Anyone can recommend a throwaway flashlight. And to be honest most flashlights available online are cheap replicas of proven designs or are cheaply made. Yes, they can represent good value because they offer LED bulbs and fairly bright lighting, but they are not made well, and they tend to fail at the most inopportune times.
The best and Brightest Tactical flashlight will not always be the most expensive, but the one that you can count on will be an accurate presentation of what is available at the top tier for these types of lights. The number of lumens it gives off will be a fair representation instead of an overinflated bit of marketing hype.
The finest quality tactical lights can work under all conditions and will blow the competition away with their attention to detail, ease of use and sophisticated builds that make it easy for the user to put it into action.
This article is focused on legitimately showcasing the finest flashlights on the planet, with the brightest tactical flashlights that have proven to be accurate and long-lasting in their use in real-world scenarios.
This is not a random collection of bestsellers that represent the needs of inexperienced users, this is a well-vetted list of the brightest tactical flashlights that can be used in some of the worlds harshest environments and still survive to be used again.
12 Best Tactical Flashlights
1. Streamlight 88040 ProTac HL
Streamlight 88040
2 used from $68.13
Features
- Compact size at just over 5 inches
- High/Low/Strobe modes
- TEN-TAP Programming to choose your preferred operating mode
- Personal carry light with pocket clip
- IPX7 waterproof; Anti-roll head prevents it from rolling away when you set it down
Streamlight 88040 ProTac is a very nice choice for those who need an inexpensive, mid-sized tactical flashlight that has a good throw and a powerful general use beam type.
Three settings and 3 different option sets for those settings with quality materials and multiple colors, in case your idea of tactical includes pink or blue anodized aircraft-grade aluminum.
Approximate Lumen Rating: 750 lumens
Throw: on high, approximately a 270m beam distance
Pros
- Small, but quality construction
- Great brightness for the size
- Streamlight is a proven brand that offers exceptional service
Cons
- Small, and can get warm
- Not Streamlight’s best offering, despite good value for the money
Why It’s Recommended
Streamlight is known for producing top-quality duty flashlights, which are proven in legitimate scenarios over years of use. While this isn’t the top offering for duty use by Streamlight, this is a significant value for money and offers 3 modes to balance performance with longevity.
2. OLIGHT Bundle
Features
| Binding | Misc. |
| Brand | OLIGHT |
| Color | Black |
| Item Dimensions | Height: 268; Length: 508; Weight: 147; Width: 205 |
| Label | Olight |
| Legal Disclaimer | This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. |
| Manufacturer | Olight |
| MPN | X7R |
| Package Dimensions | Height: 339; Length: 669; Weight: 250; Width: 630 |
| Package Quantity | 1 |
| Part Number | X7R |
| Product Group | Sports |
| Product Type Name | SPORTING_GOODS |
| Publisher | Olight |
| Studio | Olight |
| Title | OLIGHT Bundle: olight x7r rechargeable flashlight cree LED 12000 lumen most user-friendly ultra bright flashlight updated verions of olight x6 marauder with olight patch |
OLIGHT offers some of the best materials and builds quality in the tactical flashlight game, and this is a monster of a floodlight for when you absolutely need to know what is in the surrounding area.
Approximate Lumen Rating: 12000 lumens
Throw: This is generally considered a floodlight option
Pros
- Exceptional floodlight
- Exceptional build quality
- Generally considered one of the best companies making flashlights currently
Cons
- Not exceptional throw
- Some complaints about internal battery pack not being user accessible
Why It’s Recommended
There is not a higher quality manufacturer across an entire portfolio of products as what OLIGHT offers. The materials and component parts are absolutely top tier. The brightness of the flood leaves nothing to chance in a true tactical scenario.
3. Olight PL-2
Features
| Binding | Misc. |
| Brand | OLIGHT |
| Color | PLII |
| Item Dimensions | Height: 1.7; Length: 4.9; Width: 2.5 |
| Label | Olight |
| Manufacturer | Olight |
| MPN | PLII |
| Number Of Items | 1 |
| Package Dimensions | Height: 165; Length: 488; Weight: 40; Width: 244 |
| Package Quantity | 1 |
| Part Number | PLII |
| Product Group | Home Improvement |
| Product Type Name | TOOLS |
| Publisher | Olight |
| Studio | Olight |
| Title | Bundle : Olight PL-2,PL2, pl ii Valkyrie 1200 Lumen rail mounted compact pistol light with 2 x cr123a batteries weaponlight flashlight with olight patch |
As a weapon light, the Olight PL-2 Bundle is virtually unmatched for the money, with a low cost of entry, and a popular light style. The weakest link is the CR123 batteries, and that is a decent weak link to have as the service capacity of those batteries is high.
