We have come a long way from the days of the simple point and click 40-watt flashlight. Over the years, newer technologies have developed, and flashlights have become more versatile, giving more functionality and convenience to their users.
Many flashlights available on today’s market are designed for specific purposes, some are more rugged in their style, some have brighter bulbs and have different flash functions, and some are even waterproof. However, as convenient as all of these modern functionalities are, nothing can beat the functionality of the rechargeable flashlight. I say this because it always seems that whenever you need your flashlight the most, it always seems to run out of battery, at least if the light itself has rechargeable capabilities, then you prolong the inevitable for a little or a lot longer.
This article looks to focus in on the best rechargeable flashlights and understand why those flashlights in particular are so good. In my view, the ideal rechargeable flashlight has a combination of these attributes:
- A good quality of brightness from its bulb
- Solid battery life
- Compact size
- Lightweight functionality
- Sleek design
The absolute best in the field will incorporate all of these attributes, many of the flashlights on this list are not only rechargeable, but possess most, if not all of these characteristics, making it easy to separate them from the flashlights that are of a lower quality.
Table of Contents
What to look for in a Rechargeable Flashlight?
Long Battery Life
While it may be ideal having a rechargeable flashlight because it gives you extra time to use the light, it is not particularly useful if the battery life is weak to begin with. Having a flashlight with a long battery life and a rechargeable component only serves to give the user even greater value for money, depending on the price, it can be a worthwhile investment to pay a bit extra for a flashlight if it means improved battery life.
Non-Intrusive Design
What I mean by this is that the flashlight and the element used to recharge it are not clunky and difficult to carry. Rechargeable flashlights that come in many different pieces are too awkward for the typical outdoor user. When it comes to a recharging flashlight, simplicity within its design is always key.
A Good Price Point
You can not expect to get quality if you are not willing to pay for it, however, it is important that you do compare the prices of other flashlights before you commit to one. Understanding what you require from your flashlight will certainly narrow down your search and make finding a rechargeable flashlight with other specific qualities a more streamlined process.
1. Nitecore Tip SE Rechargeable Flashlight
If you are looking for a small and powerful flashlight, then look no further than the Nitecore Tip SE, it measures only 2.36 inches from top to bottom, making it the smallest flashlight on the list, and has output capabilities of 700 lumens, using white light LED modules. 500mAh battery allows it to run for up to 50-hours on low, providing excellent longevity.
Of course, it is rechargeable, the newer models have USB-C capability, allowing you to charge using the same cables used to charge your phone. It is rugged as well as compact and convenient, made of anodized aluminum, it is strong enough to survive a 3-foot fall and is waterproof, up to an IP54 rating. The real beauty of this flashlight has to be its size to power ratio, you can attach it to a loop in your trousers or to keys and it will function perfectly. Its aluminum build makes it wearproof and its 4 brightness levels, from turbo to low, make it applicable to a host of situations.
2. Anker Bolder LC90 Rechargeable Flashlight
Anker has been one of the most popular and reliable outdoor electronics companies for years now. They have sold over 20 million flashlights and that is because of the standard of product that they produce.
The LC90 is one of their best models, it is the ideal flashlight for any low-light situation, it is waterproof and is compact enough to fit into a pocket. It has 3 primary light settings along with 2 high-visibility strobe settings that are ideal for use in emergencies. Its LED bulb allows for a total of 50,000 hours of brightness before needing to be replaced, and the various light settings can be controlled with just one button.
The light itself is also more powerful than the Nitecore, delivering a 900-lumen beam at a maximum distance of one mile. If you combine its features with its rechargeable nature, its 6.2-ounce weight and its competitive $60 price tag, it is well worth consideration.
3. OLight S1R Baton II Rechargeable Flashlight
There is a lot to really like about this flashlight. It is only 2.5 inches long and weighs just 1.8 ounces, making it small and light enough to clip on to any belt or loop. Furthermore, even at its size, the light pumps out 1000 lumens, making it lighter, more compact, and more powerful than the others thus far!
There are, however, different settings that you can run the flashlight on, level two for example, will produce just 600 lumens, that will illuminate up to 150 feet away, however, this may be all that is needed. The lowest setting of 12-15 lumens, that of a basic flashlight, works for up to 20 hours without needing a charge. This is useful for anyone that wishes to use the flashlight regularly but does not need a full beam or to be constantly charging it.
All of these settings aside, the most impressive part is the “battery regulation” feature, which lowers the level of light over time so that you get the most effective use possible from the battery. The USB charge base is magnetic and is even compatible with all other rechargeable flashlights too. A compact, powerful and at $65, an affordable option.
