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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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!
Jonathan Tayag is secretly an information technology and corporate security expert who prefers to moonlight as a creative event and commercial photographer whenever possible. His varied experience and substantial travels have led him to seek, without even thinking about it at first, the best gear for the best use at the best price available. Before the concept of EDC (everyday carry) firmly took hold, Jonathan already spent untold amounts of time optimizing for the best-in-slot pieces of gear, from cameras and lenses to pocket knives, pens, and bags and packs. In November 2015, Jonathan joined EverydayCarry.com and has since written numerous articles and guides to help impart his knowledge to the community as a whole.
Jonathan's photographic works have appeared on numerous online websites, print, video, and television outlets for over a decade. Jonathan's previous clients include Blizzard Entertainment, Red Bull, ESL, Razer, and several other endemic and non-endemic esports sponsors and brands. His work also features heavily in online competitive gaming communities, especially those of the StarCraft and Fighting Game genres. You've likely seen his work if you've spent time in a stream or in-game chat over the years.
Bernard Capulong is an everyday carry (EDC) gear expert, entrepreneur, all-around nerd, and the founder and editor-in-chief of EverydayCarry.com—the largest online community for EDC gear enthusiasts. Since founding Everyday Carry in 2009, he’s built over a decade of experience in the industry, reviewing and highlighting brands and products, including pocket knives, flashlights, wallets, watches, bags, pens, and much more.
Bernard is known for bringing everyday carry out of obscurity and into the mainstream, having been published or featured in various publications such as GQ, TIME Magazine, The New York Times, VICE, HYPEBEAST, Outside, and many others. He has also played a part in curating, designing, and developing digital and physical products, resulting in successful crowdfunding projects or limited edition collaboration products with established softgoods brands. He stays on the pulse of the EDC industry by attending trade shows, participating in online interest communities, and actively engaging with fellow gear enthusiasts on social media.
In addition to being the editor-in-chief and main social media personality for EverydayCarry.com, Bernard is an avid gearhead and collector in general. His personal collections span technical bags, fountain pens, digital cameras, retro gaming hardware, personal hi-fi audio gear, and mechanical wristwatches, to name a few. Bernard Capulong is a prominent figure and trusted authority in the everyday carry industry with a career dedicated to helping people discover this hobby and stay prepared with quality gear.
For discussion purposes, the Acebeam is just under 3,000 lumens IF you are telling me the Emisar D4 only comes as 3,000. The D4V2 is 4,200 ansi lumens, and nearly 5,300 lumens at turn on. Other LED options are no longer much less than that, and the quick link did not say lumen output.
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