Every EDC stack needs a flashlight for finding lost items, walking through your yard at night, and the occasional power outage. Choosing the right one, particularly the right rechargeable flashlights, is an important decision. We’ve put together a list of the best rechargeable flashlights to help you find the perfect size, type, and model for your EDC.
The 9 Best Rechargeable Flashlights
Looking for a convenient flashlight for yourself or a gift? Whether you need a rechargeable torch for everyday carry or the occasional outdoor adventure, here are the best rechargeable flashlights you’ll every find.
1. Fenix PD36 R Rechargeable Flashlight
The Fenix PD36 R is hands down one of the most versatile and powerful flashlights available today. It pumps out 1600 lumens at maximum output yet measures just over five inches long and weighs only a few ounces. That’s a phenomonly bright light, but still compact enough to fit into any bag or clip to the side of your belt without issue.
Fenix updated the PD36 R to include the most advanced charging technology, including USB-C compatibility, and integrated new battery and light management systems. It’s rated at IP68, strong enough to handle submersion in water for up to 30 minutes. It can handle anything you can throw at it.
Specifications
- Brightness Modes: Eco 30 lumens | Low 150 lumens | Medium 350 lumens | High 800 lumens | Turbo 1600 | Strobe 1600
- Battery capacity/runtime: Eco 115 hours | Low 26 hours | Medium 8.5 hours | High 5.9 hours | Turbo 2.9 hours
- Weight: 3 oz | 85 g
- Length: 5.35 in | 135.9 mm
- Durability: IP68
The ultimate tactical flashlight with a brighter beam up to 1600 lumens, farther throw up to 309 yards, and longer run time in a compact everyday carry (EDC) ready package. High capacity battery with 115 hours of runtime. Easy to use, even while wearing gloves. Turbo and strobe modes. Two-way body clip that can be attached to anything.
2. Streamlight ProTac 2 L-X Rechargeable Flashlight
The Streamlight ProTac 2 L-X is a versatile EDC handheld flashlight capable of creating ample light output for the average user in a rugged, easy-to-pocket package. It’s made from durable aircraft-grade aluminum and packs in some really nice features to help you adjust it to your needs.
It’s designed as a dual-fuel flashlight capable of running on either the included USB rechargeable battery or a pair of CR123A lithium-ion batteries. That allows you to operate it affordably on the rechargeable battery while still having more options should an emergency strike.
The ProTac uses Streamlight’s customizable Ten-Tap system that enables you to choose the sequence and effect of different taps on the tail button. You can select the order of different light modes or set it to simple single-tap settings.
When combined with its durability and very reasonable price, the Streamlight ProTac 2 L-X becomes a powerhouse of a pocket flashlight.
Specifications
- Brightness Modes: High 500 lumens | Low 40 lumens | Strobe
- Battery capacity/runtime: High 3.25 hours | Low 30 hours | Strobe 4.5 hours
- Weight: 3.9 oz | 111 g
- Length: 5.14 in | 130 mm
- Durability: IPX7
Choice of three operating modes; 1) high/Strobe/low 2) high only 3) low/medium/high. Multi fuel; high Lumen flashlight. Includes rechargeable USB battery, dual USB cord and nylon holster. Durable, anodized aluminum construction.
3. SureFire G2X Series LED Flashlight
We know, we know, the G2X from SureFire isn’t rechargeable right out of the box. It comes with two single-use CR123A lithium-ion batteries. However, it is honestly such a solidly made, high-performance flashlight we still think it deserves mention here as it’s easy to grab a pair of rechargeable CR123As and make the G2X into a rechargeable flashlight. (If you decide to use disposable batteries, you’ll go through them quickly.)
SureFire makes stripped-down, super functional tactical lights tailor-made for EDC tasks. The G2X is made from durable nitrolon polycarbonate with a single output level LED emitter. You don’t get adjustability, but the reliability of SureFire’s bombproof construction makes up in spades.
Specifications
- Brightness Modes: 600 lumen single mode
- Battery capacity/runtime: 1.5 hours
- Weight: 4.4 oz | 125 g
- Length: 5.2 in | 132.1 mm
- Durability: IPX7
Virtually indestructible LED emitter regulated to maximize light output and runtime. Single high output level of 600 lumens for maximum light. Tactical tailcap click switch. Precision micro-textured reflector creates smooth, optimized beam. Tough Nitrolon body, anodized aluminum bezel. Tough polycarbonate window resists impact.
4. Fenix E18R Rechargeable EDC Flashlight
At first glance, the Fenix E18R is a weird, stubby-looking compact flashlight. Once you actually get your hands on it you realize that oz for oz, it’s one of the best little rechargeable flashlights on the market.
