Last Updated on October, 2024
No one talks about how smartphone flashlights aren’t bright enough or deceiving they are.
But you know it already; that’s why you’re looking for the best EDC flashlights.
Like you, our Outlighter team forecasted this requirement well beforehand. That’s why we researched, tested, and ranked the best EDC flashlights on the market.
All you need to do is read through and pick one, two, or even more!
The result is that you won’t have to feel disappointed with your smartphone’s light because you have the best EDC flashlight with you.
So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
13 of the Best Everyday Carry Flashlights
1. Acebeam E70 Mini (Editor’s Choice)
Acebeam is the most popular and reliable flashlight brand at present. Their E70 mini is our pick for the best everyday carry flashlight.
It’s always better when EDC gear could also work as pocket flashlights. That eliminates the need to buy a separate pocket flashlight too. The E70 mini fulfills that need.
For starters, the flashlight is small, only 4.37 inches in length, while weighing 4.23oz. So, the balance between compactness and lightness in weight is essential for an EDC and is fulfilled.
The E70 mini could be your EDC keychain flashlight.
The light spot is uniform and smooth with an above-90-CRI 5000K neutral white light beam.
A high CRI (color rendering index) value relieves more realistic covers. If the CRI is 100, it means the flashlight emits sun rays which is a theoretical instance.
The tail switch of the E70 mini makes it one of the best tactical flashlights. The button lets you switch between 6 brightness levels and one strobe mode for emergency and defending situations.
The E70 mini is designed with a tail-stand capability, making it an electronic candle.
The peak brightness is 2000lm at a beam distance of 153m. The longest duration is 100h. These are impressive numbers.
With a bright 1000lm strobe mode, the E70 mini locks its position as the best EDC flashlight.
That’s not all; the E70 mini has a USB C port for recharging.
You’ll find it incredibly easy to carry and hold the flashlight since it comes with a stainless steel body clip. That’s another feature that makes the E70 mini a pocket flashlight too.
The E70 mini has an IP68 waterproof rating and 1m impact resistance. That, coupled with the oxidation-resistant aero-grade aluminum body, skyrockets the durability.
That’s why the expected lifespan of the E70 mini is 50,000h, over half a decade.
The cherry on top is how you get five years of Acebeam company warranty.
This is your best EDC flashlight, and numerous Amazon reviews justify the claim too.
KEY SPECS:
- 4.37” x 1.02’’ x 0.92’’ dimensions
- 4.23oz with battery
- Five lighting modes + Strobe
- Turbo: 2000lm — 40s — 135m
- High: 900lm — 2min — 102m
- Mid 2: 380lm — 3h 15min — 71m
- Mid 1: 170lm — 7h — 52m
- Low setting: 60lm — 19h — 39m
- Ultra-low: 12lm — 100h — 20m
- Strobe: 1000lm
- Tail switch operation
- Aerospace-grade aluminum body
- Above-90 high CRI light
- Stainless steel clip
- USB-C rechargeable
- IP68 waterproof rating
- 1m impact resistance
- 5-year company warranty
Pros
Cons
2. Olight Baton 3 Pro (#2nd Best Choice)
Olight is known for producing memorable EDC flashlights, and their Baton 3 Pro is the most recent and the best flashlight yet in their store.
The flashlight is only 3.99 inches long and weighs 3.63oz. That makes the Baton 3 pro an excellent EDC flashlight just as much as a pocket flashlight or akeychain flashlight.
The Baton 3 pro has TIR optic lens technology incorporated into it. That helps the LED system achieve the 1500 lumen output in the maximum mode for 175m.
That’s a 500lm drop from the Acebeam E70 mini.
But you also get two color temperatures 5700K-6700K (cool white) and 4500K-5200K (neutral white), suitable for your everyday carry collection. Many flashlights don’t have this feature.
The maximum runtime is 120 days, and that’s very impressive for such a compact flashlight.
Unlike the E70 mini, the Olight Baton 3 Pro works with a side switch. The switch lets you switch between five lighting modes and a strobe mode.
