The Best Flashlights of 2024

The Streamlight 88040 ProTac stands out as a top performer in the 'Best Overall' category, thanks to its blend of functionality and robustness. Compact and easy to handle, its size of just over 5 inches makes it a perfect personal carry light. The inclusion of a pocket clip further enhances its portability, ensuring it can be securely attached to gear or clothing.

One of its most impressive features is the TEN-TAP Programming, which allows users to customize the light’s functionality by selecting preferred operating modes. This flexibility ensures it can adapt to various needs, whether it’s maximum brightness or a more conservative setting. The high, low, and strobe modes offer useful options for different scenarios, from illuminating dark paths to signaling for attention.

Moreover, the ProTac's IPX7 waterproof rating enhances its durability, withstanding water immersion for short periods. Although the anti-roll head might seem like a minor addition, it effectively prevents the flashlight from surprising escapes, adding to its user-friendly design. Overall, while the basic features are solid, the ProTac excels in reliability and versatility, making it a trustworthy companion.

The Anker Bolder LC90 shines brightly in the Best Value category with its impressive performance and affordability. Its super-bright 900-lumen output, courtesy of a Cree LED, covers an extensive distance of about 200 meters and can stretch up to nearly 300 meters. This is a remarkable feature for anyone needing a reliable flashlight for outdoor activities or emergencies. The zoomable beam, with its five adaptable settings including High, Medium, Low, Strobe, and SOS, adds to its versatility.

What truly sets the LC90 apart is its long-lasting and efficient performance. The flashlight can run up to six hours in Medium-beam mode on its rechargeable 3200mAh battery, offering non-diminishing brightness with an impressive LED lifespan of 50,000 hours. Durability is another notable aspect, with an IPX5 water resistance rating and a rugged aluminum body designed for challenging conditions.

While it requires a separate 1A adapter for charging, the Anker Bolder LC90’s overall robust design, combined with a user-friendly size and finish, makes it a top contender for those seeking high value in a flashlight. The inclusion of a thoughtful warranty and support further elevates its appeal.

The Fenix PD35 v3.0 stands out in the 'Best Rechargeable' category due to its impressive performance and convenient features. Delivering a powerful 1700 lumens with a beam that extends up to 390 yards, this tactical flashlight ensures excellent visibility in various conditions. Its USB rechargeable battery adds to its convenience, allowing for easy charging without the need for a separate charger. The battery-powered indicator located beneath the side switch keeps you informed about the remaining power, so you're never caught off guard.

Ease of use is another highlight of this flashlight. The two-stage tail switch allows for straightforward operation, while the metal side switch lets you easily adjust modes and brightness to suit different needs. Designed for everyday carry, it comes with a steel pocket clip, a holster, and a lanyard for versatile carrying options. Although its additional features are fairly standard, the flashlight's robust design and reliable performance make it a top contender in its category.

The Fenix E18R V2.0 stands out as a top contender in the best compact category, thanks to its remarkable blend of power, portability, and functionality. Boasting a formidable 1200 lumen output, this flashlight excels in illuminating distances up to 159 yards, making it a versatile tool for both casual and emergency situations. Its USB-C rechargeable capability is a modern upgrade, ensuring speedy and dependable charging on the go, a convenient add-on for today's lifestyle.

Weighing in at just 2 ounces and measuring under 2.64 inches, the E18R V2.0 is the epitome of compactness, effortlessly fitting into pockets or bags without adding unnecessary bulk. Its robust construction assures users of its durability, ready to withstand various conditions during hikes or camping trips. The improved battery runtime of over 200 hours in moonlight mode is particularly impressive, adding a level of reliability that is crucial for extended uses. Overall, while the E18R V2.0 offers exceptional performance, its standard features harmonize to make it a practical choice for diverse needs.

The Milwaukee 2735-20 M18 shines brightly in the "Best For Long Use" category, thanks to its exceptional durability and smart design features. One of the standout aspects of this worklight is the impressive longevity of its LED bulbs, which boast a lifespan 600 times longer than traditional incandescent options. This ensures that users can rely on the flashlight for countless projects without frequent bulb replacements.

Another notable feature is the 135-degree head rotation, providing versatile lighting angles to suit various tasks and working environments. Paired with the M18 battery, which has a 1.5 amp-hour capacity, users can expect prolonged usage periods before needing a recharge. Additionally, the battery's built-in fuel gauge offers a convenient way to monitor power levels, minimizing unexpected downtime.

While the battery capacity might be seen as average compared to higher-capacity options, the overall combination of features makes the Milwaukee 2735-20 M18 a dependable tool for extended usage scenarios.

The Scosche PBJF600 PowerUp 600 Torch stands out in the 'Best For Vehicles' category with its robust performance and thoughtful design. This compact powerhouse delivers 600 amps, making it ideal for jump-starting vehicles with engines up to 5.0 liters or 2.0-liter diesel engines—perfect for emergencies. Its innovation shines with the spark-free safety system, offering ten different safety protections, which include safeguards against overheating and overcharging, ensuring your safety and the longevity of the device.

Adding to its practicality is the ultra-bright LED flashlight, which boasts four modes and an impressive 300 lumens, making it a reliable tool for nighttime or emergency conditions. The PBJF600 also includes a 5-Volt USB port, essential for charging devices on the go—ideal for smartphones or GPS units. While its size and portability are impressive, fitting snugly in a glove compartment, it's the robust build and handy features that make it a reliable companion for vehicle emergencies.

The Gearlight S1000 stands out as a contender in the 'Best Budget-Friendly' category, offering remarkable performance at an unbeatable price. With its ability to illuminate a whole room, this flashlight ensures you have enough light for any situation, whether you're indoors or exploring the outdoors. The spotlight is intensified by its narrow beam, making it quite versatile for everyday tasks and adventures alike.

One of the key features contributing to its high ranking is its impressive brightness, which defies its economical price tag. Beyond lighting power, the S1000 is built for convenience and versatility. It's compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry in a pocket or backpack, perfect for on-the-go use. Additionally, its construction is durable enough to handle occasional drops or weather exposure, further enhancing its value.

While some may find it lacking advanced features seen in pricier models, the Gearlight S1000 delivers solid basic performance, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers.