14 Best Rechargeable Flashlights
Regular flashlights work just fine, but rechargeable flashlights are better. The latter has rechargeable batteries that keep it working longer than battery-operated flashlights. You can just charge with a power bank or an inverter instead of buying and changing multiple ass batteries.
This article explores the features you should watch for when buying a rechargeable flashlight. It contains 14 recommendations from Amazon and tips on how to dispose of batteries.
Related Read: Best Eco-Friendly Camping Products, Best Solar Lanterns.
What are the qualities of the best rechargeable flashlights?
You should look for some features when purchasing a flashlight with a rechargeable battery. These features are:
Materials
The materials used to make a flashlight are crucial because they determine how long it'll last. The best material for flashlights is aluminum. Aluminum is an excellent material for producing flashlights because of its heat conductivity, sturdiness, and lightweightness.
Most producers use the same coating from aluminum pots for all the aluminum flashlights. The coating is type III hard anodization. It makes flashlights more durable and scratch-resistant.
There are other flashlights made of plastic. Sometimes, they combine both. They use aluminum for the body and plastic for the flashlight's head. Manufacturers use plastic because it is not as heavy as aluminum.
Brightness and Beam Distance
The brightness of a flashlight and the distance it covers are crucial to selecting rechargeable flashlights. Before you buy a flashlight, consider the brightness and the distance it covers to suit your needs.
The technical term for a flashlight’s brightness is lumens. Lumens are the total amount of light emitted from an LED. The more lumens a flashlight has, the brighter it is. Check the lumen capacity of the flashlight before purchase because it helps you decide the best flashlight for your needs.
For instance, a with over 1500 lumens is suitable for outdoor activities like camping, mountaineering, and dog walking. Also, consider the beam distance of the LED bulbs. The best choice would be a flashlight that covers over 100 meters. However, you can choose one that covers a shorter distance if it has high lumen capacity.
Run Time
Another vital feature you should consider is the battery’s runtime. How long can it last before needing another charge? Check out the battery life, power modes, and other details about the charging option.
The more power modes there are, the lesser the run time. Using the flashlight on a high mode will also reduce the runtime. When picking a flashlight, go for the one with a runtime of 5+ hours in turbo mode.
Waterproof Rating
The waterproof rating of a flashlight is crucial because it shows the level of water damage it can receive. It tells you if you can use your flashlight in the rain and other water-related conditions.
Flashlight manufacturers use the IPX system to rate water resistance. IPX4 rating shows that the flashlight is splash-resistant from all angles, while the IPX7 rating shows that the flashlight can survive up to 30 minutes of temporary water immersion at a depth of 1 meter. An IPX8 rating shows the flashlight can survive submersion at the brand’s specified water depth.
Impact Resistance
Impact resistance measures the drop impact of a flashlight on concrete from a particular distance measured in meters. Manufacturers test this by dropping flashlights onto concrete six times. They test flashlights to ensure they function after accidental drops.
Controls
You should also check for the on/off switch and lighting switch. Some control switches are thumb-operated push and sliding buttons, a rotating bezel, and a safety lock to prevent switching on the light accidentally. Some flashlights have a non-clicking switch that switches on the light with a slight depression.
Accessories
Some accessories must accompany a flashlight pack, while others are perks included by the manufacturer. A flashlight often has a lanyard, belt clip, holster, and lens filters. A vital accessory that must accompany a flashlight pack is a charging cord. It could be a USB C cord or a micro USB cord.
14 Best Rechargeable Flashlights On Amazon
Here is a quick link to the best rechargeable flashlights:
1. Nitecore MT21C Flashlight
Nitecore is an enterprise that specializes in producing LED flashlights, batteries, chargers, headlamps, and other power solutions. The brand has various rechargeable flashlights, but we'll examine Nitecore MT21C.
Nitecore MT21C is a black, battery-powered, rechargeable flashlight. It produces 1000 lumens over 200 yards and is an excellent flashlight suitable for military operations, industrial, and housework.
