Last Updated on September, 2024
A tactical flashlight could very well prove to SAVE YOUR LIFE! You are on the hunt for a flashlight with the best tactical features, and you’ve come to the right place.
This list of the 11 BEST tactical flashlights has been formulated after researching and hand-testing dozens of flashlights from various brands in the market. These 11 have some of the best features and are designed for the purposes of tactical use.
Taking into consideration all the factors that allow you to consider a tactical flashlight as the best, this list has been formulated to help you PICK the right tactical flashlight for you!
Hence without further ado, let’s dive into our list of the BEST 11 Tactical Flashlights on the market.
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11 of the Best Tactical Flashlights
Tactical flashlights are intended to be used and relied upon in tactical use. With this in mind, here are the BEST 11 flashlights that are all capable of being used in tactical scenarios.
1. Acebeam L35 (Editor’s Choice)
Acebeam is known to make some really good lights. They are masters of crafting VERY bright flashlights with high lumen counts.
That being the case, the Acebeam L35 is better known in the flashlight world to be one of the brightest TACTICAL flashlights on the market.
This flashlight offers 5000 lumens of BRIGHTNESS. When you realize that the brightness of a 60-watt bulb is only 800 lumens, you realize how bright this flashlight actually is.
It has six modes and has a throw distance of 480 meters, which is almost half a kilometer in range and distance.
When it comes to tactical flashlights, having a good degree of brightness and a good beam distance is essential. The brighter the light and the longer the range, the more of a tactical use it could come in.
This is a compact and lightweight flashlight at a length of only 5.9 inches and only weighs 5.68 ounces.
This flashlight has a tactical tail switch, which allows for quick switch action in case of emergency. With one touch, you can access the turbo mode on this flashlight.
Strobe modes are another thing that makes a flashlight useful in tactical scenarios. This flashlight has a STROBE mode which is activated by a triple click of the side switch.
This flashlight is compatible with Acebeam ARPS-RO2 remote pressure switch. This allows you to activate the flashlight remotely, which again could come of great tactical use.
This is a powerful tactical flashlight with a battery life of 12 days in moonlight mode. ON turbo, this flashlight’s battery life will allow for constant illumination for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Hence when it comes to battery life, this flashlight could provide you with not only the ability to signal half a kilometer into the distance, but will also provide days’ worth of light in survival scenarios.
The world’s brightest flashlight may not have all the tactical features that this flashlight has. The Acebeam L35 is one of the best and brightest TACTICAL flashlights on the market (built with high grade aluminum).
Rated IP68 waterproof, this flashlight can be submerged in up to 5 meters of water. This is why the Acebeam L35 is such an amazing TACTICAL flashlight. Not just that, it is also shockproof up to 1 meter. (Successfully drop tested during hand-testing.)
All in all, this is a great tactical flashlight with the right features that could come to great tactical use. If you are looking for a reliable tactical flashlight from a reliable flashlight company, then the Acebeam L35 could be the PICK for you!
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2. Olight Warrior Mini 2 (#2nd Best Choice)
Olight is yet another well-known brand in the flashlight world. They have some great flashlights, and the Olight Warrior Mini 2 is a great miniature tactical flashlight.
Don’t you love it when things are small enough to carry around in your pocket? Well, this flashlight, at only 4.6 inches in length and 4.3 ounces in weight is not only a great Tactical Flashlight but also an excellent EVERYDAY CARRY(EDC) flashlight.
It comes with a pocket clip. This clip allows you to tactically fasten your flashlight to your pocket, preventing it from falling out of your pocket.
With a maximum output of 1750 lumens, this flashlight has a beam distance of 220 meters, with six different modes.
This flashlight is affordable and is a great budget tactical flashlight brought to you by a RELIABLE brand of flashlights, Olight.
When picking a tactical LED flashlight, you have to check whether the flashlight has a strobe mode. A strobe mode can be put to great tactical use, such as blinding a threat or signaling for help.
The strobe light of this flashlight shines with a maximum output of 1750 lumens, which is bright enough to easily temporarily blind someone.
The best tactical flashlights will have a good battery life, even if it means in ultra-low mode. This is because you need your flashlight to provide you with some light, just in case you get stranded somewhere for days and nights on.