4. Streamlight ProTac 2L-X Rechargeable Flashlight
Another quality rechargeable flashlight option, the ProTac has many of the benefits that the other flashlights do but has a few standout features. For one, it not only runs off of a USB charge, but also supports the use of certain lithium batteries. It is made from the same military-grade aluminum that the Nitecore is made from, making it durable in a host of scenarios.
It has two primary light outputs with high and low options, as well as a strobe light feature for emergencies. The torch itself is extremely light in weight, weighing less than 4oz, even with batteries inside, and illuminates using 500 lumens, allowing for a light distance of nearly 600 feet, with a running capability of nearly 3 hours on the high beam. That is nothing incredible, but on low beam at 40 lumens, expect it to run for about 30 hours.
The light itself also comes with a pocket clip and a holster to make carrying it even easier. It is the cheapest so far at $55 and is probably the weakest light on the list so far too, but it does do what is required and it has the best quality low light run time in my opinion, with 30 hours at 40 lumens, you cannot argue at all.
5. SureFire Stiletto Pro Multi-Output Rechargeable Flashlight
In terms of finding the best tactical flashlight on the list, this one takes the trophy. Just be ready to pay upwards of $200 for it! It contains an integrated rechargeable micro-USB lithium polymer battery that alerts a battery gauge on the back of the torch, meaning you will always know how much light you have left in your charge.
Speaking of light, the beam goes up to 1000 lumens, which again is probably waaaaay more than you need, but at least the option is there for you. There is both a tactical and primary switch, which look to operate different light outputs, and it specializes in being a non-lethal self defense weapon.
There is a strobe lighting setting that flashes white light, capable of disorienting any attacker. If you combine its battery gauge with its self-defense capabilities and its rugged durability and 4oz weight, you are left with a compact and powerful tool that is perfect for use outdoors.
6. Internova Guardian Rechargeable Flashlight
The main selling points of this rechargeable flashlight are its reliability and its affordability. The LED light beams up to 1000 lumens on either a rechargeable lithium-ion or on three AAA batteries and even has a converter included that allows you to switch between the two battery types for greater use.
It has a weatherproof grip, making it easy to operate in any condition and the textured anti-slip handle means that even in nice weather conditions, you will have a hard time dropping it or losing grip. It has 5 light modes, high to low, SOS and strobe mode, which makes it useful in any lighting conditions and comes with a remote pressure switch, letting you operate your flashlight without any clicking noises, the light output is determined by the pressure applied.
7. Karrong 1200 Lumens LED Tactical Flashlight
What is particularly cool about this flashlight is that it comes in a pack of 2. Not only that, but it has a T6 LED chip that allows for an output of 1200 lumens! They also have a convenient metal clip and can be attached on to a belt or a clip with ease. They are waterproof as well and are micro-USB chargeable. They do weigh more than others on the list but for $20 you get two powerful flashlights for the price of one, what’s not to love?
8. Fenix PD35 Rechargeable Flashlight
Another outstanding option is the PD35, it is made from aircraft-grade aluminum, making it incredibly durable and it is waterproof up to IPX 8 standards. It has a low battery indicator and a scalloped bezel, allowing for effective self defense as well. The strobe feature is also good for self-defense and its two lithium-ion batteries and handy non-slip grip make it a dynamic and powerful flashlight.
9. STANLEY FATMAX SL10 Rechargeable Flashlight
Equipped with many of the features of the above flashlights and armed with the reliable STANLEY trademark, the SL10 is a little different to other flashlights. It kicks out up to 900 lumens, holds a charge for a long time and can run at 30-50 lumens for up to 7 hours.
The convenience of the light is what makes it so attractive, it has a pistol grip, making it both unique and easy to hold, and also contains a collapsible stand that lets you use the light and free up both hands. It is ideal for workplace scenarios, so for carpenters and electricians, it only has two light settings and is not seen as a tactical flashlight, so be aware of this when and if you decide to buy it. A great light but not optimal for outdoor use.
10. Maglite RL1019 LED Rechargeable Flashlight
The last rechargeable flashlight on the list is the RL1019 from Maglite, it is on the list for a few key reasons, for one, it has one of the best run times in the entire industry, with a near 40-hour life on low power mode. It is water and drop resistant and on full power it can shine up to 1500 feet. It has a bit of weight to it as well as being 12 inches long, so it is also a dynamic self defense weapon. All of this for $60, it is more than a reasonable price to pay.