Nothing beats the convenience of a flashlight with a rechargeable battery. Gone are the cumbersome and bulky battery chargers and worrying about being able to charge uncommon batteries. Instead, these flashlights get their juice from a USB power port and cable. No outlet when you’re out for the day, or on the weekend camping or hiking? No problem--charge your flashlight off your laptop or an external battery pack. The best part: these rechargeable flashlights come with some of the best performance and features you can get from a modern LED light, made even more convenient by how easy it is to top them up. There are a lot of them out there though, so we've put together this list of the best rechargeable flashlights that come out in the past year to make it easier to find the right one for your EDC.
How to Choose the Perfect EDC Rechargeable Flashlight
Rechargeable flashlights let you ditch disposable alkaline or lithium batteries. You can plug it into a charger instead of searching for a new battery when it runs out of juice. You can also take advantage of larger power capacities and brightness levels compared to standard flashlights that use AA, AAA, or D cells. And modern rechargeable flashlights work with USB cables and chargers that you already have around the house.
There are many types of rechargeable flashlights, and you can find one that suits your needs. Tactical flashlights come with high power, disorienting strobe modes, and durable metal bodies that you can use in defensive situations. Pen lights are for close-up inspection. Keychain flashlights are ultra-portable and hard to lose unless you tend to lose your keys, of course. And headlamps allow you to use the light hands-free by strapping it to your head as your work.
Brightness
High brightness is usually people's first draw to EDC rechargeable flashlights. Lumens are a standard way to determine the brightness of a light. A lumen is a scientific standard based on the light emitted by a single candle from a certain distance. But instead of fire burning a wick, modern rechargeable lights use LED emitters. These compact electronic light emitters provide more light than old incandescent and halogen bulbs. They also run less hot compared to older technology. All you need to know is that you get a brighter light for more lumens. But brightness isn't always everything. Getting a light that's too bright will blind you when you need it the most.
Battery Type
Some rechargeable flashlights feature removable batteries. Removable batteries allow you to swap out when they eventually wear out after many use cycles. Sometimes you can swap out the stock battery for one that has even more capacity than the original. But usually, these lights are bulkier than lights with a non-removable, built-in battery. They also tend to be made like a traditional light, with a metal cylinder containing everything inside. Non-removable flashlights feature custom-sized battery packs that conform to the unique design of the torch. That design allows you to get compact keychain lights that are flat like key fobs.
The RovyVon Aurora A3 Pro LED is a compact keychain flashlight that sports a lot of power for its size. It's best suited for people who don't want a full-sized light. It's also great for people who wish to have a backup light. The 2.38" 7075 aerospace-grade aluminum-bodied torch has a CREE XP-G3 module that emits 700 lumens at max out the front. Its orange peel reflector focuses the beam well. And you can choose between 6500K and 5000K color temperature versions of the light. The included 300mAh LiPo battery is rechargeable using a micro USB cable, and a battery indicator makes it easy to see when the power is topped off.
The Streamlight 66133 Stylus Pro is an inspection penlight that's great for anyone who needs to examine dark spaces up close and personal. The long and slender pen-like design of the Stylus Pro allows the user to use it in small areas and cramped situations. And while the light is thin, its aluminum construction is durable and water-resistant. The clip is also removable if you don't need it, making it even easier to carry in your pockets. While it has a lower peak brightness at 250 lumens compared to many lights on this list, high lumen counts are blinding in use cases where the penlight excels. And unlike many penlights on the market that rely on hard-to-find button batteries that run out quickly, the Stylus Pro is USB rechargeable.
The Nitecore NU32 is less of a flashlight and more of a headlight you can use hands-free. You can wear it with the elastic head strap and angle the light as needed. It also has a long-lasting internal battery that's micro-USB rechargeable and protected within a water-resistant and durable IP67-rated shell. It also features multiple light outputs depending on your needs. The primary CREE XP-G3 S3 LED light emitter shines a bright turbo 550 lumens out the front 136 yards away. There's a lower-brightness set of auxiliary LEDs with a high-CRI rating, meaning they won't distort your sense of color in the darkness. That's especially good if you work on wiring and mechanical tasks in the dark.
The magnetic tail cap of the Skilhunt M200 makes it a great EDC option for people who frequently need an ad-hoc work light in the field. It's also a very bright light, with a maximum output of 1,100 lumens emitted by its CREE XP-L HD LED module. Because the back of the flashlight contains the magnetic tail cap, the side switch controls all of the light's functions. The Skilhunt M200 gives you two options for magnetic USB charging: you can use the side switch or the tail cap, but not both simultaneously. For ease of use, the charging cable goes from red to blue once the battery inside is topped off.
If you want to carry an EDC flashlight but not have it be too obvious, the Fenix E03R keychain flashlight takes on the extra-slim discreet appearance of a key fob. While it won't open doors or start your car, the lightweight Fenix E03R features a dual emitter for a max brightness of 260 lumens. The top switch provides easy one-handed operation in the dark, and with its all-metal body and IP66-rated water resistance, you can keep it on your keys even when conditions get wet. For added convenience, the Fenix E03R comes with a USB-C charging port, meaning you won't have to carry around an older cable to keep this light going during extended use.