The Olight Warrior Mini 2 has a maximum runtime of 45DAYS on moon mode. Though this is only 1 lumen of light, it is still light that could SAVE YOUR LIFE!
Rated IPX8 waterproof, this flashlight is tough and hardy (built with aluminum). This is obviously important when you are looking for a good tactical flashlight.
The best tactical flashlight, such as the Olight Warrior Mini 2, has features that enable it to be put to great tactical use. Tactical lights give you control over emergency situations. A tactical light carried with you at all times could work to help in so many ways that you never anticipated. (Blind that mugger!)
This flashlight has a rechargeable battery with great battery life. Just the fact that it can work for 45 days means you can rely on this flashlight as a source of light in survival situations.
If you want to learn more about this flashlight, checkout this review.
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3. Fenix PD36R PRO (#3rd Best Choice)
Yet another well-renowned brand of flashlights, the Fenix PD36R PRO, is the professional upgrade of the Fenix PD36R.
This PRO version has a higher maximum power with a maximum output of 2800 lumens in turbo mode.
It has a maximum beam distance of 380 meters, which is a commendable range for any flashlight. ( It has 5 modes of brightness.)
It is 5.7 inches in length and weighs 5.96 ounces. That’s pretty compact considering that features this tactical flashlight has.
This Fenix tactical flashlight does have a clip, but the clip is not removable. Nonetheless, the clip allows you to properly fasten the flashlight onto a pocket, shirt, belt, or bag.
This is a great everyday carry light and has all the features necessary to allow it to be tactically used. It has a 2500-lumen strobe, which is bright enough to easily blind a mugger, perfect for self defense.
Tactical flashlights can be tactically used for SELF DEFENSE. Suppose you ever find yourself under attack in the street. In that case, a tactical flashlight in your pocket could work to temporarily blind threats, scare away attackers, or allow you the opportunity to get away.
Hence the Fenix PD36R PRO with 2500 lumens of strobe can be used for self defense.
With five levels of brightness, on the lowest mode, this flashlight has a battery life of 42 hours, offering 30 lumens of brightness.
This is a rechargeable flashlight, and the battery charger comes with the package.
Most tactical flashlights are not made of everyday carry. However, this flashlight, at only 5.7 inches in length, is a good size for everyday use.
The word tactical inquiries on durability. The more DURABLE a flashlight, the more useful it is as a tactical flashlight, which could get dropped on the floor or even in water. This flashlight is made of very TOUGH material (aluminum) and is IP68 waterproof (can be submerged in up to 2 meters of water.)
As an added bonus, the Fenix PD36R PRO is compatible with the AER-05 remote switch, which increases tactical functionality. Most tactical flashlights won’t allow you to remotely operate the light. The fact that this flashlight does makes this a clear winner in the eyes of tactical use!
Fenix is so confident in its product’s quality that there is a LIFETIME warranty on this flashlight. That should reassure you by telling you this is one FINE tactical flashlight!
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4. Cyansky K3
This is a super long-range tactical flashlight with a great beam distance of 600 meters! This can be of great tactical use if you ever need to signal someone really far away.
The Cyansky K3 is a specifically designed tactical flashlight with a thread body and zirconium head.
It has a maximum lumen output of 1600 lumens, with a GREAT beam distance and level of brightness.
The size of the flashlight is pretty reasonable at 6 inches in length, it is portable and easy to handle, it isn’t too heavy either coming in at just 4.6 ounces.
This flashlight has a standard-size body, which makes it perfect for everyday carry. In eco mode, this flashlight will work for 100 HOURS. This is exactly the type of runtime you need in a reliable tactical flashlight. (It has 5 modes of brightness)
Made with aircraft grade aluminum, this rechargeable flashlight is a very TOUGH and HARDY flashlight that is both light and strong!
This flashlight is specifically designed for searching, rescuing, patrolling, law enforcement, and self defense.
The Cyansky K3 is compatible with multiple gun mounts and remote switches, allowing this flashlight to be put to great tactical use (such as in hunting.)
It has a 1600-lumen strobe, which can be activated at the touch of a button, which is perfect for emergency situations.
