These 7 Pocket Flashlights Outshine Your Phone—and Can Take a Beating

ProsUSB rechargeability saves money on batteriesSuper simple one-button operationDouble-sided pocket clip attaches to hat brimsIncredibly tiny, making for easy portabilityConsRelatively low lumensThis Streamlight flashlight costs more than similar models, but we found that its durability, USB charging capability, and straightforward operation still provide a ton of value. The durable aluminum housing withstands falls of up to one meter, and we appreciated the extra protection the sliding design offers the charging port (when you’re finished charging, simply slide it back down to cover it back up). This eliminates any pocket lint or debris getting inside, an annoying issue we've experienced with exposed ports. The push-button activation quickly and easily powers the beam on and off and also switches between low- and high-power modes.Rubber O-rings protect the electrical components inside and, thanks to an IPX4 rating, resist moderate splashing and rainfall (although slightly less water-resistant than IPX5 lights). The double-sided pocket clip also slides over the brim of a hat—essentially acting as a hands-free headlamp—a feature that will often come in use. Its lowish lumen output may not make it the brightest option, but its portability makes it convenient for any time you need decent illumination.Key SpecsMax Lumens250Length3.87 in.Power SourceInternal rechargeable batteryRuntime1.5 hours on high, 3.5 hours on lowWater ResistanceIPX4ProsAvailable at an affordable priceDurable aluminum case offers extra protectionSturdy pocket clip for convenient accessConsBattery is not includedLacks official IP ratingThis budget-friendly model lacks the bells and whistles of higher-end flashlights, but if you just want a bare-bones flashlight that fits in your pocket, this Hatori mini flashlight fits the bill. We found its portability especially useful, featuring a 3.55-inch length that conveniently fits in a pants or coat pocket and a two-way clip that secures to the bill of your hat for hands-free use or a shirt pocket for easy access.This flashlight runs on a single AAA battery (not included), so make sure you have spares on hand to avoid being left in the dark. Although Hatori advertises this light as water-resistant, it lacks an official IPX rating, so we don’t feel confident busting it out around moisture or in the rain.Key SpecsMax Lumens150Length3.55 in.Power Source1 AAA batteryRuntime2 hoursWater ResistanceN/AAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsTruly keychain-sizedComes with colored and blinking lightsConsBoth buttons require you to cycle through different lights to get the one you wantVery few flashlights we’ve tested have been as compact, immediately useful, and versatile as the Nite Ize Radiant RF7. The pint-size product fits pretty seamlessly on a normal keychain without feeling too large or clunky. I personally prefer this so I can carry a flashlight with me without thinking at all. Most pocket-sized options still require the user to remember and consciously toss it in their pocket.Beyond the front-facing light, the Radiant RF7 also comes with a body light that switches between amber, red, and flashing red. This is great for alerting others to your presence in the dark. The clip is also really handy for hands-free use. It’s easy to clip on a hat or even a watch strap to have light wherever you need it.Key SpecsMax Lumens300Length2.9 in.Power SourceInternal rechargeable batteryRuntimeUp to 9 hours and 30 minutesWater ResistanceIPX4ProsUltra-bright Turbo setting boasts over 2,000 lumensOffers six output settings for custom brightnessLonger runtime than similar modelsConsIt’s heavier compared to other pocket flashlightsThis ultra-durable flashlight and its rugged construction handled practically everything we threw at it, and we never worried about sliding it into our pocket or backpack for any adventures, even in the rain or snow. The ThruNite also stood out in testing for both its compact size and impressive brightness, with 2,403 lumens comfortably cutting through absolute darkness with ease.Being able to swap between different brightness levels made it far more versatile than other options, although we only really needed the lowest or mid-level brightness. The rechargeable USB port is the same as most tech devices, so even if you bring it with you on weekend trips, you don't need to pack an additional charging cord. Keep in mind that it’s slightly wider and heavier than other pocket flashlights.Key SpecsMax Lumens2,403Length4.82 in.Power SourceInternal rechargeable batteryRuntime108 minutes on high, 50 hours on lowWater ResistanceIPX8Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsPowder indicator shows battery lifeClip orients in both directionsConsMaybe too large to fit in smaller pants pocketsAfter having tested out the Jeep collaboration version of this flashlight, Energizer’s non-branded version of the X1000 is a no-brainer. The affordable price point is paired with a close to 1,000-lumen brightness level based on our in-house testing. The tactile design is comfortable in your hand with the textured grip providing a little extra feel to hold onto when you’ve got sweaty palms.The pocket flashlight also comes with a built-in power indicator so you’re never playing a guessing game at how charged up it is. This is especially helpful if you keep this in a backpack or jacket pocket and don’t have it near a power source often. This is a notable feature in comparison to many other rechargeable flashlights that provide basically zero indication of how much battery they have left.Key SpecsMax Lumens1000 claimed, 833 measuredLength7 in.Power SourceInternal rechargeable batteryRuntimeUp to 11 hours and 30 minutesWater ResistanceIPX4ProsIts high lumen rating makes it incredibly brightRechargeable via USB-COffers a variety of brightness levelsIts convenient OLED display shows battery lifeConsMay be overkill for those in bright citiesLacks official IP ratingIf you’re in a major city, this keychain light that emits up to 4,000 lumens may be excessive. But if you live in a smaller town or rural area, this pocket flashlight’s brightness will likely be more practical and functional. Moreover, it’s very small, weighing just 2.72 ounces and measuring just 3.24 inches in length. We noticed that the bulky shape is less convenient to grip and maneuver