Best torches 2024: top flashlights and pocket lamps for lighting the way | Stuff (2024)

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Let there be light with our pick of the best torches

Chris RowlandsFollow @crispytidbits

Best torches 2024: top flashlights and pocket lamps for lighting the way | Stuff (2)

Under the stairs, in the attic or out on the campsite: having one of the best torches to hand will help you see the light, instead of fumbling in the dark. And if you’re after a little beacon to keep in your pocket, this is the list you need.

From tiny tactical torches to lanterns bright enough to signal passing ships, the round-up below features our pick of the best torches for every use and situation. Whether you want a simple shiner to guide you up the garden path or a premium beam to work by, we’ve selected a radiant array of torches for all needs and budgets.

And if you’re finding it tricky to pick your favourite flashlight from our list, you’ll find useful shopping tips down at the bottom, plus some illuminating explanations of torch terminology. Think lumen ratings, battery types and more. Let there be light!

The best torches you can buy today

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The brilliant barrel: Olight Warrior Nano

Besides showing you the way, tactical torches are designed to dazzle ne’er-do-wells. Take this little light fantastic: mini at 81mm, the Nano’s side switch lets you select brightness levels for normal usage. But bop the button on the back and you’ll get an instant blast of 1200 lumens –enough to startle any assailants lurking in the shadows, as you flash away to safety.

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The titanium tiny: Wuben X2 Titanium

You could choose the aluminium edition of the Wuben X2. You’d still have a small but mighty spotlight in your pocket. It would still be rugged, waterproof and good for 2500 lumens. And you’d have a chunk of change to go with it. But if you’re going to swap the shrapnel in your piggy bank for a miniature torch with a machined metal jacket, it might as well be titanium.

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The flicky flasher: Streamlight Wedge

You never know when you might need a beam. Don’t have space for a full-fat flashlight? Charged by USB-C, this slender friend puts illumination in your pocket. Its rotating switch flicks instantly from 300 to 1000 lumens, for a tactical burst of 35 seconds. It weighs less than a pen at 87g, while a clip helps it fit with other shirt-front essentials.

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The boosting beacon: Fenix E-CP

Using your phone as flashlight for long enough will leave you offline and in the dark. Avoid both fates with this natty octagonal number. Its LED end offers five levels of glow to go, maxing out at a solid 1600 lumens. Flip it round to find a waterproof cover protecting a pair of USB ports, which can boost your blower from the 5000mAh cell inside.

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The double dazzler: Nebo Slyde King 2K

Hollywood heists would have you believe that torches are best held between your teeth. Not this one: a magnetic base means it can attach to the metal surfaces commonly found in bank vaults, leaving your hands free for the combination lock. Besides an adjustable zoom head, its rubberised body harbours a work lamp which glows white or red – because there’s nothing like a crimson glare for added tension. It’s waterproof, too, in case your escape route is through the sewers.

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The complete compact: Nitecore MH12 Pro

A torch bright enough for search and rescue is overkill when your dusk duties only involve shutting the shed. But with 3300 lumens and a 505-metre range in its arsenal, this toughened tool can see you through some serious nocturnal spadework. Multiple power options include a USB-C rechargeable battery, while a strobe mode will scare off any barrow burglars waiting in the bushes.

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The long-range lantern: Coast TX22R

For visibility at 500m, you could rig up a bulb and a complex system of prisms. Or you could ditch the DIY lighthouse and whip out this sturdy cylinder instead. Slide its bezel forwards to focus the beam, then dial up the power to unleash 5300 lumens for 45 seconds. Pulling back widens the throw, while a quick twist locks it where you like it.

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The power pusher: Ledlenser P18R

It’s a cruel irony that torches can illuminate everything except themselves. Thankfully, you don’t need a visual to work this one-button beacon: a single switch lets you cycle through its settings. Double tap for a 10-second lumen boost, or master its press-and-hold combos to customise settings and enable memory mode. Holding for five makes you its master by locking the controls.

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The blinking blinder: SPERAS P10R V2

A bright light might help you signal from afar, but it’s not much use if your thumb cramps up after five minutes of morse code. Luckily, this aluminium dazzler has an SOS setting for effortless distress calls. Engage turbo mode for the full 10,000 lumens, or switch to eco to eke out the glow show for up to 36 hours.

How to choose the best torch

Looking to buy a torch but don’t know where to start? Here are some things to consider:

  • Batteries: Many modern torches use battery packs boosted via USB-C, while others stick with off-the-shelf cells. The most versatile have dual-power systems that work with both sources.
  • Lumens: Lumen ratings often quote peak output, which limits battery life. Pick one that’s bright enough in lower modes. 500 lumens is a good everyday benchmark, while north of 1500 is tactical territory.
  • Beam: Not all torches shine the same. Floods cast light over a wide area for working visibility, while spots throw narrow but far with a focused ray. The best let you switch between multiple beam patterns.
  • Colour: White is alright for brightness, but tasking by torchlight can be tough on your peepers. Some come with a red setting, which is kinder on the eyes if you’re working for long periods after dark.

