Best LED Flashlight Reviews & Buyer Guide 2020

They say real men aren’t scared of the dark, but we all know that’s not entirely true. Armed with a best-LED flashlight, however, no dark corner is too shadowy; no garage too “stuffy”, the world becomes a brighter place. If you’re in the market for a great new LED flashlight, you’re in the right place; because tacxtactical team rounded up some of the best-LED Flashlights for 2020 to help you narrow down the search…

From flashlights that can actually start a fire (or fry an egg) to those that can be used for self-defense, LED flashlights to come in all shapes and sizes.

The Best LED Flashlight Reviews

1920 LED Compact

1920 is a small flashlight that packs a powerful punch. Don’t let the ultra-compact design fool you, when the 120-lumen beam shoots out in front of you, you’ll remember it’s more than the average penlight. At the high setting, it runs for almost three hours with the 120-lumen beam for a distance of 87 meters. Even at the low setting of 12 lumens, it still has a decent distance of 27 meters and a run time of nine hours.

Pelican didn’t skimp on construction with the 1920 either. It, like many other Pelican’s, it made of aerospace grade aluminum ensuring a quality product. The angled barrel acts as an anti-roll device, saving you from fumbling around in the dark trying to find it if it falls. When water becomes an issue, the 1920 has you covered. It is protected up to IPX-7 and backed by a rubberized O-ring to seal the deal. At five and a half inches, the 1920 is a perfect choice for technicians or inspectors that need a compact, lightweight flashlight they can rely on.

SabreLite 2000

Last, but not least, is the rugged SabreLite! Among the first to be invented by Pelican, the SabreLite line is known for its durability. The 2000 has an ABS resin body that is built to last. It resists chemicals, corrosion, extreme temperatures and is rated to IPX-7 for water submersion. Operation of this best-LED flashlight is easy with a twist on-off selection to bring out the 53-lumen beam. The SabreLite 2000 is secured by the Lifetime Guarantee of Excellence offered by Pelican and is an excellent choice for anyone in a career where rugged equipment is necessary.

Fenix Flashlight Reviews

Focusing only on flashlights, Fenix Flashlights has become well known for doing one thing and doing it right. Founded in 2004, they have had ten years of reliable products standing behind them. Fenix started because a group of men was unhappy with the inferior products available, they have been working hard to provide the best tactical flashlights available since.

Fenix separates their flashlights into various series, one for each category of customer. The most popular flashlights being from the PD (Portable and High Intensity), LD (Professional Outdoor), TK (Tough and Powerful) and E (Everyday) series. We will go through an example of each of these below.In their ten years of business, Fenix Flashlights, has been the recipient of multiple awards of excellence. Most recently, Fenix won “single-product brand of the year” in the 2013 Outdoor Industry Annual Awards in China. Fenix is well respected throughout the world, selling in over 100 countries, to hunters, military and law enforcement.

Fenix PD35 Flashlight

The PD35 is one of the brightest flashlights available in the lower price range, with 850lumens under its belt the PD35 has a powerful beam. For less than blinding light, however, there are multiple modes that are easily selected by a side switch. The Eco setting at 10 lumens is not very effective for outdoor use, but once you get up to Turbo at 850 lumens it is brighter than a headlight and incredibly effective for outdoor, long-distance use.

The variable modes make this is an excellent choice for a professional law enforcement official or a backwoods hunter. With a great Cree LED lifespan of 50,000 hours, you’re guaranteed never to be left in the dark again with this great Fenix LED flashlight. This bundle comes with two rechargeable lithium batteries.

Quality is never a problem with Fenix flashlight, and that is particularly obvious with the PD35. Like most Fenix flashlights, it is made of aircraft grade aluminum with an anti-abrasive finish. This combination makes the PD35 stand up like no other brand. With a short length of 5.5 inches, the flashlight is very easy to pack, without being bulky. This is one of the best tactical flashlights available and a great value.

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Fenix TK35 Flashlight

The TK35 is the flashlight that definitely gives you a decent bang for your buck. This model has a hefty 860 lumens to it with four brightness levels and two flashing modes that are easily chosen with a dual tail switch. The long run time sets Fenix apart from other companies, as the turbo level (860 lumens) lasts 1.5 hours, and the low level (15 lumens) will last 130 hours. Being waterproof up to IPX-8 standards (immersion over a meter) as well as impact resistant makes the Fenix TK35 an excellent choice for those in the police forces or military, or hunters that want a serious light to rely on.

Weighing only half a pound is part of what sets the TK35 apart from other heavy duty lights. Other lights can weigh up to 5 lbs, but the TK35 provides you with all the power but much less bulk so you can easily carry the flashlight in one hand, and your weapon in the other.

