The Best Flashlights

GearLight LED Tactical Flashlight

Small Yet Mighty

These tactical flashlights are compact, super bright, and easy to take with you on the go. With two, you'll always have a spare.

Best Overall

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GearLight knows flashlights. Their tactical flashlight in particular has all the features we look for and more. These flashlights are water-resistant, feature five different modes, and even come with storage cases. Better yet, these things are virtually indestructible, making them a great choice for camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities. If you want a pair of flashlights that will serve you reliably and effectively, go with Gearlight.

Pros:

• The durable construction ensures that they last a long time
• Considering the compact size, these flashlights are surprisingly bright
• These flashlights come with batteries
• A great value buy, this comes as a 2-pack

Cons:

• These may not be as simple to operate as other brands
• The batteries that come with these may not last long

TaoTronics Black Light UV Flashlight with Batteries

Spot the Stains

This awesome blacklight flashlight from TaoTronics comes with everything you need to cast a purple beam.

Best UV Blacklight

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Blacklight flashlights can help you spot stains, authenticate currency, and even highlight dangerous pests like scorpions. More importantly, however, they cast a groovy purple glow that can help turn a slumber party into a disco party. If you’re looking for some higher wavelengths, go with this option from TaoTronics. Inexpensive, pocket-sized, and powerful, this little guy comes with three AAA batteries to get you started. If blacklight is your game, TaoTronics is the name.

Pros:

• Useful for a wide range of applications, from document verification to finding stains
• Affordable price
• Reliable and lasts a long time with the included batteries

Cons:

• You may find stains in places you wish you hadn’t

GearLight Tac LED Tactical Flashlight

A Flashlight That Can Take a Beating

For those prioritizing strength and durability, check out this 2-pack from GearLight.

Most Durable

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Durability is an important factor in a flashlight. After all, during a power outage, you don’t want your light source to crack or short-circuit. That’s why we recommend this durable option from GearLight. Simple in design and robust in construction, these flashlights are water-resistant and encased in a lightweight yet strong all-metal body. Ideal for keeping one in your travel bag and one in your kitchen drawer, this 2-pack is a steal of a deal.

Pros:

• The knurled texture prevents accidental drops
• Resistant to water and other types of rough-handling
• The beam can be zoomed in and out
• Easy to operate with the single-mode operation

Cons:

• Batteries not included

Phixton Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight

Ditch The Disposables

This fantastic 5-mode flashlight comes with a rechargeable battery and a AAA battery adapter so you can always choose which way to power your light.

Best Rechargeable

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Tossing disposable batteries into a landfill can feel like a betrayal to the planet. Nonetheless, there are scenarios when disposable batteries are necessary, such as during a power outage. That’s why we love this option from Phixton. It comes with a rechargeable battery that can be used over and over again. And should any nasty weather ever strike and you find yourself without power, Phixton offers a AAA battery converter that allows you to use disposable batteries. Better yet, on a single charge, this flashlight can cast six hours of light on the high mode and 12 hours of light on the lowest setting.

Pros:

• The AC charging cable fits any USB charging dock
• You don’t have to remove the battery to recharge it, just plug the entire flashlight in
• Includes a car charger and storage case
• The beam of light is zoomable

Cons:

• You might have to practice changing and selecting the mode you desire

EVEREADY LED Flashlight Multi-Pack

Easy to Use

If you're looking for a simple flashlight, this is a great one that makes things easier, especially for people who may have limited mobility.

Best for All Ages

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These are bright and easy to use flashlights perfect to have around the house for emergencies or just to use outdoors at night. They come with a lifetime LED bulb and batteries are included. Due to the nature of these flashlights, they’re very easy to use, so perfect for those with lower mobility.

Pros:

• Great for seniors and kids
• Long-lasting flashlight

Cons:

• Packing may be difficult to open

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should you have flashlights in your home?

Flashlights are good to have on hand even if you don’t hike or camp. They’re great in the event of a power outage or other emergency, but also are fun if you have kids for flashlight tag and flashlight books. They’re also handy when you’re looking in dark places like in basements, attics, crawl spaces, and even under beds.

Do flashlights travel well?

Many flashlights now are more compact than flashlights of the past. Some even come with carrying cases to keep them safe in a suitcase, backpack, purse, or even in the trunk of the car. Read descriptions thoroughly to ensure that the flashlight you choose will work with your traveling needs.

Are these flashlights durable?

For the most part, flashlights, particularly those listed as tactical are very durable but note what extent of wear and tear they can take. Though many are waterproof, they can still be damaged if dropped in a fire or dropped from a great height. Many can withstand being dropped short distances and can resist temporary submersion in water.