It has a lanyard, magnetic base, and pocket clip for hands-free use. The magnetic base lets you attach the flashlight to any metal surface, while you can hang it from trees and other surfaces with the lanyard. You can also use the pocket clip to attach it to straps.
Nitecore MT21C has an adjustable head, allowing for angle manipulation at 90 degrees. You can point the head of the flashlight in any direction you desire. It has one control button with five brightness modes and three unique settings. Using the flashlight on its lowest setting can last up to 700 hours.
The best features of the rechargeable flashlight also include water resistance. Water can’t reach the interior parts of the torch, including the battery pack.
2. Stanley Fatmax Rechargeable LED Spotlight Flashlight
Stanley Fatmax is a waterproof LED flashlight made by the Stanley company. It has been operating for over 75 years. They produce all sorts of tools for professionals. Stanley Fatmax is a versatile flashlight with a lumen output of 520. Stanley also has a durable battery life. It has a lithium-ion battery that lasts up to 10 hours on its lowest output.
You don’t have to worry about water ruining the flashlight because it is submersible up to 6 feet. It floats to the water’s surface so you can find it easily. The torch has a bright yellow color and a pistol grip handle.
It comes with two lighting modes: high and low modes. The Stanley Fatmax also has a micro USB charging port. However, you should avoid dropping the flashlight because they produce it with plastic.
It could break if it drops from a far distance or falls on a hard, rocky surface. It is one of the best rechargeable flashlights for boating activities like fishing and wildlife spotting. Another perk of Stanley Fatmax is car charging; you can charge it in your car. It has a 120-volt AC and 12-volt DC power adapter that facilitates house and car charging.
3. Olight S2R Baton II Rechargeable Flashlight
Olight S2R Baton II is a small but powerful flashlight from one of the best lighting brands, Olight. Established in 2007, Olight focuses on producing the best flashlights by focusing on design, functionality, battery life, and ergonomics.
They produced the world’s first flashlight with a 1000-meter beam distance. They also produced the first magnetic rechargeable flashlight and weapon light in 2014 and 2015, respectively.
Given Olight’s phenomenal achievements, you can tell that the Olight S2R Baton II is one of the best rechargeable flashlights money can buy. They produced the flashlight with aluminum, ensuring your fingers have an easy grip.
Its light source is the Luminus SST-40 LED, powered by lithium batteries. There are three standard brightness modes: turbo, strobe, and standard brightness. The brightest mode has 1500 - 400 lumens and a beam distance of 135 meters, while the lowest output is 15 lumens over 15 meters.
Olight S2R Baton II is also water resistant. Its waterproof rating is up to 2 meters underwater. You can carry it around easily. It is 3.94 inches long and 0.91 inches wide. It is suitable for quick outdoor trips and adventure. This flashlight also comes in handy during a power outage.
Shop on Olight or Amazon.
4. Nitecore TINI 2 Ultra Keychain Rechargeable Flashlight
The Nitecore TINI 2 Ultra flashlight is a keychain available in 4 colors: gray, black, titanium, and stainless steel. It is an excellent rechargeable flashlight because of its compact size. Nitecore TINI 2 is smaller than a car key, making it suitable for emergencies.
It has a 500-lumen output and a beam distance of 97 meters, an impressive feat for small rechargeable flashlights. Nitecore TINI 2 Ultra has an OLED display showing brightness level, mode, lumen, and battery voltage.
Unlike most flashlights, the Nitecore TINI 2 Ultra has a USB-C charging port. It charges fast and has a battery life of 60 hours. There are two control buttons on both sides of the flashlight. These buttons allow you to switch between five lighting modes, two lockout modes, and two user modes.
The flashlight doesn’t come with a USB C cord. You have to purchase it separately.
5. Lepro LED Rechargeable Flashlight
LE rechargeable flashlight has a brightness of up to 15000 lumens and a beam distance of 250 meters. A lithium-ion battery powers it. The aluminum has a high waterproof rating of IPX7, meaning it works excellently in heavy rain or snow storms.
Lepro LE can fit your pocket, handbags, car compartments, and backpacks. It has a fast-charging USB cord. Also, you can use a power bank and a computer to charge it. Lepro rechargeable flashlight is different from the regular flashlight with its soon jojoba.
