust the beam from a wide floodlight to a narrow spotlight.
One of the standout features of the S3000 is its long battery life. With a rechargeable 18650 battery, this flashlight can run for up to 10 hours on a single charge. It also has a built-in USB port that allows you to charge your phone or other devices on the go.
The S3000 is also incredibly easy to use. It has a simple on/off switch and a single button that allows you to cycle through the different light modes. It also has a memory function that remembers the last mode you used, so you don’t have to cycle through all the modes every time you turn it on.
Overall, the WdtPro High-Powered LED Flashlight S3000 is a reliable and versatile flashlight that is perfect for a variety of uses. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or just need a reliable flashlight for everyday use, the S3000 has you covered.