If you are going out in the dark, or need to inspect something where your wall-mounted lights can’t reach, the best rechargeable tactical flashlight will make the perfect companion. It will help you see things clearly in the dark, or even scare a spooky figure away.
But before that, you must know how to choose the right one.
Here are the best rechargeable tactical flashlights (Apr 2024 Update):
- Best Overall: 6 Streamlight 88052
- Ultra-Bright: Fenix PD36R
- Best for Camping: PeakPlus Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight LFX1000
- Best for Emergency: LumiNRG Tactical Flashlight
- Best for Hiking: Anker Rechargeable Bolder LC40
- Durable: Streamlight 74751
| 6 Best Rechargeable Tactical Flashlights | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | 6 Streamlight 88052 | |
Ultra-Bright | Fenix PD36R | |
Best for Camping | PeakPlus Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight LFX1000 | |
Best for Emergency | LumiNRG Tactical Flashlight | |
Best for Hiking | Anker Rechargeable Bolder LC40 | |
Durable | Streamlight 74751 | |
Best Overall: 6 Streamlight 88052
- Strobe is nearly useless
After testing, we agree with the vast majority of other customers that this is truly a great patrol light.
It rips through windows and blinds anything in its path with the perfect balance of throw and spill. In the high mode, it is much brighter than a car spotlight.
We’ve dropped tested it onto pavement multiple times and it is surviving (so far). The grip is really fantastic in a bare or gloved hand, and the size is great - fit in a duty belt ring with no problem and is easy to carry.
it also consists of the upgraded "hat brim" styled clip which is able to slide on from both directions.
What impressed us the most is its runtime – up to 750 continuous hours – while the lifetime is 100.000 hours. Incredible!
| 6 Streamlight 88052 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 6.5 x 3 x 3.25 inches |
Brightness | 850 Lumens |
No of Modes | 4 |
Max Beam Distance | 53 - 219 meters |
Highlight Features | 1,000s of momentary bursts of light & 850 Lumens; improved "hat brim" style clip; runtime of 750 continuous hours & 100.000-hour lifetime |
The 6 Streamlight 88052 offers fantastic performance for the price, making it the best overall option in our list.
Ultra-Bright: Fenix PD36R
- Provide the right balance of brightness and distance – beam distance of 309 yards and 1600 lumens of brightness
- Last very long - 115 hours of runtime
- Easy to charge - Type-C USB charging cable
- The batteries are huge and a bit bulky
- Not include a red light filter
The Fenix PD36R is a fantastic light.
It gives a ton of light from a very well made, lightweight, and a small flashlight. In the top two modes, including turbo, the unit shows no sign of dimness.
The beam is bright and is focused so you can get the right balance of brightness and distance.
Admittedly, we’re not a fan of its rechargeable batteries as they are huge but can’t deny that they put out an incredible amount of light when needed. One battery charge lasts all night and then some.
All-in-all, this is indeed a beast.
| Fenix PD36R Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 5.4 x 1 x 1 inches |
Brightness | 1600 Lumens |
No of Modes | 2 |
Max Beam Distance | 309 yards |
Highlight Features | beam distance of 309 yards and 1600 lumens of brightness; 115 hours of runtime; Type-C USB charging cable |
Super-bright, good grip, easy to hold and use, and importantly, all comes at an incredibly low price point, so it's no wonder this impressive flashlight wins our Best Buy Award.
Best for Camping: PeakPlus Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight LFX1000
- Durable - skid-proof, anti-abrasive, and water-resistant exterior & heavy-duty chip
- Customizable and practical - five light modes & a zoom function for emergency
- Affordable – a whole package includes a flashlight, a battery charger, and a 18650 2200mAh Lithium-Ion battery, priced under $20
- The lanyard is cheap
The PeakPlus Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight LFX1000 is the most durable model on our list.
The unit is specifically designed to be skid-proof, anti-abrasive, and water-resistant, making it perfect for outdoor uses like camping. Aside from its heavy-duty exterior, the chip is also durable, which is our most favorite.
