Now that all smartphones have built-in flashlights, carrying one often gets overlooked. However, we can’t help but admit that flashlights are simply better at being flashlights than our smartphones.
Whether you are hiking a trail, doing some plumbing work, or in an emergency situation, you might need something more powerful than the built-in flashlight of your smartphone. That’s where keychain flashlights come in.
First off, keychain flashlights produce much brighter light, that covers a wider area. Besides, they are built with long runtimes in mind, whereas you risk draining the battery of your phone if you keep its flashlight on for a long time. Moreover, being small and light, keychain flashlights provide much better ergonomics. Not to forget, you definitely don’t want to carry your smartphone around the woods at night when camping and possibly drop it, damage it, or lose it.
Due to the battery and LED tech advancements, keychain flashlights became a staple in many EDC setups. They are durable, bright, and convenient. Why convenient? Just because they can be carried everywhere without exceptions. Besides, they won’t even take up much more pocket space than is already reserved for your keys, since they’re designed to live on your keychain. Keychain flashlights combine usefulness and power in a way that will fit most everyday situations.
So now if you’re wondering how to choose the best keychain flashlight from all the available options in the market, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ve rounded up some of the best keychain flashlights that are small enough to become a part of your everyday carry. And as not all the keychain flashlights prioritize the same features, first we’ll look into the factors you’ll need to consider in order to make the right choice for your needs.
Features to look for before buying the best keychain flashlight
The best keychain flashlight for your EDC setup will depend on what you’re searching for, so keep that in mind when you make your purchase. Here are some features that you should pay attention to.
- Brightness
When buying a flashlight, the most important thing is to ensure that it is powerful enough for your needs. The brightness is measured in lumens, which is the measure of the total amount of light that is visible to the human eyes. The light output that the keychain flashlights produce varies from a very soft light of just one lumen to a very brilliant 1,000 lumens. Some also feature different lighting modes to adjust better to your needs and maintain longer battery life. So it might not be easy to understand how many lumens are enough. For instance, the flashlight that comes with your smartphone has roughly 50 lumens, which is suitable for everyday use. However, for outdoor activities, you should opt for something brighter, ideally more than 150 lumens.
- Battery life
A dead flashlight is surely the last thing you want when you desperately need it. Remember that the size of the flashlight and the amount of power it provides also depend on the battery type. The keychain flashlights can be powered by built-in rechargeable batteries or disposable batteries. While the ones with built-in batteries are a cost-effective choice, you’ll have to ensure that your keychain flashlight is sufficiently charged at all times. Having a flashlight with different output modes will let you significantly save battery.
- Beam throw
This feature, which is the distance that the light reaches, often gets overlooked. It’s not just the brightness of the flashlight that provides the great beam throw, but also the design of the head. If you’re not looking for something outside, the beam distance probably won’t matter to you. Remember, though, that your flashlight’s good performance depends on a decent beam throw.
- Durability
You don’t need your keychain flashlight to be waterproof when looking for something that slipped under the bed. Nonetheless, you definitely don’t want the sudden downpours to catch you unprepared. Therefore, you should get a flashlight that is waterproof or at least water-resistant.
- Size and weight
The keychain flashlight is meant to always be with you. Hence, it’s important to pay attention to the weight and size of the flashlight. It must be small and lightweight enough not to hinder carrying.
10 Best keychain flashlights
Here’s our list of the best keychain flashlights. No matter what you’re looking for, the best rechargeable keychain flashlight or the smallest one. You will find it all on our list.
1. NEXTORCH 4TOOL
| Reasons to buy | Reasons to avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Compact and lightweight | ❌ Special design battery |
| ✔️ 4 light modes | |
| ✔️ USB rechargeable and long-lasting |
Specifications:
- Max Performance: 1400 lumens
- Runtime: 100 hours
- Item Dimensions: 1 x 1 x 4.41 inches
- Item Weight: 2.54 ounces (72 grams)
- Light Source: LED
- Material: Aluminum
- Power Source: Battery Powered
NEXTORCH 4TOOL is a 1400 lumens EDC keychain flashlight, that offers a dazzling performance in a pocketable size. It can throw up to 200 meters to help you detect risks from a safe distance. It has 1 switch and 4 modes: high, medium, low, and strobe. Therefore, it can deliver a clear distance view, reveal close-up details, and help you defend yourself in an emergency.
Made of an aerospace aluminum alloy, it’s waterproof and impact-resistant. Not to forget, the high-capacity rechargeable battery offers a max runtime of 100 hours to meet long-time lighting needs. So NEXTORCH 4TOOL will surely be a great companion for your outdoor activities.
