One of the most important elements of a basic survival kit is an EDC flashlight. Not only that, but they can come in handy more often than you might think. Considering how durable and affordable the best EDC flashlights are, getting one for yourself is a great idea.
We know what you’re thinking – my phone has a flashlight, why do I need another one? Your phone will not last even a full day in the wild. Plus, their performance is very poor. For example, your phone’s flashlight has 40-50 lumens, lighting up a small area around you.
If you’re looking for something better, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ve created a list of the 10 best EDC flashlights you can find on the market, each with its own advantages. Not only that, but we will also tell you about the features to look for before buying the best EDC flashlight for your needs.
Without further ado, let’s dive right in. First, you’ll see the features to pay attention to, and next, we’ll show you the best EDC flashlights on the market through our thorough EDC flashlight reviews.
Features to look for before buying the best EDC flashlight
Before we get to choosing the best EDC flashlight for your needs, you need to know the specific features to look for before buying one.
So, what is an EDC flashlight in the first place? Everyday carry flashlights are usually compact lights that are easy to carry around. But, what makes an EDC flashlight the best?
Here are the 5 features to look for before buying the best EDC flashlight.
Size
The whole point of getting an EDC flashlight is that it’ll be easy to carry around with you. That’s why size is a big deal you should consider before making your final purchase. Overall, the ideal size for the best EDC tactical flashlights is gauged by the palm of your hand.
Once you’ve found an EDC flashlight that fits well, you’ll want to look at its output and performance.
Output and performance
Best small EDC flashlights usually have an amazing balance between size, performance, and durability. The output of flashlights is measured in lumens, which virtually describe the power of light. If your phone’s flashlight has around 50 lumens, the average EDC flashlight will have around 700-1000 lumens. However, it all depends on your needs.
If you’re going to use a flashlight for lighting up small areas, 1000 lumens might be too much. On the other hand, if you are a police officer or a mechanic, you can look for EDC flashlights that have upwards of 1000-1500 lumens. In case you need to light up long distances, you can even go for 4000 lumens.
It all depends on your needs. If you’re looking for one of the brightest EDC flashlights, we’ll show you a couple of options later on.
Battery source
The next feature you should pay attention to is the battery source of your EDC flashlight.
Usually, you’ll have to choose between AA and AAA EDC flashlights or go for the best rechargeable EDC flashlight with a built-in battery. You can also go for a flashlight with an external charger, but a rechargeable EDC flashlight will give your gear a slim look.
Ease of controls
Having a simple interface is crucial for a good EDC flashlight. Of course, you never want to accidentally blind yourself, but most of all, you need to easily navigate the controls during emergencies. Many of the best EDC flashlights have multiple modes, some even feature a digital display for showing how much juice you have left.
10 best EDC flashlights
Now that you know which features you’re going to look for, let’s take a look at the 10 best EDC flashlights you can find on the market today. Whether you’re looking for a small EDC flashlight, the best EDC keychain flashlight, or the brightest EDC flashlight, we have you covered.
With a wide range of lumens, sizes, and uses, you’ll surely find the best EDC flashlight for your needs here.
1. Streamlight 66608 250 Lumen MicroStream Flashlight
- The Streamlight 66608 MicroStream is one of the best small EDC flashlights on the market.
- Features a multi-directional pocket clip, 68m of max throw, and only 34 grams of weight.
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Lightweight | ❌ Short battery life |
| ✔️ Affordable | ❌ Not enough lumens for professional use |
| ✔️ Great build | |
| ✔️ Long reach with max 68m throw |
Specifications
- Weight: 1.20 ounces (~34g)
- Color: Coyote
- Size: 3.87 inches long
- Lumens: 250/50 (high/low)
- Max Throw: 223 ft (68m)
- Power Source: Rechargeable battery (350 mAh, 4h charging time)
- Battery Performance: Runs 3. 5 hours/1.5 hours (low/high) (comes with a USB cord and lanyard for recharging)
- Material: Aluminum
The Streamlight 66608 MicroStream is one of the best small EDC flashlights with a respectable amount of lumens and reach. It’s a tiny flashlight that can fit anywhere and be clipped on almost anything.
Considering the price, it’ll be tough to beat this option in the small EDC flashlights category. If you’re searching for the best budget EDC flashlight, this is a definite contender.