There are five light modes, including a strobe light, flasher light, bright light, and two dimmer lights. The best thing is you can zoom it for emergency and at this special mode, it’s able to throw an intense light beam up to 600 feet.
It gives you 700-lumen brightness, along with a battery charger and a 18650 2200mAh Lithium-Ion battery - all are priced only under $20, which is really a steal.
| PeakPlus Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight LFX1000 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 5.3 x 1.6 x 1.1 inches |
Brightness | 700 lumens |
No of Modes | 5 |
Max Beam Distance | 600 feet |
Highlight Features | five light modes & a zoom function for emergency; skid-proof, anti-abrasive, and water-resistant exterior & heavy-duty chip |
A very bright flashlight in a compact size and durable construction, the PeakPlus Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight LFX1000 is our top pick for camping.
Best for Emergency: LumiNRG Tactical Flashlight
- Easy to store and carry – measured by 12 x 6 x 6 inches & weight of 7.2 ounces
- Ideal for an emergency – a retractable zoom function with a light beam distance of 1200 feet
- Easy access - a strong magnetic base
- The charging port cover comes off too easily
The LumiNRG Tactical Flashlight, like most other counterparts in our list, is very lightweight and compact to easily store in almost everywhere.
But making it a standout flashlight for an emergency is the added retractable zoom function in which the beam is adjusted to be an intense light thrown up to 1200 feet. And at medium mode (there are totally 4), it can last 10 hours of continuous running.
You can count on its beefy yet lightweight aluminum shell for outdoor uses, like hiking, camping, and more.
The biggest bonus is the addition of a strong magnetic base. With it, you can easily attach the flashlight into the metal workbench or the hood of your car for easy access.
| LumiNRG Tactical Flashlight Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 12 x 6 x 6 inches |
Brightness | 1000 Lumens |
No of Modes | 4 |
Max Beam Distance | 1200 feet |
Highlight Features | a strong magnetic base; a retractable zoom function with a light beam distance of 1200 feet; measured by 12 x 6 x 6 inches & weight of 7.2 ounces |
Featuring a compact design and four light modes with a retractable zoom design, the LumiNRG Tactical Flashlight is highly recommended for emergencies.
Best for Hiking: Anker Rechargeable Bolder LC40
- Solid, heavy-duty, and durable - anti-slip finish, IPX5-waterproof rating, shock-resistance handling, and heavy-duty aluminum body
- Practical and useful - the SOS light mode & long runtime
- Not waterproof
- The clip sits a bit low
The Anker Rechargeable Bolder LC40 is our favorite choice for hiking due to its outstanding sturdiness.
Out of the box, it features an anti-slip finish and IPX5-waterproof rating that can be used in most conditions, from the dusty, the dry, to the wet environments. During such extreme conditions, it’s great that you can quickly and firmly hold it in hand.
The shock-resistance handling and heavy-duty aluminum body are a big bonus.
A practical feature is the SOS light mode for an emergency while the battery runtime is quite good, up to 20 hours of continuous running at medium mode.
| Anker Rechargeable Bolder LC40 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 5.04 x 1.3 x 1.3 inches |
Brightness | 400 Lumens |
No of Modes | 5 |
Highlight Features | anti-slip finish, IPX5-waterproof rating, shock-resistance handling, and a heavy-duty aluminum body; the SOS light mode & long runtime |
If you’re searching for the best rechargeable tactical flashlight for hiking, look no further.
Durable: Streamlight 74751
- Durable and sturdy - aluminum body, a long-lasting lithium-ion battery, and C4 LED technology
- Easy and quick to charge - a micro USB slot on the charger
- A bit short to hold
- The head of the light does get a little hot
The Streamlight 74751 comes with a sturdy aluminum body with a pocket clip and ridged grip, a lithium-ion battery with 1000-time recharge-ability, and C4 LED technology for a lifetime up to 50.000 hours.
Battery life is good even on the highest intensity. The charger has a micro USB slot which was unexpected. It is very silent, which we find impressive given how quickly it charges and how powerful the flashlight is for its size.