So, the brightness levels and corresponding durations make the Baton 3 Pro one of the best EDC flashlights.
The wide, long, two-way clip makes it easier to carry the flashlight. But the magnetic L-stand helps you store and find the flashlight easier; not all flashlights have this feature.
If you didn’t know, Olight doesn’t use USB-C for recharging; they have their own cable.
This rechargeable flashlight is IPX8 rated with 1.5m drop resistance. But ideally, don’t test any of these parameters as they are protective measures.
In conclusion, this is our second-best suggestion, and it sure deserves to be your new light.
Checkout the complete review of this flashlight here if you want to learn more.
KEY SPECS:
- 3.99’’ x 0.91’’ x 0.91’’ dimensions
- 3.63oz
- Five lighting modes + Strobe
- Level 1: 1500lm — 2min — 135m
- Level 2: 600lm — 25min
- Level 3: 120lm — 17h
- Level 4: 15lm — 100h
- Level 5: 0.5lm — 120 days
- Strobe
- Side switch operation
- Cool white and neutral white color temperatures
- Two-way clip
- Rechargeable battery
- IPX8 waterproof rating
- 1.5 impact resistance
- Five years Olight warranty
Pros
Cons
3. Fenix PD35 V3.0 (#3rd Best Choice)
Fenix is a famous flashlight brand, and their PD35 V3.0 (let’s call it the PD35) is the best flashlight for third place.
Curious as to why so? Keep reading to find out!
The PD35, which comes in a small package, is 5.28 inches long and weighs only 2.95oz.
It’s clear how Fenix hasn’t forgotten to entertain the possibility of using this as a pocket flashlight.
Including the strobe mode with 1700lm, you get six different lighting modes. The side switch lets you switch between the modes.
From an ergonomic perspective, the tail switch helps you access the Turbo mode and momentarily on faster. That makes the PD35 V3.0 a very efficient tactical flashlight.
However, the highest Turbo mode emits 1700lm for 357m, and that’s impressive for a compact EDC flashlight like this. The longest runtime in the lowest Eco mode is 230h (which is 9.5 days).
Everyday carry flashlights work better when they have long battery life. That way, you don’t have to recharge them overnight, which is annoying.
The one-way side clip makes it easier for you to carry the flashlight.
The PD35 also features a battery level indicator to help you plan your day better.
The flashlight is IP68 rated with 1m impact resistance. That lets you use the flashlight anywhere without worrying you’ll break it. In addition, you also receive a limited lifetime guarantee from Fenix.
So that’s why PD35 V3.0 has become one of the best EDC flashlights.
KEY SPECS:
- 5.28’’ x 1’’ x 0.9’’ dimensions
- 2.95oz
- Five lighting modes + strobe mode
- Turbo: 1700lm — 1h 25min — 357m
- High: 600lm — 2h 35min
- Med: 150lm — 8h 30min
- Low: 50lm — 26h 25min
- Eco: 5lm — 230h — 20m
- Strobe: 1700lm
- Side switch + tail cap switch
- Battery level indicator
- IP68 waterproof rating
- 1m impact resistance
- Fenix limited lifetime warranty
Pros
Cons
4. Nitecore T4K
Nitecore is a trendy flashlight brand, and after careful analysis, their T4K flashlight becomes the next best on the list.
So far, the flashlights have been cylindrical, but this one is cuboidal with smooth and round edges. The grip is fantastic and looks pretty awesome.
The flashlight is only 3.24 inches in length while weighing just 2.72oz. That’s why Nitecore categorizes the T4K as an EDC keychain flashlight.
The Nitecore T4K gives you five brightness levels for everyday work.
The maximum Turbo mode emits an astonishing 4000 lumens for 208.5m. You can easily illuminate an entire room.
The lowest mode emits only 1 lumen. There’s a dual power switch for easy single-handed operation.
That’s why it’s not just one of the most powerful EDC flashlights but also one of the most powerful tactical flashlights.
The longest runtime is 67 hours in the ultralow 1lm mode. That’s enough juice for almost 3 days.
What’s most impressive is the OLED display that shows brightness, battery level, etc.
