Last Updated on September, 2024
Does your flashlight often disappoint you? Do you want to own a flashlight that will last forever? You’ve come to the right place, believe it or not.
Long-lasting flashlights should not be underestimated; they may be the most important feature to look for in a flashlight.
We’ve tested literally hundreds of flashlights here in outlighter over the past couple of years and among those just five qualify as the longest running flashlight. If you’re in need of a flashlight that’s able to run for days, or even months, you can find it right below.
So continue reading.
Table of Contents
The 5 Longest Running Flashlights
The longest running flashlight is not the top ranked flashlight in this article; several other factors, including high lumen output runtimes, durability and beam distance were all considered before awarding the top spot.
1. Acebeam L19 2.0 (Editor’s Choice)
Recognized at #1 on our list as the best long-lasting light is the Acebeam L19 2.0
The maximum runtime from one full charge is 1488 hours. That is 62 days of continuous running.
Spoiler alert! This is not the longest-running flashlight on this list.
Acebeam has meticulously designed the L19 2.0 with exquisite attention to detail.
But it’s not the kind of flashlight you can easily fit in an average pocket; the length is 6.4 inches, and it weighs 284 g (10 oz) with the battery.
This flashlight not only has a long runtime, but it also has more functional and aesthetic features. Let me go over them.
Six different lighting modes are available, including a moonlight mode that emits only 1 lumen but gives the flashlight an extended runtime, giving the impression of going on forever.
But what if you need more brightness while also lasting longer?
Acebeam still has you covered with L19 2.0. This has a low mode of 100 lumens that lasts 30 hours and 5 minutes and a beam throw of 731ft.
The other available modes are the medium 01 mode (300 lumens and a beam distance of 1246ft ), medium 02 mode (630 lumens and a beam distance of 1817ft), high mode (1200 lumens and a beam throw of 2522ft) and the turbo mode (2200 lumens and a beam throw of 3553ft) and a strobe mode of 1100 lumens.
It uses a USB-rechargeable 21700 Li-ion battery and is operated by a dual switch feature, precisely as tactical as it sounds. The flashlight is IP68 waterproof rated and that makes it a notch more durable when considering that it also has a 1-meter impact resistance.
You can find many long-lasting flashlights, but can you find one with all these fantastic features? Acebeam L19 2.0 has got its number one position because of its many different modes, excellent performance, defense, and portability features, making this an all-purpose flashlight
Key Features:
- Maximum running time: 1488 hours (62 days)
- Maximum runtime mode: moonlight mode (1 lumen)
- Operation: 2 switches; side switch and tactical tail switch
- Modes: 6 modes plus a strobe mode
- Waterproof: IP68 (up to 5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes)
- Body material: High-strength and oxidation-resistant aluminum
- Extra features: head strike bezel, compatible accessories, lockout mode, 5 year warranty
Pros
Cons
2. Nitecore MH12 V2 (#2nd Best Choice)
Rated as #2 on this list comes a more long-lasting compact all-rounder, the MH12 V2, by the award-winning Nitecore.
This flashlight lasts longer than the Acebeam L19 2.0, and it fits well in your pocket.
The maximum runtime from one full charge is 1500 hours. That is 62.5 days of continuous running on the lowest mode.
Spoiler alert! This is still not the longest-running flashlight on this list.
The MH12 V2 is the most recent addition to the MH12 flashlight family and the best.
It has been carefully designed by Nitecore to be used as a tactical or EDC flashlight that lasts a long time. Yet it does fit in your pocket; the length is 6.22 inches, and it weighs 84.5 g (2.98 oz) with the battery.
You’ll get four different lighting modes available, including an ultra-low mode that emits only 1 lumen and that gives this flashlight its insanely long runtime.
If you need more brightness while running long hours, this has a low mode of 55 lumens that lasts for 46 hours and 5 minutes. It is 16 hours longer than the Acebeam in its low mode and has a beam throw of 137 ft (42m).
The other available modes are the medium mode (300 lumens and a beam distance of 334 feet/102 meters), high mode (1200 lumens and a beam throw of 662 feet/202 meters), and strobe, SOS, and beacon modes, each emitting at 1200 lumens.
