6 Most Powerful Flashlights of 2024

By Bryan ListorLast update: 2022-10-11

For those who don’t find a 500L flashlight is too dull – this article is for you. We’re confident that our one-stop shop will help you find out the most powerful flashlight that is customized snugly to your needs. Start with the following top list:

Here are the most powerful flashlights (Mar 2024 Update):

  • Best Overall: GearLight LED Tactical Flashlight S1000
  • Best Rechargeable Spotlight: NoCry 18W Waterproof Rechargeable Flashlight
  • Most Versatile: BYB F18 LED Tactical Flashlight
  • Best For Hiking: PHIXTON Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight
  • Best For Car Repair: Coquimbo COB Rechargeable Work Lights
  • Best For A Roadside Emergency: STANLEY FATMAX SL10LEDS
Top 6 Most Powerful Flashlights
Best Overall
GearLight LED Tactical Flashlight S1000
    Read Our Review
    Best Rechargeable Spotlight
    NoCry 18W Waterproof Rechargeable Flashlight
      Read Our Review
      Most Versatile
      BYB F18 LED Tactical Flashlight
        Read Our Review
        Best For Hiking
        PHIXTON Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight
          Read Our Review
          Best For Car Repair
          Coquimbo COB Rechargeable Work Lights
            Read Our Review
            Best For A Roadside Emergency
            STANLEY FATMAX SL10LEDS
              Read Our Review

              Best Overall: GearLight LED Tactical Flashlight S1000

              GearLight LED Tactical Flashlight S1000
              GearLight LED Tactical Flashlight S1000
              Pros
              • Provide 10 times brighter than the old incandescent lights
              • Energy efficiency – 3 AAA batteries/3 hours of runtime
              • Offer a wide range of beam zoom settings for multiuse (include an SOS and a Strobe mode)
              • As beefy as the military tactical flashlights to last longer
              Cons
              • On high beam seem setting, there is some goofy square waffle patterned
              • The flashlight cover is MOLLE adaptable

              For tactical use and outdoor lighting, the Gearlight S1000 is our most favorite. It brings you 1000L of brightness with 5 beam zoom settings designed in an affordable package.

              What’s worth mentioning is the SOS and the Strobe mode in this flashlight allows you to work on multiple occasions. Such as camping, dog walking, or finding things around the house.

              It’s also built with indestructibility in mind.

              Gearlight boasts it can withstand temporarily submerged underwater and hold up well in a 10-foot drop. In short, it’s as durable as the military tactical flashlights you might see on TV while the price can’t be cheaper.

              GearLight LED Tactical Flashlight S1000 Specifications

              Brightness

              1000L

              Runtime

              1 – 3 hours

              Peak beam distance

              1000 feet

              Dimension

              6.1 x 1.57 x 1.57 in

              Weight

              0.64 ounces

              Highlight features

              Easily light up an entire room or focus in on objects up to 1000 feet away

              10 times brighter than old incandescent lights

              Water-resistant

              Virtually indestructible.

              All-in-all, highlighting a sensible construction at a cost-effective price point, the GearLight S1000 is a good choice for anyone.

              Best Rechargeable Spotlight: NoCry 18W Waterproof Rechargeable Flashlight

              NoCry 18W Waterproof Rechargeable Flashlight
              NoCry 18W Waterproof Rechargeable Flashlight
              Pros
              • Can run in 20 hours at low mode and 6 hours at the high -> less charging time, more working time
              • Can work 3-foot underwater with no water leakage or damage
              • Have many practical add-on features: wrist strap, handheld design for portability, and removable filter for additional red light settings
              Cons
              • A bit bulkier than the regular tactical flashlights – take more space for storage

              If you feel tired enough of those disposable batteries that are ever there when you need them the most, try this.

              The NoCry, powered by a 7.4 volt 18,500 Lithium-Ion battery, can deliver serious lasting power of 20 hours at low mode and 6 hours at the high.

