flashlight in use

Top 8 Flashlight Brands

A high-quality flashlight isn’t just made to illuminate dark areas, but it can also be used for survival and emergency situations. You can use ultra-bright flashlights with high lumens to disorient an attacker, etc. For instance, if you are a prepper, you should opt for a sturdy tactical flashlight that can withstand impacts and has multiple illumination modes. LED flashlights are the most effective and popular type of flashlight in recent years.  And of course, they are great for everyday use as well. In short, there are endless uses of a flashlight, and it all depends on how you utilize it.

We have also put together some of the best flashlights by these top 8 flashlight brands that can help you in challenging situations without letting you down. So, let’s get started!

Note: The list is not in any specific order, they all are some of the best flashlight brands available in the market today and they vary from product to product.

1. SureFire

SureFire was first known as Newport Corporations, which was founded by Dr. John Matthews (a Ph.D. engineer from Cal tech). The company manufactured and dealt with the industrial applications of lasers. They were the best in the work and after 10 years of success in the business, Dr. Matthews patented his first ever weapon laser-sight just as a hobby. Their first invention led them to the development of Laser Products Corporation in 1979 that focused on manufacturing and commercializing laser sights for weapons.

During the 1984 Olympic Games held in Los Angles, Laser Products Corporation helped LAPD’s SWAT team by providing them with laser-sighted shotguns so they can enhance the level of security around the area. Their strong commitment to improving the law enforcement needs led them to develop weapon-mounted flashlights and later led to the birth of SureFire, LLC in 2000, which is one of the best and reliable tactical flashlight brands in the market today.

Today SureFire, LLC has over 100 flashlight models that are being used by the military, law enforcement and emergency personnel, and best agencies such as the FBI and the Federal Air Marshal Service. They also make a wide variety of other products including flash suppressors, muzzle breaks, sound suppressors, batteries, hearing protection, combat utility knives, and earpieces for tactical communication.

Here are some of the best flashlights by SureFire, LLC:

SureFire G2X Series LED Flashlight

The SureFire G2X Series LED Flashlight has a virtually indestructible LED emitter to provide maximum output and runtime in challenging situations. This flashlight can output 600 lumens maximum. Its precision reflector enables it to output smooth and optimized beam of light for enhanced visibility. Its switch is on the tail cap that can be momentary-on by pressing it partially or constant-on by pressing it hard.

Its nitrolon polymer body has an ergonomic design that is ideal for providing a strong and firm grip in tough situations.

Pros:

  • Sturdy body design
  • Virtually indestructible LED emitter
  • Lightweight

Cons:

  • Single output option

SureFire 6PX Series LED Flashlight

The 6PX Pro by SureFire also has an indestructible LED emitter for higher efficiency and maximum output. It offers two output options; the high level outputs 600 lumens and the low one outputs 15 lumens so you can use the flashlight for much longer.

The switch is on the tail-cap from which you can choose to either turn it momentary-on, constant-on low or constant-on high. This flashlight is equipped with a precision micro-textured reflector that provides a smooth and even beams of light for more visibility in dark areas. Both the design and build quality are strong enough to resist high impacts upon falling down.

Pros:

  • Durable and rugged construction
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Provides 2 output options

Cons:

  • Does not have any emergency signaling feature

SureFire Defender Series LED Flashlight

This model of SureFire offers two different output options; one provides 600 lumens for maximum light and the other one provides only 5 lumens so you can use this flashlight for an extended time.

It is equipped with a TIR lens that creates a tight and smooth beam for peripheral vision. It is ideal to use in tough conditions such as survival because of its coated tempered window that makes this flashlight impact-resistant. Its other features including the switch and casing quality are similar to the above-mentioned products by SureFire.