Fenix E21 154 Lumens Flashlights

The E21 is an excellent choice for those needing an everyday, quality flashlight. It has lower lumens than the flashlights previously discussed, but 154 lumens is all that is necessary for lighting for casual night walks or power outages. Only weight 0.2 pounds, and being six inches in length makes the E21 perfect for storing in your backpack or glove compartment for emergencies.

This model has a long lifespan of 50,000 hours and a run time of 11, so being stranded without light is not an issue for me with this flashlight. The Fenix E21 has two modes, flood and focus, that are easily changed by twisting the head. Most everyday flashlights are toast as soon as they have contact with water or are dropped a few feet, luckily Fenix has addressed this by making the E21 waterproof to IPX-8 and impact resistant to one meter. Having these features definitely brings the Fenix E21 flashlight steps above average flashlights.

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Fenix LD41 Flashlight

The LD41 is the perfect choice for outdoorsmen, whether it be a mountain climber, caver, or extreme sports enthusiast. This Fenix flashlight offers four different brightness modes and two flash patterns for emergencies. With a turbo mode of 520 lumens, it can light up a cave or a forest excellently at night. The LD41 has a great run time on all modes, on the turbo, it lasts more than 2 hours and more than 160 hours on low. A runtime like this provides a reliable flashlight than you can trust if you are stuck in a tight spot.

To increase the durability of the LD41, it is protected up to the IPX-8 standard for waterproofing and an impact up to 1 meter. Fenix has also utilized a toughened, ultra-clear glass for this flashlight so you can trust it not to break on you. The combination of these elements makes the Fenix LD41 a great investment for anyone who relies on a quality flashlight for work or pleasure.

Fenix UC40 Rechargeable Flashlight

The UC40 is one of the better rechargeable tactical lights on the market. The UC40 spills a ton of light and includes four different modes.Turbo, High, Mid, and Low. The max lumen output is 960 while the highest output is 10 lumens.

A few knocks on the Fenix UC40. Overall it’s a killer light, however, it may not be as suitable for law enforcement or other professionals who would be using a gun. There are a few reasons for this. First off, most tactical flashlights have the on/off button located on the tail cap. The reason for this is because the tail cap is a more logical spot when you’re firing a pistol. It also doesn’t have a momentary on the setting. Lastly, the light is 0.9″ which is an awkward size if you’re ever planning on mounting it to a weapon.

The USB charging feature is terrific, it literally gives you the ability to charge your light anywhere. In your car, at your house, the office.

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MAGLITE S4D016 Heavy-Duty 4-D Cell Flashlight

The first thing that stands out when the Maglite Heavy-Duty Flashlight arrived was its size. This tactical light isn’t meant to be small, light or discrete. It weighs 14.1 ounces, it’s over foot long and is two inches in diameter. It’s constructed out of high-quality anodized aluminum, I’m sure the cops who carry this light in my district have used it beyond just as a means to see. Surprisingly, despite its size, it feels comfortable to hold.

It’s not ideal for use if you’re trying to use a pistol on the other hand as the on/off switch is located near the front of the flashlight. Ideally, you want a small compact light with the switch at the rear, if you’re planning on using it with a weapon.

Functionality: Maglite S4D016

Durability:- If you’re going to make a massive light that looks like a nightstick, at first sight, you had better make it durable. Mag-lite isn’t strangers to building high-quality tactical flashlights, and deliver with the S4D016. I’ve dropped this sucker off of a roof and it still works! It’s also been used a general purpose hammer to pound tent stakes into the ground at 2 in the morning. Talk about handy, a light source and a hammer! The switch is made out of rubber and all the o-rings are made from high-quality silicone.

You can bet on this keeping the water out during a downpour. Always a nice feature when you’re camping trying to set up a tent and 1 in the morning!I’ve never personally bopped anyone on the head, but it defiantly could serve as a self-defense tool under the right circumstances. This is the light I always take when I walk the dog at night, just in case.

Lumens, Settings, and Battery Life:- The light is not overwhelming, it’s bright but it’s not going to blow you away with (it’s not a Streamlight Strion, but it’s also not your average cheap plastic flashlight from your hardware store). It has 70 lumens and a run time of ten hours, which is exceptional. The best part about this flashlight (aside from the fact that it can be replicated a hammer or a nightstick) is the option to go from a light beam to a flood light. Rotating the head will turn your focused beam into a wide one which can be ideal for certain scenarios.

