The 18650 lithium-ion battery is one of the most popular battery form factors in production. Its size and features make it ideal for electronic applications, like laptop and electronic car batteries, and even portable battery chargers. Thanks to advancements in both battery and flashlight tech it’s developed into one of the best formats for an EDC light as we’ve seen in releases the past few years.
An 18650 (named for its 18 mm diameter, 65 mm length, and cylindrical shape) battery offers higher voltage, bigger capacity, and reusability, making it an ideal power source for flashlights. Modern 18650 lights push upwards of 3000 lumens in your pocket, more options for high color rendering, runtimes measured in weeks and months (yes, months), and no longer having to buy disposable batteries or chargers which is always good for the environment.
Below we’ve rounded up 10 of the best 18650 flashlights available so far this 2019. They’re lights that make full use of the battery’s capabilities but remain compact enough for everyday carry.
Fenix TK22UE
PurchaseKey Features
IP68 rating
USB Type-C rechargeable battery
Strike bezel
Specifications
Max Output
1,600 lumens
Weight
5.29 oz
Length
5.91“
The beauty of carrying an 18650 light is how much power you get in what’s a relatively small, pocketable size. This is the “Ultimate Edition” of the Fenix TK22, boasting a max 1600 lumens out the front and an impressive throw distance of ~1330 feet. For convenience, it’s compatible with all of your USB Type-C charging accessories. The tactically-oriented TK22UE sports a strong IP68-rated waterproof aircraft grade aluminum body also sports a tungsten steel bezel for glass breaking in an emergency situation as well.
Nitecore P12 (2019)
PurchaseKey Features
IPX8 rating
ATR (Advanced Temperature Regulation)
Side switch and tactical tail switch
Specifications
Max Output
1,200 lumens
Weight
2.92 oz
Length
6.06“
The updated P12 in 2019 actually ships with a slightly longer 21700 battery, but it’s still compatible with 18650 and CR123 cells for maximum compatibility. With those flexible power options, you can enjoy a full 1,200 lumens out the front with a throw of out to ~780 feet. But the best part about the light is its integrated ATR technology that automatically regulates the output of the light based on your use and its temperature to ensure a long effective runtime without getting dangerously hot in your hands.
SureFire Fury Intellibeam Dual Fuel
PurchaseKey Features
IntelliBeam technology for automatic output
Virtually-indestructible LED emitter
Micro-USB rechargeable 18650 battery
Specifications
Max Output
1,500 lumens
Weight
6.5 oz (with battery)
Length
5.6“
The SureFire Fury IntelliBeam packs an impressive 1,500-lumen max output when combined with an 18650 battery. That battery is USB rechargeable, but if you prefer CR123A cells, you can opt to use those instead. IntelliBeam technology sets this light apart, able to sense your surroundings and automatically adjust its output from its max down to a low 15-lumen brightness. It can do all this without needing confusing button press sequences or fiddling with knobs and dials, letting you simply use the light and get to the task at hand. All in the super tough, duty-ready package SureFire is known for.
Olight Baton Pro
PurchaseKey Features
IPX8 rating
Reversible carry clip
Magnetic tailcap and USB charger
Specifications
Max Output
2,000 lumens
Weight
3.77 oz
Length
4.25“
The Baton Pro is the latest from perennial EDC-favorite LED flashlight brand Olight, and its impressive melding of impressive 2,000 lumen output, small 4.25″ size, and simple side-switch operation truly makes it one of the best options for you out there. The bi-directional pocket clip allows for versatile carry options in your pocket and easy attachment to your gear, and its magnetic tail cap allows for seamless recharging, or placement of the light strategically on things it can stick to.
ThruNite TC15
PurchaseKey Features
IPX8 rating
Micro-USB charging
Neutral white tint option
Specifications
Max Output
2,300 lumens
Weight
2.5 oz
Length
4.8“
The ThruNite TC15 is a light built around extremes. At its maximum, its Cree XHP35 can put out 2,300 lumens on Turbo out to 807 feet. That impressive power is matched only by its economic 1-lumen Firefly mode, giving you a full 41.5 days of light for long-term emergency use. There’s a temperature regulation system to prevent overheating during heavy use, and it’ll keep running in both very cold and very warm temperatures, and even underwater down to IPX8 specifications when you need it.
Emisar D4V2 Ti SST20 4000K
PurchaseKey Features
IP67 rating
Advanced interface
Auxiliary LEDs
Specifications
Max Output
3,000 lumens (SST20)
Weight
2.2 oz (without battery)
Length
3.8“
The unique premium titanium and copper body of the enthusiast choice Emisar D4V2 cuts a striking look, but it’s not all appearances with this light. The quad SST20 4000K LED module setup allows for a wide and bright 3,000 lumens out the front. And because the SST20 LEDs are rated for 95 CRI, it’s suitable for times when seeing accurate colors when you’re working is important, like when dealing with electrical wires. The D4V2 also comes with one of the most advanced user interfaces on the market (Andúril), and even comes with colored auxiliary LEDs that can be configured as a locator, battery indicator, or simply looking cool.
Manker BLF A6
PurchaseKey Features
IPX8 rating
Compact profile
Affordable price
Specifications
Max Output
1,600 lumens
Weight
2.8 oz (without battery)
Length
4.72“
This Manker light is one of the lowest-profile, and affordable lights on this list, without the sharp edges and embellishments lights in this category tend to have. And at 4.72″ long with its cylindrical profile, it’s got a simple and sleek shape that’s perfect for pocket carry. It offers uncomplicated tailswitch operation, and a maximum output of 1,600 lumens out the front via its Cree XP-L LED, making the light a compact and affordable powerhouse
Acebeam TK18 AL
PurchaseKey Features
3 LED options
Anti-slip knurling
Reversible gold-plated clip
Specifications
Max Output
,000 lumens (Samsung LH351D)
Weight
2.04 oz
Length
4.13″
Versatility is the name of the game with Acebeams TK18 AL. You have three different LED module options to choose from: a powerful 3,000 lumen option with the Samsung LH351D, a throw-maximizing option with an Osram KW CSLNM1.TG, and a 90+ CRI Nichia 219C module available as well. Whichever option you choose, you get three LEDs’ worth of output in a compact 4.13″ long body with a tactical strike plate.
Sofirn SP32A V2.0
PurchaseKey Features
Side switch operation
USB rechargeable
Affordable price
Specifications
Max Output
1,300 lumens
Weight
7.2 oz
Length
4.84″
The Sofirn SP32A provides great value for money, giving you a powerful Cree XP-L2 LED module powered by a USB-rechargeable 18650 battery. It can put out a strong 1,300 lumens out the front on Turbo without being too big for your pockets. And with its battery level indicator on the side operating switch, you won’t ever be caught off guard with a light that’s out of juice when you need it most.
Lumintop FW3A SST20
PurchaseKey Features
IPX8 rating
Light and compact
Advanced interface
Specifications
Max Output
2,400 lumens (SST20)
Weight
1.86 oz
Length
3.64″
The Lumintop FW3A is a light built by and for enthusiasts, packing a ton of features into the the palm of your hand. It’s ultra-compact at just 3.64 inches in length but it still packs a serious punch. At the front end you get a Luminus SST20 LED three-diode module, and you can also choose a Cree XP-L or Nichia 219CT set up if you prefer. Output is controlled with the electronic tail switch and via the super-versatile Andúril firmware, which provides a smooth ramp across the brightness settings with instant access to Turbo and other settings.
What’s your favorite 18650 light? Sound off in the comments below!