than longer, narrower lights, though.This pick has five brightness levels and an OLED display that shows battery level, voltage, and remaining runtime. The internal battery charges via USB-C cable (so no batteries are required).Key SpecsMax Lumens4,000Length3.24 in.Power SourceInternal rechargeable batteryRuntime67 hoursWater ResistanceN/AAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsDoes not rely on power grid to chargeComfortable to grasp and maneuverBeam adjusts from spot to floodBatteries are includedConsLow water-resistance ratingUnlike rechargeable flashlights that rely on outlets or power banks to replenish their batteries, this Maglite runs on two AA batteries, a power supply impervious to potential power outages or lack of outlet access. These batteries generate a 332 max-lumen beam. They’re also easier to locate and source in case of emergency, so even if you deplete them, you have a good chance of scrounging up replacements in most electronic devices around the house.Our favorite characteristic of this flashlight is its 6.8-inch knurled handle, which makes it easier to maintain a better grip than with extra-short lights. This length does make it less convenient to slip into a pocket, though, so it’s not as ideal for everyday carry. We also appreciated how easy it was to adjust the beam shape from spot to flood with a simple twist of the head, providing more customization than lights with set brightness modes. Although its IPX4 rating gives it decent resistance to water, it’s not quite on par with other sturdier options like the ThruNite TC15 V3 2403 High Lumen Flashlight.Key SpecsMax Lumens332Length6.8 in.Power Source2 x AA batteryRuntime2.5 hoursWater ResistanceIPX4What to ConsiderDon’t be fooled by a high lumen count.The brightness of a flashlight beam is measured in lumens (a measure of the total amount of visible light), with a higher lumen count indicating a brighter beam. Keep in mind that a flashlight’s advertised max lumen output may only refer to its highest setting, which typically only lasts a few minutes before dropping to a lower setting (this step-down in brightness helps save battery life and keeps higher-lumen lights from overheating).Because of these output irregularities, always review the beam settings and their corresponding lumen outputs to get a better idea of its capabilities. When it comes to specific lumens in pocket flashlights, 100 to 250 lumens is on the lower end of the spectrum, but it’s sufficient for close-range, indoor use. 250 to 800 lumens hit the sweet spot of distance and battery life, with anything above 800, like the Nitecore T4K Keychain Flashlight (4,000 lumens), being ideal for outdoor, professional use. Some pocket flashlights also allow you to adjust the shape of the beam to create a wide flood beam that covers more area or a narrow spotlight for greater distance.Rechargeable flashlights are typically better than battery-operatedPocket flashlights use either internal batteries that recharge via USB or removable AAA or AA batteries (our list includes five rechargeable and two removable options). You can replace internal rechargeable batteries repeatedly, so you don’t have to worry about purchasing new ones, making their higher upfront cost easier to justify in the long term.However, this reliance on an accessible power supply means that if you find yourself in a power outage or lost on a hike after dark, you’re out of luck when the battery dies. Depending on the capacity of internal rechargeable batteries (higher capacity = longer runtime), these flashlights also tend to be bulkier than those with replaceable batteries, due to the relatively narrow diameter of AAA and AA batteries. That said, with convenience being a key point of value for a pocket flashlight, it’s hard to choose against a rechargeable model especially for users that don’t burn their lights all day long.Flashlights that run on AA or AAA batteries continue to function as long as you have a supply of fresh batteries. While a fully charged external battery pack can help in a pinch, it’s far less accessible than tossing a few AAAs in the center console of your car.Long body for grip vs. short for portabilityPocket flashlights vary in length, so consider what size best fits your needs. If you want to attach a flashlight to your keychain, for example, choose one that’s as small and light as possible. On the other hand, longer flashlights, like the MagLite Mini LED Pro Flashlight, provide a better grip, and we’ve always found them more convenient to aim and maneuver.We like that the extra length offers more room for your fingers to grasp quickly, while shorter options require a little more repositioning to get the perfect grip. That said, shorter models also typically weigh the least, making them well-suited to backpackers and campers that prefer to minimize even an extra ounce or two.Pay attention to a pocket flashlight’s water-resistance rating.Most flashlights come with an IP, or ingress protection, rating, showing how effectively they withstand water and dust intrusion. The first of the two digits in an IP rating indicates its dust resistance, while the second denotes water resistance. The IP rating scale ranges from 1 to 6 for dust and 1 to 8 for water—the higher the digit, the better the protection.An IP rating of IP54, for example, indicates a dust rating of 5 and water of 4, which, according to official IP Rating charts, means it withstands two to eight hours of contact with dust particles and splashes of water without damage. If a model lacks an IP rating but the brand still describes it as “waterproof,” assume that it’s not suitable for use around moisture.Tom Price is a reviews editor for Popular Mechanics while also contributing to Runner's World, Best Products, and Bicycling. Here at Popular Mechanics, Tom loves testing out home appliances, smart tech, gear for city life and outdoor adventures, small gadgets like watches and multitools, and anything else you can find piled up at his hoarder's nest of a desk. Prior to working here, Tom attended NYU, graduating with a degree in English and a minor in creative writing. He also wrote for Best Reviews, The Daily Beast, and other publications covering tech, fitness gear, gadgets, and lifestyle products. Furthermore, he covered startup news, pop culture, and even professional wrestling. To follow more of his work, check back here for new stories.