Packing 750 lumens into a barely two-inch-long body, the E18R is a pint-sized powerhouse that’s tailor-made for EDC. It’s small enough to fit anywhere comfortably, powerful enough for any task, and yet offers a long enough runtime to get you through a full day’s work if necessary.
Even better, the E18R sports an IP68 rating. That makes it one of the most durable and rugged flashlights for its size and performance. It’s definitely a bit on the expensive side for smaller flashlights, but given its overall capabilities, we can forgive it that.
Specifications
- Brightness Modes: Low 5 lumens | Medium 30 lumens | High 150 lumens | Turbo 750 lumens | Strobe 750 lumens
- Battery capacity/runtime: Low 70 hours | Medium 13 hours 50 minutes | High 2 hours 35 minutes | Turbo 45 minutes
- Weight: 1.2 oz | 34 g
- Length: 2.36 in | 59.9 mm
- Durability: IP68
750 lumen beam with distances up to 148 yards. Four brightness levels plus strobe, the E18R is suited for hiking, camping, industrial, emergencies and everything in between. Built-in magnetic charging port and cable allows you to charge the flashlight quickly and on the go. Robust body submersible up to 6.5 meters and dust resistant.
5. Olight S2R II EDC Rechargeable Torch
The Olight S2R II is an updated version of the company’s very popular original S2R. It’s a mid-sized EDC flashlight capable of producing up to an astounding 1,150 lumens on Turbo mode (a powerfully bright light) while also providing literally days of potential battery life on more reasonable utility settings.
Olight built a rugged and easy-to-like flashlight with the S2R II, including great features like a magnetic end that allows you to securely place it on many surfaces while working. The pocket clip is also highly adjustable so you can carry it just about anywhere.
Specifications
- Brightness Modes: Mode 5 0.5 lumens | Mode 4 15 lumens | Mode 3 120 lumens | Mode 2 400 lumens | Mode 1 1,150 lumens
- Battery capacity/runtime: Mode 5 60 days | Mode 4 100 hours | Mode 3 14 hours | Mode 2 4 hours | Mode 1 2 mins (Plus 230 mins at 400 lumens)
- Weight: 3.47 in | 98.5 g
- Length: 3.94 in | 100.1 mm
- Durability: IPX8
Three standard modes, turbo, moonlight, and strobe. Battery indicator located on the side switch so you always know when to charge. Maximum output of 1,150 lumens. Rechargeable battery is charged magnetically through the tailcap charging cable. TIR lens design for a perfectly balanced beam. Small squared texture build for perfect grip and portability. Portable MCC 1A USB charging cable and magnetic charging system.
6. ThruNite T1 USB Rechargeable Pocket Flashlight
The ThruNite T1 is a curious little compact flashlight that packs a mix of features that are somewhat divisive. It has four main light modes, starting with Firefly at 0.5 lumens and ending with Turbo at a whopping 1,500 lumens.
Firefly runs for up to 12 days, but Turbo (an incredibly bright light) lasts only about two minutes before it overheats and has to drop down significantly. Between the two is a 15-lumen mode for up to 35 hours and a 685-lumen mode at just over an hour.
You end up with a durable, compact, easy-to-carry flashlight that can be operated regularly at up to 15 lumens or which can work in a pinch with just under 700. The ThruNite T1 is a quality light if that’s appealing to you. We usually prefer a little more utility use.
Specifications
- Brightness Modes: Firefly 0.5 lumens | Infinity Low 15 lumens | Infinity High 685 lumens | Turbo 1,500 lumens
- Battery capacity/runtime: Firefly 12 days | Infinity Low 35 hours | Infinity High 65 mins | Turbo 3 mins
- Weight: 1.59 oz | 45 g
- Length: 2.74 in | 69.5 mm
- Durability: IPX8
Max 1500 lumens flashlight CREE XHP50 LED bulb producing an intense beam of bright light. Hands-free use with magnetic tailcap, dual direction clip, perfect for any hands free work. Firefly/Turbo/Strobe and stepless dimming modes. Included rechargeable battery and built-in USB charging port and cable. Compact design fits comfortably in your pocket.
7. Anker Rechargeable LC90 LED Flashlight
Anker is well known for its value-priced electronics and accessories, but it’s only recently that they’ve expanded into lighting. The Anker LC90 is a workmanlike approach to making a solid, reliable rechargeable flashlight at a very reasonable price.
It offers up to 900 lumens on maximum output yet still provides a solid battery life. It’s a bit on the large side for an EDC light but it’s the perfect flashlight for your car, home, or backpack light. It lacks some of the features found on higher-end lights, particularly in the ruggedness and water-resistance department, but overall offers solid value for your money.