It’s normal for a flashlight to heat up when that many lumens are emitted. That’s why Nitecore has integrated a 3mm thick copper cooling PCB. This cools down the flashlight rapidly.
The T4 also features two lockout modes that ensure the flashlight won’t accidentally turn on.
While a USB-C rechargeable flashlight, the T4 has multiple charging safeguards, including automatic termination upon charging completion.
Carrying it everywhere is easier as it comes with a versatile Deep Carry Pocket (DCP) clip. The clip is wider than the other flashlights, which produces better attachment.
With durable design quality that includes IP54 water resistance rating and 1m impact resistance, Nitecore T4 is one of the best EDC flashlights on the market.
KEY SPECS:
- 3.24” * x 1.15” x 1.15” dimensions
- 2.72oz
- Five lighting modes:
- Turbo: 4000lm — 209m
- High: 200lm — 2h 45min — 45m
- Mid: 65lm — 7h — 24m
- Low: 15lm — 21h — 13m
- Ultra-low: 1lm — 67h — 3m
- IP54 waterproof rating
- 1m impact resistance
- USB-C rechargeable
- Multiple charging safeguards
Pros
Cons
5. Thrunite T1S
EDC enthusiasts know that Thrunite is another reliable flashlight brand. Their T1S is the fifth-best EDC flashlight. Let’s see why it is so.
The T1S is 2.74 inches long and weighs 1.6oz without the battery. The usual cylindrical shape makes it easier to handle and carry.
Powered by premium SST40 LED, the T1S emits light in six operational modes, including the strobe mode.
In the highest mode, the light output is 1212 lumens at 184m beam throw.
The lighting modes lower the lumen count all the way to 0.5lm. The longest duration is 27 days which lets you use the flashlights for everyday work without stressing about the battery life.
The two-way clip is significant for an EDC flashlight. It enables hands-free operation and also makes carrying it easier. You get that with the T1S.
But that’s not all — there’s a magnetic tail cap. That increases the convenience of the hands-free operation of the flashlight.
Recharging the flashlight is more convenient, thanks to USB-C charging. The battery indicator will remind you to charge when the battery is low. That prevents unnecessary overcharging issues.
In addition, there’s a lockout mode to prevent the flashlight from turning on accidentally.
Finally, its durability is certified with 1.5m impact resistance and IPX8 waterproof rating. That way, you don’t have to worry about unavoidable situations that could potentially damage the flashlight.
KEY SPECS:
- 2.74’’ x 1.04” x 0.87” dimensions
- 1.6oz without the battery
- Five lighting modes
- Turbo: 1212~317lm — 5+70 mins
- High: 407lm — 80mins
- Medium: 94lm —5.5h
- Low: 7lm — 44h
- Firefly: 0.5lm — 27 days
- Strobe: 1080lmn — 157mins
- Two-way clip
- Replaceable and rechargeable batteries
- Aircraft-grade aluminum body
- IPX8 waterproof rating
- 1.5m impact resistance
- 2 years replacement company warranty
Pros
Cons
6. Lumintop FWAA
Lumintop is not as popular as the first five brands we’ve covered. However, their FWAA is one of the best EDC flashlights.
For starters, the flashlight fits on your thumb with incredible compactness. It’s only 2.8 inches in length and 1.07oz.
That balance between the dimensions and weight makes the FWAA an excellent EDC flashlight.
It also has a two-way clip making it easy to carry.
But what about the brightness levels? In other flashlights so far, the levels are set by design. The FWAA operates with Andúril2 software. That digitizes the operations tremendously.
For example, the flashlight is set to use smooth ramping with instant access to turbo mode. But the Andúril2 M stepped ramping UI lets the user choose the number of steps and the number of levels.
It has a learning curve to it if you haven’t guessed already.
The highest Turbo mode features 1400lm at 95m beam throw. You can expect a runtime of about 30min to 2 hours.
So, that’s pretty impressive for a lesser-known flashlight brand.
There are two main strobe modes such as tactical and party. For everyday use, both of these modes are very useful. Since you get candlelight (moonlight) mode, too, the flashlight is a comprehensive EDC flashlight.