              Don’t let its big size fool you! The flashlight is very lightweight (around 15.1 ounces) in reality. In addition, it features a handheld design with a wrist strap for portability and hands-free capability.

              NoCry 18W LED Flashlight is also a durable companion. It’s crafted from impact-resistant polystyrene and ABS materials, highlighting the waterproof ability with decent durability.

              NoCry 18W Waterproof Rechargeable Flashlight Specifications

              Brightness

              1000L

              Runtime

              6 hours

              Peak beam distance

              900 feet

              Dimension

              6 x 6 x 3 in

              Weight

              15.1 oz.

              Highlight features

              Super-bright 18 Watt LED light with three brightness settings

              Last long

              Easy to carry and hold

              If battery runtime is your serious concern, we believe this NoCry flashlight will pleasantly surprise you.

              Most Versatile: BYB F18 LED Tactical Flashlight

              BYB F18 LED Tactical Flashlight
              BYB F18 LED Tactical Flashlight
              Pros
              • Can last up to 60 hours of continuous brightness
              • Have memory function to keep shining at the mode that you chose at the previous use -> extra convenience
              • Offer 1.5M impact resistance endurance and IP67 rating to hold up well in many harsh conditions
              • Built with a metal clip to keep it in place inside your pocket for quicker and easier access
              Cons
              • The beam zoom switchable system is a bit clumsy
              • Can’t instantly turn off the light

              The BYB F18 reminded us that for a flashlight to meet all aspects of versatility, we didn’t have to go big.

              While giving you 60 hours of runtime (at ultra-low mode), and 800L of brightness, the unit keeps a compact profile to surely fit in any pockets.

              It’s also the only flashlight in this list featuring the PDO technology – the latest application known for its optimal lighting performance exploitation. Plus, it features IP67 rating and 1. 5M impact resistance endurance to bear not only water but also corrosion, abrasions, and scratches.

              A small addition that you’ll find in this product is the metal clip on its side. With it, you can keep this tiny beast securely and neatly in your pocket for faster access.

              BYB F18 LED Tactical Flashlight Specifications

              Brightness

              800L

              Runtime

              3.5 hours

              Peak beam distance

              600 feet

              Dimension

              4.72 x 1.18 x 1.18 in

              Weight

              6.4 ounces

              Highlight features

              800-lumen (max) CREE XPG2 S3 LED combines with PDO technology for extreme lighting performance

              All-metal construction and scalloped-bezel head

              Lightweight & compact size

              5 different lighting mode for all light situations

              Searching for one powerful flashlight for many uses? The F18 by BYB is a fantastic value that you won’t regret to pick it.

              Best For Hiking: PHIXTON Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight

              PHIXTON Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight
              PHIXTON Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight
              Pros
              • Deliver 20% brighter than other counterparts without compromising the runtime
              • Can be charged at home or in your car due to the multiple chargers provided
              • Powered by either disposabl
              Cons
              • Lenses are all nicked up and scratched on the inside, causing an annoying ring of light

              This rechargeable flashlight comes with all the things you would need for a hike. 1200 lumens of brightness, 6 hours’ runtime at high mode, hiking-bag-friendly design, and the extra SOS mode for emergency.

              The unit is also known for its Original XM L2 LED chip that gives 20% brighter performance than other counterparts. And the 5000mAh rechargeable battery highlights 2 times longer lasting than the standards.

              Don’t worry! It’s also designed to be compatible with disposable AAA batteries as a backup power source when you’re away from home.

              With 5 adjustable modes, you can zoom it in and focus on little details with no odd patterned light.

              PHIXTON Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight Specifications

              Brightness

              1200L

              Runtime

              6 hours

              Peak beam distance

              656 feet

              Dimension

              7.09 x 1.18 x 3.15 in

              Weight

              14.4 ounces

              Highlight features

              1,200 lumens

              Last 6 hours

              The weak mode will last 12 hours

              Easy to use

              While the majority of flashlights in our test group are a tradeoff between runtime and brightness, this PHIXTON can give you the best of both worlds.