Specifications
- Brightness: 900 lumens
- Battery capacity/runtime: 6 hours
- Weight: 6.2 oz | 175.6 g
- Length: 6.22 in | 158 mm
- Durability: IPX5
900-lumen Cree LED sweeps bright light over the length of two football fields and reaches nearly 1000 ft. Features 5 adaptable settings. Lasts up to 6 hours without diminishing brightness. IPX5-rated water resistant and designed for use in heavy rain. Durable aluminum body and shock-resistance for rough handling. Compact chassis with an anti-slip finish holds fast in your hand or stands on-end as an emergency lamp.
8. Olight I1R 2 Pro Eos EDC Rechargeable Flashlight
The Olight I1R 2 is possibly the most performance-focused keychain light we’ve ever seen. It measures under an oz and is barely two inches long, yet can put out 180 lumens of light output for a respectable period of time (23 minutes) or five lumens for several hours. Given that it charges rapidly from a USB-C it also recovers quickly after use. (USB cable included.)
Let us be clear, this is not the light we’d want to take with us on a weekend camping trip or to a job site. If you’re looking strictly for an ultraportable and highly-affordable EDC light, the Olight I1R 2 is one of the best choices.
Specifications
- Brightness Modes: Low 5 lumens | High 180 lumens
- Battery capacity/runtime: Low 6 hours | High 23 mins
- Weight: .78 oz | 22 g
- Length: .64 in | 16.2 mm
- Durability: IPX8
CSP LED paired with a TIR optic lens generates 180 lumens. USB-C port makes charging easier. It is almost unnoticeable on your keychain with the 2.02in length and the weight of 0.78oz. Switching with a simple twist of its head. New USB-C port allows for a full charge within 100 minutes without disassembling the light or fiddling with the cable.
9. ThruNite Archer 2A V3 Portable Flashlight
While the ThruNite Archer as shipped isn’t technically a rechargeable flashlight, we felt its combination of excellent quality, useful feature set, and remarkably affordable price made it worth including. With the addition of a pair of rechargeable AA batteries, it easily converts into a rechargeable flashlight after all.
The Archer offers five brightness levels, including an ultralow mode called Firefly that we found perfect for reading a map or fumbling for our keys without ruining our night vision. It’s a bit larger than many of the lights on our list at over six inches, but given its performance and value, we thought it was still worth a mention.
Specifications
- Brightness Levels: Firefly 0.2 Lumens | Low 17 Lumens | Medium 70 Lumens | High 500/280 Lumens | Strobe 400 Lumens
- Battery capacity/runtime: Firefly 15 days| Low 51 hours | Medium 11 hours | High 200 secs + 120 mins | Strobe 135 mins
- Weight: 1.69 oz | 48 g
- Length: 6.1 in | 155 mm
- Durability: IPX8
Output of 500 lumens and beam for 93 meters away. Scaled down and very portable. Easily to turn the light on/off. High-Performance CREE XP-L2 LED and has 5 modes. Constructed from aerospace grade aluminum body with Type III hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish. 1-meter impact-resistant, and a waterproof rating of IPX8, and dustproof.
What to Consider When Buying a Rechargeable Flashlight
EDC flashlights need to be light and compact, powerful enough for your lighting needs, yet still offer enough battery life to be usable over the long term. It also needs to be durable enough to deal with everyday use, including drops, bumps, and the occasional dunking ipuddles.
Brightness/color
It’s incredible how bright some truly tiny flashlights can get these days. You’ll see flashlights barely three inches long able to blast out thousands of lumens for hours at a time, with different lighting modes (different levels of brightness) and other features.
For most practical purposes, though, a few hundred lumens will do just fine. We recommend you look for high-performance lights with at least 1000 lumens at Max/Turbo mode, with several other brightness settings for utility work.
Battery life
Battery life for a rechargeable flashlight isn’t as important as you’d think. Most rechargeable flashlights use inexpensive and widely available rechargeable lithium batteries. They’re light, small, and easy to carry if you need more. Battery life is a consideration, but you should focus more on portability, durability, and performance.
Durability and water resistance
Durability is critical for any EDC product. If you’re going to be carrying it virtually every day, you need it to be able to handle some bumps and bruises.
For rechargeable flashlights, durability comes down to drop resistance, materials such as anodized aluminum, and ruggedized internal electronics that can withstand regular use.
Water resistance is also extremely important. If you intend to have your flashlight near water sources, water splashes, or moist environments, make sure to pick up a torch with a high waterproof rating. Look for flashlights with at least an IP67 level of water resistance, meaning they can be dropped into half a meter deep water for up to 30 minutes and remain undamaged. You can find a waterproof flashlight on Amazon.
