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.
Best Rechargeable Flashlight — 2023 Edition
The Best Overall Rechargeable Flashlight: Skilhunt M200 [Buy]
The Brightest Rechargeable Flashlight: Fenix PD40R V2.0 [Buy] / [Full Review]
The Longest Runtime Rechargeable Flashlight: Skilhunt M200 [Buy]
The Best Keychain Rechargeable Flashlight: Nitecore TIP SE [Buy] / [Full Review]
The Best Budget Rechargeable Flashlight: Anker Bolder LC40 [Buy]
Skilhunt M200 | Fenix PD40R V2.0 | Skilhunt M200 | Nitecore TIP SE | Anker Bolder LC40 |
$$ | $$$ | $$ | $ | $ |
Max Output: 1,100 lumens | Max Output: 3,000 lumens | Max Output: 1,100 lumens | Max Output: 700 lumens | Max Output: 400 lumens |
Length: 4.11 | Length: 5.4“ | Length: 4.11 | Length: 2.36“ | Length: 5.04″ |
Key Features: Magnetic charging cable | Key Features: Luminus SST70 LED | Key Features: Extremely long runtime | Key Features: Dual OSRAM P8 LEDs | Key Features: Very affordable |
Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
The Best Overall Rechargeable Flashlight: Skilhunt M200
PurchaseThe Brightest Rechargeable Flashlight: Fenix PD40R V2.0
PurchaseThe Best Keychain Rechargeable Flashlight: Nitecore TIP SE
PurchaseThe Best Budget Rechargeable Flashlight: Anker Bolder LC40
PurchaseRovyVon Aurora A3 Pro Rechargeable Flashlight
PurchaseStreamlight Stylus Pro Rechargeable Flashlight
PurchaseNitecore NU32 Rechargeable Headlight
PurchaseFenix E03R Rechargeable Flashlight
PurchaseWOWTAC H01 Rechargeable Flashlight
PurchaseWurkkos FC11 Rechargeable Flashlight
PurchaseAcebeam PT10-GT Rechargeable Flashlight
PurchaseWuben C2 Rechargeable Flashlight
PurchaseOlight S2R Baton II Rechargeable Flashlight
PurchaseHow 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What flashlight has the longest run time?
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.