Best Rechargeable Flashlights: Don’t Fumble Around in the Dark

Benefits of Rechargeable Flashlights

• Convenience. When you need a flashlight, you just need a flashlight. What you don’t need is to be fumbling around for batteries. A rechargeable flashlight can be at the ready anytime you need one.
• Emergency Preparedness. Rechargeable flashlights are often very reliable, and reliability is key in the event of an emergency. Having a bright, charged flashlight is not something you want to have to think about. 
• Security. Manufacturers of rechargeable flashlights have the benefit of not being as battery-conscious and instead can produce a very bright, powerful flashlight that can be useful in a security situation. Whether you hear a noise in the night or need a strong flashlight for walking to your car in empty parking lots, a rechargeable light can do the trick.
• Savings. Initially, a rechargeable flashlight might seem more expensive than a replaceable battery option. You need to consider how often you use your flashlight. If you use one often enough, you’ll save money by not having to purchase as many batteries.

Types of Rechargeable Flashlights

Pocket Style

A pocket style rechargeable flashlight can be an important part of your everyday carry. Many of these flashlights are extremely bright while taking up very little of your pocket space. Some attach to key rings, many can be worn on belts, and others can knock around in the bottom of a backpack or purse. You won’t notice a pocket flashlight until you need it. 

Tactical Style

Tactical lights are the sporting entry into the rechargeable flashlight field. Some are the large, police-style lights, while some are not much bigger than a pocket style flashlight. These lights have multiple switch positions. One click usually provides the brightest setting, two clicks provide a strobe effect, and holding the button allows regulation of light intensity. 

Spotlights

Spotlights are bright, far-reaching handheld lights. They’re very useful for illumination over long distances. This can be helpful for farmers, hunters, police, or anyone who needs to be able to see far away in the dark. They’re big, powerful, and have long-lasting battery lives when they are adjusted properly. 

Top Brands

Streamlight

Streamlight is one of the leaders in the rechargeable flashlight arena. Based in Eagleville, Penn., the company has been around since the 1970s. Streamlight products like this Streamlight 75458 Stinger DS are trusted by first responders around the world. 

Maglite

Perhaps there is no more recognizable flashlight than the Maglite. The company was founded in 1979. These are the lights you’ve seen patrolmen using on TV for years. Here’s the rechargeable version: Maglite RL1019 Rechargeable Flashlight System. 

Fenix 

Chinese manufacturer Fenix produces quality lights for all applications. Flashlights, headlamps, and bike lamps are just some of the products offered by this Shenzhen-based company. Check out this Fenix LR40R 12000, which has an 845-yard range.

Rechargeable Flashlight Pricing

• $20 and under: Here you’ll find the most basic of flashlights. Shorter battery life and reduced candle power are common, but reliable lights can be had in this range. 
• $20 to $100: This range will suit most consumers. Here you’ll find long battery life, bright lighting, and long-casting beams of light.
• $100 and up: This is the range you’ll find the best tactical lights. These options have long run times, are extremely bright, and feature switches geared towards first responders.

Key Features

Adjustable Lighting Settings

Sometimes you need the brightest lighting your flashlight can offer. Other times you might just need consistent lighting for a long period of time. Adjustable switches are an excellent feature to have on a rechargeable flashlight. Run times can be drastically improved just by stepping down the output power a level or two.

Tactical Switches 

Some consumers might find they need a tactical switch on their flashlight. A tactical switch will have the ability to cycle through several lighting modes quickly but will most likely also have a thumb switch on the rear of the flashlight. Law enforcement personnel especially like this feature. Pressing the switch lightly with your thumb activates the light silently and shuts off when pressure is removed.

USB Charging

Technology is constantly evolving. One thing that has remained consistent over the past few years is the transition to devices being charged by USB. Cars now come with built-in USB adapters. Even some wall outlets have them built-in. The ability to charge via USB is an excellent feature to have.

Other Considerations

• Size. Rechargeable flashlights come in a range of sizes from very large to very small. The larger, spotlight options are a good choice for sportsmen and farmers. The smaller options are good for anyone who occasionally needs a reliable light. In the middle is where the majority of tactical and emergency response lights fall. Choose a size that is convenient for you.
• Runtime. Keep an eye on the runtime chart for the flashlights you’re looking at. Regardless of its application, a flashlight with a long runtime is desirable. Often, runtime is determined by the mAh (milliamp hour) rating of the battery. The higher the rating number, the longer the runtime of the light.

Best Rechargeable Flashlight Reviews & Recommendations 2020

Tips

• Be mindful of light output as this will impact how you can use your rechargeable flashlight. LED bulbs are measured in lumens. A flashlight with less than 100 lumens is not suitable for outdoor use but is fine for emergency blackouts. For outdoor use, look for anything between 100 and 300 lumens.
• If you’re buying a rechargeable flashlight for outdoor use such as evening hikes or camping, it’s worth it to upgrade to a tactical flashlight that offers light settings. This will help you preserve battery life.
• To maintain the overall lifespan of your rechargeable flashlight’s batteries, avoid letting the battery fully die and don’t leave it charging when the batteries are at full levels.

FAQs

Q: Which type of rechargeable flashlight should I pick?

A: This depends on your needs. If you only use a flashlight occasionally, then a cheaper everyday flashlight is a smart choice; you’ll still have useful features like LED bulbs. But if you use flashlights regularly, opt for a tactical flashlight. While pricier than everyday flashlights, these versions have upgrades like water resistance, longer-range beams, and the option to choose light settings to optimize run time.

Q: Which size rechargeable flashlight should I choose?

A: This depends on how you will use your flashlight. Rechargeable flashlights can range from something small enough to hook onto your keychain to models that are a foot or larger. When selecting an appropriate size, always consider how you plan to use your flashlight and whether or not it will impact your mobility. 

Q: Which is better: a flashlight that charges via USB or one that takes rechargeable batteries?

A: Again, this depends on your needs and habits. If you keep a portable battery with you at all times or are always near a power source, a USB-based rechargeable battery can be a smart option. If this doesn’t sound like you, a flashlight where you can easily replace the rechargeable batteries is a smarter option. 

Final Thoughts

For those in need of a compact flashlight with a lot of power, consider the Streamlight 88083 ProTac 2L-X USB, Rechargeable Battery.

Budget-focused folks should stock their emergency kit with our Best Value option, the Anker Rechargeable LED Flashlight with Super Bright 900 Lumens.