The best rechargeable flashlight may be one of those things you think you don’t need until the situation calls for it. It is often a hassle and a frustrating experience to track down your flashlight and worse find out you run out of batteries. That’s why it’s handy and recommended to have a rechargeable flashlight that works on demand, except if you forget charging it after use.
And while there are also rechargeable flashlights that run with alkaline batteries, they prove useless when you don’t have power access to charge them up fast. So in the following, we’re going to look into seven of the best rechargeable flashlights out on the market and give you an informative guide on how to pick a suitable type of rechargeable flashlight.
Best Rechargeable Flashlight Recommendation
What Is The Best Rechargeable Flashlight?
The best rechargeable torch that has rechargeable batteries takes the inconvenience out of the way. It is powered by a rechargeable battery or cell. Modern flashlights also make use of LED lights (light emitting diodes) and adapted for uses, such as tactical, police operations, hiking, camping and working around the house. A rechargeable flashlight is also perfect for everyday use because it is economical.
Types of Batteries:
Removable: As the name suggests, removable batteries can be removed from the host device or flashlight in this case. It can be charged using a battery charger meant for a 18650, 26650 or AA batteries.
- Available removable batteries are 26650, 18650 or AA batteries, which can be charged by a battery charger. Such can also be supplied by the maker of the device.
- Replacement for these batteries is much cheaper.
- If you have multiple sets of removable and rechargeable batteries, recharging time is less.
Non-removable:
They are not removable batteries but are rechargeable. You can charge them while inside the device, and they’re commonly built-in or plugged into the flashlight.
- Torches with non-removable batteries are built with a USB charging port or it comes with a separate charger.
- Take note: The battery is specifically designed for the model.
- Flashlights with non-removable batteries have less moving parts. You don’t need to take out the batteries when charging.
- Non-removable batteries can also reduce the flashlight’s size.
- Replacement, however, may be harder.
How to Find a Rechargeable Flashlight That Meets Your Needs
Finding the best rechargeable flashlights based on purpose, check on and consider several factors. Remember that some flashlights can emit a brighter light than others can. Then, other flashlights come with different lighting modes – low, medium, high, strobe and SOS, which may be handy based on the situation. So when finding a flashlight for a specific purpose, here’s a brief guide for you.
- Rechargeable Flashlight for Home: Working on home repairs or simply doing chores, you may want to find close range flashlights with up to 20 lumens. It is useful for finding keys, beaming distance for up to 100 meters and looking for the keyhole in the front door, to name some. Another option is a flashlight with up to 150 lumens, which is great for use around the house or walking the dog at night. A more versatile choice can be one with up to 1000 lumens, which can be used for cars and houses, too.
- Police Rechargeable Flashlights: Are you looking to use it for tactical and police operations? Look for compact and shockproof flashlights, which can withstand knocks and drops. For brightness, find one with up to 500 lumens or maybe brighter and a beam with up to 250 meters or more.
- Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight: Find a brighter, stronger one for tactical operations. If you’re looking for a flashlight for tactical operations, look for one with a brighter torch that can throw a long-range of light. For this purpose, find one with durability and greater than 1000 lumens of brightness.
- Brightest Rechargeable Flashlight: Many makers have been competing to supply the brightest rechargeable flashlights on the market. Based on research, the most powerful flashlight is one that is above 1000 lumens in brightness capacity; some are even 5000 lumens. Most of these models are lightweight, waterproof and shockproof. They are suitable even for industrial purposes as well as search and rescue. It may not be for around the house or very built-up places.
1. Rechargeable LED flashlight: Streamlight 74751
Editor Rating :The Streamlight 74751 is the best rechargeable LED flashlight on the market. It comes with a charger holder and a 120V AC or 12V DC charger. If you’re looking for excellent LED illumination and power as well as a wide beam to cover a larger area, get this one. This flashlight offers 500lms of brightness and supplies beam distance of up to 200 meters. It is super bright to use for working around the house, repairing cars, recreation activities (fishing, sailing, and camping) and police operations. The Streamlight 74751 is also lightweight and compact for easy carry and is high power but economical.
Things We Liked:
- Sure-grip knurled body
- 50,000-hr lifetime
- Durable solid aluminum construction
- Assembled in USA
- Up to 3.5 hours with the low lighting mode
Things We Didn’t Like:
- Higher price
- Can get hot during long time use
- Limited lifetime warranty
2. Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight: Klarus Improved XT11
Editor Rating :The XT11GT is the best rechargeable tactical flashlight for tactical operations, search and rescue and long-beam lighting needs. It is powerful yet it is compact and powered by a 18650 battery. It is a complete package that comes with a pocket clip, holster, wall adapter, car charger and a mini light. This upgraded XT11GT is versatile and can be charged in multiple, convenient ways. If you’re a police officer or someone working in tactical jobs, you can rely on this rechargeable flashlight, which is known for two flashing modes and six lighting settings. Its beam is so powerful that it can illuminate up to 402 meters.