2. OLIGHT S2R II 1150 Lumens EDC Flashlight
- The OLIGHT S2R II is one of the best EDC tactical flashlights, and it’s a definite fan favorite with a 5-star rating.
- It features easy-grip texture milling, an IPX8 waterproof level (for up to 2 meters underwater), and overall top-notch performance.
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️ IPX8 waterproof rating | ❌ Above average price |
| ✔️ Easy-grip body | ❌ Made for the pros |
| ✔️ 3-colored power level indicator | |
| ✔️ High lumens for professional use | |
| ✔️ Amazing battery life |
Specifications
- Weight: 3.5 ounces (~98.5g)
- Color: Black
- Size: 3.94 inches long, 0.91in/23mm body diameter
- Lumens: 1,150
- Max Throw: 443 ft (135m)
- Power Source: Rechargeable battery (magnetic and USB charging)
- Battery Performance: 3.6 Volts, Runs 2+230 minutes/60 days (high/low)
- Output modes: 5
- Material: AL6061-T6 Aluminum alloy, (Type III) hard anodized
The OLIGHT S2R II is a popular choice among the best EDC tactical flashlights, and it’s for a good reason. Although it might be on the pricier side, it definitely makes up for it with its performance.
With 1,150 lumens, a max throw of 135m, and a battery life that’s admirable in its weight, you can’t go wrong with this option.
Further information
3. GearLight LED Flashlight 2 – Pack Tactical Flashlights
- With a 2-in-1 pack of these EDC tactical flashlights, your camping trips with the family will become more fun.
- Although these are a little on the heavier side, they provide great durability, water resistance, and luminance.
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Water-resistant | ❌ No batteries included |
| ✔️ Extremely durable (could survive a 10-meter drop) | ❌ A little heavy for an EDC flashlight |
| ✔️ Zoomable | |
| ✔️ 2-in-1 pack | |
| ✔️ Very affordable |
Specifications
- Weight: 5.5 ounces (~156g) (with batteries)
- Color: Black
- Size: 6.1 x 1.57 x 1.57 inches
- Lumens: 500-1,000
- Power Source: 3x AAA Batteries or 1x 18650
- Material: Military-Grade Aluminum
If you’re looking for the best budget EDC flashlight, this 2-pack might be your cheapest option.
It comes down to around $11 per flashlight, which gives you amazing durability and performance. Although this set is not the ideal weight for a good EDC flashlight, it still has great features.
4. AIDIER A7 EDC Keychain LED Flashlight
- Here’s one of the best EDC keychain flashlights you can get on the market for an amazing price.
- The AIDIER A7 is a tiny and super lightweight flashlight that’s also durable and powerful.
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️ IPX8 waterproof rating | ❌ You’ll need higher lumens for professional performance |
| ✔️ Tiny and affordable | |
| ✔️ Compact with a high beam distance | |
| ✔️ Extremely lightweight |
Specifications
- Weight: 0.49 ounces (~14g)
- Color: Black
- Size: 2.95″ x 0.75″
- Lumens: 180
- Light Modes: 3 (Low, High, Strobe)
- Max Throw: 144 ft (43.8m)
- Power Source: AAA Battery
- Battery Performance: 5 Volts, avg. 5 hours of battery life
- Material: Aluminum
For those of you who are looking for a tiny EDC flashlight for short-distance illumination, this is definitely an option to consider. It is small enough to hold in just the palm of your hand and features a keychain clip for extra mobility.
If a high lumen count is not a priority for you, you can consider this one of the best budget EDC flashlights out there. However, if you’re looking for the brightest EDC flashlight, we recommend you look at other options like the Nitecore T4K.
5. RovyVon Aurora A1x EDC Flashlight
- If you’re looking for the holy grail of small EDC flashlights, look no further.
- With amazing brightness, a compact and lightweight design, and a super-affordable price, this is one of the best EDC flashlights under $50 you can find.
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Affordable | ❌ Avoid only if you’re looking for something brighter |
| ✔️ Super lightweight | |
| ✔️ Bright with 650 lumens | |
| ✔️ IP65 water resistance | |
| ✔️ Tiny |
Specifications
- Weight: 0.59 ounces (~16.7g)
- Color: Gray
- Size: 2.38 x 0.61 inches
- Lumens: 650
- Max Throw: 357.6 ft (109m)
- Power Source: Rechargeable battery (330 mAh, 90 minutes of charging time)
- Battery Performance: Works for 30 hours under moonlight mode, 1.5 + 75 minutes under high mode.