2. OLIGHT I1R 2 Pro Eos
| Reasons to buy | Reasons to avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️ USB-C Magnetic Charging | ❌ Only 23 minutes of runtime on its highest setting |
| ✔️ Easy for carrying | |
| ✔️ Anti-slip design |
Specifications:
- Max Performance: 180 lumens
- Runtime: 12 hours
- Item Dimensions: 2.02 x 0.64 x 0.64 inches
- Item Weight: 0.78 ounces (22 grams)
- Light Source: LED
- Material: Aluminum
- Power Source: Battery Powered
Don’t judge this flashlight by its size. If you’re looking for a small keychain flashlight, rest assured the Olight I1R will get the job done. It has 2 lighting modes, that can be switched with a simple twist of the head. On its High setting, it will provide an output of 180 lumens for 23 minutes. Nonetheless, it can run for 12 hours straight on its Low setting, generating a beam of 5 lumens. The sleek design and light weight of this rechargeable keychain flashlight will make you forget about it until you need a safety light.
3. Nitecore T4K
| Reasons to buy | Reasons to avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Powerful | ❌ Bulky design |
| ✔️ 5 brightness levels | |
| ✔️ Multifunctional real-time OLED display | |
| ✔️ Easy to operate |
Specifications:
- Max Performance: 4000 lumens
- Runtime: 67 hours
- Item Dimensions: 3.24 x 1.15 x 1.15 inches
- Item Weight: 2.72 ounces (77 grams)
- Light Source: LED
- Material: Aluminum
- Power Source: Battery Powered
Here’s the most compact 4000-lumen light at 3.24 inches in length and weighing only 2.72oz. What’s more, it has a bright multifunctional OLED display, that will allow you to take out the guessing game of battery remaining or brightness level.
If the flashlight is an integral part of your everyday carry, then the Nitecore T4K is certainly worth considering. This device has five brightness levels, two user modes, and two lockout modes to prevent unintentional activation. In its Turno Burst mode, it flaunts a crazy bright 10-second burst of 4000 lumens. Not to mention that the integrated rechargeable battery offers over 67 hours of runtime and can be fully charged in only 1.5 hours.
4. NEBO Mycro
| Reasons to buy | Reasons to avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Powerful and compact | ❌ Relatively heavy |
| ✔️ 6 light modes | |
| ✔️ Comes with a clip and a stainless steel necklace | |
| ✔️ Durable |
Specifications:
- Max Performance: 400 lumens
- Runtime: up to 15 hours
- Item Dimensions: 0.67 x 1.16 x 1.73 inches
- Item Weight: 3.52 ounces (100 grams)
- Light Source: LED
- Material: Aluminum
- Power Source: Battery Powered
If you’re looking for something with a cool design and a few versatile features, then Nybo Mycro is what you need. With up to 400 lumens of power, this EDC keychain flashlight is capable of shining a brilliant beam of light up to 269 feet away. You can even use it hands-free with the included clip or stainless steel necklace.
The Nybo Mycro features six light modes, including red and green, so you can choose the amount of light you need.
5. RovyVon A5 G3
| Reasons to buy | Reasons to avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️Fast charging | ❌USB-C charging cable is not included |
| ✔️Strong magnet base | |
| ✔️Glow in the dark | |
| ✔️Red sidelight | |
| ✔️8 brightness modes |
Specifications:
- Max Performance: 650 lumens
- Runtime: up to 72 hours
- Item Dimensions: 0.59 x 0.59 x 2.36 inches
- Item Weight: 2.08 ounces (59 grams)
- Light Source: LED
- Material: Polyimide
- Power Source: Battery Powered
For a go-everywhere and unique flashlight, you don’t have to think twice. Rovyvon A5 G3 is your best option. Its front light can be used in four different brightness settings with a maximum output of 650 lumens on its high setting.
It also includes a red sidelight, which is perfect for sending out signals. What makes this EDC keychain flashlight special is its magnetic base, allowing you to attach it to a metal surface in the working environment to keep your hands free.
6. Fenix E03R
| Reasons to buy | Reasons to avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️Slim and sleek design | ❌No way to go straight to the red light |
| ✔️Auxiliary red light | |
| ✔️6 brightness modes |
Specifications:
- Max Performance: 260 lumens
- Runtime: up to 18 hours
- Item Dimensions: 1.85 x 0.94 x 0.47 inches
- Item Weight: 0.78 ounces (22 grams)
- Light Source: LED
- Material: Anodized Aluminum
- Power Source: Battery Powered
For a compact-sized yet powerful keychain flashlight, check out the Fenix E03R. In less than two inches it packs 260 lumens of white light for daily use and a 5-lumen auxiliary red light. With 4 brightness modes, it can perfectly light all your needs whether it’s searching for something in your bag or lighting up your path. This rechargeable keychain flashlight is made from aero-grade aluminum and rated IP66 for water and dust protection. It’ll become your loyal buddy for hiking, camping, emergencies, and everything in between.