Approximate Lumen Rating: 1200 lumens
Throw: on high, approximately a 235m beam distance
Pros
- Good throw, but still decent for room clearing operations as needed, with a large reflector too
- Versatile mounting options for many types of guns
Cons
- Light throttling can happen quickly with batteries that aren’t at full capacity
Why It’s Recommended
OLIGHT quality and durability are legendary. The fact that the price point is so good only adds to the value proposition of this light. For those who want to throw on their firearm, this is a potent offering.
4. Nitecore Tiny Monster TM26
Features
- The world's Smallest & Brightest LED-flashlight - 4000 Lumens Version now Shipping!
- 4x 3400 mAh Genuine Nitecore protected Rechargeable 18650 batteries
- Integrated multi-function OLED display
- Built-in intelligent charging circuit with voltage detection charges safely and rapidly
- Bundle include: TM26, 4 x Nitecore 3400mAh 18650 Batteries, A/C Charger, Car Charger, Lumen Tactical Keychain Light
Nitecore is a very high-quality device; what’s more, the Nitecore batteries are some of the best on the market. The chargers and power source options are top-notch. Four heads offer a blinding set of LEDs that give unprecedented throw for a lumen level of “only” 4000.
Approximate Lumen Rating: 4000 lumens
Throw: on high, approximately a 454m beam distance
Pros
- 4 LED heads
- Excellent quality
Cons
- Pricey
- Not as bright as some other competitively priced lights
Why It’s Recommended
This flashlight punches well above its weight class, and despite its hefty price point, it is an exceptional performer. The NITECORE package that comes as part of this purchase adds to the value of the light and the continued performance of this great tactical flashlight.
5. Zebralight
Features
- Proprietary heat sinking design bonds the LED board directly to the unibody aluminum casing, providing unblocked thermal paths to over 92% of the surface area.
- Durable natural hard anodized finish (Type III Class I)
- Tempered optical grade glass
- Battery power can be locked out by slightly unscrewing the tailcap to prevent unwanted activations or parasitic drain
- Waterproof to IPX7 (2 meters, 30 minutes)
Although the Zebralight is not super bright and it uses a battery type that isn’t of peak output for the top-quality lights in this genre, it is of exceptional build quality, and it has a long life with those supposedly inferior batteries.
If you need an excuse to have a light with you full time this is a very nice option and it will last forever if treated properly.
Approximate Lumen Rating: 285 lumens
Throw: This is generally considered a floodlight option
Pros
- Very small and lasts a long time with batteries
Cons
- Takes 14500 batteries (as well as AA’s), which works fine for this light, but isn’t the power that larger cells offer
- Not the brightest light and not particularly focused on beam
Why It’s Recommended
Built like a brick house and made for everyday carry in a pocket or even on a large keyring. This is not the most impressive light on paper for the money, but it’s not the numbers that make this a top choice.
It’s all the other intangibles and super high-quality build that puts the Zebralight at the top of the list for the tactical lights of this size and type.
6. ThruNite TN42
Features
- TN42 is one high powerful thrower LED lights on the market, using one advanced CREE XHP35 HI LEDs to get max beam distance of 1550m
- ThruNite ITC technology to prevents possible damage from overheating.Intelligent and ergonomic user-friendly interface
- Uses one advanced CREE XHP35 HI LEDs Please use protected 18650 battery, the length of the battery should be no less than 68mm
- The high output reaches 2000 lumens and the IPX-8 waterproof level
- TN42 is equiped with 18650 battery holder, no battery come with flashlight
You won’t believe your eyes when you see the throw on the ThruNite TN42 light for what it costs to buy it. It is not the brightest, and the color scale tints bluish, but the light is exceptional for anything that you need real throw for.