Things We Liked:
- Impact resistant
- Waterproof
- Dual tail switch for strobe mode
- One-handed use allowed
- USA service center, lifetime warranty
Things We Didn’t Like:
- No instructional guide video
- Can get hot when operated long hours
- Can turn on automatically
3. USB Rechargeable Flashlight: Streamlight 88052 ProTac HL
Editor Rating :Regarding convenience, nothing beats the USB rechargeable flashlight – Streamlight 88052. The ProTac HL is ideal for professional use with 850 lumens. The high lumen tactical torch is USB rechargeable, so you can charge it on the fly with a source. It also accepts different power sources for backups. The Streamlight 88052 also allows for one-handed operation with its tail switch. For its LED technology, it’s built-in with the C4 advanced LED feature, which is one of the brightest and most intense on the market. It can provide up to three times intensity for that piercing brightness in the darkness.
Things We Liked:
- USB rechargeable accepts any USB source
- Max battery life and light output
- Dual 100,000 hours lifetime
- Solid aluminum body
- TEN-TAP programming
Things We Didn’t Like:
- The 600-lumen output isn’t long-lasting
- Replacement batteries may be needed from time to time.
- A bit pricey
4. Cheap rechargeable flashlight: Anker Super Bright
Editor Rating :The Anker Super Bright is an amazing cheap rechargeable flashlight we’d recommend for first-time buyers. It is a complete package coming with a 18650 battery, which is a convenience for many of us. This tactical flashlight is also water-resistant rated IP65 that’s another good point for durability. This cheap rechargeable torch can beam up to 900lms of brightness. Users can also select from five different lighting modes for various needs. So overall, the Anker Super Bright is cheap yet it is feature-packed for many purposes, such as hiking, camping, and working around the house and police surveillance operations.
Things We Liked:
- CREE LED of 900 max lumens
- Can reach up to 1000 feet
- Zoom, narrow and wide beam settings
- Up to six hours of runtime, no diminishing brightness
- Extended 50000-hour lifespan
- Built-in with 3350mAh rechargeable battery
Things We Didn’t Like:
- Photosensitive epilepsy can be triggered by the flashing light
- Not homogenous light
- Lack of focus ability
5. Brightest Rechargeable Flashlight: Fenix RC40
Editor Rating :The Fenix RC40 leaves all the brightest rechargeable flashlights with its supreme 6000lms brightness capacity. Its power doesn’t end with its illumination supremacy because it also has the 7800mAh rechargeable cell. This Fenix model also includes a car or home charger and a keychain light with 30lms for working around the house. It is the brightest flashlight for a reason. The rechargeable flashlight can throw up to 730 meters or 2395 feet of light. It also comes with a very useful battery that can supply power to other personal electronics. Dual side switch is another remarkable feature of the Fenix RC40, letting you control its output modes without any hassles.
Things We Liked:
- Tailored rechargeable Li-ion battery pack
- Brightest flashlight
- 90-degree wide beam for close range
- Ideal for outdoors and search and rescue operations
- Discharge function serves as a power bank
Things We Didn’t Like:
- Lockout function fails working over time
- Too much brightness can eat up battery run time
- A bit pricey
6. Rechargeable spotlight: Stanley Fatmax SL10LEDS
Editor Rating :Are you looking for a reliable spotlight? Perhaps, you can take a look at the Stanley Fatmax SL10LEDS. It comes with up to 2200lms in its LED light. The torch works with a Li-ion battery. For spotlighting, it offers you with an extra bright 10W LED, emitting superior brightness and focus. Charging adaptors are also important. The Stanley Fatmax SL10LEDS includes both the AC and DC adaptors. When fully charged, the torch can run up to 7 hours. This Fatmax has three mode triggers for the off, low and high.
Things We Liked:
- Tailored rechargeable Li-ion battery pack
- Brightest flashlight
- 90-degree wide beam for close range
- Ideal for outdoors and search and rescue operations
- Discharge function serves as a power bank
Things We Didn’t Like:
- Not water submersible
- Li-ion cell does not stay efficiently charged when stored for at least a year
- Limited lighting settings
7. Small Rechargeable Flashlight: Olight S1 Compact
Editor Rating :Nothing beats this small rechargeable flashlight from Olight. This Olight S1 Baton is compact enough to put in your pocket. But its small size must not be underestimated. It emits up to 500lms for personal security, working around the house, repairing a car and tactical operations. This small torch offers up to 90% of light transmittance rate with its PMMA TIR lens, which you can adjust for three standard modes (8lms, 80lms, and 500lms). For special purposes, the compact torch can also offer a moonlight mode at 0.5lm and strobe mode of 10Hz.