Now check out Stuff’s guide to the best flasks for warming winter drinks.

Chris RowlandsFreelance contributor

About

Formerly News Editor at this fine institution, Chris now writes about tech from his tropical office. Sidetracked by sustainable stuff, he’s also keen on coffee kit, classic cars and any gear that gets better with age.

Areas of expertise

Cameras, gear and travel tech

Best torches 2024: top flashlights and pocket lamps for lighting the way | Stuff (2024)

FAQs

What is the number one rated flashlight? ›

The best flashlight: ThruNite Archer 2A V3

If you're looking for a reliable flashlight that's easy to use, provides a range of beam settings and won't break the bank, the ThruNite Archer 2A V3 is a great all-around option.

What is the most effective torch? ›

These flashlights are all a good choice!
  • Fenix TK16 V2. ...
  • Nitecore P20iX tactical flashlight, 4000 lumens. ...
  • Ledlenser P7R Core rechargeable flashlight. ...
  • Fenix PD36R rechargeable LED-flashlight, 1600 lumens. ...
  • Fenix PD40R V2. ...
  • Nitecore P20i rechargeable tactical flashlight. ...
  • NiteCore E4K flashlight incl.

What is the best EDC flashlight brand? ›

Options abound and I've been testing 14 of the top lights to help you find the best EDC flashlight.
  • Best Overall: Streamlight Wedge.
  • Best Keychain: Nitecore Tini2 Ti.
  • Best Compact: Olight Baton 3.
  • Best Powerful: Nitecore EDC 25.
  • Best Budget Compact: Thrunite Archer Mini.
  • Best Budget Powerful: Wurkkos FC13.
May 16, 2024

What is the most powerful flashlight on the market today? ›

What is the world's brightest flashlight? The world's brightest flashlight is currently the Imalent MS32 which has a maximum output of 200,000 lumens that can reach up to 5,308 feet. This crazy bright flashlight also has a heat pipe cooling system that uses cooling fans for ensured safety.

What is the brightest torchlight? ›

The IMALENT SR32 weighs almost 5 pounds, has a shoulder strap, and can blast 120,000 lumens of light more than 2,000 m.

Are maglites the best torches? ›

There are several reputable brands on the market, such as zebra lights,ThruNite, olight, surefire, sofirn, and many more. However, Maglites are not only good, but they will also outlast the majority of flashlights. These products are made to last and come with a lifetime warranty.

What is the most powerful torch in the world? ›

The Imalent MS32 has not only met but exceeded my every need, proving itself to be the world's brightest torch without question. Unmatched Brightness and Range: The standout feature of the Imalent MS32 is its extraordinary brightness.

What is the best rechargeable flashlight for the money? ›

More
  • Best Overall: Coast XP11R Rechargeable Dual Power LED Flashlight » ...
  • Best Budget: Blukar Super Bright LED Flashlight » ...
  • Best For Extra Brightness: Infinity X1 5000L Dual Power Flashlight » ...
  • Best Pen Light: Coast HP3R 500 Lumen Rechargeable LED Penlight »
Feb 12, 2024

What is the brightest rechargeable flashlight in the world 2024? ›

Imalent MS18 (19V DC charging)

This is the brightest rechargeable flashlight in the world, with a whopping 100,000-lumen output in Turbo mode, and 70,000 in the high lumen setting.

Who makes the best flashlights in the world? ›

Here is a list of the most well-known flashlight manufacturers.
  • Acebeam.
  • Armytek.
  • Astrolux.
  • Brinyte.
  • Convoy.
  • Eagtac.
  • Emisar.
  • Fenix.

Why are maglites so popular? ›

And in the 40 years Maglite flashlights have been around, they've developed a reputation for durability and performance. As we'd expect, those are exemplified in the design and construction of the Mag-Tac LED Rechargeable and Mag-Tac LED CR123 tactical flashlights.

Which company makes the best flashlights? ›

Here is a list of the most well-known flashlight manufacturers.
  • Sofirn.
  • Streamlight.
  • Surefire.
  • Thorfire.
  • Thrunite.
  • Wuben.
  • Wurkkos.
  • Xtar.

How many lumens is a good flashlight? ›

150 - 500 lumens: Everyday tasks indoors and outdoors, DIY. 500 - 1000 lumens: camping, fishing, walking, hiking and running at night. 1000 - 3000 lumens: outdoor activities. Over 3000 lumens: Hunting, Police, Search & Rescue.

How bright is 120000 lumens? ›

The luminosity of 120,000 lumens is impressive; for example, a soccer field is around 105 meters long, and the IMALENT SR32 can brighten almost 20 soccer fields! IMALENT SR32 is reputed as the longest throw flashlight in the world. It illuminates the dark with 32 high-power CREE XHP50.

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