They say the best camera you have is the one you have with you, which is also true regarding flashlights. A full-sized tactical flashlight might be fantastic in every way, but a lot of good it’ll do you sitting in the trunk of your car when you’re out and about. Whether hiking some trails, fixing something under the sink, or in an emergency, you may need something a little more powerful than the built-in smartphone flashlight. For all those moments and everything in-between, a mini flashlight will get the job done.
A solid keychain light could be the perfect combination of powerful and practical to handle most everyday situations. Thanks to battery and LED tech advancements, smaller flashlights have become a staple in many EDC setups due to their durability, brightness, and convenience. In this list, we rounded up some of the best flashlights we could find that are small enough to fit on your keychain.
Best Keychain Flashlights — 2023 Edition
Best Overall Keychain Flashlight: Nitecore TINI 2 Ti [Buy] / [Full Review]
Best Budget Keychain Flashlight: Skilhunt E3A [Buy]
Most Lightweight Keychain Flashlight: TEC Accessories Pixel [Buy] / [Full Review]
The Brightest Keychain Flashlight: Imalent LD10 [Buy] / [Full Review]
The Most Versatile Keychain Flashlight: RovyVon Angel Eyes E5 [Buy]
TEC Accessories Pixel Keychain Flashlight
PurchaseKey Features
Square body design
Water-resistant
Twist activation
Specifications
Emitter
Proprietary emitter
Weight
0.448 oz
Material
Titanium
A good flashlight doesn’t need to be a large one, and the TEC Accessories Pixel is proof. This titanium flashlight is about 1.8 inches long and weighs 0.26 ounces, essentially invisible on your keychain. Its square body also prevents it from rolling around on a flat surface. The Pixel flashlight comes in two LED options: cool white (25 lumens) or warm white (21 lumens). You can only activate the light by twisting it, so you can’t turn it on accidentally. At around $40, this flashlight won’t break the bank and is a great companion for almost everything.
Prometheus Lights Beta-QRv2 Keychain Flashlight
PurchaseKey Features
Unique quick-release system
IPX8-rated
High CRI output
Specifications
Emitter
Nichia 319A
Weight
0.96 oz
Material
Aluminum
The Prometheus Lights Beta-QRv2 is a classic in the EDC community. Not only because of its compact size and durable aluminum alloy build but also because it can output up to 90 high CRI lumens from a single AAA battery. That said, what makes this flashlight special is its quick-release mechanism. You can detach it from the keyring in a pinch and use it as a standalone item before returning it to its anchor point when the task is complete. It also comes in many color options, so you can have it blend into your everyday carry or stand out.
Peak Eiger Keychain Flashlight
PurchaseKey Features
Variable output
Multiple carry attachments
Water-resistant
Specifications
Emitter
CREE XP-G
Weight
3 oz
Material
Aluminum
EDC Rating
Just released
Price
$
For anyone needing the toughest keychain flashlight, you can check out the Peak Eiger. It’s perfect for EDC, thanks to a tough anodized aluminum body that can handle life on your keychain. Its unique feature is its resilience and its versatility. The light’s electronics are potted with thermal epoxy to protect against shock and water. Not to mention that it’s also water-resistant, and all openings are sealed with o-rings. Even the window is a scratch-resistant polycarbonate that is nigh unbreakable. It’s also able to use most AAA-sized battery chemistries to power one of three tints, each with a variable output thanks to Quantum Tunneling Composite (QTC) Technology that lets you adjust the light’s brightness. All that for around $50 makes this a great option for anyone that expects a little extra from their gear.
Fenix E03R Keychain Flashlight
PurchaseKey Features
USB-C rechargeable
IP66-rated
18-hour runtime on Eco
Specifications
Emitter
CA18
Weight
0.78 oz
Material
Aluminum
Fenix makes all kinds of great flashlight options, but the one that sticks out as a great keychain option is the Fenix E03R. Its aluminum construction makes it tough enough for EDC, but it’s also IP66 rated, making it completely waterproof. Its dual LEDs offer a bright white beam that can get up to 260 lumens or a 5-lumen red beam perfect for hiking or emergencies. The icing on top is that it has a rechargeable battery that can charge with any standard USB-C cable.