Approximate Lumen Rating: 1700 lumens
Throw: on high, approximately a 1550m beam distance
Pros
- Almost unbelievable, but legitimate throw – almost a mile away.
- The brightest flashlight for long distances at anywhere near the price point
- The next closest competitor is 80% more in cost
Cons
- Complicated model system, that makes it hard to nail down what you are getting for which models
Why It’s Recommended
At a mile away, you can get a legitimate light transfer, with this posing as one of the best mid-range search and rescue lights anywhere for the money. The ThruNite TN42 is much smaller than anything of its throw and much easier to operate than any of its much bigger competitors.
7. Fenix E15
Features
- Max 450 lumens using CREE XP-G2 R5 White LED
- Digitally regulated output maintains constant brightness,4 brightness levels
- Made of durable aircraft-grade aluminum
- Intelligent drive circuit for better battery performance
- This bundle includes Fenix ARB-L16 rechargeable battery and EdisonBright CR123A battery
The Fenix E15 is a purchase you won’t regret with the powerful lighting option fitting easily on a keychain and weighing less than a couple of ounces with a battery. The price will easily be forgotten when you recognize the utility.
Approximate Lumen Rating: 450 lumens
Throw: This is generally considered a floodlight option
Pros
- A tiny footprint small enough for carrying by anyone in any situation
- The battery lasts a very long time
- Plenty bright for a very flood specific little light, which gives enough throw for the small size to feel adequate
Cons
- Twist on/off feature instead of push-button
Why It’s Recommended
When you need a flashlight you never have one; with this Fenix E15, you will always have one. It is the epitome of “tactical”, to have planned for every eventuality.
8. Thorfire
Features
- 【2-IN-1 Perfect Combination】ThorFire combination camping lantern and flashlight.It is a convenient and powerful piece of camping and home equipment.With three classic lighting modes, which can meet your needs in different conditions,lighting time up to 20 hours.
- 【Rechargeble Methods 】This solar lantern flashlight has a built-in 1200mAH battery, can be re-charged with the included USB Cable (1.5hrs) or by Solar Power (24hrs). It's a must have tacktical tool for any outdoor activity.
- 【Compact & Portable】This camping lamp has only 232g and doesn't need to take up too much space. The concealed hook design allows the flashlight to be placed on a flat surface.With the included carabiner，you can hung on a tent，branch or your bag.
- 【Three Lighting Modes】ThorFire Camping lanterns have three lighting modes: Low/Mid/High. Brightness is 80LM(High), 40LM(Mid), 15LM(Low) which meets different lighting requirements. The High mode is ideal for camping, hiking, reading and the mid/low mode is great as an area light or as a tent light.
- 【What You Get】1x ThorFire Camping Lantern, 1x DC/Micro USB Charging Cable, 1x User Manual; ThorFire's ONE YEAR hassle-free after-sales service. Order with no worries!
A collaboration between one of the largest flashlight-specific internet forums and ThorFire, this is a competent light at a ridiculously low price that gives exceptional value for money. With high performance in lumen count and nice throw, this is a budget winner for those who need a good throw and long life.
Approximate Lumen Rating: 5000 lumens
Throw: on high, approximately a 450m beam distance
Pros
- IPX8 waterproof to 2 meters
- Inexpensive considering the features
- Tripod mountable with built-in screw lock
Cons
- Hard to change settings
Why It’s Recommended
The ThorFire is well made and has features and performance specifications that are legitimate. Yes, it’s not perfect; the settings can be odd to change; the materials aren’t the highest quality available, but the durability and materials are good enough, that when you pair that with the lumen count and throw, you find that the price is amazing for what you get.
9. FENIX TK72R
Features
- 9000 lumen output using 3 Cree XHP70 LED's with a lifespan of 50,000 hours
- Orange peel reflector
- Includes 7.2V/7000mAh Li-ion battery pack
- OLED digital display panel for remaining runtime, current output, and battery percentage
- Bundle includes a EdisonBright brand USB charging cable.
Some people online complain that Fenix is a company that rips off other intellectual property. In the case of the TK72R, the performance relative to other available options seems to point to the fact that Fenix got it right with this one, and that it is class-leading.
If you’re the best in class, why would you need to steal technology? We can’t say how true this allegation is, but for the money, this tactical flashlight is hard to beat.