Maglite S4D016: Overall Review

Maglite has a solid reputation within the industry, they make quality products at a reasonable price. You’re not going to find a lot of flashlights that outperform this one for less than $20. Sure, it’s more expensive then the cheap ones you can buy from the dollar store or home depot but it won’t even compare.If you’re looking for a good flashlight for home, outdoors or for professional usage and you don’t want to spend $35 or $40 dollar this is your ticket. Most of the customers have sung it’s praise.

Streamlight LED Flashlight Reviews

Streamlight has been perfecting flashlights since their conception in 1973. With over 40 years in the business, Streamlight flashlights have become very well known for their quality. The tagline they use is “Heroes Trust Streamlight”. The company has worked hard to maintain the motto, consistently checking with their customers about things that could be improved.

Streamlight carries a wide variety of products for every use. From rail-mounted lights for your pistol, tactical flashlights and even floodlights for your crime scene they have you covered. Below, we will discuss some of the most popular ones.To further their knowledge of what customers need, they regularly participate in training courses for firefighter, hunters, etc. to find out issues you only realize in the field. Working in the field is part of the reason for the lifetime warranty offered with all of their products. We all know things happen while working, whether it be the manufacturer’s fault or ours, it’s nice to know they have our backs.

Streamlight 88040 ProTAC HL

The 88040 gives you amazing value for a low price, it might be the best flashlight on the planet.

It has a powerful 600 lumens to its name, providing an excellent beam to light up a dark alley at night. The 88040 offers a TEN-TAP programmable switch to alternate between 3 different function options, making it a customizable flashlight that gets the job done.

The highest setting, at 600 lumens, lasts for over an hour while the low setting will last 18 hours. Using C4-LED technology, it provides a very bright beam. Between these options, this flashlight will easily suit many needs. The Streamlight 88040 also offers a strobe function for emergencies.

The construction of Streamlight flashlights is impeccable. The 88040 offers an impact resistance of one meter and a water rating of IPX-7. With this rating, the flashlight can safely survive submersion of one meter. This light is also secured with an O-ring sealed glass lens so no water should be making it inside! With an anti-roll head and small diameter, only one inch, the Streamlight 88040 is an excellent option for law enforcement or security officers.

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Streamlight 88850 Polytac

Streamlight’s 88850 is a perfect option for someone needing a versatile light. This flashlight is small and durable, can easily be used with a shotgun mount or on its own.

The 88850 has lower lumens than others, but it does the job with 275 lumens in the high mode and 14 in the low mode. It has an incredible life at 65 hours on the low mode. Like the 88040, this Streamlight flashlight uses C4-LED which is three times as bright as other LEDs available. Also adding to the illumination, is the reflector around the LED which provides much more peripheral lighting.

The 88850 is operated by a tail-cap push-button, making it very easy to switch between high, low and strobe as well as the TEN-TAP modes. The tail cap button is also convenient for use with a gun mount, such as the Elzetta. If using attached to a gun, the 88850 is unlikely to be submerged in water, but for other uses the ratings are important. This Streamlight is rated to IPX-7, submersion of one meter, and is resistant to impacts of one metre as well. If something does happen to your flashlight, the lifetime warranty should keep you covered.

Streamlight 69110 TLR-1 Rail Mounted

The 69110 give you great value for a weapon light, at half the cost of competitors but with no hit to quality. This light can mount directly onto to Glock or Picatinny style rails making it an obvious choice for many buyers.

 If your weapon doesn’t fall into the above categories, the Streamlight 69110 also includes keys for attachment to Beretta or S&W rails. This light is a bit on the hefty side, at eight ounces, but if your pistol or rifle already has a decent weight to it, the Streamlight’s weight shouldn’t bother you.

As for the light itself, it packs up to 135 lumens with a run time of 2.5 hours. Like many Streamlight models, the 69110 takes advantage of the C4-LED and reflectors to really pack a punch. These additions make it up three times brighter than other LEDs and add a lot of spill peripheral light. It can easily by operated by an ambidextrous switch that can be used by your trigger finger or thumb depending on positioning.

There is also a lock-on option, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally flicking off your light and being stuck in a tough situation. The Streamlight 69110 is a great option for anyone from law enforcement to homeowners looking for a little extra help.

Streamlight 66318 MicroStream

One final option to consider from Streamlight is a penlight. The 66318 is an ultra-compact option offered, with a length of only 3.5 inches. This small option still has power behind it, using C4-LEDs it provides a light o

f 35 lumens for a runtime of 2.25 hours. The Streamlight 66318 is easily operated by a push-button tail switch, allowing the option of continuous or momentary power.