Streamlight Pocket Mate USB Keychain Flashlight
PurchaseKey Features
Micro USB rechargeable
Spring-loaded clip
IPX4-rated
Specifications
Emitter
Proprietary emitter
Weight
0.50 oz
Material
Aluminum
For a small yet powerful keychain flashlight, check out the Pocket Mate USB by Streamlight. This flashlight measures just 2 inches in length but has a beam distance of around 76 meters (249 feet). It can run for about 20 minutes on its highest output, giving you 325 lumens of brightness, but it’ll last up to an hour on its lowest setting. You can charge it back to full via the included micro-USB, which is nice. Plus, the power button lights up green or red to indicate where it is in the charging process.
Olight iXV Keychain Flashlight
PurchaseKey Features
USB-C rechargeable
Twist actvation
IPX8-rated
Specifications
Emitter
Chip scale package LED
Weight
0.78 oz
Material
Aluminum
The Olight iXV might be tiny, but it’s mighty, packing a 180-lumen beam into a high-quality package that fits your keychain. Its aluminum body is also IPX8 waterproof, so if you get stuck in the rain without an umbrella, you won’t have to worry about any damage to your light. On its highest setting, the Olight iXV will provide 23 minutes of runtime, but if you opt for the Low setting, it can run for 12 hours straight. In honor of the 15th anniversary of Olight, the twisting mechanism for powering on the flashlight has 15 grooves to commemorate the occasion. Besides, having a little extra grip doesn’t hurt.
NEBO Mycro Keychain Flashlight
PurchaseKey Features
Keychain ready
Colored light modes
Micro USB rechargeable
Specifications
Emitter
Proprietary emitter
Weight
3.2 oz
Material
Aluminum
With a shape that looks like a car alarm dongle, the NEBO Mycro won’t look out of place on your keys, and won’t be too big for daily carry at the same time. Its small design belies a serious amount of power: the Mycro can put a max of 400 lumens out of its small frame, and you can choose between six different modes to pick out the right amount of light needed for a task via the large side button. There’s even green and red light, the latter useful in low-light situations where you don’t want to ruin your adapted night vision.
Imalent LD10 Keychain Flashlight
PurchaseKey Features
Massive output
OLED display
IPX8-rated
Specifications
Emitter
CREE XP-L HI
Weight
5.6 oz
Material
Aluminum
When you want sheer power in a compact footprint, the Imalent LD10 is a great option. It’s small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, but it can put out a maximum of 1,200 lumens from CREE XP-L HI LED. Its 18350 battery is USB rechargeable and can power the light (at lower brightness levels) for 18 hours. The flashlight has a sleek minimalist look that won’t draw too much attention in public. Its military-grade anodized aluminum body is rated IPX8 water-resistant. It can be submerged in water to 6.5 feet or dropped from up to five feet on hard surfaces without breaking.
Skilhunt E3A Keychain Flashlight
PurchaseKey Features
Twist activation
8 colorways
IPX8-rated
Specifications
Emitter
Samsung LH351B
Weight
0.81 oz
Material
Aluminum
AAA lights offer a great combination of small size and power source availability. One new AAA keychain flashlight contender is the Skilhunt E3A, able to put out an impressive 100 lumens. The TIR optic in the head of the flashlight makes for a soft and balanced beam as well, making it very useful for lighting up a work area. And its simple twist operation is easily controlled in the dark without fumbling around for a small activation switch or clicking through modes to get what you need.