Rated IPX8 waterproof (2 meters), I submerged this flashlight in 2 meters of water, and it worked perfectly fine after. This flashlight is also impact resistant at 2 meters. (Successfully survived a drop test.)
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5. Wuben T1
The Wuben T1 has the words tactical flashlight in the name of the product. This is a specifically designed tactical flashlight, perfect for tactical use.
The battery power on this flashlight and the visible light produced by this flashlight is AMAZING.
It has a max lumen output of 2000 lumens with a peak beam distance of 498 meters… that is almost half a KILOMETER of range!
The light modes on this flashlight are versatile.
Not only does it have four light modes for you to choose from, but the Wuben T1 also has a Strobe and SOS feature which makes it perfect for tactical use.
At 6,3 inches, this flashlight is not too big! The single tail cap switch that is used to operate this flashlight is a tactical switch (tail cap switch) which allows you to choose between tactical mode and outdoor mode.
This tactical gear runs on a 18650 lithium ion battery, with a maximum runtime of 100 HOURS!
The long battery life is a definite plus point; you need your tactical flashlight to be able to provide you with light for days, not just an hour or two.
The light output of this tac light is excellent. The Wuben T1 is a rechargeable flashlight that has a low battery indicator. You don’t need a spare battery to ensure you have continued use of this tactical handpiece.
Tail switches such as the one on this flashlight offer greater control in tactical situations. It is because of the tactical tail switch, in combination with this flashlight’s beam profile and added features, that makes the Wuben T1 one of the best tactical flashlights.
Tactical flashlights such as this have to be waterproof, and the Wuben T1 is rated IP68 waterproof (water resistance verified). The best tactical flashlight will also have been tested for impact resistance. This tactical flashlight has been drop tested at 1.5 meters (I verified this during tests.)
Here’s our complete Wuben T1 Review.
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6. Thrunite Archer 2A V3
The best tactical flashlight will have all the features inbuilt to enable it to be put to great tactical use.
This tactical flashlight (Thrunite Archer 2A V3) is a perfect everyday carry tactical flashlight.
When it comes to tactical lights, you have to check the user interface of the flashlight.
The switch or switches used should allow you to use these tactical lights with swift and prompt action.
The Thrunite Archer 2S V3 is a dual-switch flashlight and has a beautiful aluminum body.
It uses simple AA batteries (traditional batteries) and has a maximum lumen output of 500 lumens and 108 meters.
Though this isn’t the brightest flashlight on this list, it has a great maximum runtime of 15 DAYS!
It has five modes of brightness with a firefly mode of 0.2 lumens, capable of working for days at a stretch! (Perfect for night adapted vision.)
Further to this, this flashlight is impact resistant and has been drop tested at 1 meter (impact resistant at 1 meter.)
The hard aluminum body and the various output modes are operated by a side switch.
The compact design of this flashlight really makes it perfect for everyday carry. At only 6.1 inches in length, this is a small flashlight with a built-in STROBE mode for self defense purposes.
The user interface is simple to use and understand. In high mode, this flashlight illuminates with 500 lumens of brightness.
Rated IPX8 waterproof (water resistance), this hardy and durable flashlight runs on simple AA batteries with great tactical application on a good amount of light in high mode.
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7. Nitecore MH25GTS
When it comes to self defense and survival, this rechargeable flashlight has everything to make it a worthy inclusion in this list of the BEST tactical flashlights.
At only 6.2 inches in length, this is a compact and easy to use tactical light.
Though this isn’t the smallest tactical light on this list, this small tactical flashlight is a best-rated tactical flashlight by customers.
In low output mode, this flashlight will work for 250 hours! – over 10 DAYS! That is perfect for survival situations if you ever get stranded somewhere.
It does not run on AA or AAA batteries but relies on one 18650 lithium ion battery to power this bad boy.
With five brightness modes, the bright white light on Turbo mode will reach a distance of 304 meters on a maximum output of 1800 lumens. This is the type of throw distance and brightness you need in a reliable tactical flashlight.
However, what makes this flashlight one of the best tactical flashlights is the special modes on this flashlight. Not only does this flashlight have a strobe feature, but it also has SOS and Beacon.