This small-yet-mighty flashlight has a really nice beam pattern and floods a car well on traffic stops. It’s also good for up-close use like clearing a house.
| Streamlight 74751 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 5.9 x 3 x 3 inches |
Brightness | 615 Lumens |
No of Modes | 3 |
Max Beam Distance | 219 meters |
Highlight Features | aluminum body, a long-lasting lithium-ion battery, and C4 LED technology; a micro USB slot on the charger |
If you get tired of wasting money on those flashlights that would work a short while, then leave you in the dark, the Streamlight 74751 is definitely a good replacement.
How To Choose The Best Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight?
Runtime
The runtime is among the key factors that should be under consideration when you choose a rechargeable tactical flashlight.
It refers to the battery performance but is determined by the light output and the power of the flashlight.
If you go with high lumen intensity, the battery will drain faster. However, it’s not necessarily the case when you don’t keep the flashlight on continuously. To obtain the most runtime, you should look into lower lumen settings or an economy mode for extended runtime.
Light Output
The light output is measured in lumens, and the lumen figure depends on how you want to use the flashlight.
In general, a flashlight that produces less than 100 lumens of light output won’t do you any good. If you use the flashlight for walking your dog or camping, fishing, you can go with 100-300 lumens.
Meanwhile, one that produces 300-600 lumens can light up your backyard or a football pitch. A flashlight with over 600 lumens has entered the professional segment, mostly used by the forces and security guards.
Beam Distance
A good flashlight should help you see things not only clearly but also from a long distance. This depends on the brightness of the LED bulb, the reflection of the beam out of the lenses as well as the level of focus set on the flashlight.
Some good flashlights can light up as far as 1 mile away.
But with Focus Setting, you can change the beam’s flood diameter.
For example, you can set the beam up to the maximum length for the light beam distance of up to 800-1200 feet away.
Water Resistance
How to determine the water-resistance of a flashlight? Well, through its material and construction!
Depending on what you use the flashlight for, the requirement of water resistance will be varied.
Water resistance, measured on the IPX scale, should be at least IPX4. An IPX8 flashlight is the best one we’ve tested and it can be submerged in water for as long as 4 hours, at 1 meter deep.
Which Brands Make The Best Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight?
Streamlight
Founded in 1973, Streamlight has got years of understanding customers’ needs by doing exactly what its customers do, in their exact way.
Not only does the company commit to providing the best, most practical flashlights, but it also works to achieve the perfect customer services so you can have the best user experience.
Fenix
Fenix proudly touts its work in innovation, performance, and adding new values to its products. One of the most important it focuses on is illumination technology to balance the power and battery energy, making it a great brand if you want an innovative, efficient flashlight.
PeakPlus
This is another go-to brand for the best flashlight. It takes pride in meeting consumers’ needs through its high-quality products that are offered at affordable and reasonable prices.
Anker
Not just good quality, Anker is a brand that thrives to fill your life with smart products, giving you a smart home. Apart from lights, this company also offers chargers, speakers, earphones, vacuums, smart portable cinema, and smart cameras.
FAQs
Will 1000 lumens blind you?
Yes, it will.
From 100 to 300 lumens, you can already blind someone temporarily. So, with that in mind, 1000 lumens would have a serious effect on the person in front of you, that much light output can even light up a football field.
How many lumens can blind a person?
From 100 lumens, you can blind a person for a few minutes, from 300 lumens, you can blind a person in the daylight.
How many lumens should good flashlight have?
For a flashlight to be useful, it should produce at least 100 lumens of light output, which can help you walk your dog or when you go fishing, camping.
How far will 1000 lumens shine?
A flashlight with 1,000 lumens can light up a distance of 150-200 meters.
How long do rechargeable tactical flashlights last?
The answer to this question varies depending on a few variables. If you’re talking about the LED bulb and the body, they can last for years. But the battery normally lasts one year or 400 charge cycles, whichever comes first. A battery drains and usually wear out faster than the bulb.
Conclusion
Light output and beam distance are among the most important factors to consider when choosing the best rechargeable tactical flashlight.
But apart from that, you should also think about water resistance and runtime if you have serious purposes for your future flashlight.
As a flashlight can go with you for a long time, ensure that you have made the right choice.
Bryan Listor