Things We Liked:
- Heavy-duty6061-T6 aluminum alloy body
- Allows hands-free operation
- Overheat protection
- Flat tail cap design
- Reverse polarity protection
Things We Didn’t Like:
- Battery not included
- Expensive
- Magnet could stick keys in the pocket
What Builds The Best Rechargeable Flashlight?
This is the next question coming to mind when selecting the best rechargeable flashlight. There are many brands out there offering the same efficiency and benefits, but not all of them can work for our specific purposes, which are why we must look into the following specifications when deciding on what to buy.
Type Flashlight:
According to Overstock, the types of torches include those running with LED lights, incandescent bulbs, or Xenon, Halogen, and Krypton Bulbs. Incandescent lamps are inexpensive, but the light produces much heat. LED lights, on the other hand, are energy savings and have a longer lifespan than the first. Those running with Xenon, Halogen, and Krypton Bulbs are incandescent flashlights operating with a pressurized gas, extending filament life. However, they’re not as long lasting as LED lights are.
Battery and charging:
Over time, battery sulfates, affecting longevity and performance. It will not be a problem for most LED rechargeable flashlights, however. So for the best results, use only a specified charger when charging them, according to Battery Stuff. Choose between removable and non-removable rechargeable flashlights according to your situation.
Brightness:
It is measured in lumens, which are rated at different levels for specific uses and purposes. For example, up close tasks may require between 10 and 20lms and if you’re looking for objects or things, which are up to 100m away. On the other hand, you may need between 20 and 150 lumens for outdoor and basic household uses. Refer to the table for a useful guide. You may also proceed here to compare watts vs. lumens.
| Lumens | Incandescent | Led |
|---|---|---|
| 450 lm | 40 W | 6 – 9 W |
| 800 lm | 60 W | 8 – 12 W |
| 1100 lm | 75 W | 9 – 13 W |
| 1600 lm | 100 W | 16 – 20 W |
| 2600 lm | 150 W | 25 – 28 W |
Distance:
It is the coverage in meters that a flashlight can reach based on its lumens rating. General-purpose tasks requiring illumination between 50 and 150 meters can make a 100lms flashlight useful. For outdoor, hunting, search, and rescue, you may want to find one to reach up to 600 meters of brightness coverage of up to 600 meters. If you are getting a flashlight for this purpose, one with 1000 and above lumens is advised.
| Lumens | Distance | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 100 lm | 50 – 150 meters | General use |
| 100 – 500 lm | 150 – 250 meters | Camping, Hiking, Household use |
| 500 – 1000 lm | 250 – 400 meters | Fishing, Caving, Climbing, Security |
| 1000+ lm | 400 – 600 meters | Outdoor, Search-rescue, Hunting |
Runtime:
Modern rechargeable LED torches have varying runtimes depending on the lighting mode chosen. For example, one can run up to three and a half hours in low lighting mode. However, it varies from model to model. There are also those that can keep running for up to 14 hours.
Size:
There are compact flashlights measuring only 6 x 6.3 x 6.87 inches in total size, while smaller ones can be only 6 x 1 x 1.5 inches. Overall, pick a size that fits your situation. You may opt for a smaller type if you’re planning to keep it in your holster or pocket more often.
Price:
There are cheaper and higher end models available. Cheaper flashlights, however, don’t mean poor quality. It still depends on the maker and its reputation. Expensive types come with more features, such as overcharge protection and so on. Nevertheless, don’t base your decision based on the price tag alone. Look for features you consider most important for the purpose.
Other factors
When buying a rechargeable flashlight, it also pays off to check on other features, such as warranty between one and five years. On the other hand, expensive types often carry a lifetime warranty. In addition, you may also pick water-resistant, shockproof and dustproof torches if you’re prioritizing durability.
Conclusion
Hope we’ve unveiled the truth about the best rechargeable flashlight in this guide. When buying one, consider the features you’re looking for, and such include durability, battery type, brand, warranty, price, lighting modes and brightness level. You should also weigh in the pros and cons of each option featured here to find the best torch for your specific needs and purpose (recreation, tactical, search & rescue, home use, professional use, security…). Based on this guide and top reviews, we’re hoping you will be able to find the best rechargeable flashlight today!
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