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Whether you are into hiking, camping, backpacking, fishing, or in need of a light in case of emergency, a high-quality LED flashlight can come in handy for a variety of situations. The best LED flashlights are extremely reliable, durable, and come with a number of special features like versatile beam settings that can extend battery life and reach various distances. Many models even include rechargeable batteries that can last for several hours in remote locations while camping or hiking without power. Some LED flashlights can be purchased in value packs, so you can store one flashlight in your vehicle or luggage for trips, and keep another in a drawer in your home in case of emergency.
Whether you are looking for great value, durability, versatility, or reliability, we took a look at the best LED flashlights currently available on the market. Read on to see which product is the best fit for your next trip.
LE LED Camping Lantern Flashlight
Dorcy LED Floating Flashlight
Olight Baton Pro LED Flashlight
Anker Bolder LED Flashlight
GearLight S1000 LED Tactical Flashlight
EverBrite LED Flashlight
ThruNite Archer 2A V3 Cool White LED Flashlight
Coast Polysteel 600R LED Flashlight
Related: Always be prepared with these 7 EDC flashlights
Why should you trust us
Living in the mountains of Western North Carolina, I have spent plenty of time outdoors on long hiking, camping, biking, backpacking, trekking, or fishing trips. Trust me when I say, owning a high-quality LED flashlight can be extremely useful for reliable lighting during the early morning or evening hours. The best LED flashlights are quite powerful yet lightweight, portable, and can easily be packed in your luggage for long trips. I thoroughly enjoy the outdoors and have written a number of other outdoor lifestyle products and camping equipment articles, including camping towels, hiking water filters, walking sticks, insulated coffee mugs, and more.
The most common types of LED flashlights
There are three main types of LED flashlights. Each type of flashlight offers its own unique set of features and advantages. Depending on your individual preferences, where you will be using your LED flashlight, and the type of activities you will be participating in, you may require a different type of flashlight to best fit your needs. Make sure to familiarize yourself with all of the different types of LED flashlights before making a decision on your final purchase.
EDC
EDC LED flashlights, or everyday carry LED flashlights, are the most budget-friendly and portable type of LED flashlight. This type of LED flashlight is quite rugged, reliable, and it makes a perfect option for daily use around your home. These flashlights are ideal for tight spaces and working on any projects in your home. EDC flashlights also make a great emergency option, so it is a great idea to store one in your home or vehicle in case you need it.
Rechargeable
Rechargeable LED flashlights may be the most popular and most commonly found option on the market today. This type of LED flashlight typically includes a built-in lithium ion battery and a USB cable that can be charged via any outlet, vehicle cigarette lighter, or your personal laptop. Rechargeable LED flashlights are available in a variety of sizes, ranging from compact, portable options to large, lantern-style lights. Make sure to check the lifespan of your flashlight on a full battery charge before heading out on a long trip with no access to a charging port. It may be a good idea to carry a spare battery with you with this type of LED flashlight.
Tactical
Tactical LED flashlights are best associated with law enforcement, military, or other special force groups. This type of LED flashlight is usually the most expensive due to the material that it is made from. Tactical LED flashlights are typically made from a high-quality, military-grade aluminum alloy or heavy-duty stainless steel. Many models are shock-resistant and completely waterproof, designed to withstand drops from a high distance and for use underwater. If you will be using your LED flashlight in inclement weather or in high-risk settings like construction zones, this type of flashlight makes a great option even though it is priced at a premium.
What to look for when buying LED flashlights
For this article, we extensively researched and tested a wide variety of different types and brands of LED flashlights. These included EDC, rechargeable, and tactical flashlights of all sizes and power options. The flashlights were all tested for reliability, durability, portability, and versatility. They were all tested in a number of different conditions, locations, and in a variety of weather conditions.
The results of this thorough research and testing can be found throughout this article. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the different types, brands, and features of each type of LED flashlights before making a final purchase to best fit your lighting needs.
Benefits of LED flashlights
There are several key advantages to purchasing and using an LED flashlight. The most obvious benefit is it provides high-quality lighting in dark settings within your home, while participating on DIY projects, or in case of emergencies like power outages. Most LED flashlights are compact yet still quite durable, designed for use in a variety of different conditions with a number of different light settings. LED flashlights can come in a variety of different sizes, designs and color options, and some are even designed from military grade materials to withstand extremely high drops and for use underwater.
Most LED flashlights are durable, user-friendly, and versatile, able to be used in a variety of weather conditions or emergency situations. LED flashlights make a great option while participating in numerous outdoor activities, including running, hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, camping, or for use around your home in tight spaces.
- One of the main benefits to purchasing an LED flashlight is its battery. All LED flashlights will have a better battery life than a standard flashlight due to the long-lasting LED bulbs. If using your LED flashlight on long overnight trips, you may want to have an extra set of batteries on hand so that you do not run out of power.
- Another obvious benefit of LED flashlights is that they are extremely convenient. LED flashlights provide reliable lighting at times when you need it the most. Whether you are using it for emergencies, for work in tight spaces around your home, or for use outdoors while camping, hiking, or fishing, LED flashlights are a very useful tool.
- LED flashlights are extremely versatile products, featuring several different lighting modes, ranging from low to high beam settings. Some LED flashlights even include special modes like red light, SOS, and strobe light settings, for use in case of an emergency. LED flashlights are also available in a number of different weights and sizes, so it is easy to find one to best fit your needs.
Pricing ranges for LED flashlights
- Under $15: LED flashlights in this price range provide excellent value. They are typically compact, lightweight, and they can easily be carried with you in your backpack or luggage on long trips. Some of these flashlights are available to purchase as value packs, so you can keep one flashlight in your home and another inside your vehicle.
- $15-$30: This is the most common price range for LED flashlights. LED flashlights in this price range are available to purchase as value packs, EDC flashlights, or rechargeable flashlights. If you do purchase a rechargeable option, it may be a good idea to purchase an additional battery if you will be using it on long overnight trips.
- Over $30: LED flashlights in this price range are priced at a premium. Despite their premium price point, these LED flashlights are typically of the tactical variety, made from the highest quality, most durable materials. If you will be using your LED flashlight in inclement weather conditions or underwater, you may want to consider a purchase in this price range.
How we chose our top picks
When reviewing new outdoor products, we much prefer to go the hands-on route, but sometimes a lack of resources may prevent us from trying out the outdoor equipment in person. To make sure we don’t let you down, we take the time to thoroughly research and review other professionals who have hands-on experience with the equipment, combing through extensive reviews on Amazon, professional publications, outdoor enthusiast blogs, and more to bring you the best information available. For this review, we found the information at Gear Junkie, CNET, and Ask Men to be extremely helpful when shopping for the best LED flashlight for emergency use, DIY projects, or your next overnight camping trip.
Related: Get it done in the dark with these 5 tactical flashlights