As for the durability, the Nitecore MH12 V2 is top-notch, constructed with aero-grade materials and rated with IP68 waterproof and up to 1 meter impact resistance, you’ve got no worries.
The Nitecore MH12 V2 can be used as a tactical or daily use flashlight since it has separate modes for each. It uses a USB-rechargeable 21700 Li-ion battery and is operated by a dual switch feature, which provides it with more tactical features within the flashlight.
Key Features:
- Maximum running time: 1500 hours (62.5 days)
- Maximum runtime mode: ultra-low mode (01 lumens)
- Operation: 2 switches – side switch and tactical tail switch
- Modes: 4 modes plus strobe, SOS, beacon mode, tactical and daily mode
- Waterproof: IP68 (up to 2 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes)
- Body material: aluminum
- Extra features: detachable clip, tactical ring, tactical holster
Pros
Cons
3. Olight Warrior 3S (#3rd Best Choice)
The flashlight with the second-highest lumen output on our list comes next.
The maximum runtime from one full charge is 1320 hours.
That is 55 days of continuous running in moonlight mode at one-lumen brightness.
Its long runtime and other tactical features make this the best buddy carry for hiking, camping, everyday carry, or self-defense. I’ll talk about all of it next.
Body weight is 6.21 oz (176 g), including the battery; the length is 5.47 in (139 mm), and the body diameter is 1.03 in (26.2 mm). These specs are not bad for a tactical EDC flashlight that can run for up to 55 consecutive days.
Just like the flashlights above, this one too has excellent durability. Made with aluminum alloy and rated IPX8 for waterproof, you can’t go wrong.
The Warrior 3s is improved for pocket carry by smoothing out the bezel, lowering the chance of getting hooked or pricked. It comes with a premium holster and a detachable clip. But what if you need more brightness while running longer?
Warrior 3s also gives you the option of 5 brightness modes and a strobe mode, the low mode (15 lumens and a runtime of 130 hours/5.4 days), medium mode (200 lumens and a runtime of 13 hours), high mode (800 lumens and a runtime of 166 minutes), and turbo mode (2300 lumens and a runtime of 2.5 minutes).
It has Olight’s signature magnetic charging option with a USB-rechargeable 21700 Li-ion battery and is operated by dual switches with access to turbo/strobe with a single click.
Key Features:
- Maximum running time: 1320 hours (55 days)
- Maximum runtime mode: moonlight mode (01 lumens)
- Second longest runtime: low mode (15 lumens and a runtime of 130 hours/5.4 days)
- Operation: two switches; side switch and tactical tail switch
- Modes: five modes plus a strobe mode
- Waterproof: IPX8 (up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes)
- Body material: aluminum alloy
- Extra features: proximity sensor, detachable clip, mountable, tactical holster, lockout mode
Pros
Cons
4. Thrunite TT20
The longest-running flashlight on this list is the TT20 by Thrunite, which allows you to customize the color temperature.
The maximum runtime from one full charge is 1536 hours. That is 64 days of continuous running in firefly mode at 0.54-lumen brightness.
This long-lasting beast is the perfect option to have in a zombie apocalypse.
If you need more light during such situations, this flashlight gives you the option of infinity low mode, which lasts 90 hours at 31 lumens.
Apart from that, this has two more modes; infinity high mode (1468 lumens for 3.1 minutes and 610 lumens for 235 minutes) and turbo mode (2526 lumens for 2.5 minutes and 610 lumens for 237 minutes). At maximum brightness, this can throw up to 846 feet (257.8 meters).
You’ll get accessories such as a lanyard, holster, dual-direction clip, and a few more spare parts. This beast weighs 180 g (6.3 oz), including the battery, and the length is 5.35 inches.
This is operated by a dual-switch feature, with the tactical switch providing direct access to the turbo and strobe modes. It has a USB-C charging facility with a high-performance rechargeable 21700 Li-ion battery of 5000 mAh.
It is genuinely compatible, portable for everyday use, and ideal for tactical use and self-defense. Considering all these perks and performance measures, the Thrunite TT20 is a complete package flashlight.
Here is our complete review of Thrunite TT20.