              Best For Car Repair: Coquimbo COB Rechargeable Work Lights

              Coquimbo COB Rechargeable Work Lights
              Coquimbo COB Rechargeable Work Lights
              Pros
              • Feature a 360-degree rotation to illuminate at multiple angles
              • Foldable design, equipped with magnet base and hook for hands-free capability
              • The handle is crafted from heavy-duty, anti-sweat materials to last longer in even the harshest conditions
              • Two size options to choose from
              Cons
              • The magnet isn’t very strong
              • The hook can’t be rotated
              • The power button isn’t glowing, which is a bit struggling to turn on when in the dark.

              Coquimbo COB has some exclusive features to be the best flashlight for car repair.

              The 360-degree rotation is a shining example of this. While giving 800 lumens and 5 beam zoom adjustments, it can rotate for multi-angle illumination.

              The best thing is, the COB comes with a hook and magnet base so that you can easily attach it to somewhere for hands-free capability. This flashlight is powered by a rechargeable battery using a USB port and can work constantly in 3 hours.

              Plus, its handle is crafted from an anti-sweat, grippy rubber material and known for excellent heat dissipation. When not in use, just simply fold it off to save space – very convenient and compact.

              Coquimbo COB Rechargeable Work Lights Specifications

              Brightness

              800 lumens

              Runtime

              3 hours

              Peak beam distance

              -

              Dimension

              3.7 x 1.02 x 1.02 in

              Weight

              2.47 ounces

              Highlight features

              Made of hard rubber

              Anti-sweat and anti-slip

              5 Modes & Rechargeable

              360 degrees rotate

              The Coquimbo COB has performed the best of all current offerings in our review roster, making it the best flashlight for car repair.

              Best For A Roadside Emergency: STANLEY FATMAX SL10LEDS

              STANLEY FATMAX SL10LEDS
              STANLEY FATMAX SL10LEDS
              Pros
              • Give the most powerful illumination in this list – 2200 lumens – to shine up larger areas at night
              • Include a red lens for emergency usage
              • Can be charged anywhere (at home or in a vehicle) and charge very quickly
              • Provide a trigger lock and collapsible pivot stand for hands-free capability
              Cons
              • Not waterproof
              • The top of this spotlight is heavier than its handle, your hand might be easily fatigued

              Giving 2200 lumens, the STANLEY FATMAX SL10LEDS is persuasively the most powerful flashlight in our test group.

              There’s more, it comes with both AC and DC charging adaptors so that aside from home, you can keep one in your truck/car, charge in there, and use for an unexpected emergency. There is also a red lens if needed.

              What’s worth mentioning is its battery – a lithium-ion rechargeable battery that can run continuously in 7 hours in low mode and 1 hour on high. Importantly, you only need to charge it every 6 months if not used.

              STANLEY FATMAX SL10LEDS Specifications

              Brightness

              2200 lumens

              Runtime

              1 hour

              Peak beam distance

              1000 - 1800 feet

              Dimension

              9 x 4 x 11 in

              Weight

              2 pounds

              Highlight features

              Delivers up to 2200 lumens with 10W ultra-bright LED

              A runtime of up to 7 hours on low

              Packed with decent illumination and many sensible features, the STANLEY FATMAX is functional, bright, and quality, making it useful for anyone, especially in the emergency.

              How To Choose The Most Powerful Flashlights?

              Define “powerful”

              • We know that when you’re in need of a powerful flashlight, it means your lighting needs are above the average. But “how much?”
              • The brightness of a flashlight is measured in the lumen and one lumen is as bright as a candle.
              • To determine how many lumens you need, think about what do you want to use this flashlight for? If it’s for shining up an area, how large is it?
              • The list below will give you different ideal ranges of brightness for specific needs:

              Lumens

              Purpose of Use

              100 - 150

              Search for things/people up to 400 feet distance

              150 - 200

              Tactical tasks, camping, and hiking

              200 - 500

              Hiking, hunting, sailing, heavy-duty tactical tasks, and workshop

              500 - 1000

              Camping, hiking, hunting, industrial uses, caving, fishing, find things over 1000 feet

              >1000

              Hunting, search & rescue, outdoor lighting,

              Type Of Battery – Rechargeable Or Disposable?