Pros:

  • Durable and sturdy
  • Lightweight and compact
  • Features a crenelated strike bezel
  • Ergonomic design
  • TIR lens
  • Pocket clip
  • Waterproof O-ring

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Users stated that the pocket clip isn’t as good as the flashlight itself

2. Fenix

The story of Fenix is just like any other famous entrepreneurial journey. Some people from China who believed that there is a need for high-quality illumination tools grouped together and formed a company named FenixLight Limited in 2004. They were basically into R&D to manufacture their own designs that can meet their standards. L1+ was the first ever flashlight manufactured by Fenix in 2005 that took the world by surprise and was awarded as “Flashlight of 2005” by many users and even competitors.

From 2005 till the current date they have worked hard to manufacture the best products. They have about 200 different flashlight models that cater to a wide range of purposes.

Their flashlights are used by military and police personnel for their sturdy quality and exceptional toughness. They believe in producing a substantial amount of light through their flashlights that can help users in dangerous situations. Besides flashlights, Fenix manufactures camping lanterns, headlamps, and bike lights.

Here are some of the best flashlights by Fenix:

Fenix Flashlights TK75 Cree XM-L U2 Rechargeable LED Flashlight Gen 2

This is a high-end flashlight offered by Fenix which is made of aircraft-grade aluminum for extra safety during harsh conditions and falls. It has 4 brightness levels to choose from according to the situation along with 2 momentary-on modes.

This flashlight is able to output 4000 lumens of maximum light that is more than enough to light up the whole surrounding. It works on 4 18650 batteries, and according to the manufacturer, this flashlight will give you a runtime of 11 days.

Pros:

  • Extremely bright LED
  • Provides 11 days of runtime
  • Various brightness levels
  • High-quality build
  • The bezel is stainless steel which is excellent for breaking an emergency glass
  • Comes with a white plastic storage case

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Does not come with charger/battery

Fenix PD35 TAC 1000 Lumen CREE XP-L LED Tactical Flashlight

The Fenix PD35 tactical flashlight provides 1000 lumens of maximum light on turbo mode. It has 6 different modes to choose from according to the particular situation you are in. For instance, if your power supply is out at night and you want to light up the whole lawn, you can switch the flashlight to the turbo mode on which it will run for about 1hr and 10min. If you want to save battery but still want to view things easily in the dark, you can switch the flashlight to the eco mode in which you will get 8 lumens of output and about 140hr of runtime.

It is also waterproof to IPX-8 standard, which means it can be underwater for up to 6 ½ feet for 30 minutes.

Pros:

  • Offers various lighting modes
  • Top-notch build quality
  • This package comes with two EdisonBright CR123A lithium batteries and a storage case
  • Has a long lifespan
  • Extremely bright LED beam
  • IPX-8 waterproof
  • Anti-roll and anti-resistant body design

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Gets hot on turbo mode

Fenix E12 Flashlight 130 Lumens

This is a mini flashlight by Fenix that provides 3 levels of brightness. On low, it outputs 8 lumens and provides up to 40 hours of runtime. On medium, it outputs 50 lumens and provides up to 6hr 30m of runtime. On high, which is the maximum setting, it outputs 130 lumens and provides a sufficient runtime.

Its body is made up of aircraft-grade aluminum that ensures its quality build and ability to resist impacts. It is IPX-8 waterproof for up to 2 meters for 30 minutes under the water. It only operates on a single AA battery that is included with the flashlight. It is also backed up by a limited lifetime guarantee from the company itself.

Pros:

  • Lightweight and compact in size
  • 3 different brightness levels
  • Ergonomic design and high-quality build
  • Comes with a single AA battery
  • IPX-8 waterproof
  • Great for everyday carry

Cons:

  • Max output is only 130 lumens

3. NiteCore

NiteCore was initially just a Chinese ODM/OEM in 2001, which manufactured parts for other companies. Their parts were acknowledged by many companies because of the high quality and up to their specification production. In 2007, after collecting a lot of knowledge in the electronics industry, NiteCore began creating LED flashlights that provided high performance to the users.

Currently, NiteCore has over 600 models of flashlights available today that are designed by keeping the trends and demands of users in mind. They believe in trends and are good at upgrading their products if they find anything more advanced in the market. This is what makes NiteCore one of the best flashlight brands and a part of our list.  