This flashlight, although reduced in size, does not reduce in quality. This light is protected from water to a standard of IPX-4, meaning that splash from any angle will not harm the 66318 in any way. This Streamlight is made of Type II MIL-SPEC aircraft aluminum, protecting it from any abrasive or corrosive materials. All in all, this is an excellent option to keep with you at all times, whether it be under your dash or in a pocket.

Streamlight 74301 Strion LED Flashlight

Our number one choice for police officers and professionals alike who are looking for a high-performance flashlight for their everyday needs is the Streamlight Strion LED Flashlight. Extremely compact while packing a powerful punch, the Strion offers users the perfect everyday flashlight plus a light to rely upon in the most intense of conditions.

Strion LED Functionality & Durability

The Strion feels great in the hand weighing in at 1.8 pounds it definitely doesn’t feel like a toy while it also won’t weigh down your belt too much. In length, it’s just over 8.5 inches which we find to be a good size. It probably won’t back you up as the club like the Maglite S4D016 but it sure is maneuverable for more intense situations. The case of this tactical flashlight is made of 6000 series machined aircraft aluminum with an anodized finish which means you can be rest-assured the Strion won’t crack on you if dropped.

The lens is made of a high-temperature Borofloat glass which is extremely resistant to thermal shock. The body of the Strion also includes an anti-roll head and a multi-functional rubber push-button tactical tail switch. This model can also attach to a long gun mount at the barrel of the flashlight is grooved. We tested out the claim that this design was, in fact, water resistant and was impressed with just how well it held up in a tank of water. Not a drop got through to any electrical components.

Streamlight Strion On/Off Switch & Intensity Settings

The Strion offers three microprocessor-controlled intensity modes including a high medium and low setting and a strobe setting. The high setting offers up to 260 lumens and a distance of up to 200 meters which is fantastic for the outdoors or in a building which requires a high-intensity beam. Unlike other models, you don’t cycle through the intensity levels by rapidly clicking on the on/off switch. Instead, with the Strion you click and hold the button in and it rotates through the three settings.

A pretty slick feature. Shining the Strion on a high setting in the eyes of an intruder is blinding, allowing you to use the beam as self-defense and attacking tool. Both the medium and low settings have a lower lumen level but also increase the battery life, which maxes out at 7.5 hours on the lowest setting. On its highest setting, the battery life is just around 2 hours.

Strion’s Rechargeable Battery

Although you may pay a little bit more upfront for the Streamlight Strion, you have to take into account that it does feature a rechargeable battery and it ships with one charger/holder. Over time, the Strion actually will save you money compared to other models as you won’t be required to replace expensive batteries. Charge wise, the Strion can be recharged about 500 times which means you won’t need to worry about the battery draining after just a few uses. If something in your battery goes defunct or you have had this model for a couple of years, the rechargeable battery is also replaceable for under $30.00. This very well may be the last tactical flashlight you will ever need to buy.

Streamlight 74301 Strion LED Overall Review

The one lacking feature of the Strion is the ability to focus your beam however it is only a minor issue. The beam strength and multiple intensity options allow you to have enough control over your beam where you won’t miss having the option to focus.Over 250 reviewers have given this model the thumbs up. Like ourselves, not many folks have negatives things to say about this Streamlight product. Overall it received 4.7/5 stars from 277 reviewers, a pretty impressive track record.One of our favorite models of all-time the Streamlight Strion is highly recommended for police and other security professionals alike.

Klarus XT11

This flashlight has a runtime of 295 hours on the lowest setting and a runtime of 2.2 hours on the highest setting. It’s compact and the bright LED will help illuminate even the darkest of spaces.

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Streamlight ProTAC

Shining in at 600 Lumens thanks to the C4 LED, this flashlight from Streamlight is a really reliable and hard working tool. It’s impervious to shock and waterproof to one meter.

Maglight S4D016

This is the double duty torch we talked about earlier, the one that can also help you out in a self-defense scenario. It’s still a great and real bright flashlight, but for night walking, this is the bomb because it was actually built with the intention of being strong enough to defend yourself with it from thieves

EagleTac G25C2 MK II XM-L2 LED

Yes, it’s a super long name, but the EagleTac can put out up to 1180 lumens for 1 hour and has a beaming distance of up to 295 meters. The EagleTac is also waterproof. Batteries not included.

Supernova Guardian 1300TL Professional Series

If you need something really strong and bright, the Supernova is a super choice! It offers

1300 lumens of light and runs on a rechargeable lithium battery; it also encompasses the BrightSmart technology, which helps to regulate the battery power.