Nitecore TINI 2 Ti Keychain Flashlight
PurchaseKey Features
OLED display
USB-C rechargeable
Super compact size
Specifications
Emitter
Dual OSRAM P8
Weight
0.66 oz
Material
Aluminum
If you’re not a fan of guessing which brightness level you’re on every time you turn on a flashlight, you should check out the titanium Nitecore TINI 2 keychain flashlight. It has a built-in OLED screen that lets you know whether you’re on Low or High. Its Low mode has an output of only a single lumen while Turbo goes up to 500 lumens. It has dual OSRAM P8 LED lights that cover whether you dropped something under your seat or deep in the woods. As the name implies, this flashlight utilizes a titanium build yet still weighs less than 1 oz. The display also shows how much runtime you have remaining on a specific mode, so you’ll know whether you need to charge it soon.
RovyVon Aurora A4 Pro Ti Keychain Flashlight
PurchaseKey Features
USB-C rechargeable
Super lightweight
IPX6-rated
Specifications
Emitter
CREE XP-G3 / Nichia 219C
Weight
0.81 oz
Material
Titanium
The RovyVon Aurora A4 Pro Ti takes everything that EDCers love about RovyVon flashlights and wraps it in a lightweight titanium alloy. It weighs 24 grams (less than 1 oz) and is also IPX6 water-resistant. It features a 330mAh battery that you can recharge with any USB-C cable, and there’s even a lockout mode to prevent you from unintentionally activating it and draining the battery. You can choose between a CREE XP-G3 6500K or Nichia 219C high CRI LED with a max output of 650 and 420 lumens, respectively. This one is hard to beat for a quick and easy upgrade to your mini flashlight.
RovyVon Angel Eyes E5 Keychain Flashlight
PurchaseKey Features
Glow in the dark body
USB-C rechargeable
Warm white and red/UV side lights
Specifications
Emitter
Proprietary primary, warm white, red, UV
Weight
N/A
Material
GITD polyamide
EDC Rating
Just released
Price
$
If you want something with a unique look and a few versatile features, then the RovyVon Angel Eyes E5 is for you. It has front LEDs that come in either cool white or a high CRI, depending on your preferred lighting situation. Then there are the sidelights that offer a warmer white color with either an emergency red light or UV mode for good measure. Plus, the entire body of the flashlight glows in the dark, making it easy to find in low-light situations. It has a rechargeable battery that charges right over any standard USB-C cable, so you won’t have to also stock up on batteries to keep it going.
SureFire Titan Plus Keychain Flashlight
PurchaseKey Features
Wide MaxVision beam
Twist activation
Removable clip
Specifications
Emitter
Proprietary emitter
Weight
2.82 oz
Material
Nickel-plated brass
For a go-everywhere flashlight you don’t have to think twice about, get the SureFire Titan Plus. It’s a simple, reliable, indestructible light with three practical (and powerful) output settings at 300, 75, and 15 lumens. An included rechargeable NiMH AAA battery powers the light, but you can always swap it out for a standard alkaline or lithium cell in a pinch. It’s weather-resistant, so it’ll work fine in inclement weather, and it features a nickel-plated brass body that can survive almost anything. At around 3.4 inches in length, it’s longer than some of the other options on this list but still a great option for a tough keychain flashlight if you have room for it.
Manker E02 II Keychain Flashlight
PurchaseKey Features
Right-angle flashlight
Magnetic tail cap
IPX8-rated
Specifications
Emitter
Luminus SST-20
Weight
0.75 oz
Material
Aluminum
Sometimes, a flashlight that only points straight won’t cut it. The Manker E02 II has a 90-degree beam that lets you angle the flashlight when the task demands it. Pair that with a magnetic tail cap, and it becomes even more useful. You can attach it to a metal surface when doing something that requires both hands. It has a Luminus SST20 bulb and accepts a single AAA battery or a 10440 lithium-ion ion battery, providing a lumen output of 220 or 420 lumens. The flashlight is also rated IPX8 waterproof and impact-resistant up to two meters so that it can survive the daily wear and tear of life on your EDC keychain.
