We put rechargeable flashlights to the test: Here are our top picks.

Top Choice

The Olight S2R Baton II is a tough, compact, and high-performance flashlight, making it our top overall choice. It features a robust 1150-lumen output and a beam range of 107 meters, along with a convenient magnetic charging port at the rear. We love its portability, as its small size makes it easy to carry around wherever you go.

This flashlight offers three brightness levels, each impressively powerful. However, we found that the highest setting is best suited for outdoor use only. It also features a turbo mode for maximum brightness, a moonlight mode that emits a soft glow to avoid disturbing others, and a strobe warning mode. One downside we noticed is that the controls are not intuitive, requiring a double or triple-click of the button to activate some functions.

During testing, we ran the flashlight for 30 minutes without any drop in brightness. According to the brand, it boasts a 60-day runtime, which it passed effortlessly during our tests. The flashlight is also equipped with a battery indicator for convenience.

The Olight may be the most durable flashlight we tested, featuring an IPX8 waterproof rating, allowing it to be submerged safely in water. It survived our drop tests without showing any signs of damage or scratches. While it is pricier than many other models, its exceptional durability makes it a worthwhile investment.

Dimensions: 0.91 by 0.91 by 3.94 inches | Brightness: 1150 lumens | Beam Distance: 107 meters

Award for Best Value

The GearLight S1000 flashlight is impressively compact, offering several useful features while staying budget-friendly. It includes five modes, such as strobe and SOS settings. During testing, all modes performed well, though we found the low setting to be too dim for practical use.

This flashlight is lightweight and comfortable to carry. Even after prolonged use, it remains cool to the touch. We also appreciated the wrist strap, allowing for hands-free use when needed.

For durability testing, we dropped the flashlight from a height of 3 feet. It showed no visible damage and continued working as expected. We also submerged it underwater to check its water resistance, and it passed with flying colors—no leaks, and the battery pack stayed dry throughout.

Equipped with a telescoping feature, this flashlight allows you to adjust the beam for targeted illumination. Packed with great value for its price, it doesn’t include a built-in USB port, which helps explain its lower cost compared to others on the market. It also lacks a battery indicator. You can power it with rechargeable or disposable AAA batteries.

Dimensions: 2.64 x 3.66 x 5.71 inches | Brightness: 1040 lumens | Beam Distance: 118.3 meters

Best Flat

The Nitecore EDC27 Flat 3000-lumen tactical flashlight comes with impressive features, including an OLED LED screen and five different modes: ultra-low, low, medium, high, strobe, and turbo. It has a slim, compact body measuring around 1 inch by 0.5 inches. Despite its small size, it’s quite durable, surviving a drop from 3 feet without damage or loss of functionality.

Additionally, we found its rectangular design comfortable to grip, and it includes a wristband for easy carrying. If you’re looking for a rechargeable flashlight for your car to handle emergencies, this one fits neatly into most compartments or holders. Our only issue is the heat—it gets noticeably hot while in use, even though the beam remains bright and effective.

Dimensions: ‎5.35 x 1.26 x 0.83 inches | Brightness: 3000 lumens | Beam Distance: 155.24 meters

Best for Camping

The Lighting Ever LED Camping Lantern was one of our top picks among the flashlights we tested, thanks to its versatile two-in-one design. This flashlight-turned-lantern features an IPX4 waterproof rating, a convenient carrying handle, and a small metal ring for attaching it to a belt or backpack hook. It also has feet on the bottom for stability on any surface and a battery indicator to show how much power remains.

The high and low brightness settings on this rechargeable flashlight are adjustable, letting you choose the light level you need. However, during our testing, we found the low setting to be less practical, so we suggest sticking with the high setting. Additionally, in case of an emergency, you can switch the light to a bright red mode for better visibility.

If you need to charge your phone, the flashlight also doubles as a power bank. Keep in mind, though, that using it to charge devices will deplete the flashlight’s battery, meaning you may need to recharge it sooner than expected.

Dimensions: 6.6 by 3.2 by inches | Brightness: 500 lumens | Beam Distance: 162.63 meters

Best Spotlight

The Stanley Fatmax SL10LEDS delivers an impressive 2200-lumen beam that reaches up to 760 meters. Unique for its trigger mechanism to adjust settings, it offers up to seven hours of continuous use on its low setting. It's an excellent option for outdoor activities like camping, as it effortlessly lights up distant locations.

It offers just two settings—low and high—with no strobe or SOS modes that many other flashlights include. At 7.5 inches in length, it’s not the most portable option for your car or bag. Plus, its weight can become tiresome if held for extended periods.

Despite its size and weight, this flashlight is remarkably sturdy. Although it's made of plastic, it survived a fall without cracking and continued to function well. Overall, we found it to be a reliable tool for activities like camping or hunting.

Dimensions: 10 by 3.25 by 5 inches | Brightness: 2200 lumens | Beam Distance: 765.51 meters

Final Verdict

The Olight S2R Baton II Flashlight earned our top recommendation due to its durable design and impressive IPX8 waterproof rating. This flashlight is built to last, making it an excellent choice for camping or emergency preparedness. If you're looking for a more affordable option, the GearLight S1000 LED Tactical Flashlight provides great value with its durability and ease of use.

