Discover the Top Flashlights of 2024: Reviews and Ratings
Curated by
cdteliot
3 min read
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Flashlights remain an essential tool for outdoor enthusiasts, professionals, and homeowners alike, offering powerful and versatile lighting solutions. The best flashlights of 2024 include models from renowned brands such as Fenix, ThruNite, and Nitecore, each offering unique features to suit various needs and preferences.
Top Features to Consider When Choosing a Flashlight
When selecting a flashlight, several key characteristics should be considered to ensure you get the best tool for your needs. These include brightness, battery life, size and weight, and durability.
These factors play a crucial role in determining the best flashlight for specific needs, whether for everyday carry, outdoor adventures, or emergency situations. By considering these characteristics, users can select a flashlight that offers the right balance of performance, portability, and durability for their intended use.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Brightness | Measured in lumens; 100-300 for general use, 1000+ for search and rescue. Beam intensity (candela) important for long-range visibility. 1 |
| Battery Life | Disposable vs rechargeable batteries; runtime varies with usage and brightness settings. Multiple modes help conserve battery. 1 |
| Size and Weight | Consider portability for EDC and outdoor activities. Compact designs may sacrifice features or brightness. 1 |
| Durability | Materials like aluminum balance durability and weight. Look for water resistance (IPX ratings) and impact resistance for outdoor use. 1 |
1 source
Spot Beam vs. Flood Beam: Which is Best?
When choosing a flashlight, understanding beam types and their applications is crucial. Spot beams and flood beams serve different purposes, each with its own advantages depending on the intended use.
Spot beams provide a concentrated light with a beam angle typically less than 45 degrees, ideal for illuminating distant objects or specific areas
| Beam Type | Characteristics | Best Use Cases |
|---|---|---|
| Spot Beam | Narrow focus, long-range, high intensity | Driving, hunting, search and rescue |
| Flood Beam | Wide spread, shorter range, larger coverage | Camping, construction sites, general outdoor use |
1
. They're excellent for tasks requiring long-range visibility, such as driving on dark highways or searching for objects in the distance1
. Flood beams, on the other hand, offer a wider beam spread (usually over 60 degrees) and are perfect for lighting up larger areas at shorter distances, making them suitable for work sites, landscapes, or general outdoor settings1
2
. Some advanced flashlights feature combo beams, combining both spot and flood beams for versatile lighting options2
. When selecting a flashlight, consider your specific needs to determine whether a spot beam, flood beam, or combo beam would be most suitable for your intended use.2 sources
2024’s Best Flashlights: Our Top Recommendations
1
Nitecore P20iX 4000 Lumens Xtreme Performance Tactical Flashlight
$139.00
$211.50
2
Olight Baton 3 Pro | 1500 Lumens Everyday Carry Torch
$66.00
3
Surefire® Stiletto Pro® 1000 Lumen Flashlight
$233.00
4
ThruNite LED Flashlight Archer 2A V3, 500 Lumens Mini AA Flashlight with Lanyard, IPX8 Water-Resistant Dual Switch Outdoor Flash Light for Hiking, Camping, Everyday Use, EDC - CW
$43.99
$86.99
5
Olight Warrior X 3 New Superior Tactical Flashlight
$131.00
$175.95
6
Nitecore P20iX Xtreme Tactical Flashlight w/ Holster (4000 Lumens | USB-C Rechargeable)
$119.95
7
Nitecore EDC27 Ultra Slim High Performance EDC Flashlight
$93.00
8
Fenix PD36R PRO Rechargeable Flashlight Promo Pack
4.8
$119.95
$162.00
11% off
Nitecore P20iX 4000 Lumens Xtreme Performance Tactical Flashlight
$188.15
$211.50
Buy this if you need a high-performance, rechargeable tactical flashlight with multiple modes for professional or outdoor use
- Powerful Output
- Versatile Modes
- Durable Design
- Size Limitations
Olight Baton 3 Pro | 1500 Lumens Everyday Carry Torch
Buy this if you want a compact, powerful, and long-lasting EDC flashlight with versatile features and durable construction for everyday use and outdoor activities
- Powerful Output
- Long Battery Life
- Compact Design
- Premium Pricing
- Proprietary Battery
Surefire® Stiletto Pro® 1000 Lumen Flashlight
$233.00
Buy this if you want a premium, ultra-durable EDC flashlight with a slim profile and are willing to pay a premium for the SureFire brand and USA manufacturing
- Durable design
- Slim profile
- Versatile output
- High price
- Reliability concerns
49% off
ThruNite LED Flashlight Archer 2A V3, 500 Lumens Mini AA Flashlight with Lanyard, IPX8 Water-Resistant Dual Switch Outdoor Flash Light for Hiking, Camping, Everyday Use, EDC - CW
$43.99
$86.99
Buy this if you need a reliable, versatile flashlight for everyday use that offers good brightness and durability while using common AA batteries
- Bright output
- Durable construction
- Multiple modes
- Switch issues
- Battery rattle
Olight Warrior X 3 New Superior Tactical Flashlight
$175.95
$175.95
Buy this if you need a reliable, high-performance tactical flashlight with simple operation and durable construction for professional or outdoor use
- Powerful Output
- Simple Operation
- Durable Construction
- Proprietary Battery
- Sharp Bezel
Nitecore P20iX Xtreme Tactical Flashlight w/ Holster (4000 Lumens | USB-C Rechargeable)
$119.95
Nitecore EDC27 Ultra Slim High Performance EDC Flashlight
$124.99
Buy this if you want a uniquely slim and powerful EDC flashlight with advanced features like an OLED display and versatile controls for everyday or outdoor use
- Compact design
- Powerful output
- Informative display
- Sensitive controls
- Exposed optics
25% off
Fenix PD36R PRO Rechargeable Flashlight Promo Pack
Buy this if you need a reliable, high-performance tactical flashlight with convenient charging for professional or outdoor use
- Build Quality
- Powerful Output
- Intuitive Controls
- Short Turbo Runtime
- Limited Shortcuts
Closing Thoughts: Top Flashlights of 2024 – Our Final Recommendations
gearjunkie.com
When selecting the best flashlight, consider your specific needs and intended use. For outdoor enthusiasts seeking the brightest flashlights, powerful options like the Imalent MS32 offer an impressive 200,000 lumens maximum output
1
. However, for everyday carry, compact models with integrated or internal batteries and USB-C charging, such as the Olight Baton 3, provide a balance of performance and portability1
2
.
The coolest flashlights often feature multiple setting options, allowing users to switch between wide beam flood lighting and narrow beam intensity for various situations. Larger flashlights with external battery packs may offer extended runtime and higher maximum performance, but sacrifice portability. Look for models with easily accessible power buttons and clear brightness level indicators. Some advanced flashlights even include charge level displays and can create light trails for unique effects2
.
For a wide range of uses, we recommend the Streamlight Wedge for everyday carry or the Wuben X3 for outdoor use2
. These flashlights offer impressive performance with multiple brightness levels, good beam intensity, and USB-C charging capabilities. Ultimately, the best flashlight depends on your specific needs, whether you prioritize maximum output, battery life, or versatility in lighting options.2 sources
Related
What are the key differences between the Acebeam X80-GT and the Imalent MS08
How does the beam intensity of the Sofirn SP36 Pro compare to the Nitecore Tiny Monster series
What makes the Imalent MS32 the brightest flashlight in the world
How does the battery life of the Acebeam X75 compare to other high-lumen flashlights
What are the standout features of the Nitecore TM9K tactical flashlight
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