Approximate Lumen Rating: 9000 lumens
Throw: on high, approximately a 286m beam distance
Pros
- Great digital readout
- High lumens
- Decent throw (286m)
Cons
- Pricey
- Only 50 minutes of runtime at max
Why It’s Recommended
The versatility and capability of the Fenix TK72R light are amazing. The compact nature of the light paired with the flood-type beam that still throws at 286m maximum offers a legitimate all-purpose tactical light that has no real competitors in build quality, versatility, and outright performance for most of what you would want.
10. FENIX TK35
Features
- 3200 lumen max with CREE XHP70 HI neutral white LED with a lifespan of 50,000 hours
- Micro USB rechargeable battery holder; 2 X 3500mAh rechargeable batteries included.
- Dual tactical tail switches
- Toggle switch for free switching between tactical, outdoor and lockout modes
- Bundle include EdisonBright BBX3 battery carry case.
An upgrade to the previous version; and an upgrade to just about any flashlight that you’d be looking to replace. For the money, the performance is exceptional. The Fenix TK35 is the brightest tactical light in the size class.
Approximate Lumen Rating: 3200 lumens
Throw: on high, approximately a 300m beam distance
Pros
- For the size and weight of this tactical light, this is the best bang for the buck and the weight of any light
- Spectacular value for money
- Decent run time
- Nearly 2 hours of run time at peak
Cons
- Heavily reliant on excellent quality batteries
- It will cost a bit of extra money to get extra batteries and accessories to make it a full-time light
Why It’s Recommended
If you have the money to support the Fenix TK35 flashlight with the extra batteries of top-quality manufacture, this is perhaps the best frequent-use flashlight in all the flashlight reviews on this list. The money you spend is well spent if you want the best performance and versatility in use.
11. Tongth
Features
- 【Super bright & long-lasting high-powered functionality, taclight is and cost-efficient. Super bright high performance LED flashlight are 40x brighter than your regular flashlight, bulbs last more than 100, 000 hours.
- 【High quality high quality aluminum alloy material, Sturdy and durable enough. Lotus top design can protect the lens, control cutting technology, rhombus skid-proof and ipx-6 waterproof. It's perfect for use in the rain, snow or emergency situations.
- 【5 light modes: tongth LED flashlight supports five Switchable modes, high/medium/low/strobe/SOS. Powerful 1600 Lumen LED generates a brilliant large area floodlight or a perfectly focused spotlight over a beam distance of 656ft.
- 【Zoomable flashlight & adjustable focus: tongth LED flashlight allows you to select focus between spot and flood beams. You can adjustable focus range for different usage, stretching to adjust its focus and get spot beam or flood beams you need, super bright Zoomable focus perfect for distant observation and wide range illumination.
- 【Widely use water resistant, skid proof pocket design makes it the best power tool for outdoor activities. Perfect for camping, hiking, patrols, fishing, dog walking, power outages, emergencies and general household use. You can keep the LED flashlight in your room or in your car for daily use, A great gift to a friend or family member.
The Tongth is not a novelty, even if innovative technology seems like a novelty. The real question for users is: can you justify allowing yourself to be held hostage to a circuit board’s “brain” in a time when more light might be your wish, but the environment may not be able to justify it per the protocols of the light.
That said, the technology alone can be a huge benefit for certain settings, especially when adrenaline is high because you will get a proven track record of performance out of this SureFire light.
Approximate Lumen Rating: 1000 lumens
Throw: generally considered a hybrid that offers a little of throw and a little of flood
Pros
- Good power management, despite a just OK battery
- A hybrid between throw and flood
Cons
- Battery life is just ok
- Some early quality control issues
- A smart interface may be a bit lacking for those who MUST have extraordinary brightness
- Almost ridiculously priced
Why It’s Recommended
It’s the second generation of technology that is beginning to come into its own and will prove valuable in the future.
For those who have a need for a regulated power supply and don’t need extreme specifications, there are few lights that can compete on the same level with a Tongth, and with this as a duty light where you need to focus on other things.
This is a great light for patrols where other ambient environmental lights will be able to aid in peripheral vision.
12. Sunwayman T60CS
Features
- CREE XM-L U2 LED, with a lifetime of up to 50,000 hours
- Soft-contact Side Switch; In flashlight Charging with Optional charger.