The WOWTAC H01 is a right-angle rechargeable L-shaped flashlight that doubles as a headlamp when needed. Right-angle flashlights are gear for clipping onto your equipment or clothes for hands-free operation. And with the included elastic strap, you can attach it to your head or your helmet, so it's always shining where you're looking. The ergonomics are very different compared to a traditional light, but if you're a first responder or outdoor adventurer, you'll appreciate the design. You'll also enjoy the powerful 614-lumen output of its CREE XP-G2 LED module, which can put out an intense beam to a distance of 318 feet at full power. The six lighting modes are also very versatile, including a moonlight mode for extended emergency runtime.
If you're tired of remembering the magic side and rear button presses needed to get your EDC light working, the Fenix PD40R is for you. That's because the PD40R features a patented rotary switch that allows you to select the brightness level you need by twisting the ring at the front of the light. This feature lets you put the PD40R's incredible 3,000-lumen power to work at a moment's notice without fumbling with hidden menus and lockouts. The included 21700 lithium-ion battery is USB-C rechargeable for added convenience. The light has an accurate battery indicator to show you how much juice is left.
The Wurkkos FC11 USB-C rechargeable flashlight is highly customizable. You can pick between multiple colorways of the aerospace-grade waterproof metal body. You can also select the color temperature of the light that you prefer, from 2700K warm white to 5000K daylight, with 4000K as a happy medium between the two. The Samsung LH351D LED emitter contained within is a high CRI module, meaning the light is a good choice when color accuracy is needed. Whether you need to identify critical electronic components or you need your light to add a bit of brightness to your photos in the dark, the high CRI bulb comes in handy.
The Nitecore TIP SE features a massive 700 lumens turbo mode, making it a super-bright light for its size. It achieves this power thanks to the dual OSRAM P8 LED modules at the front of the flashlight. Its Advanced Temperature Regulation module helps keep the light from overheating, and the removable clip helps prevent this beast from going off in your pockets without you knowing. The built-in 500mAh battery is USB-C rechargeable for EDC convenience. Unlike many EDC torches, the Nitecore TIP SE can offer different brightness modes without relying on pulse-width modulation. So with this light, you won't experience the subtle flickering that can cause fatigue and headaches for sensitive users during extended use.
The Acebeam PT10GT is a penlight for people who need the specialized functions of this style of light but who do not want to give up the throw distance of a standard EDC flashlight. That's because the PT10GT is available with an OSRAM KW CSLMN1.TG LED module that specializes in long-range work. That emitter, combined with the TIR optic lens, ensures that the PT10GT broadcasts a soft and balanced beam to a maximum of 132 meters. But suppose the throw isn't your primary concern. In that case, the PT10GT is also available with a highly high-CRI Nichia 219C LED module, one of the community's favorite EDC emitters when color temperature and light accuracy are paramount.
The Wuben C2 is a compact rechargeable LED flashlight that offers high brightness performance for its size. It's also a standout among the other lights on this list because it can operate as a mobile charger for your other EDC essential gear. The Wuben C2 sports a standard USB-A port for powering other devices, separate from the USB-C input right next to it. So when you aren't using the Luminus SST40 6500K LEDs inside of the light, you can charge your phone that you forgot to top up before leaving home. This tactical light also comes with a helpful strobe and SOS mode for emergencies, accessible with a quick double click of the side switch.
Once you've experienced having a dual-sided clip like on the Olight S2R Baton II, you won't settle for less in the future. The versatility of carrying options means you can attach it to your pants pocket on the side and orientation of your choice. You can also clip it onto your gear for added convenience. Olight also makes operating the light simple, with modes and output selectable via the side switch and momentary-on, as well as Turbo selectable with the rear tail switch. The back of the light is also where the magnetic charger mounts for easy rechargeability. And with it, you can keep the 1,150-lumen LED emitter at the front of the flashlight powered up and ready to go.
The Anker LC40 is a highly-affordable option for anyone looking to get into the world of rechargeable LED flashlights for everyday carry. Its 400-lumen CREE LED module is a bit low for its size. But combined with the 3350mAh battery, this light can operate for up to 20 hours in its Medium mode. The full-sized body is also easy to carry around, with an anti-slip finish that improves your grip on the waterproof aluminum body of the light even when things get wet. The rugged and shock-resistant body means you can rely on this light working during and after an emergency. The Anker LC40 is also a great option to keep around the house as a backup.
Run time depends on the brightness setting of any particular light. The Skilhunt M200 is rated to run for months in its lowest Eco mode.
Are rechargeable batteries good for flashlights?
Rechargeable batteries are better because you don't have to throw them away after use. They also tend to offer more power than a standard off-the-shelf alkaline battery.
How do rechargeable flashlights work?
Rechargeable flashlights use batteries you can plug in when their power runs out. Unlike disposable batteries, you can keep using the cell the light comes with. Usually, they take USB cables. Some allow for magnetic charging. Others use the same USB-C charger you use for your electronic devices.
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.
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