The FWAA also operates with a momentary mode for signaling. In addition, the muggle mode uses a reduced output.
Switching between each mode is done by a durable tactical tail switch, making it a great tactical flashlight.
With durable build quality, Lumintop’s FWAA is the sixth-best EDC flashlight.
KEY SPECS:
- 70.9mm x 20.5mm dial
- 30.5g without batteries
- Stepped brightness levels
- 1400lm max lumen output
- 95m max beam distance
- Ingress waterproof rating similar to IPX7
- Aluminum hard-coat anodizing
Pros
Cons
7. Convoy S2+
Convoy S2+ is the seventh-best EDC flashlight. Even for seventh place, the flashlight delivers several notable features.
The S2+ is quite compact as it is only 4.63″ in length with a 0.95″ head diameter.
Balance that with its 4.27oz weight (including the battery), and you have the perfect EDC light that’s easy to carry with you anywhere.
Like the Lumintop FWAA, the Convoy S2+ comes with its unique UI named Biscotti. This firmware’s purpose is nothing but to decide what each click does.
For example, once the flashlight is turned on, a short tap on the tactical tail switch will increase the mode by one level. The user manual should elaborate on how to operate the device, but there is a slight learning curve.
However, the S2+ features seven lighting modes, including the strobe mode. The highest brightness achieved under test conditions is 543lm at a beam throw of 208m.
The flashlight is suitable as a defensive tool and a biking light too.
It’s natural to forget when to charge the flashlight when busy with everyday work. That’s why there’s a low battery warning.
Since the flashlight doesn’t operate with a side switch, you don’t need a lockout mode.
You don’t have to worry about the longevity of the flashlight as it comes with excellent build quality and an IPX8 waterproof rating.
KEY SPECS:
- 4.63″ x 0.95″ (head dia) dimensions
- 4.27oz with battery
- Seven lighting modes
- Level 5: 543lm — 208m
- Level 4: 195lm — 125m
- Level 3: 71lm — 75m
- Level 2: 24lm — 44m
- Level 1: 1.31lm — 10m
- Strobe
- Biking light
- Tail switch operation
- Low battery warning
- IPX8
- Biscotti UI operation
If this information isn’t enough for you and you want to know more about this Convoy S2+ flashlight, I suggest you check out this full review here.
Pros
Cons
8. Emisar D4V2
Emisar isn’t a brand just any EDC enthusiast knows. But even if it’s the first time you’re heard of the brand, their D4 V2 is one of the great lights.
Its length is just 3.76 inches, and the body diameter is 0.94 inches. On the other hand, the weight is just 4.27oz.
The ideal balance between the dimensions and weight makes the D4 V2 an excellent EDC flashlight.
The knurling pattern is pretty impressive with the square texture.
How many modes do you get? A lot! The reason is the Andúril UI-based operation.
There’s a rainbow mode where colored light emits. That makes the D4 V2 a unique flashlight. In addition, Ramping and stepping-up modes are available too.
The maximum Turbo mode features a strong 3000-4000lm output at about 272m. But it goes down to 0.7lm, which elongates the runtime for a staggering 56 days. So, this wide variation is what makes the D4 V2 a versatile EDC flashlight.
The flashlight’s value increases with the low-voltage protection.
However, the D4 V2 mentions no waterproof rating, although it’s made from durable Aluminum with a stainless bezel.
For the eighth pace, the D4 V2 sure delivers a lot.
KEY SPECS:
- 3.76’’ in length and 0.94’’ body diameter
- 4.27oz (with battery)
- Multiple lighting modes (excluding blinkies and ramped modes):
- Turbo: 3000lm — 272m
- High: 1300lm — 179lm
- Medium: 255lm — 79m
- Max Reg.: 146lm — 60m
- Low: 36lm — 30m
- Moonlight: 0.7lm — 4m
- Maximum duration 56 days
- Low voltage protection
- Andúril UI-based
- Made from aluminum and stainless steel
Want to know more about this flashlight? Checkout this Emisar D4v2 Review.