- One Turbo mode, Three modes constant output and hidden Strobe, SOS
- Turbo Mode: 2100 Lumens
- Uses three 18650 or six CR123A (16340) batteries (Not included)
A nice, versatile light that will serve you well for a wide selection of use cases. The Sunwayman T60CS is a top-quality offering from the Sunwayman brand, but it is also a stout performer among the field of competitors in the price range.
Approximate Lumen Rating: 1680 lumens with a 2100 lumen turbo mode
Throw: on high, approximately a 372m beam distance
Pros
- Smart circuitry
- Nice specs
Cons
- Consistency in manufacture is not as high as it should be at times
- Price fluctuates often
Why It’s Recommended
Yes, it is pricey, but it is also a powerhouse, spec-wise. The Sunwayman T60CS is a solid performer in the price range and will offer good service and a smart power outlay.
Key Information
Lumens
If you take the exact definition of a Lumen, it seems to be more complicated than it actually is. The definition is as follows: the SI unit of luminous flux, equal to the amount of light emitted per second in a unit solid angle of one steradian from a uniform source of one candela.
The reality of the lumen variable is that the higher the number, the brighter light will appear. There is a point at which lumens begin to demonstrate a diminishing return. At that point, a flashlight must be of significantly higher lumen count relative to another to show a substantial perceived increase in brightness relative to another light.
It’s exceptionally important to understand that the Lumen count is a focal point for fraudulent claims. It is the single factor that is targeted by marketers and outright fraudsters who are trying to sell an inferior light, at a shockingly low price as a better light than it actually is.
Smoke and mirrors have always been a part of the marketing landscape for new technology, in this case, it’s LEDs and Mirrors.
The lumen counts in this article are very accurate. The backing for that statement is deeply rooted in the fact that the companies that make the flashlights are very credible on their own, but also because these lights, relative to their peers, are significantly the outperforming devices when put head to head with cheaper, lower quality options.
Reality
The reality is that most claims of lumen count are ridiculously over the top and generally when it comes to pirated technology or the stolen aesthetics that come with most bargain versions of the newest tactical flashlights, they are outright lies.
Most LED’s in the cheaper versions of the newest tactical flashlight for under $50 are copies made with inferior materials, of the brand name LED’s that are selected for the brightest tactical flashlights. The brightest flashlight will have a top-quality LED bulb – not a knock-off, of unproven capability.
For that matter, it’s important to recognize that there is no other type of bulb at this point for the best tactical flashlights. It’s ALL about the LED now.
The life expectancy, improved color shading, and general benefits of the LED bulb are so advanced at this point, that no other bulb type will ever be able to be placed in a top tier tactical flashlight until a massive innovation in technology is available, for now, the LED is safe where it is at.
Xenon bulbs are expensive and while they can be competitive in thrown and lumen output, they simply are too hard to find and cost too much to stay in the race for innovation in the flashlight technology spectrum.
There is nothing wrong with buying a cheap LED flashlight for tactical or general use purposes, but there must be a good understanding of the capabilities of the flashlight you choose. This list will not feature any fake flashlights, and the general price point will be significantly higher for the lights on this list compared to the cheap knock-offs.
If you determine a cheap flashlight is the way to go, expect to use more batteries for less output of light and to need to replace it as a working tool faster than other lights.
Note: many serious users of top-quality flashlights also employ the services of cheaper, lower quality tactical flashlights but they are ordinarily used in general use settings where reliability and power may not be as important a factor.
Power Source
The output can be directly related to the power source. The two major battery types are 18650 and 16340 (CR123A).
Outside of the tactical flashlights that utilize removable batteries many of the best tactical lights utilize internal batteries for a combination of reasons. One reason is the control of the circuitry that allows for these high-power flashlights to maintain comfortable, safe temperatures and prevent internal damage through overuse of the circuits.
Another reason is to add enhanced capacity or increased “bandwidth” through higher voltages. The enhanced circuitry and having a proprietary internal power source allow additional attention to detail in the charging source.
This allows better harmony between component parts which allows for a larger amount of influence over how the parts work together – fewer aftermarket parts and less opportunity for failure.