These special outputs can be put to great tactical use. Any tactical flashlight that has SOS, Strobe, AND Beacon is a very valuable tactical light. These features increase the functionality of the tactical light, which is why this is one of the best tactical flashlights on the market.
The USB battery charger (USB C charging cable) is included in the package.
The tactical mode of operation of this flashlight possibly makes this the best small tactical flashlight on the market.
Rated IPX8 waterproof (water resistance verified) and impact tested at 1 meter, this flashlight is a perfect addition to the tactical gear you already have; an amazing tac light!
NOTE: Nitecore MH25GTS has been discontinued and is no longer available for purchase. For a similarly specced flashlight, you can checkout the NITECORE SRT6i, this one’s a step above in some areas.
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8. Coast XP18R
This rechargeable tactical flashlight offers 3650 lumens of brightness. The brightness of this flashlight is easily strong enough to blind someone temporarily.
With an excellent beam distance of 330 meters, the Coast XP18R is a worthy tactical flashlight with some impressive features.
This flashlight has four modes of brightness with a runtime of 6.5 hours on high mode and 2 DAYS on low mode.
This flashlight works on a rechargeable battery; however, it gives you the option to use AA batteries.
This can come of great use, especially when hiking the woods for a really long time.
You have the option to choose between a spread of a floodlight or the focus of a spotlight. The fact that you have control over the spectrum of light makes this flashlight very useful in any tactical scenario. For instance, a spotlight with a throw distance of 330 meters can easily work to signal someone in the dark.
The dual power feature, which enables you to recharge this flashlight and use AA batteries, is the most impressive. Further to this, the Cost XP 18R is also waterproof at IP54 stormproof and is a dynamic source of lighting regardless of the weather.
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9. Maglite MAG-TAC
The Maglite MAG-TAC is an advanced rechargeable tactical flashlight with a charge time of ONLY 2.5 hours.
How much juice do 2.5 hours of charge produce? 18 HOURS on low mode.
This flashlight is simple when it comes to the user interface; it has two modes, a high mode, and a low mode.
With a max lumen output of 671 lumens, this is a conservative flashlight that bravely balances the performance of light with battery life.
It even has a strobe feature, perfect for tactical use.
It has a 185-meter beam distance allowing it to be put to great tactical use and is not too big at only 5.7 inches in length.
It has a faceted knurl design and is made with corrosion-resistant material to increase longevity.
This flashlight comes with a 14-day money-back guarantee.
The Maglite MAG-TAC is a water-resistant flashlight and is rated IPX4 waterproof. It also offers impact resistance and has been drop tested at 1 meter (I personally tested this.)
All in all, this is a HANDY and HARD flashlight, very durable! This is why it has made this list of the best tactical flashlights. Don’t forget the peak beam intensity at 8545 candelas; this is a PERFECT everyday carry flashlight capable of great tactical use.
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10. Convoy M21D
Made with tough aluminum alloy, the Convoy M21D has a smooth reflector and mode memory. It has a built-in tactical mode which can be activated at a four-time press of the side switch, allowing for tactical use in case of emergency.
It also has a strobe mode which can be easily activated with a 3X press of the same side switch.
With a maximum lumen output of 4300 lumens, this is a very bright flashlight that could easily blind any unwelcome threats.
It has five modes of brightness for you to choose from! This flashlight has a battery life of 5 hours and 54 minutes, with step down from Turbo which lasts for 3 minutes.
Rechargeable, this flashlight won’t require spare batteries. It has a low voltage warning system to let you know when the charge of the flashlight is running low and even has a tail stand.
At 6.3 inches in length, though this isn’t the smallest flashlight on this list, it does have some great tactical features, which makes it perfect for tactical use.
For instance, the STROBE and TACTICAL MODES can be easily activated at the touch of a button, and the beam distance at 400 meters is impressive, to say the least.
In comparison to other flashlights on this list, the Convoy M21D is an AFFORDABLE tactical flashlight. If you are looking for a new tactical flashlight but find yourself on a budget, then the Convoy M21D may be the right PICK for you!
This powerful tactical flashlight is rated IPX8 waterproof and is a highly durable source of lighting. It has everything you may need to provide as a great source of light in tactical situations.