Portability/size
We’ll be honest with you here, if you’re going to get any aspect of your rechargeable flashlight choice right we recommend it be the size and portability. The very best, highest quality, and most eminently functional tool is useless if it’s too heavy, too long, or too bulky to carry regularly.
Thankfully with flashlights, you can pick up positively pint-sized powerhouses now. Flashlights that fit on your keychain can pack over a hundred lumens with good run times as well.
Flashlight vs. headlamp
Generally speaking, we recommend a proper flashlight rather than a headlamp/headlight for EDC purposes. Though a headlamp may be suitable if you work in an environment that requires hands-free use of yourlight because you need your hands for other purposes.
Rechargeable Flashlight vs. Flashlight with Rechargeable Batteries
You may notice that many of the flashlights on our list have both rechargeable and non-rechargeable versions available. In many cases, they’re identical flashlights other than the exchange of the battery for a rechargeable battery.
That can be a little confusing at first but ultimately, it’s a really good thing for the consumer. Traditional rechargeable flashlights have permanently attached batteries and charge using a charging cable or dock. It works alright so long as you remember to charge it regularly, but can be a problem if you forget.
Many of the newest generation of rechargeable flashlights run on either rechargeable batteries or traditional primary cell lithium batteries. The batteries themselves are also getting more and more advanced, with some rechargeable lithium cells capable of being plugged right into a standard micro USB charging cable.
Ultimately, it allows you to purchase pretty much whatever flashlight you like while still being able to realize the tremendous cost savings of using rechargeable batteries rather than disposable ones.
Top Rechargeable Flashlight Brands
There are literally hundreds of different flashlight makers out there. The brands below are some that we’ve used and can assure you of their overall quality and
Streamlight
Streamlight is one of the best makers of tactical flashlights on the market. They’ve been making high-performance and highly durable shooting, outdoors, and other lights for nearly 50 years.
In that time, they’ve consistently remained one of the most innovative and quality-forward lighting makers. Streamlight also stands by everything they make 100%, offering a limited lifetime warranty and having a stellar customer service reputation.
Surefire
Surefire is, without question, the most respected maker of tactical flashlights, shooting, police, and military flashlights in the world. They manufacture some of the very best combat illumination tools today, lights that double as some of the best high-power, high-performance, and rugged flashlights money can buy. They’re not cheap, but when you buy Surefire, you’re purchasing quality.
Olight
Olight is a relative newcomer to the EDC flashlight field but has shown itself well against longtime stalwarts. It made common-sense improvements to classic flashlight design and focused on quality control across the board to produce affordably priced yet
Fenix
Fenix is another newer entry in the field, making waves with workmanlike designs that provide value. They make flashlights, headlights, and other lighting products for EDC, hiking, camping, and other pursuits. They pack their products with extras and innovative features that offer a lot of value for the average user.
Anker
Anker is better known for its charging cables than its flashlights, but it makes some outstanding examples. They’re far less “tacticool” than many other makers and focus on creating quality, inexpensive flashlights that provide good light in an easy-to-carry package.
Best Rechargeable Flashlight FAQs
Now that you’ve seen our list of the best rechargeable flashlights, let’s cover some questions you may have.
How do I charge a rechargeable LED flashlight?
It depends on the light. Most have a lithium-ion battery inside that can be charged with a USB cable or special power cord. How fast it uses up the battery life depends on its features, such as light settings, beam distance, etc. Some have a battery level indicator that shows you the power level.
Who makes the brightest rechargeable flashlight?
The brightest rechargeable flashlight is the Stanley Fatmax Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Flashlight. It delivers up to 2,200 lumens with a 10W ultra-bright LED. The lithium ion battery stays charged for up to 12 months and offers a runtime of up to seven hours on the lowest setting. This rechargeable flashlight has a large reflector and a bright LED powerful beam to throw the light far into the distance.
What is the best rechargeable torch on the market?
In our opinion, the Fenix PD36 R is the best rechargeable torch available. It’s brightest setting is phenomonly bright in a small package, making it perfect for everyday carry, outdoor activities, or an emergency situation. Additionally, it includes advanced charging technology and light management systems. This no regular flashlight!
What is the highest quality flashlight?
In our opinion, the most durable and all-around best rechargeable flashlight is the Streamlight LED High Lumen. The C4 LED technology is impervious to shock with a 50,000 hour lifetime. The lithium ion battery is rechargeable up to 1000 times and fully recharges in 3 hours. Maximum brightness is 615 lumens. There are three light and strobe modes. The durable anodized aluminum construction with knurled body for a sure grip.