NiteCore only manufactures excellent power solution accessories and flashlights that are used by civilians, military, and police personnel.

Here are some of the best flashlights by NiteCore:

Nitecore P12 2015 Version

This flashlight by NiteCore operates on one 18650 battery or 2 CR123 batteries. It has 4 different brightness modes that you can switch to according to your requirements. At maximum level, it can output 1000 lumens. It has a runtime of up to 520 hours on ultra-low mode. The beam that this flashlight produces has the intensity of 13,500cd and a throw distance of 232 meters.

It is lightweight, compact, bright, and excellent to use in most conditions, especially if you are a prepper, you will find it really helpful being a prepper. It also offers two emergency situation lighting options i.e. strobe and SOS mode. The P12 automatically memorizes the previously opted light settings and turns itself on according to the same settings the next time you click the button.

Pros:

  • Ideal for almost every work
  • Adjustable brightness levels
  • Memorizes brightness settings
  • Emergency modes
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Extremely bright LED
  • Includes a holster, clip and a tactical ring
  • IPX-8 waterproof

Cons:

  • Users stated that it doesn’t have a long lifespan

Nitecore MT2A

The MT2A by NiteCore offers 4 brightness levels like most other flashlights out there in the market. The maximum light it can output is 345 lumens and provides a runtime of up to 2hr 15min. You can switch modes by tightening or loosening the ring on its head, and you can also use the tail switch to cycle through different modes that include the SOS and Strobe mode.

The beam from this flashlight can reach up to 166 yards. It operates on 2 AA batteries that are not included in the package.

Pros:

  • 4 adjustable brightness levels
  • IPX-8 waterproof
  • Excellent to use almost everywhere
  • Comes with a holster, pocket clip, and adjustable lanyard
  • Operates on 2 AA batteries

Cons:

  • Batteries not included
  • Gets hot pretty quickly on turbo mode

Nitecore P30

The Nitecore P30 has 8 modes in total from which 5 are its brightness levels and the other 3 are Strobe, SOS, and location beacon for emergencies, signaling and locating. On the lowest mode, it outputs only 1 lumen of light and can work for up to 680h. On the highest mode, it outputs 1000 lumens and can work for up to 1h only.

It can throw a beam of light for up to 676 yards maximum and has an intensity of 955,00 cd. The complete package includes a holster, lanyard, a pocket clip, two LumenTac CR123A batteries, and a battery magazine, which is pretty impressive for the price.

Pros:

  • Comes with standard and additional accessories
  • Impressive throw distance
  • 5 brightness levels and 3 special modes for emergency situations
  • 1.5m impact resistance
  • IPX-8 waterproof
  • Lightweight
  • Memory feature

Cons:

  • Can’t charge the battery while it’s inside the flashlight

4. Streamlight

Streamlight is in business for over 40 years and is one of the few companies that is making flashlights for several decades. It was founded in 1973 in England, Pennsylvania, and from then till the current date, this renowned brand has always excelled in making top-notch products. Their firm belief in evolution led them from developing incandescent flashlights to the latest LED flashlights with a number of integrated features.

The company invests a lot of effort and time in R&D to develop products that are up to the standards and requirements of various fields. Streamlight collects user feedback and reviews to work their way into modifying and upgrading their past designs so they can make a positive image in the mind of their customer. Once you get their product, you will always find them by your side in case you have any problems or queries regarding the product you bought.

Streamlight has over 900 various models that are used by common people along with the military, law enforcement, and rescue professionals. They also provide one of the best warranties for their products that will back you up in case you find any defect in your purchase.

Here are some of the best flashlights by Streamlight:

Streamlight 45621 HID Litebox Flashlight

It is one of the high-end flashlights by Streamlight that is ideal for the people who can invest in a powerful and brightest flashlight. This flashlight is made with high-impact ABS thermoplastic and has a waterproof construction. It is equipped with 35-watt xenon HID lamp that can output 3350 lumens of maximum light and has a minimum lifetime of about 2000 hours.