Pros
Cons
9. Coast XP11R
Coast XP11R is 5.98 inches in length and weighs 5.7oz.
The flashlight is unique in shape with a relatively larger square texture knurling. The body material has to be a mixture of synthetic rubber and plastic.
But your everyday work will go better with four lighting modes. The Maximum light output is 2100lm for 220m. The most extended runtime is 37 hours.
The light beam has crispy edges thanks to the Pure Beam® focus. The flashlight lets you switch between the ultra view flood beam and Bulls-Eye™ spot beam.
So, you get a spot beam and a flood beam for your everyday work.
The XP11R works with a tactical tail switch which is more user-friendly than a side switch for everyday work.
This USB-C rechargeable flashlight lets you use alkaline batteries as well. It only gets better with the battery life indicator.
With a lifetime warranty and durable build quality, the XP11R is the ninth-best EDC flashlight.
KEY SPECS:
- 5.98″ in length and 5.7oz
- Four lighting modes:
- Turbo: 2100lm — 220m
- High: 1000lm — 155m
- Med: 330lm — 88m
- Low: 75lm — 42m
- IP54 stormproof
- Lifetime warranty
- USB-C rechargeable
- Tail light operation
Pros
Cons
10. Imalent LD70
Imalent is another reliable brand; their LD70 is the next best EDC flashlight.
With a length of 3.18 inches and 0.98 inches in diameter, the flashlight qualifies to be a pocket EDC flashlight as it weighs only 3.06oz.
The shape and the knurling pattern make it one of the best flashlights.
You’d find it easier to do your everyday work with the five lighting modes you get. The maximum Turbo mode output is 4000lm for 1min at a beam throw of 203m.
The maximum runtime is up to 15 hours.
The unique feature is the OLED display that shows various stats of the flashlight. This is handy for easier everyday operations as it only takes a glance.
The flashlight is rechargeable with a USB charging cable, and this is a fast magnetic charger.
For the unique feature, the built-in thermal control module automatically adjusts the brightness according to the temperature and the battery status. That increases the flashlight’s operation.
With durable design quality, the Imalent LD70 is one of the best everyday carry flashlights.
KEY SPECS:
- 3.18 inches long and 0.98 inches diameter
- 3.06oz
- Five light modes:
- Turbo: 4000lm — 1min
- High: 2000lm — 1.5min
- Middle: 900lm — 45min
- Middle low: 200lm — 3h 50min
- Low: 20lm — 15h
- IPX8 waterproof rating
- USB rechargeable
- 1.5m impact resistance
- Aluminum OP reflector
Pros
Cons
11. Wuben D1
Wuben’s D1 is very compact, with a length of 4.13 inches with 0.93 inches in diameter.
The weight is only 3.85oz with the battery — the lightweight compactness requirement fulfilled for an EDC flashlight.
There’s the convenient cylindrical shape with the Wuben signature knurling pattern. The two-way pocket clip makes carrying and storing the D1 easier and safer.
The D1 has six operational modes including SOS and Strobe light which you can switch between with the side switch.
The highest mode features 1100lm output with a 130m beam throw.
The longest runtime is 150h.
But that’s not all.
There’s a blue breathing light that isn’t as bright as the default white light — it’s ideal for an evening hunt.
Wuben also recommends the D1 as a power bank since it charges in the USB-C.
Finally, with the durable build quality, the Wuben D1 deserves to be on this list.
KEY SPECS:
- 4.14 inches in length and 0.93 inches
- 3.85oz with battery
- 130m maximum throw
- Six lighting modes:
- High: 1100lm — 30s
- Med: 300lm — 5h
- Low: 100lm — 30h
- Moon: 5lm — 150h
- Strobe: 1100lm
- SOS: 300lm
- IP68 waterproof rating
- 1.5m impact resistance
- Two-way pocket clip
- Blue breathing light
- 1 year WUBEN warranty
Pros
Cons
12. Maglite XL50
The Maglite XL50 flashlight is 4.8 inches in length with a battery diameter of 1 inch. Balance that with the 3.68oz weight with batteries, and you get one of the best EDC flashlights.