7. Nitecore TINI 2
| Reasons to buy | Reasons to avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️Multifunctional OLED real-time display | ❌ A bit pricey |
| ✔️5 brightness levels | |
| ✔️Small and lightweight |
Specifications:
- Max Performance: 500 lumens
- Runtime: up to 60 hours
- Item Dimensions: 1.83 x 0.98 x 0.49 inches
- Item Weight: 0.66 ounces (19 grams)
- Light Source: LED
- Material: Aluminum
- Power Source: Battery Powered
The Nitecore Tini 2 is a powerhouse but still managed to be compact and lightweight. Weighing less than 1 oz and smaller than a car key, it’s a perfect EDC keychain flashlight.
An impressive output of 500 lumens and a 97-yard throw make it perfect for daily use. The icing on top is its OLED display, which shows real-time information like brightness level, mode, lumen, battery voltage, and remaining runtime.
8. IMALENT LD70
| Reasons to buy | Reasons to avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️5 output levels | ❌A bit pricey |
| ✔️Smart design | |
| ✔️Small and portable | |
| ✔️USB magnetic charging |
Specifications:
- Max Performance: 4000 lumen
- Max Beam Distance: 203 meters
- Runtime: up to 50 000 hours
- Item Dimensions: 3.18 x 0.98 x 0.98 inches
- Item Weight: 87 grams
- Light Source: LED
- Material: Aluminum
- Power Source: Battery Powered
Imalent LD70 is a great combination of power and elegant design. There are five output levels, with the highest providing 4000 lumens and the lowest 20 lumens. It also features an OLED display for you to check the built-in battery voltage and the output level.
A lifetime of up to 50000 hours, a throw distance of 203 meters, and magnetic USB charging make this powerful keychain flashlight an unbeatable choice for everyday use and outdoor activities.
9. Streamlight 73301 325
| Reasons to buy | Reasons to avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️2 light modes | ❌Takes 4 hours to fully charge |
| ✔️Small and lightweight | |
| ✔️Durable |
Specifications:
- Max Performance: 325 lumen
- Max Beam Distance: 76 meters
- Runtime: 1 hour
- Item Dimensions: 2 x 1.08 x 0.5
- Item Weight: 0.8 ounces (22.6 grams)
- Light Source: LED
- Material: Blend
- Power Source: Battery Powered
Measuring only 2 inches in length this small keychain flashlight has a beam distance of around 76 meters. The Streamlight Pocket Mate can run for about 20 minutes on its highest output, providing 325 lumens of brightness. Nonetheless, it’ll last up to an hour on its lowest setting.
Additionally, it has a snap hook and metal clip so that it can easily be attached to a key ring, zipper pull, or ball cap.
10. TEC Accessories Pixel Ti Microlight
| Reasons to buy | Reasons to avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️2 light modes | ❌Non-rechargeable batteries |
| ✔️Small and lightweight | |
| ✔️Durable |
Specifications:
- Max Performance: 325 lumen
- Item Dimensions: 0.38 x 4 x 2.75 inches
- Item Weight: 0.452 ounces (12.8 grams)
- Light Source: LED
- Material: Titanium
- Power Source: Battery Powered
Solid and sensible, the Pixel Ti titanium flashlight gives you the durability you want at the lightest weight possible. It’s also small enough to attach anywhere and comes in handy when you need it. You can choose between two LED options: cool white (25 lumens) and warm white (21 lumens). It also offers a red LED to preserve night vision. Keep in mind that it doesn’t feature rechargeable batteries. However, they are inexpensive and easily replaceable.
FAQ
What’s EDC: Everyday Carry?
EDC stands for Everyday Carry. It typically refers to the items that you carry with you every day. Usually, EDC items are small enough to fit in your pockets. Nonetheless, there are lots of EDC items that are kept in backpacks or even cars.
These are the items you check your pockets for before leaving the house, since you feel naked without them, and their absence would ruin your entire day. Some EDC examples include e your wallet, pens, keys, watch, glasses, etc.
How to choose EDC items?
Choosing your EDC items should be based on your personal experience. So since it varies for each person no one can advise you on what to keep on you at all times. Simply think about the items that you would be lost without and consider adding them to your list.
Think of EDC items as things that you will most likely use often. In your list, each item should serve at least one purpose, as well as be convenient and reliable. You already have your wallet, keys, and smartphone in your EDC. Remember, better safe than sorry. So it’s always good to be prepared for what you might ultimately need.
Why would you buy an EDC keychain flashlight when there are smartphones?
First off, in emergency situations, you’ll need to save your phone battery, and your keychain flashlight will save you. What if you need your phone and a light at the same time? Moreover, the keychain flashlight is easier to use hands-free than the smartphone. Not to forget, they are much more powerful and light up a larger space. Not to mention, the keychain flashlights are more water and impact resistant.
Conclusion
You can’t do a lot when you only have the moon to light your way. Although the moon is great, it is surely not the most reliable light source. We hope our article will help you find the best keychain flashlight for your needs. Make the keychain flashlight part of your EDC, and you’ll be surprised of how often you reach for it.