The deep-dish parabolic reflector on the head creates a long range, high intensity, and focused one million candlepower beam.

Pros:

  • Good battery life
  • Extremely bright; can brighten up the surrounding
  • High throw distance
  • Rechargeable
  • Well-built

Cons:

  • Very expensive

Streamlight 88054 ProTac

This professional tactical flashlight offers three different brightness levels that can be opted according to the situation you are in. the maximum output it can provide is 850 lumens for about 1.5 hours. It can be powered by either a lithium-ion battery (P/N 74175) or two 3volt CR123A lithium-ion batteries.

It can be recharged with the help of a USB cord that comes with the flashlight.

Pros:

  • Adjustable brightness levels
  • Comes with a rechargeable battery, USB cord, removable pocket clip, and a tear-resistant nylon holster
  • Anti-roll face
  • Sturdy
  • IPX-a water-resistant

Cons:

  • Slow charging time

Streamlight 66118 Stylus Pro

The 66118 Stylus Pro by Streamlight is a sleek, lightweight and compact in size penlight flashlight that can output 90 lumens for up to 6h 30 min or 5 lumens for up to 11 hours. If you want a flashlight that you can carry on a daily basis in your pocket then this penlight is a perfect choice.

It can be operated with 2 AAA batteries that are included in the package. It also comes with a tear-resistant nylon holster.

Pros:

  • IPX-4 water-resistant
  • Comes with a limited lifetime warranty
  • Includes battery and tear-resistant nylon holster
  • Lightweight and compact in size
  • Easy to carry

Cons:

  • Doesn’t provide much brightness as other models

5. ThruNite

ThruNite was founded by a college dropout, David Chen, in 2009 in Guangdong, China. One thing that makes this brand reliable and a part of our list are that they mostly deal directly with the customer without involving any middlemen. This removes any confusion from the minds of customers that if the products are original from the company or fake. The company moved from Guangdong to Shenzhen and manages its own sales, manufacturing, R&D, and service.

ThruNite has its Amazon distributors around different parts of the world including the US, Germany, UK, Canada, France, Italy, and Japan. The company is also known to be OEM for some companies, since 2005, for flashlights and flashlight accessories. They also send out free review units to the YouTube channel owners so they can give an honest review of their product in return.

Here are some of the best flashlights by ThruNite:

ThruNite TN36 Limited Version 11000 Lumen CREE XHP 70B LED Powerful Floody Flashlight

The TN36 by ThruNite is equipped with three CREE XHP70B LEDs that can output 11,000 lumens of maximum light and has a throw distance of up to 386 yards. It has three different brightness outputs; high-infinity, low-infinity, and turbo mode.

Along with a lot of features, you also get a worry-free 2 years of warranty.

Pros:

  • Powerful 11,000lumen flashlight
  • Adjustable brightness levels
  • Compact and portable
  • Comes with a 2year warranty
  • IPX-8 waterproof
  • Memory feature
  • Low voltage indication light

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • No adjustable light zoom

ThruNite MINI TN30

This mini flashlight by ThruNite is equipped with CREE XP-L V6 LEDs that have a lifespan of over 20 years. There are 6 different output modes i.e. Firefly, low, medium, high, high turbo, and strobe. The maximum throw distance of its beam is 320m. Its maximum light output is 3660 lumens, which is equivalent or far brighter than a car’s HID lights.

It operates on four 18650 batteries and has an intelligent temperature control (ITC) feature to prevent the flashlight from damaging due to a high temperature by automatically lowering the current when the temperature in LED rises above 80°C.