- Material: Stainless Steel + Polyamide
The RovyVon Aurora A1x is tiny and lightweight, yet packs 650 lumens of powerful light. It can throw beams as far as 109m and is easy to carry with its keychain clasp. The battery life is also impressive on this tiny flashlight.
It comes at around $20, so it’s definitely one of the best small EDC flashlights you could find. This EDC flashlight also comes in black, military green, and orange, so choose your favorite, and you’ll be good to go.
6. Hatori Super Small Mini LED Flashlight
- If you’re looking for the best AAA EDC flashlight that’ll last you for up to 2 hours, this is a great option to consider.
- It has a comfortable design and houses up to 150 lumens, giving you enough light to light up a small room.
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Small and compact | ❌ Low lumens |
| ✔️ Lightweight | ❌ Low battery life |
| ✔️ Very affordable | ❌ Not for professional use |
| ✔️ Anti-slip design |
Specifications
- Weight: 1.05 ounces (~30g)
- Color: Black
- Size: 3.54 x 0.55 x 0.55 inches
- Lumens: max 150
- Power Source: AAA Battery (1.5V)
- Battery Performance: Runs ~2 hours
- Material: 6061T Aluminum
Here’s a tiny flashlight you can use for minor light-up needs. It can last up to 2 hours with moderate usage on a single AAA battery. Unless you’re looking for a rechargeable flashlight, this is a great AAA battery-powered option to consider.
The Hatori Super Small EDC flashlight is almost weightless and comes at a very reasonable price. So much so that it could be considered one of the best budget EDC flashlights you can find on the market.
7. Nitecore T4K 4000 Lumen EDC Keychain Flashlight
- Looking for the brightest EDC flashlight on the market? This is it!
- With 5 different light modes, you’ll be able to use this as both an EDC flashlight and a long-range torch.
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️ IP54 water resistance | ❌ Premium price |
| ✔️ Powerful and durable | |
| ✔️ High lumen count with turbo mode | |
| ✔️ Has 5 power modes and 2 user modes | |
| ✔️ Features multi-functional OLED display with battery level, voltage, brightness, remaining runtime |
Specifications
- Weight: 2.72 ounces (~77g)
- Color: Black
- Size: 3.24” x 1.18” x 1.15”
- Lumens: 4000
- Max Throw: 685 ft (209m)
- Power Source: Rechargeable 1000mAh Li-ion
- Battery Performance: up to 67 hours of runtime (on low mode)
- Power Modes: 5
- Material: Aluminum
As one of the best rechargeable EDC flashlights, the Nitecore T4K houses 4000 lumens in its tiny body. As a lightweight EDC torch with 5 modes, you can power your way through a wide range of situations with this tool. Whether you need it for camping or simply going on a walk at night, this bright flashlight has your back.
All of these benefits come at a price, as expected. If you’re looking for a seriously powerful and versatile EDC flashlight that you’re ready to pay for, look no further.
8. Nitecore Tip SE Black 700 Lumen EDC Keychain Flashlight
- EASY TO OPERATE – Use the power switch to turn on/off and the mode switch to cycle through four brightnesses.
- NITECORE TIP SE KIT- included are Tip SE (black), 2x key rings, key clasp, clip, and a LumenTac Keylight.
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️ IP54 water-resistant | ❌ Can possibly find better alternatives for this price |
| ✔️ Features a battery level indicator | |
| ✔️ Good battery life | |
| ✔️ Comes with a LumenTac keychain light (25 lumens) |
Specifications
- Weight: 0.92 ounces (~26g)
- Color: Black
- Size: 2.36″ x 0.95″ x 0.54″
- Lumens: up to 700
- Max Throw: 100 yards (91.5m)
- Power Source: Rechargeable 500 mAh li-ion battery (USB-C fast charging in less than 1.5 hours)
- Battery Performance: Up to 50 hours of runtime
- Brightness levels: 4 (1-700 lumens)
- Material: Anodized Aluminum
Nitecore is a popular brand for EDC flashlights, and this option is not an exception. This specific product comes with a small LumenTac flashlight for your keychain, along with the Tip SE small EDC flashlight. It features a good battery life (up to 50 hours), throws beams of up to 91.5 meters, and is light as a feather.