Shop on Lepro or Amazon.
6. Fenix PD36R Pro High Lumen Tactical Flashlight
Fenix PD36R Pro is a long-range, high-powered flashlight. It is popular for its high-end flashlights, bicycle lamps, camping lanterns, and headlamps for the military, police, and people in other industrial areas.
Fenix PD36R has 2800 powerful lumens and a beam distance of 380 meters. It has a simple button that grants you control over the maximum brightness to the lowest brightness settings and another to activate its strobe function instantly.
The flashlight lasts up to 3 hours and 30 minutes at its maximum output and 42 hours at its lowest output. It has a battery indicator. The indicator blinks red while it is charging. It has a USB-C charging port, which is compatible with power banks.
The pack contains a USB C cord, new batteries, a holster, a lanyard, and a lumen tactical organizer. Fenix PD36R Pro is the best rechargeable flashlight for you if you prefer a compact flashlight with easy control access.
Shop on Fenix or Amazon.
7. OLIGHT Baton 3 Pro
If you are looking for the brightest rechargeable flashlight, the Olight Baton 3 Pro is your best option. It is a 1500 lumens rechargeable flashlight with a beam distance of 175 meters. You can choose from colors green, orange, purple, and black.
Olight Baton 3 Pro is an upgraded version of the Olight S2R Baton II flashlight. It can last for 120 days at its lowest mode. The flashlight has a clip that makes carrying it seamless. You can clip it into your pocket or backpack.
Olight Baton 3 Pro comes with a magnetic L-stand to store it adequately. It prevents accidental knockdowns and damages. Its waterproof rating is IPX8. It is drop-resistant at 1.5 meters. Any drop beyond 2 meters could cause damage.
Olight upgraded its charging to a USB magnetic charging cable, which charges it for 3.5 hours.
Shop on Olight or Amazon.
8. Blackfire Rechargeable Magnetic Flashlight With Lantern
Blackfire flashlight is a unique flashlight powered by rechargeable batteries. It has a USB C
port for charging it up. It also comes with a side light, which can function as a lantern or a side work light. You can easily use it as a camping lantern on outdoor adventures.
Another one of its unique features is the ring around the light lens’s frame. The ring glows in the dark from charging itself with the light from the flashlight. This feature makes it easy to find your flashlight in the dark.
Blackfire also has a magnetic base, which makes it attachable to metal surfaces. This feature comes in handy when using the lantern function. It also enables hands-free usage. It has a drop protection distance of 1.8 meters.
The battery pack is 2600 mAh. So, the battery life of the orange flashlight is 7 hours in turbo mode, 10-11 hours in medium mode, and 30 hours in low mode.
9. Anker Rechargeable Bolder LC40 Flashlight
Anker LC40 is another small flashlight suitable for your outdoor gear. It is one of the brightest rechargeable flashlights with a long-lasting battery life. It lasts up to 20 hours in a medium setting.
Anker LC40 3350 mAh lithium-ion battery has a total lifespan of 50,000 hours. It has five brightness settings: high, medium, low, SOS, and strobe mode. Its waterproof rating shows it can withstand cold and wet conditions without any damage.
Its sleek aluminum body has an anti-slip finish that makes the grip comfortable. You can easily attach it to your purse, backpack, or belt with a clip attached to the side of the flashlight. It doesn’t come with a 5V 1A adapter but includes a micro USB cord.
10. Coquimbo Rechargeable LED Work Lights
The Coquimbo rechargeable flashlight has a magnetic base, allowing for 360-angle rotation and hands-free usage. It comes with a rechargeable battery that charges through a USB port. Coquimbo uses rechargeable aa batteries. The LEDs have three white light modes and two red lights.
The perk of getting a Coquimbo flashlight is the extra flashlight in the pack. There are two rechargeable flashlights and two USB cords. You can get it in black, green, or red. Its charging time lasts for three hours.