Our Testing Process

To identify the best rechargeable flashlights, we tested 16 models in our lab. The process began by timing the brightness settings and checking whether the flashlight included a battery indicator.

We also evaluated the range of each flashlight and noted any additional features like strobe, SOS, or turbo modes. We then tested the comfort level during use, adjusting any straps to determine how comfortable they were to wear.

Next, we measured the beam distance, including the beam width, using a wall, painter's tape, and a lux meter, recording the results in both meters and feet. We also evaluated the compactness of each flashlight and tested how well they fit in our car’s console.

Where applicable, we subjected the rechargeable flashlights to water, power bank, magnet, and drop tests. For models with a power bank feature, we connected adaptors to charge a rechargeable earbud case or phone and observed how effectively it charged.

To assess the waterproof capabilities of the flashlights, we fully submerged each one in water for 15 seconds, checking for any signs of water damage or moisture in the charging area. During the magnet test, we placed the flashlight on the side of a metal toolbox and timed how long it stayed attached.

For our drop test, we dropped the flashlight from a height of 3 feet and noted any resulting damage. Additionally, we recorded the battery runtimes for each flashlight tested.

How to Choose the Best Rechargeable Flashlights Like a Pro

Usage

Rechargeable flashlights can serve as an extra light source or a backup. We suggest taking one along on camping or hiking trips and keeping one in your car or bag for emergencies.

Many rechargeable flashlights come with features like SOS mode and strobe lights, which are crucial in emergencies. They're also great to have in a home emergency kit, especially during power outages or storms.

Brightness & Beam Distance

According to Devon, "Advances in LED technology have made modern rechargeable flashlights much brighter and more efficient than older models." Most rechargeable flashlights feature basic settings like high, low, and medium modes, but some models offer additional brightness options such as ultra-high, ultra-low, turbo light, strobe, or SOS modes.

These flashlights have beam distances ranging from 100 meters to over 700 meters. For household tasks, a flashlight with a shorter beam distance may suffice, while camping or emergency flashlights should provide a longer reach.

Features

Rechargeable flashlights often include convenient features like built-in USB ports for easy charging wherever there's a power source. Devon appreciates how practical these are, pointing out that they can even be charged via a laptop or car. Additionally, some rechargeable flashlights can double as power banks to charge devices such as smartphones or laptops, making them especially useful during emergencies.

Another important feature is waterproofing—flashlights with an IPX waterproof rating can endure outdoor activities, rain, and even submersion. According to Devon, "Waterproof flashlights are perfect for fishing, staying outdoors in the rain, keeping in your car, or handling flooding situations."

For a flashlight to keep in your car, consider one with a magnetic base, allowing you to attach it to your car while you work.

More Rechargeable Flashlights to Consider

Anker Bolder LC40 Flashlight: The Anker Bolder LC40 is a rechargeable flashlight with three brightness levels and solid battery performance. It's budget-friendly for a rechargeable model, making it an excellent choice for those on a tight budget. With 400 lumens, it's better suited for hiking or camping rather than tactical use. However, note that it's not water-resistant.

Energizer TacR-1000 LED Tactical Flashlight: This flashlight is heavier than most rechargeable models we tested and features only three brightness settings: high, low, and strobe. We appreciated its ability to power other devices, but we didn't test how long it takes to fully charge.

Questions You Might Ask

What are the advantages and disadvantages of rechargeable flashlights?

There are two types of flashlights: those that use disposable batteries and rechargeable models. According to Devon, rechargeable flashlights are more powerful due to their lithium batteries. "They also cast a beam farther than flashlights with standard alkaline batteries," she explains.

Rechargeable flashlights are a more eco-friendly choice. While Devon points out that no battery is entirely green, she emphasizes that rechargeable flashlights are advantageous because they require fewer batteries over time. The downside is their higher initial cost compared to standard flashlights, but this investment pays off in the long run as you'll need to buy fewer batteries.

Another drawback of rechargeable flashlights is the need for a power source to recharge them. If you're camping or during a blackout, you might not be able to recharge your flashlight unless you have access to a power bank or a portable generator.

How long do rechargeable flashlights last?

The runtime of rechargeable flashlights varies depending on the model and battery type. High-powered models can last 12 hours or more, while smaller flashlights may only last a few hours on a single charge.

"To get the most out of any battery, use it only when necessary and on the lowest setting possible," advises Devon. "Check the specifications of the battery you're using for precise information, but a high-quality lithium-ion battery on the lowest setting can last for several weeks on a single charge. Additionally, keeping the battery fully charged at all times can shorten its lifespan."

Take Our Word For It

Nor'Adila Hepburn is a contributing writer for Mytour. She specializes in product roundups and gift guides, particularly in the home space. In order to find the best rechargeable batteries, we tested 16 models in our lab, examining their usability, brightness, beam distance, and other features. Nor'adila also interviewed Jeanne Devon, co-author of Survive and Thrive: How to Prepare for Any Disaster Without Ammo, Camo, or Eating Your Neighbor.