For the devices on this tactical flashlight reviews list, the quality control and brand service levels are quite high across the board, so, in the case of a failure, which will be much rarer than with knock-off lights, you will have a company that stands behind their product.
As a matter of course, batteries are also a target for ridiculous claims. The reigning champion of tactical flashlight batteries of the removable variety is the 18650. The claims from different battery manufacturers about the life expectancy or the actual outputs of these batteries is an exercise in ridiculousness at best.
The chance for fake batteries in legitimate brand wrappers is very high. You have a realistic chance of buying fake batteries and being burned by them – literally. Some of the fake batteries have a significant risk of catching fire, and other concerns.
Buying the top-quality brands that offer 18650 batteries will give you a legitimate chance of success in top-tier flashlights. Great 18650’s and 16340’s produce the brightest flashlight.
Using the proper voltage and power sources when charging internal battery packs also contributes to the performance of the luminous flux of the lights you use and need to count on.
Throw and Flood
The throw is a term that explains the focal point of a beam upon a surface in the distance. The longer the throw is, the further that a spotlight can be illuminated on the surface. The throw is a specific representation of the combination of the brightness of the light and the reflectiveness and angle of the reflector system, including surface texture and other component variables.
Flood-type lights are those which attempt to shorten the throw to allow for a more usable effect in the short term distance from the user which allows a larger field of view to be illuminated to improve situational awareness, among other aspects for the user.
Usually, a light can pick one or the other in design, but some lights are “throwers” that also have flood effects as overspill. That said, they each have their purposes.
A hard-throwing light would be less useful in a room clearing operation where the light would be a small pinpoint compared to the need for a large amount of light in a small amount of space. In addition, using a floodlight to illuminate a threat to deescalate a potential problem at a long distance requires a focused beam.
Deciding on a personal preference can be a hard choice because different situations require different actions. Fortunately, there are some tactical flashlights that give adjustable beams that can alter the throw a bit.
Additionally, there are flashlights that have so much light output that some clear overflow light will allow for a long-distance thrower to have a flood effect in immediate and intermediate areas.
Size and Other Considerations
The truth about flashlights is that the best tactical flashlight is the one you have on you when you need it. For those who are not tactical operators or who don’t have a job that necessitates the full-time carrying of a larger flashlight, size matters.
The smaller the size, while still offering adequate light output – the easier it is to always have a light with you. Part of these flashlight reviews is helping you to find a tool that is used as often as possible. Size facilitates more frequent carry, and thus, more usability. Brand credibility and material choice are major factors both in pricing and incapability for your flashlight.
Top-tier brands do not skimp. Sure, every brand can tout “aircraft aluminum” or “CREE LEDs”, but not all flashlights offer the top products in the CREE portfolio, or the highest quality alloys of aluminum, or titanium for that matter. Materials mean something with regards to longevity, capability, and everyday use.
These qualities help to make up a well-rounded flashlight. What you must do now, is determine which attributes make the most sense applying to what you wish to accomplish.
Bottom Line
Some people carry a gun daily and never use it for 20+ years. Some never even draw it from a holster except during range use. The versatility and utility of a tactical flashlight extend beyond the occasional use in a dark room to flip a breaker box switch.
When you force yourself to use a flashlight because it is near you and at your disposal, it becomes an almost inseparable part of you, whereby you have options when you need them.
Yes, a flashlight doesn’t often have the same power to change an outcome as does a concealed carry gun in its element, but in a natural disaster or in an opportunity to deter crime by shedding light on a shadow lurking behind a bush or a building, a flashlight will be incredibly useful.
This list of flashlight reviews seeks to help you to find, not only the brightest tactical flashlight but the best flashlight for your unique considerations.
Check out all the other tactical gear articles put together by the expert team at Guns & Safety Reviews below;
The Review
Brightest Tactical Flashlight
Tactical flashlights need to be reliable and powerful. Be sure to read through the detailed reviews before choosing the best product for your needs.
Review Breakdown
- Streamlight 88040
- OLIGHT Bundle
- Olight PL-2
- Nitecore Tiny Monster TM26
- Zebralight
- ThruNite TN42
- Fenix E15
- Thorfire
- FENIX TK72R
- FENIX TK35
- Tongth
- Sunwayman T60CS
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