EAGTAC Teeny DX3E Keychain Flashlight
PurchaseKey Features
Massive output
IPX6-rated
USB-C rechargeable
Specifications
Emitter
Luminus SST-20
Weight
0.91 oz
Material
Aluminum
EDC Rating
Just released
Price
$
When you need light and a lot of it, the EAGTAC Teeny DX3E might be the one you should reach for. Even though it’s small and weighs less than 1 oz, it has a Luminus SST20 LED bulb with an impressive 1,000 lumens of max output. Of course, the runtime drops to about 30 minutes on max brightness. Thankfully, there are seven other light modes to choose from, so you can get the right amount of light needed for the job. It has a stainless steel body that can take a beating plus an IPX6 rating, making it completely waterproof. For $30, this is one of the best deals on this list if what you want is a small, super-bright light.
What Is a Keychain Flashlight Good For?
A good keychain flashlight can come in handy in plenty of situations. If you’ve been hiking near dusk and tried to use your smartphone flashlight to light the path, you’ll know just how useless it can be. Most modern keychain flashlights are powerful enough to be genuinely helpful if you’re navigating a trail, a dark campsite, or even around the house during a power outage. They’re beneficial for finding things that fall into the pit of doom under every car seat. One underappreciated fact about a keychain flashlight is how convenient they are. After all, they’re meant to live on your keychain. They won’t take up much more pocket space than is already dedicated to your keys. You can also attach them to other things like zippers or MOLLE-compatible webbing on your backpack.
How to Choose the Best Keychain Flashlight
Depending on what you’re looking for, there are a few things to remember when choosing the best keychain flashlight for your EDC setup.
- Power: You’ll want to ensure that the light is powerful enough for your needs. For reference, the flashlight on your smartphone is roughly 50 lumens bright and has a less-than-ideal throw. You’ll want to make sure that whatever you choose is bright enough for your activities, and the beam can travel far enough to light up the path in front of you at the very least.
- Battery Life: How long a flashlight can last is also very important. Most flashlights have different output modes letting you cycle between high, medium, or low output modes. Remember that the brighter the light gets, the shorter the runtime. So find something with a nice balance that you feel comfortable with. Bonus points if the flashlight is easy to recharge or you can swamp the batteries quickly.
- Weight: The point of a keychain flashlight is to have ample light with you at all times. A heavy flashlight will weigh you down and will likely eventually be left behind because it’s too cumbersome. Finding a nice lightweight flashlight that you’ll feel comfortable carrying around with you all the time is the goal.
- Material/Durability: You never know what adventures life might throw your way, so you’ll want to ensure that the material your flashlight is made of can withstand living in your pockets every day. After all, this is an EDC flashlight we’re talking about. A strong body with impact resistance or water-proofing is ideal.
- Size: Not all mini flashlights are the same size. Some are longer than others, while others have a different shape. You’ll want to pay special attention to how you think a particular flashlight will fit into your setup and whether it will hinder your carry. Again, the point is to always have it on you, so if it’s too big or oddly shaped to carry comfortably, it isn’t the right tool for the job.
How we picked
Decades of experience and deep connections in the everyday carry industry give us a unique viewpoint on the market to inform our product recommendations. We have the depth of information for thousands of products that have come before and an extensive eye on the market to see what’s new and trending for each piece of gear. The result is a buying guide that we feel is informative and useful for EDCers of every trade, industry, and budget.
What is Everyday Carry?
Everyday Carry is both the concept of what people carry in their pockets and the process of picking out gear that thoughtfully considers what one wants or needs in their daily lives. It encompasses everything from style to preparedness to utility, meaning an entire industry full of valuable tools and essentials to choose from.
Why you should trust us
Our team has decades of combined experience in all aspects of everyday men’s essentials, from wallets to pens to bags and everything in between, and we know where to find great gear ideas that you may not come across at your local stores or when shopping online. Our expertise with the industry and familiarity in design, materials, and usability help you make more informed choices when it comes to picking up your next piece of gear.