11. Forto Tactical Rechargeable Flashlight
This black aluminum flashlight is from Forto, a brand that produces lighting tools, rechargeable models, and regular flashlights powered by AAA batteries. It has a high lumens output of 250000 over a distance of 1500 meters.
One button gives you control over its three lighting settings: high, low, and strobe mode. The flashlight also has zooming features. You can zoom in and out of your desired distance. Forto Tactical also has a strong battery life. Its battery is 4000 mAh and chargeable through a USB C cable.
The charging port is directly on the battery, so you have to remove the battery from the flashlight before charging. Forto Tactical might be the best rechargeable flashlight for you. Its anti-slip, dustproof, shockproof, and waterproof qualities enhance its durability. However, expect a bit of heaviness as the flashlight weighs 1.21 pounds.
12. Forto LED Rechargeable Flashlight
It is another rechargeable model from Forto, a lighting brand established in 1995. The rechargeable flashlight has a battery capacity of 2600 mAh, with a maximum runtime of 20 hours. It lasts for 4 hours at its maximum output.
Unlike its tactical counterpart, you don't have to remove the internal battery to charge. It has four lighting settings- high, mid, low, and area. The area brightness setting is for the side lights.
It also has a zooming feature. You can direct the distance you want the light beam to reach by twisting the flashlight’s head to get a focused beam.
13. Alicegirl Rechargeable Flashlights
Alicegirl flashlight is the right rechargeable flashlight for outdoor activities. It is a very bright light with 900,000 lumens. It is about 30 times brighter than a regular flashlight. Alicegirl has a beam distance of 1000 meters. It is excellent for hiking, hunting, camping, fishing, and power outage emergencies.
Alicegirl flashlights can last up to 12 hours. Its battery capacity is 5000 mAh. The battery is durable. So, you can recharge it 150,000 times before disposal.
The flashlight has a battery display bar to keep track of the battery level. Also, you don’t have to worry about water damage because Alicegirl has a waterproof rating of IPX7. It works adequately in rain, snow, or other wet conditions. The flashlight can also survive a 10-feet drop.
You are getting a great deal if you purchase Alicegirl because it contains two flashlights and two fast-charging USB cords. It also comes with a set of AAA batteries.
14. Lylting Rechargeable LED Flashlights
Lylting is an electronic product brand established in 2015. They produce super bright flashlights with 250,000 lumens. The design is military-grade anodizing, ergonomic, and anti-slip.
Its beam distance on the high mode is 1500 meters and lasts for 12 hours. It lasts 15 hours in medium mode over a distance of 1000 meters. The Lylting battery capacity is 5000 mAh.
It has a USB charging port that allows you to charge it with a power bank, laptop, or in your car. Also, Lylting has a battery-level display to help you keep track of your usage. It is a durable flashlight with a waterproof rating of IPX7 and an impact resistance of 1.5m.
How to dispose of disposable batteries?
Rechargeable batteries are disposable as their battery life runs low. It is crucial to get rid of disposable batteries properly because they contain harmful components like nickel and cadmium.
Flashlight batteries are hazardous waste and should be disposed of as such. You can drop them off at a recycling or hazardous waste collection site. You can also drop it off at an electrical retailer near you.
There are mail-in recycling facilities that accept batteries. These programs will send you a container to store all used batteries, which you will return once it's full. Examples of these programs are Battery Solutions and Call2Recycle.
Conclusion: Best Rechargeable Flashlights
Rechargeable flashlights are the best choice because they are sustainable. They do not use disposable batteries, making them last longer than regular flashlights. The only disadvantage of rechargeable flashlights is power outages. You can’t charge it when the battery runs down.
To prevent this, get a flashlight with a durable battery life. Also, keep it charged at all times. Our rechargeable flashlight recommendations will guide you as you decide.
Jen’s a passionate environmentalist and sustainability expert. With a science degree from Babcock University Jen loves applying her research skills to craft editorial that connects with our global changemaker and readership audiences centered around topics including zero waste, sustainability, climate change, and biodiversity.
Elsewhere Jen’s interests include the role that future technology and data have in helping us solve some of the planet’s biggest challenges.
Fact Checked By:
Isabela Sedano, BEng.