Key Features:
- Maximum running time: 1536 hours (64 days)
- Maximum runtime mode: moonlight mode (0.54 lumen)
- Second longest runtime: infinity low (31 lumens and a runtime of 90 hours)
- Operation: two switches; side switch and tactical tail switch
- Modes: four modes plus a strobe mode
- Waterproof: IPX8 (up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes)
- Body material: aluminum alloy
- Extra features: lanyard, detachable dual-direction clip, tactical holster
Pros
Cons
5. FENIX UC35 V2.0
Making into my list, at last, is another compatible flashlight that can last long yet is ideal for everyday carry or tactical activities. Find out more about the Fenix UC35 V2.0 below.
The maximum runtime from one full charge is 750 hours. That is 31 days of continuous running in moonlight mode at 1-lumen brightness.
This is the 2018 upgraded version of the Fenix UC35, which delivers a maximum of 1000 lumens at a distance of 873 feet (266 meters).
It operates with a tactical and a side switch, which can be used to cycle through its six lighting modes.
Apart from its moonlight mode, the low mode emits 50 lumens for 27 hours and 50 minutes for a throw at 210 ft/64 m.
It has a medium mode (150 lumens for 9 h and 55 m for a throw at 322 ft /98 m), the high mode (350 lumens for 4 h and 5 for a throw at 525 ft/160 m), turbo mode (1000 lumens for 2 h and 5 m for a throw at 873 ft/266 m), and a strobe mode.
The body weight is 6.26 oz (177 g), including the battery; the length is 5.5 inches. These specs are pretty decent for a compact flashlight.
Key Features:
- Maximum running time: 750 hours (31 days)
- Maximum runtime mode: moonlight mode (1 lumen)
- Second longest runtime: low mode (50 lumens and a runtime of 27 h and 50m)
- Operation: two switches; side switch and tactical tail switch
- Modes: five modes plus a strobe mode
- Waterproof: IP68 (up to 5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes)
- Body material: aluminum alloy
- Extra features: clip, lanyard, holster, sold separately – remote switch, belt clip, mount
Pros
Cons
Things to Look Out for When Buying a Long Lasting Flashlight
Guess what you should look out for first.
The Maximum Runtime
The maximum runtime is the most crucial factor to consider, as it provides a criterion for deciding whether or not to continue considering the flashlight.
I can’t tell you how many running hours you should choose. It can vary depending on your needs. One can decide whether a 24-hour runtime is a long runtime or 1500 hours is a long runtime.
Battery Type
Rechargeable batteries provide the most extended battery life for flashlights. One-time use of replaceable batteries can be handy in certain situations, but considering the runtime, 21700 rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are the optimum choice.
Some manufacturers do have the 18650 battery type as well. 18650 performs better and has better longevity, but 21700’s runtimes are longer.
Consider your uses and get one that’s suitable for you.
Lighting Modes
The longest running time will be available for the lowest mode in every flashlight, but you might need more brightness in your flashlight. Inspect how many modes are available and how well each one performs concerning your needs.
Other Specifications
Size, weight, portability, and accessories are essential factors to consider. The accessories are handy for tactical activities but not necessarily for everyday carry. The water and dustproof ratings, operating switches, and their locations are also important for tactical use.
Benefits of Buying a Long Lasting Flashlight
Oh, how useful in a zombie apocalypse. Just kidding.
- Extended battery life: you don’t need to worry about buying and having to replace batteries or charging constantly
- Useful in power outages: if you’ve ever experienced one and had to rely on an emergency light, you know what I mean. Here are the top picks of flashlights for blackouts.
- Ideal option for outdoor activities: a long-lasting flashlight is necessary for camping or hiking. It may save your life even without you knowing
- Emergencies: in a situation when all the lights go off, your long-lasting flashlight will be there with you until you are safe. Checkout the top picks of emergency flashlights reviewed by Outlighter.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a long-lasting flashlight can be difficult because each has its advantages and disadvantages. As a result, you must first identify your needs before choosing one.
The items on the list above are ranked according to our preferences; you may rank them differently.
But the Acebeam L19 2.0 is the best option when it comes to long lasting flashlights that suit all purposes. However, it is critical to compare each of them to ensure that they meet your needs.
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