              • For outdoor use, you might need a flashlight powered by disposable batteries. The two most common sizes that are available in any local grocery store are AA and AAA. But sometimes, you will find a few makers allow their products to be operated by CR123A.
              • This is a higher-end option and a little bit harder to find but they provide higher voltage output while keeping smaller size and lighter weight.
              • It’s also key for many small, yet mighty flashlights on the market.
              • If you want a baton-sized flashlight for security, the D cell batteries are a good go-to but they’re also the hardest one to find.
              • Now when it comes to rechargeable batteries, the upfront cost might make some budget-minded individuals shy away from buying. But it is made up of the lower ongoing running cost if you intend to use the flashlight in the long term.
              • For indoor use, we highly recommend using this type of battery to reduce waste.

              Beam Type

              There are three common types of beam:

              Focused (or spot): Providing just one single beam that’s condensed into one spotlight to shine through a long distance. Best for fast-paced activities like route finding

              Fixed (or flood): It also offers one single beam but in this case, is a bit wider. Best for walking or camping

              Adjustable: Give a wide range of beam width ranges, from focused to fixed. Best for hiking and climbing.

              Which Brands Make The Most Powerful Flashlights?

              PHIXTON

              • Despite a young brand (founded in 2015), PHIXTON is considered one of the fastest-growing companies worldwide in manufacturing lighting products.
              • It’s well-known for the latest LED chip applications while still meeting relevant state laws, regulations and even rules of the WTO requirements for safety.

              BYB

              • BYB is a global leading brand for LED lighting products. Their products are boasted using the chip from Cree and that application has really leveraged the lighting performance to another level.

              Gearlight

              • GearLight is an American brand with an enormous supply chain to let it offer qualified lighting products at the most cost-effective price range, making it a strong competitor on the market.

              NoCry

              • “NoCry is more than just gear” – that’s why they describe themselves. This brand is specialized in producing rechargeable spotlights for safety. Through years of hard work, they have built an over 300k loyal customer community on Amazon.

              STANLEY

              • The longest-standing company in this list is STANLEY, founded in 1843. That’s no strange when it’s the most trusted worldwide brand. STANLEY’s products are known for their dependability and accuracy.

              FAQs

              How is the power of a flashlight rated?

              The power of nowadays LED flashlights is measured in lumens (or L) while the traditional is wattage.

              Are 1000 lumens good for a flashlight?

              A flashlight featuring 1000L is considered powerful enough to shine up a large space of 400 feet to 800 feet due to the beam zoom.

              According to that, it comes with various applications in real life, like searching for things, lighting, hiking at night, camping, or even self-defense.

              Are these lights dangerous?

              Many people wonder if powerful flashlights can cause damage to one’s eye. In fact, it depends on the intensity and how close it is put to your eyes.

              Pointing directly a 1000L flashlight or higher to someone might make them momentarily blind, which is useful for self-defense. If you keep staring at such intensity, your eyes will be more sensitive to light.

              How many lumens do I need?

              It is dependent on what you intend to use your flashlight for.

              To search for things or people, you should go for at least 1000 lumens.

              To light up an open area or a field, 400L to 1000L is enough while for night hiking, anything between 100L and 150L would be sufficient.

              Can such a powerful flashlight burn your skin or start a fire?

              You might hear that some powerful flashlights can set things on fire and even burn one’s skin. It’s true as long as the brightness of that flashlight is 4000 lumens or higher.

              Conclusion

              In search of the most powerful flashlight in a virtual marketplace is exceedingly struggling because you’re easily appealed to what you don’t really need. So before starting this game, you should clarify the most important features to you. We hope this guide is helpful until the end.

              Thanks for reading!


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