Pros:

  • Has an aircraft-grade aluminum body structure
  • Intelligent Temperature Control feature to prevent LED damage during operation
  • High output brightness
  • Compact and portable
  • Multiple output modes

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Heats up quickly on turbo mode and gets back to the normal output level

ThruNite TN12 2016

The TN12, version 2016, outputs maximum 1,100 lumens with just one 18650 battery. This tactical flashlight is an ideal source of illumination for the military, hunting, survival preparedness, emergency situations, and much more. The equipped stainless steel side switch makes it easier to cycle through different modes and selecting one. If you want to utilize its light for an extended period of time then you can switch it to the firefly mode that outputs 0.4 lumens and can work for 74 days.

The package also contains some additional accessories such as spare O-rings, stainless steel pocket clip, high-quality holster, and a holster.

Pros:

  • Comes with additional accessories
  • IPX-8 waterproof
  • Multiple output modes
  • Comes with rechargeable batteries
  • Compact and lightweight

Cons:

  • Gets extremely hot

6. Maglite

Maglite or Mag-lite is an American brand, located in Ontario, California that produces top-notch flashlights, belt holsters, LED conversion modules, colored and glass lenses, high-powered incandescent bulbs etc. It was founded in 1979 by Anthony Maglica, and the brand got its name from his last name. Just like most other famous flashlight brands, which started their journey with manufacturing flashlights that used xenon or krypton incandescent bulbs, Maglite also did the same. Now, Maglite manufactures some of the best LED flashlights. However, you can still get their older models that are known excellent for their quality and performance.

Maglite is constantly manufacturing a number of products for their customers but only after Mr. Maglica’s approval.

Here are some of the best flashlights by Maglite:

Maglite LED 3-Cell D Flashlight

This 3-cell flashlight by Maglite works on D batteries only (Polaroid D batteries are recommended). It is made of superior quality material and has weather-resistant seals for more protection. It gives out maximum 168 lumens, and according to the manufacturer, it has a runtime of 80 hours.

It has a beam distance of 412 meters and you can also rotate the flashlight’s head to focus the beam in different angles.

Pros:

  • Weather-resistant seals
  • Excellent build quality
  • Adjustable Beam
  • Long runtime

Cons:

  • Batteries not included
  • Users stated that is not much bright

Maglite RL1019 LED Rechargeable Flashlight 

Maglite RL1019 is one of the best and heavy-duty flashlights by Maglite that can give out maximum 643 lumens on full power, 148 lumens on low power, and 66 lumens on Eco mode. It comes with a 5-cell NiMH battery pack, 120V converter, and a 12V DC cigarette lighter adapter. It has a maximum runtime of 37 hours on Eco mode and 4 hours when switched to high mode.

If you have a high budget and can afford an expensive flashlight then the RL1019 is a good choice to go for.

Pros:

  • IPX4 water-resistant
  • Comes with a battery pack and two charging units
  • Powerful
  • Backed up by a lifetime warranty

Cons:

  • Expensive

7. Klarus

Klarus is not that old brand as it was founded in 2011 and since then, it has created a strong place in the flashlight industry. They make recreational and tactical flashlights for the military and law enforcement organizations. They also manufacture electronic tools. They have a strong in-house R&D team that offers unique products that are superior in quality and performance. Their products can be found in the US, EU, Asia, Canada, Africa, Oceania, and almost everywhere around the globe.

Klarus have 5 series of flashlights for different purposes i.e. they developed XT series for tactical operations, SD series for drivers, BK series for bikers, and ST and P series for commercial and other high-end use. They make sure that their product is sturdy enough to resist heavy impacts and water damage so that their users can completely rely on it.

Here are some of the best flashlights by Klarus:

Klarus XT11 LED Tactical Flashlight

The XT11 was manufactured by Klarus in 2015 that offers maximum 1060 ANSI lumens. It can be powered by two CR123A batteries or one 18650 battery. It is equipped with Cree XM-L2 LED that provides extremely bright light. One thing that makes it easy to operate is the buttons placement. Both buttons; the primary switch and the mode switch, can be found on the tail of the flashlight that also makes it convenient to use it only one hand.

It has a detachable head, which means you can attach colored filters as well. It is also IPX8 waterproof to a depth of 2m that is sufficient enough to resist downpour.