The XL50 is one of the best tactical flashlights operated by a tail switch. It also features only three lighting modes; high, low, and eco.
The high mode emits 200lm at a beam distance of 224m. The longest runtime is 25h.
But these two lighting modes are decent enough to do different everyday work.
However, the flashlight is not rechargeable; you need to replace the AAA batteries from time to time.
Durability is assured with the build quality, and you get a 14-day money-back guarantee.
All things considered, the XL50 is still one of the best EDC flashlights.
KEY SPECS:
- 4.8 inches length and 1-inch diameter
- 3.68oz with battery
- 224m maximum throw
- Three lighting modes:
- High: 200lm — 6h 45min
- Low: 25h
- Eco: runtime N/A
- IPX4
- 1m drop resistance
Pros
Cons
13. Astrolux WP4
Astrolux WP4 flashlight is 5 inches long and weighs 3.9oz — lightweight compactness. As always, balance is essential for the higher maneuverability of an EDC flashlight.
The WP4 works with three lighting modes. The highest mode features 310lm with a 1303m beam throw.
Combine that with the PMMA lens; you can use the light for various everyday work.
The most extended runtime is about 7 hours.
Switching it on and off is more accessible with the tail switch. Accessing strobe mode is even easier.
You also get temperature control protection that reduces the flashlight’s brightness when it overheats. That’s very useful for indoor spaces where the temperature may be higher.
The WP4 comes with low-voltage protection. Since we might not have time to supervise the flashlight’s condition, notifications like these help us protect the product during everyday work.
Astrolux WP4 doesn’t have built-in recharging; so, you need your own battery recharger. The free 18650 Astrolux battery is advised to be replaced every four months.
The WP4 definitely suits your everyday work and is a worthy flashlight.
KEY SPECS:
- 5 inches length
- 3.9oz with battery
- 1303m maximum throw
- Three lighting modes:
- High: 310lm — 1303m
- Low
- Strobe
- IPX6
- 2m impact resistance
- Low voltage protection
Pros
Cons
How to Choose the Best EDC Flashlights?
Who Will Use the Flashlight?
In some special situations, it could be a younger person, a person with disabilities, or an older adult. The user’s nature must be considered when buying an EDC flashlight, as they’ll use it for everyday work.
Related article: What is Everyday Carry Flashlights?
Consider the Balance Between Weight and Dimensions
The EDC flashlight ideally shouldn’t be too long or too heavy. It’s a win-win situation with an EDC keychain flashlight. Because it replaces a keychain flashlight while doing the work of an everyday carry flashlight.
Light Modes
Most popular EDC flashlights have 5-6 light modes. But what matters is the gap between each mode. If the high mode emits 2000lm, the lowest or low mode should be 1% or less of it.
In addition, it’s always better to use a Strobe as it can be used as an SOS light or to disorient attackers.
What is the Battery Life and the Charging Time?
The longer the battery life, the better the flashlight is. But how does the battery life change with each mode? You need to be aware and comfortable with it. It’s always better to know how long it takes to charge fully. For example, it takes from one to three hours on average.
Overall Durability
Does the flashlight come with an IP waterproof rating? Is there an impact resistance height? Is the body made from a durable material like Aluminum? Will you get a warranty? If the answer is yes to all these questions, then the durability aspect is almost fully covered.
Why Invest in an Everyday Carry Flashlight?
- Because your smartphone’s light is not strong enough
- Because they last for hours and even days
- Because their lumen output is very high
- Because you can use them for other purposes such as camping, hiking, etc
- Because it’s easy to carry them
- Because you might be able to save a life in an emergency
- Because you deserve collective peace of mind
In Summary
Having an EDC flashlight is necessary; you, your partner, your kids, and your parents deserve that sense of superior protection. Acebeam E70 Mini is Outlighter’s specialist recommendation, although there are 13 other EDC flashlights. All we want our readers to have is the best, and that’s we pick them carefully.
You have all the facts and figures in front of you. All you need to do is make a choice.
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