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Solaray PROZX-1

Something POWERFUL and fully rechargeable AND has a long run time WITH a tactical security design? YES, the Solaray PROZX-1 seems to have it all in one hamper!

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NiteCore SRT7 Revenger Cree XM-L2

Designed for law enforcement, hunting, tactical applications. The NiteCore delivers the very best and brightest results time after time. It is equipped with multicol5

red signal lights, charger, rechargeable battery, and two lithium batteries.

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The Torch

If you need bright in ALL its might, then The Torch is your answer! Capable of producing a whopping 4100 lumens of intense light, The Torch lights your world unlike any other flashlight out there. The halogen lamp lasts up to 2000 hours.

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Refun 2000 Lumen Handheld LED Flashlight

Offering you a powerful 2000 lumens of light, the Refun flashlight is sure powerful given its small size and the low price. Has adjustable focus range, is skid proof and water resistant, and 5 switch modes.

Supbeam Acebeam X60M

This is one of the most powerful high lumen flashlights that you can buy today. By NO means is this one cheap, but the very best never is. You get 10,000 lumens that can reach up to 525 meters, which makes for one hell of a tactical flashlight by the way although it’s going to cost you a pretty penny.A bit more of an investment for the very best quality, that seems to be Supbeam ace beam. This flashlight is super powerful and has some great features, and you’re bound to see the world after dark from a totally new perspective once you have this beast in your hands.

The Contenders: 1000+ Lumen Flashlights

Generally, 1000Lm lights are used in special circumstances such as search and rescue. And usually, 1000 lumens is overkill for the everyday user. If you’re looking for a light to take the dog for a walk or as a nightstand flashlight you might want to look at something that is a little more practical such as the Maglite S4D016 or a Streamlight 88031. That said, sometimes you just want to throw a lot of light – it doesn’t always have to be logical.

I’ve focused on a variety of price points, your higher end flashlight built right here in North America, a middle of the road model and then a cheap knock-off built in China. There is nothing wrong with the knockoff, but don’t expect the same reliability (or any at all for that matter) and bear in mind a 1000 Lm $13 flashlight isn’t going to throw anywhere near 1000 lumens.

Surefire P3X Fury

The P3X is at the top of this list for reliability, usability, and overall functionality. Of course, that comes at a price and the Fury is one of the more expensive lights on the market.

It only has a single LED bulb but still gives you the option for either 1000 Lumens or 15 Lumens depending on the situation. This is particularly useful if you’re in the middle of nowhere or need to extend the battery for any given reason.

Even when cranking out 1000 lumens the P3X runs for 2.25 hours, which is fairly impressive. While running at 15 lbs it lasts for 60 hours.

As you would expect with any Surefire, Fenix or Streamlight product it’s practically indestructible. The high-end brands create flashlights out of quality material like aircraft aluminum, shatterproof glass and high end LED lights.

Features

• 15Lm for 60 hours
• 1000Lm for 2.25 hours
• High strength aluminum body w/ tempered impact resistant glass
• Momentary on tail cap switch
• High-quality manufacturing

MECO(TM) WF501B Cree T6 LED Flashlight

If you’re looking for a relatively inexpensive flashlight for every day use the MECO Cree T6 is a pretty slick option. It’s incredibly cheap so you may want to pick up a couple just so you always have a backup light.

It’s nowhere near the 1000 lumens it is advertised at but if you know that going in you’ll appreciate this handy light. When we tested this sucker we got 489 lumens out of it, which is actually pretty damn good for a light that costs less than $20.

It isn’t terribly reliable and the one I kept in my car up and stopped working one day (which is why I suggest buying two). This obviously isn’t ideal – if you need a flashlight odds are you really need a light. It’s a complete piss off when it stops working.

Features

• 5 Modes: High – Mid – Low – Strobe – SOS
• Lightweight and compact
• Requires 1 X 18650 Battery
• Very inexpensive

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Sky Ray 6000 Lumen Cree Flashlight

This flashlight falls somewhere in between the MECO and the Surefire. It’s more reliable than the MECO but clearly made from cheaper materials than the Surefire.

The Sky Ray advertises 3800Lms but comes in closer to 1000 which is why I included it on this l

ist. It features 3 CREE LED lights which throw a ton of light.

The Sky Ray is less of a tactical flashlight and more of an everyday light for an average user. It’s one of the better lights on the market for everyday use – perfect for camping, hiking or any other outdoor activity. Even though it comes up well shy of it’s advertised 3800 Lumens it still throws a ton of light.

Features

• 3 Cree LED Lights
• High and Low Mode
• Requires 4 X 18650 Batteries
• Relatively cheap
• Produces a lot of light

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