Pros:

  • IPX8 waterproof
  • Superior build quality
  • Comes with additional accessories
  • Battery is included
  • Easy operation

Cons:

  • Doesn’t come with a charger

Klarus Upgraded XT2C

This upgraded version of XT2C by Klarus comes with a single 18650 battery and is equipped with Cree XP-L V3 LED that can provide a maximum output of 1,100 lumens for up to 243 meters. For easy operation, it has a dual-tactical tail switch with momentary activation so you don’t have to use both your hands to switch modes.

The XT2C offers three different standard illumination levels that include high, medium, and low. It also has a strobe mode that will come in handy during emergency situations.

Pros:

  • Provides extremely bright light at max settings
  • Offers up to 190 hours of runtime on low mode (10 lumens)
  • High-quality construction
  • IPX8-rated waterproof
  • Lightweight

Cons:

  • A user complained that its belt clip is not up to the mark

8. JetBeam

JetBeam start in 2004 by making the world’s leading CPU diming circuit that was applied to flashlight products. From 2004 to 2008, the brand was manufacturing other things such as circuits, magnetic sensor systems etc. but after 4 years of hard work, JetBeam started developing the first RRT-flashlights in China, in 2009. Currently, their products are used widely in multiple fields including law enforcement organizations, military, marine, industries, aviation, etc.

They are one of the leading mid-to-high end flashlight brands that have their products in the USA, Canada, Europe, and Japan. They also developed their sub-brand known as NITEYE in 2011 that is known for manufacturing searchlights, bicycle lights, headlamps, and high-performance lights. The company is constantly working on its design and workmanship to provide better products to its customers in the future.

Here are some of the best flashlights by JetBeam:

JETBeam-1 MK Flashlight

The JetBeam-1 MK is a 480lumen flashlight, equipped with Cree XP-G2 LED, and works on a single AA or 14500 battery. It can throw the beam up to the maximum distance of 130 meters. According to the manufacturer, it provides a runtime of about 100 hours on low mode (1.5LM). It has a type III hard anodizing that provides protection against corrosion and impacts up to 1 meter.

It is compact in size, lightweight, and works perfectly for everyday use. You can also use it for hiking, camping, and emergency use. However, one thing to keep in mind before buying this flashlight is that it will only provide maximum 480 lumens when powered by 14500 battery, otherwise, it will only provide 150 lumens (on AA battery).

Pros:

  • Compact and lightweight
  • IPX8 waterproof
  • Comes with a SKYBEN USB light
  • Good overall construction
  • Able to recall last saved setting

Cons:

  • Head twist does not have knurling

JETBeam JET 3M PRO LED Flashlight

This is a complete package that includes Jet 3M Pro flashlight by JetBeam, one Xtar 18650 2600mAh rechargeable battery, one Xtar MC1 charger, one battery case, and one light junction keychain light. The JET 3M Pro can provide up to 1,100 lumens with the help of the brightest Cree XP-L LED. The manufacturer states that this flashlight has a maximum runtime of 280 hours.

JetBeam designed the circuit in such a way that the flashlight is compatible with CR123, RCR123A, and 18650 batteries. The package also contains Ti-coated clip for tactical use and a holster for easy-carry and protection.

Pros:

  • Constructed with aero-grade aluminum alloy
  • Provides extremely bright light
  • IPX8 waterproof
  • Comes with additional accessories
  • High price-to-value ratio

Cons:

  • Does not come with a tactical ring
  • It provides 900-1100 lumens only if it is powered by RCR123A batteries

Conclusion

Every brand has something different and unique to offer in terms of products. Backpackers, hikers, preppers, DIYs and many other people opt for a good and sturdy tactical flashlight. With the increase in demand, flashlight brands like Maglite, Streamlight, JetBeam etc. are manufacturing products that last long and offer high quality to their customers. All the flashlights that are recommended above are some of the bests in the market and if you require one, you can consider any of them according to your requirements.