It comes in at an average price, so it’s a good option to consider.
9. WUBEN C3 Tactical Super Bright LED Flashlight
- With a button in the back for ease of use, the WUBEN C3 is one of the brightest and overall best EDC tactical flashlights.
- It can throw beams as far as179 meters and can run for as long as 143 hours.
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Features battery level indicator | ❌ No such reasons |
| ✔️ IP68 water-resistance | |
| ✔️ 160-degree wide beam angle |
Specifications
- Weight: 4.34 ounces (~123g)
- Color: Black
- Size: 4.78 x 1 x 1 inches
- Lumens: 1200
- Max Throw: 588 ft (179m)
- Power Source: Rechargeable battery with USB-C port (350 mAh, 3-4h charging time)
- Battery Performance: Runs up to 143 hours in Eco mode / 2.5 hours in High mode
- Material: Hard anodizing aircraft grade 6063 aluminum alloy
The WUBEN C3 is a very popular choice in the best tactical EDC flashlight category. It has a 4.6/5 star rating from 3,380 ratings. If you’re looking for a wide-angle (160°) flashlight with a high lumen count (up to 1200) and far-reaching beams, this will totally do the trick.
Although this option might be a little heavier than other small EDC flashlights, you might not even feel a difference. It comes in at an average price, but you wouldn’t call this one the best budget EDC flashlight. If that’s more up your alley, check out the Hatori Super Small Mini LED Flashlight instead.
10. OLIGHT I3E EOS PMMA TIR Lens AAA EDC Flashlight
- Last but not least, here’s one of the best EDC keychain flashlights with a twist operator.
- It’s not the brightest on the market, but it makes up for it with its budget-friendly price.
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️ For long usage | ❌ Twist instead of button operator |
| ✔️ Practically featherweight | |
| ✔️ IPX8 waterproof |
Specifications
- Weight: 0.684 ounces (~19.4g)
- Color: Black
- Size: 2.38 x 0.55 x 0.49 inches
- Lumens: up to 90 lumens
- Max Throw: 144.5 ft (44m)
- Power Source: 1 AAA Battery
- Battery Performance: Max runtime 70 minutes / 45 minutes (NiMH battery / Alkaline battery), lifespan of up to 60,000 hours
- Material: Aluminum
At the end of our list, we have one of the best budget EDC flashlights on the market. In the case of this option, you get exactly what you pay for. With a twist operator, a maximum of 90 lumens, and a tiny design, this torch can help you light up small areas with ease.
It requires 1 AAA battery, which will give you enough juice for 45-70 minutes (depending on your usage and mode).
FAQ
How bright should an EDC flashlight be?
The brightness of the best EDC flashlight for you depends on your usage. If you’re going to use it to light up small rooms, it doesn’t need to be too bright. However, if you’re going camping or working as a police officer, you’ll need a bright solution like the Nitecore T4K.
How many lumens is enough for EDC?
If you’re looking for the best everyday carry flashlight for yourself, you’ll definitely need to look at the number of lumens. Lumens show the “quantity” of light that comes out of a light source. The general rule is that 1 lumen equals the light of 1 candle.
When it comes to EDC flashlights, the lumen count you need depends on your usage. Generally, a couple of hundred lumens can be bright enough.
Why is a flashlight important in a survival kit?
The obvious answer here is that you need a flashlight to see in the dark. Among other things, you also need a flashlight in your survival kit to send signals for help. Unless you know how to make fire, a flashlight in your survival kit can actually help rescuers find you. Otherwise, your survival might be under question.
Final thoughts
Finally, we’ve reached the end of our EDC flashlight reviews. We’ve told you all about the features to look for before buying the best EDC flashlight for you, including size, lumens, battery source, and more. In this article, we also showed you 10 of the best EDC flashlights you can find on the market, along with their specs.
If you don’t have time to go over the whole review, let us make your job easier.
Do you need the brightest EDC flashlight? Go for the Nitecore T4K.
If you’re looking for the best budget EDC flashlight, check out the Streamlight 66608 MicroStream or the OLIGHT I3E.
As for those of you looking for the best AAA EDC flashlight, GearLight LED Flaslight 2 – Pack Tactical Flashlights will make you happy.
Add one of these to your survival kit, plus don’t forget to attach another small EDC flashlight to your keychain. They’ll come in handy more often than you might think.