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11. SPERAS E3
This is a high-end flashlight with 1300 lumens of maximum brightness!
The SPERAS E3 is a compact and handy flashlight that has features that makes it great for tactical use. For instance, it has a tactical tail switch that controls operation and allows for swift mode switching.
It is run on a 18650 lithium-ion battery and is RECHARGEABLE.
With up to 200 HOURS of illumination on lower modes, this flashlight has a great beam distance of 350 meters.
You need to consider the beam distance because a reasonable beam distance means you can use this flashlight in various tactical scenarios.
At only 5.4 inches in length, this is a very small flashlight which makes it perfect for everyday carry. The best tactical flashlights will allow you to carry them in your pocket for ease of use and mobility.
The tail switch allows for easy access to the strobe mode, which can be very useful in case of emergency (for instance, an unwelcome threat.)
It has a battery level indicator to tell you when you need to charge this flashlight again.
With four modes of brightness to choose from, you have complete control over the amount of light you project.
Not only does this flashlight have a STROBE feature, but it also has an SOS mode which can be very useful if you ever have to signal for rescue.
The flashlight is rated IPX8 waterproof and can be submerged in up to 2 meters of water. It has also been drop tested at an impact distance of 1.5 meters.
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What is a Tactical Flashlight?
Compact and durable, a tactical light iz designed for use in military, law enforcement, or outdoor activities.
Tactical light typically has a high-powered beam, a rugged construction, and multiple modes (such as strobe or SOS) for self-defense or signaling. It may also have features such as water resistance and a tail cap switch for one-handed operation.
Here’s a list of the top & best LED flashlights available on the market.
How to Spot the Best Tactical Flashlight?
A tactical flashlight is a flashlight that has features such as strobe, SOS and beacon, which can prove very useful in tactical situations.
The best tactical flashlight will not only have a great beam profile (beam distance and maximum lumen output) but will also have added features that make it perfect for tactical use.
The presence of a strobe mode is an important factor. You want something that is not only bright enough to blind an incoming threat but powerful enough to distract and scare them.
Added features such as SOS and beacon provide extra value and should be a consideration when picking the best tactical flashlight.
Apart from this, you need to check for durability. It should be waterproof because there is a good chance you will get your tactical flashlight wet.
Lastly, accessories such as remote switches and gun mounts only increase the applicability of the flashlight in terms of tactical use.
Why You Need a Tactical Flashlight? (Benefits and Uses)
A tactical flashlight is a flashlight that can be relied upon during emergency use. It allows for quick access to turbo and strobe modes, allowing you to instantaneously light up the area, often scaring away threats.
A tactical flashlight could work to SAVE YOUR LIFE! If ever stranded in the middle of nowhere, a tactical flashlight could provide you with the illumination to survive through the night.
Not only that, a tactical flashlight can actively work to scare away incoming threats. By accessing emergency tactical modes on a tactical flashlight, be it turbo mode or strobe mode, you create an immediate burst of light that can scare away threats.
Some tactical flashlights have the ability to work for days at a stretch, even if in the low mode of lighting. These flashlights could prove very useful in survival scenarios when a flashlight could be your only source of lighting.
Should You Buy a Tactical Flashlight?
You most certainly should buy a tactical flashlight because the right tactical flashlight could work to SAVE you from so many emergencies.
It is a good idea to carry a flashlight wherever you go out at night, and an everyday carry flashlight with the right tactical features would be a good source of lighting to have with you at all times.
A tactical flashlight could not only provide you with a source of illumination when you need it most, but with added features such as a strobe, it could be used to protect you from unwelcome intruders.
Final Thoughts
A tactical flashlight can prove to become very useful in the still of the night. There is no telling what the great outdoors have in store for you, and it is always good to be prepared with a reliable source of light that offers excellent functional use.
A tactical flashlight not only works as a source of light but has further features that allow it to be put to tactical use.
When it comes to picking the best tactical flashlight for you, you need to consider the things we have discussed in this article.
The Acebeam L35 with a throw distance of 480 meters and brightness of 5000 lumens takes TOP pick as the BEST tactical flashlight
The list of the 11 BEST has been selected after careful testing of over 100 flashlights. You cannot go wrong with picking a tactical flashlight straight from this list!
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